HAUNTED TOURS AND SPOTS
The Conjuring House, Harrisville
Sure, you’ve probably heard of the movie, The Conjuring. But did you know that the house from the movie is real? And located in Harrisville, Rhode Island? And believed to be really haunted? The Conjuring House (currently known as The Farm on Round Top Road) was built around 1736 and was occupied by Roger and Carolyn Perron and their children in the 1970s. The Perrons eventually called in the famous paranormal experts, Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate all of their frightening experiences in the house. The horror movie fictionalized the story of what happened. It’s considered one of the most haunted places in the United States. If you’re into The Conjuring, you’ll be happy to know that the current owners offer day tours and weekend overnight “Investigations” from 6 PM to 8 AM. For information contact theconjuringhouse.com. Photo credit: theconjuringhouse.com Read More ›
Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Exeter
Chestnut Hill Cemetery makes this list because it is the final resting place of Mercy Lena Brown, alleged vampire. Mercy Brown's ghost is said to haunt her grave because she was a victim of The New England Vampire Panic of the 1800s. Multiple members of Mercy's family died from consumption, including eventually Mercy, followed by her brother Edwin. Prior to his passing, he claimed that "she haunts me and wants me to come with her." The citizens of Exeter feared something supernatural was at work and insisted on exhuming the deceased family members, only to find Mercy looking "undead." The superstition of the day called for Edwin to be given a tonic made from Mercy's ashes to save his life. It didn't work and he died soon after. Ever since then, Mercy has been said to haunt the cemetery with people claiming to see her near her grave or nearby tomb. This sad tale was so well known, that it's thought that the character of Lucy in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" was based on her. Rhode Island's own H.P. Lovecraft referred to it as well in his "The Shunned House." Read More ›
Fort Wetherill, Jamestown
Fort Wetherill comes up a lot when you search for haunted places in Rhode Island. The former WWII coastal artillery fort was built on the site of Fort Dumpling, a Revolutionary War era fortification. It’s 61 acres of 100-foot granite cliffs and beautiful views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. But don’t let the natural beauty fool you – it has a haunted history. One legend claims the site is haunted by a phantom dog from the Revolutionary War period, who used to terrorize the British who gained control of the fort in 1778. Reports claim he is still spotted and heard barking and growling to this day. Other reports say that one British soldier died from fright after seeing a “devil dog” with red eyes and fangs and that still others were driven mad. Aside from that, it’s a lovely site for a walk or a picnic! Read More ›
Seaview Terrace aka Carey Mansion,...
If you’ve ever heard of the gothic horror show from the 60s, Dark Shadows, you might recognize the exterior of Seaview Terrace (also known as Carey Mansion). This privately-owned, 40,000 square-foot, French Gothic-style mansion is the fifth largest of the famous Newport Mansions. Its history includes being an all-girls school and being originally built in Washington D.C. and then moved in its entirety to Newport in 1925. Legend has it that among its many rumored non-corporeal residents is Mrs. Bradley, the wife of the original owner. Reports say that her ghost still enjoys playing her favorite organ. Other reported paranormal activity includes phantom footsteps, unexplained shadows, and jiggling door handles. It was even featured on a Season 7; Episode 13 of Ghost Hunters, called "Dark Shadows." Just remember, this is a privately owned home, so no trespassing! Photo credit: hauntedrooms.com/rhode-island/haunted-places Read More ›
Belcourt Castle, Newport
Belcourt Castle is a beautiful mansion in Newport owned by Alex & Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian. Originally owned by Oliver Belmont (and his eventual wife, Alva Vanderbilt), and designed by famous architect Richard Morris Hunt, Belcourt was initially conceived as a summer cottage for a bachelor and his horses. The entire ground floor was designed as a carriage room and stable! As for paranormal activity, reports include stories of two haunted chairs that don’t like to be sat in and will toss people out. There are also tales of a haunted suit of armor that turns his helmet during tours. Some reports mention screams and others have seen one of the suit’s arms move. Other stories reference apparitions of a lady in a ball gown and a woman in pink. One of the strangest tales is that of a monk in a brown robe and hood seen to wander the property, including the chapel. Read More ›
The Breakers, Newport
The Breakers, the crown jewel of the Newport Mansions, is the pinnacle of Gilded Age opulence. It features formal gardens, stunning ocean views, classical architecture, and reportedly, the ghost of its former mistress. Apparently, Alice Vanderbilt never left her beloved home, because visitors to the Breakers have been reporting seeing Alice there since her death in 1934. According to the family that last lived on the property, she was a regular presence. It doesn’t seem that she causes any trouble, aside from occasionally moving some furniture. The Breakers is open for tours, so feel free to pay Alice a visit! Read More ›
