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The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery
The Country Squire is famous for its ghostly encounters, particularly the apparition of a woman in white. Guests and staff have experienced phantom footsteps, banging on walls and doorknobs turning on their own. The inn's guestbook is filled with firsthand accounts of these eerie occurrences, adding to its haunted allure.
The Harvey
From silverware being moved to apparitions, The Harvey has become a staple of the New Bern community both because of its cozy atmosphere and its paranormal ties. Originally erected in the 1790s, guests frequently report sightings of a spectral woman in Victorian attire, lingering and walking across the second and third floors. These eerie experiences lend an air of the supernatural to this historic inn, making each visit intriguing.
Plan your visit
Go With a Guide: Ghost Tour of New Bern
Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp is steeped in eerie legends, including the tale of "The Lady of the Lake." According to local lore, her ghostly figure appears above the swamp’s dark waters, searching for her lost lover who vanished in the treacherous bogs. Visitors have reported hearing her mournful cries and seeing her ethereal form gliding over the misty lake. These spine-chilling encounters, combined with the swamp’s dense wilderness and murky waters, make it a hauntingly intriguing destination.
The Black Pelican Restaurant
This historic restaurant, once a lifesaving station, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former station keeper. Guests have reported seeing his apparition in the dining areas and hearing mysterious footsteps echoing through the building. Stop by and see if you might be unexpectedly joined by a ghostly dining companion.
Pioneer Theater
One of the oldest family-owned movie theaters in the country, the Pioneer Theater is believed to be haunted by a former projectionist. Patrons have reported cold drafts, electrical anomalies and the sound of footsteps in the projection room, making this historic cinema a spooky spot for film enthusiasts.
Plan your visit
Go With a Guide: OBX Ghost Tours
The Roanoke Island Inn
This charming inn is said to be haunted by the friendly spirit of Roscoe Jones, a former lighthouse keeper. Visitors often experience flickering lights and sightings of Jones gazing out windows or strolling through the garden, adding a touch of the supernatural to their stay.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse is not just a navigational aid but also a site of eerie legends. Visitors have reported ghostly figures, strange lights and the feeling of being watched as they climb the tower. The haunting tales add an extra layer of intrigue to this coastal landmark.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is known for its ghostly sightings. Visitors often speak of seeing a shadowy gray man thought to be a phantom keeper and hearing mysterious sounds, especially on stormy nights. It is also home to a mysterious otherworldly cat who has greeted visitors for decades by rubbing against their leg only to then vanish into thin air.
Teach’s Hole
Named after the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who met his end nearby, Teach’s Hole is said to be haunted by his restless spirit. Local legend tells of eerie lights and ghostly apparitions of Blackbeard searching for his head, making it a chilling spot for those interested in pirate lore. Take a short walk through a maritime forest at Springer's Point and maybe you'll encounter the great and fearsome captain yourself.
Want to learn more about the lore along the way? Listen to the First in Fright podcast and dive deeper into the histories of these haunts.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery
Stop 2
The Harvey
Stop 3
Great Dismal Swamp
Stop 4
The Black Pelican Restaurant
Stop 5
Pioneer Theater
Stop 6
The Roanoke Island Inn
Stop 7
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Stop 8
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Stop 9
Teach’s Hole
More Paranormal Places
In North Carolina, some stories never fade — explore the places where the line between past and present feels unnervingly thin.
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