Charming and haunted may not seem like two words that naturally go together. However, the US is chock full of charming little towns and historic districts that also have a sinister, dark underside.
On the surface, these towns have a charm that glitters and captivates you. When you dig a bit deeper, though, you’ll come to learn of their haunted underbellies and the ghostly activities and ghastly history lurking underneath.
Here are five charming yet haunted towns you should visit on your next trip to the US.
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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.
1. Annapolis
The Maryland Inn – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Annapolis, with a population of 40,000 residents, is a charming waterfront town just 45 minutes from the bustling hub of Baltimore. Its cobblestone streets, views of Chesapeake Bay, and maritime activities attract visitors from all over the US.
You can enjoy some of Maryland’s most iconic dishes, such as steamed blue crabs, or take a boat out on the bay during sunset. It’s a romantic city, but its long and complicated past comes back to haunt it once the sun sets and the shadows come out.
Due to Annapolis’s role during the Revolutionary War and its history as both the state capital (and, briefly, the country’s capital), it has many ghosts baked into its winding, historic streets, which are paved with both cobblestone and the tragedies of centuries past.
It also has historic buildings such as the haunted Maryland Inn, which dates back to the 1700s and is a hotspot of paranormal activity.
Many a distinguished guest stayed in this inn or passed through its doors, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton.
Nowadays, the Maryland Inn is still accepting reservations, making it one of the oldest operating hotels in the country.
However, it’s plagued by the phantoms of rogue soldiers of times gone by and famous politicians who still enjoy smoking a cigar in the lobby. Reports of the intense scent of cigar smoke in the empty lobby and ghost soldiers are plentiful.
Read also: Visit these 12 Small Towns in Maryland for the Most Charming, Relaxing, & Scenic Places
2. Gettysburg
The Haunted Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Gettysburg, with a population of around 8,000, also held a historic wartime role, but in the Civil War rather than the Revolutionary War.
Here, the famous Battle of Gettysburg, which lasted three days and cost over 7,000 lives, took place. This battle, the bloodiest of the entire war, was a major turning point for the Union when the Union army claimed victory.
In total, there were over 50,000 casualties in this three-day battle, including those who were wounded or went missing. Several locations that were at the epicenter of the fighting are still standing, including the haunted Jennie Wade House and the Welty House.
Jennie Wade became famous for being the only direct civilian casualty of the war. She was baking bread in her house when a stray bullet pierced the wall and struck her, killing her on the spot. It’s one of the most haunted places in the city, with many believing her soul still haunts the property.
The Welty House is another haunted spot in town. Sharpshooters took up position on its roof due to its strategic location. As the bloody battle raged on right outside, the Welty family cowered in the basement.
It’s now part of the Brickhouse Inn, and you can participate in an overnight ghost hunt in this historic building if you are brave enough to go searching for secret spirits.
Read next: 10 Ethereal Places & Mystical Destinations in Europe that You Should Visit
3. Cripple Creek
The Battle Mountain Mines in Cripple Creek, circa 1900 – Public domain image
Cripple Creek is a small Colorado town with a population of just over 1,000. However, at one point, it was a major hub during the gold rush times. Its violent and tragic history has been marred by deadly mining accidents, labor disputes, fires, floods, and other tragic occurrences.
In general, it experienced extreme lawlessness and fights between its residents.
Don’t let the charming scenery of Cripple Creek’s historic buildings and stunning Rocky Mountains views distract you from the untold stories of this town’s past.
Here are some must-visit haunted places in Cripple Creek to visit:
- Buffalo Bill’s Casino: Haunted, for unknown reasons, by a child named Lilly and her spooky doll.
- Phantom Canyon Road: This aptly-named road follows a former railroad route. The phantoms of miners and railroad workers who died in tragic accidents linger and await those who take this road.
- The Cripple Creek Police Department: This police station, which at one point served as a brothel, is haunted by numerous unexplained occurrences, perhaps those caused by former inmates or workers of the night.
The best way to experience Cripple Creek’s haunted underside is by joining a Cripple Creek ghost tour, which will take you to these haunted, spooky locations.
4. Cape May
Cape May Beach – Public domain image
There are many reasons to visit Cape May. This small town was actually America’s first seaside resort, and it’s remained popular with vacationers and beachgoers over the decades. From its stunning beaches to unique birdwatching opportunities, Cape May really has it all – yes, even ghosts.
In addition to strolling around Washington Street Mall, basking in the sun at the beach, taking a sunset cruise, and visiting local wineries, I suggest dedicating an hour one evening to a Cape May ghost tour.
The historic lighthouse in Cape May is perhaps one of the most haunted places in this beach town. If you are brave enough to climb the almost 200 stairs to the top, you will certainly enjoy scenic views of Cape May and its beaches. However, you may also encounter a few ghosts.
The lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by a ghostly lady in white, holding a child. There’s also the ghost of a man who jumped to his death from the lighthouse decades ago.
The Emlen Physick estate, Cape May’s “original haunted house,” is said to be haunted by members of the extended Physick family.
If you are courageous enough and want a truly haunted experience, spend a night at the haunted Hotel Macomber, which is haunted by the ghost of a former long-term resident known only as the trunk lady.
5. New Orleans’ French Quarter
The LaLaurie Mansion – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
While the French Quarter of New Orleans is technically a neighborhood of New Orleans and not a town of its own, it definitely has a charming, historic-district, old-town vibe. It’s a unique place due to its amalgamation of cultural influences, including French, Spanish, Creole, and American.
Its mix of French and Spanish architecture and wrought-iron balconies makes it a picturesque spot for Instagrammers and memory-chasers alike.
Its wide influence of cuisines, inspired by Creole and Cajun traditions, will wet your palette and leave you craving for more. From Gumbo to Jambalaya to classic red beans on rice, there’s something for everyone in the Crescent City.
The French Quarter is also famous for its hauntings. Perhaps the most infamous building in New Orleans is the LaLaurie Mansion, formerly the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, who was, at the time, a respected socialite from the top ranks of New Orleans society.
What others didn’t know, however, is that beneath her noble demeanor lay a malicious personality. On a fateful day in April 1834, a fire broke out at the mansion, revealing the true extent of what was going on.
Slaves kept by the Lalauries were found bound and chained. Some claim that the LaLauries not only beat their slaves but also performed horrific medical experiments on them, as Madame LaLaurie’s husband was a doctor.
The sounds of chains clanking and the screams of people in agony are still heard from the LaLaurie Mansion, especially late at night. The house has been through many changes of ownership, as past owners were too scared to keep the house due to the seemingly bad luck that fell upon anyone who purchased it.
However, there are numerous other haunted locations in the New Orleans French Quarter, such as the Old Ursuline Convent and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.