With Halloween just around the corner there are places you’ll want to avoid and others you’ll want to visit for the thrill of the “fright”. Instead of adolescent haunted houses and hay- rides, we suggest grabbing a friend to set out on a real spooky adventure. We can’t think of a more terrifying place than Briarcliff Manor, as seen in American Horror Story: Asylum.
In the show’s second season, the sins of the past haunt the present at the notorious home for the criminally insane, ruled with an iron fist by Sister Jude. Forbidden desire and terrifying evil lurk around every corner…from alien abduction to demonic possession to a skin-wearing psychopath known as “Bloody Face.” Emmy® winner Jessica Lange leads an exceptional ensemble cast, including Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell and Sarah Paulson. In celebration of the Blu-ray release, here’s a list of some of the scariest places to visit in North America. Go forth and get freaked out!
Linda Vista Hospital – Boyle Heights, CA.
This historic hospital originally opened as the Santa Fe Railroad Hospital in 1904 as the site for employees of the Santa Fe railroad. Located in the Los Angels neighborhood, the hospital closed its doors in 1991 after a gradual decline of patients as well as its number of doctors and staff. With rotting walls and furniture strewn about the abandoned hospital, it’s the key location for spookiness and history. Now famously used for theatrical filming and most recently the show’s Blu-ray release sleepover party, the hospital is the scene of many paranormal activities and horror films alike.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, CO
“Here comes Johnny!!” to your favorite creepy hotel, The Stanley. The hotel famously known for its cameo in the Stanley Kubrick film The Shining is located amongst the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The esteemed hotel is the favorite among dignitaries and Hollywood elite; and it is also the favorite amongst ghosts. It’s said that you can still hear laughter and footsteps of children running in the halls on the fourth floor. Even better, the founders of the hotel, the Stanley’s are said to still roam their beloved hotel, many have said you may hear Flora Stanley playing her piano in the music room.
Franklin Castle – Cleveland, OH
Coined as the ‘most haunted house in all of Ohio’, the Franklin Castle certainly lives up to its slogan. Built originally in 1865 by a German immigrant, Hannes Tiedmann, the house was extravagant for its time, with four stories and more than 20 rooms. All was fine until the reported death of his 15-year-old daughter, which was reported to be of diabetes-related causes, but it was rumored that she was found hanged in her attic. In the years that followed, many families that call this castle home experienced several strange happenings such as hearing organ music, children’s footsteps running through the halls as well as laughter. The castle still stands today and is a frequent stop for paranormal tours in Cleveland.
The Old Spaghetti Factory – Vancouver, B.C.
Known for more than its food, this restaurant is allegedly haunted by the ghost of a trolley conductor. Odd occurrences such as the rearranging of table settings and chilly drafts are said to be signs that the conductor is still lurking. If that doesn’t convince you of its haunting than consider the venue’s well-known photograph taken during the 1950s of the trolley, you can see a ghostly figure that is said to be of the conductor. Bon Appetit!
West Point Light House – O’ Leary P.E.I.
A solitary lighthouse conjures up romantic and nostalgic feelings, but this one is also spooky. While visitors can enjoy the picturesque quality of the lighthouse, they may also hear rumors of ghost tales. The first keeper of the lighthouse, Willie is said to haunt the West Point Inn next door. No report if he’s friendly or not.
Hockey Hall of Fame – Toronto, ON.
Many celebrate Canada for its maple leaves, friendly people, and of course…hockey! How fitting that the Hall of Fame for the beloved sport is also shared with a ghost. Before the building housed the memorabilia of hockey greats, it was the Bank of Montreal. Legend has it that a female employee, Dorothy, committed suicide as the result of unrequited love from her manager. Dorothy’s ghost is now believed to roam the halls crying, as reported by some visitors.
