Mysteries and Magic: Discovering America's Occult Towns

Occult towns in America are places known for their association with mystical and esoteric practices. These towns have become havens for spiritual seekers, witches, and practitioners of alternative religions. While some may dismiss these towns as mere tourist attractions or eccentric communities, they hold great importance for those who believe in the power of magic and the existence of unseen forces. One such town is Salem, Massachusetts. Widely known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, Salem has become a center for all things occult. Witches and their followers flock here to explore its history, visit witch-themed shops, and attend events such as psychic readings and tarot card readings.

Witches and their followers flock here to explore its history, visit witch-themed shops, and attend events such as psychic readings and tarot card readings. Salem embraces its occult past with open arms and has even established a Witchcraft Trials Memorial to honor those who lost their lives during the trials. Another town with a strong occult presence is New Orleans, Louisiana.

The United States’ Most Mystical Places to Visit

Some places have a certain energy: You feel it the moment you arrive—or, in some cases, the moment you even begin to think about visiting. And while some of those places—like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, or the temples of Tibet—are known worldwide as destinations where spiritual seekers, vortex hunters, and healers gather, there are places even closer to home that hold a similar cosmic draw. Below, a look some of the United States’ most mystical places to visit.

Creative types began flocking to the remote region near Joshua Tree National Park in the ’60s, and many of that decade’s bohemian spiritual leanings remain. Located where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, the surreal landscape is punctuated with gnarled Yucca trees, formidable rock formations, and pastel-shaded sunsets—and sure to lull anyone into a meditative state. And if the scenery doesn’t do it, the sound bath at the famed Integratron will. Where to Stay: The High Desert House or The Joshua Tree House

This dormant volcano in northern California is believed to be one of the strongest energy vortexes in North America, and tales of its unexplained mysteries abound—one legend even claims that a hidden city filled with advanced beings from a lost continent hides beneath its peaks. Visitors report feeling “drawn” to the mountain, with overwhelming feelings of lightness and peace coming over them in its presence. Where to Stay: McCloud Hotel

For strong cosmic vibes, head to the state of Utah, which is now home to eight of the best places to stargaze in the United States. This year, Cedar Breaks National Monument—a stunning park with 10,000-foot-high vistas—was granted International Dark Sky Park status, a designation reserved only for places with the darkest night skies. Where to Stay: Point Supreme Campground

When it comes to historic, haunting American cities, New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia, have well-cemented reputations. But the title of America’s oldest city actually belongs to St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565. Of course, a place with over 500 years of human history is bound to hold its share of mysteries: Residents claim that the city’s iconic lighthouse, Historic District, and the alleged site of Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth are all hotbeds of spiritual energy. Where to Stay: The Collector Inn

Dramatic views, crashing waves, active volcanoes: The forces of nature are on dynamic display on the Big Island. Many of the Hawaiian Islands’ most sacred monuments and temples—Honaunau National Park, Kealakekua Bay, Mookini Heaiau State Monument—are located on the Big Island, which is also said to be the home of Pele, the volcano goddess. Where to Stay: The Fern Forest Tree House

The tranquil desert town surrounded by otherworldly red mountains is a famed center of the New Age movement, with a multitude of energy vortexes, crystal shops, and healing centers. Where to Stay: El Portal or Amara Resort

Nearly everyone who has peered into the bright blue abyss that is the U.S.’s deepest lake (1,943 feet!) admits they’ve been moved by its stunning natural beauty; some even insist that the electromagnetic energy flowing from the lake is on par with that of sacred places like Tibet or Peru. But the Klamath tribes who populated the area had a more ominous perspective on the water-filled crater: They warned that looking too long into its depths would invite “death and lasting sorrow,” and only the tribe’s shaman was allowed to visit the lake. Nowadays, reports of UFO and Big Foot sightings are not uncommon. Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge

Spiritual seekers have long been drawn to this secluded town nestled in a valley below the Topa Topa mountains. Some swear it sits on an electromagnetic vortex; others claim the area’s hot springs have healing properties. Where to Stay: Ojai Rancho Inn

Known for being a melting pot of cultures and traditions, New Orleans has long been associated with voodoo and other mystical practices. The city's rich history, with its African, French, and Spanish influences, has allowed for the preservation and continuation of a unique blend of occult beliefs and rituals. Visitors to New Orleans can explore the famous French Quarter, where they can find voodoo shops, tarot card readers, and spiritual practitioners offering their services. Asheville, North Carolina, is yet another occult town in America. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has gained a reputation for being a hub of alternative spirituality and energy healers. The city is home to numerous occult and metaphysical bookstores, as well as workshops and classes on topics such as astrology, crystal healing, and meditation. Asheville's bohemian atmosphere and natural beauty make it an appealing destination for those seeking a deeper connection with the occult. In conclusion, occult towns in America provide a space for individuals to explore and pursue their spiritual beliefs and interests. Whether it's Salem, New Orleans, Asheville, or other similar towns, these places offer an environment where the occult is celebrated and embraced. For those who believe in the power of magic and the invisible realms, these towns serve as a gathering place and a source of inspiration..

Reviews for "Dark Arts and Hidden Treasures: America's Occult Towns Worth Exploring"

1. Jane - ★☆☆☆☆

I was really disappointed with "Occult Towns in America". The book promised a fascinating exploration of mysterious and secretive towns across the country, but it fell flat. The author's writing style was dry and lacked any excitement or intrigue. The information provided was basic and seemed more like a Wikipedia page than a well-researched book. I expected to learn about historical events, creepy legends, and supernatural phenomena, but instead, I got a generic overview that left me feeling bored and unimpressed. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of occult towns in America.

2. Mike - ★★☆☆☆

As someone who has a keen interest in the supernatural and occult, I had high hopes for "Occult Towns in America". However, I found the book to be incredibly shallow and lacking substance. The author briefly touches on a handful of towns, but the information provided is surface-level at best. It felt like the author just scratched the surface without delving into the details that make these towns truly intriguing. Additionally, the writing style was mundane, lacking any sort of captivating storytelling that would have kept me engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of depth and narrative in this book and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive exploration of occult towns in America.

3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆

I found "Occult Towns in America" to be underwhelming. While the book did touch on some interesting places, the writing style was dry and lacked excitement. The author failed to bring these towns to life, making it difficult to connect with the stories and legends that are supposedly hidden within them. The lack of depth and storytelling left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. I wish the author had taken a more immersive and detailed approach to the subject matter. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations, and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging exploration of occult towns in America.

Supernatural Delights: Visiting America's Occult Towns