Vermont is a haven for lovers of the eerie, haunted, and downright bizarre. Here are ten must-see destinations and experiences for anyone drawn to the macabre and creepy side of the Green Mountain State:
1. Emily’s Bridge (Gold Brook Covered Bridge), Stowe
This iconic covered bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of Emily, a lovelorn woman whose spirit is blamed for scratch marks on cars, strange noises, and chilling apparitions. It’s a favorite spot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
2. Hyde Manor, Sudbury
Once a grand hotel, Hyde Manor now stands in eerie ruin. The decaying structure is rumored to be haunted, and its imposing presence makes it a chilling stop for those fascinated by abandoned places and ghost stories.
3. Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier
This historic cemetery is renowned for its elaborate funerary art and the graves of notable Vermonters. Some say the cemetery is haunted, and its winding paths and ornate statues make it a must-visit for taphophiles and fans of the gothic.
4. Timothy Clark Smith Grave, Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven
Dr. Timothy Clark Smith, terrified of being buried alive, designed his own grave with a window to the surface. The legend of the “Doctor’s Window” and the stories of a bell to signal the living make this a uniquely macabre Vermont site.
5. The Green Mountain Inn, Stowe
Home to the ghost of Boots Berry, a tap-dancing spirit said to be heard during snowstorms. The inn’s haunted reputation is well-known, and guests have reported unexplained footsteps and missing items.
6. Hope Cemetery, Barre
Famous for its intricate granite gravestones, this cemetery is an outdoor museum of funerary art. The life-sized “Crying Girl” statue and other somber monuments create an atmosphere both beautiful and haunting.
7. Glastenbury Mountain and the Bennington Triangle
This remote area is infamous for mysterious disappearances, strange phenomena, and an unsettling silence. Locals warn against venturing too far into the woods, which some claim are cursed or haunted.
8. Wilson Castle, Proctor
A 19th-century mansion with turrets, stained glass, and a reputation for ghostly activity. Candlelit tours in the fall add to the spooky atmosphere, making it a favorite for those seeking haunted history.
9. The Haunted Railroad Bridge, Hartford
Site of a tragic 19th-century train accident, this bridge is said to be haunted by the souls of those who perished. Visitors report eerie sounds and ghostly apparitions near the site.
10. Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, Waterbury
For a lighter touch of the macabre, visit the “Flavor Graveyard” at Ben & Jerry’s, where discontinued ice cream flavors are memorialized with witty epitaphs. It’s quirky, fun, and just a little bit spooky.
Sources:
- https://vermontvacation.com/haunted-vt/
- https://www.vtmag.com/post/spooky-places-to-spend-the-night-in-vermont
- https://www.vermonter.com/scary-locations-vermont/
- https://www.vermonter.com/a-grave-story/