I love investigating haunted locations. I love visiting them and trying to communicate with the spirits. Sometimes, I get incredible results. And so, I list the places I want to eventually visit before I become a ghost myself. Yes, I’m planning on possibly becoming a ghost after death. It’s one of several options I’m planning. And yes, the result might be out of my hands, but since when have I ever followed the paths everyone else has gone down?
Anyway, here’s the latest addition to my list of haunted locations I want to visit. Hope you find them plenty spooky.
The Ross House, Bellaire, Ohio
Turns out the Bellaire House isn’t the only haunted house in Bellaire, Ohio. In fact, they’re down the street from one another! According to the Ross House’s website, it’s located on a ley line, a vein of supernatural energy underneath the earth that power strange phenomena. Regardless of what you think of that idea, the house reportedly has a lot of spirits and I’ve seen a couple of videos showing weird happenings there. Perhaps I should head there and get some evidence myself.
The Victoria Theater, Dayton, Ohio
Ah, the theater! The art! The stories! The hauntings! According to rumor, this 19th-century theater is home to a few spirits. One is known as Victoria or “Miss Vicky,” and is supposedly the ghost of an actress who disappeared while on her way to her dressing room. Many say that they see her in that dressing room while looking in the mirror. Another spirit is of a man who committed suicide in the theater and is sometimes seen around the curtains.
Who wants to buy a ticket with me for an after-hours show?
Thomas House Hotel, Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee
Built in the late 19th century to take advantage of the boom in resorts centered around hot springs, this beautiful hotel has been featured on several paranormal shows. Room 37 is said to be the most haunted, supposedly by the daughter of one of the hotel founders. There’s also supposed to be a ghost of a man who fell off a horse into a river and drowned. Sounds like a fun road trip, and probably easier to get into than the Stanley Hotel.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, California
You’ve probably seen it in a movie or on TV. It has a huge sign on the roof that’s kind of iconic. It’s Los Angeles’s longest continually-operating hotel and has seen its fair share of celebrities. And it’s haunted. The Roosevelt Hotel is rumored to be haunted by some of its famous former ghosts, such as Errol Flynn and Marilyn Monroe, as well as a little girl in a blue dress named Caroline.
If I ever go out to LA, I’ll consider staying there along with the Cecil.
Yankee Pedlar Inn, Torrington, Connecticut
This historic hotel was the set and the setting of the film The Innkeepers, which I highly recommend. And speaking of which, that film is supposed to be based on the actual hauntings in the hotel. The most haunted room is supposedly Room 353, where the original owner, Alice Conley, died.
Sadly, the current owners of the building have let it sit in neglect, so it won’t be taking reservations anytime soon. However, renovations are supposed to start up next month. Maybe in a year or two, I could make a visit and see what the movie got right.
The Ohio Theater, Columbus, Ohio
I have been to the Ohio countless times for ballets, traveling Broadway shows, and local productions. However, I recently heard that the theater may have some spirits. One of the staff members at the ticket booth said they’ve heard mop buckets move on their own, and shadow figures moving around in the basement. And once or twice, I thought I’ve seen shadow figures moving around and disappearing at the very edge of the theater.
Maybe someday I can do an investigation there. Or set a story there. Or both!
The Red Brick Tavern, London, Ohio
Like the name says, this Colonial style building is made of red brick and looks like it would be right at home in a historical village. Built in 1836, it has been an inn, a tavern, a schoolhouse, and a private residence. It is now a restaurant, but some people say that on the upper floors, there’s the spirit of a woman who used to live there. According to legend, after her lover forsook her, she embroidered a handkerchief with the words “Remember Me” and then killed herself. From what I hear, that piece of embroidery is still on the building’s second floor and so is she, making creaking noises and creeping out guests.
Sounds like a place I should go one of these days.
Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, California
Considered one of the top ten resort hotels in the world, the Hotel Del Coronado is a massive sprawling complex centered around the original building, one of the few surviving examples of the Victorian wooden beachfront hotel. Since opening in 1886, it has been featured in books and films and hosted all sorts of famous people. One of those famous people is Kate Morgan, a maid who arrived at the hotel in 1902 presumably to meet a lover. After five days, she took her own life, and is now a permanent resident of the hotel. Her room, which is one of the most requested rooms in the hotel, has been a hotspot for paranormal activity, and she’s been seen throughout the hotel as well.
I want to go there, I want to experience some paranormal activity, and I want to write a book there. Who wants to join me?
Miami Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida
Designed to look like the medieval tower of a Spanish cathedral, the Biltmore Hotel was at one point the tallest building in Florida. It has a massive pool, and one of the best spas in the world as well. It also has a golf course and a beautiful ballroom. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s got some secrets. In its nearly 100-year history, the hotel was also a hospital, a medical school, and was abandoned for a number of years. To this day, it’s supposed to be haunted by the spirit of a dead gangster, a dancing couple in the ballroom, and a woman in white, among others. Plus the 13th floor is just freaky!
I might want to check into one of the rooms. And then include the hotel in a story after experiencing a ghost. It sounds like a good excuse to go to Florida.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
Located in Banff National Park at nearly five-thousand feet above sea level, the historic Banff Springs Hotel was original a small, wooden railway hotel. However, it has since grown into a massive complex with multiple buildings, twelve restaurants, multiple event spaces, a ballroom, outdoor activities, and a bowling alley, among other things. Among its amenities: ghosts. Supposedly, the ghost of a longtime bellhop named Sam still hangs around and helps guests, while a bride who fell down the stairs on her wedding day is still seen gliding down the stairs and dancing in the ballroom.
You know, I would like to visit Canada someday. Maybe this is another good reason to go.
Well, there we go, Followers of Fear. Ten locations full of ghosts that I would like to explore before I become a ghost myself. But tell me, have you been to any of these places? Did you experience anything? And are there any places I should put on a future list? Let’s discuss.
And until next time, good night and pleasant nightmares.
Rami Ungar The Writer 