LitPick Review
Authors Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl have written a spectacular book wrapped around their travels of the spookiest places across the U.S. These two lifelong friends share much in common, but high on their list is their love of everything spooky. They compiled research during the twelve state vacations they spent together. For this book, the twelve states that made their list are: Salem, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; Marietta, Georgia; Portland, Oregon; Providence, Rhode Island; Austin, Texas; New York City, NY; Duluth, Minnesota; Las Vegas, Nevada; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Augustine, Florida; and Athens, Ohio. In all these states they searched out the best haunted hotels, quirky museums, and walking tours. They also compiled information on the local bars, restaurants, boutiques and unique attractions that area might be known for. If you plan on going on a vacation in which you want it centered on a spooky theme, these authors will provide you with plenty of information for the twelve states they visited.
Opinion:
Out of the twelve locations listed I have to say I have two that really stick out to me that I want to visit. The first one is Salem, Massachusetts. I have always wanted to go on vacation in Salem not only to partake in witch trial events, but also to have fun in the area which I hear offers plenty for any paranormal lover to enjoy. Of course this being the witch capital of the world, it sounds like fun learning the history firsthand while visiting Salem. I would love to browse through the Salem Witch Museum and I would love to even see the filming set built for the Hocus Pocus movie. Top on my list of hotels that I would love to stay at would be the Hawthorne Hotel, which is considered one of the most haunted hotels in America established back in 1925. Customers have said that they have seen a sighting of a ghostly woman roaming around and objects seem to move on their own.
The other location I would love to visit is located in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Florence and Ms. Hafdahl mentioned The Mystic Museum as a must see hidden gem they discovered, along with the museum’s other locations of the Victorian Séance Parlour and the Lost Toy Exhibit. The museum offers rotating themed art shows, interactive exhibits, and events so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plus who wouldn’t want to visit the Hollywood Sign in which it is rumored to be haunted by actress Peg Entwistle when she committed suicide by jumping off the “H” in the sign. People have witnessed sightings of a woman who fit her description and was dressed in 1930’s period clothing. If I had to pick one location the authors mentioned to stay at it would definitely be The Queen Mary legendary ocean liner, which is known for numerous hauntings and was converted into a hotel for all to enjoy.
Honestly, even though I mentioned only two places, I would eventually love to visit all twelve of the spooky locations these authors have mentioned. I loved the long list of information they compiled on every state they visited, and I would use their book as a reference guide when I plan to visit a specific location on their list. I feel this would make a great coffee table book for your guests to browse through, and I think if you have a person in your life that loves visiting haunted locations, this would be the perfect gift to give them.
If you love reading about places to visit that not only have historic value to the area, but offer different paranormal experiences you might what to take part in, Travels of Terror: Strange and Spooky Spots Across America is a must-have book to add to your travel collection. I highly recommend it!
