We had the good fortune of connecting with Adra Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been interested in history and the paranormal, but when I noticed the high correlation between paranormal tourism and historical preservation, I wanted to use my passion to contribute to that relationship. I’m now able to teach people the genuine history behind important places and how to explore alternate ways of learning about it, while benefiting various locations by bringing in visitors and telling their stories.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Though for the most part, paranormal tourism is considered a fun experience, it can still be labeled controversial. The reaction when I answer the question “what do you do?” is sometimes a negative one, but I’m not phased. It’s important for me to look at the bigger picture of contributing to lasting history & documenting unexplained experiences, so research can continue even after my time. It brings a sense of unity with people & places past to hear their stories, but what sets the programs I’ve created apart is the high level of interactiveness. Group experiences are kept to strictly small numbers, and are extremely hands on. Watching people walk away excited about what they experienced and with a memory that will stand out is fulfilling for both of us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being Italian, food and wine come first. Sambuca is a great dinner spot located in the historic Rice Hotel (which once hosted JFK)! Followed up by one of my all time favorites, Houston’s oldest and most haunted bar, La Carafe. The ambience and eerie energy makes it feel like it’s still in it’s opening year of 1847. To explore outside and learn some history, there is the unique Glenwood Cemetery by Montrose and Magnolia Cemetery in my high school stomping grounds, Katy. Of course, museum hopping is an essential. I love a visit to my former job, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, especially for their amazing Egypt exhibit. The National Museum of Funeral History hosts America’s largest collection of authentic items, and is a staple for dark tourists. An easy drive to Galveston means seeing the “Queen of the Gulf”, Hotel Galvez, one of the most famous Texan paranormal locations. M45 Paranormal hosted an investigation there last year and came up with some incredible findings. Paired with the historical mansions, Victorian cemeteries and a beach ghost tour, it’s the perfect evening.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While living in Melbourne, Australia, I became enamored with Melbourne Gaol. A place highly significant to much of Australia’s history, it has been transformed into a beautiful and educational public space. Their ghost tours have, and continue to play an important role in that. I saw the paranormal in a professional light for the first time there, and it prompted me to revisit some of my most memorable spots with new eyes: Hotel Galvez, Trans Allegheny Asylum, and The Blennerhassett Hotel just to name a few. Once I saw a true pattern, I jumped right in, founding Haunted Blennerhassett & M45 Paranormal.

Website: www.hauntedblennerhassett.com

Instagram: @m45paranormal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M45Paranormal?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Alternate IG: @adra.n.johnson @hauntedblenn

Image Credits
All photos belong to me

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