Since I covered Haunted California as a possible excursion for Tomo, I got to thinkin’ about his hometown of New York. Wondering, naturally, about its ghosts, goblins, witches, and hauntings. Once I had the idea in my head, I had to know more.

What I found is that NYC is full of terrifying ghost stories. The history of this city is quite different than those in CA, but one thing remains the same, and that is those who have passed here don’t always cross over to the other side.

One such haunted dwelling is The Dakota, the apartment building in which John Lennon lived and also the place of his murder. Boris Karloff also lived there and reportedly still hangs around–despite the fact that he’s dead. The exterior of the building is so creepy that Rosemary’s Baby was filmed there and those who have the opportunity to visit report horrible, realistic nightmares.

While back home to visit, perhaps I’ll arrange for Tomo to stay at the Algonquin Hotel, where the ghosts of the writers of the Round Table reportedly haunt. Not only does the hotel look gorgeous, but who can resist the idea of possibly running into the ghost of Harpo Marx, Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker, Harold Ross, or Ruth Hale?

Also said to be haunted is the Morris-Jumel Mansion. The oldest house in Manhattan has a rich history, including acting as headquarters to General Washington in 1776. The mansion is now a museum and hosts many events from school tours to concerts to Family Day. The most exciting thing you may see, however, is one of the three ghosts who remain on the grounds, one of whom is said to be the mistress of the mansion, Eliza Jumel.

I think that haunted excursions are best in the fall. The closer to Halloween the better. So I’m also going to arrange for Tomo to visit Nightmare: Ghost Stories on his trip to NYC in October. The web site itself creeps me out, I can only imagine what the haunted house holds. It should be the perfect ending for a trip to Haunted New York City!

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by Thomas
Filed under: NYC, New York, Vacation