Halloween is going virtual this year and while most are bummed out over the thought of no (stranger-given) candy, others are down about one other aspect of the spooky holiday: Haunted houses.
With social distancing measures still in place, there's no denying how disappointing it is to know that no one will be getting the bejeezus scared out of them all in the name of good fun. Some places have instituted the use of drive-thru haunted houses but it's just not the same when your 'fear' is being carried by your own two legs through an elaborately-set up display. So while the actors might be putting their masks and FX makeup on the back burner for now, some of the world's most haunted locations are seeking a new alternative for those looking to be spooked.
Virtual tours have gained plenty of popularity over the last few months with everything going on and now, 'visitors' have the chance to explore these places, free of charge, without even leaving their own homes. So turn down the lights, play some eerie, spooky music, and prepare to tour one of these famously haunted destinations.
Bran Castle
The home of the fictional Dracula himself, Bran Castle is now available to be toured online. Deep in the mountains of Romania, Bran Castle was said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula and while tours are ongoing in-person, those of us who can't hop a plane to Europe are happy to tour this eerie castle via our computers.
The virtual tour is thanks to Google maps, which allows users to get up close and personal with every historical stone and archway. For those feeling uber inspired by the sight, feel free to add Dracula to the 'must-list' books to reach during the fall season.
The Lizzie Borden House
Lizzie Borden's home is said to be haunted by not only her but her entire immediate family - whom she murdered in a gruesome way (we've all heard the rhyme). In the same place where she laid an ax to her parents, visitors are drawn from all over to observe and even spend the night at what was once a crime scene. The house itself is located in Fall River, Massachusetts, and is open for in-person tours, however, some might just opt to take the online tour that's available on the house's website.
It's also a museum now and 'visitors' will have the chance to learn about the history of both Lizzie Borden and the heinous crime that occurred, for no known reason, which gave the house such an infamous and dark history. Also available on the website is a tour of the cemetery where Borden's parents are buried, as well as floor plans of each part of the actual house.
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Trials are by far one of the most infamous and well-known parts of Massachusetts history, and Salem is a town devoted to keeping the memory of its dark past alive. While the town is incredible to explore in-person (and also the setting for many a movie inspired by the Witch Trials), those wanting to learn a bit more about Salem's history can do so easily by taking an online tour of one of its most prominent museums.
The site also brings people to a home page with additional tours throughout all of Salem and some nearby towns that also carry a historical significance. A total of 25 people lost their lives due to the paranoid sparked in 1692, and several different tours can be found on the site, all revolving around the trials themselves, those involved, and its significant locations.
The Stanley Hotel
Made most famous thanks to Stephen King and his novel The Shining (as well as the movie), the Stanley Hotel has long-since been rumored to be incredibly haunted. Located in Estes Park, the hotel was already conducting its own haunted tours prior to social-distancing laws but this year, they've done things a bit differently. The most notorious room, room 217, is said to be the most haunted of the entire hotel. This room, as well as the surrounding hotel and its hotspot areas, area available for virtual tours via YouTube.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary has been featured prominently on many ghost hunting shows and for good reason: Its haunting seems to know no limits when it comes to the activity people experience while onboard. For those who want a general overview and not-so-spooky tour of the ship, Google maps offers a decent look-around in terms of virtual tours. However, for those looking to get into the nitty-gritty of the ship's hauntings, head over to the Queen Mary's YouTube page in order to have a full Halloween-themed tour of the ship.