1. Salem, Massachusetts
The legend: Back in 1692, this seaport was hit by a wave of hysteria. Nineteen people were hanged, and others died while in custody. Salem has since moved past its past, but still sells a lot of black cats. We begin with a special feature “Witch way to Salem, Massachusetts” by guest author, Mike Cordeiro. READ IT HERE

The Itch factor: October is packed with crowds. If you can, try to visit in early November or spring for the same spooky streets and a bit more space.

2. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The legend: In July 1863, about 51,000 soldiers lost their lives, were wounded, or went missing here. Ever since, locals and visitors have shared stories of phantom drums and shadowy figures on the fields. It’s also where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous 271-word “Gettysburg Address” on November 19, 1863, at the consecration of the Soldiers' National Cemetery here. Those are the things most people know about Gettysburg—there is a lot more, and you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the area and digging into the history. A great place to start planning your visit is at the Gettysburg Foundation.

Tip: To really explore that area of PA, find yourself a place to stay in Harrisburg. There are plenty restaurants and you’ll be about 90 minutes from Gettysburg, and less than an hour from Lancaster, York and Hershey. Jim Thorpe is about two and half hours to the Northeast. If you have the time, why not take it all in.

Don’t miss:
• The Jennie Wade House, the oldest museum in Gettysburg, where the only civilian who died in the battle passed away.
•  As one of America’s most haunted towns, there are several bus and walking tours available to help you on your adventure into the paranormal.

The Itch factor: It’s a town with a rich history mixed with mystery.

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York
The legend: Washington Irving brought this Hudson River village to life with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its Headless Horseman. The village loved the name so much that it officially changed from North Tarrytown to Sleepy Hollow in 1996.

Don’t miss:
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving is buried, and the nearby Old Dutch Church (1685).
• Sleepy Hollow Lantern tours in the evening. “An atmospheric journey through history under the glow of flickering flame.”
• The fall foliage is just passing its peak, but drives along the Hudson pair wonderfully with the Northeast leaf-peeping adventures in our past two issues. Halloween in Sleepy Hollow Country

The itch factor: This town is the most charming on the list, ideal for travelers who want a bit of the spooky without the scary. Pack a sweater and a camera.

4. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The legend: This Lehigh Valley gem, once known as Mauch Chunk, is rich with coal-era history. The Old Jail Museum is famous for the Molly Maguires, a group of coal miners who were hanged in 1877. It’s said that a handprint left on a cell wall by one of the condemned men has never been erased.

This quaint town in the Poconos is the first town to be featured twice during the short history of “Still Got The Itch.” Nestled in the Lehigh Gorge, it is (IMHO) one of the coolest towns in PA. It’s small, the streets are narrow, and finding a place to park can be challenging, but you have to love the vibe. It’s an eclectic mix of elegant Victorian mansions once owned by millionaire industrialists, unique shops, nice restaurants, and popular entertainment venues. Over the years, Jim Thorpe has had its ups and downs, but in speaking with some current residents, it appears to be on the upswing, attracting folks from the big cities and well as travellers looking for an interesting place to spend a week or a weekend. If you’d like to learn more, read this post by Emily Whalen.

Don’t miss:
• The Old Jail Museum and the haunted tours around town.
• The Mauch Chunk Opera House.
• Take a ride on the scenic railway, and then enjoy dinner on Broadway.

The Itch factor: Known as the “Switzerland of America,” it’s especially beautiful in the fall. Plus, it’s a fantastic weekend spot for exploring the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley.

5. Estes Park, Colorado
The legend: The Stanley Hotel, built by inventor Freelan Oscar Stanley (co-creator of the Stanley Steamer automobile), opened in 1909. It’s famous for its guests, including Stephen King. His 1974 stay in Room 217 inspired The Shining. People say you can hear piano music in empty rooms and footsteps on the fourth floor. Estes Park is also the location for the annual Frozen Dead Guy Days, which features coffin races and a Kryogenic Karnival. The 2027 dates are April 9-11. Of the seven places on this list, this is the only one I have yet to have had the pleasure of visiting, but given its location right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, I am adding this to my own “Itch list.”

Don’t miss:
• The Stanley Hotel Ghost Tours, including the old tunnels.
• A drive into Rocky Mountain National Park during the day.
• Seeing elk wandering through town, which is a unique experience.

The Itch factor: You can enjoy a mountain getaway and a haunted hotel in one trip. Make sure to book early, because Room 217 is very popular.

6. Savannah, Georgia
The legend: Savannah is one of America’s most haunted cities, and it’s easy to understand why. The city is filled with moss-covered squares and old cemeteries, all set against a rich and complicated history. It’s technically a city, but it feels like a small town. Before you go, click this link and read some of The Stories of Savannah.

Don’t miss:
• The Haunted Savannah Haunted House Attraction
• Cemetery, which dates back to 1750, was closed in 1853 and converted into a public park in 1896.
• Bonaventure Cemetery, which is known for live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and elaborate Victorian sculpture.
• The Sorrel-Weed House and the Mercer-Williams House (famous from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil).
• A trolley or walking ghost tour, followed by a delicious Southern dinner.

The Itch factor: Savannah is a great winter escape. The weather is mild, and the squares are perfect for evening walks.

7. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The legend: This charming town is high on our list of favorite places to stay in Canada. There are numerous wineries in the area, and the downtown is a perfect place to shop and grab a meal. It’s several miles downstream from the touristy glitz of Niagara Falls. Directly across the Niagara River on the US side is Fort Niagara, which played a major role in the town’s history.

At the time of the War of 1812, NOTL was known as Newark. It was the first capital of Upper Canada. In May of 1813, roughly 4,000 American troops crossed the river and launched an assault on the British-held Fort George and captured it. When American General George McClure decided to retreat, he asked Joseph Willcocks, leader of the Canadian Volunteers, to burn the town so the British couldn't use it for shelter. The Volunteers were Upper Canadians who had turned against British officials and were fighting for the Americans. They torched all but three buildings, leaving 400 residents homeless. (Historical sidenote: In retaliation, the British captured Fort Niagara in December and went on to burn towns in New York (Lewiston) and eventually Washington, D.C.)

Of the three buildings that survived, the Angel Inn has the most fascinating stories to tell, like the one about The Ghost of Captain Colin Swayze (Note: The inn says this is a "popular local legend" in accounts dating to the 1820s).

Swayze was a Canadian militia officer. When the Americans advanced into Newark in May of 1813, Swayze stayed behind to meet a young woman he had fallen in love with. When the American soldiers searched the inn, Swayze hid himself in an empty barrel in the cellar. Bad idea. The Americans left no barrel untouched, ramming their bayonets into each one. Swayze was fatally wounded.

The Inn still stands on Regent street. When you book a room, be prepared to meet Swayze’s ghost walking about at night. Guests have reported noises in the empty dining room and rearranged place settings. On September 5, 2020, a motion sensor caught a figure in a militia-style uniform on camera (according to the inn). The ghost is said to stay harmless as long as the British flag flies over the inn, and the owners respect that.

Don't miss:
• The Olde Angel Inn, for a pub meal or an overnight stay. This place is a real treasure as it remains much as it was in the 1800s. Watch your head.
• Fort George National Historic Site, where the 1813 battle was fought
• Evening ghost walks, wineries, and the Shaw Festival

The Itch factor: It's a haunted town with wine tasting and a theater festival. You can scare yourself silly and still be home in time for a nap.

Happy Halloween
Bob and Barb