📖 Overview
Haunted Inns of the Southeast catalogs ghost stories and paranormal accounts from historic hotels and bed & breakfasts across the American Southeast. The book covers locations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Each chapter focuses on a specific inn or hotel, providing background on the building's history and the reported supernatural occurrences within its walls. The accounts come from innkeepers, guests, and local historians who have encountered unexplained phenomena at these establishments.
The book includes practical information for travelers interested in visiting these locations, with details about accommodations, directions, and contact information for each featured property. Photos and illustrations accompany the text to give readers a sense of each location.
This collection connects the Southeast's hospitality traditions with its rich folklore, revealing how ghost stories become part of a property's identity and heritage. The narratives demonstrate the ways historic buildings preserve not just architecture, but also the stories and spirits of their past inhabitants.
👀 Reviews
Readers consider this a useful guide for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts visiting the Southeast, though not a comprehensive historical reference.
Liked:
- Personal investigation accounts and eyewitness stories
- Clear driving directions and addresses
- Mix of well-known and lesser-known haunted locations
- Brief but informative background on each inn
- Photos included with location entries
Disliked:
- Limited coverage of some states/regions
- More ghost stories wanted for each location
- Not enough historical documentation
- Some outdated business information (inns that closed)
- Basic writing style
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.5/5 (12 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 reviews)
One reader wrote "Good road trip companion for ghost hunters but needed more detailed histories." Another noted it "functions better as a travel guide than a collection of ghost stories." Multiple reviews mentioned using it successfully to plan haunted inn visits.
📚 Similar books
American Ghost Stories by Hans Holzer
Chronicles documented encounters with spirits at historic buildings across the United States with a focus on inns, mansions, and hotels.
Southern Spirits by Michael Kleen Presents ghost stories and legends from historic homes and inns throughout the American South with historical context for each location.
The Complete Guide to Haunted Hotels by Tom Ogden Catalogs supernatural phenomena at lodging establishments across North America with dates, locations, and witness accounts.
Historic Haunted America by Michael Norman and Beth Scott Documents paranormal activity at significant historical sites including inns, hotels, and bed & breakfasts throughout the United States.
Ghostly Encounters by Frances Kermeen Details firsthand accounts of supernatural occurrences at historic inns and hotels based on innkeeper experiences and guest reports.
Southern Spirits by Michael Kleen Presents ghost stories and legends from historic homes and inns throughout the American South with historical context for each location.
The Complete Guide to Haunted Hotels by Tom Ogden Catalogs supernatural phenomena at lodging establishments across North America with dates, locations, and witness accounts.
Historic Haunted America by Michael Norman and Beth Scott Documents paranormal activity at significant historical sites including inns, hotels, and bed & breakfasts throughout the United States.
Ghostly Encounters by Frances Kermeen Details firsthand accounts of supernatural occurrences at historic inns and hotels based on innkeeper experiences and guest reports.
🤔 Interesting facts
🏚️ Author Sheila Turnage started her career as a journalist and went on to win a Newbery Honor for her children's novel "Three Times Lucky"
👻 Many of the inns featured in the book still operate as hotels today, allowing readers to personally experience the haunted locations described
🏨 The book includes detailed historical background for each property, connecting paranormal activities to specific events and former residents
🌟 Several of the featured establishments have appeared on popular ghost-hunting television shows, including "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Adventures"
🗺️ The locations span eight southeastern states, from Virginia to Louisiana, creating a potential road trip route for paranormal enthusiasts