Six spooky sites worth seeing

By Melissa Baldwin and Sarah Schlichter

updated 5:57 p.m. ET Oct. 29, 2006

Sure, we all love telling a good horror story around a crackling fire, but why not hit the road and experience the chills and thrills firsthand? We've rounded up six spooky sites where you can do just that; enjoy an afternoon in a gorgeous yet ghostly Harlem mansion, or spend a night at a creepy castle in the Highlands of Scotland. And if you scare yourself silly -- well, don't say we didn't warn you ...

Tampa Theatre: Tampa, Florida
With its ornate 1920's decor, gargoyles in the lobby and a Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ rising mysteriously from beneath the stage, the Tampa Theatre is a perfect setting for a good old-fashioned scare -- especially when watching classic horror movies like "Dracula" and "Phantom of the Opera."

But while you're catching a flick or an indie rock concert at Tampa's favorite movie palace, keep your eyes open for the ghostly presence of Foster Fink Finley. The theater's projectionist for some 35 years, he died in the projection room during a movie showing in 1965 -- and has supposedly been haunting the place ever since.

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Castle Stuart: Inverness, Scotland
Looking for a Celtic-style scare in the Highlands of Scotland? Check into Castle Stuart, a looming 17th-century tower house complete with hidden staircases, secret passages, and regularly spooked quarters known as "The Haunted Room."

This former home of the Earls of Moray fell into ruin after a massive attack in the early 1600's, and lay empty (except for ghosts, of course) for over 300 years before being beautifully restored and renovated. Legend has it many men died trying to prove that the castle was not haunted -- travelers who are up to the challenge are invited to rent a room, or the entire castle.

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Queen Mary: Long Beach, California
Queen Mary may not be as well known as the Titanic, but this landmark ship has a hair-raising history of its own. Launched in 1934 and now permanently docked in Long Beach as a floating hotel and historic attraction, the ship has been the site of so much paranormal activity that it now offers daily ghost tours.
Listen for the eerie cry of an infant in the Third-Class Children's Playroom, and keep your eyes peeled for ladies in vintage bathing suits wandering around the First-Class Swimming Pool. Can't make it to Long Beach? You can scan for spooks online at Queen Mary's Ghost Cam.

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