Chilled to the Bone: 10 Horror Movie Destinations Around the United States
by Amille Bottom
As the fall winds begin to sweep through the city, the shivers of spooky season run down people’s spines. Fall is upon us, and that means it’s time for all of the Halloween creepy crawlies! I’m a huge fan of horror movies, and there are countless horror movie destinations around the country that will make you scream and shout. Take a look at the list below and start planning your weekend road trips… if you dare!
1. Evil Dead Cabin: Morristown, TN
For fans of Sam Raimi’s idolized Evil Dead series, this is the place to go. While the infamous cabin is now mostly in ruins, this is the site of some of the spookiest scenes in horror history. As a perk, visiting this cabin is the perfect excuse to visit Tennessee and grub out on Nashville’s finest!
2. Amityville Horror House: Amityville, NY
Perhaps one of the most intense places on this list, the Amityville Horror House is the actual sight of six brutal murders from 1974. The added perk of visiting this spot is its proximity to Boston––only a road trip away, travelers can go leaf peeping on the drive there!
3. Greystone Mansion: Beverly Hills, CA
The Greystone Mansion is more than a filming location for horror movies––it’s been the site of everything from National Treasure: Book of Secrets to X-Men. Movie fanatics of all tastes and opinions can find something to geek out about at this famous spot.
4. The Stanley Hotel: Estes Park, CO
The Shining holds a special place in my heart, as one of the first horror movies I ever watched. I’ve always wanted to visit the iconic hotel featured in the movie. Picture walking the same grounds featured in the haunting film, breathing in the same mountain air that chilled the night… it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween!
5. Stephen King’s Home: Bangor, ME
While not technically the site of any horror movie filming, this is still an iconic place in the history of horror. Literature and movie fans alike will love taking a quintessential-New England drive to this creepy monument in Maine.
6. Evans City Cemetery: Butler County, PA
Viewers who are nostalgic for the first days of horror will love stumbling across this iconic spot from Night of the Living Dead. A key part of the movie, this cemetery helped highlight the start of zombies in the world of film. Travelers, remember to be respectful of this haunting hideaway!
7. The Exorcist Stairs: Washington, DC
While I’ve never made it through The Exorcist myself, I acknowledge that it’s a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre. Flooded with hundreds of haunting experiences, these famous steps have been around since the 1800s.
8. The Gas Station: Bastrop, TX
Featured in Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this gas station is the perfect spot on a horror-themed road trip! It serves up barbecue and horror-merchandise, as well as a terrifying feeling! For more massacre material, fanatics can also visit the house featured in the movie.
9. Seneca Creek State Park: Gaithersburg, MD
Any Blair Witch Project fans out there? Then this state park is for you! The iconic film is located here, in a forest full of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. As an added perk, national and state parks tend to be creepy at night, without the inclusion of horror movie filming!
10. Halloween House: South Pasadena, CA
The only acceptable way to end any list about horror movies is with one of the most iconic ever created: Halloween. Those who fear Michael Myers may not want to approach this one––he’s around every corner! Trespassers beware… this house has gone through periods of neglect, abandonment, and terror.
While travel is difficult right now, road trips are always in-season! Work your way from East to West throughout the month of October, and maybe you’ll find something scary along the way.