Haunted Places to VisitHaunted hotels, spooky inns and restaurants with extra atmosphere that are open to the public, organized by state - just keep scrolling to your desired location. Clicking on the site name will bring you to their web site.
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Haunted Places in Alabama and Arkansas
Lucas Tavern, Montgomery, AL
Lucas Tavern is a former tavern that is part of the historic complex of Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. It consists of a main room, kitchen and bedrooms. A one room school house built in 1890 is nearby. In the 1820s and '30s Eliza Lucas was the mistress of the tavern, being cook and hostess to its many guests. From the mid 1800s until the 1960s it was a private home, but was then abandoned. In 1978 it was rescued and moved to Old Alabama Town where it was restored and is now able to be toured. People have seen the apparition of Eliza Lucas, standing in the doorway, waving to passers by presumably as she did when she was hostess of the inn. She appears as a 5'3" woman cheerfully smiling, wearing 19th century clothing. A photographer got permission to take pictures in the school room after museum hours, and when he entered, was surprised to find what he thought was one of the museum staff in costume. She posed for photos, smiling but not speaking and then walked through a wall! His pictures showed no person, but a bright light area in each photo where she would have been standing. The Lucas Tavern is on Old North Hull Square at 310 North Hull St., Montgomery, AL in Old Alabama Town. There is a fee for tours of the homes and buildings in the Village. Self-guided tours are available Mon-Sat. 9:30-4:00. Check the web site for more details. phone: 888-240-1850
Hotel Finial, formerly the Victoria Inn, Anniston AL
Built in 1888 this Queen Anne style mansion was converted to an inn andrestaurant in 1985. Recently bought, the inn is reopening in the Spring of 2016 with major updates and renovations. The apparition of a woman has been seen on the upstairs landing, music playing in the empty music room, footsteps belonging to noone, and hanging bar glasses clinking against each other. Check the Hotel Finial website for updates on the opening and details of the new inn.
Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham AL
Built and starting production of iron in the 1880's, the Sloss Furnaces was a place where men worked dangerous jobs in hazardous conditions for low pay. Many men met their death while on the job. Much paranormal activity has been reported there including apparitions, screams and sounds of metal/machinery. It has been investigated by many TV show paranormal groups. Sloss Furnace is now a National Historic Landmark and is open Tuesdays-Sundays to visitors. It is at 20 32nd St. North in Birmingham.
Lucas Tavern is a former tavern that is part of the historic complex of Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. It consists of a main room, kitchen and bedrooms. A one room school house built in 1890 is nearby. In the 1820s and '30s Eliza Lucas was the mistress of the tavern, being cook and hostess to its many guests. From the mid 1800s until the 1960s it was a private home, but was then abandoned. In 1978 it was rescued and moved to Old Alabama Town where it was restored and is now able to be toured. People have seen the apparition of Eliza Lucas, standing in the doorway, waving to passers by presumably as she did when she was hostess of the inn. She appears as a 5'3" woman cheerfully smiling, wearing 19th century clothing. A photographer got permission to take pictures in the school room after museum hours, and when he entered, was surprised to find what he thought was one of the museum staff in costume. She posed for photos, smiling but not speaking and then walked through a wall! His pictures showed no person, but a bright light area in each photo where she would have been standing. The Lucas Tavern is on Old North Hull Square at 310 North Hull St., Montgomery, AL in Old Alabama Town. There is a fee for tours of the homes and buildings in the Village. Self-guided tours are available Mon-Sat. 9:30-4:00. Check the web site for more details. phone: 888-240-1850
Hotel Finial, formerly the Victoria Inn, Anniston AL
Built in 1888 this Queen Anne style mansion was converted to an inn andrestaurant in 1985. Recently bought, the inn is reopening in the Spring of 2016 with major updates and renovations. The apparition of a woman has been seen on the upstairs landing, music playing in the empty music room, footsteps belonging to noone, and hanging bar glasses clinking against each other. Check the Hotel Finial website for updates on the opening and details of the new inn.
Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham AL
Built and starting production of iron in the 1880's, the Sloss Furnaces was a place where men worked dangerous jobs in hazardous conditions for low pay. Many men met their death while on the job. Much paranormal activity has been reported there including apparitions, screams and sounds of metal/machinery. It has been investigated by many TV show paranormal groups. Sloss Furnace is now a National Historic Landmark and is open Tuesdays-Sundays to visitors. It is at 20 32nd St. North in Birmingham.
Haunted Places in Arizona
Hotel Vendome, Prescott AZ
The Hotel Vendome, built in 1917, is a quaint two-story hotel in the heart of Prescott that provides a Western relaxed atmosphere. About 35 miles north of Phoenix, there are many outdoor activities nearby including hiking, fly fishing and horseback riding. The ghost that haunts the hotel is that of Abby who was a former owner. She lost the hotel due to owing back taxes, but the next owner let her stay on in one of the rooms. Abby fell sick and died in her room, Room 16, in 1925. Guests in that room have told of many unexplained activities, such as the TV turning on and off by itself. A local newspaper reporter said she thought Abby visited during her stay in the room because the radiators kept turning off and the room was cold. She also heard meowing but could not find a source. This is consistent with the assertion that Abby’s cat also haunts the room. Run by innkeepers Eric and Stephanie, the Hotel Vendome has 20 rooms. A continental breakfast breakfast is included, and the Freemont Bar was opened at the hotel in 2012 . It is located at 230 South Cortez St., Prescott AZ Phone: (928) 776-0900
Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ
While enjoying a drink in the cocktail lounge in this hotel, you may sense the spirit of the bank robber who died of his gunshot wounds in that section of the building. Or you may experience some strange things in Room 220, as did the maintenance man who returned to the room five minutes after leaving and locking it up only to find the TV on at full blast and the bed linens stripped. An image of a woman has been seen outside the Zane Grey Room and sounds of a man coughing continuously all night long have been heard. In the Gary Cooper Room a guest was unnerved by the distinct feeling that someone was staring at him. It turns out that two prostitutes had been murdered in that room. The Hotel Monte Vista is a large hotel that opened in 1927 and was the home base to many actors when Westerns were popular and often filmed near Flagstaff. Hence many rooms are named after 1940’s era actors. Hotel Monte Vista is at 100 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff AZ. Phone: (520)779-6971 or (800)545-3068
The Buford Bed and Breakfast, Tombstone, AZ
Like much of Tombstone, this adobe home built in 1880 seems to be haunted by restless spirits. A strange light has been outside the upstairs bedroom from within, but there is no outside source for it. A guest staying in that room saw an apparition of an old lady who looked real enough that the guest informed her she was in the wrong room and would have to go. The spirit told the guest this was her room and to leave. Lavender scent has been smelled in the house. Perhaps the old woman's? The Allens, who run the inn have witnessed the other ghost who haunts their home. The spirit of George Dawes appeared to admire their Christmas tree as they were setting it up. He lived in the house long ago and was in love with the girl, Patra, who lived across the street. He went to a mine to work long and hard for nine months to have enough money so they could wed. Upon his return he was devastated to discover she had fallen in love with another man. Distraught, George took his gun and shot her as she left her house. He then shot himself. Ironically, Patra did not die from her gunshot wounds, though poor George did. He seems to be fairly active around the house, pulling small pranks such as turning lights on and off, and ringing the doorbell at 3am (no one is ever there when the Allens go look), and rapping on walls or windows. The Buford Bed and Breakfast is at 2nd and Safford Streets in Tombstone, phone: (520)457-3969. The inn is currently closed but will be reopened "in the near future" according to their site.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House, Tempe AZ
It is unknown who the spirits are who hang on at this restaurant; perhaps they are the original builder/owners of the house, William and Mary Moeur. In existence since 1910 this historic house is now a restaurant owned by Patty St. Vincent. In an article in the Wrangler News Ms. St. Vincent cites many strange occurrences over the years. Since she has run Casey Moore’s there have been four different families who have lived in the house across the street. Each family has at some time called the police during the night, saying they see a woman upstairs in the restaurant. Each time the security alarm has not been set off, and there is no one in the building. One time St. Vincent and her daughter set an upstairs dining room before leaving for the night. They were the last ones out and the first in the next morning, and when they arrived the alarm was on and working. However, when they went upstairs, the chairs were all lined up in a row leading across the room, the napkins moved and all the silverware fanned out on each table instead of in their table settings. Another time, in front of several witnesses, a large picture came flying off a wall, but the nail was still in place. Casey Moore’s Oyster House is an Irish Pub style restaurant near ASU and the Sun Devil Stadium, at 850 S. Ash, Tempe AZ phone: 602-968-9935
The Hotel Vendome, built in 1917, is a quaint two-story hotel in the heart of Prescott that provides a Western relaxed atmosphere. About 35 miles north of Phoenix, there are many outdoor activities nearby including hiking, fly fishing and horseback riding. The ghost that haunts the hotel is that of Abby who was a former owner. She lost the hotel due to owing back taxes, but the next owner let her stay on in one of the rooms. Abby fell sick and died in her room, Room 16, in 1925. Guests in that room have told of many unexplained activities, such as the TV turning on and off by itself. A local newspaper reporter said she thought Abby visited during her stay in the room because the radiators kept turning off and the room was cold. She also heard meowing but could not find a source. This is consistent with the assertion that Abby’s cat also haunts the room. Run by innkeepers Eric and Stephanie, the Hotel Vendome has 20 rooms. A continental breakfast breakfast is included, and the Freemont Bar was opened at the hotel in 2012 . It is located at 230 South Cortez St., Prescott AZ Phone: (928) 776-0900
Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ
While enjoying a drink in the cocktail lounge in this hotel, you may sense the spirit of the bank robber who died of his gunshot wounds in that section of the building. Or you may experience some strange things in Room 220, as did the maintenance man who returned to the room five minutes after leaving and locking it up only to find the TV on at full blast and the bed linens stripped. An image of a woman has been seen outside the Zane Grey Room and sounds of a man coughing continuously all night long have been heard. In the Gary Cooper Room a guest was unnerved by the distinct feeling that someone was staring at him. It turns out that two prostitutes had been murdered in that room. The Hotel Monte Vista is a large hotel that opened in 1927 and was the home base to many actors when Westerns were popular and often filmed near Flagstaff. Hence many rooms are named after 1940’s era actors. Hotel Monte Vista is at 100 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff AZ. Phone: (520)779-6971 or (800)545-3068
The Buford Bed and Breakfast, Tombstone, AZ
Like much of Tombstone, this adobe home built in 1880 seems to be haunted by restless spirits. A strange light has been outside the upstairs bedroom from within, but there is no outside source for it. A guest staying in that room saw an apparition of an old lady who looked real enough that the guest informed her she was in the wrong room and would have to go. The spirit told the guest this was her room and to leave. Lavender scent has been smelled in the house. Perhaps the old woman's? The Allens, who run the inn have witnessed the other ghost who haunts their home. The spirit of George Dawes appeared to admire their Christmas tree as they were setting it up. He lived in the house long ago and was in love with the girl, Patra, who lived across the street. He went to a mine to work long and hard for nine months to have enough money so they could wed. Upon his return he was devastated to discover she had fallen in love with another man. Distraught, George took his gun and shot her as she left her house. He then shot himself. Ironically, Patra did not die from her gunshot wounds, though poor George did. He seems to be fairly active around the house, pulling small pranks such as turning lights on and off, and ringing the doorbell at 3am (no one is ever there when the Allens go look), and rapping on walls or windows. The Buford Bed and Breakfast is at 2nd and Safford Streets in Tombstone, phone: (520)457-3969. The inn is currently closed but will be reopened "in the near future" according to their site.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House, Tempe AZ
It is unknown who the spirits are who hang on at this restaurant; perhaps they are the original builder/owners of the house, William and Mary Moeur. In existence since 1910 this historic house is now a restaurant owned by Patty St. Vincent. In an article in the Wrangler News Ms. St. Vincent cites many strange occurrences over the years. Since she has run Casey Moore’s there have been four different families who have lived in the house across the street. Each family has at some time called the police during the night, saying they see a woman upstairs in the restaurant. Each time the security alarm has not been set off, and there is no one in the building. One time St. Vincent and her daughter set an upstairs dining room before leaving for the night. They were the last ones out and the first in the next morning, and when they arrived the alarm was on and working. However, when they went upstairs, the chairs were all lined up in a row leading across the room, the napkins moved and all the silverware fanned out on each table instead of in their table settings. Another time, in front of several witnesses, a large picture came flying off a wall, but the nail was still in place. Casey Moore’s Oyster House is an Irish Pub style restaurant near ASU and the Sun Devil Stadium, at 850 S. Ash, Tempe AZ phone: 602-968-9935
Haunted Places in Arkansas
The 1886 Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Built in 1886 this building has had many incarnations, as a hotel, women’s conservatory, junior college, health resort and is now again a hotel. Many guests have reported happenings. Room 424 has had several happenings, and in Room 202 a ghost was photographed. Room 218 seems to be the most haunted room. Doors slam shut, strange sounds have been heard, and people have been shaken awake at night. During construction of the building, a workman fell from the roof and was killed when he landed where Room 218 is. Some guests report seeing a middle aged man with a beard, in formal clothes in the bar area but when they talk to him he does not answer, and then vanishes. There are nighlty Ghost Tours that can be taken and even a Spirit of the Crescent package for guests. The hotel is a large palatial building in the historic district of Eureka Springs at 75 Prospect Street. Phone: 855-725-5720
The Empress of Little Rock, Little Rock AK
In this ornate Queen Anne house the apparitions of a dapperly dressed man has been seen on the stairs, and a woman wearing pink has been seen near the guestrooms. Doors have opened and closed on their own, and unexplained footsteps heard. The B&B has nine rooms, ranging from mid $100s to over $300 per night (a $10 "gratuity" fee is added per night). Breakfast is included. No children under 6 are allowed, and there is one room that can accommodate a pet. 2120 Louisiana St., Little Rock. (501) 374-7966
Built in 1886 this building has had many incarnations, as a hotel, women’s conservatory, junior college, health resort and is now again a hotel. Many guests have reported happenings. Room 424 has had several happenings, and in Room 202 a ghost was photographed. Room 218 seems to be the most haunted room. Doors slam shut, strange sounds have been heard, and people have been shaken awake at night. During construction of the building, a workman fell from the roof and was killed when he landed where Room 218 is. Some guests report seeing a middle aged man with a beard, in formal clothes in the bar area but when they talk to him he does not answer, and then vanishes. There are nighlty Ghost Tours that can be taken and even a Spirit of the Crescent package for guests. The hotel is a large palatial building in the historic district of Eureka Springs at 75 Prospect Street. Phone: 855-725-5720
The Empress of Little Rock, Little Rock AK
In this ornate Queen Anne house the apparitions of a dapperly dressed man has been seen on the stairs, and a woman wearing pink has been seen near the guestrooms. Doors have opened and closed on their own, and unexplained footsteps heard. The B&B has nine rooms, ranging from mid $100s to over $300 per night (a $10 "gratuity" fee is added per night). Breakfast is included. No children under 6 are allowed, and there is one room that can accommodate a pet. 2120 Louisiana St., Little Rock. (501) 374-7966
Haunted Places in California
Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco CA
Queen Anne Hotel is a stop on a San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour, and is haunted by the benign ghost of Miss Mary Lake. She was said to be a mistress of Senator James G. Fair who made a fortune in silver and built a finishing school in 1890 named for and run by Miss Lake. The school closed and the building was sold before the 1906 earthquake. At that time Miss Lake disappeared, but somone is still taking extra care of guests in Room 410, which was once Mary Lake's own room. It seems the most common reports of paranormal activity are cold spots, a misty form of a woman and taking care of the room's occupants. This has included unpacking luggage, picking up dropped pillows, and tucking in guests during the night. The hotel is at 1590 Sutter St (at Octavia), San Francisco, CA 94109. Phone is 800-227-3970 or 415-441-2828. The hotel has 48 rooms and suites and is available for functions.
The Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA
The Hotel Del Coronado sits on 33 oceanfront acres in San Diego Bay and is truly a beautiful and luxurious hotel. The ghost of Kate Morgan is said to haunt the hotel. The story goes that she was married to a gambler and they worked together to fleece card players. When Kate became pregnant she wanted to settle down, but her husband didn't. In 1892 she went to the Del Coronado to wait for him as prearranged, but he didn't show up. She was found on the beach, dead from a shot in the head. I have read and seen (on TV shows) varying accounts including her trying to self abort and then killing herself, finding her husband with another woman and shooting herself, and her husband arriving at the hotel and he shoots her. However her life ended, her spirit continues to haunt the hotel's room 3312. Problems with the phone and TV are the most prevalent manifestations. Also haunted is room 3205 in which curtains have been seen to billow when no windows are open, and "phantom noises" have been heard (I have no more details on those.) The hotel phone no. is (800) HOTEL DEL
The Stevenson House
The Stevenson House is a museum in the Monterey State Park. It is a former boarding house which is now named in honor of its most famous boarder, Robert Louis Stevenson. In 1879 there was a typhoid epidemic in which Manuela Girardin, owner of the house, lost her husband. In early December of that year Mrs. Girirdin's two grandchildren came down with the dread disease and she steadfastly cared for them around the clock. Unfortunately, by doing so, Manuela herself caught typhoid and died on December 21st. Ironically, she died before seeing that her grandchildren recovered from their illness. During the first three weeks of December there are many ghostly manifestations reported in the nursery room. The curator has described them as: an empty rocking chair will start rocking, some visitors smell a strong scent of disinfectant (as found in sickrooms or hospitals) and a woman dressed in black has been seen by many. You can read more about the house in "Haunted Houses of California" by A. May. The Stevenson House is at 530 Houston St. in the Monterey State Park. It is open on weekends from April to Labor Day. Private tours can be arranged furing the Fall and Winter. To do so, call (408) 649-2836.
The Whaley House, San Diego CA
The Whaley House is part of the historic Old Town section of San Diego, located at 2482 San Diego Ave. The house was built in 1857 by successful businessman Thomas Whaley. The county needed space for a courtroom, and was allowed to lease a large downstairs room for that purpose. Before the building existed, a man named Yankee Jim Robinson was found guilty of stealing a boat and was sentenced to death by hanging; the hanging took place on the site of the future courthouse. One of the tour guides reported that many times after giving her talk in the courtroom to a group of tourists, people would come to her or the curator and comment on the man they saw standing next to her. The description they gave would match Yankee Jim (and of course she gave the talk alone). Thomas Whaley, and his wife Anna, are also thought to haunt the house. Both have been seen by many visitors and staff. Some of the other manifestations in the house include: unexplained footsteps, music from an organ or music box when none are playing, a strong scent of perfume or cigar smoke, an empty rocking chair rocking, and cold spots. Frequently locked windows upstairs are opened, setting off the burglar alarms at night. While I did not get the least bit feeling of anything paranormal or "off" in the atmosphere there, I will not dispute the claims that have been made. The Whaley House is open as a museum from Wed-Sun. (619) 298-2482.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach CA
The luxury liner, The Queen Mary, set out on its maiden voyage in 1936 and continued carrying passengers asea for 30 years. It is now permanently docked in Long Beach, and is a 390 room hotel. It is host not only to paying guests, but several ghosts as well. One apparition that has been seen by many people is that of a man who is wearing overalls and has jet black hair and a beard. Another specter on board is that of a man wearing a uniform of the original crew of the ship, and each time he has been seen he is tending to some part of the ship's engines. In the kitchen, staff have seen strangers come in and then disappear, utensils vanish, and lights turn on and off by themselves. The swimming pool area can be quite eerie, where the sounds of laughter and splashing can be heard, but the water is still and no one is there. Also in the pool area, people have seen a young woman dressed in green, who walks along the upper balcony. During one tour of the pool area a group of tourists all saw a naval officer in dress whites walk by, only he was transparent! The Queen Mary is at Pier J, at the Port of Long Beach (1126 Queensway Drive). It is open daily. (213) 435-3511
The National Hotel, Jamestown CA
The National Hotel is in Northern California's Gold Country. It was founded in 1848, and has been continuously operated as a hotel since 1859. The ghost associated with the hotel has been given the name "Flo" by the staff though no one really has any idea who she was or why her spirit would be there. Flo seems to prefer the rooms in the front of the building and is most often in the upstairs of the hotel. On occasion she has been witnessed early in the morning by staff floating through the dining room and proceeding right through a wall! Flo is perceived as being friendly, and performs only harmless pranks. Guests are invited to write down comments in a guestbook by each room. Some entries describe lights going on and off by themselves, doors slamming and clothes being dumped out of suitcases onto the floor. The National Hotel has 9 authentically restored hotel rooms, each with a private bath. The hotel is near Dodge Ridge and Bear Valley ski resorts and Yosemite National Park. It is at 18183 Main St., Jamestown, CA (209) 984-3446 or 800-894-3446.
The Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego CA
The Horton Grand Hotel, a Victorian era hotel in San Diego's Gaslamp District was rebuilt in 1986, combining two former hotels. Inside you will feel you've stepped back to the Victorian Age with period decor surrounding you. The two hotels (the original Grand Hotel and the Brooklyn Kahle Saddlery Hotel) that were rebuilt into the current establishment used to be in the heart of the bawdy and rowdy section of the city, filled with brothels and gambling houses. Many gun fighters used to stay at the hotel. One of these men, Rodger Whitaker, was shot in the chest, but managed to make it back to his room. He hid in an armoire, where he died. It is said that he still haunts that room, Room 309. One local TV station went to the room to film a story on it, and the film had a bright green distortion that the crew had never seen before. The hotel has 132 rooms, 24 of which are suites. The owners have put much effort into combining restoration of a bygone era with modern amenities. The hotel is at 311 Island Ave., San Diego. Phone: (619) 544-1886 or (800) 542-1886
The Groveland Hotel, Groveland CA
The Groveland Hotel is a two story Bed & Breakfast with 17 rooms, less than 150 miles from San Francisco and near Yosemite National Park. The hotel is haunted by the spirit of a man named Lyle who died in Room 15 in the 1920's. He is harmless, and is responsible for opening doors, lights turning on and off, and unexplained phone calls. Guests have even said they've seen him. There's live music all summer in the Courtyard Cabaret and Magic Shows indoors in the winter. The hotel is at 18767 Main St., Groveland CA. Phone: 209-962-4000 or 1-800-273-3314
The Santa Maria Inn, Santa Maria CA
The Santa Maria Inn is a 166 room hotel in the Central Coast area of California. It bills itself on its web page as "a grand hotel preserving the gracious elegance of a bygone era." An amateur ghosthunter in CA told me that during a stay there some of her group experienced furniture moving around by itself on the patio, unexplained knocks on the door, and one person "saw a mist floating over the bathroom." Part of the Inn was built in 1917 and has two resident ghosts, a captain who has been seen walking through walls, and a woman. Both reportedly knock on doors. The Santa Maria Inn is at 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA. Phone: 800.462.4276
USS Hornet Museum, Alameda CA
The USS Hornet is an aircraft carrier, built in 1943 and used extensively in WWII. She also was used to recover the landing astronauts of Apollo 11 and 12. The ship is now a national landmark and is on permanent display as a museum at Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay. There have been many reports of ghostly incidents and apparitions. Staff and volunteers have felt unexplained gusts of wind, heard doors slam, and have seen ghosts of WWII guards. One supervisor said he never believed in ghosts until working on the Hornet and witnessing the ghost of a military man in a khaki uniform several times. The Museum is open Mondays, and Wed.-Sun. and is also available for functions. It is at Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda CA 510-521-8448 It is less and 30 min. from San Francisco.
Queen Anne Hotel is a stop on a San Francisco Ghost Hunt walking tour, and is haunted by the benign ghost of Miss Mary Lake. She was said to be a mistress of Senator James G. Fair who made a fortune in silver and built a finishing school in 1890 named for and run by Miss Lake. The school closed and the building was sold before the 1906 earthquake. At that time Miss Lake disappeared, but somone is still taking extra care of guests in Room 410, which was once Mary Lake's own room. It seems the most common reports of paranormal activity are cold spots, a misty form of a woman and taking care of the room's occupants. This has included unpacking luggage, picking up dropped pillows, and tucking in guests during the night. The hotel is at 1590 Sutter St (at Octavia), San Francisco, CA 94109. Phone is 800-227-3970 or 415-441-2828. The hotel has 48 rooms and suites and is available for functions.
The Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA
The Hotel Del Coronado sits on 33 oceanfront acres in San Diego Bay and is truly a beautiful and luxurious hotel. The ghost of Kate Morgan is said to haunt the hotel. The story goes that she was married to a gambler and they worked together to fleece card players. When Kate became pregnant she wanted to settle down, but her husband didn't. In 1892 she went to the Del Coronado to wait for him as prearranged, but he didn't show up. She was found on the beach, dead from a shot in the head. I have read and seen (on TV shows) varying accounts including her trying to self abort and then killing herself, finding her husband with another woman and shooting herself, and her husband arriving at the hotel and he shoots her. However her life ended, her spirit continues to haunt the hotel's room 3312. Problems with the phone and TV are the most prevalent manifestations. Also haunted is room 3205 in which curtains have been seen to billow when no windows are open, and "phantom noises" have been heard (I have no more details on those.) The hotel phone no. is (800) HOTEL DEL
The Stevenson House
The Stevenson House is a museum in the Monterey State Park. It is a former boarding house which is now named in honor of its most famous boarder, Robert Louis Stevenson. In 1879 there was a typhoid epidemic in which Manuela Girardin, owner of the house, lost her husband. In early December of that year Mrs. Girirdin's two grandchildren came down with the dread disease and she steadfastly cared for them around the clock. Unfortunately, by doing so, Manuela herself caught typhoid and died on December 21st. Ironically, she died before seeing that her grandchildren recovered from their illness. During the first three weeks of December there are many ghostly manifestations reported in the nursery room. The curator has described them as: an empty rocking chair will start rocking, some visitors smell a strong scent of disinfectant (as found in sickrooms or hospitals) and a woman dressed in black has been seen by many. You can read more about the house in "Haunted Houses of California" by A. May. The Stevenson House is at 530 Houston St. in the Monterey State Park. It is open on weekends from April to Labor Day. Private tours can be arranged furing the Fall and Winter. To do so, call (408) 649-2836.
The Whaley House, San Diego CA
The Whaley House is part of the historic Old Town section of San Diego, located at 2482 San Diego Ave. The house was built in 1857 by successful businessman Thomas Whaley. The county needed space for a courtroom, and was allowed to lease a large downstairs room for that purpose. Before the building existed, a man named Yankee Jim Robinson was found guilty of stealing a boat and was sentenced to death by hanging; the hanging took place on the site of the future courthouse. One of the tour guides reported that many times after giving her talk in the courtroom to a group of tourists, people would come to her or the curator and comment on the man they saw standing next to her. The description they gave would match Yankee Jim (and of course she gave the talk alone). Thomas Whaley, and his wife Anna, are also thought to haunt the house. Both have been seen by many visitors and staff. Some of the other manifestations in the house include: unexplained footsteps, music from an organ or music box when none are playing, a strong scent of perfume or cigar smoke, an empty rocking chair rocking, and cold spots. Frequently locked windows upstairs are opened, setting off the burglar alarms at night. While I did not get the least bit feeling of anything paranormal or "off" in the atmosphere there, I will not dispute the claims that have been made. The Whaley House is open as a museum from Wed-Sun. (619) 298-2482.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach CA
The luxury liner, The Queen Mary, set out on its maiden voyage in 1936 and continued carrying passengers asea for 30 years. It is now permanently docked in Long Beach, and is a 390 room hotel. It is host not only to paying guests, but several ghosts as well. One apparition that has been seen by many people is that of a man who is wearing overalls and has jet black hair and a beard. Another specter on board is that of a man wearing a uniform of the original crew of the ship, and each time he has been seen he is tending to some part of the ship's engines. In the kitchen, staff have seen strangers come in and then disappear, utensils vanish, and lights turn on and off by themselves. The swimming pool area can be quite eerie, where the sounds of laughter and splashing can be heard, but the water is still and no one is there. Also in the pool area, people have seen a young woman dressed in green, who walks along the upper balcony. During one tour of the pool area a group of tourists all saw a naval officer in dress whites walk by, only he was transparent! The Queen Mary is at Pier J, at the Port of Long Beach (1126 Queensway Drive). It is open daily. (213) 435-3511
The National Hotel, Jamestown CA
The National Hotel is in Northern California's Gold Country. It was founded in 1848, and has been continuously operated as a hotel since 1859. The ghost associated with the hotel has been given the name "Flo" by the staff though no one really has any idea who she was or why her spirit would be there. Flo seems to prefer the rooms in the front of the building and is most often in the upstairs of the hotel. On occasion she has been witnessed early in the morning by staff floating through the dining room and proceeding right through a wall! Flo is perceived as being friendly, and performs only harmless pranks. Guests are invited to write down comments in a guestbook by each room. Some entries describe lights going on and off by themselves, doors slamming and clothes being dumped out of suitcases onto the floor. The National Hotel has 9 authentically restored hotel rooms, each with a private bath. The hotel is near Dodge Ridge and Bear Valley ski resorts and Yosemite National Park. It is at 18183 Main St., Jamestown, CA (209) 984-3446 or 800-894-3446.
The Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego CA
The Horton Grand Hotel, a Victorian era hotel in San Diego's Gaslamp District was rebuilt in 1986, combining two former hotels. Inside you will feel you've stepped back to the Victorian Age with period decor surrounding you. The two hotels (the original Grand Hotel and the Brooklyn Kahle Saddlery Hotel) that were rebuilt into the current establishment used to be in the heart of the bawdy and rowdy section of the city, filled with brothels and gambling houses. Many gun fighters used to stay at the hotel. One of these men, Rodger Whitaker, was shot in the chest, but managed to make it back to his room. He hid in an armoire, where he died. It is said that he still haunts that room, Room 309. One local TV station went to the room to film a story on it, and the film had a bright green distortion that the crew had never seen before. The hotel has 132 rooms, 24 of which are suites. The owners have put much effort into combining restoration of a bygone era with modern amenities. The hotel is at 311 Island Ave., San Diego. Phone: (619) 544-1886 or (800) 542-1886
The Groveland Hotel, Groveland CA
The Groveland Hotel is a two story Bed & Breakfast with 17 rooms, less than 150 miles from San Francisco and near Yosemite National Park. The hotel is haunted by the spirit of a man named Lyle who died in Room 15 in the 1920's. He is harmless, and is responsible for opening doors, lights turning on and off, and unexplained phone calls. Guests have even said they've seen him. There's live music all summer in the Courtyard Cabaret and Magic Shows indoors in the winter. The hotel is at 18767 Main St., Groveland CA. Phone: 209-962-4000 or 1-800-273-3314
The Santa Maria Inn, Santa Maria CA
The Santa Maria Inn is a 166 room hotel in the Central Coast area of California. It bills itself on its web page as "a grand hotel preserving the gracious elegance of a bygone era." An amateur ghosthunter in CA told me that during a stay there some of her group experienced furniture moving around by itself on the patio, unexplained knocks on the door, and one person "saw a mist floating over the bathroom." Part of the Inn was built in 1917 and has two resident ghosts, a captain who has been seen walking through walls, and a woman. Both reportedly knock on doors. The Santa Maria Inn is at 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA. Phone: 800.462.4276
USS Hornet Museum, Alameda CA
The USS Hornet is an aircraft carrier, built in 1943 and used extensively in WWII. She also was used to recover the landing astronauts of Apollo 11 and 12. The ship is now a national landmark and is on permanent display as a museum at Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay. There have been many reports of ghostly incidents and apparitions. Staff and volunteers have felt unexplained gusts of wind, heard doors slam, and have seen ghosts of WWII guards. One supervisor said he never believed in ghosts until working on the Hornet and witnessing the ghost of a military man in a khaki uniform several times. The Museum is open Mondays, and Wed.-Sun. and is also available for functions. It is at Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda CA 510-521-8448 It is less and 30 min. from San Francisco.
Haunted Places in Colorado
the Hotel St. Nicholas, Cripple Creek CO
This inn was originally built in 1898, during the 1890's gold rush, in response to the town's need for a hospital. Opened and run by the Sisters of Mercy, the building functioned as a hospital until the 1970's. Abandoned off and on after that, it was bought and reopened as a hotel in 1995. Since that time many people have reported seeing bottles move in the bar, small objects or cigarettes going missing and seeing apparitions. the tavern stockroom is in what was formerly the morgue and voices have been recorded in there. The mischievous ghost is thought to be a boy, possibly an orphan who lived there with the nuns, and the second spirit is a miner who has been seen and heard walking down the back stairways. The hotel overlooks Cripple Creek with a panoramic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are 15 guest rooms and the Boiler Room Tavern. Rooms are $80-150 in season and include a continental breakfast. No pets are allowed. For more information call: 719-689-0856 or 888-786-4257. The hotel is at 303 North Third St. in Cripple Creek CO.
Baldpate Inn, Estes Park CO
Baldpate Inn is in Estes Park which is about 70 miles northwest of Denver. A classic log cabin style lodge nestled in the mountains, it was originally built by a newlywed couple, Gordon and Ethel Mace in 1911. In 1917 reconstruction to make it into an inn was complete. Named after a fictional inn where regular visitors were given their own keys to the building, the Maces themselves would give each guest their own key. This was stopped in WWI when the cost of metal rose steeply. After that, their regular visitors started a custom of bringing a key with them to leave at the inn. Thus started the famous “Key Room” with over 12,000 keys including ones from Westminster Abby, Mozart’s wine cellar, the Pentagon and even Frankenstein’s castle. Several employees and guests have seen the ghosts of Gordon and Ethel Mace. Ethel is especially active in the Key Room and in her old bedroom. Now run by the Smiths (who are only the second family to own and run the inn), the 12 room lodge is only open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Breakfast is included in the room fee and no smoking is allowed. 4900 South Highway 7, Estes Park, CO 970.586.6151
Patterson Historic Inn, Denver CO
The Croke-Patterson mansion was built in 1890 and represents the Chateau-esque style of architecture. The builder, Thomas Croke lived there for two years, then sold it too Thomas Patterson who was a U.S. Congressman and later a Senator as well as the publisher of the Rocky Mountain News. Patterson's daughter Margaret and her husband Richard Campbell also lived there until 1916. First reports of hauntings started in 1970 after some offices in the building were remodeled. Sounds of typing were reported. The owners bought two Dobermans for security but they were found dead after seemingly jumping through a third story window. It is assumed that something scared them enough to cause that. In the 1970's a baby born to the owners died in the third floor nursery. The mother committed suicide. The mansion was a museum but was sold in 2011; it has been completely renovated and is now a Bed & Breakfast with nine guest rooms. Amenities include a free continental breakfast. It is at 420 E. 11th Ave., Denver Phone: 303.955.5142
Stanley Hotel, Estes Park CO
This majestic Georgian style hotel in the Rockies was built by F.O. Stanley, who created the Stanley Steam Engine and owned the company Stanley Steamers, which made horseless carriages run by steam. He moved out west due to ill health. After his health improved during his stay in Estes Park he started work on the Stanley Hotel, and it opened for business in 1909. Mr. Stanley’s apparition has been seen by many, particularly in the lobby and the Billiard Room, which was his favorite room in life. During one tour group’s visit to the Billiard Room, he materialized behind a member of the tour. Mrs. Flora Stanley, his wife, also haunts the hotel, continuing to entertain guests with her piano playing. Music is heard, and when people look into the room they can see the keys of the piano moving, but everything stops as soon as someone crosses the threshold to investigate further. Room 418 seems to be a center of activity. Cleaning crews have heard many strange noises from the empty room, and have seen imprints on the bed even when it has not been booked. Children are heard playing in the hallway at night. One couple checked out very early, saying the children in the hallway kept them up all night, but there were no children booked in the hotel at that time. Stephen King wrote much of his book, The Shining, here and the mini series on TV made from the novel was filmed here. The film version directed by Kubrick, however, was not shot at the Stanley. The Hotel is at 333 Wonderview, Estes Park, CO 800.976.1377 or 970.586.3371
The Old Stone Church Restaurant, Castle Rock CO
This church was built in 1888, and functioned as a Catholic church until 1966 when the congregation relocated. It was vacant until 1975 when it was opened as a restaurant. An apparition has been seen on the second floor, which was originally the choir loft. Staff have seen sugar caddies lift in the air, chairs move on their own, lights go on and off, and the phone acts up. Only open Tuesday-Saturday, you can check their site for menus and directions. 210 3rd St., Castle Rock 303.688.9000
This inn was originally built in 1898, during the 1890's gold rush, in response to the town's need for a hospital. Opened and run by the Sisters of Mercy, the building functioned as a hospital until the 1970's. Abandoned off and on after that, it was bought and reopened as a hotel in 1995. Since that time many people have reported seeing bottles move in the bar, small objects or cigarettes going missing and seeing apparitions. the tavern stockroom is in what was formerly the morgue and voices have been recorded in there. The mischievous ghost is thought to be a boy, possibly an orphan who lived there with the nuns, and the second spirit is a miner who has been seen and heard walking down the back stairways. The hotel overlooks Cripple Creek with a panoramic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are 15 guest rooms and the Boiler Room Tavern. Rooms are $80-150 in season and include a continental breakfast. No pets are allowed. For more information call: 719-689-0856 or 888-786-4257. The hotel is at 303 North Third St. in Cripple Creek CO.
Baldpate Inn, Estes Park CO
Baldpate Inn is in Estes Park which is about 70 miles northwest of Denver. A classic log cabin style lodge nestled in the mountains, it was originally built by a newlywed couple, Gordon and Ethel Mace in 1911. In 1917 reconstruction to make it into an inn was complete. Named after a fictional inn where regular visitors were given their own keys to the building, the Maces themselves would give each guest their own key. This was stopped in WWI when the cost of metal rose steeply. After that, their regular visitors started a custom of bringing a key with them to leave at the inn. Thus started the famous “Key Room” with over 12,000 keys including ones from Westminster Abby, Mozart’s wine cellar, the Pentagon and even Frankenstein’s castle. Several employees and guests have seen the ghosts of Gordon and Ethel Mace. Ethel is especially active in the Key Room and in her old bedroom. Now run by the Smiths (who are only the second family to own and run the inn), the 12 room lodge is only open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Breakfast is included in the room fee and no smoking is allowed. 4900 South Highway 7, Estes Park, CO 970.586.6151
Patterson Historic Inn, Denver CO
The Croke-Patterson mansion was built in 1890 and represents the Chateau-esque style of architecture. The builder, Thomas Croke lived there for two years, then sold it too Thomas Patterson who was a U.S. Congressman and later a Senator as well as the publisher of the Rocky Mountain News. Patterson's daughter Margaret and her husband Richard Campbell also lived there until 1916. First reports of hauntings started in 1970 after some offices in the building were remodeled. Sounds of typing were reported. The owners bought two Dobermans for security but they were found dead after seemingly jumping through a third story window. It is assumed that something scared them enough to cause that. In the 1970's a baby born to the owners died in the third floor nursery. The mother committed suicide. The mansion was a museum but was sold in 2011; it has been completely renovated and is now a Bed & Breakfast with nine guest rooms. Amenities include a free continental breakfast. It is at 420 E. 11th Ave., Denver Phone: 303.955.5142
Stanley Hotel, Estes Park CO
This majestic Georgian style hotel in the Rockies was built by F.O. Stanley, who created the Stanley Steam Engine and owned the company Stanley Steamers, which made horseless carriages run by steam. He moved out west due to ill health. After his health improved during his stay in Estes Park he started work on the Stanley Hotel, and it opened for business in 1909. Mr. Stanley’s apparition has been seen by many, particularly in the lobby and the Billiard Room, which was his favorite room in life. During one tour group’s visit to the Billiard Room, he materialized behind a member of the tour. Mrs. Flora Stanley, his wife, also haunts the hotel, continuing to entertain guests with her piano playing. Music is heard, and when people look into the room they can see the keys of the piano moving, but everything stops as soon as someone crosses the threshold to investigate further. Room 418 seems to be a center of activity. Cleaning crews have heard many strange noises from the empty room, and have seen imprints on the bed even when it has not been booked. Children are heard playing in the hallway at night. One couple checked out very early, saying the children in the hallway kept them up all night, but there were no children booked in the hotel at that time. Stephen King wrote much of his book, The Shining, here and the mini series on TV made from the novel was filmed here. The film version directed by Kubrick, however, was not shot at the Stanley. The Hotel is at 333 Wonderview, Estes Park, CO 800.976.1377 or 970.586.3371
The Old Stone Church Restaurant, Castle Rock CO
This church was built in 1888, and functioned as a Catholic church until 1966 when the congregation relocated. It was vacant until 1975 when it was opened as a restaurant. An apparition has been seen on the second floor, which was originally the choir loft. Staff have seen sugar caddies lift in the air, chairs move on their own, lights go on and off, and the phone acts up. Only open Tuesday-Saturday, you can check their site for menus and directions. 210 3rd St., Castle Rock 303.688.9000
Haunted Places in Connecticut
Abigail's Grille and Wine Bar, Simsbury CT
Built in 1780 to be a stagecoach stop and tavern, this colonial house has been both a private home and a restaurant business at various times over the years. The story goes that Jonathan Pettibone, the original owner, came home from sea to find another man with his wife. He remedied the situation with an axe, and supposedly his wife haunts the house wandering throughout. Other spirits are a man (her lover?), a boy and a tavern wench. Furniture has been moved at night, lights that were turned off are turned back on, and the second floor Ladies' Room is a hot spot. Located at 4 Hartford Rd., Simsbury Abigail's serves lunch, dinner and brunch. phone: 860.264.1580
The Benton Homestead, Tolland CT
The Benton Homestead, a pre civil war home, is now a museum. During the Civil War, Elijah, who lived in the house, left to fight in the war. He left behind his fiance Jemima, who he would marry upon his return. Unfortunately when he returned he had a fatal disease, smallpox (?) and died. Jemima took care of him until his death, risking her own life to do so. She did indeed contract the disease herself and die. A female apparition has been seen. Men's voices have been heard from the basement. People have described a cold, suffocating feeling upstairs, and general feelings of sadness and oppression are associated with the house. On Metcalf Rd., Tolland, the phone number is (860) 974-1875.
Mystic Seaport, Old Mystic CT
At Mystic Seaport you can go onboard the whaling ship, the Charles W Morgan, which some say is haunted. According to the Boston Globe (6/26/06) three people have independently written to a local paranormal research group telling them that they had been very surprised to hear after their visit that there were no period dressed staff on the ship. Each email recounted a similar description of seeing "a man dressed in period clothing sitting on a pile of rope and smoking a pipe." All of the sightings were below deck in the room where the whale blubber would have been stripped from the whales. So enjoy some history, keep an open mind and bring your camera!
Built in 1780 to be a stagecoach stop and tavern, this colonial house has been both a private home and a restaurant business at various times over the years. The story goes that Jonathan Pettibone, the original owner, came home from sea to find another man with his wife. He remedied the situation with an axe, and supposedly his wife haunts the house wandering throughout. Other spirits are a man (her lover?), a boy and a tavern wench. Furniture has been moved at night, lights that were turned off are turned back on, and the second floor Ladies' Room is a hot spot. Located at 4 Hartford Rd., Simsbury Abigail's serves lunch, dinner and brunch. phone: 860.264.1580
The Benton Homestead, Tolland CT
The Benton Homestead, a pre civil war home, is now a museum. During the Civil War, Elijah, who lived in the house, left to fight in the war. He left behind his fiance Jemima, who he would marry upon his return. Unfortunately when he returned he had a fatal disease, smallpox (?) and died. Jemima took care of him until his death, risking her own life to do so. She did indeed contract the disease herself and die. A female apparition has been seen. Men's voices have been heard from the basement. People have described a cold, suffocating feeling upstairs, and general feelings of sadness and oppression are associated with the house. On Metcalf Rd., Tolland, the phone number is (860) 974-1875.
Mystic Seaport, Old Mystic CT
At Mystic Seaport you can go onboard the whaling ship, the Charles W Morgan, which some say is haunted. According to the Boston Globe (6/26/06) three people have independently written to a local paranormal research group telling them that they had been very surprised to hear after their visit that there were no period dressed staff on the ship. Each email recounted a similar description of seeing "a man dressed in period clothing sitting on a pile of rope and smoking a pipe." All of the sightings were below deck in the room where the whale blubber would have been stripped from the whales. So enjoy some history, keep an open mind and bring your camera!
Haunted Places in Florida
1872 John Denham House B&B, Monticello FL
Pat Inmon, the innkeeper takes ghostly happenings in stride in this Italianate mansion near the center of Monticello. If you want to take any photos on the second floor or up in the cupola take them quickly - batteries get drained at an alarming rate. Several times a month the alarm clocks in every guest room will go off at the same time in the middle of the day and the lights in the rooms may turn on and off by themselves while guests are in them. Many guests have reported feelings of not being alone. Apparitions of a man in period dress has been seen in the upstairs hallway outside the guest rooms, and one guest saw the spirit of a man in their room. The John Denham House is a family (and pet) friendly B&B where children are welcomed and pets are allowed. There are five guest rooms priced $95 to $110, and the house is available for weddings and functions. 555 West Palmer Mill Rd., Monticello FL phone: (850)997-4568.
Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Pensacola FL
This Queen Anne Victorian in "Historic Downtown Pensacola" was originally built by a ship captain, William Northup in the 1890s. Chuck and Barbee Major are the innkeepers and are happy to share their home with benevolent spirits from the past. There is often the sound of classical music with no apparent source and also the sounds of children playing and giggling. One guest arriving back at the inn late one night saw a woman in a Victorian style nightdress walk into one of the other guest rooms and was surprised to find out the next day that no one was staying in that room and none of the guests matched her description. Chuck has also seen the apparition of a woman walking into one of the guest rooms when his wife was in their living quarters and no guests were registered at the inn. Some mornings the sounds of breakfast being prepared and even the tempting aroma of hot food have drifted through the house before the Majors have started any breakfast preparation. The B & B offers 4 rooms to guests - each comes with full breakfast, private bath, AC, cable TV, computer outlets and complimentary treats and beverages. Cost ranges from $95 to $150. Address is: 203 W. gregory St., Pensacola FL 850-434-2818 or 800-370-8354.
Casablanca inn, St. Augustine FL
Casablanca inn is a lovely setting right on Matanzas Bay in Old St. Augustine. In the 1920s it was a hotbed for smugglers (rumrunners). The innkeeper was a young woman who would provide protection for the smugglers from federal agents in return for a fee. She would signal the rumrunners at sea by waving a lantern if it wasn't safe, and they would keep going up the coast. The rumrunners would board at the inn and sold their liquor there. She fell in love with one of the smugglers, but tragically he was killed in a storm at sea. One guest had the TV turn on and off, then on. The night innkeeper thought he heard something above his head - loud footsteps and doors closing on the floor over him, but that section was unoccupied. When he went upstairs to investigate, the room was empty, but he felt a presence. People at another inn across the way have seen a lantern on the widow's walk. The inn is run by Jackie O'Sullivan and she offers 20 rooms and suites. the main House is mostly suites, and the Coach House has 8 additional rooms. The rates range from just under $150 to about $240, and include hot buffet breakfast, and afternoon homemade cookies. There is no smoking, and children must be age twelve or over. 24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Fla. phone, 1-800-826-2626.
St. Augustine Light House and Museum, St. Augustine, FL
The light house tower and the keeper’s house are both open as a museum. Workers have heard footsteps going up and down the tower stairs. In the house, a man in Victorian work clothes, and a young girl have been seen. The second floor gallery and the basement are supposed to be hot spots. In the gift house cold spots have been reported as well as chairs moving on their own and objects being moved or disappearing only to show up again later. The light house was featured on a Discovery channel show, Real Ghosthunters and on Ghost Hunters on Syfy. A Dark of the Moon ghost tour is offered, details are on their web site. The lighthouse is located off A1A South – turn onto Old Beach Road.
Ashley's Restaurant & Bar, Rockledge FL
In 1933 this building on US 1 south of Cocoa Beach housed Jack's Tavern. Over the years it has continued to be a restaurant and bar under several different names. In 1934 a young woman named Ethel Allen was murdered and her body was found nearby on the banks of the Indian River. She was a regular at Jack's Tavern and in fact that was the last place she was seen before her death. It is thought that she is the one haunting the building because patrons have seen the reflection of a young woman in the mirror in the Ladie's Room.. Also, a manager using the restroom once saw old-fashioned 1930s style footwear on the feet of the woman in the stall next to her but whenshe exited the stall, she saw the one next to her was unoccupied! The unexplained activity at Ashley's includes lights going on and off at night, dishes and glasses breaking for no reason, the burglar alarm going off without cause, whispering heard by staff after closing, and objects being found in the morning in different places than where they were left the night before. People have felt the pressure of being pushed when going up or down the stairs. Ashley's offers two bars - one inside and one outdoors. They do not serve dinner on Sat. or Sun. and are open only 8am-1pm those days. 1609 South US 1, Rockledge phone: 321-636-6430
Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island, FL
This park covers eleven hundred acres on Florida’s east coast north of Jacksonville. Fort Clinch was a fort during the civil war though it was not completely built, and continued to be used as a military station after the war. By 1898 the fort was deemed not needed and troops stationed there were removed. The state of Florida bought it in 1935. Staff and volunteers who have stayed there overnight have heard footsteps, seen ghosts in civil war uniforms, seen a woman in white (like a nurse), and have heard the wail of a baby coming from the southwest tunnel. The last may be from the late twenties, when a homeless family lived there for a few months and while there lost a baby girl. From May-Labor Day candlelight tours are led on Saturday evenings, and garrisons are held the first weekend of each month. Reservations are required for the Sat. tours. Call 904-277-7274, The park is off A1A with signs to direct you.
The Seven Sisters B&B Inn, Ocala FL
Built in 1890 Charles Rheinauer, a successful businessman, and his wife Emma moved into this Victorian in 1895. Charles died in 1925, but his wife lived there until 1942. They seem to have stayed on in spirit. The ghosts of three children seem to still be in the building as well. Footsteps, whispers and knocks on walls are heard. Items and clothes are unexplainably relocated. The activity seems harmless and non-threatening and appears to be taken in stride at the inn. There are five suites which start at $189/night. A 3 course breakfast is included. No pets. 828 East Fort King St., Ocala. 352-433-0700
SW Florida International Airport. Fort Myers, FL
A reader of this web page told me about this one….
Although the airport has only been around since the eighties, it seems to be haunted. Sad to say, several elderly travelers have expired while on the grounds of the airport. Stranded travelers at night have been targeted by a mischievous spirit who will ring each pay phone along their path as they go by anywhere in the terminal. As expected, when picked up, no one is on the phone. In the A concourse, at gate A-3, An elderly man in a trench coat has been seen sitting in the waiting area. He gets up, walks to the ticket counter as if to check on something, and then disappears into thin air. Janitors have said that late at night in the men's’ room in the A Concourse they’ve heard toilets flush and water running in the sinks, but on checking, all the sinks are absolutely dry. The staff now tries to finish up in that area before the last flight of the night. The person who wrote me said that several of the airline workers and even police officers have seen strange things at the airport but don’t like to talk about them.
Pat Inmon, the innkeeper takes ghostly happenings in stride in this Italianate mansion near the center of Monticello. If you want to take any photos on the second floor or up in the cupola take them quickly - batteries get drained at an alarming rate. Several times a month the alarm clocks in every guest room will go off at the same time in the middle of the day and the lights in the rooms may turn on and off by themselves while guests are in them. Many guests have reported feelings of not being alone. Apparitions of a man in period dress has been seen in the upstairs hallway outside the guest rooms, and one guest saw the spirit of a man in their room. The John Denham House is a family (and pet) friendly B&B where children are welcomed and pets are allowed. There are five guest rooms priced $95 to $110, and the house is available for weddings and functions. 555 West Palmer Mill Rd., Monticello FL phone: (850)997-4568.
Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Pensacola FL
This Queen Anne Victorian in "Historic Downtown Pensacola" was originally built by a ship captain, William Northup in the 1890s. Chuck and Barbee Major are the innkeepers and are happy to share their home with benevolent spirits from the past. There is often the sound of classical music with no apparent source and also the sounds of children playing and giggling. One guest arriving back at the inn late one night saw a woman in a Victorian style nightdress walk into one of the other guest rooms and was surprised to find out the next day that no one was staying in that room and none of the guests matched her description. Chuck has also seen the apparition of a woman walking into one of the guest rooms when his wife was in their living quarters and no guests were registered at the inn. Some mornings the sounds of breakfast being prepared and even the tempting aroma of hot food have drifted through the house before the Majors have started any breakfast preparation. The B & B offers 4 rooms to guests - each comes with full breakfast, private bath, AC, cable TV, computer outlets and complimentary treats and beverages. Cost ranges from $95 to $150. Address is: 203 W. gregory St., Pensacola FL 850-434-2818 or 800-370-8354.
Casablanca inn, St. Augustine FL
Casablanca inn is a lovely setting right on Matanzas Bay in Old St. Augustine. In the 1920s it was a hotbed for smugglers (rumrunners). The innkeeper was a young woman who would provide protection for the smugglers from federal agents in return for a fee. She would signal the rumrunners at sea by waving a lantern if it wasn't safe, and they would keep going up the coast. The rumrunners would board at the inn and sold their liquor there. She fell in love with one of the smugglers, but tragically he was killed in a storm at sea. One guest had the TV turn on and off, then on. The night innkeeper thought he heard something above his head - loud footsteps and doors closing on the floor over him, but that section was unoccupied. When he went upstairs to investigate, the room was empty, but he felt a presence. People at another inn across the way have seen a lantern on the widow's walk. The inn is run by Jackie O'Sullivan and she offers 20 rooms and suites. the main House is mostly suites, and the Coach House has 8 additional rooms. The rates range from just under $150 to about $240, and include hot buffet breakfast, and afternoon homemade cookies. There is no smoking, and children must be age twelve or over. 24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Fla. phone, 1-800-826-2626.
St. Augustine Light House and Museum, St. Augustine, FL
The light house tower and the keeper’s house are both open as a museum. Workers have heard footsteps going up and down the tower stairs. In the house, a man in Victorian work clothes, and a young girl have been seen. The second floor gallery and the basement are supposed to be hot spots. In the gift house cold spots have been reported as well as chairs moving on their own and objects being moved or disappearing only to show up again later. The light house was featured on a Discovery channel show, Real Ghosthunters and on Ghost Hunters on Syfy. A Dark of the Moon ghost tour is offered, details are on their web site. The lighthouse is located off A1A South – turn onto Old Beach Road.
Ashley's Restaurant & Bar, Rockledge FL
In 1933 this building on US 1 south of Cocoa Beach housed Jack's Tavern. Over the years it has continued to be a restaurant and bar under several different names. In 1934 a young woman named Ethel Allen was murdered and her body was found nearby on the banks of the Indian River. She was a regular at Jack's Tavern and in fact that was the last place she was seen before her death. It is thought that she is the one haunting the building because patrons have seen the reflection of a young woman in the mirror in the Ladie's Room.. Also, a manager using the restroom once saw old-fashioned 1930s style footwear on the feet of the woman in the stall next to her but whenshe exited the stall, she saw the one next to her was unoccupied! The unexplained activity at Ashley's includes lights going on and off at night, dishes and glasses breaking for no reason, the burglar alarm going off without cause, whispering heard by staff after closing, and objects being found in the morning in different places than where they were left the night before. People have felt the pressure of being pushed when going up or down the stairs. Ashley's offers two bars - one inside and one outdoors. They do not serve dinner on Sat. or Sun. and are open only 8am-1pm those days. 1609 South US 1, Rockledge phone: 321-636-6430
Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island, FL
This park covers eleven hundred acres on Florida’s east coast north of Jacksonville. Fort Clinch was a fort during the civil war though it was not completely built, and continued to be used as a military station after the war. By 1898 the fort was deemed not needed and troops stationed there were removed. The state of Florida bought it in 1935. Staff and volunteers who have stayed there overnight have heard footsteps, seen ghosts in civil war uniforms, seen a woman in white (like a nurse), and have heard the wail of a baby coming from the southwest tunnel. The last may be from the late twenties, when a homeless family lived there for a few months and while there lost a baby girl. From May-Labor Day candlelight tours are led on Saturday evenings, and garrisons are held the first weekend of each month. Reservations are required for the Sat. tours. Call 904-277-7274, The park is off A1A with signs to direct you.
The Seven Sisters B&B Inn, Ocala FL
Built in 1890 Charles Rheinauer, a successful businessman, and his wife Emma moved into this Victorian in 1895. Charles died in 1925, but his wife lived there until 1942. They seem to have stayed on in spirit. The ghosts of three children seem to still be in the building as well. Footsteps, whispers and knocks on walls are heard. Items and clothes are unexplainably relocated. The activity seems harmless and non-threatening and appears to be taken in stride at the inn. There are five suites which start at $189/night. A 3 course breakfast is included. No pets. 828 East Fort King St., Ocala. 352-433-0700
SW Florida International Airport. Fort Myers, FL
A reader of this web page told me about this one….
Although the airport has only been around since the eighties, it seems to be haunted. Sad to say, several elderly travelers have expired while on the grounds of the airport. Stranded travelers at night have been targeted by a mischievous spirit who will ring each pay phone along their path as they go by anywhere in the terminal. As expected, when picked up, no one is on the phone. In the A concourse, at gate A-3, An elderly man in a trench coat has been seen sitting in the waiting area. He gets up, walks to the ticket counter as if to check on something, and then disappears into thin air. Janitors have said that late at night in the men's’ room in the A Concourse they’ve heard toilets flush and water running in the sinks, but on checking, all the sinks are absolutely dry. The staff now tries to finish up in that area before the last flight of the night. The person who wrote me said that several of the airline workers and even police officers have seen strange things at the airport but don’t like to talk about them.
Haunted Places in Illinois
The Drake Hotel, Chicago IL
This upscale hotel opened in 1920 and overlooks Lake Michigan on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It is haunted by the Lady in Red. She had been a guest at a dance held in the ballroom. After the dance she went up to the roof and jumped, and is now said to haunt the tenth floor. A staff member stated that people often ask what's up with the ballroom, because they get a creepy and uncomfortable feeling in there. There are 537 rooms, starting at $229 a night, and 3 restaurants on site. Located at 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, phone: 800-553-7253 or locally, 312-787-1431.
The Red Lion Pub, Chicago IL
Located on the North side of Chicago, this English style pub is across the street from the theater where Hon Dillinger was ambushed by federal agents and killed. In 1984 it was opened as a pub after being apartments. Said to be haunted by several ghosts, one is the spirit of a young woman who signals her presence with a strong scent of lavender. An apparition of a man wearing cowboy clothes has been seen walking along the main bar. Other sightings include a blonde man, and a man with a beard in a black cowboy hat. The Red Lion Pub is at 2446 N. Lincoln Drive, Chicago.
Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago IL
Built in 1893, this hotel is comprised of two towers with a total of 871 rooms. It features great lakeviews with modern amenities situated on Lake Michigan adjacent to Grant Park. Staff have seen the ghost of a young boy in various areas in the North tower - the legend goes that his mother threw herself off the roof of that tower after pushing her two sons off. In The Florentine Room (a banquet room) guards have heard a woman whisper in their ears. Noises are heard from the ballroom when it is empty. Guests in Room 441 have often reported objects moving, strange noises and seeing the shadowy outline of a woman. Located at 520 South Michigan Ave., Chicago the hotel has valet parking, room service and an exercise facility. Phone: 312-427-3800
This upscale hotel opened in 1920 and overlooks Lake Michigan on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It is haunted by the Lady in Red. She had been a guest at a dance held in the ballroom. After the dance she went up to the roof and jumped, and is now said to haunt the tenth floor. A staff member stated that people often ask what's up with the ballroom, because they get a creepy and uncomfortable feeling in there. There are 537 rooms, starting at $229 a night, and 3 restaurants on site. Located at 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, phone: 800-553-7253 or locally, 312-787-1431.
The Red Lion Pub, Chicago IL
Located on the North side of Chicago, this English style pub is across the street from the theater where Hon Dillinger was ambushed by federal agents and killed. In 1984 it was opened as a pub after being apartments. Said to be haunted by several ghosts, one is the spirit of a young woman who signals her presence with a strong scent of lavender. An apparition of a man wearing cowboy clothes has been seen walking along the main bar. Other sightings include a blonde man, and a man with a beard in a black cowboy hat. The Red Lion Pub is at 2446 N. Lincoln Drive, Chicago.
Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago IL
Built in 1893, this hotel is comprised of two towers with a total of 871 rooms. It features great lakeviews with modern amenities situated on Lake Michigan adjacent to Grant Park. Staff have seen the ghost of a young boy in various areas in the North tower - the legend goes that his mother threw herself off the roof of that tower after pushing her two sons off. In The Florentine Room (a banquet room) guards have heard a woman whisper in their ears. Noises are heard from the ballroom when it is empty. Guests in Room 441 have often reported objects moving, strange noises and seeing the shadowy outline of a woman. Located at 520 South Michigan Ave., Chicago the hotel has valet parking, room service and an exercise facility. Phone: 312-427-3800
Haunted Places in Indiana
The Hannah Mansion, Indianapolis IN
Also referred to as the Historic Hannah House, this stately brick home was built in 1858 by State Legislator Alexander Moore Hannah. An abolitionist, it was rumored that Hannah had reconfigured the basement to be a hiding place for slaves traveling north through the network of the Underground Railroad. A private residence until 1978, it has since been operated by the Elder family who owns it as a venue that can be rented for events, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by the local Jaycees as a community Haunted House at Halloween for several years. When the Elders lived there a second floor bedroom was the most common site of phenomena which included doors opening/shutting, cold drafts, unexplained footsteps, and whispering voices. People would sometimes smell either the foul scent of decay or the sweet odor of roses in that room and each would suddenly start and just as suddenly be gone. While the O'Brien family lived there from '68 to '78, they each witnessed the apparition of a man with old-fashioned mutton-chop whiskers in a dark suit. One time Mr. O'Brien watched the handle on the attic door turn and the door open by itself. Supposedly apparitions of slaves have been seen in the basement and the story goes that an overturned lantern started a fire that killed several former slaves hiding there but this story has never been verified. The apparition of an older woman has been seen upstairs, and when a local news team was filming there, they captured a chandelier swinging back and forth. Currently Hannah House is available for functions such as weddings, parties and corporate dinners. You can take a tour of the mansion (but not in Sept. or October) - check their website for when it's open. There is also "The Hannah House Experience" where you can spend the night there to ghost hunt either on your own or with a local paranormal group. The Hannah House is at 3801 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis 317-787-8486
The Story Inn, Nashville IN
The Story Inn, Indiana's oldest country inn, offers 13 guest rooms and a restaurant. When the current owner, Richard Hofstetter, bought the inn in 1999 he was a confirmed skeptic. He discovered that each room had a guest book and this tradition had been around for many many years. After reading the entries which contained paranormal experiences he went and looked at the filled books that were kept in the attic and found yet more interesting (and consistent) anecdotes of brushes with the supernatural. His thoughts on these accounts of hauntings can be found at: http://www.storyinn.com/is-story-haunted He observed that most of the activity was in the room above the restaurant. Because it is thought that the ghost is a wife of a former owner, Dr. Story, and that she is attracted to a blue light in the room, she is referred to as The Blue Lady and the guest room has been re-named for her. Staff and the former owner have seen an apparition of a woman. Guests have also seen her, and heard their name called when no one is there. When the owner was remodeling the bathroom of the Blue Lady room he closed it up and left for the night after checking that everything was off only to return several mornings to find the water faucet turned on! The entire inn is non-smoking, and rooms do not have TV, phones, clocks or radios. It is available for functions and has a separate restaurant if you want to visit just for dinner. The Story Inn is at 6404 South State Road 135 - Nashville. Phone: (800) 881-1183.
Also referred to as the Historic Hannah House, this stately brick home was built in 1858 by State Legislator Alexander Moore Hannah. An abolitionist, it was rumored that Hannah had reconfigured the basement to be a hiding place for slaves traveling north through the network of the Underground Railroad. A private residence until 1978, it has since been operated by the Elder family who owns it as a venue that can be rented for events, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by the local Jaycees as a community Haunted House at Halloween for several years. When the Elders lived there a second floor bedroom was the most common site of phenomena which included doors opening/shutting, cold drafts, unexplained footsteps, and whispering voices. People would sometimes smell either the foul scent of decay or the sweet odor of roses in that room and each would suddenly start and just as suddenly be gone. While the O'Brien family lived there from '68 to '78, they each witnessed the apparition of a man with old-fashioned mutton-chop whiskers in a dark suit. One time Mr. O'Brien watched the handle on the attic door turn and the door open by itself. Supposedly apparitions of slaves have been seen in the basement and the story goes that an overturned lantern started a fire that killed several former slaves hiding there but this story has never been verified. The apparition of an older woman has been seen upstairs, and when a local news team was filming there, they captured a chandelier swinging back and forth. Currently Hannah House is available for functions such as weddings, parties and corporate dinners. You can take a tour of the mansion (but not in Sept. or October) - check their website for when it's open. There is also "The Hannah House Experience" where you can spend the night there to ghost hunt either on your own or with a local paranormal group. The Hannah House is at 3801 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis 317-787-8486
The Story Inn, Nashville IN
The Story Inn, Indiana's oldest country inn, offers 13 guest rooms and a restaurant. When the current owner, Richard Hofstetter, bought the inn in 1999 he was a confirmed skeptic. He discovered that each room had a guest book and this tradition had been around for many many years. After reading the entries which contained paranormal experiences he went and looked at the filled books that were kept in the attic and found yet more interesting (and consistent) anecdotes of brushes with the supernatural. His thoughts on these accounts of hauntings can be found at: http://www.storyinn.com/is-story-haunted He observed that most of the activity was in the room above the restaurant. Because it is thought that the ghost is a wife of a former owner, Dr. Story, and that she is attracted to a blue light in the room, she is referred to as The Blue Lady and the guest room has been re-named for her. Staff and the former owner have seen an apparition of a woman. Guests have also seen her, and heard their name called when no one is there. When the owner was remodeling the bathroom of the Blue Lady room he closed it up and left for the night after checking that everything was off only to return several mornings to find the water faucet turned on! The entire inn is non-smoking, and rooms do not have TV, phones, clocks or radios. It is available for functions and has a separate restaurant if you want to visit just for dinner. The Story Inn is at 6404 South State Road 135 - Nashville. Phone: (800) 881-1183.
Haunted Places in Kentucky
Jailer's Inn B & B, Bardstown KY
Not your typical inn, here you will find bars on the windows, 30 inch thick limestone walls and iron doors slamming behind you. This B&B is housed in a former jail built in 1819. It was the old Nelson County jail until 1987. The front area has been made into 6 beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities and private baths. The rear part of the building is still intact so you can see what the jail was like when it was operational. Tours are done in the un-renovated part of the jail and tour guides have reported seeing an apparition in the mirror in the dungeon room as well as hearing a woman scream. Guests and staff have heard unexplained whispers and talking, footsteps, doors slamming and piano notes being played. One room has a red globe lamp that turns on by itself - and although one might suspect the switch or wiring, this only happens between 3 and 4am! It is thought that a former prisoner, Martin Hill, is the man who has been seen and heard by people for decades. Convicted ofkilling his wife in 1885 he died in his cell of an illness before he could be hanged for his crime. Rooms run from $135-155, and a full breakfast is included. Children are welcome, pets are not. 111 West Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown KY. Phone: 502-348-5551
Gratz Park Inn, Lexington KY
This hotel is located in the Historic District of Lexington and has a philosphy of appreciating the past while offering modern conveniences and amenities. Built in 1916 the building was used as a medical clinic until 1958 when it became offices. In 1976 it was purchased and renovated into a luxury hotel. The apparition of a man has been seen both in guest rooms and in the laundry room. Lights turn on and off by themselves and guests will hear knocking on their door with noone there. A little girl is thought to haunt the building , running and playing in the halls at night, opening and closing doors, and tugging on guests' sleeves. On the third floor people hear what sounds like jacks or marbles being played. Guests have heard talking and partying sounds in the hallway but when they look out, there's nobody there. The hotel has 38 guest rooms and 6 suites. Rooms start at $179, and pets are allowed (with a $125 pet fee).
Weller Haus B&B, Bellevue KY
Located near the Ohio River this inn is right outside Cincinnati. Built in the 1880s, these two attached Victorian buildings are in the National Register of Historical Places. Unexplained sounds like cupboards being rummaged through are heard in the kitchen when it is empty. The guest room above the kitchen is where much of the paranormal activity is. Two apparitions have been seen in this room: that of a man, assumed to be the former owner, and that of a child. The bathroom exhaust fan will also turn on and off by itself between 3 and 4am. There are 5 guest rooms, each with a private bath. There is one suite where children are welcome, and one room designated as pet-friendly (for dogs under 20 lbs). Breakfast is included. 319 Poplar St., Bellevue KY. Phone: 800-431-4287
Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown KY
In operation since the late 1700's the Old Talbot Tavern was a stagecoach stop. It is mainly a tavern, but does have five guestrooms. Two apparitions seen are a cowboy (resembling Jesse James) and a woman in white. People have seen shadowy figures move quickly through a room, parts of place settings on table will move on their own, and the front desk will have objects/keys vanish and reappear in other areas. Unexplained sounds include music, clocks chiming, voices, footsteps, knocking on doors and a piano playing by itself. Guests have complained of their TV turning on and off all night, and the heat being turned way up. One employee has seen the woman in white walk through the dining on three different occassions. This place seems to be extremely active! There is live entertainment in the Bourbon Bar on Fridays and Saturdays. 107 West Stephen Foster, Bardstown KY. 502-348-3494
Not your typical inn, here you will find bars on the windows, 30 inch thick limestone walls and iron doors slamming behind you. This B&B is housed in a former jail built in 1819. It was the old Nelson County jail until 1987. The front area has been made into 6 beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities and private baths. The rear part of the building is still intact so you can see what the jail was like when it was operational. Tours are done in the un-renovated part of the jail and tour guides have reported seeing an apparition in the mirror in the dungeon room as well as hearing a woman scream. Guests and staff have heard unexplained whispers and talking, footsteps, doors slamming and piano notes being played. One room has a red globe lamp that turns on by itself - and although one might suspect the switch or wiring, this only happens between 3 and 4am! It is thought that a former prisoner, Martin Hill, is the man who has been seen and heard by people for decades. Convicted ofkilling his wife in 1885 he died in his cell of an illness before he could be hanged for his crime. Rooms run from $135-155, and a full breakfast is included. Children are welcome, pets are not. 111 West Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown KY. Phone: 502-348-5551
Gratz Park Inn, Lexington KY
This hotel is located in the Historic District of Lexington and has a philosphy of appreciating the past while offering modern conveniences and amenities. Built in 1916 the building was used as a medical clinic until 1958 when it became offices. In 1976 it was purchased and renovated into a luxury hotel. The apparition of a man has been seen both in guest rooms and in the laundry room. Lights turn on and off by themselves and guests will hear knocking on their door with noone there. A little girl is thought to haunt the building , running and playing in the halls at night, opening and closing doors, and tugging on guests' sleeves. On the third floor people hear what sounds like jacks or marbles being played. Guests have heard talking and partying sounds in the hallway but when they look out, there's nobody there. The hotel has 38 guest rooms and 6 suites. Rooms start at $179, and pets are allowed (with a $125 pet fee).
Weller Haus B&B, Bellevue KY
Located near the Ohio River this inn is right outside Cincinnati. Built in the 1880s, these two attached Victorian buildings are in the National Register of Historical Places. Unexplained sounds like cupboards being rummaged through are heard in the kitchen when it is empty. The guest room above the kitchen is where much of the paranormal activity is. Two apparitions have been seen in this room: that of a man, assumed to be the former owner, and that of a child. The bathroom exhaust fan will also turn on and off by itself between 3 and 4am. There are 5 guest rooms, each with a private bath. There is one suite where children are welcome, and one room designated as pet-friendly (for dogs under 20 lbs). Breakfast is included. 319 Poplar St., Bellevue KY. Phone: 800-431-4287
Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown KY
In operation since the late 1700's the Old Talbot Tavern was a stagecoach stop. It is mainly a tavern, but does have five guestrooms. Two apparitions seen are a cowboy (resembling Jesse James) and a woman in white. People have seen shadowy figures move quickly through a room, parts of place settings on table will move on their own, and the front desk will have objects/keys vanish and reappear in other areas. Unexplained sounds include music, clocks chiming, voices, footsteps, knocking on doors and a piano playing by itself. Guests have complained of their TV turning on and off all night, and the heat being turned way up. One employee has seen the woman in white walk through the dining on three different occassions. This place seems to be extremely active! There is live entertainment in the Bourbon Bar on Fridays and Saturdays. 107 West Stephen Foster, Bardstown KY. 502-348-3494
Haunted Places in Louisiana
Castle Inn of New Orleans LA
Built in 1891, Castle Inn is a large Gilded Age mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans. When the current owners took over the inn in 1998 they had no idea they had a spectral permanent guest. One of their staff had seen an apparition of a man standing by the window in Room 11 many times. Guests also started reporting strange events. Included in these experiences are: lights/appliances turning on and off by themselves, footsteps unaccounted for, faucets going on and off on their own, and an apparition of a man on the front porch during the nighttime. Based on investigators’ readings/impressions the owners believe there are two spirits at Castle Inn, a servant (a driver or butler) and a little girl who drowned in a previously existing pond who searches for her mother. Both are thought to have lived about a hundred years ago. The inn has 9 suites/rooms, most of which have private baths, and some have a porch or balcony. Phone: 888-826-0540 or 504-897-0540. 1539 4th St., New Orleans
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans LA
Several spirits still stay on at this hotel on Bourbon St. in New Orleans. In the 1800s the Quadroon Ball was held there, where young African American/Creole women made their social debuts. The story goes that a young woman and a gentleman met at one of the balls here and fell in love. He went off to fight in the Civil War and never returned and she committed suicide. A few times a year a couple from that era are seen separately in the large ballroom area, apparently searching for each other. Another ghost is said to be that of a gambler who lost his house in a poker game in one of the parlors there used for card games. Upon handing over the deed he shot and killed himself. From 1881 to 1963 the building was a convent. The nuns in the convent took in many orphans, some of whom died there of yellow fever. A nun has been seen, children’s voices are heard, and sometimes children’s faces are seen in the windows of the upper floors. Crying comes from one room, and water faucets will turn on by themselves. Oh, and be sure to look up as well as around when you enter – chandeliers in the hotel sometimes swing for no reason. The hotel has 211 guest rooms including suites. They have a restaurant, bar and pool onsite and offer a “New Orlean Spirits” package that inlcudes a Gray Line Ghosts and Spirits walking tour for two. 717 Orleans St., New Orleans LA 504.523.2222
Dauphine House, New Orleans LA
A ghostly couple in Victorian clothing has been seen at the top of the stairs in this small bed-and-breakfast in the French Quarterby both employees and guests. A gentleman has also been seen walking on the front balcony as if waiting for someone. This historic residence built in 1860 has only two guest rooms (the innkeeper, Karen Jeffries, lives onsite) and is located only two blocks fromthe French Quarter. Breakfast is a basket of fruit and muffins. 1830 Dauphine, New Orleans, LA 504.940.0943
Lafitte Guest House, New Orleans LA
The spirits in this inn in the heart of the French Quarter is also host to the ghosts of two children. One is a baby who guests hear crying. The other is a girl, age 8-10. The innkeeper, Andy Crocchiolo believes it is the daughter of one of the earlier owners, the Gleises. Their daughter died around that age during one of the yellow fever epidemics that struck the city. Two young girls who stayed at the inn saw and spoke to the spirit. In room 21 a guest interacted with the ghost of a woman who may have been the little girl’s mother. Things in that room turn on and off by themselves. There are 14 rooms all with private baths and many with private balconies. 1003 Bourbon Street, New Orleans LA 800.331.7971 or 504.581.2678
Loyd Hall Plantation, Chenyville LA
The ghosts of this antebellum mansion are quite active. Tables set for the meals are often lacking some item – a piece of silverware or napkin mysteriously gone missing after the table is set and checked. Footsteps of the original owner, William Loyd are heard. A slave nanny, Sally Boston, who lived in the house with the Loyd family has been seen in her white dress, customary wear for a nanny in that time. The smell of food often accompanies her presence, when no food is being prepared in the house. The sound of someone running their finger across the keys of the piano is heard when no one is near it, and it is thought that the ghost responsible for this is Inez, a niece of William Loyd. Her fiancé had abandoned her, and she died from a fall out the 3rd floor window, possibly suicide. Then there’s Harry who deserted from the Union Army and hid in the attic of the mansion while it was unoccupied. When the returning owners discovered him there he did not get a warm welcome and never left the plantation house in body or spirit. Harry was a violinist, and his violin music can be heard late at night. Guests of the inn have witnessed much phenomena. Not only are there apparitions and sounds (music, screams) but also an empty rocking chair rocks, bowls slide on tables in the dining room, doors open and close, and lights go on and off. Ask for room 2,3 or 4 to have the best chance of an other worldly experience. There are 5 cottages (starting at $125) and 2 suites in the Big House ($250) amid a 640 acre working farm. 292 Loyd Bridge Road, Cheneyville, LA 888.602.5693 or 318.776.5641
The Myrtles, St. Francisville LA
One of the best known haunted places in the U.S., this plantation located between New Orleans and Natchez MS is now an inn. The story goes that the haunting is by Chloe, a slave who had worked in the main house. After many warnings about her habit of eavesdropping, Chloe listened at the door one time too many. Mr. Woodruffe, owner of the plantation, had her left ear cut off as punishment. Thereafter, Chloe wore a green turban to hide the wound. When Mr. Woodruffe was away, Chloe baked one of his two daughters a birthday cake laced with oleander, a plant with effects similar to arsenic. The girls and their mother died. It could have been revenge, or to make the girls sick and then nurse them back to health thus getting back into the family’s good graces. People have seen Chloe, and also two young girls. The Sterlings, who lived at the Myrtles next, had terrible luck there. Their son was killed in the dining room over a gambling debt, and their 8 year old daughter died of yellow fever. Their son-in-law was shot on the front porch and died halfway up the main stairs, trying to reach his wife. A woman crying there on the stairs has been heard, as well as footsteps that go up and stop. Some guests are greeted at the gate by a surly caretaker who they later learn has been dead since 1927! Doors open and close, conversation comes from empty rooms, and unoccupied rocking chairs rock. Some of the ghosts have shown up in photos taken by guests.
INTERESTING INFORMATION: The famous ghost hunter Troy Taylor looked into the facts behind this story. As reported in his book "So, There I Was...more confessions of Ghost Hunters" there is no evidence that a slave named Chloe (or Cleo) ever existed at The Myrtles. The Woodruffes had a girl and a boy - not two girls, and Mrs. Sara Woodruffe was not murdered, but died of yellow fever in 1823. Her son and daughter died about a year later she did. A third child, a daughter was born after the supposed poisoning incident (where the mother, Sara is said to have died) and she married and lived to a ripe old age. Having done thorough research in historical records and documents, I find Mr. Taylor's claims credible. In light of this it would appear that the whole Chloe story is a legend and not historically accurate. While there does seem to be paranormal activity at the plantation, people should keep an open mind as to who the spirits may be.
The inn has ten guest rooms/suites. 7747 U.S. 61 North, St. Francisville, LA 800.809-0565 or 225.635.6277
Built in 1891, Castle Inn is a large Gilded Age mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans. When the current owners took over the inn in 1998 they had no idea they had a spectral permanent guest. One of their staff had seen an apparition of a man standing by the window in Room 11 many times. Guests also started reporting strange events. Included in these experiences are: lights/appliances turning on and off by themselves, footsteps unaccounted for, faucets going on and off on their own, and an apparition of a man on the front porch during the nighttime. Based on investigators’ readings/impressions the owners believe there are two spirits at Castle Inn, a servant (a driver or butler) and a little girl who drowned in a previously existing pond who searches for her mother. Both are thought to have lived about a hundred years ago. The inn has 9 suites/rooms, most of which have private baths, and some have a porch or balcony. Phone: 888-826-0540 or 504-897-0540. 1539 4th St., New Orleans
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans LA
Several spirits still stay on at this hotel on Bourbon St. in New Orleans. In the 1800s the Quadroon Ball was held there, where young African American/Creole women made their social debuts. The story goes that a young woman and a gentleman met at one of the balls here and fell in love. He went off to fight in the Civil War and never returned and she committed suicide. A few times a year a couple from that era are seen separately in the large ballroom area, apparently searching for each other. Another ghost is said to be that of a gambler who lost his house in a poker game in one of the parlors there used for card games. Upon handing over the deed he shot and killed himself. From 1881 to 1963 the building was a convent. The nuns in the convent took in many orphans, some of whom died there of yellow fever. A nun has been seen, children’s voices are heard, and sometimes children’s faces are seen in the windows of the upper floors. Crying comes from one room, and water faucets will turn on by themselves. Oh, and be sure to look up as well as around when you enter – chandeliers in the hotel sometimes swing for no reason. The hotel has 211 guest rooms including suites. They have a restaurant, bar and pool onsite and offer a “New Orlean Spirits” package that inlcudes a Gray Line Ghosts and Spirits walking tour for two. 717 Orleans St., New Orleans LA 504.523.2222
Dauphine House, New Orleans LA
A ghostly couple in Victorian clothing has been seen at the top of the stairs in this small bed-and-breakfast in the French Quarterby both employees and guests. A gentleman has also been seen walking on the front balcony as if waiting for someone. This historic residence built in 1860 has only two guest rooms (the innkeeper, Karen Jeffries, lives onsite) and is located only two blocks fromthe French Quarter. Breakfast is a basket of fruit and muffins. 1830 Dauphine, New Orleans, LA 504.940.0943
Lafitte Guest House, New Orleans LA
The spirits in this inn in the heart of the French Quarter is also host to the ghosts of two children. One is a baby who guests hear crying. The other is a girl, age 8-10. The innkeeper, Andy Crocchiolo believes it is the daughter of one of the earlier owners, the Gleises. Their daughter died around that age during one of the yellow fever epidemics that struck the city. Two young girls who stayed at the inn saw and spoke to the spirit. In room 21 a guest interacted with the ghost of a woman who may have been the little girl’s mother. Things in that room turn on and off by themselves. There are 14 rooms all with private baths and many with private balconies. 1003 Bourbon Street, New Orleans LA 800.331.7971 or 504.581.2678
Loyd Hall Plantation, Chenyville LA
The ghosts of this antebellum mansion are quite active. Tables set for the meals are often lacking some item – a piece of silverware or napkin mysteriously gone missing after the table is set and checked. Footsteps of the original owner, William Loyd are heard. A slave nanny, Sally Boston, who lived in the house with the Loyd family has been seen in her white dress, customary wear for a nanny in that time. The smell of food often accompanies her presence, when no food is being prepared in the house. The sound of someone running their finger across the keys of the piano is heard when no one is near it, and it is thought that the ghost responsible for this is Inez, a niece of William Loyd. Her fiancé had abandoned her, and she died from a fall out the 3rd floor window, possibly suicide. Then there’s Harry who deserted from the Union Army and hid in the attic of the mansion while it was unoccupied. When the returning owners discovered him there he did not get a warm welcome and never left the plantation house in body or spirit. Harry was a violinist, and his violin music can be heard late at night. Guests of the inn have witnessed much phenomena. Not only are there apparitions and sounds (music, screams) but also an empty rocking chair rocks, bowls slide on tables in the dining room, doors open and close, and lights go on and off. Ask for room 2,3 or 4 to have the best chance of an other worldly experience. There are 5 cottages (starting at $125) and 2 suites in the Big House ($250) amid a 640 acre working farm. 292 Loyd Bridge Road, Cheneyville, LA 888.602.5693 or 318.776.5641
The Myrtles, St. Francisville LA
One of the best known haunted places in the U.S., this plantation located between New Orleans and Natchez MS is now an inn. The story goes that the haunting is by Chloe, a slave who had worked in the main house. After many warnings about her habit of eavesdropping, Chloe listened at the door one time too many. Mr. Woodruffe, owner of the plantation, had her left ear cut off as punishment. Thereafter, Chloe wore a green turban to hide the wound. When Mr. Woodruffe was away, Chloe baked one of his two daughters a birthday cake laced with oleander, a plant with effects similar to arsenic. The girls and their mother died. It could have been revenge, or to make the girls sick and then nurse them back to health thus getting back into the family’s good graces. People have seen Chloe, and also two young girls. The Sterlings, who lived at the Myrtles next, had terrible luck there. Their son was killed in the dining room over a gambling debt, and their 8 year old daughter died of yellow fever. Their son-in-law was shot on the front porch and died halfway up the main stairs, trying to reach his wife. A woman crying there on the stairs has been heard, as well as footsteps that go up and stop. Some guests are greeted at the gate by a surly caretaker who they later learn has been dead since 1927! Doors open and close, conversation comes from empty rooms, and unoccupied rocking chairs rock. Some of the ghosts have shown up in photos taken by guests.
INTERESTING INFORMATION: The famous ghost hunter Troy Taylor looked into the facts behind this story. As reported in his book "So, There I Was...more confessions of Ghost Hunters" there is no evidence that a slave named Chloe (or Cleo) ever existed at The Myrtles. The Woodruffes had a girl and a boy - not two girls, and Mrs. Sara Woodruffe was not murdered, but died of yellow fever in 1823. Her son and daughter died about a year later she did. A third child, a daughter was born after the supposed poisoning incident (where the mother, Sara is said to have died) and she married and lived to a ripe old age. Having done thorough research in historical records and documents, I find Mr. Taylor's claims credible. In light of this it would appear that the whole Chloe story is a legend and not historically accurate. While there does seem to be paranormal activity at the plantation, people should keep an open mind as to who the spirits may be.
The inn has ten guest rooms/suites. 7747 U.S. 61 North, St. Francisville, LA 800.809-0565 or 225.635.6277
Haunted Places in Maine
Jameson Tavern, Freeport ME
At this tavern set in a 1779 building the staff are open about their haunting. There are two ghosts - the man in a top hat who stands in the doorway between the restaurant and the bar area seems to be residual and does not interact with anyone. The other is a little girl named Emily who is playful and performs pranks such as toppling all the pots off of their hooks which remained on the wall. Fleeting glimpses have been caught of her or a bit of her dress as she goes around a corner. Sometimes a child is heard running and playing on the floor above when there are no children up there. Activity increases in the winter, around the holidays. Open daily for lunch and dinner Jameson's is at 115 Main St. Freeport. 207-865-4196
Inn by the Sea and the Sea Glass Restaurant, Cape Elizabeth ME
This luxury hotel on the Atlantic coast hosts the spirit of Lydia Carver, a young bride-to-be, who died off the nearby coast in a shipwreck in 1807. She has been seen on the beach and also in the Inn and the restaurant. Guests have seen a woman in white in their rooms and have had objects moved to different places. In the restaurant table settings will be rearranged. An empty elevator will sometimes arrive at the lobby late at night. The Inn offers rooms in the main building, cottages and beach suites. Just 15 minutes from Portland, they are a pet-friendly destination. 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth. 207.799.3134
Lucerne Inn, Dedham ME
In the mountains overlooking Phillips Lake, Lucerne Inn is 15 minutes from Bangor and under an hour from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Built in the early 1800s, since 1814 the building has ben a stopping point for travelers offering rooms and food. The ghostly activity centers around Room 8 where, so the story goes, the owner (or caretaker) Nathan (or Sam) found his wife in bed with another man. After killing the unfortunate couple he went to Room 5 where he committed suicide. The activity includes items moving, lights ging on and off, a woman and child being heard talking outside the door when no one is there, loud banging noises, footsteps and a shadowy form. The inn has 30 rooms and a full dining room. Rates are seasonal. Overnight stays include a "deluxe" continental breakfast. 2517 Main Rd (Rte 1A), Dedham ME 207-843-5123
Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport ME
On the Kennebunk River this resort offers great water views along with its own private marina. The filmy apparition of a woman has been seen and felt in the hallways. There are chairs for guests to use at the ends of the hallways; staff have noticed that sometimes when they are vacuuming the halls the chairs have turned to be facing them at some point during their chores as if someone is sitting there watching them! Other unexplained events are lights going on/off and doors opening/closing by themselves. The resort consists of several buildings, a fine-dining restaurant, a pub, and has an outdoor swimming pool. Featuring themselves as a family-friendly resort they offer many activities for the whole family from biking and kayaking to face-painting lessons and Princess and Pirates nights. Note: The Nonantum Resort is open only from mid-April to mid-December. 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport 207-967-4050
Biddeford City Theater, Biddeford ME
This theater's history goes back to the Victorian era in the late 19th century when it was an opera house. In the early 20th century an opera singer was performing at the theater, having toured venues around the country with her daughter in tow. After collapsing on stage Eva, the singer, was brought to her dressing room but insisted on finishing the opera. After her performance she died in her dressing room with her daughter witnessing the heartbreaking event. People have heard a young girl call out for her mother and people have seen the apparition of an attractive woman in a Victorian style dress. There seems to be another spirit at the theater as well, and he is thought to be Mr. Murphy who ran the theater during the 1930's and '40's when it was a movie theater. He interferes with the lights and electronic equipment in the theater. 205 Main St., Biddeford 207-282-0849
Captain Lord Mansion Inn and Spa, Kennebunkport ME
This beautiful Georgian colonial is three stories topped by an octagonal cupola. Captain Nathaniel Lord built this elegant home in 1812 but died before he could move into it. His family took occupancy and descendents of the family lived in the house until 1972. In 1978 it was turned into a Bed & Breakfast. The apparition of a woman in her nightgown has been seen by many floating through the Lincoln Room suite. She has also been seen on the central spiral staircase that goes up to the rooftop cupola. There are 20 guest rooms/suites and a spa. Rates are seasonal. A full three-course breakfast is included, as is an afternoon spread of cheese and crackers, fruit and beverages. No Pets, the inn is non-smoking. 6 Pleasant St., Kennebunkport. 207-967-3141
At this tavern set in a 1779 building the staff are open about their haunting. There are two ghosts - the man in a top hat who stands in the doorway between the restaurant and the bar area seems to be residual and does not interact with anyone. The other is a little girl named Emily who is playful and performs pranks such as toppling all the pots off of their hooks which remained on the wall. Fleeting glimpses have been caught of her or a bit of her dress as she goes around a corner. Sometimes a child is heard running and playing on the floor above when there are no children up there. Activity increases in the winter, around the holidays. Open daily for lunch and dinner Jameson's is at 115 Main St. Freeport. 207-865-4196
Inn by the Sea and the Sea Glass Restaurant, Cape Elizabeth ME
This luxury hotel on the Atlantic coast hosts the spirit of Lydia Carver, a young bride-to-be, who died off the nearby coast in a shipwreck in 1807. She has been seen on the beach and also in the Inn and the restaurant. Guests have seen a woman in white in their rooms and have had objects moved to different places. In the restaurant table settings will be rearranged. An empty elevator will sometimes arrive at the lobby late at night. The Inn offers rooms in the main building, cottages and beach suites. Just 15 minutes from Portland, they are a pet-friendly destination. 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth. 207.799.3134
Lucerne Inn, Dedham ME
In the mountains overlooking Phillips Lake, Lucerne Inn is 15 minutes from Bangor and under an hour from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Built in the early 1800s, since 1814 the building has ben a stopping point for travelers offering rooms and food. The ghostly activity centers around Room 8 where, so the story goes, the owner (or caretaker) Nathan (or Sam) found his wife in bed with another man. After killing the unfortunate couple he went to Room 5 where he committed suicide. The activity includes items moving, lights ging on and off, a woman and child being heard talking outside the door when no one is there, loud banging noises, footsteps and a shadowy form. The inn has 30 rooms and a full dining room. Rates are seasonal. Overnight stays include a "deluxe" continental breakfast. 2517 Main Rd (Rte 1A), Dedham ME 207-843-5123
Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport ME
On the Kennebunk River this resort offers great water views along with its own private marina. The filmy apparition of a woman has been seen and felt in the hallways. There are chairs for guests to use at the ends of the hallways; staff have noticed that sometimes when they are vacuuming the halls the chairs have turned to be facing them at some point during their chores as if someone is sitting there watching them! Other unexplained events are lights going on/off and doors opening/closing by themselves. The resort consists of several buildings, a fine-dining restaurant, a pub, and has an outdoor swimming pool. Featuring themselves as a family-friendly resort they offer many activities for the whole family from biking and kayaking to face-painting lessons and Princess and Pirates nights. Note: The Nonantum Resort is open only from mid-April to mid-December. 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport 207-967-4050
Biddeford City Theater, Biddeford ME
This theater's history goes back to the Victorian era in the late 19th century when it was an opera house. In the early 20th century an opera singer was performing at the theater, having toured venues around the country with her daughter in tow. After collapsing on stage Eva, the singer, was brought to her dressing room but insisted on finishing the opera. After her performance she died in her dressing room with her daughter witnessing the heartbreaking event. People have heard a young girl call out for her mother and people have seen the apparition of an attractive woman in a Victorian style dress. There seems to be another spirit at the theater as well, and he is thought to be Mr. Murphy who ran the theater during the 1930's and '40's when it was a movie theater. He interferes with the lights and electronic equipment in the theater. 205 Main St., Biddeford 207-282-0849
Captain Lord Mansion Inn and Spa, Kennebunkport ME
This beautiful Georgian colonial is three stories topped by an octagonal cupola. Captain Nathaniel Lord built this elegant home in 1812 but died before he could move into it. His family took occupancy and descendents of the family lived in the house until 1972. In 1978 it was turned into a Bed & Breakfast. The apparition of a woman in her nightgown has been seen by many floating through the Lincoln Room suite. She has also been seen on the central spiral staircase that goes up to the rooftop cupola. There are 20 guest rooms/suites and a spa. Rates are seasonal. A full three-course breakfast is included, as is an afternoon spread of cheese and crackers, fruit and beverages. No Pets, the inn is non-smoking. 6 Pleasant St., Kennebunkport. 207-967-3141
Haunted Places in Maryland
Middleton Tavern, Annapolis MD
A classic Georgian house, built in 1740, the home was bought by Horatio Middleton in 1750 who opened a tavern in the building. He started running a ferry between Annapolis and Rock Hall, and in keeping with the local laws at that time, he was obligated to provide overnight lodging for ferry passengers so he expanded the tavern to an inn. After Middleton's death his wife, and later his son ran the tavern and inn. Over the decades (and centuries) the building has had many different owners and uses. The staff have nicknamed their ghost "Roland," though no one knows his true identity. The most frequent signs of his presence are the tossing of plates or glasses off shelves, moving tables and chairs, and the smell of cigar smoke though they are not allowed in the building. A shadowy form has been seen flitting across the dining room and once a table with dirty dishes on it waiting to be cleared was toppled over. Some people have seen an apparition of a man in Patriot era clothing looking out over the harbor. In the mid-80's the tavern was renovated and expanded to create an Oyster Bar and Tavern. Their specialty is regional seafood, and there is a piano bar on the weekends. Middleton Tavern, 2 Market Space, Annapolis. Phone: 410-263-3323.
Kent Manor Inn, Stevensville MD
12 miles from Annapolis, Kent Manor Inn is the 1820 original "big house" of the plantation by Thompson Creek. Alexander Thompson was the owner of the plantation, and his ghost is one of the spirits that haunt the current Inn. His master bedroom is now Room 209 and it seems that he still visits now and then. There is sometimes the distinct aroma of tobacco smoke, lights go on and off, and the TV also goes off and turns on by itself. The third floor also has a lingering spirit. One of the maids who was new had not heard any of the ghost stories opened the door to a presumably empty Room 303 to see the figure of a man in farmer's clothes sitting on the bed. The doors to rooms on that floor are locked at night by staff if unoccupied, but often some of the doors would be unlocked when the innkeeper checked them. The staff swore they were locked and double checked by them when they were up there. After a while, this was chalked up to ghostly intervention as there didn't seem to be another explanation. One of the innkeepers who purchased the Inn in 1998 would sometimes, when leaving in her car for the night, see lights on in rooms that she knew she had gone into and turned all the lights out. Room 305, the Presidential Suite, was a particular room where this would occur. This elegant waterfront hotel has 24 rooms and suites. The Brightsworth Room is a formal dining room but there is also a newly renovated Generations restaurant which is more casual. No pets are allowed. children under 18 are free if staying in the same room as their parents. The Kent Manor Inn is at 500 Kent Manor Dr., Stevensville, MD phone: 800-820-4511
Surratt House Museum, Clinton MD
Not far south of Washington DC, in a town now called Clinton stands a house that Mary Surratt built as a boarding house. When money got tight she leased it to John Lloyd who ran it as a boarding house and tavern. Mary's son John Surratt would often hang out there with his friends, one of whom was an actor named John Wilkes Booth. As we all know from history, they conspired to kill President Lincoln, and after the assassination Booth's guns and ammunition were found hidden in the Surratt's house. Mary Surratt was hung as a conspirator in the assassination, though her role has never been definitively proven and some think she was punished unfairly. After a long period of being vacant, the house was bought and lived in as a two-family in the 1940's. Since that time the spirit of Mary has been seen on the staircase from the first to second floor and also on the front porch. Apparitions of men in period clothing have been seen on the back stairs, and men's voices in excited conversation have been heard. The Surratt House is now open as a museum from mid-January to mid-December. It is located at: 9110 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD Phone: 301-868-1121.301868-121
Just a Note regarding Snow Hill Inn on Market Street in Snow Hill MD - I have seen this as a haunted site in several ghost books. The Inn was sold in 2004, and seems to have become a private residence. It was on the market again in late 2013 and was sold in January 2014. Again, it seems to be a private residence so even if you see it on lists of haunted places, please respect the owners' privacy.
A classic Georgian house, built in 1740, the home was bought by Horatio Middleton in 1750 who opened a tavern in the building. He started running a ferry between Annapolis and Rock Hall, and in keeping with the local laws at that time, he was obligated to provide overnight lodging for ferry passengers so he expanded the tavern to an inn. After Middleton's death his wife, and later his son ran the tavern and inn. Over the decades (and centuries) the building has had many different owners and uses. The staff have nicknamed their ghost "Roland," though no one knows his true identity. The most frequent signs of his presence are the tossing of plates or glasses off shelves, moving tables and chairs, and the smell of cigar smoke though they are not allowed in the building. A shadowy form has been seen flitting across the dining room and once a table with dirty dishes on it waiting to be cleared was toppled over. Some people have seen an apparition of a man in Patriot era clothing looking out over the harbor. In the mid-80's the tavern was renovated and expanded to create an Oyster Bar and Tavern. Their specialty is regional seafood, and there is a piano bar on the weekends. Middleton Tavern, 2 Market Space, Annapolis. Phone: 410-263-3323.
Kent Manor Inn, Stevensville MD
12 miles from Annapolis, Kent Manor Inn is the 1820 original "big house" of the plantation by Thompson Creek. Alexander Thompson was the owner of the plantation, and his ghost is one of the spirits that haunt the current Inn. His master bedroom is now Room 209 and it seems that he still visits now and then. There is sometimes the distinct aroma of tobacco smoke, lights go on and off, and the TV also goes off and turns on by itself. The third floor also has a lingering spirit. One of the maids who was new had not heard any of the ghost stories opened the door to a presumably empty Room 303 to see the figure of a man in farmer's clothes sitting on the bed. The doors to rooms on that floor are locked at night by staff if unoccupied, but often some of the doors would be unlocked when the innkeeper checked them. The staff swore they were locked and double checked by them when they were up there. After a while, this was chalked up to ghostly intervention as there didn't seem to be another explanation. One of the innkeepers who purchased the Inn in 1998 would sometimes, when leaving in her car for the night, see lights on in rooms that she knew she had gone into and turned all the lights out. Room 305, the Presidential Suite, was a particular room where this would occur. This elegant waterfront hotel has 24 rooms and suites. The Brightsworth Room is a formal dining room but there is also a newly renovated Generations restaurant which is more casual. No pets are allowed. children under 18 are free if staying in the same room as their parents. The Kent Manor Inn is at 500 Kent Manor Dr., Stevensville, MD phone: 800-820-4511
Surratt House Museum, Clinton MD
Not far south of Washington DC, in a town now called Clinton stands a house that Mary Surratt built as a boarding house. When money got tight she leased it to John Lloyd who ran it as a boarding house and tavern. Mary's son John Surratt would often hang out there with his friends, one of whom was an actor named John Wilkes Booth. As we all know from history, they conspired to kill President Lincoln, and after the assassination Booth's guns and ammunition were found hidden in the Surratt's house. Mary Surratt was hung as a conspirator in the assassination, though her role has never been definitively proven and some think she was punished unfairly. After a long period of being vacant, the house was bought and lived in as a two-family in the 1940's. Since that time the spirit of Mary has been seen on the staircase from the first to second floor and also on the front porch. Apparitions of men in period clothing have been seen on the back stairs, and men's voices in excited conversation have been heard. The Surratt House is now open as a museum from mid-January to mid-December. It is located at: 9110 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD Phone: 301-868-1121.301868-121
Just a Note regarding Snow Hill Inn on Market Street in Snow Hill MD - I have seen this as a haunted site in several ghost books. The Inn was sold in 2004, and seems to have become a private residence. It was on the market again in late 2013 and was sold in January 2014. Again, it seems to be a private residence so even if you see it on lists of haunted places, please respect the owners' privacy.
Haunted Places in Massachusetts
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington House, Hadley MA
Built in 1752, This historic home has so many names because it was passed down through the female line of heirs. The original owner, Elizabeth Porter, lost her husband in the French-Indian wars only a few years after he built the house. When lived in as a private residence, children would report a nice lady tucking them in at night. Unexplained footsteps are heard in the hallways and on the stairs leading to the attic. Apparitions have been seen, including one of a child - it is unknown who this young spirit might be. Doors are unlatched and opened by themselves. The house is open for tours from May through October. Specific hours and fees can be viewed at their website. In June and July they host Folk Traditions concerts on Wed. evenings. 130 River Drive, Hadley 413- 584-4699
Beechwood Inn, Barnstable, Cape Cod
If you catch a glimpse of an old lady in a long white gown who shouldn’t be there at the Beechwood Inn, you won’t be the first. Former innkeepers, Ken and Debbie Traugot, have had their own experiences with the woman who haunts their inn. In an article in the Barnstable Patriot they described their encounters. Ken was outside the house when he saw a woman inside. He entered, thinking it might be a new guest only to find the house empty. After returning outside, he once again saw the lady in a white gown, only in a different room. During his second exploration there was still no one else inside. Ken’s wife Debbie clearly heard a woman’s voice wish her “Good morning,” while she was making a bed in an unoccupied room. Guests in that room have reported seeing apparitions. Mostly though, the unidentified woman keeps herself entertained by pulling little pranks such as moving tools, loosening light bulbs or closing deadbolts on room doors from the inside while empty. The Beechwood Inn is an old Victorian house on Rte. 6A in Barnstable on Cape Cod. It has 6 rooms, all with queen or king beds, 3 with fireplaces and all with private bath. There is a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. A full Breakfast is included in the room charge. No pets, no children under 12, and it is non-smoking. Julie Garvey and Joseph Durham are the current innkeepers. Note: There is a harsh cancellation policy you should review before booking. For more info or reservations call: 800-609-6618.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River MA
Who needs reminding what Lizzie did to her parents in their Fall River MA home? Believe it or not, the house is now open as a B&B. You can even stay in the Andrew & Abbey Borden Suite, or in the John Morse room where Abby (Lizzie's stepmother) was murdered. The house is said to be haunted. Martha McGinn and Ron Evans renovated the house. According to them, there are doors that open or close by themselves, and the lights will go on and off by themselves. I spoke with Mrs. McGinn, who was quite gracious and open about their ghost(s). Martha's grandparents had lived in the house for decades, so being in the house is not new for her. She told me that there are footsteps, mostly at night, always sounding like they are on the floor above you. During the renovations, a friend of Martha's and a relative of Ron's were working in the kitchen. They heard furniture being moved around upstairs, and thought maybe one of the other helpers had come in. They looked through the house, but no one else was there.
The Lizzie Borden House is on Second Street in Fall River, MA. Fall River is in the southeastern part of the state, between Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Lee-Anne Wilber is the owner/manager. No smoking is allowed, and children under 12 are not allowed to stay the night. Tours are done on the hour from 11am-3pm daily. Room rates range from $200-$250 per night depending on the room. Note: With the exception of two of the rooms, all guest rooms must remain available to be entered during the tours. Phone:(508)675-7333
The Old Yarmouth Inn, Yarmouthport, Cape Cod
Located on Route 6A in Yarmouthport is a lovely large white colonial inn built in 1696. At that time it served as a stopping point for travelers that was conveniently located halfway between Plymouth and Provincetown. Current innkeepers Sheila Fitzgerald and Arpad Voros seem to take their resident spirit(s) in stride. The ghost makes itself apparent in indirect ways most of the time, however, there has been at least one sighting. In 1999 a guest in the Quisset Harbor room awoke to see a gentleman in 19th century clothing standing at the foot of his bed. As the guest returned the spirit's puzzled gaze, the apparition faded away. Sheila has written, "Arpad and I have never seen the ghost. We have felt cold drafts that cannot be explained. These are usually followed by bizarre reactions from Comet, our dog. On numerous occasions I have returned from a tour of turning off the lights in the various dining rooms to find all the lights back on again. There have been ashtrays that have slid down the bar and then tossed into the air.... Our bartender has had to hold glasses that slide all over the bar as she tries to pour drinks. One woman, who guffawed at the idea of a ghost, was soon a believer when the air conditioner cover fell off and defied gravity as it traveled 10 feet to graze the tip of her head....Most recently the wait staff has begun hearing their names being whispered by an unknown source." Sheila and Arpad do not know who haunts the inn, but view he/she as mischievous but harmless. The inn seems to be only a high-end restaurant and tavern now, not offering any rooms for lodging. It is available for events and of course for dining, open for lunch Tues.-Sat. and dinner every night. It is located at 223 Rte. 6A, Yarmouthport, MA phone: (508)362-9962
Stone's Public House, Ashland MA
This inn was built in 1823 by John Stone to be operated as an inn. It is currently a restaurant and bar. In the mid '70s the inn came under new ownership and the staff at that time would arrive in the mornings to find doors and windows wide open despite having been locked the night before. Objects would be moved around, but nothing was ever taken. In 1984 a seance was held, and a Boston area psychic identified three spirits: John Stone, a traveler killed by Stone after accusing him of cheating at cards, and a little girl who was hit by a truck in front of the tavern. In recent years typical ghostly behavior is described as glasses breaking while in someone's hand, lights going back on after the place has been locked up for the night, and staff have felt like someone is grabbing their ankles as they go down the open-baked basement stairs. Stone's Public House is at 179 Main St., in Ashland which is about 20 miles west of Boston. It is closed on Mondays. 508-881-1778
Built in 1752, This historic home has so many names because it was passed down through the female line of heirs. The original owner, Elizabeth Porter, lost her husband in the French-Indian wars only a few years after he built the house. When lived in as a private residence, children would report a nice lady tucking them in at night. Unexplained footsteps are heard in the hallways and on the stairs leading to the attic. Apparitions have been seen, including one of a child - it is unknown who this young spirit might be. Doors are unlatched and opened by themselves. The house is open for tours from May through October. Specific hours and fees can be viewed at their website. In June and July they host Folk Traditions concerts on Wed. evenings. 130 River Drive, Hadley 413- 584-4699
Beechwood Inn, Barnstable, Cape Cod
If you catch a glimpse of an old lady in a long white gown who shouldn’t be there at the Beechwood Inn, you won’t be the first. Former innkeepers, Ken and Debbie Traugot, have had their own experiences with the woman who haunts their inn. In an article in the Barnstable Patriot they described their encounters. Ken was outside the house when he saw a woman inside. He entered, thinking it might be a new guest only to find the house empty. After returning outside, he once again saw the lady in a white gown, only in a different room. During his second exploration there was still no one else inside. Ken’s wife Debbie clearly heard a woman’s voice wish her “Good morning,” while she was making a bed in an unoccupied room. Guests in that room have reported seeing apparitions. Mostly though, the unidentified woman keeps herself entertained by pulling little pranks such as moving tools, loosening light bulbs or closing deadbolts on room doors from the inside while empty. The Beechwood Inn is an old Victorian house on Rte. 6A in Barnstable on Cape Cod. It has 6 rooms, all with queen or king beds, 3 with fireplaces and all with private bath. There is a 2 night minimum stay on weekends. A full Breakfast is included in the room charge. No pets, no children under 12, and it is non-smoking. Julie Garvey and Joseph Durham are the current innkeepers. Note: There is a harsh cancellation policy you should review before booking. For more info or reservations call: 800-609-6618.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River MA
Who needs reminding what Lizzie did to her parents in their Fall River MA home? Believe it or not, the house is now open as a B&B. You can even stay in the Andrew & Abbey Borden Suite, or in the John Morse room where Abby (Lizzie's stepmother) was murdered. The house is said to be haunted. Martha McGinn and Ron Evans renovated the house. According to them, there are doors that open or close by themselves, and the lights will go on and off by themselves. I spoke with Mrs. McGinn, who was quite gracious and open about their ghost(s). Martha's grandparents had lived in the house for decades, so being in the house is not new for her. She told me that there are footsteps, mostly at night, always sounding like they are on the floor above you. During the renovations, a friend of Martha's and a relative of Ron's were working in the kitchen. They heard furniture being moved around upstairs, and thought maybe one of the other helpers had come in. They looked through the house, but no one else was there.
The Lizzie Borden House is on Second Street in Fall River, MA. Fall River is in the southeastern part of the state, between Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Lee-Anne Wilber is the owner/manager. No smoking is allowed, and children under 12 are not allowed to stay the night. Tours are done on the hour from 11am-3pm daily. Room rates range from $200-$250 per night depending on the room. Note: With the exception of two of the rooms, all guest rooms must remain available to be entered during the tours. Phone:(508)675-7333
The Old Yarmouth Inn, Yarmouthport, Cape Cod
Located on Route 6A in Yarmouthport is a lovely large white colonial inn built in 1696. At that time it served as a stopping point for travelers that was conveniently located halfway between Plymouth and Provincetown. Current innkeepers Sheila Fitzgerald and Arpad Voros seem to take their resident spirit(s) in stride. The ghost makes itself apparent in indirect ways most of the time, however, there has been at least one sighting. In 1999 a guest in the Quisset Harbor room awoke to see a gentleman in 19th century clothing standing at the foot of his bed. As the guest returned the spirit's puzzled gaze, the apparition faded away. Sheila has written, "Arpad and I have never seen the ghost. We have felt cold drafts that cannot be explained. These are usually followed by bizarre reactions from Comet, our dog. On numerous occasions I have returned from a tour of turning off the lights in the various dining rooms to find all the lights back on again. There have been ashtrays that have slid down the bar and then tossed into the air.... Our bartender has had to hold glasses that slide all over the bar as she tries to pour drinks. One woman, who guffawed at the idea of a ghost, was soon a believer when the air conditioner cover fell off and defied gravity as it traveled 10 feet to graze the tip of her head....Most recently the wait staff has begun hearing their names being whispered by an unknown source." Sheila and Arpad do not know who haunts the inn, but view he/she as mischievous but harmless. The inn seems to be only a high-end restaurant and tavern now, not offering any rooms for lodging. It is available for events and of course for dining, open for lunch Tues.-Sat. and dinner every night. It is located at 223 Rte. 6A, Yarmouthport, MA phone: (508)362-9962
Stone's Public House, Ashland MA
This inn was built in 1823 by John Stone to be operated as an inn. It is currently a restaurant and bar. In the mid '70s the inn came under new ownership and the staff at that time would arrive in the mornings to find doors and windows wide open despite having been locked the night before. Objects would be moved around, but nothing was ever taken. In 1984 a seance was held, and a Boston area psychic identified three spirits: John Stone, a traveler killed by Stone after accusing him of cheating at cards, and a little girl who was hit by a truck in front of the tavern. In recent years typical ghostly behavior is described as glasses breaking while in someone's hand, lights going back on after the place has been locked up for the night, and staff have felt like someone is grabbing their ankles as they go down the open-baked basement stairs. Stone's Public House is at 179 Main St., in Ashland which is about 20 miles west of Boston. It is closed on Mondays. 508-881-1778
Haunted Places in Michigan
Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island MI
Part of the Mackinac State Park System, this fort is a former British and American Outpost used in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. Apparitions of soldiers have been seen on the Rifle Range Trail, and in the Officers' Quarters furniture has moved on its own and motion sensor alarms are mysteriously tripped. Several children who lived there died from disease and their cries have been heard in their former living quarters. There are even rumors of a fife playing being audible in the air in the early morning near the North Sally Port entrance. You can enter Mackinac State Park which encompasses the fort via Fort Street (front entrance) or Huron Street. The park is open from May to October.
The Landmark Inn, Marquette MI
The Landmark Inn in downtown Marquette offers 100 guest rooms, a pub, a lounge and a formal restaurant. Originally constructed in 1917 it fell into disrepair and closed in the early 1980s. Bought and restored in the mid 90's it reopened in 1997. During the 1930's the hotel was named the Northland Hotel and legend has it that during that time a librarian had fallen in love with a ship's crewman who regularly went out on Lake Superior. They planned to marry, and he was on his last outing before settling down with her in Marquette when his ship sank and he died at sea. She died shortly after of a broken heart and seems to have stayed in the Lilac Room on the 6th floor where she has been seen looking out of the window and strange things occur. Staff report that the phone will ring from that room when no guest is staying there and it is not uncommon for men to have trouble with their key to that room. Landmark Inn is at 230 North Front Street, Marquette. 888-752-6362
Fenton Hotel Tavern and Grille, Fenton MI
Built and starting as a hotel in 1856, the current owners have run it as a fine dining restaurant since 1997. In 2006 it was renovated and the "Tavern and Grille" added to the name. A long time custodian from the older days of the hotel had a room for himself on the second floor. His footsteps can be heard and at times he thumps on the walls as if telling people to keep it down. Waitresses and a female bartender have felt themselves touched but no one is there. The bartender has also heard her name called several times when she is alone in the room. Some waitresses have reported seeing a black cat dash through the room fading away en route. At the bar, now and then a gentleman will be sitting at table 32, order a shot of Jack Daniels and when the bartender turns back to bring it to him no one is there. In the Ladies' Room the spirit of a woman has been seen or felt. Located at 302 N. Leroy St., Fenton. 810-750-9463. The tavern is only open for dinner during the week, opens at 11am on the weekends.
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island MI
Built in the late 19th century the Grand Hotel is a magnificient huge hotel with 393 guest rooms. It overlooks the Straits of Mackinac which you can view from the long porch that runs along the length of the front of the hotel. Witnessed apparitions include a man in a top hat at the bar's piano where there remains a scent of cigar smoke after he disappears. A woman in victorian clothing has also been seen in the employee housing area. When the area was dug up for the foundation many skeletons were found, and it is not known if all were discovered and moved. Rumors are that some of these spirits may be around the hotel and some may not be very nice. There is actually a dress code both for daywear and especially for evening (after 6:30pm) so you might want to check this out on their site before you go. The hotel opens in May for the season and is at 286 Grand Ave., Mackinac Island. 1-800-33GRAND
Part of the Mackinac State Park System, this fort is a former British and American Outpost used in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. Apparitions of soldiers have been seen on the Rifle Range Trail, and in the Officers' Quarters furniture has moved on its own and motion sensor alarms are mysteriously tripped. Several children who lived there died from disease and their cries have been heard in their former living quarters. There are even rumors of a fife playing being audible in the air in the early morning near the North Sally Port entrance. You can enter Mackinac State Park which encompasses the fort via Fort Street (front entrance) or Huron Street. The park is open from May to October.
The Landmark Inn, Marquette MI
The Landmark Inn in downtown Marquette offers 100 guest rooms, a pub, a lounge and a formal restaurant. Originally constructed in 1917 it fell into disrepair and closed in the early 1980s. Bought and restored in the mid 90's it reopened in 1997. During the 1930's the hotel was named the Northland Hotel and legend has it that during that time a librarian had fallen in love with a ship's crewman who regularly went out on Lake Superior. They planned to marry, and he was on his last outing before settling down with her in Marquette when his ship sank and he died at sea. She died shortly after of a broken heart and seems to have stayed in the Lilac Room on the 6th floor where she has been seen looking out of the window and strange things occur. Staff report that the phone will ring from that room when no guest is staying there and it is not uncommon for men to have trouble with their key to that room. Landmark Inn is at 230 North Front Street, Marquette. 888-752-6362
Fenton Hotel Tavern and Grille, Fenton MI
Built and starting as a hotel in 1856, the current owners have run it as a fine dining restaurant since 1997. In 2006 it was renovated and the "Tavern and Grille" added to the name. A long time custodian from the older days of the hotel had a room for himself on the second floor. His footsteps can be heard and at times he thumps on the walls as if telling people to keep it down. Waitresses and a female bartender have felt themselves touched but no one is there. The bartender has also heard her name called several times when she is alone in the room. Some waitresses have reported seeing a black cat dash through the room fading away en route. At the bar, now and then a gentleman will be sitting at table 32, order a shot of Jack Daniels and when the bartender turns back to bring it to him no one is there. In the Ladies' Room the spirit of a woman has been seen or felt. Located at 302 N. Leroy St., Fenton. 810-750-9463. The tavern is only open for dinner during the week, opens at 11am on the weekends.
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island MI
Built in the late 19th century the Grand Hotel is a magnificient huge hotel with 393 guest rooms. It overlooks the Straits of Mackinac which you can view from the long porch that runs along the length of the front of the hotel. Witnessed apparitions include a man in a top hat at the bar's piano where there remains a scent of cigar smoke after he disappears. A woman in victorian clothing has also been seen in the employee housing area. When the area was dug up for the foundation many skeletons were found, and it is not known if all were discovered and moved. Rumors are that some of these spirits may be around the hotel and some may not be very nice. There is actually a dress code both for daywear and especially for evening (after 6:30pm) so you might want to check this out on their site before you go. The hotel opens in May for the season and is at 286 Grand Ave., Mackinac Island. 1-800-33GRAND
Haunted Places in Mississippi
Merrehope Estate, Meridian, MS
Merrehope is one of the last remaining Antebellum homes in Meridian. Built in 1858 by W.H. Jackson, it was sold in 1868 to John Gary. He added on the double parlor, the library and four rooms upstairs all done in the Italianate style. After changing hands once more in 1881, Sam Floyd bought the home in 1903 and added the front columns, suspended balcony, 5 bathrooms, the walnut hand-carved stairway and had electricity installed. He also added the dining room, the morning room and two bedrooms upstairs. From 1915 until 1968 the mansion saw a decline from its grander days, being used as a boarding house and eventually divided up into 8 apartments. In 1968 the nine members of a Women's Club decided they needed a place to meet in Meridian and decided to save the mansion which was slated to be torn down. They formed a Restorations Foundation and today the mansion is restored to its former grandeur. It is open for tours, and is available for events such as weddings and parties. In the last few decades reports of ghostly sightings have been made. One seems to be of a young woman or girl wearing a green dress. A staff member identified her as the daughter of John Gary after seeing a portrait painting of her, although the daughter never lived in the house. She died of consumption while a teenager and is buried in Alabama. A photo taken by some tourists of a Christmas tree there showed the figure of a woman next to the tree though no one was visible there at the time the picture was taken. Another spirit seems to be a man who is only in the Periwinkle Room. He is said to be responsible for noises that sound like things moving or being broken but when investigated, nothing is out of place. The mansion is open different days for tours during the winter and the summer. Merrehope is at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dr. Meridian, Mississippi Phone: (601) 483-8439
King’s Tavern, Natchez Trace, Mississippi
King’s Tavern is in the oldest building in Natchez, built in 1769. Originally it served as a resting point on the Natchez Trace trail. Then more modern transportation took over and bypassed the Tavern. It became a private home for a while, but then once again became a tavern. The tavern appears to be haunted by a ghost identified as Madaline. She was supposedly the mistress of the original builder, Richard King, and was murdered by his wife out of jealousy. Madaline will cause hard to open doors to swing open by themselves, and if staff say, “alright Madaline’” they then shut by themselves. Faucets will suddenly spout hot water. A reporter was videotaping the downstairs of the tavern a few years ago. He had a friend with him who was supposed to be upstairs at the same time, taping up there. The reporter kept hearing his friend and the waitress with him overhead – muffled talking and the floor creaking. The reporter looked out the window, and his friend and the waitress were walking around outside! He checked upstairs and no one was there. The tavern is closed on Mondays. The specialy of the Tavern is wood-fired flatbreads. King’s Tavern, 613 Jefferson, Natchez , Mississippi 601-446-5003
Merrehope is one of the last remaining Antebellum homes in Meridian. Built in 1858 by W.H. Jackson, it was sold in 1868 to John Gary. He added on the double parlor, the library and four rooms upstairs all done in the Italianate style. After changing hands once more in 1881, Sam Floyd bought the home in 1903 and added the front columns, suspended balcony, 5 bathrooms, the walnut hand-carved stairway and had electricity installed. He also added the dining room, the morning room and two bedrooms upstairs. From 1915 until 1968 the mansion saw a decline from its grander days, being used as a boarding house and eventually divided up into 8 apartments. In 1968 the nine members of a Women's Club decided they needed a place to meet in Meridian and decided to save the mansion which was slated to be torn down. They formed a Restorations Foundation and today the mansion is restored to its former grandeur. It is open for tours, and is available for events such as weddings and parties. In the last few decades reports of ghostly sightings have been made. One seems to be of a young woman or girl wearing a green dress. A staff member identified her as the daughter of John Gary after seeing a portrait painting of her, although the daughter never lived in the house. She died of consumption while a teenager and is buried in Alabama. A photo taken by some tourists of a Christmas tree there showed the figure of a woman next to the tree though no one was visible there at the time the picture was taken. Another spirit seems to be a man who is only in the Periwinkle Room. He is said to be responsible for noises that sound like things moving or being broken but when investigated, nothing is out of place. The mansion is open different days for tours during the winter and the summer. Merrehope is at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dr. Meridian, Mississippi Phone: (601) 483-8439
King’s Tavern, Natchez Trace, Mississippi
King’s Tavern is in the oldest building in Natchez, built in 1769. Originally it served as a resting point on the Natchez Trace trail. Then more modern transportation took over and bypassed the Tavern. It became a private home for a while, but then once again became a tavern. The tavern appears to be haunted by a ghost identified as Madaline. She was supposedly the mistress of the original builder, Richard King, and was murdered by his wife out of jealousy. Madaline will cause hard to open doors to swing open by themselves, and if staff say, “alright Madaline’” they then shut by themselves. Faucets will suddenly spout hot water. A reporter was videotaping the downstairs of the tavern a few years ago. He had a friend with him who was supposed to be upstairs at the same time, taping up there. The reporter kept hearing his friend and the waitress with him overhead – muffled talking and the floor creaking. The reporter looked out the window, and his friend and the waitress were walking around outside! He checked upstairs and no one was there. The tavern is closed on Mondays. The specialy of the Tavern is wood-fired flatbreads. King’s Tavern, 613 Jefferson, Natchez , Mississippi 601-446-5003
Haunted Places in Missouri
The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn, St. Louis MO
In 1838 John Lemp arrived in St. Louis from Germany and opened a grocery where he sold home-brewed beer. He shortly abandoned the grocery venue and went into growing his brewery into a major business. The family became quite wealthy and in mid-century John's son William took over the family business. In 1876 William purchased a grand mansion near the brewery and then improved it even more, adding modern and extravagant features. Woodcarvers, painters and stonemasons were brought in to bring a new level of grandeur to the home. As the 20th century started, times were to become tragic for the Lemp family. William's son Frederick became sickly and died at the age of 28 in 1904. William became despondent, and less than two months later went up to his bedroom and killed himself with a gun to his head. William Lemp Jr. inherited the brewery and went through his own marital and financial difficulties during the next 15 years. In 1920 his sister Elsa killed herself in the mansion with a gun. Prohibition arrived shortly after that, and in Dec. 1922 William Jr. killled himself. His son, William III died of a heart attack in 1943 at the age of 42. William Jr.'s brother Edwin sold the mansion in 1949 and for years it was a boarding house in a declining neighborhood. In 1975 the Pointer family bought the mansion and turned it into a restaurant, which is still open today. During renovations many workers reported feeling watched and that their tools would disappear after they put them down. Since the restaurant has been open, glasses have lifted off the bar, apparitions have been seen, disembodied voices heard, the piano plays by itself, and doors lock or unlock by themselves. Footsteps of someone running up the main stairs is heard without cause, and on the back stairs the panting, click of nails and clink of a dog collar are heard - supposedly loyal family dog. The Lemp Mansion is still run by the Pointer family, and offers a full lunch and dinner menu. On Sundays a family style Sunday dinner is available. There are 6 guest suites where one can stay the night, and there are Paranormal Tours most Monday nights year-round which you can read more about on their web site. 314.664.8024
J. Huston Tavern, Arrow Rock MO
In a small, quaint town overlooking the Missouri River, this tavern was built in 1834 by Joseph Huston. The former owners and many of their staff experienced many paranormal events including hearing their names called when alone, seeing an apparition of a woman, and doors opening or shutting on their own. The entire village of Arrow Rock has been designated a National Historic Landmark recognizing its association with Westward Expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. You can read more about it and get info for a walking tour at their website. The tavern has three dining rooms and is at: 302 Main St., Arrow Rock. 660-837-3200
The Elms Resort and Spa, Excelsior Springs MO
Only 30 minutes from Kansas City, the Elms was built for guests who wanted to partake of the mineral springs nearby. Constructed in the 1880's, sadly it burned down in 1898. Rebuilt, it was destroyed by fire again in 1910. Following that it was once again rebuilt and is still standing. During the 1930's the hotel hosted the wealthy and famous from various arenas: politicians, actors and mobsters. The lap pool is supposedly haunted by the spirit of a man killed by the mob. On the third floor the ghost of a maid in a '20s style uniform has been seen. On the Ghost Haunters' paranormal site they report that they were told of an apparition being seen several times in the library of a man in a white suit, and that others had seen a little girl who fades away. The Elms is a large luxury resort located at 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs. It has recently undergone a $20 million dollar renovation with everything from the guest rooms to the lobby, dining room and spa areas being completely refurbished. phone: 800-843-3567.
In 1838 John Lemp arrived in St. Louis from Germany and opened a grocery where he sold home-brewed beer. He shortly abandoned the grocery venue and went into growing his brewery into a major business. The family became quite wealthy and in mid-century John's son William took over the family business. In 1876 William purchased a grand mansion near the brewery and then improved it even more, adding modern and extravagant features. Woodcarvers, painters and stonemasons were brought in to bring a new level of grandeur to the home. As the 20th century started, times were to become tragic for the Lemp family. William's son Frederick became sickly and died at the age of 28 in 1904. William became despondent, and less than two months later went up to his bedroom and killed himself with a gun to his head. William Lemp Jr. inherited the brewery and went through his own marital and financial difficulties during the next 15 years. In 1920 his sister Elsa killed herself in the mansion with a gun. Prohibition arrived shortly after that, and in Dec. 1922 William Jr. killled himself. His son, William III died of a heart attack in 1943 at the age of 42. William Jr.'s brother Edwin sold the mansion in 1949 and for years it was a boarding house in a declining neighborhood. In 1975 the Pointer family bought the mansion and turned it into a restaurant, which is still open today. During renovations many workers reported feeling watched and that their tools would disappear after they put them down. Since the restaurant has been open, glasses have lifted off the bar, apparitions have been seen, disembodied voices heard, the piano plays by itself, and doors lock or unlock by themselves. Footsteps of someone running up the main stairs is heard without cause, and on the back stairs the panting, click of nails and clink of a dog collar are heard - supposedly loyal family dog. The Lemp Mansion is still run by the Pointer family, and offers a full lunch and dinner menu. On Sundays a family style Sunday dinner is available. There are 6 guest suites where one can stay the night, and there are Paranormal Tours most Monday nights year-round which you can read more about on their web site. 314.664.8024
J. Huston Tavern, Arrow Rock MO
In a small, quaint town overlooking the Missouri River, this tavern was built in 1834 by Joseph Huston. The former owners and many of their staff experienced many paranormal events including hearing their names called when alone, seeing an apparition of a woman, and doors opening or shutting on their own. The entire village of Arrow Rock has been designated a National Historic Landmark recognizing its association with Westward Expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. You can read more about it and get info for a walking tour at their website. The tavern has three dining rooms and is at: 302 Main St., Arrow Rock. 660-837-3200
The Elms Resort and Spa, Excelsior Springs MO
Only 30 minutes from Kansas City, the Elms was built for guests who wanted to partake of the mineral springs nearby. Constructed in the 1880's, sadly it burned down in 1898. Rebuilt, it was destroyed by fire again in 1910. Following that it was once again rebuilt and is still standing. During the 1930's the hotel hosted the wealthy and famous from various arenas: politicians, actors and mobsters. The lap pool is supposedly haunted by the spirit of a man killed by the mob. On the third floor the ghost of a maid in a '20s style uniform has been seen. On the Ghost Haunters' paranormal site they report that they were told of an apparition being seen several times in the library of a man in a white suit, and that others had seen a little girl who fades away. The Elms is a large luxury resort located at 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs. It has recently undergone a $20 million dollar renovation with everything from the guest rooms to the lobby, dining room and spa areas being completely refurbished. phone: 800-843-3567.
Haunted Places in New Hampshire
The Beal House Inn, Littleton NH
The Beal House Inn was built in 1833 and is located in the heart of the White Mountains. The inn was recently bought and renovated by a new owner, Bill Sanders. The restaurant is the primary business of the Inn, but rooms are available for guests to stay in. Over the years reports of paranormal activity include slamming doors and footsteps at night on the stairs. Mr. Sanders was nice enough to write to me and relate the following:
"I have kept quite a few of the staff who were here and they tell me that [the previous owner] Mrs. Keller said she often saw pillows floating above the furniture and things of that nature. She even reported having conversations with whatever it was that was doing this. The staff tell me she was very much a no nonsense type of woman and that she relayed these experiences very matter of factly.
One of the staff members says that she and another waitress were fetching supplies and had unlocked a door in the upper hallway, as she pushed the door open, something shoved it back with great force. Other staff members say they feel uncomfortable in this hallway and several overnite guests who I have allowed to explore the Inn a little have mentioned this hallway (without knowing of any stories prior) as a place where they "felt something" or that it made them feel "weird". The same woman who had the experience with the door also refused to go into the basement alone. She reported seeing dark shapes and shadows moving just at the edge of the lighted area.
We have had several overnite guests at the Inn complain of noises and voices late at night in the room above them. In each case I knew that I had not rented the rooms out and on investigating I always found the rooms were empty and locked. The staff often complains of things disappearing from they place they were left, only to turn up again somewhere completely different in a day or two. Some of the staff simply won't go certain places in the Inn (the upper hallway, basement) and will send someone else. One staff member was on the job less that a week when he came to me and said he was quitting because he could not stand to be in the building and frankly did not understand how any of us could stand it."
The inn offers 3 suites, and 4 guest rooms. It is near many ski areas and Cannon Mt., Loon Mt. and Breeton Woods are all within 10-30 minutes away. The rates range from $99 - $159 depending on the room and time of week and year. No children under 12, and one suite can take pets under 30 lbs. at a nightly charge. There is a full restaurant at the inn. Events can be hosted at the Inn or catered off-site. The Beal House is at 2 W. Main St., Littleton NH. Phone: 603-444-2661.
The Tilton Inn, Tilton NH (formerly the 1875 Inn)
Innkeeper Joanna Oliver was putting the finishing touches on her new acquisition in 2001 when a woman stopped by and talked about the inn's history. Distracted, Joanna paid minimal attention to the stories, one of which was about a girl named Laura. She died in a fire in the building when it was a rooming house in the 19th century. Laura was only 12 when she died. But Oliver remembered this conversation months later when a guest told her that she had seen a young girl sitting on her bed in the Samuel Sanborn room. There were no young girls at the Inn at the time. About a year later another guest was staying in the Mary Baker Eddy room which is close to the Samuel Sanborn room, and told Joanna that he witnessed a young girl leaving his room and she just disappeared. A motorcyclist staying at the Inn during the major annual NH event Bike Week in 2006 said he saw a teenage girl in his room. She then disappeared but in the hallway he saw her again.
In the summer of 2007 a woman was startled to see a young girl in her room when she came out of the shower. The thermostats in the rooms closest to the street are often inexplicably turned down from where the guests had set them. Located in the Lakes and White Mountains area of NH the inn contains the Onions Pub & Restaurant, and has 10 guest rooms. Rates range from $100-150, the inn is a non-smoking area, and is pet friendly. The Tilton Inn is at 255 Main St., Tilton, NH (603) 286-7774.
The Windham Restaurant, Windham NH
Originally built around 1812 and lived in for several generations by the Dinsmore family, this building was once the Riviera and is now the Windham Restaurant. Wait staff, particularly blond women, have had their hair or jewelry played with - at times necklaces would suddenly come undone and fall off for no reason. Arriving to work in the morning sometimes the chairs and table settings would be moved from how they were left the night before. When a seasonal display of boxes wrapped like Christmas gifts had been created the staff often found them rearranged - once in a tower, and once in a horizontal line wedged between two hallway walls several feet off the ground. Reportedly the apparition of a boy has been seen in the second floor wait station and one of a girl and also a man in a blue suit have been sighted in the restaurant. Dishes have flown off shelves in the kitchen to break and glasses have been shattered on the floor in the bar. Lula and Vess Liakas now own and run the restaurant which is at 59 Range Road, Windham, NH Phone: (603) 870-9270
The Hotel Portsmouth, Portsmouth (formerly the Sise Inn)
Built in 1881, the Inn is a three story Queen Anne mansion. In 1986 it was turned into an inn. Most of the mysterious events happen around Suite 214. The ice machine seems to fascinate the ghost(s) and ice cubes are thrown. One time a maid found a trail of ice cubes leading to a pile of them in Room 214. There were no guests staying on that floor at the time. The doors in that area often lock and unlock without human involvement. Many maids have felt cold spots in various rooms, and have had trouble with door locks that had worked fine until then. An elevator operates by itself, and a rocking chair in the lobby has been seen rocking with no one in it. Set in the historic section of Portsmouth on the New England seacoast, the hotel is about an hour north of Boston. Formerly the Sise Inn, after a 6 month total renovation the establishment re-opened in Spring 2014 as The Hotel Portsmouth. There are 32 guest rooms and small functions can be accommodated. A light continental breakfast is included. Pets are allowed in select rooms. The Hotel is at 40 Court St., Portsmouth NH. Phone: 603-433-1200
Three Chimneys Inn, Durham NH
The oldest part of this inn was built in 1649 by a gentleman named Valentine Hill. He had also built the sawmill and gristmill in town. Fifty years later Valentine's son Nathaniel added onto the single story house making it a three story colonial. Two of the dining rooms, The Maples and The Coppers are in this section. Valentine Hill had a daughter, Hannah, who records say was married in 1659 around age twenty, but then there is no further mention of her. It is believed that she drowned in the nearby Oyster River and that her spirit is in the Inn. Karen Meyer, the current Innkeeper, started at the Three Chimneys Inn as the food manager in 2000. One night while working alone she checked on the Coppers dining room. The music suddenly turned on, the air got a heavy feel to it, and she felt a hand on her shoulder - understandably she ran out of the room and left for the night! Electrical equipment frequently doesn't work or behaves oddly and doors will lock by themselves. One employee saw a male spirit appear, then fade away in the food and beverage office.
Several years ago Karen Meyer and a server were delivering some plates to a table when an empty glass on one of the empty tables rose about 6 inches above the table then dropped, hitting the edge and smashing on the floor. This was witnessed by a dozen patrons as well as Meyer and the other server. The executive chef has heard heavy footsteps while he was closing up, but wasn't able to find anyone and the doors were all locked. A former Chef was heading up the stairs from the tavern when a movement caught his eye. He turned and looked over the banister and saw a woman matching Hannah's description behind the bar returning his look.
Guests and staff have seen Hannah's shadow, face or clothing. Some guests have commented on the noise during the night of footsteps and furniture being moved above their room, but it will turn out that there was no one staying on the floor above. The Inn contains the ffrost Sawyer Tavern as well as two other dining rooms and a seasonal outdoor dining area. There are 23 guest rooms, all with its own private bath. A full country breakfast in included. The Three Chimneys Inn is at 17 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824 Phone: 603-868-7800 or 1-888-399-9777.
The Beal House Inn was built in 1833 and is located in the heart of the White Mountains. The inn was recently bought and renovated by a new owner, Bill Sanders. The restaurant is the primary business of the Inn, but rooms are available for guests to stay in. Over the years reports of paranormal activity include slamming doors and footsteps at night on the stairs. Mr. Sanders was nice enough to write to me and relate the following:
"I have kept quite a few of the staff who were here and they tell me that [the previous owner] Mrs. Keller said she often saw pillows floating above the furniture and things of that nature. She even reported having conversations with whatever it was that was doing this. The staff tell me she was very much a no nonsense type of woman and that she relayed these experiences very matter of factly.
One of the staff members says that she and another waitress were fetching supplies and had unlocked a door in the upper hallway, as she pushed the door open, something shoved it back with great force. Other staff members say they feel uncomfortable in this hallway and several overnite guests who I have allowed to explore the Inn a little have mentioned this hallway (without knowing of any stories prior) as a place where they "felt something" or that it made them feel "weird". The same woman who had the experience with the door also refused to go into the basement alone. She reported seeing dark shapes and shadows moving just at the edge of the lighted area.
We have had several overnite guests at the Inn complain of noises and voices late at night in the room above them. In each case I knew that I had not rented the rooms out and on investigating I always found the rooms were empty and locked. The staff often complains of things disappearing from they place they were left, only to turn up again somewhere completely different in a day or two. Some of the staff simply won't go certain places in the Inn (the upper hallway, basement) and will send someone else. One staff member was on the job less that a week when he came to me and said he was quitting because he could not stand to be in the building and frankly did not understand how any of us could stand it."
The inn offers 3 suites, and 4 guest rooms. It is near many ski areas and Cannon Mt., Loon Mt. and Breeton Woods are all within 10-30 minutes away. The rates range from $99 - $159 depending on the room and time of week and year. No children under 12, and one suite can take pets under 30 lbs. at a nightly charge. There is a full restaurant at the inn. Events can be hosted at the Inn or catered off-site. The Beal House is at 2 W. Main St., Littleton NH. Phone: 603-444-2661.
The Tilton Inn, Tilton NH (formerly the 1875 Inn)
Innkeeper Joanna Oliver was putting the finishing touches on her new acquisition in 2001 when a woman stopped by and talked about the inn's history. Distracted, Joanna paid minimal attention to the stories, one of which was about a girl named Laura. She died in a fire in the building when it was a rooming house in the 19th century. Laura was only 12 when she died. But Oliver remembered this conversation months later when a guest told her that she had seen a young girl sitting on her bed in the Samuel Sanborn room. There were no young girls at the Inn at the time. About a year later another guest was staying in the Mary Baker Eddy room which is close to the Samuel Sanborn room, and told Joanna that he witnessed a young girl leaving his room and she just disappeared. A motorcyclist staying at the Inn during the major annual NH event Bike Week in 2006 said he saw a teenage girl in his room. She then disappeared but in the hallway he saw her again.
In the summer of 2007 a woman was startled to see a young girl in her room when she came out of the shower. The thermostats in the rooms closest to the street are often inexplicably turned down from where the guests had set them. Located in the Lakes and White Mountains area of NH the inn contains the Onions Pub & Restaurant, and has 10 guest rooms. Rates range from $100-150, the inn is a non-smoking area, and is pet friendly. The Tilton Inn is at 255 Main St., Tilton, NH (603) 286-7774.
The Windham Restaurant, Windham NH
Originally built around 1812 and lived in for several generations by the Dinsmore family, this building was once the Riviera and is now the Windham Restaurant. Wait staff, particularly blond women, have had their hair or jewelry played with - at times necklaces would suddenly come undone and fall off for no reason. Arriving to work in the morning sometimes the chairs and table settings would be moved from how they were left the night before. When a seasonal display of boxes wrapped like Christmas gifts had been created the staff often found them rearranged - once in a tower, and once in a horizontal line wedged between two hallway walls several feet off the ground. Reportedly the apparition of a boy has been seen in the second floor wait station and one of a girl and also a man in a blue suit have been sighted in the restaurant. Dishes have flown off shelves in the kitchen to break and glasses have been shattered on the floor in the bar. Lula and Vess Liakas now own and run the restaurant which is at 59 Range Road, Windham, NH Phone: (603) 870-9270
The Hotel Portsmouth, Portsmouth (formerly the Sise Inn)
Built in 1881, the Inn is a three story Queen Anne mansion. In 1986 it was turned into an inn. Most of the mysterious events happen around Suite 214. The ice machine seems to fascinate the ghost(s) and ice cubes are thrown. One time a maid found a trail of ice cubes leading to a pile of them in Room 214. There were no guests staying on that floor at the time. The doors in that area often lock and unlock without human involvement. Many maids have felt cold spots in various rooms, and have had trouble with door locks that had worked fine until then. An elevator operates by itself, and a rocking chair in the lobby has been seen rocking with no one in it. Set in the historic section of Portsmouth on the New England seacoast, the hotel is about an hour north of Boston. Formerly the Sise Inn, after a 6 month total renovation the establishment re-opened in Spring 2014 as The Hotel Portsmouth. There are 32 guest rooms and small functions can be accommodated. A light continental breakfast is included. Pets are allowed in select rooms. The Hotel is at 40 Court St., Portsmouth NH. Phone: 603-433-1200
Three Chimneys Inn, Durham NH
The oldest part of this inn was built in 1649 by a gentleman named Valentine Hill. He had also built the sawmill and gristmill in town. Fifty years later Valentine's son Nathaniel added onto the single story house making it a three story colonial. Two of the dining rooms, The Maples and The Coppers are in this section. Valentine Hill had a daughter, Hannah, who records say was married in 1659 around age twenty, but then there is no further mention of her. It is believed that she drowned in the nearby Oyster River and that her spirit is in the Inn. Karen Meyer, the current Innkeeper, started at the Three Chimneys Inn as the food manager in 2000. One night while working alone she checked on the Coppers dining room. The music suddenly turned on, the air got a heavy feel to it, and she felt a hand on her shoulder - understandably she ran out of the room and left for the night! Electrical equipment frequently doesn't work or behaves oddly and doors will lock by themselves. One employee saw a male spirit appear, then fade away in the food and beverage office.
Several years ago Karen Meyer and a server were delivering some plates to a table when an empty glass on one of the empty tables rose about 6 inches above the table then dropped, hitting the edge and smashing on the floor. This was witnessed by a dozen patrons as well as Meyer and the other server. The executive chef has heard heavy footsteps while he was closing up, but wasn't able to find anyone and the doors were all locked. A former Chef was heading up the stairs from the tavern when a movement caught his eye. He turned and looked over the banister and saw a woman matching Hannah's description behind the bar returning his look.
Guests and staff have seen Hannah's shadow, face or clothing. Some guests have commented on the noise during the night of footsteps and furniture being moved above their room, but it will turn out that there was no one staying on the floor above. The Inn contains the ffrost Sawyer Tavern as well as two other dining rooms and a seasonal outdoor dining area. There are 23 guest rooms, all with its own private bath. A full country breakfast in included. The Three Chimneys Inn is at 17 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824 Phone: 603-868-7800 or 1-888-399-9777.
Haunted Places in New Jersey
The Southern Mansion, Cape May, NJ
This large 4 star Bed & Breakfast has been through many stages, and is now a beautiful place to stay near the water on the Jersey Shore. George Allen, an industrialist built this home for his family in the 1860's and modeled it on the grand Southern houses he admired. His niece Ester Mercur and her husband were the last family members to live there and it was sold after her death around the 1930s. For 50 years it was a boarding house falling into more and more disrepair until its license was taken away and it was put up for sale in the '80s. It sat until 1994 when the house was purchased and renovated over a year and a half to become grand once again and open to visitors. It seems to be haunted by Ester Mercur who has been sighted throughout the building, and who has been heard laughing and speaking. An unexplained scent of perfume has been smelled as well. Kitchen workers report an older woman who watches them who seems to be happy with what is going on. The Southern Mansion is pricing is commensurate with its 4 star rating and can be in the $300s-even low $400s per night in summer season. A full breakfast is included and each room has a private bath. 720 Washington St., Cape May. 800-381-3888
This large 4 star Bed & Breakfast has been through many stages, and is now a beautiful place to stay near the water on the Jersey Shore. George Allen, an industrialist built this home for his family in the 1860's and modeled it on the grand Southern houses he admired. His niece Ester Mercur and her husband were the last family members to live there and it was sold after her death around the 1930s. For 50 years it was a boarding house falling into more and more disrepair until its license was taken away and it was put up for sale in the '80s. It sat until 1994 when the house was purchased and renovated over a year and a half to become grand once again and open to visitors. It seems to be haunted by Ester Mercur who has been sighted throughout the building, and who has been heard laughing and speaking. An unexplained scent of perfume has been smelled as well. Kitchen workers report an older woman who watches them who seems to be happy with what is going on. The Southern Mansion is pricing is commensurate with its 4 star rating and can be in the $300s-even low $400s per night in summer season. A full breakfast is included and each room has a private bath. 720 Washington St., Cape May. 800-381-3888
Haunted Places in New Mexico
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, Santa Fe NM
La Posada is a luxury resort/spa, which boasts a multimillion dollar art collection as well as beautiful grounds, pool and spa. The original building of the resort was the first Victorian home built in Santa Fe, erected in 1880 by Abraham Staab for his wife and himself to live in upon moving here from Germany. They were a major presence in high society, and even entertained the President. Life was good until their youngest son, I believe in his teens, died suddenly of scarlet fever. Julia Staab never recovered from her grief and kept herself hidden away in her rooms on the second floor. Julia's suite is now thought to be the most haunted area, with lights going on and off, sudden cold spots, and her presence being acutely sensed. She has, however, made her presence known elsewhere too: She has been seen sitting by the fireplace in the bar, and people have felt like she has walked past or behind them on the stairs, but there is no one there when they turn around. The resort has been expanded and now has 150 guest rooms and includes the Staab House cocktail bar and Fuego restaurant. It is part of the Starwood Preferred Guest group. 330 East Palace Ave., Santa Fe, phone: 800-325-3589 or 505-986-0000
The Lodge Resort & Spa, Cloudcroft NM
This mountain resort was originally built in 1899 but was destroyed by a fire in 1909 and completely rebuilt on a new site, but kept the appearance of the original lodge. The Lodge is haunted by Rebecca, a red-headed woman who worked there as a chambermaid in the l930’s. She was killed by a jealous lover. Her spirit is said to wander through the building. Sightings have been reported, and chandeliers swing with no explanation. When a kitchen manager told a new employee that the ghost tales were bunk, a coffe grounds holder flew out of the coffeemaker 15 feet away and hit the manager in the thigh, as if thrown. The restaurant at the Lodge, Rebecca’s, is named after her. The Lodge offers golf, conference facilities, and wonderful scenery. It is at 1 Corona Place, Cloudcroft, NM (505)682-2566 or (800)395-6343
St. James Hotel, Cimarron NM
The St. James Hotel was built in 1873 originally to be a saloon. The hotel’s pleasant atmosphere now gives no hint of the building’s violent history during which 26 people were killed there. There are three ghosts at the hotel. Mary Lambert was the wife of the hotel’s original builder and owner, and she has never left her second floor room. The second spirit is that of James Wright. A psychic who came to the hotel identified him. He was a gambler who won a huge pot with his poker hand – reports of what it was varies, but it was something like another player’s whole herd of cattle. He was killed in his room, number 18, before he could make good on his win. There was such activity in that room in 1985 when the hotel was being renovated that the room has since been off limits. When the owners checked old records, it was found that there was indeed a gambler named James Wright who had checked into room 18 shortly before he was killed. The third ghost is unnamed, and causes mischievous havoc in the kitchen. Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains there is excellent hunting and fishing nearby. The feel of the Old West is maintained at the hotel. There are 12 restored guest rooms in the main hotel and 10 more in the adjacent two story annex. Rates range from $85 (shared bath rooms) to $155. Note: the rooms in the main hotel DO NOT have AC, TV or phones in them - however the rooms in the annex do. The St. James is on Route 1 in Cimarron NM phone: 505.376.2664
La Posada is a luxury resort/spa, which boasts a multimillion dollar art collection as well as beautiful grounds, pool and spa. The original building of the resort was the first Victorian home built in Santa Fe, erected in 1880 by Abraham Staab for his wife and himself to live in upon moving here from Germany. They were a major presence in high society, and even entertained the President. Life was good until their youngest son, I believe in his teens, died suddenly of scarlet fever. Julia Staab never recovered from her grief and kept herself hidden away in her rooms on the second floor. Julia's suite is now thought to be the most haunted area, with lights going on and off, sudden cold spots, and her presence being acutely sensed. She has, however, made her presence known elsewhere too: She has been seen sitting by the fireplace in the bar, and people have felt like she has walked past or behind them on the stairs, but there is no one there when they turn around. The resort has been expanded and now has 150 guest rooms and includes the Staab House cocktail bar and Fuego restaurant. It is part of the Starwood Preferred Guest group. 330 East Palace Ave., Santa Fe, phone: 800-325-3589 or 505-986-0000
The Lodge Resort & Spa, Cloudcroft NM
This mountain resort was originally built in 1899 but was destroyed by a fire in 1909 and completely rebuilt on a new site, but kept the appearance of the original lodge. The Lodge is haunted by Rebecca, a red-headed woman who worked there as a chambermaid in the l930’s. She was killed by a jealous lover. Her spirit is said to wander through the building. Sightings have been reported, and chandeliers swing with no explanation. When a kitchen manager told a new employee that the ghost tales were bunk, a coffe grounds holder flew out of the coffeemaker 15 feet away and hit the manager in the thigh, as if thrown. The restaurant at the Lodge, Rebecca’s, is named after her. The Lodge offers golf, conference facilities, and wonderful scenery. It is at 1 Corona Place, Cloudcroft, NM (505)682-2566 or (800)395-6343
St. James Hotel, Cimarron NM
The St. James Hotel was built in 1873 originally to be a saloon. The hotel’s pleasant atmosphere now gives no hint of the building’s violent history during which 26 people were killed there. There are three ghosts at the hotel. Mary Lambert was the wife of the hotel’s original builder and owner, and she has never left her second floor room. The second spirit is that of James Wright. A psychic who came to the hotel identified him. He was a gambler who won a huge pot with his poker hand – reports of what it was varies, but it was something like another player’s whole herd of cattle. He was killed in his room, number 18, before he could make good on his win. There was such activity in that room in 1985 when the hotel was being renovated that the room has since been off limits. When the owners checked old records, it was found that there was indeed a gambler named James Wright who had checked into room 18 shortly before he was killed. The third ghost is unnamed, and causes mischievous havoc in the kitchen. Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains there is excellent hunting and fishing nearby. The feel of the Old West is maintained at the hotel. There are 12 restored guest rooms in the main hotel and 10 more in the adjacent two story annex. Rates range from $85 (shared bath rooms) to $155. Note: the rooms in the main hotel DO NOT have AC, TV or phones in them - however the rooms in the annex do. The St. James is on Route 1 in Cimarron NM phone: 505.376.2664
Haunted Places in New York
The Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, Cooperstown NY
This museum was founded in 1936 by Stephen C. Clark. Bruce Markusen, a Cooperstown native runs Cooperstown Candlelight Ghost Tours in town, but before that was Manager of Programs for many years at the Hall of Fame. Both he and the Chief Security Officer have heard many stories from the security guards of footsteps and voices during times when the place is empty. Nighttime security staff have also experienced elevator doors opening and closing while empty, and motion detectors going off for no apparent reason. Other staff working at night will feel like there is a presence of spirits, but it is hard to know if this is just due to the atmosphere being so rich in history and the lingering aura of baseball greats. The museum is located at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY Phone: 1-888-HALL-OF-FAME or 607-547-7200 It is open daily year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
the Morris-Jumel Mansion, upper Manhattan, NYC
Way uptown in New York City this former residential mansion sits on a hill and is now a museum open to the public. Located between 160th and 162nd streets this home of over 8,000 square feet was built in 1765 by British Colonel Roger Morris for his family. After the American revolutionists' victories in the area Morris returned to England and George Washington used the houses as his headquarters in the area, the views from its hilltop setting making it a strategic location. In the early 1800s the Jumel family lived there. After Mr. Jumel's death, his widow married former Vice President Aaron Burr and continued to reside there. Eliza Jumel Burr's apparition has been seen throughout the house and is blamed for rappings on walls and windows. There also is said to be the ghost of a servant girl in the servants' quarters and another spirit of an American Revolutionary soldier. The mansion is open Tuesday-Sunday for self guided tours. If you want a guided tour there is one offered every Saturday at noon, or you can call in advance and make arrangements. 65 Jumel Terrace, Washington Heights. 212-923-8008
The Edge of Thyme, Candor, NY
Located near the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, this bed-and-breakfast has four guest rooms and is run by the Musgraves. The Musgraves and their dog have heard distinct footsteps of shoes on wooden floors walk through the house, coming down the stairs and going from one end of the house to the other. Not only are the Musgraves alone when they hear this, but the floors are heavily carpeted, and the footsteps continue a path through locked doors. One particular window is often opened despite being locked closed. Two different guests at different times have reported waking up in the night to see a blonde woman wearing a long white dress in the rocking chair in their room. There is 1 suite and 4 guest rooms (2 have a private bath). A full breakfast is served to guests, well behaved children are welcome but pets are not. The Edge of Thyme is at 6 Main St., Candor, NY phone: 607.659.5155
Merchant's House Museum, New York, NY (lower Manhattan)
In the early 1800's Seabury Tredwell moved to NYC from Long Island and became a successful hardware supply merchant. Tredwell married and had 8 children. Gertrude, one of his daughters, was the last family member to live in the house and died there in 1933 at the age of 93. In 1936 the classic late federal-georgian row house was made into a museum and still contained the Tredwell family's furnishings. Since its opening strange things have been experienced by staff and guests involving sounds, smells and sightings. A woman is the most frequently seen apparition and viewers of her have matched her to photos of Gertrude. 29 East Fourth St., NY NY. The Museum is located between Lafayette Street and Bowery in historic NoHo. It is closed Tues. and Wed. and closes promptly at 5pm on days when it's open except for Thursday when it is open in the evening.
Beardslee Castle, Little Falls, NY
An estate that looks like an Irish castle, this restaurant in Upstate New York has ghosts that set tables, shatter glasses, move or take objects and open/close doors. Balls of light have been seen, as well as apparitions. One ghost is a former owner who hung himself upstairs. A woman named Abigail died in the Manor, either by choking or during an epileptic fit. A long time employee would hear a woman softly call her name when no one was around. Another staff person saw a woman in white walk up a non existent staircase (where one had once been), and she has been seen by guests as well. One woman followed Abigail into the Ladies Room, but once in there realized she was alone. The figure of a tall menacing looking man in dark clothes is also seen. He is Dominie Jake, a man who molested children and supposedly hung himself in disgrace in a tunnel under the restaurant. In 2010 The Ghost Hunters (SyFy) filmed an episode there. The Castle is on Rte 5 (123 Old State Rd.) in Little Falls, off exit 29A on the NY Thruway. Phone, 315.823.3000
The Belasco Theater, New York City
The Belasco Theater, at 111 W. 44th St in the theater district in Manhattan is one of the city's oldest theaters. The founder of the theater, David Belasco, lived above it in an apartment above the stage area of the building. His spirit has been sighted by many, appearing as a solid person wering a cleric collar and cossack, an outfit he had often worn in life earning him the nickname "The Bishop of Broadway." This and other strange phenonmena have been attributed to him since his death in 1931. Staff and performers have seen him watching rehearsals and opening performances from a private box in the balcony, footsteps are heard late at night in the empty theater, and doors open and shut on their own. There is an elevator which went to Mr. Belasco's private apartment that has been disconnected for years, yet staff have heard it sound as if it were running. There have also been many sightings of a woman in blue, but her identity is unknown. The Belasco theater is still the site of Broadway performances and is owned by the Schubert Organization.
Haunted Places in North Carolina
The Lodge on Lake Lure
This lodge is right on Lake Lure in Hickory Nut Gorge and has the requisite beautiful and peaceful lake views. It was built in 1937 as a memorial to George Penn, a highway patrolman who was killed in the line of duty. The lodge was a retreat for state troopers and their families for many years until it became a public inn in 1990. The spirit of George Penn remains there still, having been seen many times in room 4. Guests have thought he was a real man who was in the wrong room until he left by walking through a closed door! There are fifteen guest rooms ranging from $180-$310. Breakfast, and sunset cruises are included in the room rate. Late afternoon beverages, fruit and snacks are available for guests, and the dining room is open for dinner Wed.-Sat. Pets can stay in three designated rooms (note: there is a resident cat). Lake Lure is about 25 miles southeast of Asheville. 361 Charlotte Dr., Lake Lure, NC 800.733.2785
Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
Built in 1924 by a prominent alumnus of the University of North Carolina, the inn was donated to the University by its owner. The profits are used for the upkeep of the University library. The inn is haunted by a playful spirit thought to be that of Dr. William Jacocks. He lived at the inn in what is now Room 256 for 17 years until his death in 1965. Both guests and staff have experienced the room doorknob rattling as someone seems to be going down the hall testing doors. When they check it out, a portly well dressed man is seen down the hall and when they shout to him he disappears. Guests who stay in his room have been locked out with no explanation as to why the door would not open, curtains have opened on their own, and bath floor mats will be scrunched up. The ghost seems to be a good natured prankster and harmless. Set in a beautiful brick Georgian building, the inn has 184 guest rooms. The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant is contained in the inn and is a 4 star dining establishment. There is a ballroom for functions, and on-site tech and space amenities set up for business conferences. Rooms start at $209/night. The inn is non-smoking and no pets are allowed. There is a daily fee for overnight parking. 211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill NC. 800-962-8519
Omni Resorts the Grove Park Inn, Asheville
This massive granite resort offers panoramic views of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A luxury resort with stunning spas the 510 rooms and suites as well as the dining also carry a luxury price tag. But for those of you who want this level of getaway with a chance of a ghostly encounter, ask for Room 545 and you may have your own encounter with The Pink Lady. She is the spirit of a woman who fell to her death in the 1920s from a balcony near room 545 to the floor of the atrium two stories below.. Most often seen as a smoky cloud with a light pink cast to it, she has been seen in the nightclub but is most active in the older original section of the inn.
Guests in Room 545 have been locked out of their room or had the bathroom door locked from inside. One guest was alone, sitting on the bed making a phone call when he felt the other side of the bed clearly sink down as if someone else had sat near him. Many guests feel a cold brush of air and the children of some guests have talked about the nice lady or lady in the pink dress who came in and visited with them. There is a $25 daily resort fee in additon to the nightly rate. Dogs up to 60 lbs are allowed, but there extra charges and liabilities that should be reviewed on the "Reservation Policies" page. The hotel is at
290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC Phone: 800-438-5800 or 828-252- 2711
This lodge is right on Lake Lure in Hickory Nut Gorge and has the requisite beautiful and peaceful lake views. It was built in 1937 as a memorial to George Penn, a highway patrolman who was killed in the line of duty. The lodge was a retreat for state troopers and their families for many years until it became a public inn in 1990. The spirit of George Penn remains there still, having been seen many times in room 4. Guests have thought he was a real man who was in the wrong room until he left by walking through a closed door! There are fifteen guest rooms ranging from $180-$310. Breakfast, and sunset cruises are included in the room rate. Late afternoon beverages, fruit and snacks are available for guests, and the dining room is open for dinner Wed.-Sat. Pets can stay in three designated rooms (note: there is a resident cat). Lake Lure is about 25 miles southeast of Asheville. 361 Charlotte Dr., Lake Lure, NC 800.733.2785
Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
Built in 1924 by a prominent alumnus of the University of North Carolina, the inn was donated to the University by its owner. The profits are used for the upkeep of the University library. The inn is haunted by a playful spirit thought to be that of Dr. William Jacocks. He lived at the inn in what is now Room 256 for 17 years until his death in 1965. Both guests and staff have experienced the room doorknob rattling as someone seems to be going down the hall testing doors. When they check it out, a portly well dressed man is seen down the hall and when they shout to him he disappears. Guests who stay in his room have been locked out with no explanation as to why the door would not open, curtains have opened on their own, and bath floor mats will be scrunched up. The ghost seems to be a good natured prankster and harmless. Set in a beautiful brick Georgian building, the inn has 184 guest rooms. The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant is contained in the inn and is a 4 star dining establishment. There is a ballroom for functions, and on-site tech and space amenities set up for business conferences. Rooms start at $209/night. The inn is non-smoking and no pets are allowed. There is a daily fee for overnight parking. 211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill NC. 800-962-8519
Omni Resorts the Grove Park Inn, Asheville
This massive granite resort offers panoramic views of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A luxury resort with stunning spas the 510 rooms and suites as well as the dining also carry a luxury price tag. But for those of you who want this level of getaway with a chance of a ghostly encounter, ask for Room 545 and you may have your own encounter with The Pink Lady. She is the spirit of a woman who fell to her death in the 1920s from a balcony near room 545 to the floor of the atrium two stories below.. Most often seen as a smoky cloud with a light pink cast to it, she has been seen in the nightclub but is most active in the older original section of the inn.
Guests in Room 545 have been locked out of their room or had the bathroom door locked from inside. One guest was alone, sitting on the bed making a phone call when he felt the other side of the bed clearly sink down as if someone else had sat near him. Many guests feel a cold brush of air and the children of some guests have talked about the nice lady or lady in the pink dress who came in and visited with them. There is a $25 daily resort fee in additon to the nightly rate. Dogs up to 60 lbs are allowed, but there extra charges and liabilities that should be reviewed on the "Reservation Policies" page. The hotel is at
290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC Phone: 800-438-5800 or 828-252- 2711
Haunted Places in Ohio
The Lafayette Hotel, Marietta OH
The Lafayette is a grand Riverboat era hotel on the banks of the Ohio River. It was built in 1916 on the site of another hotel, the Bellevue which burned down. The basement, foundation and parts of some walls were incorporated into the new hotel. Because the paranormal activity occurs in the basment and elevator as well as all five guest floors, it is very possible that some of the hauntings date back to when the Bellevue was standing. The third floor is the most active area. Lights, TVs, and showers turn on and off by themselves, blongings vanish and reappear in odd places, and footsteps and voices are heard in empty corridors. Ghostly figures have been seen floating in the hallways by both staff and guests. One apparition is a Victorian dressed maid who appears solid, but moves in slow motion and seems to be folding something though her hands are empty. There are 77 guest rooms and you can dine in the Riverview Lounge. Pets allowed with a deposit. 101 Front Street, Marietta. phone: 740-373-5522
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Cincinnati
A National Historic Landmark, the building is an example of Art Deco design. The 561 guest rooms have the latest amenities and the hotel offers an indoor pool and sauna. There is a full dining room and a more casual grille dining area within the hotel. The spirit that haunts this hotel is The Lady in Green who has been seen in the Mezzanine area and in The Hall of Mirrors. Rates are from $136. The hotel is at 35 W. 5th St., Cincinnati. phone, 866-332- 3590
The Levee House, Marietta OH
This restaurant in on the Ohio River is in the building that was La Belle Hotel then the Golden Eagle back in the early 1900's when the town was full of a rough crowd of men who worked on the riverboats. Now is it a lovely restaurant with beautiful river views. This pretty scene was once the site of a brutal murder when the son of a man visiting a prostitute killed both his father and the woman with an ax. Now, people hear footsteps go up the stairs, then a period of quiet followed by running steps down the stairs. Tenants who live in apartments above the banquet room hear unexplained noises and crashes, and have experienced cold spots, electronic problems and have pictures that won't stay hung. If visiting the restaurant, please respect the privacy of the residents in non-public areas. 127 Ohio Street, Marietta. 740-374-2233
The Lafayette is a grand Riverboat era hotel on the banks of the Ohio River. It was built in 1916 on the site of another hotel, the Bellevue which burned down. The basement, foundation and parts of some walls were incorporated into the new hotel. Because the paranormal activity occurs in the basment and elevator as well as all five guest floors, it is very possible that some of the hauntings date back to when the Bellevue was standing. The third floor is the most active area. Lights, TVs, and showers turn on and off by themselves, blongings vanish and reappear in odd places, and footsteps and voices are heard in empty corridors. Ghostly figures have been seen floating in the hallways by both staff and guests. One apparition is a Victorian dressed maid who appears solid, but moves in slow motion and seems to be folding something though her hands are empty. There are 77 guest rooms and you can dine in the Riverview Lounge. Pets allowed with a deposit. 101 Front Street, Marietta. phone: 740-373-5522
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Cincinnati
A National Historic Landmark, the building is an example of Art Deco design. The 561 guest rooms have the latest amenities and the hotel offers an indoor pool and sauna. There is a full dining room and a more casual grille dining area within the hotel. The spirit that haunts this hotel is The Lady in Green who has been seen in the Mezzanine area and in The Hall of Mirrors. Rates are from $136. The hotel is at 35 W. 5th St., Cincinnati. phone, 866-332- 3590
The Levee House, Marietta OH
This restaurant in on the Ohio River is in the building that was La Belle Hotel then the Golden Eagle back in the early 1900's when the town was full of a rough crowd of men who worked on the riverboats. Now is it a lovely restaurant with beautiful river views. This pretty scene was once the site of a brutal murder when the son of a man visiting a prostitute killed both his father and the woman with an ax. Now, people hear footsteps go up the stairs, then a period of quiet followed by running steps down the stairs. Tenants who live in apartments above the banquet room hear unexplained noises and crashes, and have experienced cold spots, electronic problems and have pictures that won't stay hung. If visiting the restaurant, please respect the privacy of the residents in non-public areas. 127 Ohio Street, Marietta. 740-374-2233
Haunted Places in Oregon
Heathman Hotel, Portland OR
This downtown luxury hotel has an unusual haunting - their ghostly happenings occur in their rooms on each floor that end in 03! It is theorized that someone jumped to their death from or above the 03 rooms and now each room along that vertical trail is haunted. Room 703 seems to have the most activity. Clean towels look used, furniture has been moved, and glasses of water go missing. In 803 an apparition was seen by a guest. Built in 1927, this luxury boutique hotel is in the heart of downtown Portland. They offer many modern amenities including free wifi and 24 hour room service. 1001 SW Broadway at Salmon, Portland. 503-241-4100
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats OR
This is a working lighthouse on the Oregon coast. The Head Keeper's House has been made into a Bed & Breakfast with 6 guestrooms. It is thought that the spirit lingering there is Rue, the wife of a lighthouse keeper. Her daughter fell off the cliffs and died. One workman saw her while in the attic cleaning windows - she is described as having gray hair and wearing a long dark dress. Some of the activity there includes unexplained screams, footsteps in the attic, and objects being moved or going missing. There have been reports of an older woman being seen in the attic windows from outside. Your stay includes a "decadent seven-course breakfast." The B&B is open year round (different seasonal rates Nov-April/May-Oct.), is non-smoking and no pets allowed. On US 101, phone: 866-547-3696
Pacific University, Forest Grove Campus
Knight Hall used to house the Music Department, but has been the Admissions Office since the '90s. The spirit of Vera is supposed to wander the halls of the building, and is responsible for the sounds of singing and a piano playing - at least this happened when it was the music department. Now it seems she has expanded her repetoire - there are strange smells, sounds of laughter, doors open/close, and lights turn back on. A Senior Associate Director of Admissions saw his briefcase move several feet by itself, and witnessed a fan turn on with no one near it while he was meeting with a student (according to an Oregonian article 10/23/13). The Forest Grove campus is on the western edge of the Portland metro area at 2043 College Way. While Knight Hall is technically open to the pubic, please respect the fact that it is a place of business.
Hot Lake Springs Hotel, LaGrande OR
Built in 1864 near hot thermal springs at the foot of a large bluff, this building has had many incarnations. Originally a wooden structure, by 1908 it was replaced with a brick hotel with bath houses for therapeutic use. In 1917 a Dr. Phy purchased it and it became the Hot Lake Sanatorium. By the 1920's it was reknown and people came from all over the country. In 1934 there was a huge fire and most of the right side of the structure was destroyed and the 300 room hotel was closed for business. Repaired, the building became a pilot and nursing training center, a resort again, then a nursing home, an asylum and in the 1970's a shortlived restaurant/night club. It sat abandoned for many years. In 2003 restoration began yet once again, and the Hot Lake Hotel is now a B&B with guest rooms, a spa, restaurant and museum. Scary phenomena include a piano that was on the third floor at one time would be heard playing by itself, cries and screams were heard, and rocking chairs rocked on their own. The B&B has 22 rooms, two of which can accommodate small pets. Breakfast is included. NOTE: "Cancellations not accepted, but rescheduling is." 66172 Hiway 203, La Grande 541-963-4685
This downtown luxury hotel has an unusual haunting - their ghostly happenings occur in their rooms on each floor that end in 03! It is theorized that someone jumped to their death from or above the 03 rooms and now each room along that vertical trail is haunted. Room 703 seems to have the most activity. Clean towels look used, furniture has been moved, and glasses of water go missing. In 803 an apparition was seen by a guest. Built in 1927, this luxury boutique hotel is in the heart of downtown Portland. They offer many modern amenities including free wifi and 24 hour room service. 1001 SW Broadway at Salmon, Portland. 503-241-4100
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats OR
This is a working lighthouse on the Oregon coast. The Head Keeper's House has been made into a Bed & Breakfast with 6 guestrooms. It is thought that the spirit lingering there is Rue, the wife of a lighthouse keeper. Her daughter fell off the cliffs and died. One workman saw her while in the attic cleaning windows - she is described as having gray hair and wearing a long dark dress. Some of the activity there includes unexplained screams, footsteps in the attic, and objects being moved or going missing. There have been reports of an older woman being seen in the attic windows from outside. Your stay includes a "decadent seven-course breakfast." The B&B is open year round (different seasonal rates Nov-April/May-Oct.), is non-smoking and no pets allowed. On US 101, phone: 866-547-3696
Pacific University, Forest Grove Campus
Knight Hall used to house the Music Department, but has been the Admissions Office since the '90s. The spirit of Vera is supposed to wander the halls of the building, and is responsible for the sounds of singing and a piano playing - at least this happened when it was the music department. Now it seems she has expanded her repetoire - there are strange smells, sounds of laughter, doors open/close, and lights turn back on. A Senior Associate Director of Admissions saw his briefcase move several feet by itself, and witnessed a fan turn on with no one near it while he was meeting with a student (according to an Oregonian article 10/23/13). The Forest Grove campus is on the western edge of the Portland metro area at 2043 College Way. While Knight Hall is technically open to the pubic, please respect the fact that it is a place of business.
Hot Lake Springs Hotel, LaGrande OR
Built in 1864 near hot thermal springs at the foot of a large bluff, this building has had many incarnations. Originally a wooden structure, by 1908 it was replaced with a brick hotel with bath houses for therapeutic use. In 1917 a Dr. Phy purchased it and it became the Hot Lake Sanatorium. By the 1920's it was reknown and people came from all over the country. In 1934 there was a huge fire and most of the right side of the structure was destroyed and the 300 room hotel was closed for business. Repaired, the building became a pilot and nursing training center, a resort again, then a nursing home, an asylum and in the 1970's a shortlived restaurant/night club. It sat abandoned for many years. In 2003 restoration began yet once again, and the Hot Lake Hotel is now a B&B with guest rooms, a spa, restaurant and museum. Scary phenomena include a piano that was on the third floor at one time would be heard playing by itself, cries and screams were heard, and rocking chairs rocked on their own. The B&B has 22 rooms, two of which can accommodate small pets. Breakfast is included. NOTE: "Cancellations not accepted, but rescheduling is." 66172 Hiway 203, La Grande 541-963-4685
Haunted Places in Pennsylvania
Cashtown Inn, Cashtown PA
The Cashtown Inn offers 4 rooms, 3 suites, a full restaurant and some ghostly goings-on. Located just 8 miles from the battlegrounds of Gettysburg, Cashtown became an encampment in June/July 1863 when the battle of Gettysburg took place. Steeped in history, the history here may come more alive for some visitors than they would like. Paranormal phenomena include heavy footsteps, the apparition of a man in an old war uniform, and the smell of cigar smoke. The paranormal activity increases around late June/early July. Room 4 is reported to have the most activity. The TV show "Ghost Hunters" investigated the inn and during the night a camcorder captured a picture frame on a table moving around on its own in the room that Grant stayed in. The inn, currently owned and run by Jack & Maria Paladino, is smoke free. All rooms have a private bath and AC. The suites have a TV in them. The restaurant may be closed on some days in the off season, so check their web site or phone ahead. A full breakfast is served for guests. There is a tavern and also a full dining room. Phone: 800-367-1797 or 717-334-9722.
Baker Mansion, Altoona PA
The Baker Mansion was built by Elias Baker in 1849. He and his family lived in this 28 room Greek revival style home until 1914. Now a museum, many unexplained happenings have been reported. Ghostly images have been seen in mirrors, and a woman in black has been seen around the stairs between the first and second floors. One time two of the tour guides, a man and a woman, were dressed in Victorian attire for their roles when the man saw the woman in the Victorian dress down the stairs from him on the first floor. When he called out to her she disappeared, just before the other guide answered him from the third floor! According to reports on the web a woman recounted her story shortly after a Halloween tour there that during the tour her 2 year old son refused to go to the basement door because he would have to walk by the mean looking soldier at the bottom of the staircase. No one else saw the soldier he was referring to. The strangest and most consistent ghostly behavior involves a wedding dress on display within a glass case. It is not Baker's daughter's dress as some thought, but belonged to another high society bride of the area. It has been seen to swing on its hanger, rustle and shake violently. There is a parasol and shoes also in the case which have changed their positions within the case. The wedding dress seems to be most active during full moons and at Halloween. The mansion is the base for the Blair County Historical Society. For information about when the Mansion is open for tours, hours, fees, etc. click here.
Historic Farnsworth House Inn, Gettysburg PA
There is supposed to be a ghost of a confederate soldier in the attic - some think that he is the one who shot a civilian, Jenny Wade, by mistake and that he haunts the house because of his guilt. The spirits at the restaurant include a female ghost, Mary, who wanders the upstairs hallway, sounds of a tune being played coming down from the attic, and guests have felt a pressure on the foot of their beds as if a person had sat down there. I have heard from a couple of people who have stayed at the Farnsworth House, and they both experienced paranormal activity. One heard people setting tables and talking in the empty dining room at 2:30am. The Farnsworth House Restaurant offers dining in an authentically restored Civil War atmosphere. The dining room specializes in period fare and there is also a tavern and a beer garden with live music on the weekends. The main dining room is closed off-season. There are 10 guest rooms. The Historic Farnsworth House is at 401 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: (717)334-8838.
Logan Inn, New Hope PA
The Logan Inn, in Bucks County, is one of the oldest continually operated inns in the country. It was built in 1722. During the Revolutionary War part of the basement was used as a morgue one winter while the ground was frozen and bodies could not be buried. Although paranormal events have taken place throughout the building, Room 6 in particular is supposed to be quite haunted. There is a large portrait of a former owner’s grandparents on a stair landing. People have smelled the scent of lavender perfume by the painting, and photos taken of it have sometimes shown a filmy image in front of it, so do bring your camera if you go. Staff members have heard someone call them by name when no one is there and objects have been moved around. The inn has 16 guest rooms. Rates vary by room type and season, ranging from $120-$350. The Logan Inn is at 10 West Ferry St., New Hope PA phone: 215-862-2300.
The Cashtown Inn offers 4 rooms, 3 suites, a full restaurant and some ghostly goings-on. Located just 8 miles from the battlegrounds of Gettysburg, Cashtown became an encampment in June/July 1863 when the battle of Gettysburg took place. Steeped in history, the history here may come more alive for some visitors than they would like. Paranormal phenomena include heavy footsteps, the apparition of a man in an old war uniform, and the smell of cigar smoke. The paranormal activity increases around late June/early July. Room 4 is reported to have the most activity. The TV show "Ghost Hunters" investigated the inn and during the night a camcorder captured a picture frame on a table moving around on its own in the room that Grant stayed in. The inn, currently owned and run by Jack & Maria Paladino, is smoke free. All rooms have a private bath and AC. The suites have a TV in them. The restaurant may be closed on some days in the off season, so check their web site or phone ahead. A full breakfast is served for guests. There is a tavern and also a full dining room. Phone: 800-367-1797 or 717-334-9722.
Baker Mansion, Altoona PA
The Baker Mansion was built by Elias Baker in 1849. He and his family lived in this 28 room Greek revival style home until 1914. Now a museum, many unexplained happenings have been reported. Ghostly images have been seen in mirrors, and a woman in black has been seen around the stairs between the first and second floors. One time two of the tour guides, a man and a woman, were dressed in Victorian attire for their roles when the man saw the woman in the Victorian dress down the stairs from him on the first floor. When he called out to her she disappeared, just before the other guide answered him from the third floor! According to reports on the web a woman recounted her story shortly after a Halloween tour there that during the tour her 2 year old son refused to go to the basement door because he would have to walk by the mean looking soldier at the bottom of the staircase. No one else saw the soldier he was referring to. The strangest and most consistent ghostly behavior involves a wedding dress on display within a glass case. It is not Baker's daughter's dress as some thought, but belonged to another high society bride of the area. It has been seen to swing on its hanger, rustle and shake violently. There is a parasol and shoes also in the case which have changed their positions within the case. The wedding dress seems to be most active during full moons and at Halloween. The mansion is the base for the Blair County Historical Society. For information about when the Mansion is open for tours, hours, fees, etc. click here.
Historic Farnsworth House Inn, Gettysburg PA
There is supposed to be a ghost of a confederate soldier in the attic - some think that he is the one who shot a civilian, Jenny Wade, by mistake and that he haunts the house because of his guilt. The spirits at the restaurant include a female ghost, Mary, who wanders the upstairs hallway, sounds of a tune being played coming down from the attic, and guests have felt a pressure on the foot of their beds as if a person had sat down there. I have heard from a couple of people who have stayed at the Farnsworth House, and they both experienced paranormal activity. One heard people setting tables and talking in the empty dining room at 2:30am. The Farnsworth House Restaurant offers dining in an authentically restored Civil War atmosphere. The dining room specializes in period fare and there is also a tavern and a beer garden with live music on the weekends. The main dining room is closed off-season. There are 10 guest rooms. The Historic Farnsworth House is at 401 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: (717)334-8838.
Logan Inn, New Hope PA
The Logan Inn, in Bucks County, is one of the oldest continually operated inns in the country. It was built in 1722. During the Revolutionary War part of the basement was used as a morgue one winter while the ground was frozen and bodies could not be buried. Although paranormal events have taken place throughout the building, Room 6 in particular is supposed to be quite haunted. There is a large portrait of a former owner’s grandparents on a stair landing. People have smelled the scent of lavender perfume by the painting, and photos taken of it have sometimes shown a filmy image in front of it, so do bring your camera if you go. Staff members have heard someone call them by name when no one is there and objects have been moved around. The inn has 16 guest rooms. Rates vary by room type and season, ranging from $120-$350. The Logan Inn is at 10 West Ferry St., New Hope PA phone: 215-862-2300.
Haunted Places in South Carolina
The Inn at Merridun, Union SC
Originally built in the mid 1850s on what was the Keenan Plantation, this Antebellum mansion was a private home until 1990 when Peggy and Jim Waller bought it. After renovations it was opened as a Bed & Breakfast in 1992. The smell of a cigar and the sweet scent of an old fashioned perfume are thought to indicate the presence of Thomas Duncan and his wife, who moved into the house in the 1880s. An apparition of a woman in a 19th century style teal dress has been seen, but she only is visible from the neck down! The spirit of an African-American former housekeeper has been witnessed outside the inn performing chores. Yet another ghostly duo seen by guests is that of a well dressed and her pet dog. Peggy assumes it is this otherworldly dog that drove her cat JD bonkers at times. There are five guest rooms each with a private bath ranging from $110-$125. A stay at the inn includes evening dessert/beverages and a 3 course breakfast. Dinner can be arranged by reservation. The Inn also contains Miss Fannie's Tea Room. Smoking is not permitted. Phone: 888-892-6020 Address: 100 Merridun Place, Union, South Carolina
Poogan's Porch, Charleston SC
Poogan's Porch is a low-country seafood restaurant in a former residence in Charleston. The name is a memorial to the owner's dog who used to remain on the front porch and greet customers. A woman in black seems to hang around the restaurant and has been seen in many places on the grounds including upstairs, where she knocked on an occupied bathroom door repeatedly and as the occupant exited she saw the spirit fade away before her eyes. Another sighting was by a neighbor who saw a shadowy figure all in black banging on a window of the restaurant. The neighbor reached for her phone and when she turned back, the figure was gone. This spirit is thought to be Zoe St. Armand who owned the house in the early 1900's. A worker at Poogan's Porch entered the kitchen to see a woman all in black kneading dough, and upon telling her she shouldn't be there, she disappeared in front of his eyes. Many people have seen an older woman wave from an upstairs window when the restaurant is closed. Poogan's Porch is at 72 Queen Street, Charleston, SC. Phone: 843-577-2337. Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week, and Brunch is offered on Sat. and Sun.
Originally built in the mid 1850s on what was the Keenan Plantation, this Antebellum mansion was a private home until 1990 when Peggy and Jim Waller bought it. After renovations it was opened as a Bed & Breakfast in 1992. The smell of a cigar and the sweet scent of an old fashioned perfume are thought to indicate the presence of Thomas Duncan and his wife, who moved into the house in the 1880s. An apparition of a woman in a 19th century style teal dress has been seen, but she only is visible from the neck down! The spirit of an African-American former housekeeper has been witnessed outside the inn performing chores. Yet another ghostly duo seen by guests is that of a well dressed and her pet dog. Peggy assumes it is this otherworldly dog that drove her cat JD bonkers at times. There are five guest rooms each with a private bath ranging from $110-$125. A stay at the inn includes evening dessert/beverages and a 3 course breakfast. Dinner can be arranged by reservation. The Inn also contains Miss Fannie's Tea Room. Smoking is not permitted. Phone: 888-892-6020 Address: 100 Merridun Place, Union, South Carolina
Poogan's Porch, Charleston SC
Poogan's Porch is a low-country seafood restaurant in a former residence in Charleston. The name is a memorial to the owner's dog who used to remain on the front porch and greet customers. A woman in black seems to hang around the restaurant and has been seen in many places on the grounds including upstairs, where she knocked on an occupied bathroom door repeatedly and as the occupant exited she saw the spirit fade away before her eyes. Another sighting was by a neighbor who saw a shadowy figure all in black banging on a window of the restaurant. The neighbor reached for her phone and when she turned back, the figure was gone. This spirit is thought to be Zoe St. Armand who owned the house in the early 1900's. A worker at Poogan's Porch entered the kitchen to see a woman all in black kneading dough, and upon telling her she shouldn't be there, she disappeared in front of his eyes. Many people have seen an older woman wave from an upstairs window when the restaurant is closed. Poogan's Porch is at 72 Queen Street, Charleston, SC. Phone: 843-577-2337. Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week, and Brunch is offered on Sat. and Sun.
Haunted Places in Texas
The Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio TX
Before becoming a hotel in 1984 this downtown gothic building was a medical arts center. Guests' experiences seem to run the gamut, including odd noises, unexplained ringing phones, and being touched. Lights and televisions have gone on and off mysteriously and a woman in white has been witnessed. An article in USA Today said that the 7th floor seems to be the most active. Located right by the Alamo and the Riverwalk, the hotel has 177 guest rooms and a restaurant. A 4 Diamond hotel, there is a pool, valet parking offered, and pets up to 50 lbs are allowed with a deposit. A part of the Hilton Doubletree family, the hotel is at 705 E. Houston St., San Antonio 210-225-5100.
The Menger Hotel, San Antonio TX
Located next to the Alamo, the Rivercenter mall and the River Walk, the Menger Hotel offers many sights for the visitor to enjoy and also offers the possibility of seeing some ghostly sights within the hotel. Many incidents have taken place in the bar. One night a custodian was cleaning the bar area and saw a man in an old fashioned uniform sitting on a bar stool at the end of the bar. The worker tried to leave, but both doors (which had been standing open) were closed and locked. After loud pounding, the night manager came and unlocked the doors. The custodian was understandably unnerved and never returned to work at the hotel again. One night a couple was getting ready to leave the bar at closing time. As the husband was off to one side waiting for his wife, a gentleman entered the bar and was walking straight toward the woman. As the woman’s husband approached to intercept the stranger he disappeared before their eyes.
In the small hours of the morning many of the waitresses at the hotel have seen a man dressed in a nice suit of the late 19th century style sitting on a bench in the patio area. In the original lobby of the hotel a woman has been seen wearing a blue dress and knitting. She has faded from sight upon being approached and spoken to. There are also spirits throughout the less public areas of the hotel. Sallie White was an employee whose husband murdered her. She wanders the hotel corridors, being seen mostly at night. She wears a long gray skirt and a bandana around her head. Most often she is carrying towels as if to deliver them to a guest room. Capt. Richard King haunts the King Suite, entering via a doorway that no longer exists. The hotel has 316 guestrooms. Hotel amenities include a heated outdoor pool, services at a nearby spa, valet parking (daily fee), room service and free wi-fi. Pets are allowed under certain conditions and with fees. The Menger hotel is located at 204 Alamo Place, San Antonio, phone: (210)223-4361 or (800)345-9285.
Catfish Plantation Restaurant, Waxahachie
Catfish Plantation Restaurant in Waxahachie, Texas is 35 miles south of Dallas. When Tom and Melissa Baker bought this Victorian House in 1984 their only concern was to make a go of a Cajun restaurant in this building that had already housed three different eateries. Shortly after they opened their business, all kinds of strange things started happening. One of the first incidents was when the Bakers arrived in the morning to find a large tea urn placed on the floor with clean coffee cups stacked in it. Among the many unusual phenomena are: dishes and silverware moving by themselves, radios suddenly changing stations, toilets flushing by themselves, cold spots, a piano playing, doors locking and unlocking, a sudden scent of roses, and knocking on walls.
After calling in to a radio talk show, a psychic contacted Melissa and arranged an investigation by a professional crew including engineers, scientists, and psychics. The psychics determined that there are three spirits: Elizabeth, Caroline and Will. Elizabeth is a young woman who was strangled in the dining room on her wedding day around 1920. Will was a depression-era farmer, and he just stays near the fireplace. Caroline is the most active spirit who doesn't seem to be pleased having so many strangers in the house. Mrs. Baker says the ghostly activity has calmed down over the years. In 2007 the restaurant was sold to Richard & Ann Landis who currently run it. Reservations are not taken, and it is closed on Mondays. Because of its limited size groups must be less than 20 people. Catfish Plantation Restaurant is at 814 Water St., Waxahachie TX. (214)937-9468.
Frank restaurant (formerly The Church Bistro & Theater), San Antonio TX
This Methodist church was sold in 1976 to private owners and turned into a dinner theater. The building is a 100 year old church in the King William section of San Antonio. In 1976 it was sold to private owners and turned into a dinner theater. One ghost that has been seen is thought to be that of a mid-20th century actress named Margaret Gething who lived nearby. A woman in a white dress has been seen in the choir loft area and she looks like a picture of Ms. Gething. "Margaret" seems to like to be on or around the stage area, particularly during rehearsals and performances. Another spirit is a prankster who seemed to arrive at the restaurant at the same time as a Victorian wicker wheelchair brought in as a prop for a play. When some psychics came to the Church Bistro they said that the spirit of a boy named Eddie told them he had been confined to that wheelchair in life. He most often wreaks havoc in the kitchen, but has caused serving spoons on buffet tables to rise and fall to the floor in front of staff and diners. General incidents occur fairly regularly, including: lights going on & off by themselves, doors opening/closing or locking/unlocking themselves, cold spots being felt, and dishes that are on a dish drain are suddenly back in the sink in dishwater. Frank, a restaurant specializing in hot dogs and beer, is opening its second site here at 1150 South Alamo St., San Antonio in early 2015
Before becoming a hotel in 1984 this downtown gothic building was a medical arts center. Guests' experiences seem to run the gamut, including odd noises, unexplained ringing phones, and being touched. Lights and televisions have gone on and off mysteriously and a woman in white has been witnessed. An article in USA Today said that the 7th floor seems to be the most active. Located right by the Alamo and the Riverwalk, the hotel has 177 guest rooms and a restaurant. A 4 Diamond hotel, there is a pool, valet parking offered, and pets up to 50 lbs are allowed with a deposit. A part of the Hilton Doubletree family, the hotel is at 705 E. Houston St., San Antonio 210-225-5100.
The Menger Hotel, San Antonio TX
Located next to the Alamo, the Rivercenter mall and the River Walk, the Menger Hotel offers many sights for the visitor to enjoy and also offers the possibility of seeing some ghostly sights within the hotel. Many incidents have taken place in the bar. One night a custodian was cleaning the bar area and saw a man in an old fashioned uniform sitting on a bar stool at the end of the bar. The worker tried to leave, but both doors (which had been standing open) were closed and locked. After loud pounding, the night manager came and unlocked the doors. The custodian was understandably unnerved and never returned to work at the hotel again. One night a couple was getting ready to leave the bar at closing time. As the husband was off to one side waiting for his wife, a gentleman entered the bar and was walking straight toward the woman. As the woman’s husband approached to intercept the stranger he disappeared before their eyes.
In the small hours of the morning many of the waitresses at the hotel have seen a man dressed in a nice suit of the late 19th century style sitting on a bench in the patio area. In the original lobby of the hotel a woman has been seen wearing a blue dress and knitting. She has faded from sight upon being approached and spoken to. There are also spirits throughout the less public areas of the hotel. Sallie White was an employee whose husband murdered her. She wanders the hotel corridors, being seen mostly at night. She wears a long gray skirt and a bandana around her head. Most often she is carrying towels as if to deliver them to a guest room. Capt. Richard King haunts the King Suite, entering via a doorway that no longer exists. The hotel has 316 guestrooms. Hotel amenities include a heated outdoor pool, services at a nearby spa, valet parking (daily fee), room service and free wi-fi. Pets are allowed under certain conditions and with fees. The Menger hotel is located at 204 Alamo Place, San Antonio, phone: (210)223-4361 or (800)345-9285.
Catfish Plantation Restaurant, Waxahachie
Catfish Plantation Restaurant in Waxahachie, Texas is 35 miles south of Dallas. When Tom and Melissa Baker bought this Victorian House in 1984 their only concern was to make a go of a Cajun restaurant in this building that had already housed three different eateries. Shortly after they opened their business, all kinds of strange things started happening. One of the first incidents was when the Bakers arrived in the morning to find a large tea urn placed on the floor with clean coffee cups stacked in it. Among the many unusual phenomena are: dishes and silverware moving by themselves, radios suddenly changing stations, toilets flushing by themselves, cold spots, a piano playing, doors locking and unlocking, a sudden scent of roses, and knocking on walls.
After calling in to a radio talk show, a psychic contacted Melissa and arranged an investigation by a professional crew including engineers, scientists, and psychics. The psychics determined that there are three spirits: Elizabeth, Caroline and Will. Elizabeth is a young woman who was strangled in the dining room on her wedding day around 1920. Will was a depression-era farmer, and he just stays near the fireplace. Caroline is the most active spirit who doesn't seem to be pleased having so many strangers in the house. Mrs. Baker says the ghostly activity has calmed down over the years. In 2007 the restaurant was sold to Richard & Ann Landis who currently run it. Reservations are not taken, and it is closed on Mondays. Because of its limited size groups must be less than 20 people. Catfish Plantation Restaurant is at 814 Water St., Waxahachie TX. (214)937-9468.
Frank restaurant (formerly The Church Bistro & Theater), San Antonio TX
This Methodist church was sold in 1976 to private owners and turned into a dinner theater. The building is a 100 year old church in the King William section of San Antonio. In 1976 it was sold to private owners and turned into a dinner theater. One ghost that has been seen is thought to be that of a mid-20th century actress named Margaret Gething who lived nearby. A woman in a white dress has been seen in the choir loft area and she looks like a picture of Ms. Gething. "Margaret" seems to like to be on or around the stage area, particularly during rehearsals and performances. Another spirit is a prankster who seemed to arrive at the restaurant at the same time as a Victorian wicker wheelchair brought in as a prop for a play. When some psychics came to the Church Bistro they said that the spirit of a boy named Eddie told them he had been confined to that wheelchair in life. He most often wreaks havoc in the kitchen, but has caused serving spoons on buffet tables to rise and fall to the floor in front of staff and diners. General incidents occur fairly regularly, including: lights going on & off by themselves, doors opening/closing or locking/unlocking themselves, cold spots being felt, and dishes that are on a dish drain are suddenly back in the sink in dishwater. Frank, a restaurant specializing in hot dogs and beer, is opening its second site here at 1150 South Alamo St., San Antonio in early 2015
Haunted Places in Vermont
Back Inn Time, St. Albans VT
Built in 1858, this Victorian was owned by only two different families until 1999 when Pauline Cray and Paul Ralston bought it for a B&B and lovingly restored it to its original Victorian decor. One of the ghosts lingering there is Lora Weaver, one of the former owners who died at the age of 30. If you request Lora's room you may encounter her. Another spirit is that of a man seen in the downstairs parlor. According to their web page, many guests have had ghostly encounters. Ron and KarenMarie Peltier are the current innkeepers. There are 5 guest rooms and an on-site dining room (reservations are required for dinner). Room rates are $119-$169. and each room wi-fi and AC. 20 minutes from Burlington, the inn is at 68 Fairfield St., St. Albans VT. phone: (802) 527-5116
The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm, Quechee VT
The Quechee Inn is near beautiful Quechee Gorge and Dartmouth College in western Vermont. The buildings are the original home, Marshland, built by Joseph Marsh IV in 1793. In 1845 the farm changed hands to John Porter and his wife Jane. They lived there long enough to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1881. John died five years later and then Jane passed away in 1900. Most of the spectral activity at the inn takes place around rooms 1-6 which are the rooms that long ago encompassed Jane Porter's parlor and her study. When I went to the inn, the innkeeper, Shirley E., was very gracious about sharing some of the odd things that have happened there. A former maintenance man was doing work fixing the floor near room 3 and he finally sought out Shirley to ask if anyone was in Room 3. she re-confirmed what she had told him earlier - that the room was vacant. He insisted he heard the door opening and closing and would hear footsteps. Another time Shirley and the workman were up most of the night in a last ditch rush to finish some painting near the dining area. Around 2:00am each felt like someone was watching them and they each had that "hair standing up on your neck" feeling for a while before one of them finally spoke up - to the other's relief that they were not crazy! Then they heard whistling in the area of the bar. On top of all this, the phone internal network testing system activated by itself with its distinct odd noise and flashing lights. To their credit, the two continued their work and finished their task.
One guest came down from her room one night unable to sleep. As she walked across the main entry hallway to go into the common room to read, she saw a woman walking toward her from the dining room. When the guest looked that way again a second later, there was no one there. Her description to staff the next day matched Jane Porter. The staff think it is likely that Mrs. Porter still strolls around, checking on her house. In Room 9, guests hear people walking above them although it is just a storage area. One couple said the footsteps were outside their door as well and someone seemed to be trying to turn the doorknob - at the time they were the only guests in that wing. They also felt cold spots in that room. There are other spirits at the inn as well, including a boy thought to be Patrick Marsh who plays tricks on people, hiding items and then returning them some time later. He also is believed to be responsible for the occasional lights or TVs going on and off. These are just a few of the many incidents I was told of - if you ask the staff discreetly during a quiet time perhaps they will share some of their tales with you. The Inn has 24 rooms and 2 suites. All rooms have wi-fi, cable TV and AC. A full breakfast is included in the nightly rate. The inn is on Quechee Main St., Quechee, VT. Phone: 802-295-3133 or 800-235-3133
Brass Lantern Inn, Stowe VT
The Brass Lantern Inn is a charming inn with nine rooms, several with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The innkeeper, Andy Aldrich, says that many guests have told him basically the same story: they tell him that late in the night they heard people arrive at the room across the hall from them, laughing and talking loudly about a party they had been to. The room where this takes place is always the same, and it turns out that the guests who ask Andy about it are the only guests in that stairwell – the room across from them was unoccupied. Andy has also heard people up in that room although no one is registered there. When he’s gone to look, no one is there. The inn is on the edge of the village of Stowe. Aside from the famous ski slopes the Green Mountains offer all kinds of outdoor activities. The room rate includes a full country breakfast. There is no smoking and no pets allowed. The Brass Lantern Inn is at 717 Maple St., Stowe VT 05672, 802-253-2229 or 800.729.2980
Norwich Inn, Norwich VT
This 200 year old inn is on Main St. in Norwich, a town near White River Junction, Queechee Gorge, Dartmouth College, the Appalachian Trail, and skiing. Several guests and employees have seen the spirit of Mary Walker in her long black skirt glide into the parlor and go through the room to the library. Other people have just felt a sudden chill in the room. Guests have described toilets flushing by themselves, water faucets turning on and off on their own, and empty rocking chairs that move as if someone is in them. A guest who stayed in room 20 reported that he was awoken by being shaken and once awake realized the water was running in the bathroom. Once he turned off the water, he saw that the rocking chair in the room was rocking back and forth--needless to say, it was empty! The innkeepers, the Wilsons, have run the inn since 1991. They also have a micro-brewery and serve their beers in the Jasper Murdock Alehouse, a tavern attached to the inn (closed on Mon. & Tues. for breakfast and lunch, but open for dinner every night). There are two new buildings: The Ivy Lodge has 4 guest rooms, and the Walker House has 18. The main house and the restaurant are unaffected and remain the same. The inn is open year round, 325 Main St. Norwich. 802-649-1143
Built in 1858, this Victorian was owned by only two different families until 1999 when Pauline Cray and Paul Ralston bought it for a B&B and lovingly restored it to its original Victorian decor. One of the ghosts lingering there is Lora Weaver, one of the former owners who died at the age of 30. If you request Lora's room you may encounter her. Another spirit is that of a man seen in the downstairs parlor. According to their web page, many guests have had ghostly encounters. Ron and KarenMarie Peltier are the current innkeepers. There are 5 guest rooms and an on-site dining room (reservations are required for dinner). Room rates are $119-$169. and each room wi-fi and AC. 20 minutes from Burlington, the inn is at 68 Fairfield St., St. Albans VT. phone: (802) 527-5116
The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm, Quechee VT
The Quechee Inn is near beautiful Quechee Gorge and Dartmouth College in western Vermont. The buildings are the original home, Marshland, built by Joseph Marsh IV in 1793. In 1845 the farm changed hands to John Porter and his wife Jane. They lived there long enough to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1881. John died five years later and then Jane passed away in 1900. Most of the spectral activity at the inn takes place around rooms 1-6 which are the rooms that long ago encompassed Jane Porter's parlor and her study. When I went to the inn, the innkeeper, Shirley E., was very gracious about sharing some of the odd things that have happened there. A former maintenance man was doing work fixing the floor near room 3 and he finally sought out Shirley to ask if anyone was in Room 3. she re-confirmed what she had told him earlier - that the room was vacant. He insisted he heard the door opening and closing and would hear footsteps. Another time Shirley and the workman were up most of the night in a last ditch rush to finish some painting near the dining area. Around 2:00am each felt like someone was watching them and they each had that "hair standing up on your neck" feeling for a while before one of them finally spoke up - to the other's relief that they were not crazy! Then they heard whistling in the area of the bar. On top of all this, the phone internal network testing system activated by itself with its distinct odd noise and flashing lights. To their credit, the two continued their work and finished their task.
One guest came down from her room one night unable to sleep. As she walked across the main entry hallway to go into the common room to read, she saw a woman walking toward her from the dining room. When the guest looked that way again a second later, there was no one there. Her description to staff the next day matched Jane Porter. The staff think it is likely that Mrs. Porter still strolls around, checking on her house. In Room 9, guests hear people walking above them although it is just a storage area. One couple said the footsteps were outside their door as well and someone seemed to be trying to turn the doorknob - at the time they were the only guests in that wing. They also felt cold spots in that room. There are other spirits at the inn as well, including a boy thought to be Patrick Marsh who plays tricks on people, hiding items and then returning them some time later. He also is believed to be responsible for the occasional lights or TVs going on and off. These are just a few of the many incidents I was told of - if you ask the staff discreetly during a quiet time perhaps they will share some of their tales with you. The Inn has 24 rooms and 2 suites. All rooms have wi-fi, cable TV and AC. A full breakfast is included in the nightly rate. The inn is on Quechee Main St., Quechee, VT. Phone: 802-295-3133 or 800-235-3133
Brass Lantern Inn, Stowe VT
The Brass Lantern Inn is a charming inn with nine rooms, several with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The innkeeper, Andy Aldrich, says that many guests have told him basically the same story: they tell him that late in the night they heard people arrive at the room across the hall from them, laughing and talking loudly about a party they had been to. The room where this takes place is always the same, and it turns out that the guests who ask Andy about it are the only guests in that stairwell – the room across from them was unoccupied. Andy has also heard people up in that room although no one is registered there. When he’s gone to look, no one is there. The inn is on the edge of the village of Stowe. Aside from the famous ski slopes the Green Mountains offer all kinds of outdoor activities. The room rate includes a full country breakfast. There is no smoking and no pets allowed. The Brass Lantern Inn is at 717 Maple St., Stowe VT 05672, 802-253-2229 or 800.729.2980
Norwich Inn, Norwich VT
This 200 year old inn is on Main St. in Norwich, a town near White River Junction, Queechee Gorge, Dartmouth College, the Appalachian Trail, and skiing. Several guests and employees have seen the spirit of Mary Walker in her long black skirt glide into the parlor and go through the room to the library. Other people have just felt a sudden chill in the room. Guests have described toilets flushing by themselves, water faucets turning on and off on their own, and empty rocking chairs that move as if someone is in them. A guest who stayed in room 20 reported that he was awoken by being shaken and once awake realized the water was running in the bathroom. Once he turned off the water, he saw that the rocking chair in the room was rocking back and forth--needless to say, it was empty! The innkeepers, the Wilsons, have run the inn since 1991. They also have a micro-brewery and serve their beers in the Jasper Murdock Alehouse, a tavern attached to the inn (closed on Mon. & Tues. for breakfast and lunch, but open for dinner every night). There are two new buildings: The Ivy Lodge has 4 guest rooms, and the Walker House has 18. The main house and the restaurant are unaffected and remain the same. The inn is open year round, 325 Main St. Norwich. 802-649-1143
Haunted Places in Virginia
By the Side of the Road B & B, Harrisonburg VA
This bed -and-breakfast is in the Shenandoah Valley, just minutes from Skyline Drive and only two hours from Washington DC. Built shortly after the Revolutionary War, it was used as a hospital during the Civil War. The innkeepers live on the third floor. They and guests have heard footsteps that are unexplained. One guest teased them about their odd hours since he heard them go down the stairs about 2:30am and then shortly after go back up the stairs. They informed the guest that they had not left their room during the night! One of the innkeepers was half listening for her daughter's return from an evening out one night, and was relieved to hear the door, and footsteps coming up to their living area. When no one came into the suit, she looked around but no one was there. Her daughter arrived home almost an hour later. A couple who were the sole guests at the inn heard footsteps go back and forth in the hallway early, at 5am, but the innkeepers had not arisen yet. The B&B has four suites in the main house and three cottages. Amenities such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, cable TV and WIFI availability are provided. A hot breakfast is delivered to your door each morning. Located at 491 Garbers Church Rd., Harrisonburg, VA. 540-801-0430
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Abingdon VA
The Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, VA is located in a beautiful old three story mansion that was built in 1830. During the civil War the building was Martha Washington College. It is currently a 4 star inn decorated in period furniture and offering traditional Virginia fare in its dining room. One apparition that has been reported is that of a horse which roams on moonless nights. A Union soldier was shot in front of the inn (then college) in 1864 and it is said that his horse still waits for its rider. During the Civil War a young Confederate soldier entered the house and ran up the stairs; one account says to warn of Union troops coming, another says to bid farewell to his sweetheart attending school there. Either way, unfortunately he was killed by enemy soldiers and his blood stained the floor outside the Governor's Room. The blood is still in the floorboards and has been impossible to completely remove. According to a bellhop with a 30 year history at the inn, carpets over that area have invariably developed holes over the spot where the soldier lay dying. Staff have reported feeling cold spots, seeing wispy figures, and seeing doorknobs turn on their own.
The most romantic ghost in Martha Washington Inn is that of the young lady named Beth that haunts Room 403. During the Civil War part of the house was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers. Beth was a student at the college and was asked to help attend to a man named John Stoves who had been badly shot. She tended to his wounds and would sit by the bed and talk with him to give him comfort. She was a good violin player and when Stoves knew death was near, he asked her to play some music for him. As she played, Stoves passed away. A few weeks later, Beth herself died, most likely of complications of typhoid fever. Room 403 is where Stoves lay wounded, and then died. Staff have seen apparitions of a woman enter the room, or see her sitting near the bed, and have heard faint violin music. The room is said to have a distinctive atmosphere about it. Martha Washington Inn is at 150 West Main St., Abingdon, VA It has 63 rooms and suites. Amenities include an indoor and an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, wi-fi and valet parking. phone: 276-628-3161
Gadsby's Tavern, Alexandria VA
This 1785 brick building was host to a couple in 1816 whose identity was not given and has never been known. It is said that the young wife was quite ill - so much so that the ship they'd been on came close enough to shore for the husband to row to shore with her for proper care and accommodations. After three weeks she passed away. Burial arrangements were made for her at the local cemetery but the husband left town before paying for the funeral. The townspeople still gave her a proper burial, but with a tombstone on which she is named only "a Female Stranger." It is still there today. She seems to still be at the tavern, being seen standing and holding a candle in the window of Room 8 which was where she had stayed and died. Some have heard footsteps on the upper floor but there is no one there when they check it out. The Tavern is open for lunch and dinner daily, brunch on Sundays and describes itself as having a "casual elegant" dining style. 138 N. Royal St., Alexandria. 703.548.1288
Haunted Places in Washington
Thornewood Castle, Tacoma
Thornewood Castle was built by Chester Thornewood for himself and his wife, Anna. The innkeeper, Deanna Robinson, says Chester often unscrews light bulbs in his smoking room between when she turned off the lights and returns to light them again, and she is the only one in the house. The gardener and several other people have seen Chester over the years. Some guests have also seen Anna on the window seat in her room or see her reflection in the mirror that was hers and is now in the bridal suite. The house is a huge turn of the century manor house, over 27,000 square feet and 54 rooms. There are 14 rooms/suites/apt.s that are rented out to guests. A mini-series, "Rose Red", that Stephen King wrote for TV was filmed in Thornewood Castle and if you see the pictures of it on its web site, you'll see why it's a perfect gothic setting. Accomodations range from $300-$500 per night. No pets, no children under 12, no more than 2 people in any of the guest rooms. Also, absolutely no visitors to guests are allowed on the grounds or in the building. 253.584.4393.
Manresa Castle, Port Townsend WA
Businessman Charles Eisenbeis built his home to resemble the castles in his native Prussia. Featuring luxurious stately decor, Manresa Castle offers 40 guest rooms and can host weddings, reunions and seminars. The third floor is reportedly haunted, and you can ask for one of the haunted rooms. Rates are $109-189. The Castle is at 7th and Sheridan, Port Townsend, WA. Phone: 800.732.1281 or 360.385.5750. The innkeeper is Roger O'Connor.
The Oxford Saloon & Eatery, Snohomish WA
The saloon was established in 1910 and is one of the oldest restored saloons in the Northwest; the main floor still has the original large oak bar. The second floor has been converted to offices that are rented out and that area is said to be haunted by Katherine who operated a brothel on that floor in the earlier 20th century. She has been seen in several places, most notably Room #5 on the second floor. The ghost of "Henry", a policeman who died trying to break up a knife fight at the saloon, has also been seen on the first floor and the basement. According to a Seattle Times article, staff have heard their name called in an empty room, seen objects fall off the bar for no reason, and find pictures hanging crooked when they had been straight moments before. In 2005 the Washington State Ghost Society investigated and got several EVPs (details are on the saloon's website). The Oxford Saloon and Eatery is at 913 First St., Snohomish, WA. Phone: 360-243-3060
