New Year’s eve is quickly approaching, and on its heels is the year 2009.  Know where you’re going to ring it in yet?  Well, if you haven’t made any concrete plans yet, and if you’re the type that likes to knock back a few drinks to welcome the new year, you might find one of the following places hauntingly delicious!

Lafitte’s Blacksmith’s Shop – New Orleans, LA

Reportedly one of the most haunted bars in the U.S., Lafitte’s is named after the pirate, Jean Lafitte.  The building is one of the oldest in the quarter, dating back to around 1772.  Situated on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Phillip St., the building was a favorite hangout of the pirate, and many of his raids were said to be plotted there with his brother, Pierre.  It is also rumored that Lafitte may have stashed some of his “booty” on the property, and his spirit comes back to keep an eye on it.  His spirit has been encountered sitting at a table in a dark corner, a brandy in one hand and a cigar in the other.  He has also been spotted (naughty naughty!) in the ladies room.  Other patrons of the bar have reported seeing a pair of red eyes staring out at them from the old fireplace.  Lights turn on and off by themselves, and it’s not uncommon to get a tap on the shoulder, only to find no one there doing the tapping.

Moon River Brewing Company – Savannah, GA

A stop on several haunted pub tours in the city, the Moon River Brewing Company has become notorius for its spirits – the ones they serve up as well as the ones they don’t…

Located in the old City Hotel, built in 1821, the pub is home to a ghost called “Toby,” who often hangs out in the billiards room, and has been known to push customers out of his way.  The Lady in White that haunts the third floor of the building made an appearance for the Ghost Hunters, who filmed an episode at the bar for their 2007 Halloween Special.  Several bartenders and other staff have had run-ins with the spirits as well.  It is even rumored that the Oglethorpe Brewery shut down because of the ghostly activities that kept interrupting renovations they were doing on the building.  As always, Savannah knows how to deliver when it comes to their ghosts.

Chumley’s – New York, NY

Located on Bedford Street near Barrow, Chumleys is said to be haunted by Henrietta Chumley, the proprietor of the place when it was an infamous speakeasy.  She is said to knock back Manhattan’s at her table by the fireplace, and occassionally knock over liquor bottles.  If that weren’t enough, twelve of the bar’s former employees were fire fighters who died during the attacks on the World Trade Centers.  On that fateful day, it is said that the jukebox, unplugged, played a song with lyrics that said “they’re on their way to paradise.”  The jukebox has played itself several times since then, often chiming in with songs that fit the holiday at the time.

Captain Tony’s Saloon – Key West, FL

Captain Tony’s is the site of the first bar in the State of Florida.  In the 1930s, the building also served as the city morgue.  It is said that when Tony was preparing the foundation of the building, he uncovered a tomb with 16 bodies.  The Elvira Tombstone is an artifact from this find and is on inlaid on the floor of the pool room.  The local “hanging tree” is also located right outside of the bar.  Sounds like the perfect setup for a haunting experience, eh?  A woman who brutally murdered her husband and two children was hung from that tree, and it is said that she is the woman in the blue dress that has been sighted numerous times at the bar.  Ghostly images have been captured on film there as well, and no one really knows how many of the morgue’s “guests” forgot to check out.

Katie’s of Smithtown - Long Island, NY

Katie’s was featured on an episode of Paranormal State, and is known to be haunted by it’s prohibition era bartender, Charlie, who killed himself across the street from the bar.  He is said to break glasses to get attention in the establishment.  Another ghostly spector has been spotted walking through the men’s room door.  An icy hand on the back got one waitress’ attention as well.  The building was said to be cursed, and three businesses managed to go under in that building since 1985.  After the visit and cleansing by the people at Paranormal State, Katie’s managed to turn a profit for the first time ever.

No matter what you dream up to do this New Year’s Eve, do it smart and do it careful.  We want everyone back at Geek Speak in 2009.  Prosperity and happiness to you and yours…

Yours in this life and the next!

GhOsTwRiTeR KiM 

Tags: Captain Tony's, Chumley's, ghosts, haunted bars, haunted pubs, Haunted taverns, Katie's of Smithtown, Lafitte's Blacksmith's, Moon River Brewing, new years, paranormal, spirits, Top Five

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm and is filed under Ghost, Ghostwriter Kim, paranormal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.