The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, created by Italian artist Michelangelo, was exhibited to the public for the first time on November 1, 1512.

With Halloween just around the bend, we thought it would be fun to mention some of  the allegedly “haunted” hotels in the U.S.  From elegant mansions to permanently docked cruise liners, each of these hotels has a ghost story to tell.

1. The Hotel Provincial, New Orleans

Haunting tales of spirits and ghosts have been reported by numerous guests of the Hotel Provincial in New Orleans. While the hotel has a modern appeal, with elegant accommodations, its ghosts have an “old school” flare.  It is said that if you change the radio channel in your room, a spirit will switch it back to the Oldies Rock station. There’s no better time to visit New Orleans and the Hotel Provincial’s specters than in late October. Celebrate with a Halloween getaway, rates start at $79/night.

2. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel is one of the most “frightful” hotels in the country, no small thanks to Steven King’s “The Shining.” The infamous author actually slept in room 217, searching for inspiration during his stay in the Rocky Mountain resort. But it’s not just King who experienced a spooky vibe from the hotel. Numerous reports of  hearing children playing and laughing in the hallway (when there were no physical children at all) have been told frequently by the hotel’s staff and patrons. Despite it’s scary reputation, the Stanley Hotel has an old world charm that’s hard to deny, and the hotel’s views of the Rocky Mountain National Park are simply breathtaking.

3. The Queen Mary Hotel, Long Beach

The Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, California is a notoriously haunted ocean vessel turned permanently docked hotel on the Port of Long Beach. Staff and crew embrace the hotel’s “spooky” reputation by hosting frightening Halloween attractions each year.  2010 features The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, with more than 45,000 scares per hour, 160 monsters, and 5 horrific mazes.  Stay aboard, if you dare, and book the Dark Harbor Package, featuring one night of accommodations,  Fast Fright passes for two, valet parking and two Dark Harbor T-shirts starting at $240.

4. The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

According to Haunted North Carolina Paranormal Research & Investigations, the Carolina Inn at Chapel Hill is often visited by the ghost of a doctor who resided in the hotel for nearly 20 years. Known for his kind demeanor and practical jokes in real life, Dr. William Jacocks’ ghost is notorious for locking guests out of the second floor room he called home.  Jacocks might not be the scariest spirit you’ll encounter this Halloween, but the Carolina Inn offers spectacular rates on packages for your fall getaway.

5. The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, Massachusetts

Located in Salem, Massachusetts,  the Hawthorne Hotel is situated on the Common where the infamous Salem witch hunts took place. Over 200 people died during the witch trials, and it is said that many of their ghosts now inhibit the hotel.  Feel their spirits for yourself with the hotel’s Halloween Ball Package, titled “Bedlam Behind Bars.” The annual costume ball runs from 8 p.m.-midnight on Saturday, October 30. $90 per person.

Now is the perfect time to take in the Southern splendor of Savannah, Georgia.  Through the rest of the year, Savannah’s acclaimed Mansion on Forsyth Park reduces their rates by $190. Reserve one of the hotel’s lavish guestrooms or suites, and experience the classical refinement of an historic mansion, along with the conveniences of the 21st Century. Guests can enjoy sumptuous bedding, flat screen televisions, and complimentary wireless internet. Rates start at $119 per night and include a $25 food and beverage credit for each night booked. Find out why the Mansion on Forsyth Park has been called “The World’s Best Hotel.” This offer is good for travel through December 30. Purchase this Savannah hotel deal by Friday, October 22.

Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s no better to celebrate than to attend some of the area’s “scariest” Halloween events. From haunted houses and wax museums to pumpkin patches and family-friendly hayrides, here’s five haunted Halloween attractions found in Upstate New York.

1. Double M Haunted Hayrides

Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa–the Capital District’s #1 Haunted Attraction–celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. To honor this milestone, Double M has built a brand new haunted house, and has renovated the other attractions for a total of four terrifying experiences. $20 per person includes the Haunted Hayride, Clown CarnEvil, Nightmare Manor and Caged! Reservations are required for this event, which runs Thursday-Sunday evenings in October.  Double M also features daytime hayrides and corn maze journeys suitable for families with little ones. Family activities are available Saturdays and Sundays in October from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. and Thursday and Friday by reservation for groups of 20 or more.

2. Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House

Dr. Morbid, his haunted house, and the House of Frankenstein’s wax museum await you in Lake George. Locals know him as the “Mad Waxmaker,” and Dr. Willy S. Morbid is said to have used bizarre methods when filling his waxworks with statues. He welcomes you to his estate, but children and parents beware, this haunted attraction is not for the faint of heart. Entry is $8.99 for adults, $7.99 for students 13-17 and $4.49 for children 6-12. The haunted house is open Saturdays from noon-9 p.m. in October and on Halloween from noon-9 p.m.

3. Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Poughkeepsie is one of New York’s oldest Halloween traditions. Opened in 1977, the Mansion features a new theme every year to ensure the most haunting experience. 2010 introduces The Madness.  The year is 1950 and the asylum is testing a new treatment on the most insane patients. Unfortunately, there are side effects. You will participate in ways like never before! General admission is $22. The Mansion is open Fridays and Saturdays from  7 p.m.-midnight in October and Sundays 6-9 p.m., and Thursday, October 28 from 7-10 p.m.

4. Schuyler Farms’ Field of Screams

Schuyler Farms in Schuylerville has it all–an intricate corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo and a haunted hay maze in the “Field of Screams” for those seeking a scarier experience. The farm is a great Halloween outing for the whole family. The haunted maze is open Friday and Saturday evenings in October. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are free with purchase of a pumpkin.

5. Schauber Stables’ Spooktacular Interactive Haunted Hay Rides

Schauber Stables, LLC in Ballston Lake features haunted hay rides and special “Spooktacular Interactive Haunted Hay Rides” throughout October. Regular haunted hay rides are $8 per person and run from 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Interactive haunted hay rides (with dressed up characters and animals) run Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6 p.m. Beware, some say the old Schauber Woods are haunted by witches, goblins, and some very disgruntled chainsaw carrying ghouls.

Don’t wait until February to celebrate with the one you love. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take your significant other on a romantic vacation! We’ve created a list of the top romantic travel packages to ensure a lovely Thanksgiving getaway for two.

1. Thanksgiving Romance Package from Kingsley House Bed and Breakfast

Photo Credit: Chris Breeze- http://www.flickr.com/photos/92833011@N00/1881377480/

Located in Fennville, Michigan, the Kingsley House Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful and romantic setting for couples to enjoy an intimate Thanksgiving. Guests have their choice of dining options out of three local gourmet restaurants. Also included is a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through a picturesque forest and complimentary breakfast each morning. Prices start at $69. This Thanksgiving Romance Package is good through November 30.

2.  Traditional Thanksgiving at The Addison

Steal your lover away to The Addison on Amelia Island, Florida. The Inn features 3-night packages starting at $770 and includes 3-nights of accommodation, a horse-drawn carriage tour through the town’s Historic District, Thanksgiving lunch and dinner, and all the amenities of a full-service inn. You won’t want to miss the complimentary Happy Hour on the veranda from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, featuring wine, beer, sodas, tea, coffee, and Shannon’s delicious crab! This Thanksgiving romance offer is good through November 25.

3. Thanksgiving Sailing Vacation to Belize

Sailing in Belize with Belize Sailing Vacations (Aubisque Catamaran Charters) offers the ultimate Thanksgiving romance opportunity. All November cruises are 15% off during the month of November, and guests can design their own itinerary over the holiday season. Come experience the beauty of the Caribbean and let the ship’s staff do the rest. At sunset or sunrise, enjoy the rich variety of meals prepared by your personal chef.

Spice up your holiday with more Thanksgiving travel deals.

While many Americans will stay warm and cozy this Thanksgiving with home-cooked meals and log-burning fireplaces, others will spend their holiday soaking in some rays and playing in the ocean. Start practicing a new family tradition, and celebrate Thanksgiving at your favorite beach destination this year. We’ve rounded up some of the best beach deals to make your Thanksgiving heat up a few degrees.

1.  Bolongo Bay Thanksgiving

Photo Credit: Brian Drum- http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunaport/3564368711/

The Caribbean is one of the warmest places you can travel this time of year, and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas offers an amazing rate for ocean view rooms. Starting at just $185.50 for double occupancy, the resort  has lowered their regular prices this holiday season by 30%. But affordable pricing isn’t all Bolongo Bay has to offer. Many people associate Thanksgiving Day with sports, like football and basketball, which makes this hotel a prime destination for sports fans. From November 19-28, the holiday NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament, Paradise Jam, will be held at this location. Don’t miss out on any of the action.

2.  Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach Thanksgiving Weekend

Photo Credit: Julia Rubinic- http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrubinic/2243405778/

It may be the start of winter, but South Florida experiences some of the nicest days of the year with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout  November and December. At Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, the Thanksgiving Weekend package includes hot chocolates at sunset, football and fine dining for adults, and kids activities ranging from treasure hunting to cookie decorating. As an added incentive, the resort offers a third night complimentary for the long holiday with rates starting at $296 per room, per night. This deal is available for reservations through December 19.

3. Baja Adventure Thanksgiving Package

Photo Credit: Daniel Sancho- http://www.flickr.com/photos/teclasorg/326119771/

Here’s a Thanksgiving beach deal for the more adventurous. Hop on the Green Tortoise bus  from November 19 -28 and explore the beautiful sights of Baja Mexico. Leaving from San Francisco, the backpacker bus tour includes bus fare, camping fees and meals, and offers a variety of fun excursions at an additional price. Wouldn’t you love to spend Thanksgiving swimming with dolphins and snorkeling with manta rays? This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Prices start at $599 for this Baja Adventure Thanksgiving Package.

4. Thanksgiving at Daytona Beach

Photo Credit: Yohann Legrand- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ylegrand/4319108628/

There’s nothing  more relaxing than a Thanksgiving family vacation in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Ormond Beach Hotel features beautiful 1 and 2-bedroom villas so you can spend quality time with the family with plenty of space and privacy. Prices start at just $69 per night, and guests receive a 40% discount when they book a 2-night stay.

5. Thanksgiving in Cancun

Photo Credit: Ricardo Diaz- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricardodiaz/4895563425/

Who knew that an exotic Thanksgiving vacation could be so affordable? Stay at the Jade Riviera Cancun this November and receive 70% off their regular rates, plus special hotel bonuses. Prices start at just $79 (normally $265 per person, per night) and offers a free room upgrade to a Junior Suite, as well as a free golf package. This deal also includes a $200 resort credit. Hop on this Thanksgiving beach deal fast, it expires at Midnight on September 24.

Find more Thanksgiving travel deals that feature sand, sun and fun.

Photo Credit: Lisa Norwood- http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanorwood/848861172/

Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale–the destination possibilities are endless when you book your flight and 5-night hotel vacation package with Southwest Vacations. For two more days, they are offering discounted rates on all destinations. Save $50 off packages priced between $700-$999; $100 off packages between $1000-$1,999; $175 off packages priced $2,000-$2,999; and $250 off packages of $3,000 or more. This deal also includes an economy rental car, free with any purchased vacation package. This Southwest Vacations’ All Destinations Sale, valid through September 30.

Traveling through the Thanksgiving season is a popular trend these days, especially for anyone who would rather skip out on the stress of hosting a family get-together, and cooking an elaborate Thanksgiving meal. But there’s no escaping the delicious tastes and sweet aromas of the classic turkey, stuffing and potato dinner. Thanksgiving is a holiday based around food, and we’ve rounded up some of the best hotel packages featuring scrumptious meal deals. So leave the kitchen behind, hit the road, and make sure you stay well-fed and rested.

1. The 5th Annual Thanksgiving at the Holladay House

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt- http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/4139402158/

Sharon and Sam Elswick at the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast want their guests to have a filling and stress-free Thanksgiving Day Weekend. Their establishment in Orange, Virginia is one of the most comfortable places to be this year. The family hosts a special Thanksgiving dinner beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. Complete with free-range turkey, plenty of side dishes and desserts, this all-inclusive meal is only $39. The longer you stay at Holladay House, the more discounts you’ll receive. Stay through the weekend to do some holiday shopping at Orange, Virginia’s unique shops and wineries. Get 25% off your second consecutive night, and 50% off your third night’s stay at Holladay House.

2. Family Thanksgiving Special at Rocking Horse Ranch

Photo Credit: Jia Shiang- http://www.flickr.com/photos/wangjs/276631101/

Leave the cooking to the Culinary Institute of America Chefs this Thanksgiving. Ready to prepare a heavenly Thanksgiving Day Feast for your family, these trained chefs will help create a holiday to remember. The Rocking Horse Ranch is an all-inclusive vacation resort in Highland, New York and features fun activities for all ages. Enjoy the resort’s indoor water park, horseback riding, snow tubing and skiing and horse-drawn hayrides. Families of four who plan to stay for 3 nights will receive the 4th night’s stay for just $165.

3. Thanksgiving Dinner at the Brentwood Inn

Photo Credit: Timothy Vollmer- http://www.flickr.com/photos/sixteenmilesofstring/3069207362/

Visit beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming  during your Thanksgiving vacation and enjoy the feast of a lifetime. The Brentwood Inn invites guests to celebrate in a traditional manner with a four course meal on Thanksgiving evening. For  just $45 per person, the Inn offers a tantalizing menu featuring  items like Spiced Squash and Apple Soup, Roast Turkey with Corn Bread Stuffing, Cranberry Chutney and Green Beans with Toasted Slivered Almonds. No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and dinner guests have their choice of Apple or Pumpkin Pie. Room rates start at $190 per night for two, and pricing includes full breakfasts each morning, and evening wine and cheese tastings.

4. Grande Thanksgiving Celebration Package

Photo Credit: Jelene Morris- http://www.flickr.com/photos/jelene/2643626812/

Get ready for the grandest Thanksgiving package you’ll find on the East Coast. The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has arranged a Thanksgiving special to write home about. The Grande Thanksgiving Celebration Package includes luxury accommodations in a grande guest room,  and Thanksgiving Dinner in the Nautilus Ballroom, along with entertainment provided by contemporary jazz harpist D.L. Turner. Rates start at $174 per and couple.

5.  Thanksgiving Dinner at Conrad Indianapolis

Photo Credit: Elliott P.- http://www.flickr.com/photos/pesut/333000217/

The Conrad Indianapolis–the city’s most acclaimed luxury hotel–features a delectable Thanksgiving meal for guests on Thursday, November 25.  From noon-3 p.m., Executive Chef Michelle Matiya will provide innovative and delicious twists to the traditional holiday favorites, including a seafood display and exquisite desserts. The meals is $59 for adults and $20 for children. Stay the night and receive a special $99 rate–rooms at the Conrad are usually $229 per night. The hotel is close to some of the best holiday shopping locations, and is connected to the Circle Centre Mall.

6. The Homestead Resort Thanksgiving Brunch and Lodging

Photo Credit: Annie Mole- http://www.flickr.com/photos/anniemole/3222862858/#

While dinner is often the focus of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember breakfast and lunch too! The Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah offers a brunch and lodging package starting at $169, which includes Garden accommodations and the resort’s spectacular holiday brunch at Simon’s Restaurant, valued at $34 per person. Make a weekend out of the holiday, and enjoy a free 3rd night when you book a 2-night stay at the Homestead.

Find more delicious Thanksgiving travel deals.

View from Moose Lodge Boathouse at the Whiteface Club and Resort

So what can we say, we are biased!  We believe our home state has some of the best fall foliage views in the country.  I Love New York has a new feature that helps us prove our point.  Visit I Love New York’s website and you will find a listing of fall drive suggestions for each region of the state.  You can also download pdf day by day itineraries to help plan your fall getaways.  The itineraries include suggestions on what to view each day, where to view from and a list of other area attractions.  You will love it!

The Best Travel Deals staff is enjoying their extended vacation. We hope you are too. Travel safely!