Halloween isn't the only time things go bump in the night at B&Bs.  Ghostly spirits are making themselves as comfortable in America's B&Bs as living guests are, and not just in the dead of night. In a recent BedandBreakfast.com survey, innkeepers revealed that nearly 20% (about 3600) inns in the U.S. are haunted. Similarly, a current BedandBreakfast.com consumer surveys showed that 20% of travelers seek a haunted inn for Halloween, so those who seek experiences with the world beyond can rest assured that they’ll have a good chance of sleeping with a ghost. Each year, BedandBreakfast.com compiles stories from the B&B...or should we say "Dead and Breakfasts" crypts. You'll find more than 100 ghostly tales from inns and B&Bs on BedandBreakfast.com.  Simply click on the ghost and you'll be transported to the complete list.  Here are a few of our favorite ghoullish tales we thought we'd share in honor of Halloween.

Honeybee Inn B&B, Horicon, WI: It's believed that a lumber baron named Coton is still hanging around with his female companions. His beloved rocking chair, where he died, rocks by itself, and the innkeeper's family has spotted a woman in a long skirt with an apron. Investigators of the paranormal explain that stairs squeaking at night and the unexplained ringing of bells are evidence of an active spirit in residence.

Penny Farthing Inn, St. Augustine, FL: Ghost busters, guests, and the innkeeper have said that plenty of playful spirits hang around here. Occurrences include midnight tugs-of-war with the blankets, and glasses leaning over and clinking on sherry bottles. One college professor described a young lady sitting on the daybed in his room when he woke up. Then, a few days later, the four-year-old daughter of the owners asked if the lady in the doorway of the dining room was a guest; the little girl described the lady she saw exactly as the college professor had.

Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, VT: "Boots" Berry, the tap dancing ghost and former local hero, can still be heard dancing on the third floor of the inn during severe winter storms. The son of the inn's former horseman and chambermaid, Boots was born in Room 302 in 1840, and he grew up in and around the inn. One summer morning when the stagecoach team bolted, Boots bravely stopped a runaway stage, saving the lives of the passengers. Unfortunately, his heroism turned to too many congratulatory drinks, and Boots neglected his duties at the inn. Eventually he was dismissed and ended up in jail where he learned to tap dance, earning his nickname. Eventually, after jail, Boots drifted back to Stowe, shabby and poverty-stricken. At about the same time, a dreadful storm hit the town, and a little girl became stranded on the roof of the inn. Remembering his childhood days, Boots took a secret route to the roof and lowered the girl safely to the ground. Just as she reached safety, Boots slipped and fell to his death from the icy roof. His life had come full circle, for the roof he was standing on when he fell was the roof of Room 302. Want a chance to dance with Boots? Time your next visit with a winter storm and book Room 302.

Don't forget to visit BedandBreakfast.com's compendium of ghost tales from B&Bs worldwide. 

While unemployment is no picnic, one New Jersey inn is offering recently unemployed workers a reason to party. The Blue Bay Inn, a boutique inn with fast ferry access to Manhattan, is offering a select group of recently unemployed people a complimentary weekend and cocktail party as part of its "Hotel for the Holidays" promotion.

On Saturday January 2, 2010, 23 chosen recipients will check into the inn for a complimentary two-night stay to kick off a new year filled with promise. A free “Job Seekers Success Workshop" will be offered to help build job searching skills, followed by a "Copper Canyon Cocktail Party," courtesy of renowned chef and the Copper Canyon (http://www.thecoppercanyon.com) restaurant owner, Michael Krikorian.

"In tough times like these, offering a little hope to your neighbor is the least we can do,” commented Blue Bay Inn owner Dido Krikorian. “Let's say it's our version of a stimulus package," he finished.

To participate in the "Hotel for the Holidays” promotion, the prospective recipient must be a legal U.S. resident who was laid off from a job within the U.S. during the last 120 days at the time of completing his or her entry.  Those interested must currently be receiving unemployment benefits. To enter, mail a letter explaining why you want to participate in”Hotel for the Holidays.” Letters must include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, a current resume and a notarized copy of proof of unemployment benefits. Send all entries to Hotel for the Holidays, 51 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. All submissions must be received by December 1, 2009, and will be selected during Christmas week. Recipients will be notified via e-mail, telephone and/or U.S. mail. Winners will be responsible for their own transportation to the Blue Bay Inn.

The Blue Bay Inn opened in 2004 as one of the first boutique hotels on the Jersey Shore and is modeled after a hotel the owners Dido and Sark Krikorian visited in Paris. Guests enjoy the inn’s proximity to Gateway National Park (Sandy Hook) beaches and fast ferry access to Manhattan from its Atlantic Highlands location. Home to the largest municipally owned marina and Mount Mitchell, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, Atlantic Highlands attracts visitors from around the world for its natural beauty and charm.

For more information:
Contact Robert Hilton, General Manager, 732-708-9600, Blue Bay Inn, 51 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Copper Canyon Restaurant, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

This news from the feisty Historic Inns of Rockland was just too fun not to share.  Check out this group of innkeeper's answers to health care reform. When it comes the public vs. private debate over health care reform, the conversation at the four Historic Inns of Rockland, ME revolves around whether to have the massage ensuite or in the spa.  Along with their senator, Olympia Snowe, this feisty group of four historically preserved inns is not afraid to cross party lines and has their own idea for a prescription drug plan simplified into two tiers – red or white. Wellness coverage here includes complimentary anti-oxidant chocolates and blueberry juice, pie or pancakes.

Best of all, affordability is assured; a cost-cutting measure is included with 10 percent off all rooms (built into the package) along with spa treatments at RHeal Wellness Center and Day Spa. Stress-relief toys even come free.  It’s all tongue in cheek, but it measures up to one great relaxing weekend geared toward wellness, stress relief and a form of health care reform that promises to be passed by all those participating. The promise: no one will be denied; all pre-existing conditions will be accepted, and affordability is guaranteed; with four inns, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and all wellness criteria.

The expanded prescription coverage for the Historic Inns of Rockland’s Health Care Reform package includes not only cardio-training but stress relief and couples therapy all in one. 

• Wellness coverage includes two nights accommodations in luxury rooms, many with fireplaces multi-jet showers, whirlpool or soaking tubs.
• A multi-course cardio-healthy and hearty breakfast for two offers antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and protein to start the day.
• Physical and mental therapy comes in the form of a couples massage enjoyed ensuite or at a local day spa plus 10% off at RHeal Wellness Center and Day Spa.
• Stress relief is offered with a complimentary stress ball allowing you to squeeze the ball not the taxpayer, and relaxing music CD featuring local Rockland artists.
• Weight control measures include a welcome basket with locally made cheeses and chocolates, proven to provide antioxidant nutrition.
• The prescription drug plan offers a gift certificate to the Wine Seller, Rockland’s premier wine store for a choice red or white wine or non-alcoholic beverage.

Cost-cutting measures have been employed.  Participants will receive 10% off additional spa services and room rates for this package (only) offered from November 1, 2009 – May 15, 2010 for $510-750 per couple, excluding tax.

The Historic Inns of Rockland have decided not to allow health care reform to cripple their economy.  For more information on how four inns are working together to insure health care reform for Maine and travelers beyond , visit www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com or the LimeRock Inn, Captain Lindsey House, Granite Inn and Berry Manor Inn.  For reservations, call 877-ROC-INNS (877-762-4667).

A Best of BedandBreakfast.com award winner, the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina offers seaside accommodations just minutes from Mystic, CT. Ask boaters about the Inn at Harbor Hill marina, and they’ll tell you it’s the perfect stopping point for those traveling to or from Long Island Sound. Ask inn guests, and they’ll rave about the great water views. Anyone who loves being near the water and the chance to watch boats will enjoy it here. Even if boats are not your bag, the welcoming hospitality at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina makes this a great choice for visitors to Mystic Country.

Located at the top of the gangway from the Harbor Hill Marina, Dave and Sue Labrie have created a welcoming retreat with a whimsical, nautical feel. Enter into the living room, and you’re enthusiastically greeted by Dave, Sue or one of the assistant innkeepers, and given a tour of the inn. Here B&B also means beverages and biscotti, which are available 24-7, along with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drinks. I stayed in a water view room, and I encourage you to make your reservation early to reserve one of these rooms. The picture window looks out onto the marina through glass so spotless, my photos of the marina came out as though there was no window there at all. While the rooms aren’t palatial, there is plenty of space for two people to be cozy, especially with an eco-friendly fireplace adding to the ambiance. The rooms have all the modern amenities including complimentary wi-fi, telephones and TVs.

I think what stands out for me most here is the warm hospitality of Dave and Sue, who are genuinely interested in their guests. They’ve created printed itineraries and directions to just about anywhere guests might want to go, and will make recommendations for things to do and places to see, eat and enjoy. Here’s one inn where you enter as strangers and truly do leave as friends. Whether visiting for business or boating, The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina offers welcoming “slipshape” accommodations.The INNside Skinny: Come by boat and stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, and $1.00 per foot comes off your transient slip fee. Check out the many value-filled packages offered year-round for additional savings, too.

More INNformation:

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, 60 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357, (860) 739-0331, info@innharborhill.com

Skippers Seafood, 167 Main Street, Niantic, CT, 860-739-3230, www.skippersseafood.com

We took a brief hiatis from our Cheaper by the Dozen series of B&B savings tip, but today, we're back on track with the next morstle of advice for getting the most value out of your B&B getaway. While B&Bs already offer fabulous value with all the extras and pampered service, it always helps to find that great deal or added incentive. Scroll down for additional "Cheaper by the Dozen" tips on finding B&B savings. Here's today's thought:

Photo caption:  Family suites at Ivy Lodge in Newport, RI offer extra room for the kids or a romantic setting with plenty of room for couples.

This Halloween, Tweet for Twicks. If you have not already established a Twitter account, do so right away, then begin following your favorite inns to learn about upcoming deals, sometimes exclusively for Twitter followers.  Additionally, be sure to follow BedandBreakfast.com @bandb_com or @bnblovers. Innkeepers may want to follow Eric Goldreyer @goldreyer too.

For six more Cheaper By the Dozen tips, visit the Boston B&B Examiner.com page.