Halloween is just around the corner which means it is time to start getting spooked. Maybe your local haunted houses just aren’t cutting it anymore. You know when the mummy is going to pop out, and it’s not just that, you actually know the mummy. His name is Frank and he works at the furniture store. You had a beer with him last night. When the mummy at the haunted house calls you by your name then you know that you need to go somewhere else to find your frights. It’s time to stop heading to Frank’s haunted “house” aka his bachelor apartment and time to take a vacation to someplace that’s really scary. But where is the scariest place to travel to? How about a place that is actually haunted? Head to a place where the unexplained continually happens, where questions are left unanswered, a place that is truly haunted. We talked to our travel team and put together a list of the most haunted cities in the United States.

New Orleans, Louisiana
     New Orleans is an obvious place to start when it comes to a truly spooky town. This is the home of voodoo magic which has been the fare of countless movies and has lead to some pretty mysterious things happening. There were also massive Civil War battles so that should make for ghosts-a-plenty. IF you talk to any New Orleans native you will quickly hear some pretty spooky tales about the goings-on of this city that is sure to shake you to your bones. You can hop on a ghost tour if you really want to get low-down and visit the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where Marie Laveau is buried. Marie Laveau is known for being a priestess of voodoo.

Savannah, Georgia
     Here in Savannah, you don’t just have ghosts floating around from Civil War battles, but also from the Revolutionary War. The haunted tours are all over this city and you are sure to see some spooky stuff while you visit this place. Savannah is said to have been built on an Indian burial ground, which would make sense because this whole place seems eerie and we all know that building something on top of an Indian burial ground has always been bad news.

Charleston, South Carolina
     The Old City Jail in Charleston is well known as one of the most haunted places on Planet EArth. The jail held runaway slaves, pirates and Civil War prisoners. Their spirits may account for the people who have heard chains dragging on the floor and have seen doors slam. The prisoners most talked about are Lavinia and John Fisher who are said to still haunt the jail to this very day.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
     Philadelphia is known for a lot, but not necessarily recognized for its unbelievably high ghost population. The Eastern State Penitentiary is a super scary place that is one of the most haunted places around. This was the prison that started solitary confinement which was sure to make the living mad and lead them to haunt this place for eternity. People have been grabbed by ghosts here so watch out on a tour and hopefully, you can come out with your pants still dry.

     The kids are back in school and work is in full swing, which means you’re already planning your next vacation. Are we wrong? Therefore, why not enjoy the splendor of North America’s greatest National Parks – without all the pesky crowds and blistering heat? Autumn is nature’s gift when the leaves change while their color pallets are spectacular, especially in these glorious National Parks.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
     There is no better place to see the wonderful fall foliage than along Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. A short two-hour drive from our nation’s capital, Shenandoah and Skyline drive are most popular between September and November for the breathtaking views of color-changing leaves as far as the eyes can see. Skyline Drive runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of waterfalls and the occasional wildlife.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
     For people in the Pacific Northwest, you are already aware of the majesty of Mount airier. Just a short two-hour drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier looms large over the city’s skyline. This destination will be chilly but expectedly beautiful as you will have the hiking trails to yourself. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails that take you to the mountain’s impressive heights.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
     Nine million people a year can’t be wrong – the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a national treasure. Autumn here is simply divine – with an impressive array of fall foliage, you have to consider the experience a true joy when the weather is just perfect. The hiking is a pleasure with well-manicured trails and waterfalls all over the place.

Arches National Park, Utah
     Utah has some of the most diverse terrains and environments around and their National Parks are some of the best. Summers can be drainingly hot – avoid heatstroke and visit the Arches in the Fall. The arches are really incredible and the nighttime celestial display of stars and planets are like nowhere else. Horseback ride during the day and do some stargazing at night.

Acadia National Park, Maine
     If fall foliage is what you desire, there is nowhere else on Earth that offers these incredible views. It is about a three-hour drive from Portland, Maine but the drive is well worth it if you seek the leaf. You will see all the colors of the rainbow as the leaves slowly die and fall to the forest floor.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
     We all know about the geysers that erupt on a clock like a schedule but the crowds in the summer are terrible. Avoid the throngs of tourists and head to Yellowstone in the Autumn. The wildlife in Yellowstone at this time is very active, so expect to see elk, moose and even bears.

STAY AT A B&B OR DON’T STAY AT ALL

     A charming Bed & Breakfast will only amplify the quaintness of the whole experience. There are plenty of reasonably priced options available in the area. If you can sneak out on a Friday, it always makes for a better weekend if you can wake up at your B&B on Saturday morning.

ACTIVITIES GALORE!

     It’s hard to believe and potentially unnecessary, but there are plenty of great activities in Napa Valley that don’t involve wine tasting.

Oxbow Public Market: This lively market is perfectly nestled right against the Napa River. It’s full of plenty of vendors selling all sorts of fresh produce and also contains numerous restaurants. So this is a great place to grab a quick lunch.

The Silverado Trail: This beautiful trail just about runs the entire length of Napa Valley. It has amazing views and can be a perfect place to clear your head and get your calm on. And if you’re more of the active type, it’s great for biking!

Greenhaus Day Spa: What’s a weekend getaway without a trip to the spa? Greenhaus Day Spa in downtown Napa is widely considered the best spa in the area. Get the full treatment with a relaxing massage, a cleansing facial, and the all-important mani-pedi combo.

WINERIES ON WINERIES

     If we’re talking about Napa Valley, we’re talking about wine. There are plenty of amazing wineries and vineyards in Napa, but here are our personal favorites.

O’Brien Estate: This is one of the most popular wineries in all of Napa and actually requires booking your tasting in advance. Make sure you try the Chardonnay and the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pride Mountain Vineyards: This vineyard requires a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it. The whole property covers about 235 acres and has gorgeous views in every direction. When it comes to wine, their claims to fame are their Cabernet Sauvignon and their Merlot.

V. Sattui Winery: While the wine here is truly excellent, this spot is also great for a picnic lunch. You can grab everything you need in-house: the cheeses, the fresh bread, the antipasto spreads, and a nice bottle of wine and then grab one of the many picnic tables outside and take it all in.