Seven spooky sites worth seeing

By Melissa Baldwin and Sarah Schlichter

updated 11:56 a.m. ET Oct. 28, 2005

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 seven 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 its 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.

  Florida Message Board / Tampa Journals

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.

  Scotland Message Board / Scotland Journals

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.

  California Message Board / Long Beach Journals

Morris-Jumel Mansion - New York, New York
The oldest house in Manhattan (Washington really did sleep here!), the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Harlem is said to be haunted by at least four ghosts -- including Aaron Burr, U.S. vice president and winner of a famous duel with Alexander Hamilton.

The stately mansion was built by a British colonel and his American wife 11 years before the Revolution, and it's said that a soldier from that war still haunts the halls. Other spooks that have been spotted include a former lady of the house and a servant girl who leapt from a window to her death.

  New York Message Board / New York Journals

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