I have this weird aversion to horror movies, but when it comes to haunted places, I’m all for ghost tours and visiting sites with dark histories. One city brimming with haunts, four centuries worth—dating back to when the first settlers arrived, is Norfolk, Virginia. While I haven’t visited the area myself (yet!), I have family nearby, which has led me to look into some of the most haunted sites in this old port city.
Most haunted sites in Norfolk, Virginia
- Norfolk City Jail: Considered the most haunted place in Norfolk, terror lurks within these cell walls. Every prisoner who is assigned to one particular 9’ x 9’ cell is said to have been provoked by a former prisoner who hung himself there. A prisoner reported seeing a distorted figure of a man’s face every time he went to look at his reflection, both incidents occurred within this cell.
- Battleship Wisconsin: The Battleship Wisconsin is an important city landmark but is also said that this vessel is also home to the poor soul of a crew member who lost his life in an air conditioning malfunction during the Korean War.
- Freemason Abbey: Built in 1873 in Norfolk’s Freemason section, this building now serves as a restaurant. Supernatural activity has been documented for years, especially in the kitchen and bar areas where cupboards mysteriously open and objects are moved. Superstitious employees always close the restaurant by saying goodnight to the deceased restaurant owner who still appears to take smoke breaks in the storage room.·
- Gresham Dorms, Old Dominion University: A case goes cold after a couple was brutally murdered by an unknown assailant in the parking lot of this apartment complex. Some say that they have seen a mysterious figure of a bloody woman on the eve of the couple’s wedding anniversary. Maybe she is waiting for her husband to return to her…
And if you’re near Coastal Virginia this season and are up for a little spooky fun, there’s a host of attractions and events to get you and your family in the spirit for Halloween 😉
- Haunted Ship – BB64: Three Decks of Darkness at Battleship Wisconsin (Oct. 17-19, 24-26) — Put your nerves to the test and see what goes bump in the night aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus. Trek three dark decks, previously unexplored for years and see if the ghostly legends are true. You never know what may lie around the corner! Admission is $15 per person/ $10 for Nauticus Members.
- The Woman in Black at Wells Theatre (Oct. 22 – Nov. 10) — The talented Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre presents The Woman in Black, one of British theatre’s most haunting hits. An eerie tale of a lawyer who is assigned to settle the affairs of a solitary widow discovers more than he bargained for when he comes into contact with a spirit with a horrific past. This thrilling production will keep you at the edge of your seat and is sure to frighten even the bravest audience members!
- The Haunt for Dead October at Hampton Roads Naval Museum (Oct. 25) — Join the Hampton Roads Naval Museum for a hauntingly great time. Various Halloween crafts and activities are included in this fun-filled night. Admission is free.
- Garden Trick or Treating @ Norfolk Botanical Garden (Oct. 25) — Wear your best Halloween costume for a ghoulishly good time! Explore the Garden at night with the whole family, warm up and toast s’mores around a campfire, listen to jokes and stories, then trick-or-treat your way home! Admission is $16 per child and $10 per adult for non-members.
- Zoo Boo at The Virginia Zoo (Oct. 26) — A wild and “spookâ€-tacular time for the whole family filled with costume contests, Halloween games, animal pumpkin smashing, candy stations and more! Admission is $11 for non-members (ages 2+) and $6 per person for visitors with membership (ages 2+).
- Pirate, Mermaids & Monsters Halloween Cruise at The Spirit of Norfolk (Oct. 27) — No tricks here, only treats and fun entertainment on the water! Visit with pirates, mermaids and monsters on the water aboard Spirit of Norfolk’s Halloween Lunch Cruise. This two-hour cruise includes kid-friendly buffet options, live entertainment, amazing views of the waterfront, Halloween goodie bags and other prize giveaways, and a special pirate, mermaid, and monster costume parade. Admission is $32.90 per person.
Do you like to visit “haunted” sites?
Roundup courtesy VisitNorfolk — For more information, visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com.
