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So, I’ve been doing some journalism lately. Important journalism. Investigative journalism, even.

Over the past week, I’ve been locked inside the Queen Mary‘s pitch-dark jail (a.k.a. the Rope Hold), waved an EMF meter around Winston Churchill‘s bedroom and was accosted by a chainsaw-wielding maniac at a Lakewood car wash. 

And it’s all been for your benefit, of course. Normally, the line would be: “I do these things so you don’t have to.” But this is a things to do column; therefore, I’ve got some very special ~spooky season~ destinations for you to check out—where you too can be terrorized by car wash clowns and interview ghosts aboard the Queen Mary. 

So, let’s make like the Scooby Gang and get going. 

The Grey Ghost Project – The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway

I rolled up to the old Queen Mary with my own band of Scoobies (fellow Post-ers) on a recent evening to charter the first-ever Grey Ghost Project, the ship’s latest paranormal tour, which opened officially to the public on Friday the 13th. But don’t call it a tour; it’s an “investigation.” A $125 investigation. 

The Queen recently experienced her longest closure since 1967, and this will be its first public series of ghost investigations in years. This one will also include a bit of historical context for each location visited. It’s also not intended to be a Halloween-themed theatrical haunt experience, but a “scientific exploration.” 

Equipped with a grip of special ghost-hunting gear (including light-up cat balls), you’ll get the unique chance to spend (an almost uncomfortable amount of) time in the eeriest of places, like the aforementioned Rope Hold. 

(Click on the photo to watch a video of our investigation).

We wended through the Queen’s halls on our way to each paranormal destination, led by our guide, Rebecca Knight. She was aptly dressed in head-to-toe sailor-esque ‘50s’ vintage, so that the spectors toiling the decks might feel more comfortable at the sight of someone “from their era,” you know. 

While in the Rope Hold, with only the light of a red glowing lamp, we strategically placed light-up cat balls, EMF meters and other motion-sensored light-up do-dads around the old jail/locker, where Knight alleged a tortured soul resided. For his consideration, she told us to mind our p’s and q’s.

“Don’t ask how they died, or what it’s like to be dead,” she said, advising us to ask less invasive questions like “How was work today?” or “Do you like jazz?” and finally, “Would you like us to leave you alone?” Fair enough. We attempted to make small talk in the hopes that a spirit or two would tap one of the touch-sensitive, motion-censored, light-up items strewn about—or speak to us through a radio wave-scanning “spirit box.” 

Over three hours, we spent time, ample time, in the Winston Churchill room, which essentially was the British prime minister’s office during World War II, Knight told us. Then, we tried our luck in the Isolation Ward. And finally, we spent a near-hour inside the famed art deco pool area, hoping to catch up with Jackie, one of the ship’s most popular ghosts. 

I’ll admit, the Rope Hold gave me the willies when we killed the lights, but the scariest part, for me personally, was cramming into that squeaky, warbly old elevator. Nope.

If you’re the ghost-curious type or you’re just…kind of a weirdo, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss out on, and it’s running all year long. As to whether I did or didn’t see or feel anything during the investigation, mums the word. You’ll have to experience it for yourself. Interested? Book here. 

And, I have one confession to make, it was my first time aboard the Queen. Will return, but probably just to investigate the bar next time.

Pro-tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Arrive sober or you might be asked to leave the investigation.

Tunnel of Terror – Carwood, 2729 E Carson St., Lakewood

Three words: Haunted car wash. Do I need to say anything else?

Reporters Brandon Richardson and Cheantay Jensen (who also braved the Grey Ghost Project with me) threw me in the car for this local, jump-scare haunt. They wanted to bring me because I’d mentioned that I’m a little, well, jumpy and they planned to capture that for a video. Well, I think they got a little more than a jump out of me. Unless you’re concerned about spoilers, you can watch our video here. Otherwise, I highly recommend going into this experience blind. 

Initially, I balked at the $45 price tag for Carwood‘s Tunnel of Terror, but I’ve since come around. This was a very immersive and well thought out experience. It also scared the living hell out of me—I screamed until my lungs hurt. I also had some laughs. So, if you’re looking to experience a spectrum of emotions fit for the season, this is the place. 

Also, it is a functioning car wash—you may leave with your nerves fried but your car will glisten. 

Pro-tips:

• Use the restroom before you go (seriously).
• There is a classic Irish pub, O’Connor’s, right next door if the passengers in the vehicle require some liquid courage before or something to cap your night off afterward.
• If you’re sensitive to extremely loud noises, wear earplugs (I wish I had done this).
• Tickets are cheaper if you go a bit earlier. They’re only $30 at 6 p.m.
• There’s an identical experience that has taken over Big Wave Car Wash in Anaheim.
• This isn’t a traditional haunt like the ones at Knott’s Scary Farm and the monsters will make contact with you, so if you don’t want that to happen, lock your doors.

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This column is a continuation of our spooky season coverage. Find part 1, here. Have any suggestions for a good local haunt or a fun Halloween-y experience? Email me.