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.
Opened in 1927, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is one of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks. Since its very beginning, it has played host to major movie premiers. Its forecourt is famously paved with concrete tiles featuring the handprints, footprints, and signatures of celebrities. Besides moviegoers and stars, could there be some ghosts wandering the aisles?
During the recent winter solstice, people gathered at Salisbury Plain in England to watch the sunrise over one of the most ancient and mysterious sites in the world – Stonehenge. It was a some years ago that I, myself, gazed upon this megalithic structure. Although much has been learned about Stonehenge thanks to archeological research, it still remains quite enigmatic and there are many questions yet to be answered.
The Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT, was home to the iconic author and his family from 1874 to 1891. It was here that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain’s real name) wrote some of his most recognized works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The building is now part of the Mark Twain House & Museum, and visitors are able to walk through the rooms and a get glimpse into the life of the Clemens family. It’s also possible that some of these former residents never really left. There have been various reports of paranormal experiences inside this historic home.
I often mention the vampire killing kit in New York City that inspired me to start seriously researching vampire folklore. Last October, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of my book, I shared some pictures of that enigmatic object. This year, I thought it would be fitting to share images of another kit I’ve seen. This one is on the opposite side of the continent in another iconic locale – Hollywood, California!
