Cheap Vacations in the United States

There are many great cities to visit in the United States, but if you are working with a limited budget, some cities stand out above the rest. With free attractions and tours, some cities offer a great deal of entertainment at little to no cost. Excelle and Hotwire rated U.S. cities based on the average gas price, lowest hotel cost, discounts and average airfare, as well as culture, entertainment and food choices.

Washington, D.C.

• The nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is full of history and some of the most popular monuments in the country. You are free to walk around the city and see sights such as the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and the Jefferson Memorial. The Smithsonian is a free indoor attraction, and by appointment, you can visit the White House at no cost.

Atlanta

• Hotwire's top destination, Atlanta has the largest airport in the world, making airfare rates very competitive. Some free attractions include the site of the 1996 Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park; Martin Luther King's home; and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. You can also visit the CNN center for $12 or less, and the World of Coca-Cola for $15 or less. Prices are as of January 2011. It is also home to the nation's largest aquarium.

Orlando

• Orlando is a suitable family destination that is home to Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. There are theme park packages available at reduced prices. There are also free attractions such as the World of Orchids, Big Tree Park and the CityArts Factory.

Las Vegas

• Called the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas has more than 90 casinos and huge hotels. Because of the competitiveness among the casinos, you can find great room rates with a little research. There are also many airfare specials to Las Vegas. While gambling may be the biggest draw, there are also 14 malls for the shopping enthusiast. Make sure to check out the Bellagio's dancing fountains.

Dallas-Fort Worth

• Known for its barbecue, Dallas is a great city to visit for the food lover. According to Excelle, Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City. The Sixth Floor Museum examines the life of John F. Kennedy and is a free attraction for kids. The Fair Park's Hall of State and African American Museums are free for all ages.

Denver

• Denver, called the Mile High City or Gateway to the Rockies, is great for outdoor enthusiasts. It has more than 450 miles of bike trails, and also has ski resorts in the mountains. The United States Mint and Coors Brewery are located in Denver and are free attractions.

Los Angeles

• Los Angeles has something for everyone, from beaches to museums and parks. One of its most famous attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a free stroll. There are numerous television shows taped in Los Angeles, and if you plan in advance you could view a live taping for free. The Getty Museum and California Science Center are two family-friendly attractions that offer cost-free activities.

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River Tours in the United States

The greatest rivers in the U.S. are often best experienced on the water itself, instead of seeing them through a car windshield. Traveling by boat with one of the many river tour operators in the country gives tourists a greater opportunity to see the ecology of the river up close. They'll also experience many of the sensations that the first explorers saw as they navigated their way through uncharted waters.

Experience the Hudson River

• Accidentally discovered by explorer Henry Hudson in 1609, the Hudson River was once considered an inhospitable and dangerous journey by early explorers. Hundreds of years later, tourists can safely travel in river boats along the 300-plus miles of the river, to historic towns such as Troy, West Point and Peekskill. Cruising the Hudson River is an opportunity to learn about the historic Hudson River Valley, or simply sit back and relax in a tranquil environment. Tour operators on the Hudson River offer a variety of trip themes, including; New Orleans-style party and dance tours operating out of the town of Newburgh, military history tours leaving from the West Point Army Academy, or murder mystery and comedy tours originating from the state capital of Albany. Some tour operators offer multi-day trips spanning the length of the river, complete with lodging accommodations and dry land coach tours of different historic towns in the Hudson River Valley.

  Hudson River Cruises
  hudsonriver.com/hudson-river-cruises

Cruise the Columbia River

• As one of the most important waterways in the Western U.S., the 1,200 mile long Columbia River travels through seven states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Columbia River Basin has 400 dams -- more than any single waterway in the world, all of which can generate more than 21 million kilowatts. There are many river cruise operators offering a variety of themes showcasing the Columbia's many uses. Popular cruise themes include wine and cuisine tours that highlight the fertile wine and farm regions of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as sport fishing tours seeking the region's world famous salmon, walleye, and sturgeon, among others.

  Columbia River Cruise West Adventure Cruises
  cruisewest.net/pages/discovery.html

  Columbia River Fishing Guide
  columbiariverfishingguide.com

Tour the Mississippi River

• The historic Mississippi River traverses through 10 different states, beginning in Minnesota's Lake Itasca at a depth of just three feet and ending 3,000 miles later in New Orleans, at a depth of approximately 200 feet. The types of cruises offered by tour operators are endless and include wildlife expeditions, gambling cruises, fishing tours and dinner jazz parties. One of the most popular cruises is offered on the Steamboat Natchez, the only authentic steamboat operating from New Orleans. This cruise offers jazz parties with regional cuisine specializing in seafood.

  Steamboat Natchez
  steamboatnatchez.com

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Train Trips in the United States

Even though many metropolitan areas do not have regular train service, a wide range of train trips are available across the United States. Steam train enthusiasts can join excursions on restored steam engines from the golden days of rail, while Amtrak’s network offers a choice of over 500 destinations. Train trips can last from a few hours to a week or more, in accommodations ranging from coach class seats to traditional sleeping cars with bedrooms.

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

• The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Southwest Colorado was known as the "Scenic Line of the World" in days gone by. Today the line operates steam and diesel trains with a fleet that includes remodeled 1950s dome cars featuring panoramic views, as well as a 1930s open window car. Trains run daily from Alamosa to the historic Western towns of La Veta, Antonito or Monte Vista. The line also offers a connection to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito. Meals are served in private dining cars.

  Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
  877-726-7245
  riograndescenicrailroad.com

Amtrak Crescent

• The Amtrak Crescent is an overnight trip that runs daily from New York via Atlanta to New Orleans. Scenic highlights include the Blue Ridge foothills and the Louisiana bayou country, and the itinerary includes stops in Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Atlanta. The trip is 30 hours long, with accommodations in coach or sleeper classes. A hot dinner is served in the dining car, and the Crescent has a comfortable lounge and cafe car. The Trails & Rails interpretive program, a partnership between the National Park Service and Amtrak, offers passengers opportunities to learn about America's natural and cultural heritage while on board.

  Amtrak Crescent
  800-872-7245
  amtrak.com

Alaska's National Parks by Rail

• Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s signature tour train, follows the rail from Anchorage to Fairbanks on this six-day tour to two of the country’s most scenic national parks: Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. The itinerary includes a 12-hour bus tour into the heart of Denali, and a raft trip at Spencer Glacier. Overnight in Anchorage, Denali and Girdwood. The line offers reclining seats, picture windows, a popular dining service and onboard tour guides. Passengers can upgrade to bi-level coaches featuring unique sky dome lounges. The tour is offered from May 15 through September 14.

  Alaska Railroad Corporation
  800-544-0552
  alaskarailroad.com

Amtrak California Zephyr

• The Amtrak California Zephyr is a popular two-night transcontinental train trip from Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville), with stops in Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake and Reno. Ride the train through the heart of the Rocky Mountains and view the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, the Glenwood Canyon and the Truckee River along the way. Reserve a coach seat or a choice of sleeper accommodations for this 51-hour trip. The Zephyr offers a dining car and a lounge car as well as lounges for first-class passengers in Chicago and Washington. The California Zephyr has motor coach connections from Emeryville to San Francisco and Oakland stations.

  Amtrak California Zephyr
  800-872-7245
  amtrak.com

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Top Ten Vacations in the United States

The United States has much to offer travelers. Each state has its own culture and its own attractions, many of which are popular to out-of-state visitors and international visitors alike. Over a distance of more than 3,000 miles, there are beaches, mountains, waterfalls, forests and more for an adventuresome or relaxing trip of a lifetime.

East Coast: New York and Florida

No. 1: The Big Apple has to be the best vacation within the United States because there is so much to see. As one of the oldest cities in the country, there are many of the oldest buildings. Iconic architecture, including the Empire State Building, which includes a tour, is a must-see. A baseball game at the new Yankee Stadium, a concert at Madison Square Garden and a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty are all fun things to do for all on a trip to New York City.

No. 2: Miami, Florida is a hot spot for young and old because of its weather and all the fun, exciting activities, like swimming with the dolphins, relaxing on the beach or clubbing all night long. The tropical weather creates a feeling of getting away without spending as much as a trip to the Caribbean.

No. 3: Orlando, Florida is a great place for a family vacation. Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios and a number of water parks offer kids and parents alike a fun-filled holiday.

West Coast: California

No. 4: Los Angeles, California is a place to vacation that has everything. Go to the beach, the mountains, Disneyland or on a tour of Hollywood stars' homes. Most of the major film studios are also located in the Los Angeles area.

No. 5: San Francisco, California is a beautiful city with unique destinations you can't see anywhere else. The Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower are major sightseeing attractions, while Alcatraz offers an interesting glimpse at the past. And don't forget Fisherman's Wharf, where there's family fun with street performers, great seafood restaurants, sea lions and other entertainment.

Hawaii

No. 6: Hawaii is not only a great destination spot for those living in the continental U.S., but is a renowned vacation spot for those all around the world. The beautiful beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, natural greenery and traditional foods make it either relaxing or adventurous, or a combination of the two. Swim with the sea turtles, climb a volcano and then relax on the beautiful white-sand beaches with your favorite drink in hand.

Alaska

No. 7: Alaska has grown in popularity over the years, especially by means of cruising. An Alaskan cruise allows travelers to visit major cities, which often are smaller than many "towns" in the continental U.S., and also allows for once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like walking on a glacier, spotting natural wildlife or dog-sledding.

Las Vegas

No. 8: Sin City may not be vacation fun for the whole family, but for adults, it's a mecca of entertainment. Travelers can see world-class shows like Cirque du Soleil or even the steamy Thunder from Down Under. One reason Vegas ranks with the best of destinations is that visitors can have fun with little money. There is a wide range in casino gambling prices and free drinks are usually given out like candy to kids on Halloween. There are also a few "daytime" activities like the M&M Museum and Coca-Cola "Cokes around the world" to enjoy.

Colorado

No. 9: Colorado boasts what many places in the United States do not: mountains. Whether winter or summer, the beautiful natural surroundings throughout Colorado draw visitors from all around. In warmer weather, the Colorado River is a place where many adventurous visitors try whitewater rafting. Skiing and snowboarding are available in the winter months on some of the best slopes in the country.

Road Trip

No. 10: A road trip is a way to see many of the best destinations in one fell swoop. Not only will you see the big attractions, but small towns with unique foods and attractions of their own will make the long drive worthwhile. Road trips can happen over and over, with so much to see each time. They're family friendly and, best of all, you create your own schedule and see what you want to see. With so many freeways and side streets in this huge country, you'll never be bored.

Popular spots on a U.S. road trip are the Grand Canyon, the Alamo and even the Biggest Ball of Yarn.

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Things to See on the Yale Campus

You don't need to be a degree-seeking student to find a tour of 3-century-old Yale University fascinating. In addition to producing a lengthy list of U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize-winners, it claims what has been described as one of the most beautiful campuses in America. The venerable New Haven, Connecticut, school holds delightful surprises in its “sequestered nooks” and gladly shares them with visitors. Pay a visit and give it an "A."

Yale on Display

• Yale's 300-plus years of architecture creates a visual feast. Connecticut Hall is the oldest building on campus, and the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library is the most recognizable. Students ring the 54-bell carillon twice a day from the imposing Gothic Harkness Tower and work out in the Gothic "cathedral of sweat," the Payne Whitney Gymnasium. In sharp contrast with much Yale architecture is the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, a six-story glass box whose Vermont-marble panel windows filter light, dimming the interior to protect the treasures. Of the more than 20 pieces of Yale public art that can be viewed without prior arrangement, be sure to see the dignified Nathan Hale bronze statue outside Connecticut Hall, where the Yale graduate and proud hero lived as a student. Make your way across the street to Harkness Tower to relish the ironwork delicacy of Samuel Yellin's Memorial Quadrangle Gate.

Not-So-Stuffy Repositories

• While most Yale museums are open to the public, not all libraries are. Sterling Memorial Library, Yale's largest, welcomes the public during the academic year with hour restrictions. Resembling a European Gothic cathedral, its interior includes cloisters, side chapels, a circulation desk altar and 3,300 stained glass windows. The Peabody Museum of Natural History offers free admission on Thursday afternoons from September through June and houses the nation's most historically significant fossil collection. Yale University Art Gallery is free and open to the public. It offers a schedule of rotating exhibits and has a permanent collection of more than 200,000 objects. African, ancient, Islamic, European, American decorative and photographic art are just a few of the sources represented.
• Artistic Sustenance

• Try to wrangle tickets to performances by students from the Yale School of Drama, known for giving us the likes of Meryl Streep and Lupita Nyong'o. Graduate students present experimental, risk-taking works at the Yale Cabaret dinner theater; relish filet mignon before watching one of 18 different productions mounted each academic year. The Tony Award-winning Yale Repertory Theatre is the professional arm of the drama school, presenting new works and daring interpretations of classics. For the quintessential, old-Yale experience, catch the Whiffenpoofs. Founded in 1909, the world's oldest and most prestigious male a cappella group is one of the school's most cherished traditions. The best part? The legendary Mory's Temple Bar, where they appear weekly when in town, has reopened after renovation and is no longer strictly members-only.

Follow the Leader -- or Not

• If you show up for a guided tour of the Yale campus during the last week of the year, on Thanksgiving or on a Harvard-Yale game day, you'll be out of luck. Otherwise, there are morning and afternoon tours Monday through Friday and an afternoon tour on Saturday and Sunday. Tours last about an hour and 20 minutes and leave from the Mead Visitor Center, in New Haven's oldest private residence, the recently restored Pierpont House at 149 Elm Street. If you're the independent type, go it alone following a Blue Trail map you can buy from the center or download a tour to your MP3 player that includes 32 additional stops.

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Attractions in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Like the dramatic sweep of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting the Hampton Roads region's northern and southern portions, attractions in the area span America's story from Colonial days to the modern marvels of technology and space travel. Along the northern shorelines, birdwatching, kayaking and bicycling draw visitors keen on nature's beauty. To the south, tanning, splashing in the sea and the rocking entertainment at Virginia Beach venues entice vacationers seeking leisure and pleasure. In between, Hampton Roads' big-name attractions and quiet corners welcome guests with warm Southern hospitality.

Colonial America Lives On

• Dressed in period costume, staffers and volunteers at Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park bring history to life. Watch glassblowers create bottles with the same techniques settlers in the 17th century used, stroll through the woodlands and fields where Pocohontas met Capt. John Smith and listen for the echo of artillery re-creating skirmishes from the American Revolution. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg rub elbows with actors depicting Native Americans, early colonists from Europe, and African-Americans who arrived in the New World as slaves and domestic servants, all engaged in everyday 18th century activities. For a touch of serenity while visiting these attractions, slip into one of Williamsburg's tidy gardens or meander along the Colonial Parkway and side roads between Jamestown and Yorktown.

Thrills, Slides and Rides

• Careening down a colossal water slide, holding on tight through the twists and turns of a breathtaking roller coaster ride and meeting exotic animals up close and personal draw family vacationers to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. On-site dining with food from different nations, music and theatrical productions, and the beautifully landscaped gardens keep visitors there, often for multiple days. More water slides, tubing on a man-made river and shaded cabanas await at Ocean Breeze Waterpark in Virginia Beach. Nearby, Motor World offers over 200 go-karts and 11 racetracks, paint ball courses and miniature golf for those who prefer to keep their adventures on dry land.

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

• Chances are you'll see and hear fighter jets roaring overhead on training missions sometime during your stay in Hampton Roads. Visit the Military Air Museum in Virginia Beach, next to Naval Air Station Oceana where the squadrons are based, for a closer look. On summer weekdays, bus tours around NAS Oceana take you around the base, but you can browse through the historic military aircraft on the museum grounds year round. In Hampton, Virginia, exhibits including the command module from Apollo 12, moon rocks and a massive 3-D IMAX screen engage young and old at the Virginia Air & Space Center, visitor center for Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Langley Research Center.

Over and Under the Sea

• Perched on the shores where three rivers join to enter Chesapeake Bay, and home to multiple seagoing military installations, the maritime vibe is strong in Hampton Roads. In Norfolk, Virginia, the strong bond to the sea can be seen at the Nauticus complex, where the Battleship Wisconsin is open for tours as part of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. It's also the departure point for a guided tour of the world's largest naval base aboard the Victory Rover vessel. For a peek underwater, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach separates you from sharks, rays and sea turtles with only a thick wall of glass.

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Rhode Island Beach Guide

Rhode Island, which spans less than 50 miles at its widest point, has an incredible 384 miles of shoreline. The state’s beaches have a reputation as some of the finest in New England, with impressive surf, wide-open vistas and generous expanses of sand. From the sheltered coves of Narragansett Bay to the booming surf of Block Island, visitors and residents of Rhode Island can explore beaches across five diverse areas.

Blackstone Valley and East Bay

• The sole public beach in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley lies on the shore of Georgiaville Pond in Smithville. This freshwater beach, which requires a day-pass for entry, has a sandy area and restroom facility. East Bay has notable beaches in Barrington and Warren. Barrington Town Beach encompasses 4 acres, with views of Narragansett Bay. Warren Town Beach, which has shallow water and playground equipment, is ideal for families with small children.

Newport County Beaches

• In 2010, CNN honored Goosewing Beach in Newport County by naming it one of the world's best eco-friendly beaches. Maintained as a shorebird preserve, Goosewing Beach presents a rich spectacle of rolling dunes and coastal ponds. South Shore Beach in Little Compton, located next to Goosewing, has the added benefit of lifeguards. Newport’s Easton’s Beach has a range of attractions, including a beachside aquarium and skate park. The nearby Sachuest Town Beach in Middletown offers a calm environment, with a long stretch of sand and promontory views.
• South County Beaches

• South County has the most public beaches of any Rhode Island county. Watch Hill Beach in Westerly offers an antique carousel, private bathhouses and Napatree Point, a secluded sandy stretch bounded with water on three sides. The high surf at Narragansett Town Beach lures water sports enthusiasts, while Scarborough Beach, also in Narragansett, caters to a youthful crowd and offers excellent people-watching. Misquamicut State Beach has a boardwalk, thrilling surf and a vibrant, lively atmosphere.

West Bay Beaches

• The city of Warwick on the picturesque West Bay has an array of public beaches. Conimicut Point Beach treats visitors to bracing ocean air and views of the Conimicut Lighthouse. Gorton Pond on Post Road has a small beach area with a fishing pier. Oakland Beach, a saltwater bay inlet beach, welcomes visitors with calm waters and adjacent restaurants. Boaters can make use of a ramp on nearby Bay Avenue.

Block Island

• Block Island preserves an identity all its own, defined by its residents’ pride of place and commitment to natural conservation. Visitors from Rhode Island can take the ferry from Narragansett to explore Block Island’s 17 miles of beaches. Fred Benson Town Beach, a crescent-shaped expanse of luxuriant sand, won recognition from Coastal Living in 2012 as one of the 21 best beaches in the United States. Mansion Beach, named for the picturesque ruins of an old house, is located in a secluded cove on the island’s north shore.

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Things to See on the Way to Missouri from Flint

When you're planning a road trip from one state to another, you don't have to resign yourself to boring landscapes and eating a steady supply of fast food. Make the trip more interesting by exploring some of the history, culture and fine dining along the way. The drive from Flint, Michigan, to Missouri will take you 10 hours or more, depending on the route you take, and you'll find plenty worth seeing in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.

South Bend, Indiana: Mansion Tour

• From Flint, head west on Interstate 69 until it connects with Interstate 94. Make your first stop in South Bend, Indiana, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is home to the University of Notre Dame. The mighty lake is worth a look, but also check out the Oliver Mansion, a 12,000-square-foot Victorian home complete with a gold dome. Stick with the mansion theme and eat at South Bend's Tippecanoe Place, a casual fine dining restaurant located in a 40-room stone mansion.

Route 66: The Well-Traveled Route

• From South Bend, head west into Illinois and past Chicago to connect with Interstate 55, which will take you into southern Illinois. The area encompasses what was once part of U.S. Highway 66 -- one of the longest highways in the nation prior to the adoption of the interstate system. In Pontiac, stop off at the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Museum. The museum is an interesting stopping-off point for the weary traveler that features photos, displays and artifacts from the historic highway.

Springfield, Illinois: Land of Lincoln

• As the home of President Lincoln, many sites in the state of Illinois offer a historic claim to fame. The capital city of Springfield, however, has more than its share. Abraham Lincoln's last home before moving to Washington, D.C., as president is now the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and is restored to look as it would have when Lincoln left it in 1860. Also check out the Old State Capitol building, where Lincoln tried numerous cases as an attorney and where he was laid in state after his death.

Arriving in St. Louis

• In the northeast corner of the state of Missouri is the city of St. Louis. The city is recognizable by its Gateway Arch, complete with an elevator that takes people close to the top -- but that's not the only thing to see. The city is also home to another attraction worth visiting: the Missouri Botanical Garden. This is no ordinary flower garden -- it's the United States' oldest botanical garden and is on the National Register of Historic Places. On the grounds, you'll find a more than 4,800 trees, a Japanese garden, a children's center, a historic home, a host of rare orchids and an indoor rainforest.

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Things to Do in St. Johnsbury, Vermont

The small town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, has a rich history and is surrounded by a natural setting ideal for outdoor activities. A small number of settlers, including a member of the Continental Congress, came here in the late 1700s and built homes that still sit in the center of town. One of the town’s most famous residents, Thaddeus Fairbanks, invented the platform scale, and the generosity of the Fairbanks family helped create and fund some of the popular cultural attractions in town.

Just Waiting for the Little Woman

• Across the border, about 18 miles from Casey County in the town of Adair, in neighboring Adair County, is the Free Union Baptist Church. Behind this red-brick, A-frame country church is an old, picturesque cemetery complete with standing tombstones and above-ground monuments that can be viewed from the road. Everyone buried there, however, isn’t necessarily at peace. The graveyard is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a man and the baby he's holding. Those who have seen the man claim that he’s waiting for his wife to join him and reunite the family. You’ll find the church and its cemetery on State Road 1729.

Spirits of the Unburied Old South

• In Boyle County, just over 24 miles from Casey County, is the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. One of the Civil War’s more savage and bloody battles was fought here on October 8, 1862. When the fighting was over, the field was strewn with at least 7,600 dead or wounded soldiers. The corpses of the Confederate soldiers were left on the battlefield, unburied, to rot. It’s probably for this reason the battlefield is said today to be alive with apparitions. Glowing balls of light are often seen there, as are the restless spirits of soldiers, many of them on horseback. You’ll find the battlefield 2 miles outside of Perryville on the Dixville Crossroads, and haunted tours can be arranged.
• Bed, Breakfast and Spooks

• The Maple Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast in Springfield, 27 1/2 miles from Casey County, is a two-story, Greek Revival inn built in 1851 by the slaves of a plantation owner hoping to please his new bride. For those seeking a luxurious Old South B & B experience, the manor seems perfect. Often, though, guests get a little more than just Southern charm. Maple Hill Manor is haunted by either the ghosts of the original owners, or by the spirits of soldiers who fought in the battle of Perryville. While the true identity of these pesky spirits isn’t known, their behavior is: Guests have heard knocking at their doors and footsteps through empty rooms, felt cold spots and smelled phantom perfume. Strange spots of light show up in photos, and guests of the inn’s seven rooms also report having odd dreams. The manor can be found on Perryville Road.

Tomb of the Unknown Dancer

• There’s a single grave marker still standing in Young Park in Mercer City, 30 miles from Casey County, that reads, “Unknown. Hallowed and Hushed be the place of the dead. Step softly bow head.” This is the tombstone marking the grave of a beautiful young woman, so the story goes, who checked into a hotel that once stood in the park under a false name. She attended a ball at the hotel thrown in the late 1800s and literally danced the night away. In fact, she danced herself to death, falling dead in the arms of her last dancing partner. Without knowing her name or where she had come from, the hotel staff and guests buried her on the hotel grounds. While the hotel burned to the ground, the grave remains. And her ghost can still be seen, dancing in the moonlight. You’ll find the park and her grave on Lindon Avenue. Pleasant dreams.

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Where Are the Haunted Places Near Casey County, Kentucky?

Kentucky is a place with a long and interesting history, and was a part of Virginia before it was granted statehood in 1792. Known for holding dear their racehorses, tobacco and whiskey, Kentuckians are rambunctious, and the ghosts they leave behind are pretty much the same. Kentucky is said to contain numerous haunted areas, many considered hot spots. Casey County, in the middle of the state, isn’t one of them. The county supposedly contains a ghost town, but it isn’t known to be haunted. In his book, “Haunted Houses," author William Montell writes of a Casey County mansion called the McKinney House that was supposedly very haunted until it burned down in 1988. But while Casey County itself may be considered “clean,” the areas within 30 miles of the county line tell very different tales.

Just Waiting for the Little Woman

• Across the border, about 18 miles from Casey County in the town of Adair, in neighboring Adair County, is the Free Union Baptist Church. Behind this red-brick, A-frame country church is an old, picturesque cemetery complete with standing tombstones and above-ground monuments that can be viewed from the road. Everyone buried there, however, isn’t necessarily at peace. The graveyard is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a man and the baby he's holding. Those who have seen the man claim that he’s waiting for his wife to join him and reunite the family. You’ll find the church and its cemetery on State Road 1729.

Spirits of the Unburied Old South

• In Boyle County, just over 24 miles from Casey County, is the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. One of the Civil War’s more savage and bloody battles was fought here on October 8, 1862. When the fighting was over, the field was strewn with at least 7,600 dead or wounded soldiers. The corpses of the Confederate soldiers were left on the battlefield, unburied, to rot. It’s probably for this reason the battlefield is said today to be alive with apparitions. Glowing balls of light are often seen there, as are the restless spirits of soldiers, many of them on horseback. You’ll find the battlefield 2 miles outside of Perryville on the Dixville Crossroads, and haunted tours can be arranged.
• Bed, Breakfast and Spooks

• The Maple Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast in Springfield, 27 1/2 miles from Casey County, is a two-story, Greek Revival inn built in 1851 by the slaves of a plantation owner hoping to please his new bride. For those seeking a luxurious Old South B & B experience, the manor seems perfect. Often, though, guests get a little more than just Southern charm. Maple Hill Manor is haunted by either the ghosts of the original owners, or by the spirits of soldiers who fought in the battle of Perryville. While the true identity of these pesky spirits isn’t known, their behavior is: Guests have heard knocking at their doors and footsteps through empty rooms, felt cold spots and smelled phantom perfume. Strange spots of light show up in photos, and guests of the inn’s seven rooms also report having odd dreams. The manor can be found on Perryville Road.

Tomb of the Unknown Dancer

• There’s a single grave marker still standing in Young Park in Mercer City, 30 miles from Casey County, that reads, “Unknown. Hallowed and Hushed be the place of the dead. Step softly bow head.” This is the tombstone marking the grave of a beautiful young woman, so the story goes, who checked into a hotel that once stood in the park under a false name. She attended a ball at the hotel thrown in the late 1800s and literally danced the night away. In fact, she danced herself to death, falling dead in the arms of her last dancing partner. Without knowing her name or where she had come from, the hotel staff and guests buried her on the hotel grounds. While the hotel burned to the ground, the grave remains. And her ghost can still be seen, dancing in the moonlight. You’ll find the park and her grave on Lindon Avenue. Pleasant dreams.

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