This Creepy Day Trip Through The Spookiest Places In Virginia Is Perfect For Fall
By Beth|Published October 26, 2020
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
There’s no wrong time to visit Virginia’s haunted locations, but there’s just something about fall that makes us want to find the creepiest, scariest places. Fortunately, we’ve combined them all into a day trip itinerary that’s sure to leave you baffled. Whether you find ghost stories amusing, terrifying, fascinating, or perhaps all three, you’ll be thoroughly entertained by this creepy day trip through Virginia. Our road trip begins in the historic Williamsburg area and makes its way towards Virginia Beach. The driving time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you’ll want to take time to explore each destination. Plus, the trip conveniently ends at a hotel…that is, if you’re brave enough to spend the night there!
Constructed between 1752 and 1754, the Wythe House
is one of Williamsburg's most popular haunted locations. It's noteworthy for its beautiful architecture, but it's the paranormal activity that draws visitors near and far. Its most famous ghost is that of Lady Ann Skipworth, who attended a gala at the Wythe House with her husband. The two began a heated argument and it's rumored that Lady Ann Skipworth took her own life in one of the rooms above, heartbroken from jealousy. On more than a few occasions, visitors have seen her ghost moving through rooms and disappearing through walls, still wearing her finest clothes.
If you were to ask, "what's the most haunted house in Virginia?" many would point you to the Peyton Randolph House in Colonial Williamsburg. In fact, many believe it's the most haunted place in the U.S. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason the house is haunted, although its hauntings date back to the French General of the American Revolution Marquis de Lafayette. Staying at the house in 1824, he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard voices all through the night. This is just one of many such paranormal instances that takes place at the house and surrounding property.
The Fort Magruder Hotel & Conference Center was built upon the site of the Battle of Williamsburg during the Civil War. Apparently, while expanding the parking lot, builders discovered skeletons and other haunting remnants from this gruesome battle. Mass burial pits were needed during the war to accommodate a large number of fallen soldiers. Today, visitors and guests have reported all kinds of paranormal activity, including seeing the ghosts of lost soldiers.
Crawford Road is easily one of the creepiest and most disturbing places in Virginia. It's so paranormal, in fact, that many Yorktown locals choose to avoid this route altogether. Throughout history, the road and tunnel have seen unthinkable tragedy in the form of murders by hanging. It's also believed to be haunted by an unhappy bride, who took her own life at the bridge. All kinds of abnormal phenomena, from seeing apparitions to car malfunctions, have been reported by visitors driving through the area. We can't say we'd blame you for rerouting your GPS for this portion of the road trip!
At this point in the trip, you might be ready to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Our next destination will let you do just that. First Landing State Park is filled with history, natural beauty, and plenty of intrigue. Back in the 1700s, this area and other stretches of the Chesapeake Bay were home to pirates, including Blackbeard himself. According to legend, the pirate buried treasure nearby before he was ultimately killed. Some believe that the ghost of Blackbeard still wanders the woods at dusk, headless, looking to protect his lost buried treasure.
Last, but not least, we arrive at the Cavalier Hotel. A beautiful Virginia Beach landmark, this destination is also believed to be incredibly haunted. Before the renovation, the hotel used to be closed during the winter months, while the reception staff remained. Imagine their surprise when they would get a call from the floors above - with no one staying there! Instead, the sound of muffled jazz music is all that would remain on the other line.
How many of these spooky locations have you visited? Is this a road trip you would take? Let us know in the comments below!
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