The city of New Orleans has the famous reputation for being America’s most haunted city and with good reason. Long before Europeans settlers stepped foot on the marshy landscape, the area was used by the local indians as a burial site.
Because of its swampy location and sometimes unearthly smells,(don’t forget it’s actually below sea-level) it was very unappealing for wealthy Parisians, but it was conducive as a good trade route so the King of France sent off prisoners to build the city.
This was no vacation for these condemned men; the lands were full of quicksand, alligators, mosquitoes, and many venomous snakes. So you can imagine what living in a city built by murderers, thieves, thugs and other miscreants must have been like. But that is not even the worst of it, (be sure to show up in costume, I recommend an Imperial Storm Trooper costume, but, I’m partial, of course.) 
- The Haunted Mansion – this story is one of the worst blights cast upon high society French Quarters. A physician and his social climbing wife built one of the most pretentious mansions money could buy. But secretly hidden behind its stucco walls was an existence that defied even the worst nightmare. Read more about this hauntingly true account of torture and sadism right under high society noses.
- Alternatives Living Costume Ball and Benefit – Dinner, dancing and costume contests await you on the Creole Queen Paddleboat. Cruise around the city in full disguise.
- Endless Night Vampire Ball held at the Legendary House of Blues – another spooky venue to dress up and celebrate Halloween with a hundred of your best vampire friends.
- Take a Haunted History Tour – just walk the streets of old New Orleans with your trusty tour guide. They’ll share all kinds of sordid and haunted history with you.
Make flights and reservations early. Space and tickets are limited.
Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related.
