Atlanta's Most Haunted Places
For some idea on how seriously Georgia takes ghosts, consider that there are at least 81 listed paranormal societies according to this national database. There are even more if you consider the overlapping jurisdictions with other states. Meanwhile, there is no telling how many anonymous believers are really out there.
The Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research is a highly professional group of haunting experts. This group gathers evidence in the form of audio recordings and evaluates the meaning of ghost orbs in photography. Investigators Diane Culpepper and Denise Roffe also have an honor code: "Any evidence that we collect, regardless of the nature, will only be released with the homeowner or property owner's permission. We will disclose research findings in a professional but sensitive manner free from any personal bias." Read on to discover some of these alleged haunts.
3109 Piedmont Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30305
Featured on the S.I.P.R's website, Anthony's Restaurant was a "fine dining" location built in an old plantation home. There have been reported sightings and odd sounds upstairs and downstairs. In a bizarre turn, this location was sold to a developer who wanted to convert the building into a yacht and polo club, despite its location. Just six months and a series of breached contracts later, this plan was abandoned. Current owners are hoping to use this location as a venue for special events like weddings, but fittingly perhaps, it has a reputation for being cursed, albeit by questionable business decisions.
The Noonday Cemetery AKA "The Devil's Turnaround"
Marietta, Georgia
(location information withheld)
The natural location for spirits would be cemeteries. There is no shortage of these in the area, but one famous local cemetery has no love for thrill seekers. The Noonday Cemetery is nicknamed after its roundabout and supernatural sightings. Noonday or "The Devil's Turnaround" is more the victim of vandalism and trespassing by the living rather than haunted by the dead. Local author Rhetta Akamatsu purposely changed the name of the this graveyard in her book to discourage visitors, but locals still regularly risk arrest to test the occult rumors for themselves.
Old Roswell Cemetery
Woodstock Road and Alpharetta St.
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 649-9922
www.roswellghosttour.com
Rather than face prosecution for criminal trespassing, it is best to stick to locations with regulated tours. The Old Roswell Cemetery was originally the burial ground for a Methodist church and was founded in 1846 or 1848. There is plenty of authentic an interesting history to be explored in the daylight, but seasonal walking tours make good use of the local atmosphere at night.
131 Church St.
Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 425-1006
www.ghostsofmarietta.com
During the month of October, there are a number of ghost-themed "haunted houses" that offer cheap thrills and aim at nothing more than entertainment. Blurring the lines of pure novelty and actual belief in ghosts is the locally famous Ghosts of Marietta tours. There are a few different versions of the same spooky theme. Lively, local storytellers guide visitors on either a walking tour or trolley ride complete with lanterns and, in some cases, a glass of wine.
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1 Depot St., Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 794-5710
www.marietta.com
Now it is home of the Marietta Museum of History but the Kennesaw House has a proper pedigree for creepiness. Built in the 1840s, it was a cotton warehouse, then a railroad restaurant, then a Civil War hospital and even a morgue. There is a fair amount of actual history here to go along with the local reports of apparitions.
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