Blog- a.k.a My weird adventures

Allegheny Cemetery is Pittsburgh's largest cemetery, which was built in 1844. Since it opened, many yinzers have made this their final resting place. Some residents even still roam the grounds after death. Here are a few tales from that cemetery. Harry K. Thaw Harry K. Thaw was the son of William Thaw Sr., an industrialist. He was notorious for his temper and scandals. He also had a bizarre obsession with architect Stanford White. Harry believed Stanford was responsible for

Photos: Marisa De Roma (a.k.a The Wandering Oddball) Disclaimer: This article will mention graphic descriptions of a crime. Also, the subject of mental health and murder-suicide is one of the ghost stories. Reader discretion is advised. In the last article, I discussed the whole case with Lizzie Borden, a woman in 1892 who was accused of killing both her father and stepmother with an ax. She ended up getting acquitted and lived her remaining life in Maple Croft Manor till 1

Photo credit: Marisa De Roma (a,k,a The Wandering Oddball) Key West is home to an abundance of ghost stories. Some are malevolent or disturbing. Some are just people who never left Key West’s peaceful atmosphere. Then there are sad stories, the kind that would make you remember life is not fair. One of these tales comes from the Marreros Guest Mansion. Enriquetta Marrero The story goes that in 1890, a wealthy cigar-industry man, Francisco Marrero, was married to Enriquetta

Photo credit: Marisa DeRoma (a.k.a The Wandering Oddball) The Salem Witch Trials were not the only notorious thing to happen in Salem. In the 1800’s a murder of a wealthy man would draw fascination from the public, which would inspire both literature and possibly a game. You probably played this game as a kid with your family or even still have it somewhere, possibly in your attic or basement. This is the story of how the Parker Brothers possibly took inspiration from a real

Photo: Norma Fincher Introduction Gellért Hill (Gellérthegy) is a 235-metre dolomite hill that rises above the Danube in Budapest, offering panoramic views of the city. The hill is named after Saint Gellért (Gerard), an 11th-century bishop who, according to legend, was martyred by being rolled down the hill in a spiked barrel during a pagan rebellion. Today, the hill is famed for its historical monuments and natural thermal springs, and it forms part of Budapest’s UNESCO Worl

Photo: Norma Fincher Tucked within the winding cobblestone streets of Passau, Germany—where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers collide in a dramatic, scenic embrace—stands a Baroque masterpiece that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairytale: St. Stephen’s Cathedral . But behind its majestic white façade and onion-domed towers lies a rich history... and some seriously strange stories. A Cathedral Built on Bones (Literally) The current St. Stephen’s Cathedral was buil

In 1902, the St. Johnthee Baptist Catholic Church was built. Throughout the decades, the church faced many unfortunate events, including a fire in 1915 and the Spanish influenza. Church attendance dwindled until it finally closed its doors in 1993. Then, in 1994, Sean Casey purchased the restaurant to turn it into a brewery. Today, the former Catholic Church is now a brewery called The Church Brew Works. Aside from the patrons occupying the former church/brewery, the spirits

Article: Alicia De Roma Photo: Norma Fincher Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey looks like something straight out of a fairy tale—or perhaps the set of a historical fantasy film. But this isn’t fiction. This is one of Austria’s most opulent and mysterious treasures, and yes, it’s still home to real-life monks. Our journey through the Wachau Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led us to this stunning 11th-century Benedictine ab

Article: Alicia De Roma (a.k.a Loco Coco) Photos: Norma Fincher High above the medieval skyline of Nuremberg, Germany, stands a fortress that has witnessed centuries of secrets, sieges, and stories: the mighty Nuremberg Castle. But behind its stone walls lies more than just history — there’s mystery, myths, and a few bizarre surprises that even the locals whisper about. A Fortress Fit for Emperors Dating back to at least the 11th century, Nuremberg Castle ( Nürnberger Burg )

Article: Alicia De Roma (a.k.a Loco Coco) Photos: Norma Fincher Here is another tale of the Wandering Momager told with the help of Loco Coco. Tucked into the heart of Würzburg, Germany, surrounded by tidy vineyards and echoing church bells, stands a palace that seems almost too extra for its own good. The Würzburg Residence isn’t just another pretty European palace — it’s an architectural mic drop . Built between 1720 and 1744, this opulent stronghold was the final Baroque

Now to the ghost stories! To recap in 2010, Eric Freeman purchased the property in attempts to turn it into an after school program for troubled youth. Parts of the funeral home are off limits for tour groups for safety reasons. This place however is popular with ghost hunters and other paranormal groups. The Current Condition of the Building Prior to being bought, the building would be occasionally occupied by vagrants in the few years the building was abandoned. There is a

Today, we talk about one of the earliest cemeteries in America. Located on Charter Street in Salem,Massachusetts, the Charter Street Cemetery has laid to rest America’s earliest settlers. Yes, some from the Mayflower and some people involved with the Salem Witch Trials. This primarily serves as an overview of the cemetery. In future articles, I will address specific incidents or individuals. The Early History of the Cemetery The cemetery was established in 1637 and is Salem’

Disclaimer: The mention of suicide is in this article. Reader discretion is advised. Key West, Florida, especially downtown, is bustling with tourists. There are many restaurants, shops, and lodging options. Lodging includes several luxurious hotels and resorts. Among them is La Concha, which opened in 1926, and its owner was Carl Aubuchon. Many visitors over the years have come through the hotel, but a few never checked out. Ernest Hemingway A previous article I mentioned a

Years ago, when I was working at a restaurant, I would come in early to help with prep. We would have deliveries arrive at certain times of the week from Sysco and another company. Sometimes, when this truck would come in, my coworker would tell me, “Northern is here.” The truck Northern Haserot would come in. Typically, they would bring in bread for sandwiches that the restaurant would make. I did not connect the dots at the time that the name on a food delivery truck would

Key West loves to pride themselves on geography with the most popular tourist site being Southernmost Point Buoy Key West. That landmarker likes to remind people that Cuba is not very far. Key West shops have merchandise dedicated to the Southernmost Point. While it is the most popular of the landmarks in Key West, another landmark in Key West that is also popular enough to have its own souvenir shops. On the corner of Whitehead St and Fleming St., it is the end point if you

This is a Sycamore tree outside the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This may be an ordinary-looking tree, but this one actually once went to space. You read it right! In the 1950s to the 1970s the Space Race was in full swing! USSR set Sputnik 1 and the United States wanted in on some of that space action. Thus they sent humans and animals. They did not stop with people and animals however, they had other specimens in mind. In 1971, Apollo 14 carried 500 seed s

Disclaimer: This story contains some graphic descriptions about the murder case of Andrew and Abby Borden. Some readers might find some details disturbing. There will also be a brief mention of alleged SA. Also there will be photos of crime scene recreations. Reader discretion is advised. Lizzie Borden took an axe She gave her mother forty whacks When she saw what she had done She gave her father forty-one This dark nursery rhyme is based on a true crime case, but unlike the

Photo Credit: Norma Fincher( The Wandering Momager's friend) Another tale from the Wandering Momager. Nestled just beyond the ancient city walls of Nuremberg, St. John Cemetery ( Johannisfriedhof ) is one of Germany’s oldest cemeteries — a place where time slows and stories linger in the air, etched into centuries-old stones. But this isn’t just a quiet graveyard; it’s a fascinating window into local traditions, funerary art, and even some pretty surprising burial customs. R

Source: Laurie De Roma ( a.k.a The Wandering Momager)'s friends This is part a short series called the Voyage of the Wandering Momager. The Wandering Momager is the mother of Loco Coco and I. Recently she took an interesting voyage through Europe. With some help of Loco Coco we are here to share her tale. Tucked deep in the forested hills of Bavaria, nestled between Frankfurt and Würzburg, lies a castle that seems to have leapt from the pages of a storybook: Mespelbrunn Cast

Source: Google “Your dog will know before you do. When they stop, turn around.” — Anonymous park ranger, Pike National Forest Nestled in the heart of Pike National Forest , about an hour south of Denver, lies a trail known for its breathtaking views, panoramic lookouts, and quiet pine-scented air. It leads to the Devil’s Head Fire Lookout — a historic tower perched above the Rockies. It sounds like a hiker’s paradise. But some who hike it say the trail is watching them. Oth

Video Credit: blackboxguild “There are more dead people there than living people in the Bronx.” — New York historian, 2014 Everyone knows the Statue of Liberty. Times Square. The Empire State Building. But hidden in plain sight — just off the Bronx shoreline, near the bustling city streets of Manhattan — lies an island where over one million people are buried. No headstones. No family visits.No monuments. Just endless rows of unmarked pine boxes, stacked in trenches, rottin

Photo credit: JB Studios Tucked away in the shadowy bends of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, there’s more than just misty woods and moss-covered cabins waiting to greet you. There’s a story—one that's rarely found in guidebooks but lingers in the minds of locals and those who dare to explore the Smokies after dark. Her name is Lucy, but many know her as the Roaring Fork Witch—a mountain spirit wrapped in heartbreak, mystery, and whispers of old m

Photo credit: lakeplacid.com Hidden deep in the Adirondack Mountains, towering at 5,344 feet, Mount Marcy proudly holds the title of the highest point in New York State. While it’s a favorite among hikers for its stunning views and challenging terrain, this mighty mountain is more than just a scenic workout—it’s packed with quirky tales, rare ecosystems, presidential drama, and ghostly folklore that make it one of the most fascinating places in the Northeast. If you're think

Photo credit: Alicia De Roma (a.k,a Loco Coco) Nestled along the bustling Parkway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee—a town known for its scenic beauty, kitschy charm, and eclectic attractions—sits one of the oddest theme park rides you’ll ever stumble upon: the Jurassic Boat Ride. At first glance, it might seem like a fun dino-themed experience perfect for kids. But once you step aboard this ride, you're transported into a fever dream of animatronic creatures, flickering lights, and s