Exploring the Haunted Side of Travel: "Darkness in Detroit" Horror Writing Contest

"Darkness in Detroit" Horror Writing Contest

At Howie Travels, we believe that travel is more than getting from point A to B—it’s about the stories we uncover along the way. The culture. The history. The unexpected. Sometimes, it even includes the paranormal.

That’s why I was proud to partner with The Black Paranormal Project as a sponsor of their “Darkness in Detroit” Young Horror Writers Contest. This unique initiative challenged young writers to channel their fears, creativity, and love of storytelling into original horror stories rooted in personal and cultural experiences.

Detroit has a rich, complex history, full of resilience, reinvention, and yes, even a few ghosts. What better place to host a contest that celebrates both the city’s past and the imagination of its youth?

As a sponsor, Howie Travels awarded the contest winners two tickets to the Late Night Paranormal Tour at The Whitney, one of Detroit’s most famously haunted landmarks. It’s not just a spooky experience, it’s a dive into local lore, architecture, and the layered legacy of the Motor City.

Why does this matter to me as a travel advisor? Because I believe travel should inspire curiosity. It should encourage us to connect with the places we visit—through art, food, music, even ghost stories.

Supporting young creatives through initiatives like this is just one way Howie Travels aims to go beyond the brochure and build bridges between adventure and culture.

Learn more about the contest and The Black Paranormal Project at theblackparanormalproject.com.