Leisure

Monster’s Ball

Renting a (Possibly) Haunted Space

Halloween. That’s a thing that’s soon. We assume you’ve already begun planning/welding your costume. Now, to find you someplace haunted to wear it. Below, five potentially possessed places you can rent for a party. Or an exorcism.

ON THE BAYOU

The Cruz Building

Legend has it: The spirits of diners past still sip the occasional bourbon here.
Tricks/treats: Three floors of 19th-century New Orleans architecture, a 40-foot mahogany bar and a rooftop terrace complete with twin lion sculptures (on loan from Gozer, god of destruction).
For channeling: The Deep South: men in seersucker, women in beaded gowns and some very hospitable undead.

KING OF THE CASTLE

Coral Castle Museum

Legend has it: In 1923, a five-foot-tall Latvian man harnessed ancient Egyptian powers to build this castle without the help of people or machines.
Tricks/treats: An accurate sundial, 25 rocking chairs, a bathtub and a throne—all constructed from coral rock.
For channeling: All things Egyptian: Cleopatra, King Tut, mummies, Anwar Sadat.

SPANISH INQUISITION

The Ancient Spanish Monastery

Legend has it: A 12th-century Cistercian monastery quantum leaped with Scott Bakula into modern-day North Miami Beach. Or, you know, was dismantled brick by brick in Spain and rebuilt here.
Tricks/treats: An oak-lined garden, an ivy-covered courtyard and a chapel. A creepy chapel.
For channeling: Chanting monks, men in flowing robes and... the prince of darkness.

CELLAR DWELLERS

Underground Cellar at Kork

Legend has it: This was used as a bomb shelter in the 1960s during the Cuban missile crisis. You know, before it became a private wine-tasting vault.
Tricks/treats: A fully stocked rack of wines from all over the world. A humidor. Leather couches. Gruyère fondue.
For channeling: Cold War hysteria (always a great party theme).

GANGSTER’S PARADISE

Al Capone Suite at the Biltmore

Legend has it: Al Capone ran a speakeasy in the hotel. And planned a hit here.
Tricks/treats: A baby grand piano, a private elevator and a cocktail-friendly Roman hot tub.
For channeling: Mob bosses, bootleggers and other friends of the family.