Most People Have No Idea This Gorgeous North Carolina Hotel Is Actually Haunted

Are you looking for some of the most haunted places in North Carolina? If so, you’ve certainly come to the right place, as we explore the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa.

Hotels, in particular, always possess a certain eerie energy that’s hard to put your finger on. It could be residual — attributed to the overwhelming amount of people who have walked through the halls, laid their heads on the same pillows, experienced the highs and lows of life within the hotel’s walls, or stayed extended times in one of the rooms, thus adding an aura of home and history. On the other (more paranormal-inspired) hand, it could be attributed to lingering visitors from the past who bring a sense of ghostliness to long-standing lodging spots. Those who share many great (or not-so-great) memories right on-site and are simply not quite ready to let go, even in the afterlife.

Of course, there’s always the “haunted hotel” aspect, as well. It’s no surprise that books, movies, and TV shows have honed in on the prospect of lingering souls and mysteries behind the walls of America’s hotels. While many purportedly haunted hotels portray the seedier realities of spending the night somewhere, it’s usually the most beautiful places that are home to the most interesting secrets. This is the case when it comes to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn, which might just be the most haunted hotel in North Carolina. You’ll be an expert on Lake Lure’s haunted history in no time.

Trip Advisor / The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa management

The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa is one example of a historic yet decidedly eerie hotel. Built in 1927, the hotel met the need of the growing area tourism due to nearby Chimney Rock and all its charms. By 1880, Hickory Nut Gorge was viewed as a prime vacation destination in North Carolina. That same year, the 315-foot Chimney that defines Chimney Rock was made accessible to the public -- and tourists followed.

Trip Advisor / The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa management

By 1904, Chimney Rock had been purchased by twin brothers Dr. Lucius Morse and Asahel Morse. They imagined a luxurious mountain resort where visitors could retreat to the peaks overlooking water or relax in the mountaintops. In 1925, the Rocky Broad River was first dammed. By 1927, Lake Lure was established, in addition to the welcoming Foothills getaway of 1927 Lake Lure Inn.

Throughout the years, Lake Lure became famous for its notable list of guests, ranging from F. Scott Fitzgerald to presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt. Yet it was more than the well-known living who really contributed to this gorgeous inn's rise to paranormal fame.

Things weren't always so glamorous here at the Lake Lure Inn. In fact, the hotel barely survived the challenges of the Great Depression and, shortly after the economy began to recover, World War II kicked off in all its tragic reality. In fact, in 1943, the Inn even found a new purpose and was used as a convalescence home for wounded and shell-shocked soldiers. Rented by the Third Army Air Force, one soldier described his harrowing time there as "a benediction of nature on us all after the horrors of war." An Army Band, led by Albert Hague (later known for his role in the TV series Fame) would serenade patients in an effort to instill hope. There's no doubt that some of these traumatized soldiers' spirits never quite left the hotel grounds.

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Youtube / Michael Hulsey

In November of 2010, the Events and Catering Manager snapped what she thought was a simple picture of an event's ice sculpture. Yet, as the photo was more closely examined, there was a realization that she had captured much more than the moment, but perhaps a moment where our world and the afterlife collided. If you look closely to the left in this video screenshot (the full segment is included at the end of this article), the outline of a figure can be seen. The image went viral, perhaps further proving that our world and the next are only separated by a thin veil.

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YouTube/Heritage Hunter

Soon enough, rumors began to swirl. Who could this ghostly figure be, lurking just behind the scenes? Michael LaChiana, paranormal investigator and founder of The Heritage Hunters Society, even conducted an investigation at the hotel. He describes the hotel itself as a serene escape with no particularly eerie elements, despite the fact that he's captured questionable footage in the lobby at 2 a.m.

The three images were captured by LaChiana. The first, a clear view of the lobby, the second a blur, and the third an apparent image of a pant and leg. Check out the ghostly footage in its entirety at the end of our piece.

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YouTube/Heritage Hunter

Of capturing this ghostly footage, he says that his camera initially went blurry, and upon viewing more up-close examinations, he noticed the image of a man's pant captured above.

So who is exactly haunting this gorgeous Inn? For starters, there's a rumor of a young bride being murdered in one of the rooms. A shrill scream has been captured from within the hotel and event visitors have reported hearing it. When asking LaChiana who are the ghosts and why are they here, he explains that many spirits cling to places where they once felt happy, at home. It doesn't mean they passed away in this exact spot; it more so means they chose to return here once they passed over.

TripAdvisor/Tina W.

Can you really blame the spirits, though? It's no surprise that famous faces called on the 1927 for a getaway, and it's still in use today as both a hotel and a beautiful event venue. The inn's gorgeous views of Lake Lure and the surrounding foothills nestle guests into a world away from their own -- and perhaps a world where our existence and the spiritual realm connect.

Yelp / The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

Trip Advisor / Lakelover2014cpb

There's something mysterious about this hotel, indeed. The Heritage Hunters have completed two separate investigations, gathering both audio and video footage that reflect the hauntings. From the original owner sticking around to guests who just want one more stay, you're getting more than a retreat with a view here. Instead, you might just be stepping into an entire paranormal experience.

For all the details about this purportedly haunted hotel in North Carolina, check out the 1927 Lake Lure Inn website. Also, you can take a quick virtual tour and get a better feel for what this hotel is like before visiting in person:

Do you know anything more about the Lake Lure Inn’s history? Have you ever experienced something spooky during a stay at the hotel? Share your experiences (haunted or not) with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another fascinating place to stay in North Carolina by completing our official nomination form.

Does all this Lake Lure haunted history have you ready for even more spookiness? Read about the most haunted restaurant in North Carolina. And when you’re ready to actually book a stay at the Lake Lure Inn and perhaps conduct your own investigation, you can do that at hotels.com.