When spooky season hits and PMS strikes, there’s no better way to distract yourself from the cramps, cravings, and mood swings than diving into some seriously creepy history. The best part?
You can turn your Halloween vibes into a mini-escape by visiting haunted historical places that not only deliver chills but also give you a much-needed break from period drama.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or an all-out ghost-hunting road trip, these haunted destinations are packed with eerie stories and historical charm.
Grab your comfiest sweater, your favorite Halloween playlist, and a few bags of candy (hey, we all have cravings)—it’s time to distract yourself from PMS by getting spooked in the best way possible.
1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Stephen King fans, this one’s for you.
Famed as the inspiration for King’s The Shining, the Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted spots in the U.S. Located in the scenic Rocky Mountains, this hotel has a history of paranormal activity that will give you chills—even if you’re just sipping tea in the lobby. Ghosts of past guests and staff are said to roam the halls, and if you’re feeling extra brave (or distracted from cramps), you can join a ghost tour to explore the haunted rooms and eerie corners.
Best for: Escaping the PMS blues with a mix of gorgeous mountain views and spine-tingling stories.
2. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
Want to channel your inner ghost hunter while strolling through Southern charm? The Myrtles Plantation is known as one of the most haunted houses in America, thanks to its tragic history. Built in 1796, this plantation is home to several ghostly legends, including the spirit of a slave named Chloe and a mirror believed to trap the souls of a murdered family.
Walking through the Spanish moss-draped grounds and listening to the haunting stories is the perfect way to get your mind off cramps and bloating. Plus, the dreamy Southern atmosphere offers serious witchy vibes.
Best for: Those who want to explore eerie ghost stories while sipping sweet tea on a spooky veranda.
3. Salem, Massachusetts
Is there a more iconic Halloween destination than Salem? The infamous town where the Salem Witch Trials took place in the late 1600s is brimming with haunted history. From witch museums to candlelit ghost tours through old cemeteries, Salem will fully immerse you in spooky season magic. Visit the Witch House, the only structure still standing with direct ties to the trials, or walk through the eerie halls of the House of the Seven Gables for a haunting history lesson.
Salem in the fall is full of Halloween festivities, so you’ll stay busy and distracted from all things PMS. Bonus: the cool fall air and witchy shops are just what you need for a mental reset.
Best for: Anyone who loves witchy aesthetics, historical drama, and immersive Halloween experiences.
4. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you’re into real-life haunted history, Eastern State Penitentiary is your kind of PMS distraction. Once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone, this crumbling, castle-like prison is now a national historic site—and a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. The prison’s eerie atmosphere, with its abandoned cellblocks and long, echoing hallways, is enough to send shivers down your spine, even before you hear the ghost stories.
During Halloween season, Eastern State ramps up the fear factor with Terror Behind the Walls, a massive haunted attraction. It’s a spooky adrenaline rush that’s guaranteed to make you forget about PMS cramps (at least for a while).
Best for: Horror fans who want to blend real history with terrifying thrills.
5. The Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts
Looking for a place where history meets true crime? The Lizzie Borden House is where one of the most infamous murders in American history took place. In 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe, and although she was acquitted, the mystery remains unsolved to this day. Visitors can tour the house, now a bed-and-breakfast, and even stay overnight if you’re brave enough.
The creepy factor is off the charts, but the historical intrigue will totally take your mind off any PMS discomfort. Who needs a heating pad when you’ve got true crime to distract you?
Best for: True crime junkies looking for an overnight scare that’ll make them forget about cramps.
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
For those with a thirst for international travel (and a desire for a PMS getaway with an extra dose of spooky), Edinburgh is a must-visit. This medieval city is filled with dark history, haunted castles, and winding, shadowy streets that give it a permanent spooky vibe. The Edinburgh Vaults, a series of underground chambers, are said to be haunted by restless spirits, and the city’s Greyfriars Kirkyard is home to one of the most famous ghost stories in the world.
A stroll through the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings is sure to distract you from any bloating or breakouts—plus, Scottish fall weather is perfect for layering up in your favorite comfy clothes.
Best for: Travelers looking for an overseas haunted adventure with a side of European charm.
7. The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the rifle magnate, the Winchester Mystery House is one of the most bizarre and haunted mansions in the U.S. With its twisting staircases that lead to nowhere, hidden doors, and labyrinthine design, the house was designed to confuse the spirits Sarah believed were haunting her. Whether you’re fascinated by the strange architecture or curious about the ghostly legends, this mansion offers a quirky, spooky escape from everyday life.
Exploring the house’s hundreds of rooms (some of which have never been finished) is the ultimate way to get your mind off mood swings and discomfort.
Best for: Architecture buffs and ghost hunters who love a unique twist on haunted history.
Bottom Line: When PMS hits and you need a serious distraction, why not take a spooky trip to one of these haunted historical destinations? Whether you’re chasing ghosts in a haunted hotel or diving into the chilling history of a centuries-old prison, these places will not only get you in the Halloween spirit—they’ll also give you the perfect break from PMS blues. So, grab your camera, pack some snacks, and let the ghost-hunting begin!
