New York’s Spine-Tingling Haunted History

Paranormal enthusiast, travel writer and photographer Theresa St. John explores the thrilling side of history in her debut book, Roadtrip New York: Searching for the Paranormal.

In Roadtrip New York: Searching for the Paranormal, the first of a planned three-part series examining New York’s haunted destinations, author Theresa St. John details her first-hand accounts of historic sites and haunted hidden gems. Fully illustrated with St. John’s own photographs, this is a book that will have you wondering what’s waiting behind the flip of every page. 

Whether learning about Victorian-era apparitions at Saratoga’s historic Canfield Casino, or the legends and folklore surrounding the New York State Capitol building, St. John takes you on an unforgettable road trip through some of the state’s top destinations for paranormal activity. 

One of the most memorable experiences St. John encountered while writing the book, she said, was a visit to the circa 1800s’ Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany, NY. Once the site of the Genessee County Poor Farm, those who were abandoned to live out their lives and die here, all but forgotten in their own time, now haunt the halls in an unforgettable way. “It was unsettling for me the whole entire time,” said St. John. “We were there early and were all alone, with no one around, when we heard a blood-curdling scream…” 

Heart-Pounding Surprises

Interacting with history in an adrenaline-inducing way, the history and architecture of these haunted places is all part of their appeal. Learning about the Erie Canal and stepping into the historic Palmyra Wm. Phelps General Store and Museum, seeing items from earlier eras, exquisitely preserved and resting just as the last occupants left them is like stepping into a time capsule, said St. John. 

Since 2014, Theresa St. John’s articles about her experiences at local restaurants, on regional day trips, and enjoying scenic getaways have delighted the readers of Saratoga TODAY’s Simply Saratoga magazine. 

For two years, St. John has also contributed to Luxe Beat Magazine. Her features grew into the Just2FeetandaCamera column, blog, and are now being published as a new special edition magazine covering 20 places that she’s been to and loved in Wayne County, NY. 

Working with Luxe Beat Media to publish the book, St. John said she looks forward to touring the state for signings, meeting new people, and bonding over the mysterious places they’ve been. Does consciousness continue after death? “Who’s to say?” said St. John. “Keep an open mind & Happy Hunting!”

•  On November 29th, 2026, meet author Theresa St. John at Saha Yoga, 12 Washington St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, during their Christmas Pop-Up where she will be selling and signing copies of her new book Roadtrip New York: Searching for the Paranormal. For updates, follow @TheresaSt.John on Facebook.