In the spirit of Halloween, Americans seeking a brush with the supernatural can visit several haunted bed and breakfasts. Some entities will appear to visitors while others will make their presence known by creating unexplained noises throughout the inns. At this time of year we get several requests for haunted inns so we thought we’d highlight a few:

The Groveland Hotel at Yosemite National Park in California

The Groveland Hotel at Yosemite National Park in California says that they have an extra guest all the time. Lyle, who they describe as “a loner and a kindly old gentleman,” resides in room 15 at all times. It is said that Lyle came to the Groveland Hotel during the 1920’s as a gold panner. He liked it so much that after he passed away in 1927, he decided to stay for good.

Guests say that Lyle moves their belongings from the dresser to any other place available. The staff at the hotel noted that Lyle must really dislike women’s cosmetics because those are the items most frequently displaced. The staff also surmises that Lyle was very meticulous about his hygiene, as he frequently turns the faucet on and off, even while guests are there. They say that he isn’t too shy about showing up.

Homespun Farm Bed and Breakfast, Griswold, Connecticut

The innkeepers have both experienced the same “feeling” and vision while outside working the orchard and blueberries. A guest staying at the inn has confirmed the ghost story. The innkeepers described the man in their visions to the guest who is a relative of the Brewsters, who owned the property before them. After they described him the guest showed them pictures of Simon, one of the original owners of the 260 year old home. It was him! Now the innkeepers refer to him as Old Man Simon.

The innkeepers at Homespun Farm are not the only people who have encountered Old Man Simon. They have had guests and their own children hear footsteps at night. Surprisingly, no one has ever been frightened there. Everyone agrees that it is a comforting spirit.

The Terrace Inn, Petoskey, Michigan

The Terrace Inn is known for 2 ghosts/spirits that have been seen and/or heard by guests and employees at various times throughout the years. According to the reports it is a man and a woman who were married in the early 1900’s . The woman is seen in a white dress and is heard pacing the 2nd and 3rd floor halls. She is also seen in 2 particular rooms at the end of the hall. The male ghost has on a suit with a hat and always is seen on the veranda, even during the winter. Although mostly all you hear is footsteps, some guests have actually heard a woman’s voice. The most recent occurrence took place last February when a guest heard a woman speaking, using old-fashioned terms that would not be heard in this day and age.

Colonel Taylor Inn B&B/Gift Shop, Cambridge, Ohio

The innkeepers at Colonel Taylor Inn report that there are many ghosts that live at the inn. The Colonel, for whom the inn is named after, stays at the inn, and people say that they can smell the tobacco from his pipe. Some people who have stayed at the inn even say that they have seen Colonel Taylor walking into rooms and up stairs. There have also been sightings of Elizabeth, the first wife of the Colonial, as well as the second Mrs. Taylor. There is a little boy dressed in a sailor suit who likes to stick out his tongue at the innkeeper and play little tricks at the inn. There is even the ghost of a cat who keeps the innkeepers company in their bedroom!

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Bed and Breakfasts have been a part of American culture for over 200 years. Loyal B&B guests choose bed & breakfasts as charming, cozy alternatives to impersonal hotels. First time B&B guests are often uncertain of what to expect on their first B&B stay. Here are ten tips for first time B&B goers to ensure that they’ll have a delightful time.

1. Ask Questions: B&Bs are different from cookie cutter hotels, every inn is unique, and this is what makes them special. Some are historic and others are modern, some are quaint and rustic and others are elegant and gourmet. Be sure you are selecting a B&B tailored to your taste & needs.

2. Mention Dietary Needs: Since breakfast is a highlight of most B&B stays, mention any special dietary preference when booking an inn. Enjoy the fact that you are eating a delicious breakfast that the chefs pride themselves in (innkeepers are usually happy to share their signature recipes with you to make at home).

3. Private Baths: Although most inns offer private baths, verify with the innkeepers if the bathroom is shared or private. A private bath is usually in your room, however sometimes it is in the hall exclusively for your use (innkeepers often provide robes if the bathroom is outside your room).

4. Personalized Reservations: Take advantage of the personal service B&Bs want to offer you and ask about amenities, the inn and the area when making your reservation. B&Bs do not have 24-hour reservation offices. If you are making your reservation by phone, call during hours that you wouldn’t mind being called yourself and be mindful of time zone differences.

5. Inquire About Handicapped Accessibility: If you or anyone in your party requires an inn that’s fully handicapped accessible, check with the Innkeeper beforehand.

6. Ask About Policies Before You Book: Smoking, Children and Pet Polices are different at each inn, so verify them by phone before you make your reservation. Policies not only vary between inns but even at the same inn there may be some rooms that are appropriate for children while the rest of the inn is not child friendly. For all policies, don’t assume - ASK.

7. Deposits and Cancellations: Ask about deposit and cancellation policies before you book. Your deposit means you are committing to the inn and they are committing to have your room for you. Since cancellations affect a small inn greatly, they will often result in a forfeiture of your deposit if the room cannot be re-rented.

8. Check In /Check Out Times: Ask about check in and check out times and try and arrive within them. Innkeepers can usually be flexible if you need special arrangements. Since innkeepers are expecting you and want to be there to greet you, be courteous and let them know if your arrival time changes.

9. Reserve Early: Although some inns welcome “walk-ins,” all inns prefer an advance reservation and deposit. Since most B&Bs are small, rooms might not be available when you want to visit. If the inn is booked, innkeepers usually will suggest alternate dates or suggest other inns in the area.

10. Make Your Self At Home: Innkeepers are hospitality experts so relax and enjoy your stay! Treat your room with the care you would your own home. You’ll know you’ve picked the right B&B if you feel like a treasured guest and long to return. The greatest compliment you can give an innkeeper is to refer them to a friend.

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