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Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Join your host Tony Merkel on a trip into the paranormal, this time at one of the most haunted hotels on the east coast, the Shanley, located in Napanoch, NY. Filled with an extraordinary amount of unexplained activity and reported to be home to over 30 spirits, this should be the perfect place to spend the night!
Our journey into the supernatural on our two adventurous days will allow us to search for the legendary Spook Rock, walk with the lost spirits of Historic Huguenot Street, have lunch with the ghosts of an 18th century mansion, and spend the night with the tragic souls still lingering in the halls of the Shanley Hotel as we follow our guide on our own paranormal investigation.
Day One: Spook Rock & Legend of Hulda
Our first step into the supernatural begins in the forest outside the town of Sleepy Hollow, where we follow the legend of Hulda the Witch along the wooded trails to an eerie historical landmark, Spook Rock. As we walk, we’ll recount the tale that’s been passed down through the ages about a young Native American hunter who encountered the presence of celestial maidens enraptured in dance atop Spook Rock, which from then on was used as a Council rock where leaders of the tribe would gather among its sacred powers.
Nearby, is a witch’s cottage, similar to the one lived in by Hulda the Witch, a strange older woman with dark eyes who had an unusual knowledge of medicinal herbs and was able to speak in an uncommon language that only Native Americans could understand. Strangely, this witch’s shelter is ALWAYS rebuilt. Perhaps it’s the hikers who pass by regularly who reinforce it, or maybe it’s a spirit or witch or Hulda herself.
Day One: Lunch in Sleepy Hollow
After our hike, we’ll make our way to the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow where we can sit back and relax while enjoying a pint with lunch in a local pub atmosphere.
Day One: Haunted Huguenot Street
Our next brush with the supernatural will be found on haunted Huguenot Street in the historic town of New Paltz, NY, a place with history that’s so alive that it even comes back from the dead. As we wander down one of America’s oldest streets we’ll immerse in the dark history, eerie tales, paranormal sightings and unsolved mysteries of this historic district.
Our guide will share the stories of past residents who once resided in the ancient stone houses along our path and their experiences of terrible tragedies, encounters with apparitions, and paranormal investigations.
Day One: The Haunted Shanley Hotel
Now we make our way to the small town of Napanoch, NY, nestled in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains. Within its quiet streets stands the Shanley Hotel. If the walls of the Shanley could talk, they would tell harrowing tales of tragic deaths, suspicious fires, hangings, and dead prostitutes. This historic place was once home to several famous guests as well as infamous ones who used to patronage the Gentlemen’s Club and Bordello housed in this space. A few of these guests have never left and still linger among the corridors waiting to welcome you.
Tragedy then surrounded the Shanley’s who purchased the hotel in 1906. We’ll share in the stories of these former inhabitants and why at least 6 of them are still seen and heard and felt throughout the hotel. You may witness chairs rocking on their own, mysterious clock chimes, cold and hot spots, whistling, disembodied footsteps, piano music, laughing children and the smell of cooking when no food is being prepared.
We’ll follow in the footsteps of previous investigations that found evidence of shadows, apparitions (even a ghost cat named Sweet Thing!) and numerous EVPs. Ten of the bedrooms are the most haunted rooms in the hotel. If you’re willing, one can be your bed for the night, sleep tight!
Day Two: Lunch with the Spirits of Silvio's Villa
If you’re not ready to bolt outta the Shanley as soon as daylight appears, we’ll enjoy breakfast and recap of the night’s activities and findings. This will be a good time to pair up with Tony on a short interview. Now we journey through the Catskills past the Witches Hole State Forest to the historic Warwick Valley where we’ll find ourselves at Silvio’s Villa, an 18th century inn, once home to travelers, families and mystery.
There are footsteps, doors opening and closing, shapes entering in and out of dimly lit spaces, visible orbs and faint shouting, however no one is there. Items tend to disappear, then reappear days later and once a coat rack was found furiously spinning in a closed closet. Who knows what we’ll encounter during our Italian lunch at this haunted, 200 year old mansion.
Whoever is left after all these encounters with the supernatural will now be taken back to the Newark Airport where you can return home or hang out for further explorations.
Pricing & Departures:
Upon registration, we will make arrangements with you for departure times and locations and can help with any arrangements you need if you are coming from out of the area.
Departs South Plainfield High School, at the end of Lane Ave. at 8:15 AM and returns the next day at approximately 3:45 PM
Departs Chatham Middle School, 480 Main St. at 9:00 AM and returns the next day at approximately 3:00 PM
All inclusive price includes: All meals, bus transportation, overnight in Burn Brae Mansion, paranormal investigation, all admissions, personalized tour with guides, first hand viewing of The Confessionals interviews, exclusive access to share your own stories with Tony for inclusion on future podcast
Price per person is $995- All inclusive. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due February 11, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before February 11, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after February 11, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
