In this eerie solo episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe takes listeners deep into the shadowed halls of one of New England’s most legendary haunted destinations — The Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.
From its lavish beginnings in the early 1900s to the tragic tale of its original owners, Joe explores the hotel’s rich and sometimes chilling history. He tells the story of Caroline Stickney, the elegant widow whose spirit is said to linger in Room 314, forever watching the mountains from her rocking chair. The piano that plays without a pianist, the footsteps echoing down empty corridors, and the mysterious figure seen gazing from a sealed window — each story paints a picture of a place where luxury and the supernatural coexist.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic but unforgiving White Mountains, Joe also touches on the deeper legends tied to the land itself — ancient spiritual energy, restless spirits, and the whispers that echo long after the guests have checked out.
So settle in, pour yourself something strong, and join Joe as he opens the door to the haunted history of The Omni Mount Washington Hotel — a place where the past never truly lets go.
Keywords: haunted hotel, Omni Mount Washington, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, ghost stories, paranormal, haunted history, New England folklore, Caroline Stickney, luxury hauntings, solo episode, spooky travel

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In the chilling conclusion to this two-part Tales, Trails, and Taverns special, Joe welcomes paranormal investigator and urban explorer Heather Lopez to discuss what unfolded during the investigation of his family’s 150-year-old Cape Cod homestead.
Heather shares her firsthand experiences inside the Baker house — the heavy, watchful energy that filled each room, and the unmistakable presence of Nellie Baker and other spirits who still linger within its walls.
With a deep respect for the home’s history, she recounts what she believes these spirits were trying to communicate — messages of loss, longing, and a desperate need to be remembered. Listeners will also get an inside look at the tools of the trade, as Heather explains the ghost-hunting equipment she used — from EMF detectors to spirit boxes and REM pods — and how each helped piece together the haunting puzzle of the Baker Homestead. Together, Joe and Heather explore what comes next in their search for Nellie Baker’s missing trunk, a long-lost family relic tied to the home’s most active spirit.
Could uncovering it finally bring peace to Nellie — and to the house itself? Step back inside the Baker Homestead, where history, heartbreak, and the paranormal intertwine — and where the story of Nellie Baker may finally be ready to reveal its final secret.

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In this emotional and eerie first part of a two-part Tales, Trails, and Taverns special, Rob and Joe turn their attention to a deeply personal investigation — the Baker family homestead on Cape Cod. Standing for over 150 years, this once-proud house has sheltered six generations of Joe’s family, but time and neglect have left it weathered, broken, and shrouded in mystery.
Joe opens up about what it felt like to step back into the home he grew up in, walking the same halls that now creak with age and memory.
He and Rob discuss the home’s uncertain future, its crumbling state, and the powerful emotions that come with returning to a place that was once so full of life — and may still hold echoes of it. 
But beneath the nostalgia lies something deeper… something that stirs when the sun goes down. Join us as we begin uncovering the strange energy that lingers within the Baker Homestead — a house filled with history, heartache, and maybe, the restless spirits of generations past.

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In this festive Halloween episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Rob and Joe trade candy for commentary as they share their must-see and must-not-see Halloween movies!
From cult classics like Halloween and Trick ‘r Treat to seasonal favorites like Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas, the guys dive into what makes each film a hit—or a total miss.
They also debate the hidden charm (or chaos) of Hubie Halloween and the nostalgic spook factor of Night of the Demons, all while reminiscing about what Halloween means to horror fans, storytellers, and midnight movie lovers alike. 
Grab your popcorn (and maybe a flashlight), because this episode is part film critique, part nostalgia trip, and all Halloween spirit.

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In this episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe takes Rob deep into the heart of the Bridgewater Triangle to uncover the mysteries surrounding Dighton Rock, the strange, carved boulder that has puzzled historians, explorers, and locals for centuries.
Nestled along the banks of the Taunton River in Berkley, Massachusetts, this ancient rock bears mysterious inscriptions whose origins remain hotly debated—were they carved by Indigenous tribes, Norse explorers, ancient mariners, or something far more mysterious? Joe shares the rock’s long and storied history, from its discovery in the 1600s to its modern-day preservation, and the pair discuss the many theories, legends, and unanswered questions that have grown around it.
They also reflect on the eerie energy of its surroundings—the Bridgewater Triangle, Freetown State Forest, and the haunted lands once marked by King Philip’s War. It’s a conversation that blends history, folklore, and curiosity—exactly what Tales, Trails, and Taverns was made for.
Grab a pint, settle in by the fire, and join us as we explore the mystery of Dighton Rock, where legend and the unknown are carved in stone.

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This week, things didn’t go as planned—and that might be an understatement. Rob and Joe had a full episode ready to go… until a technical nightmare hit. Rob’s entire audio file refused to download, disappearing into the digital void without explanation.
So rather than leave listeners hanging, Joe hit record solo and took you deep into one of New England’s most quietly haunted landmarks: the Hornbine School in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. In this impromptu episode, Joe explores the eerie history of the 19th-century one-room schoolhouse and its unsettling proximity to paranormal hotspots like the Bridgewater Triangle, Anawon Rock, the Hockomock Swamp, and the Freetown State Forest.
From the blood-soaked legacy of King Philip’s War to whispers of spectral teachers and unseen children, the Hornbine School isn’t just a relic—it’s a crossroads of history and haunting.
What was meant to be a two-host show became a fireside tale of ghosts, grief, and the energy that lingers in old wood and older land.
Rob will be back next week—as long as the spirits don’t interfere again. Tune in, dim the lights, and enjoy this unexpected detour into one of Southeastern Massachusetts’ strangest stories.

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In this episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Rob and Joe sit down to talk about their latest creative projects. Joe dives into his brand-new book, Claimed in Stars and Chains, a blend of science fiction, romance, and cosmic terror, while Rob shares the behind-the-scenes process of filming The Rez, his indie slasher shot deep in the infamous Freetown State Forest.
Together, they discuss the writing and filmmaking process, the inspirations that drive their work, and some of the tricks of the trade that help bring stories to life—whether on the page or on the screen. From character building and world-crafting to blood-splattered set pieces, this episode is a deep dive into how horror and storytelling connect across mediums.

www.talestrailsandtaverns.com

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In this powerful and reflective episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe sits down with a very special guest — Christina from Sasquatch and Sourdough. Known for blending wilderness wisdom with grounded spirituality, Christina opens up about her profound experience visiting Gettysburg — a place where history, trauma, and spiritual energy collide in ways few places on Earth can match. Together, they explore the true weight of Gettysburg — not just as a battlefield frozen in time, but as hallowed ground soaked in human grief and sacrifice. Christina shares how walking among the fields of Little Round Top, The Wheatfield, and Devil’s Den stirred something deep within her — not fear, but sorrow… compassion… and a call to understanding. This isn’t just a ghost story episode. It’s a conversation about spiritual resonance — how a place so marked by violence can become a place of reflection, healing, and even faith. Christina opens up about how her connection to the supernatural shifted from curiosity to reverence, guided by her faith and a newfound respect for the souls who still linger there. In this episode, we discuss:

• Christina’s journey through Gettysburg’s most haunted and historic sites
• The difference between chasing ghosts and listening to them
• How overwhelming sorrow can coexist with profound peace
• How faith can act as protection, guidance, and a bridge between worlds

This one goes deeper than your average haunting tale. It's about honoring the past, acknowledging the unseen, and finding strength in the shadows. So grab your drink, pull up a chair at the tavern table, and listen close — because some stories aren’t just told. They’re felt.
Home | Sasquatch & Sourdough

In this chilling episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joseph and Rob dive into the eerie overlap of horror, filmmaking, and the paranormal. They share their firsthand experiences filming in haunted locations like the infamous Freetown State Forest, a place long associated with ghost stories and strange activity.
From sudden battery drains to the unsettling silence of the woods, the atmosphere added a whole new layer of fear to their project. The hosts also turn their attention to Westerly, Rhode Island, reflecting on the devastation of the 1938 hurricane and the lingering legends it left behind. With haunting tales tied to the storm’s destruction, they explore how history and tragedy intertwine to create ghost stories that still echo through the region.
As they swap stories of the supernatural and the struggles of filming in such unsettling places, Joseph and Rob also take a moment to look back at the podcast’s growth since its return from summer break, and give listeners a peek at what’s ahead—more haunted explorations, more guests, and more of the legends that blur the line between history and horror.
https://a.co/d/7KsPXq3
https://a.co/d/cn00hsa

In this episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe sits down with paranormal investigator and urban explorer Heather Lopes, also known as Haunted Hunter. With over a decade of experience in paranormal investigation and urban exploration, Heather opens up about her life growing up in a haunted house, the ghostly encounters that shaped her, and how investigating has become a family activity with her two sons.
Together, they dive into chilling ghost stories from haunted locations across New England, the thrill (and risk) of urban exploration, and the powerful energy that draws investigators back again and again. Heather shares how her youngest son shows signs of spiritual sensitivity, why documenting family history and paranormal experiences is so important, and the deep sense of community among urban explorers and ghost hunters.
From bucket-list sites like the infamous Enfield Demon House to the unexpected hauntings that catch even seasoned investigators off guard, this conversation blends personal history, paranormal passion, and a shared love for uncovering the unknown.
If you’re fascinated by the supernatural, intrigued by urban legends, or curious about the tools and paranormal equipment investigators rely on—this episode is packed with insight, eerie stories, and inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/haunted_hunter22_ma?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Joe and Rob are back to celebrate the start of our third year of podcasting! In this milestone episode, we take a look back at where this journey has taken us—revisiting our most downloaded episodes, where in the world our show has been listened to, and the fun, weird, and unforgettable places we’ve explored along the way.
From haunted trails and abandoned towns to the bizarre and mysterious corners of history, we also share the most interesting and strangest stories we’ve researched—and how they shaped the podcast.
Of course, no podaversary would be complete without looking ahead. We talk about the direction of Tales, Trails, and Taverns for the future, what’s coming up, and how we plan to keep blending legends, local lore, and lager for years to come.
So grab a drink, raise a glass, and join us as we celebrate three years of storytelling, spooks, and trails worth remembering. 🍻

In this special episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe sits down with Connecticut author Tristan Mason to talk about his upcoming anthology Nutmeg Horror.
Tristan weaves New England’s legends and lore into chilling, original tales that will keep you up at night. We dive into his creative process, his stories that have already found a home on Creepypasta and YouTube, and how he balances folklore with fresh scares.
If you love eerie storytelling rooted in local history — or just want to discover a new voice in horror fiction — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

https://youtu.be/6KCQODHP8eY?si=mN1Bv7B2urBgyyvm
https://www.creepypasta.com/the-jewett-city-vampires/
https://nightscribe.co/u/68544/theglawackus

On this episode of Horror Movie Monday, Joe is joined by longtime friend and Cape Cod native David Paton to dive deep into the legendary 1975 thriller that made us all think twice about going in the water—Jaws.
Together, they break down the masterful suspense, the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming on the open ocean, and the infamous technical issues with "Bruce," the mechanical shark.
Plus, David and Joe share what it was like growing up on the Cape in the aftermath of the film’s cultural tidal wave, and how Jaws shaped both local lore and their own perspective on horror.
Whether you're a seasoned fin-fearing fan or watching for the first time, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

In this week’s episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns: Horror Movie Monday, Rob and Joe dive headfirst into the gore-soaked chaos of Terrifier (2016), the ultra-violent indie slasher that introduced audiences to the nightmarish Art the Clown.
We talk about the film’s roots, from Art’s early appearances in All Hallows’ Eve to his rise as a new cult horror icon. Rob digs into the insane practical effects and no-holds-barred brutality that sets Terrifier apart, while Joe looks at the film’s surprisingly low budget and how it managed to become a modern horror success.
We also explore how director Damien Leone's DIY approach, combined with David Howard Thornton’s terrifying performance, proves that independent creators can still make a huge impact in horror. For Rob, it’s a dose of inspiration—proof that even the most twisted vision can find its audience if you just take the leap.
Grimy, gruesome, and surprisingly motivating, this episode celebrates the terrifying joy of indie horror and the creators bold enough to bring their nightmares to life. Full spoilers ahead!

In this episode of Tales, Trails, and Taverns, Joe takes Rob—and all of you—on a journey to one of North Carolina’s most iconic and allegedly haunted landmarks: the Omni Grove Park Inn. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, this grand stone resort has hosted presidents, celebrities, authors, and yes... spirits.
Joe describes what it’s like to walk through the massive granite halls of the century-old inn, from the roaring fireplaces to the shadowy corners where stories still whisper. We dive into the fascinating history of its construction in 1913, its role during wartime, and the long list of famous guests who’ve passed through its doors.
But things take a spooky turn as Joe shares tales of the infamous “Pink Lady,” the spirit said to haunt the halls near Room 545. Whether it's lights flickering, cold spots, or guests waking in the night with the sense of being watched, the Grove Park Inn has no shortage of eerie encounters. Grab a drink, settle in by the fire, and join us as we explore the luxurious—and possibly haunted—past of the Omni Grove Park Inn.

In this week’s Horror Movie Monday, Rob and Joe dive into The Black Phone (2021), the eerie, atmospheric thriller starring Ethan Hawke as the chilling and masked villain, The Grabber.
We break down the trailer’s promises versus the movie’s execution, praise Hawke’s haunting performance, and explore the nostalgic—but gritty—portrayal of life in the '70s and '80s.
Plus, we take a closer look at one particular storyline that left us scratching our heads by the end. Was it supernatural brilliance or a loose end in the plot? Tune in and decide for yourself as we ring in another horror flick worth talking about.

In this episode of Tales, Trails and Taverns, Rob recounts an intense and deeply personal urban exploration experience inside the abandoned Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island—a place he hadn’t set foot in since 2005.
What started as a trip down memory lane turned into a high-stakes adventure, as Rob shares the hospital’s dark history, the slow decline that led to its closure, and ghost stories whispered by fellow urban explorers.
From flickering shadows to chilling cold spots, this is one place that leaves a mark. But here’s the warning: do not go. Unknown security measures and real risks make this a “do as I say, not as I do” situation. Tune in for history, hauntings, and one exploration that went off the rails.

This week on Horror Movie Monday, Rob and Joe go back to Camp Crystal Lake for the one that started it all—the original Friday the 13th! With its grimy 70s atmosphere, shock twist villain, and that unforgettable “ch-ch-ch, ah-ah-ah” sound, we break down what made this slasher a classic.
We talk kills, suspense, that final jump scare, and how this low-budget thriller launched an iconic franchise and one of horror’s most legendary names.
Spoilers ahead as we celebrate the film that carved out a place in horror history—just don’t go into the woods alone…

In this chilling follow-up to last week’s episode on the Battle of Gettysburg, Rob and Joe return to the hallowed grounds of one of America’s bloodiest battlefields—this time, to explore the hauntings that still linger in its misty fields and crumbling stone walls. 
Rob brings several articles and accounts from paranormal investigators who’ve spent long nights in places like Devil’s Den, The Wheatfield, and the infamous Sachs Covered Bridge. From spectral soldiers spotted near Cemetery Ridge to phantom cannon fire echoing through the night, we dive into the legends and reported encounters that have earned Gettysburg a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the country.
Join us as we share eerie tales, personal experiences, and spine-tingling evidence of the supernatural in this special episode of Tales, Trails and Taverns. You’ve heard about the history… now come hear what might still walk the fields.

This week on Horror Movie Monday, Joe and Rob dive into the gritty, atmospheric world of Angel Heart, the 1987 supernatural noir thriller starring Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro.
We start with the trailer — what we expected, the vibes it gave off, and how it set us up for a film that turned out way darker than anticipated.
We break down the eerie, tension-filled journey of private investigator Harry Angel, talk about the film’s shadowy New Orleans setting, and compare our early theories with how the story actually unraveled. And of course, we talk about that ending — the big twist that redefined everything leading up to it. If you love dark thrillers with a supernatural edge, this one’s for you.
Full spoilers ahead! New episodes every Monday — subscribe and stay creepy!