Now That's Scary: The Downtown Ithaca Haunted History Tour
Everyone Likes a Good Scare and This Local Tour Has Its Share!
Every city and town has its dark side. That was my thought during a recent visit to Ithaca, New York where a wonderful day-trip was made even better thanks to a unique interactive tour of Ithaca's haunted past which effectively manages to put the cities dark underbelly right in your face.
By the Light of the Full Moon
Ithaca's History Center produces and stages the Downtown Ithaca Haunted History Tour. Now, never having been to Ithaca, New York, I knew absolutely nothing about the town's sordid past. But thanks to the HC's talented cast of actors and storytellers, Ithaca's haunted flipside is brought to life (no pun intended). The people and places of Tompkins County's rich history, which in this case means stories of murder, haunting, and some of the more unusual occurrences that have occurred in Ithaca's local history, are expertly retold.
The Haunted Tour is made to order for the month of October and Halloween in particular and features tales touching upon many important events in the City such as the Iroquois Settlement along Cayuga Lake, Cornell family and University history, silent movie stars, World War II Veterans, and such landmarks as Cascadilla Gorge, the Clinton House, the State Theatre, and the City Cemetery.
Dying to Get In
One of our stops was the Ithaca Cemetery. And a few facts I learned definitely raised the hair on the back of my neck. Ithaca suffered a terrible blow to its local population due to the typhoid epidemic of the early 1900's. The number of individuals - young and old - that lost their lives (one in 10 in a city of 13,136 by the time the epidemic was over) was staggering. Do their spirits live on to this day, aimlessly wandering the Ithaca cemetery? Who knows but it sure is fun finding out!
The Nitty-Gritty
The Haunted History Tour is not only a great way to spend an hour but it's always nice to meet people, maybe make a friend or two and learn a few things to boot. Sure the talent kind of plays things for laughs but the end-game is to entertain and not scare.
Tours start at 7pm and depart from the Ticket Center/Visit Center on the Ithaca Commons, just to the left of the main entrance to Center Ithaca. Tickets are $13 per person. Call 07.273.4497 for more information.
If you love a good mystery you'll enjoy the Haunted history tour.
Published by Gary Picariello
I've traveled the world as a Broadcast Journalist working for the American Forces Radio & Television Service in the United States Air Force. Now happily retired after 23 years of service, and currently livin... View profile
- Four Quality New Car Dealerships in Ithaca, New YorkIf you live in or around the Ithaca, New York area, there are a large number of new car dealerships that offer a wide variety of vehicle selections. Below is a list of four popular new car dealers in Ithaca.
- Five Used Car Dealers in the Ithaca, New York AreaMany new car buyers are choosing to purchase quality used and pre-owned vehicles. If you live in or around the Ithaca, New York area below is a list of five popular used car dealerships.
- Day Spas in Ithaca, New York ReviewedIthaca, New York has two amazing day spas that offer services to the general public.
- Popular Dry Cleaners in the Ithaca, New York AreaEvery individual is likely to have at least one article of clothing that needs to be professionally dry cleaned. Below is a summary of four popular professional dry cleaners in the Ithaca, New York area.
- Top Community Theatres in Ithaca, New YorkIthaca is home to three of the most popular community theaters in Tompkins County.
- Top Hair Salons in Ithaca, New York
- Three Steakhouses in Ithaca, New York
- Three Local Ithaca Dentists Reviewed: New York
- Hotel Guide: Ithaca, New York
- Sporting Goods Stores in Ithaca, New York
- Finding a Real Estate Agency or Agent in Ithaca, New York
- Three Highly Recommended Florists in Ithaca, New York