Hysterical or historical, ghostly spirits make themselves as comfortable in America's B&Bs as living guests do, and not just in the dead of night. In a recent B&B survey, conducted by BedandBreakfast.com, innkeepers revealed that nearly 20 percent (an estimated 3600) of the inns in the United States are haunted. This leaves plenty of opportunity to sleep with a ghost for those who seek experiences with another world. A September 2009 BedandBreakfast.com survey of inn travelers revealed that an almost 64% of respondents either preferred to stay at inns where ghosts have been seen or admitted it didn't matter if it was haunted or not haunted. Nearly all respondents' answers indicated that they believe in ghosts and many welcome them.

Although innkeepers are often afraid to share stories about hosting ghosts for fear of scaring guests, more than 100 B&Bs dare to reveal their ghostly happenings and haunted hospitality to BedandBreakfast.com.  Everyone loves to hear stories about things that go bump in the night…and daytime too. Here are a few of my favorite tales from the B&B crypts, listed in alpha order by state.

Gate House Inn, Jackson, CA: According to the innkeepers of this historic Queen Anne mansion, a “Garden Ghost” appeared soon after the unruly overgrowth around the mansion was cleared away for new gardens. An innkeeper actually reported a “tap” on his shoulder while working outside. Although no paranormal activity has been reported within the inn, the surrounding land has a ghostly presence.  Innkeepers insist it’s an ethereal and serene spirit that resides here.

Kehoe House, Savannah, GA: Set in a beautifully restored 1892 Queen Anne-style mansion, this B&B is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of twin Kehoe children who are believed to 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. Guests on the second floor have often heard children’s laughter and small footsteps running down the hall. Some guests have even complained the next morning to the front desk, not realizing that children are strongly discouraged from staying in such a prestigious inn.

Haunted Kehoe House, Savannah, GA

Deerfield Inn, Deerfield, MA: With so much Colonial history preserved in Historic Deerfield’s living museum, it’s no surprise to learn that a number of colorful spirits are still hanging around. In fact, many of these spirits have been immortalized in the 101 different Martinis served here, all named after colorful Deerfield characters. Flashing lights, knocks on doors when no one is there, moving books, and tables moved into the middle of the room are regular occurrences here. From time to time, the innkeepers report a gentle shove in the back, indicating it is time to go to bed. For ghost-seekers, much of this other world activity occurs in rooms 48, 43 and 41. The ghost is believed to be the original owner of the house, Cora Carlisle, still hanging around to offer a little extra-worldly hospitality. A ghostly man with a long white beard wanders outside the inn, and is believed to be Honorable George Shelton, a friendly spirit who created the oldest museum in the country by collecting treasures from people’s attics.

Deerfield Inn, Deerfield, MA

Beyer Haus, New Ulm, MN: It’s no surprise a number of spirits are still hanging around this former funeral parlor. When the innkeepers moved in, they felt taps on the shoulders and heard footsteps when no one else was there. A local psychic medium and paranormal investigator revealed that six different spirits lived here. Charlie is a little boy who died in his bed of scarlet fever, yet still runs through the hallways and teases the dog. Another spirit is the former caretaker, still checking on the house. The housekeeper, Claire, keeps things neat and tidy in Maggie's Room and, and another spirit lives in the basement. A small boy resides primarily in the closet on the third floor, and has been known to hold hands with guests. All spirits love to appear when least expected.

Hannibal Bed and Breakfast at Rockcliffe Mansion, Hannibal, MO: Built in 1898 and described as the "finest home in Missouri," this mansion was closed up for 43 years after its owner, John J. Cruikshank Jr., died in 1924. During the years of the vacancy, local children would run through the home, under the dare of making it all the way up to the third floor classroom, tear off a piece of the schoolroom map, and return outside to prove they had made it through Hannibal's most "haunted house." Caretakers who watched over the vacant house would often be forced to leave their living quarters due to the strong smell of cigarette smoke that would sometimes appear at midnight. Now restored as a B&B, the housekeepers at Rockcliffe Mansion have to straighten the bed in the former owner's room, even when no one has been sleeping there, as it mysteriously retains the form of a 5'4" body. Mr. Cruikshank, who stood 5'4" while alive, died in that very bed! From time to time, guests have witnessed Mrs. Cruikshank floating through her grand music room too.

Hannibal Mansion at Rockcliffe

All photos courtesy and copyright of B&B.com

Marti Mayne is the B&B Editor for Wandering Educators.com