Sleep with a Ghost: Haunted Diamond Collection Properties

October 13, 2010 00:49 by Emily

Do you want to go ghost hunting this Halloween? Many B&Bs reportedly have spirited residents who enjoy playing tricks on guests. Visit a “dead and breakfast” for a frighteningly good time and potential encounters with friendly ghosts. These five haunted inns are members of the BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection, which means they are professionally inspected, have stellar reviews, and offer extensive modern amenities. Even ghosts like luxury when it comes to B&Bs! For a list of even more spooky B&Bs, click here.

1906 Pine Crest Inn & Restaurant: Tryon, NC
Several psychics have visited the inn and said an “energy vortex” is present. People hear voices; although no one seems to be there, the head chef hears a man greet her many days with a "Good morning!" Once, a salad plate spun around and shot across a table and broke, and utensils and furniture have been reported to be moving right before employees’ eyes. A guest reported his dresser was moved in front of the door while he slept and all the clothes were taken out and strewn about the room. Late one night, two employees heard something pounding on the inside door of the locked walk in-cooler. Of course, it was empty when they looked inside.

Kehoe House: Savannah, GA
This restored 1892 Queen Anne-style mansion is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of twin Kehoe children who may have died while playing in one of the house’s fireplaces (now blocked up). The inn’s website speaks of many reported sightings of the ghosts and the sound of children laughing and playing in the dead of night.

Inn at Herr Ridge: Gettysburg, PA
The former tavern here served as an impromptu field hospital for the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the Battle of Gettysburg. Innkeeper Steven Wolf said that someone once ordered a beer, but no one was there. Odd occurrences regularly happen, including mysterious whispers, a strange voice calling the names of the employees, cold spots, glasses and silverware flying off tables, even knives and forks falling blade or prongs-first into the floor. Occasionally, computers type gibberish on their own, extinguished lamps relight, and unexplained crashes occur in the kitchen. Wolf attributes much of the activity to the “house ghost,” Frederick Herr, who purchased the tavern in 1828.

Foley House Inn: Savannah, GA
Legend has it that the house was owned in the late 19th century by a widow who rented rooms to travelers and boarders. One night, a boarder who she thought was suspicious attempted to strangle her. Unable to scream, she grabbed a candlestick and beat him over the head. He fell to the floor and the widow ran to another boarder’s room for help. Returning to the bedroom, they discovered the man was dead. Fearful that she would be imprisoned for murder, she asked the boarder to help her conceal the body in return for free rent. On her death bed, she told friends what happened, but never revealed the location of the body. Some have reported hearing the door suddenly open in the room where the man was killed followed by a rush of air.

Penny House Inn & Spa: Eastham, MA
Home to the "Goodnight Ghost" along with other playful spirits, ghost stories from this inn are well documented. One ghost named Charlotte loves to turn the music up full blast in the inn's on-site spa, so care is taken before every treatment to turn the music down.


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Endless Summer: California Escapes

August 18, 2010 01:35 by Emily

While there are plentiful inns in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, many California B&Bs are located in small, peaceful towns with a slower pace, giving travelers a much-needed respite from busy urban life. Here is a sampling of some of our elegant California B&Bs away from the hustle and bustle and perfect for a weekend escape regardless of the season:

Mill Rose Inn
Half Moon Bay, California
This relaxing retreat boasts European elegance and is within walking distance of the ocean.  It’s also a short walk to historic old town district of Half Moon Bay, where you can find quaint boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The inn is known for its lush gardens, and it features a garden Jacuzzi in a gazebo.  Mill Rose Inn is also within a short distance of hiking and biking trails in redwood forests. Plus, it's a prime location for sailing, fishing, and golfing.

Santa Ynez Inn
Santa Ynez, California
This Victorian-style inn is located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, located amongst wineries, vineyards, and horse ranches. Go to wine tastings, enjoy a horseback ride, take a cycling tour, or even take a day trip to nearby Solvang or Los Olivos. For those who want to unwind, the inn features a heated outdoor whirlpool, a relaxing sundeck, and private treatment rooms for spa services. The inn also has a fitness room and other modern amenities.

Brewery Gulch Inn
Mendocino, California
This beautiful inn with modern decor has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, and it is the perfect hideaway for those who need an escape from the city. All but one room here feature ocean views, and eight of the rooms have private decks. You may see some deer or turkey in the meadow. All rooms have fireplaces and down comforters. While you’re here, you can take a scenic train ride, go bird watching, ride horses on the beach, go diving, and watch whales.

Carter House Inns
Eureka, California
Consisting of an enclave of four Victorian homes along Humboldt Bay, this is more than just an inn—it has an acclaimed eatery, Restaurant 301, which uses herbs and fresh vegetables grown from the inn’s gardens. The inn also produces its own wine (under the name Carter Cellars). Due to the prime location along the Redwood Coast, it’s a perfect place for those who enjoy biking, hiking, or kayaking.

Glendeven Inn Mendocino
Little River, California
This luxurious inn sits on an eight-acre farmstead that overlooks the Pacific Ocean along with meadows and forests. It’s a great home base for exploring the Mendocino area. Soak in the view from the relaxing sitting room and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'eouvres each day, served in the inn’s own wine bar patio (pictured below). The inn features a large variety of rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and cottages, making it ideal for a group of any size.

Have you ever been to a B&B in California? What did you think?


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