Whether you are a true believer in things that go bump in the night or a die-hard Mythbusters fan, South Carolina is a fascinatingly haunted destination. Here, countless spooky stories have been passed down over time. From haunted opera houses to Boston Terrier ghosts, here are three of the state’s most thrilling spots that have chilling tales and ghoulish hotels to beware of …
Abbeville
Abbeville is a quiet small town under two hours from the state capital of Columbia, with just over 5,000 residents … including at least three ghosts. When you visit the Abbeville Opera House, look up to the balcony level; there among the modern red seats you will find a single, ancient-looking chair. That chair is left there for the ghost of a young actress who, after falling ill and dying during a performance at the theater, haunts the opera house to this day.
- Stay at Belmont Inn – This recently renovated inn still can’t get rid of its two resident ghosts, Abraham and an unnamed Scotsman, to find less active digs. The pair have been sighted, but always separately – Abraham on the ground floor and the Scotsman on the main staircase. The pair’s high jinks include knocking on guests' doors in the dead of night, rearranging objects and breaking glasses. Unmannerly behavior, for sure, but eviction seems out of the question for now.
Charleston
As one of the oldest cities in the country, there are bound to be a few spirits in the Holy City. Take a tour with Bulldog Tours of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, including 19th century pirates. Hear about hotel owners from the 1800s that supposedly poisoned their guests, and still haunt the property to this day. Dine at Poogans Porch, where you can get a taste of Southern comfort food and learn about Zoe and Elizabeth, the two devoted sisters who used to live here in the 1800s. There have since been multiple accounts of sightings and bizarre happenings, such as radios, water faucets and lights turning on without human assistance or apparitions in the mirror, and even sights of their ghosts walking in the hallways. Experts in haunted history report more than 200 sightings…
- Stay at South Battery Carriage House – Ghosthunters staying at this 1843 inn should ask for an overnight stay in Room 8, site of an appearance by the "Headless Torso." Or, choose Room 10 for a more refined experience with the "Gentleman Ghost," a genial, well-dressed fellow looking for a comfy bed and warm body to snuggle up to. No need to move over – he reportedly takes up very little space. Spooky and cozy!
Georgetown
Don’t be deceived by this welcoming and lovely seaside town. Georgetown is one of the most haunted places in America. Here, you’ll find a haunted harbor, where maritime ghosts abound, hauntings of pirates, lost ships, and lovelorn ghosts. Year-round tours are offered with Ghosts of Georgetown, where you’ll learn about The Gray Man that always appears on Pawleys Island right before a hurricane is set to strike the island, warning beachgoers about the impending storm; and Alice Flagg, who haunts the marsh and rooms of the Hermitage, after dying of what many say was a broken heart.
- Stay at the Pelican Inn – This beachfront bed & breakfast on Pawleys Island offers the chance to unplug, enjoy the serene Lowcountry scenery, and perhaps have a “petrifying experience.” Legend has it that two canine ghosts haunt the property – Boston terriers to be exact. One of the dogs sadly perished while swimming out to sea to save a drowning boy … and the other died of loneliness. But they’ve been reunited supernaturally. Some have seen the dogs on the property, and even heard them barking.