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GREAT
PLACES TO SLEEP WITH A GHOST
BedandBreakfast.com’s
Annual Round-up Of Bootiful Places
and Spooky Faces
Historical or hysterical, ghostly spirits
enjoy B&Bs as much as living guests do. With their
legacies steeped in history, there are bound to be some strange bedfellows
still hanging around America’s
B&Bs. As
most stories tell, those lingering in the shadows are friendly folk, continuing
to enjoy the hospitality of America’s
B&Bs. For Halloween stories, www.BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online
directory representing inns and B&Bs worldwide,
offers its annual round-up of inns and B&Bs where ghost seekers can enjoy
great spirited gatherings and potentially close encounters with the other
world, bed-and-breakfast style. Often afraid to share stories for fear other
guests will be scared off, hat’s off to these innkeepers who dared to reveal
their ghost stories. Listings are
organized regionally, alphabetically by state.
WEST
Red
Garter B&B, Williams, AZ:
Owner-innkeeper, John Holst, describes himself as a "hardcore
skeptic" when it comes to ghostly apparitions. But he has come to terms with his B&B’s
resident ghost, named Eve. This two-story 1897 Victorian Romanesque-style bed
and breakfast, once considered the rowdiest abode on Williams' Saloon Row, operated
as a bar and bordello until the 1940s. A steep flight of steps known as the
"Cowboy's Endurance Test" led to the girls upstairs. Holst is pretty sure that one of the women of
the night never left. "The gal I've got here has made an attempt to
connect with certain people." While
most guest report having a good night' sleep, some said they felt the bed
shake, heard someone going up and down the stairs or felt something touching
their arms, according to Holst. Info:
928-635-1484, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/arizona/red-garter-bed-and-bakery.html.
he
Groveland Hotel, Groveland, CA: An old gold-miner named Lyle still prefers to hang around, and spirited
storyteller and innkeeper Peggy Mosley, has a collection of Lyle stories
compiled from employees and guests that she loves to tell. Although a recluse in life, Lyle’s spirit
tends to the playful. He particularly
dislikes women's cosmetics on ‘his’ dresser and has been known to move such
items to a nearby sink. One Groveland
Hotel guest watched as her new makeup 'hopped' over the back of the dresser and
landed on the floor. Lyle is a great tease who likes to tinker with lights and
water, also enjoys moving items around desktops. Info: 800-273-3314, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/california/the-groveland-hotel.html.
Weathertop
Lodging, Silver Plume, CO: This National
Historic Trust Landmark town has many original homes that are reputedly haunted
by ghosts of miners and their families.
Weathertop B&B is no exception, inhabited by the ghost of a 19th
century miner who reminds guests of his presence by occasionally
"rearranging" personal possessions, and quietly moving about in the
wee hours of the morning. Info:
303-569-2100, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/colorado/weathertop.html.
Bliss Mansion, Carson City, NV: They say this is the
place to rest in peace, and during Halloween stories of paranormal activities
and unwanted guests abound. Tour and
stay in elegant Bliss
Mansion, and maybe you’ll
come face to face with the spirited gunfighters of the past. They’ll even treat you to your own bottle of
spirits in a Halloween package that’s so ideal, it’s spooky! Info: 800-887-3501, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/nevada/bliss-mansion.html.
MIDWEST
& GREAT LAKES STATES
The
Blue Belle Inn, Saint Ansgar,
IA: The original floor
plans to the house were mistakenly taken to the dump, only to reappear later in
the attic. A room was mysteriously
locked – but no one was inside to have locked it. Every possible key was tried
to no avail; finally, in desperation, the innkeeper called out: “Will whoever
is in there please open the door,” whereupon the door immediately popped open.
Info: 641-713-3113, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/iowa/the-blue-belle-inn-bed-and-breakfast.html.
Old
Bridge Inn, Jeffersonville,
IN: Recently, a candleholder lost four years earlier
reappeared in the middle of a guest room.
Guests have reported seeing floating
objects, canes being picked up and twirled around, tea cups floating across the
room and several candles being raised up then down on their own. Two women
reported seeing a welcoming bearded gentleman in the dining room. From photos,
they determined that he was not the property’s long-time owner, Dr. Hancock,
but perhaps one of his four sons. A small dog named Buttons has also been seen.
Doors continue to slam upstairs when no one is around, and late-night footsteps
have been heard by the innkeeper. Info: 866-284-3580,
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/indiana/the-old-bridge-inn.html.
Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso, IN: Featured in the book Haunted Hoosier Trails, guests report seeing a little girl ghost,
often observed late at night on the master staircase. She has been noted to “mess with the guests’
stuff” or turn on the fireplace in their rooms.
The Indiana Ghost Trackers investigated the inn and reported that Sarah
Ritter, an original inhabitant, and her two children died in the home. The
Ghost Trackers detected the presence of a young girl and a male with high EMF
(electromagnetic field) meter readings and positive EVP (Electronic Voice
Phenomena) recordings. A door repeatedly opened behind them when the girl’s presence
was felt during the Ghost Trackers’ stay. Info: 219-465-3753, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/indiana/the-inn-at-aberdeen-ltd.html.
Rivercene
Mansion B&B, Boonville,
MO: This 1869 Second Empire mansion was the home of riverboat captain
Joseph Kinney, and stayed in the Kinney family until the 1990s. Captain
Kinney’s son Noble met an untimely death at the age of 26, when he fell
down the grand staircase. The heirs, along with guests, have reported
very strange encounters with Noble. Not quite ready to leave, Noble is
still hanging around playing pranks on guests and innkeepers. Info: 800-531-0862,
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/missouri/rivercene-bb.html.
Colonel Taylor Inn B&B, Cambridge,
OH: Named for the former Civil War soldier and
four-term U.S. Congressman, the Colonel still roams the household, the smoke
from his pipe lingering in this non-smoking inn. His entire family still inhabits the
household, from the mischievous little boy to both wives of the Colonel, plus
assorted adult children. Footsteps are
often heard at night, images of former servants falling down the stairs are
seen, and even the tabby cat has been spotted.
Beds rock without reason, toys turn on and off on their own, but the
innkeepers are confident that the spirits are friendly folk, glad that the
house is being restored to its original Victorian opulence. Info: 740-432-7802,
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ohio/colonel-taylor-inn-bed-breakfast.html.
C.M.
Spitzer House Bed & Breakfast, Medina,
OH: A story is told
about a nosy female apparition who appeared with limited facial features except
a heavy jaw. She was a short, stout woman, in her twenties, wearing what the
Edwardians called a "wrapper" or housedress. She fired questions, asking about the family
and well being of her surprised witness, then disappeared as quickly as she
came. Info: 888-777-1379,
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ohio/cm-spitzer-house.html.
SOUTH
Americus
Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast, Americus,
GA: A warm presence causes strange happenings at
this pre-Civil war inn, and the innkeepers have made a science of capturing
ghostly occurrences in photos and on tape. Doors have opened on their own with
a creaking sound; clock radios have turned themselves on and off; footsteps
have been heard in unoccupied rooms; and the aroma of perfume has been reported
several times in guests' rooms in the middle of the night. Guests have captured
a host of “orbs” on film (not visible to the eye), and the inn is a training
ground for those who love to investigate the paranormal. From children’s voices
to messages from Civil War soldiers, this inn is a treasure for those who seek ghostly
experiences. Info: 888-758-4749, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/georgia/americus-garden-inn.html.
Hummingbird
House, Lexington, GA: A benign spirit, referred to as Sarah,
watches over the B&B, turning on lights and radios to welcome the owners
home. This young girl has been sighted
by many guests, none previously knowledgeable about her, but each description
is always the same. Recently, her
favorite prank was to turning the computer on and off, until the innkeepers
moved it into their quarters. Info: 706-743-8046, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/georgia/hummingbird-house-bed-and-breakfast.html.
Springhill
B&B and Winery, Bloomfield, KY: This stately pre-Civil War plantation manor is home to many ghosts and spirits who love to
mingle with guests. Hear the many
strange stories of chairs moving, doors opening, children’s voices, and if
you’re lucky, get your picture taken with orbs flying about you on your
stay. Many guests have captured this
other-world phenomenon on film, particularly in the original slave quarters,
where a trap door leads to a tunnel for escaping slaves. Their disclaimer: “Springhill does guarantee
comfortable beds, but does not guarantee you’ll sleep well. All food and
beverages are guaranteed to be delicious, but you may experience upset stomach
from jittery nerves. All rooms are climate
controlled but you may feel chills during the long night.” Info: 502-252-9463, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/kentucky/springhill-winery-plantation-bed-and-breakfast.html.
5 Continents Bed
and Breakfast, New Orleans,
LA: In a city known for its ghosts,
vampires and Voodoo culture, this inn promises not to disappoint guests with
its offer to sleep with not only one spirit, but three. This 1890's Greek Revival Mansion has three
resident ghosts including a man, said to have been a previous master of the
house, a mysterious woman of color in a flowing white dress, and a very unusual
part-time spirit in the kitchen area. Guests who mention this offer from
BedandBreakfast.com will receive a $25
discount when booking three nights or more. Info: 800-997-4652, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/la/five-continents-bed-and-breakfast.html.
Castle Inn of New Orleans,
New Orleans, LA: This B&B is “certifiably” haunted. A regular stop on the Garden District Haunted
Tour, there have been literally hundreds of ghost sightings here. The inn flaunts the ability to connect with
its two active ghosts, a servant and a little girl, the two oldest guests. Info:
888-826-0540, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/louisiana/1891-castle-inn-of-new-orleans.html.
Creole Gardens, New
Orleans, LA: Ghosts don’t like change, and when this
building was restored as an inn, 400-pound doors slammed for no apparent
reason, and bathroom tiles that had been neatly stacked were found scattered
about the floor. One guest reported a
clear image of a former slave standing in the corner of the room with arms
folded, apparently awaiting orders.
Another guest reported a man visiting at night, speaking softly. Housekeepers report a feeling of someone
watching them, and dark, flitting blurs.
Info: 504-569-8700, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/louisiana/1415-creole-gardens.html.
The Rivers' Inn,
Greenwood MS: When
Rose Marie Kennedy bought the inn, she was unaware of her unseen tenant, but
within two weeks the midnight
hammering on the plumbing and drawers emptied onto the floor made the ghost’s
presence unmistakable. The day after the
clamor, nothing was out of place. Guests
ask Kennedy if she’s knocked on their door at night when no one was on their
floor. Televisions turn on and off for no reason, and the volume also goes up
and down. The chair at the head of the dining room table is always moved.
"Even when I'm alone, that chair won't stay in place. I'll push it under
the table and turn my back, and it’ll be out on the floor again," said
Kennedy. She remembers one incident when two sisters and a little girl from Florida came to stay:
"As soon as the girl walked in she said, 'There's a good spirit in this
house.'" Info: 662-453-5432, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/mississippi/the-rivers-inn.html.
Twin
Lakes Lodge, NC: Noted ghost story
writer, John Hardin, author of Tar Heel
Ghosts & The Devils Tramping Ground lived in this home prior to its
becoming an inn. Is it possible he got his ideas from spirits still hanging
around? Come learn for yourself. Info:
1-888-484-LAKE (888-484-5253), http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/north-carolina/the-twin-lakes-lodge.html.
MID-ATLANTIC
Historic
Reynolds Tavern, Annapolis,
MD: When you stay at
Historic Reynolds Tavern, you may be cared for by the innkeepers, or by Mary
Reynolds herself. After his death in
1777, Reynolds' third wife, Mary, maintained the Tavern until her death in
1785, yet some believe she has never left the building. Employees
have heard her sing Christmas carols, experienced her "fixing"
the grandfather clock in the dining room, and watched as she showed her disdain
for new employees by breaking tea pots and knocking glasses off the shelf in
the dining room. The Maryland Ghost and Spirit Association confirmed her
presence with photographs and temperature readings, and exclaimed that Mary is
not alone; they identified a total of five spirits in the house. Info: 410-295-9555, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maryland/reynolds-tavern.html.
Angel
Nook Inn, Ocean Grove, NJ: Was it a
dream, or did someone touch a guest’s elbow, then run their finger up and down
her spine, after her husband left for an early morning run? Guests have reported feeling someone lying
down beside them, always offering a very friendly shoulder to lean on. Angel or ghost? Not sure, but always offering a warm
feeling. Info: 732-502-0081, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/new-jersey/angel-nook-inn.html.
Ancestors
Inn, Liverpool, NY:
Innkeepers, Mary and Dan Weidman are quite sure that the original owners
of this house are still present, glad to see a family return to what was once a
dentist’s office. Even though they
always turn off lights when they leave, the lights are always on to welcome
guests to the inn. Door knobs rattle in
the night though no one is there. What
is most uncanny is that photos taken of the inn often do not come out, unless
the innkeepers are included in them. A
gentle spirit, who’s identified himself to those who’ve seen him as “Tim,”
takes care of arriving guests who feel ill.
While often present, those who’ve experienced these spirits say they are
friendly and attentive. Info:
888-866-8591, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/new-york/ancestors-inn-at-the-bassett-house.html.
1871
House, New York, NY:
One guest recounted a vivid story about awakening to find a well-dressed
man wearing a bowler hat at the end of her bed.
Strangely she was not afraid, and requested that he leave her
alone. He slowly got up and left out the
door, never to return. Info:
212-756-8823, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/new-york/1871-house.html.
NEW ENGLAND
Captain Grant’s Inn,
Poquetanuck, CT - Visitors to this historic 1754 inn are
told when they arrive that if they hear the loud knock at the door, they can
answer if they like, but nobody will be there.
And those who stay at the Adelaide Room are sure to have some contact
with the mysterious woman and her two children who once lived there, whether it
be through the TV turning on and off or the shower curtain continuously falling
down. While you’re there, take a tour of
the local cemeteries, also known to house their own ghostly dwellers. Info:
800-982-1772, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/connecticut/captain-grants-1754.html.
Colonial House Inn
and Restaurant, Yarmouth Port,
MA: There are many
stories about haunted happenings at this inn.
One guest recounted how he felt someone tapping him on the shoulder and
when he looked up he saw a thin transparent figure of a woman wearing a bonnet.
A year or two after that, the same person staying in a different room felt
pressure on his back; he saw a shadowy figure, very low to the ground, who
quickly vanished from the room. Info: 800-999-3416, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/massachusetts/the-colonial-house-inn-page.html.
Peace
With-Inn, Fryeburg, ME:
This home was owned by the same family for ten generations, starting in
1777, and continuing until Chester
and Alice Black, the last family members in residence, died in the house in the
mid-1970s. The present innkeepers
consider the Blacks their “spiritual innkeepers,” when they find decorations re-arranged,
doors locked, and hear floorboards creaking.
Info: 877-935-7322, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maine/peace-withinn.html.
Greenville
Inn, Greenville, ME:
Last
summer, a guest staying in the Carriage House Suite (an original part of the
inn) reported in full detail about her encounter with a lovely young
female ghost. The guest told of the sounds of the crinoline skirt swishing by,
the cool breeze as the ghost passed by and the door she opened. She
concluded her story by asking everyone to be kind to this ghost, since she was
very sweet and lovely. Info: 888-695-6000, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maine/greenville-inn.html.
Captain Lindsey House, Rockland,
ME: Captain Lindsey is
still hanging around the Captain Lindsey House, along with 35 other spirits,
according to what he told the “spiritologists” on their recent visit to the inn. Included in the band of happy ghosts is the
Captain himself, along with T. B. Severence, the 41-year-old who purchased the
inn from George Lindsey in 1857, a dominant spirit named Ensign, a
five-year-old named Jeffrey and a four-year-old named Emmy, both of whom are waiting
for their father to come and get them.
The majority of the spiritual activity usually takes place in the
parlor, where glasses of water slide across tables, and doors have been known
to slam to the floor on their own. Info:
800-523-2145, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maine/captain-lindsey-house.html.
LimeRock
Inn, Rockland, ME: When experts of the paranormal visited
the LimeRock Inn, they felt the presence of many people in the front parlor –
vestiges of the patients that once sat in the parlor waiting room, when the inn
was home and office to Dr. Lawry, the local physician. A number of giggling phantoms played at the
top of the stairs, checking in with the visiting paranormals. Many of the presences at the LimeRock Inn
gaze longingly out the windows. All are
friendly, and it’s clear that happy family members are still hanging out here
to welcome guests also in search of friendly spirits. Info: 800-546-3762, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maine/lime-rock-inn.html.
1794 WATCHTIDE...by
the Sea, Searsport, ME:
Spirits reside here playing music and pranks on innkeepers and
guests. Their presence is gentle and the
innkeepers claim this is the perfect place to sleep with a spirit. Info: 800-698-6575, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maine/1794-watchtideby-the-sea.html.
Three
Chimney’s Inn, Durham, NH: Innkeeper, Karen Meyer, feels an “angel on
her shoulder” here, and one night after a particularly long week she received a
clear message from her guardian angel.
The office door was mysteriously locked after a long day, a strange
phenomenon since the office can only be locked with a key, and no one with keys
had locked it. To emphasize the message,
the office computer, which remains on at all times, was also turned off. “Time to go home and relax” after a long
successful year was the angelic message.
Info: 888-399-9777, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/new-hampshire/three-chimneys-inn.html.
Beal
House, Littleton, NH: Slamming doors and
late-night stomping up and down stairs allow the haunted dwellers of this inn to
make their presence known. Another time,
the housekeeper felt a distinct hip check from one side to another, as if
someone was pushing her aside. One night,when two guests were sitting in front
of the fire enjoying tea, they clearly heard voices. Beckoning women at the end of the bed in the
middle of the night, and plenty of other sightings are recounted by innkeepers. Info: 603-444-2661, http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/new-hampshire/beal-house-inn.html.
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