New York State has a past that's only for those who seek it.

A day trip to an old fort may bring you more than you bargained for, if that’s your thrill, or families can delight in knowing an extra visitor may be joining them for lunch at a local restaurant. The Haunted History Trail of New York State continues to expand – you may have even visited some of its locations and not even known of their history. 

For me, the trail made for a few interesting (albeit slightly reluctant) road trips. The trail lets you pick your poison – are you looking for a spooky overnight in a haunted inn? Do you want to delve even deeper into the paranormal and go on a ghost hunt? Or are you just looking for some family-friendly activities around Halloween? With more than 65 locations covering nine tourism regions, you’re sure to find a few spots to visit that fit your level of spooky.

The Shanley Hotel

Napanoch

A true paranormal hotel, I couldn’t muster the courage to stay overnight here. Rumors and true stories of tragedy surround The Shanley – every room has a tale. Over the years, visitors have reported the sound of children laughing, objects being moved, even the aroma of cooking when no food was being prepared. Once frequented by Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt, The Shanley is now a hotspot for paranormal investigation teams.

Bannerman Castle

Hudson Valley

Frank Bannerman VI built Bannerman Castle on an island in the Hudson River in the early 1900s to house his collection of military artifacts. Explosions of ammunition, a fire and the elements have taken their toll on the castle.

While a trust works to restore the structure and offers tours of the island, volunteers and visitors may hear whistling, a bell ringing or even a broken generator starting to run. The island is said to be haunted by Native Americans, Dutch colonial settlers and Bannerman himself.

Batcheller Mansion Inn

Saratoga Springs

Built in 1873 by George Sherman Batcheller, the mansion has some extremely unique architecture, with High Victorian Eclecticism combining French Renaissance Revival, Italianate and Egyptian influences.

As we entered our room for the night (Amelia’s room), classical music was playing through the clock radio, which I hoped was the innkeeper’s doing and not Amelia’s.

The Landmark Theatre

Syracuse

Opened in 1928, the most “famous” spirit in the theater is Clarissa. The story goes that her boyfriend, Oscar, was a stagehand who was electrocuted on stage in front of her.

Stricken with grief, Clarissa jumped from the balcony to her death. Another version says she fainted and fell over. Regardless, Clarissa apparently appears in a white dress and makes her presence known with the aroma of lilacs.

Calaboose Grille

Owego

While there are many interesting restaurants on the Haunted History Trail, one set in an old jail built by prisoners at the time tops my list. If you’re lucky enough to be seated in a cell, you may meet George, the ghost of a frequent prisoner, who likes to slam cell doors, make the lights flicker or just knock over glasses of water.

The basement holds a workshop – and an old solitary confinement cell. It’s a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, and you’ll probably only hear about the hauntings if you ask – but they’ve been enough to scare off some staff!

The Naples Hotel

Naples

Located in Ontario County, the Naples Hotel hosts ghost tours led by Chef Domonick, who has some pretty spooky tales to tell. My overnight experience included spirits turning flashlights on and off, trying to change the channel on the TV, and readjusting the air conditioner when I dared to turn it down a few degrees.

There have also been reports of a man in a Civil War uniform roaming the premises (and our room!). You could also just stop in for lunch, dinner or a drink in the Tap Room and try your luck meeting some spirits that way.

Rolling Hills Asylum

East Bethany

Rolling Hills Asylum is where I personally had the most “paranormal” experience. The facility opened in 1827 as the Genesee County Poor House, a place to house and care for the mentally and physically disabled as well as paupers, orphans and widows. In 1938, the Genesee County Infirmary was added to the property, and the whole facility was renamed the Genesee County Nursing Home in 1964.

It was closed in 1974 and served several purposes until 2009, when it became Rolling Hills Asylum. With a history like that, you won’t be surprised to hear of the constant hauntings that occur. Voices and “shadow people” are pretty much a given for any ghost hunt or guided tour.

Taking a trip to visit any of the Haunted History Trail destinations this Halloween season? Stay entertained with AAA's Spooky Halloween Road Trip Playlist, and make sure you're saving on hotels, gas, food and more with your AAA membership discounts!

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