October 2005 -- The South's long, rich history means there's a whole world of B&Bs with an equally rich history...and a guest list that may have some members who checked in but never checked out. If the two of you would like a romantic getaway at an allegedly haunted B&B this Halloween, check out this recently released list of ghost-filled accommodations in the South:

1872 John Denham House, Monticello, FL: Not only is this 130-year-old National Historic Register B&B certifiably haunted, guests can explore another dimension during October Teen and Parent Ghost Hunting Weekends. Attend a seminar and learn hands-on skills for ghost tracking; orbs, and vortexes, in audio, video, photographic and temperature formats. The course taught with the Standards and Protocols of the International Ghost Hunter's Society, official Ghost Tracker Certificates will be presented. The cost is $180.00 (Double Occupancy), and includes two nights and three meals. Info: 850.997.4568.

Americus Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast, Americus, GA: A warm presence causes strange happenings at this pre-Civil war inn, and the innkeepers have made a science of capturing ghostly occurrences in photos and on tape. Doors have opened on their own with a creaking sound; clock radios have turned themselves on and off; footsteps have been heard in unoccupied rooms; and the aroma of perfume has been reported several times in guests' rooms in the middle of the night. Guests have captured a host of “orbs” on film (not visible to the eye), and the inn is a training ground for those who love to investigate the paranormal. From children’s voices to messages from Civil War soldiers, this inn is a treasure for those who seek ghostly experiences. Info: 888-758-4749.

Hummingbird House, Lexington, GA: A benign spirit, referred to as Sarah, watches over the B&B, turning on lights and radios to welcome the owners home. This young girl has been sighted by many guests, none previously knowledgeable about her, but each description is always the same. Recently, her favorite prank was to turning the computer on and off, until the innkeepers moved it into their quarters. Info: 706-743-8046.

Springhill B&B and Winery, Bloomfield, KY: This stately pre-Civil War plantation manor is home to many ghosts and spirits who love to mingle with guests. Hear the many strange stories of chairs moving, doors opening, children’s voices, and if you’re lucky, get your picture taken with orbs flying about you on your stay. Many guests have captured this other-world phenomenon on film, particularly in the original slave quarters, where a trap door leads to a tunnel for escaping slaves. Their disclaimer: “Springhill does guarantee comfortable beds, but does not guarantee you’ll sleep well. All food and beverages are guaranteed to be delicious, but you may experience upset stomach from jittery nerves. All rooms are climate controlled but you may feel chills during the long night.” Info: 502-252-9463.

5 Continents B&B, New Orleans, LA:* In a city known for its ghosts, vampires and Voodoo culture, this inn promises not to disappoint guests with its offer to sleep with not only one spirit, but three. This 1890's Greek Revival Mansion has three resident ghosts including a man, said to have been a previous master of the house, a mysterious woman of color in a flowing white dress, and a very unusual part-time spirit in the kitchen area. Info: 800-997-4652.

Avenue Inn B&B, New Orleans, LA:* Beds move and shake in the night, singing can be heard coming from the old Nanny’s quarters when no one is there, and strange power surges in computers have all been reported from this three story Queen Anne style mansion in New Orleans Garden District. Recently, during a wedding ceremony, loud knocking sounds came from the inn’s dining room fireplace. Was it the wind or the original resident of the home signaling his approval? We’ll never know. Info: 800-490-8542.

Castle Inn of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA: * This B&B is “certifiably” haunted. A regular stop on the Garden District Haunted Tour, there have been literally hundreds of ghost sightings here. The inn flaunts the ability to connect with its two active ghosts, a servant and a little girl, the two oldest guests. Check out the ghost stories on their website, with a page dedicated to their ghostly activity. Info: 888-826-0540.

Creole Gardens, New Orleans, LA: : Ghosts don’t like change, and when this building was restored as an inn, 400-pound doors slammed for no apparent reason, and bathroom tiles that had been neatly stacked were found scattered about the floor. One guest reported a clear image of a former slave standing in the corner of the room with arms folded, apparently awaiting orders. Another guest reported a man visiting at night, speaking softly. Housekeepers report a feeling of someone watching them, and dark, flitting blurs. Info: 504-569-8700.

The Rivers' Inn, Greenwood MS: When Rose Marie Kennedy bought the inn, she was unaware of her unseen tenant, but within two weeks the midnight hammering on the plumbing and drawers emptied onto the floor made the ghost’s presence unmistakable. The day after the clamor, nothing was out of place. Guests ask Kennedy if she’s knocked on their door at night when no one was on their floor. Televisions turn on and off for no reason, and the volume also goes up and down. The chair at the head of the dining room table is always moved. "Even when I'm alone, that chair won't stay in place. I'll push it under the table and turn my back, and it’ll be out on the floor again," said Kennedy. She remembers one incident when two sisters and a little girl from Florida came to stay: As soon as the girl walked in she said, “There's a good spirit in this house.” Info: 662-453-5432.

Twin Lakes Lodge, NC: Noted ghost story writer, John Hardin, author of Tar Heel Ghosts & The Devils Tramping Ground lived in this home prior to its becoming an inn. Is it possible he got his ideas from spirits still hanging around? Come learn for yourself. Info: 1-888-484-LAKE (888-484-5253).

Franklin Pearson House, Cowan, TN: The Cowan area is widely known as a "hot spot" for ghost activity due to its rich, colorful history; this old railroad hotel is no exception, and bustles with interesting yet harmless ghost activity. This Halloween, ghosts – including some from the “Old Hotel” -- will be the topic of many stories told around candlelight dinners. Info: 931-962-3223.

Black Horse Inn, Warrenton, VA: Four ghosts have been accounted for in this former Civil War hospital. The first is a woman believed to have been a nurse in the hospital, who is inclined to laugh only in gentlemen guests’ ears. She is believed to be comforting them with her soft, kind laughter just as she did the soldiers to whom she tended. The second ghost is known to the whole community as “The Dancer” because the tap, tap of his shoes are heard throughout the night as he dances at the top of the stairs. Another male ghost inhabiting the Burgundy Room makes an impression on the comforter each time he sits on the bed. And the ghost of Christmas had taken it upon itself to dump the Christmas tree – breaking all the ornaments – each year for the past three years. The tree is now wired to the corner of the room. Info: 540-349-4020.

* At this time, these inns may be temporarily closed due to Hurricane Katrina, but will re-open as soon as conditions permit.

For more Halloween packages and events:

• visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on Advanced Search. Choose Special Packages, then Halloween Happenings from the drop down box.

Related Pages:

• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the Midwest and Great Lakes States
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the West and Southwest
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the Mid-Atlantic States
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in New England