The Roman Baths, which give the City of Bath, Somerset its name, are a profound window into the world of Roman Britain. In ancient times, this site was a popular spa built around hot springs and dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. People would come here for bathing, relaxation, and the hope of healing.
Nestled in the woods of Salem, NH is a site that’s filled with mysterious stonework. There are long-running walls and secluded chambers, as well as prominent standing stones. There’s even a large grooved slab that some say was a sacrificial table! Today this place is known as America’s Stonehenge, though it was formerly called Mystery Hill. The origin of these structures has been debated for years. Do they date from the 19th century or are they ancient?
During my stay on Hawaii’s Big Island, I was fortunate enough to explore Waikoloa Petroglyph Field, which is an amazing site filled with ancient petroglyphs. Visitors are able to walk a path on the lava rock and, ultimately, be surrounded by thousands of these enigmatic carvings. While their exact meanings are not entirely known, the petroglyphs are historical and cultural treasures that I was thrilled to experience.
I’ve heard it said that Hawaii is a place where East meets West. One of the most immersive examples of this can be experienced by visiting Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, O’ahu. Situated at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, this stunning Buddhist temple was dedicated in 1968, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the arrival of Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants. With its beautiful sanctuary, architecture, and grounds, this sacred space invites reflection and contemplation.
While visiting New Orleans, there were two vampire-themed establishments that were on my “must see” list. One was a restaurant known as the New Orleans Vampire Café. The other was a shop called the Boutique du Vampyre. Located right near each other in the French Quarter, they’re a great way to add some vampiric flare to your time in the Crescent City.
In New Orleans’ French Quarter, there is a stately home that is often a stop on walking tours. According to local legend, this house was once the residence of an immortal vampire. In the early 20th century, this charismatic figure entertained high society while surreptitiously feeding on the city’s citizens. Some say he was the famed Count of St. Germain, who had charmed the courts of Europe in centuries past.
In the French Quarter of New Orleans sits the Old Ursuline Convent. It is a stately building that is centuries old and rich in history. Interestingly, a vampire legend has become attached to this place. Some say that, during the colonial period, the convent became home (or perhaps a prison) to a group of vampires known as the Casket Girls.
In the 19th century, London was terrorized by what some believed to be a supernatural or demonic entity. There were numerous sightings and attacks around the city and even beyond. Although descriptions varied at times, the entity’s ability to jump great distances earned it the name Spring-heeled Jack. Who or what was this monstrous assailant?
In 1770, residents of Canton, MA, were terrorized by a ghostly wailing that emanated from deep within the forest of an area then known as Packeen. Many townsfolk heard the otherworldly voice and were at a loss as to what to do. They eventually turned to the local deacon in hopes that he could banish the terrifying Packeen ghost.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, is one of the most important sites in US history. It was here that the founders of the nation debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Thus, Independence Hall and the city of Philadelphia itself are often referred to as the birthplace of the United States. Given the site’s age and prominence, I began to wonder if there were any ghost stories.
