Many B&Bs are in historic homes with a century or two of history, and it appears that some of the many prior residents and guests have never left. At least 100 B&Bs reportedly have friendly ghostly residents who enjoy making their presence known to guests. The playful spirits don’t come out only for Halloween—visit a “dead and breakfast” any time of the year for potential ghostly encounters. For a list of even more spooky B&Bs, click here.
Notchland Inn, Harts Location, NH: A frequently seen apparition is believed to be Nancy Barton, who died on the property in pursuit of her forlorn lover. One guest reported the name "Abigail" was written in the steam on the mirror in their bathroom when no one had taken a shower in that room for several hours. Another guest woke up after an afternoon nap and noticed that someone had brought fresh flowers into the room. When he went into the bathroom, he found someone had written "Happy Anniversary" on the mirror in lipstick. He went back into the bedroom to find the flowers gone. He turned back into the bathroom, and the writing on the mirror had disappeared.
Baladerry Inn, Gettysburg, PA: This B&B sits at the edge of the Gettysburg Battlefield and served as a field hospital of the Union Army during the war. Supposedly, the ghostly history still lingers; paranormal investigations have found dozens of EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), taken spooky pictures, and some guests report ghostly encounters. Several ghost tours are offered in Gettysburg.
Magnolia Mansion, New Orleans, LA: Take off your slippers, and you may hear footsteps out in the hall pacing until you cover up your bare feet. Alarms, the quiet tinkling of a music box, overturned water glasses, and a little girl who visits in the night are all common evidences of the spirits residing here. One woman had the covers pulled up around her by a "spirited" visitor. Account after account in the inn's guest books recount chance meetings with polite and friendly ghosts. Many guests have captured photos of orbs and apparitions. Want an encounter with the inn's ghosts? You must make your intention known upon entering.
Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco, CA: Built as a girls' finishing school following the Gold Rush, the headmistress apparently hasn't given up her role. Dozens of accounts speak of "Miss Mary Lake" appearing briefly in a mirror or being noticed as a hot or cold spot. There's even an odd report of Mary tucking in a napping traveler with the blanket snugly tucked all the way around the bed. Celebrity psychic Nancy Bradley and paranormals have verified that the building is haunted and confirm the ghosts are friendly.
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, WA: So ghostly is this B&B, it served as a set for Stephen King’s miniseries Rose Red in 2002. While nothing scary has occurred, guests have reported invisible presences, the sound of footsteps, and apparitions. The ghost of Chester Thorne has been seen here, and according to lore, if you stay in Thorne's old room and ask for his help with financial matters, he will give you a hand. Thorne's daughter Anna is often seen sitting at her bedroom window. The house is said to sit atop a fairy mound, and fairies are often reported in the gardens. Plenty of orbs have also appeared in guests’ photographs here.
