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Haunted Holidays in New Orleans

Oct 27, 2011; 10:22 AM ET

New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It also happens to be one of the most haunted cities in North America...and the world. If you have never been, this is a must for everyone who loves to "Let The Good Times Roll"! There is no place like it! Come & experience the ‘Haunted Crescent City,' also called the ‘Big Easy.' New Orleans is not only known for its mouth-watering cuisine, music, and Mardi Gras madness, but it is also known as a mysterious and magical romantic city full of voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and of course the 'Cities of the Dead'... the beloved above-ground cemeteries.

There is no better way to enjoy this haunted city than by staying at a haunted mansion.

At Magnolia Mansion, they have their share of friendly resident ghosts ...and if you're lucky, you may have at least one or more spirited encounters!

Folks at Magnolia Mansion won't tell you what to expect, but they welcome hearing all about guests' experiences.

Hollie Vest, the owner of Magnolia Mansion recalls a particular experience -

One of the most fun filled Magnolia Mansion Ghostly Getaway Weekends ever, was back in May 2009. Twelve doctors & nurses booked all the rooms at the Mansion along with the package. We organized their entire weekend for them, and to our delight...they were absolutely thrilled with the experience. One of the most memorable events of the weekend happened shortly after the paranormal specialist left and everyone was sitting out on the veranda at about 1am, talking about the weekend and the Ghost Hunt. What makes this such a curious event is the following - Magnolia Mansion is surrounded by an old Black Wrought Iron Gate, by which you can only gain entry if you have a key. It is exclusive to those staying as overnight guests only and is not open for walk -ins. Well, this particular group were the only people staying on the property at the time and they were all well aware of the Mansion policy of closing gates & doors as you come and go. Tim, Magnolia Mansion's host for the evening, was busy cleaning up inside and getting everything ready for the next morning. When he went outside to check on our Ghost Hunter group, he asked them "Who left the Gate open?" Rhonda, the lady who organized this getaway for her friends said, " A lady dressed in all black with blond hair. She just walked right past us & didn't say hello or anything and out the gate." Tim responded, "Well, It wasn't Hollie, because she went to bed hours ago and we all know she would never leave the gate open." Everyone laughed. Tim said, " It couldn't have been anyone staying here, because you're all out here. Hollie is the only one who fits that description andshe is sound asleep." Another highlight that same evening was several of them commented they saw a well dressed man in black with a full beard, standing by the fireplace in the parlors as they walked down the hallway. When they went back to take a second look...he was not there.

Terri Leavitt, Cabourg, Ontario, Canada, recalls her experience-

Our first night here I awoke at 2:30am out of a deep sleep; my left arm had been stroked twice from shoulder to elbow. I thought it was my husband waking me but he was sound asleep. The next two nights I woke at exactly 2:30am with the feeling someone was watching over me. I had been having migraines the last 3 days and felt like "who ever" was there was looking after me. Like a nurse. I myself am a nurse. I later learned of "The Caretaker". On our third day here in the middle of the afternoon I saw a man walk across the room, I was standing in the washroom and busy, I just thought it was my husband returning. After speaking to him for a few minutes with no response I went and looked... I was alone. My husband came 5 minutes later.

Magnolia Mansion has had its share of media coverage for its hauntings, as well.

It has been featured on TV's "Haunted New Orleans," "The Today Show," "NY1 News," and "Channel 10 Syracuse NY News."

It was also:

-Featured in 2009 for Disney's "Haunted Holidays...Tales of Two Cities" promotion

-"Talk of the Town" Excellence in Customer Satisfaction for Louisiana Bed and Breakfasts 2010 & 2011 Award Winner

-Selected by OfficialBestOf.com as the 2011 Official Best Romantic Inn for Louisiana, as featured on the Travel Channel.

-Selected One Of 2006 Most Haunted Inns Of America

-Selected One Of 2007 Top 10 Romantic Inns Of America

Magnolia Mansion makes it easier to have a "Hauntingly good time," with a variety of special packages, including the Romantic Ghostly Getaway Package For Two or the Ghostly Group Getaway Weekend Or Corporate Retreat for Up To 18 guests.

Magnolia Mansion has several distinctly different themed rooms.

Of course, to really get into the ‘spirit' of things, there is the Luxury King, Vampire Lover's Lair.

One of their most popular rooms... "People are just dying to get in!!!" With walls the color of a rich Merlot wine, or maybe blood red, the room is "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and screams rich decadence. The king size hand- carved wooden canopy Vampire bed is a replica of the one used in the movie "Interview with a Vampire". (YES... Vampire Tours available upon request). .

Without a doubt, this is the bathroom "Just to die for!" Furnished with a sculpted drape tub with a handheld shower that looks more like a work of art than a functional tub.

In addition to the Vampire's Lair, there is the "Gone With the Wind" room, the "Bordello Moulin Rouge," the "Bordello Storyville Jazz," the "Vamp Bordello," "Napoleon's Rendezvous," "Mardi Gras Getaway," "Southern Comfort," and "Lafitte's Hide Away."

And for anyone hoping to experience some truly haunted happenings, Hollie advises, " Make your request known upon entering the Mansion. Be aware, if you don't invite them, they may not make themselves known.

Like most things in life...or the afterlife, Ghosts don't come with a guarantee!

But, be careful what you wish for...

YOUR WISH Just MIGHT COME TRUE!!!"

By: Darlene Perrone

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