Taking your four-legged friend out on a scenic walk is a peaceful activity you can both enjoy. While it’s nice to go for a stroll at your local dog park, taking your pup to a new dog-friendly space while you’re on vacation is even more special. You have the chance to create fun memories as you spend time with your best friend while enjoying the sights of someplace new.
But what if you could combine your passion for exploring haunted locations with the enjoyment of taking walks with Fido? Bringing your dog along on a ghost hunt may seem peculiar at first, but dogs are natural protectors.
And…let’s be honest, every dog’s hero is the original ghost hunter, the legendary Scooby-Doo.
So, if you love all things spooky and don’t want man’s best friend to miss out on the fun, here are some great dog-friendly locations with a creepy, haunting past.
Savannah’s Top Dining and Strolling Spots for Dog Lovers
The beautiful town of Savannah, GA, offers plenty of dog-friendly spots that include Herty Pines Dog Park, which is the largest in the city with separate areas for large and small dogs, and Mother Matilda Beasley Dog Park, which allows off-leash fun in a peaceful and natural setting. But there are also plenty of places aside from dog parks that are pet-friendly in Savannah, where you can enjoy all the great tourist hotspots with your furry friend.
River Street
Located in the beautiful Savannah Riverfront area, River Street is a picturesque and lively part of town that includes several restaurants and shopping opportunities. Dogs are welcome at most establishments, with many of the restaurants offering outdoor seating options and water bowls for your pet. You can take a walk throughout the historic and dog-friendly part of town and enjoy the great views of the river or admire the intricate details of the old-fashioned riverboats. Dogs are allowed in this area on a leash.
Savannah Squares and Parks
The enchanting squares and parks of Savannah are some of the most beloved spaces in the community. The town is home to 23 squares that have been enjoyed by millions of visitors, many of whom bring along their dogs for a peaceful stroll through this historic utopia.
Wright Square
Located at Bull and President Streets, Wright Square was designed in 1733 and named after Georgia’s last colonial governor, Sir James Wright. There is a monument in the square that honors William Washington Gordon, one of the early mayors of Savannah, who established the Central Georgia Railroad.
Wright Square is rich in history, and it is also believed to be one of the most haunted places in the city. Also known as the “Hanging Square,” Wright Square was the city’s original execution site. The most famous ghost in this area is the ghost of Alice Riely. Alice was a young Irish servant who was hanged for the murder of her abusive master in 1735, just a few hours after she had given birth.
With such a tragic backstory, it’s no wonder that Alice’s spirit haunts the square. According to the story, Alice’s spirit has been seen wandering through the square, searching for her stolen child. The apparition of Alice, a red-haired woman begging for help, has been spotted by tourists and even reported to the local police numerous times.
Monterey Square
Found at Bull and Wayne Streets, this square was designed in 1847 and named in honor of the 1846 Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. There is a monument in the Square honoring Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who was severely wounded during the Siege of Savannah. Some of the historic places located in this square include Temple Mickve Israel and the haunted Mercer House.
The Haunted Mercer House in Savannah
The Mercer-Williams House in Savannah is known for its elaborate architecture and dark history. It features a unique combination of Italianate, Greek, and Renaissance Revival styles. The house is believed to be haunted, with visitors reporting sightings of ghosts and many unexplained occurrences.
The Mercer House has seen its fair share of tragedies over the years, with a horrific accident where a young boy fell from the roof onto a spiked iron gate below. There is also the tale of the murder of Danny Hansford that inspired the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which earned the house worldwide recognition, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Today, the historic home is a museum that showcases many historic artifacts while paying tribute to its tragic past.
The Hauntingly Beautiful Dog-Friendly Streets of St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the South, and it’s also one of the most haunted. There are bag stations conveniently placed along the beach, and many of the parking lots at the beach include outdoor showers, which are ideal for rinsing the sand off you and your dog. The downtown area is also a great place to visit with your dog, as there are many places that are pet-friendly.
St. Augustine Historic Downtown & Other Locations
There are several pet-friendly places to explore in the downtown area of St. Augustine, FL. Visitors have a great assortment of hotels to stay at that allow pets, including the Old City House Inn, Bayfront Marin House, and the St. Augustine Beach House. And if you want to grab a bite to eat along with your pet, you can visit a variety of restaurants and bars downtown, such as Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Salt Life Food Shack, and the Old City House.
Haunted Places in Downtown St. Augustine
If you are looking for St. Augustine attractions with a dash of haunted flair, these locations are a must-see for you and your pet.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a grand historic location that has a dark and haunting past. During the construction of the current tower back in 1873, four small children of the man in charge of construction and one of the workers’ daughters were playing in a railcar. The car was used by the crew to transfer building materials from the docks to their site. While they were playing, the railcar’s brakes suddenly malfunctioned, and the car plunged into the ocean with the children still inside. Despite efforts to rescue them, only two of the children survived the accident.
According to the legend, the spirits of the three children who didn’t survive the tragedy have been known to haunt the grounds of the lighthouse. They are often seen around the playground area. Many visitors have taken photographs that showed orbs and other strange phenomena after the images were developed.
The St. Francis Inn
Known as the oldest inn of the St. Augustine area, this location dates back to the Second Spanish Colonial Period in 1791. During this time, the safety and protection of homes and families who lived inside were of great importance.
The King of Spain made an order for all homes to be constructed as if they were defensive fortresses against those who may attempt to occupy the town. Because of this, the St. Francis Inn sits directly on the street, shielding the front entryway of the home as well as its immaculate courtyard.
There are many rumors about this establishment being haunted by several spirits. Visitors and staff members have reported appliances malfunctioning, unexplained loud noises, and lights that turn on and off.
The personal items of guests have been moved or thrown onto the floor, items are found to be dry when they should have been wet after staying outdoors during a storm, and there are sounds of whispers and moans in the darkness. Some have shared that they’ve noticed doors locking and unlocking on their own, while others have witnessed bedsheets and blankets removed in their rooms and even the eerie cold touch of someone’s hand.
The Best Pet-Friendly Places in the City of Charleston
Charleston, SC, is a very pet-friendly town with a broad range of dog-friendly hotels, beaches, and parks available. Some of the best places to stay while in the area include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Downtown, Mills House Charleston Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hampton Inn, found in Charleston’s historic district.
Take Your Dog on a Hike in Charleston
If you are looking for something fun to do with your pet while staying in the area, you could spend your day in nature while taking your pet along on one of Charleston’s top-rated hiking trails or go for a peaceful stroll in one of the many dog parks in town.
Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park is a top-dog destination where leashed dogs are welcome to explore the beauty of the location with their owners. This park features an iconic, multi-tiered Pineapple Fountain, which is excellent for photo ops.
The Waterfront Park is also a great place for scenic views of the river and lush, green spaces where your pet can roam around and play. There are plenty of benches available when you need a break, and you can enjoy a cool breeze in the shade underneath the towering palmetto trees that complement this peaceful environment.
Rosebrock Park
Rosebrock Park is a great location if you want to go on a nature walk with your dog. Located in nearby Summerville, this pet-friendly park has a diverse range of amenities, including several short hiking trails located within 70 acres of protected bottomland forest and wetlands. The park also has two covered picnic shelters and environmental markers with dog waste stations for your convenience.
Haunted Places and Dog-Friendly Spaces in Charleston
If you are looking for a dog-friendly haunting adventure while in Charleston, you have several options to choose from. Here are a couple of our favorite places where you may bump into a spirit or two while exploring with your family pet.
Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is of great historical importance to the City of Charleston and is considered to be one of the most haunted locations in town. Located beneath the exchange and customs house is a dungeon where pirates and petty criminals were captured during times of war. The Old Exchange was also used centuries ago to hold enslaved Africans who had gone against the commands of their masters.
The spirits of these tortured souls have stuck around this location and have been witnessed by both audio and visual apparitions. Visitors have reported seeing strange orbs floating around and experiencing drops in temperature or cold spots in the area.
Old Charleston Jail
The Old Charleston Jail operated between 1809 and 1939, housing some of the most infamous criminals of the 19th century, including pirates and Civil War prisoners. Today, the location is open to the public, allowing visitors to learn more about how those who were incarcerated years ago were mistreated by the use of primitive forms of torture as they lived in terrible conditions.
It’s been said that the jail is now haunted by some of its former inmates, including Lavinia Fisher, the first female serial killer. Visitors have reported seeing objects move, hearing disembodied voices, and doors slamming with no explanation.
Conclusion
If you are into having a dog-friendly halloween and learning about the haunted history of some of the most popular cities throughout the US, you should check out these locations and more for a creepy good time where everyone is welcome.
And be sure to check out the walking ghost tours offered by Lizzie Borden Tours, including its New Orleans tour, where you and your pet have the chance to explore the most haunted places in your hometown.