Top five haunted vacation spots in South Carolina

Image via WikipediaSouth Carolina has a long and haunted past and as such has a good deal of places that are fun to visit. If you are empty nesters looking for an adventure or have older children that love to experience history and maybe a little paranormal fun, then these places in South Carolina should be great to vacation to.

Rutledge Victorian Guesthouse, Charleston
Built in 1887, the Guesthouse is one of the "Painted Ladies" buildings in Charleston.  The family who lived there tragically lost their daughter, 12 year old Sarah, when she was unable to escape the fourth floor during a fire that broke out in the house.  After the fire her parents boarded up the house and left.  For 80 years the house remained vacant, the charred upper floors a sad testimonial to its tragic past.   In the 1980s it was purchased and turned into an inn.  The top floor is where unexplained things happen.  It is assumed that Sarah haunts this area, and has pulled pillows out from under guests' heads.  She also plays around with the lights and heat.  There are nine rooms, and one suite.  Lyn and Norm Beam are the innkeepers and in the room fee they include offstreet parking, Southern continental breakfast, afternoon sherry, bikes and a nightly service of brandy and chocolates.  Located at 114 Rutledge Ave., phone: 843-723-3212 or 888-722-7553.

Poogan's Porch, Charleston
Poogan's Porch is a low-country seafood restaurant in a former residence in Charleston.  The name is a memorial to the owner's dog who used to remain on the front porch and greet customers.  A woman in black seems to hang around the restaurant and has been seen many places on the grounds including upstairs where she knocked on the occupied bathroom door repeatedly and as the occupant exited, she saw the spirit fade away before her eyes.  Another sighting was by a neighbor who saw a shadowy figure all in black banging on a window of the restaurant.  the neighbor reached for her phone and when she turned back, the figure was gone.  A worker at Poogan's Porch entered the kitchen to see a woman all in black kneading dough, and upon telling her she shouldn't be there, she disappeared in front of his eyes. Many people have seen an old woman wave from an upstairs window when the restaurant is closed.  Poogan's Porch is at 72 Queen Street, Charleston, SC.  Phone: 843-577-2337.  Open 7 days a week, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch are served.

The Inn at Merridun, Union
Originally built in the mid 1850s on what was the Keenan Plantation, this house was a private home until 1990 when Peggy and Jim Waller bought it.  After renovations it was opened as a Bed & Breakfast in 1992. The smell of a cigar and the sweet scent of an old fashioned perfume are thought to indicate the presence of Thomas Duncan and his wife, who moved into the house in the 1880s. An apparition of a woman in a 19th century style teal dress has been seen, but she only is visible from the neck down! The spirit of an African-American former housekeeper has been witnessed outside the inn performing chores. Yet another ghostly duo seen by guests is that of a well dressed and her pet dog.  Peggy assumes it is this otherworldly dog that drives her cat JD bonkers at times. Today the Inn is run by Peggy Waller, assisted by JD the cat. There are five guest rooms each with a private bath.  A stay at the inn includes evening dessert/beverages and a 3 course breakfast.  Dinner can be arranged by reservation.  The Inn contains Miss Fannie's Tea Room but it is closed for the foreseeable future except for pre-arranged private parties of 15 or less. Smoking is not permitted.  Phone: 1-888-892-6020   Address: 100 Merridun Place, Union, South Carolina 29379

Annie's Inn Bed and Breakfast
3083 Charleston HWY
Aiken, SC 29839
Phone: 803-649-6836
Fax: 803-642-6709
The house has been standing since the 1830's when it was a 2000 acre cotton plantation. It was originally three stories, but the top story was destroyed by a cannonball during the civil war. Later in the century it was used as a county doctor's residence and hospital. Perhaps as a result of that era, the ghost of a little girl has been occasionally heard roaming the halls calling for her mama.

Price House Cottage B&B
224 Sumter AVE
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: 843-871-1877
Fax: 843-873-7991
Don’t leave your treasured jewels down at Price House Cottage. The ghost here is said to like interesting jewelry. Ask the owner. He’s had a pair of sapphire cufflinks to go missing. His daughter was missing a ring and it was later found in the father’s old college thesaurus.
Four Room cottage, hot tub on deck, located in the heart of Summerville's historic district. Beautifully restored former servants quarters. Rent for a week, seventh night free. Separate living room with fireplace and full kitchen. Fine linens, professionally decorated. Stroll through the large yard or relax on your private patio or in the hot tub. Private drive with off-street parking. Cable TV, private phone. Property offers fresh seasonal fruit, fresh baked pastries and biscuits with fresh squeezed orange juice served in the Cottage on weekdays, and a full gourmet breakfast on the weekends in the dining room of the main house. We offer complimentary tickets to Ashely River Gardens/Plantations (Middleton, Ashley Hall, Magnolia Gardens) with 3 night stay! Guests can chose one of these.