Now that the summer crowds have dispersed, many of our most popular Shore hot spots are ghost towns. But Cape May proudly maintains that title all year round.
“People say that Cape May is the most haunted town in New Jersey,” says Al Rauber, founder of the Original Haunted Cape May Tour. “But I would go on to say it’s probably the most haunted town in the United States.”
Rauber, 60, has over 40 years of experience in paranormal investigation, and started the tour in 1994 to teach others the true stories behind the spooky legends of the coastal retreat. He visits and thoroughly researches each stop, many of them restaurants and bed and breakfasts—interviewing owners, staff, and guests.
Business partner Diane Bixler became involved twelve years ago and now runs the tour as well as Boo-Tique, a shop below the Hotel Macomber specializing in Halloween tricks and treats.
On this spooky stroll through Victorian Cape May, you will hear of the mysterious happenings in Room 10 of the Macomber (“one of the most haunted stops on the tour”), learn about Esmeralda, the spirit of Jackson Street (“the most beautiful and haunted street in town”), listen to the hair-raising voices recorded in Cabanas restaurant, and try to spot the mysterious personage who peers from windows of the Colonial House Museum.
“I’ve had 67 different tour groups ask me, ‘Who’s the lady in the costume? Is that an actor?’” says Rauber of the Colonial House stop. “They all describe a woman at the windows, dressed in a colonial dress and tea cap, looking at the tour with hatred and disgust.”
“Our tours see things that can’t be explained,” says Bixler, who will turn 55 on Halloween. “I was with a group one night and every time we passed a streetlight, they would go out or dim—at five different lights. Even I was a little spooked by that!”
Tours run from May to November, but the weekends pre- and post-Halloween are the most popular, so reserve a spot. In October, tours depart every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm and Saturday at 7 and 9 pm. Call for Victorian Week (October 11-19) and Halloween schedules.
(609-884-4202; hauntednewjersey.com/capemaytour).
More Haunted Jaunts:
Fright Fest
This Six Flags Great Adventure event offers “thrills by day and chills by night.” Beware of the ghastly ghouls and goblins who take over the park weekends through October 28 beginning at 6 pm. 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson (732-928-1821; sixflags.com/greatadventure).
3 Terrifying Nights of Halloween
The NJ Halloween Horror Company’s haunted house, hayride, and over 100 life-size Hollywood monster displays (bring your camera!) will have you screaming for three nights in a row (Oct 23-25). 37 Plains Road, Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta (201-362-1690; njhalloween.com).
Fright on Front Street
Dark Forest Creations presents two October weekends of food, drinks, music, movies, Halloween-themed merchants, and this year’s original Scream Theater Show, “Wolf’s Moon.” Mini Park, 55 W Front St, Keyport (201-666-DARK, darkforest.com).
Creamy Acres Farm’s Night of Terror
Run for your life in the Dreaded Cornfield Maze, just one of four attractions (also the Ride of Terror, Home for the Demented and Dead, and 3D Halls of Horror) that made this spooktacular event win scariest haunted attraction last year. 448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill (856-223-1669, nightofterror.com).
Haunted Halloween Express
All aboard for a nighttime ride through the deep and dark haunted woods of Allaire State Park, where you’ll hear the bone-chilling tale of the Old Pine Creek No. 96 wreck. Route 524, Wall Township (732-938-5524; njmt.org).
13 Bumps Road
Ride the winding curves of “13 Bumps Road” (aka Johnston Drive) which runs from Watchung to Scotch Plains. Legend has it that 13 witches are buried there, and even after multiple pavings, the bumps always reemerge. Count all 13 on the way up…or someone could be on the loose!
Burlington County Prison Museum
A National Historic Landmark built in 1811, and the oldest continually used prison in the United States until its doors shut in 1965. This scary site now offers tours Thursday to Sunday and special Halloween events. The third floor, or “the dungeon,” served as death row and boasts the most paranormal activity—with resident ghost Joel Clough. Gallows still stand in the courtyard and the old cells are complete with mannequins and artifacts. 128 High St, Mount Holly (609-265-5476; prisonmuseum.net).
See also: