We all like to be entertained with a good scare once in awhile. Remember the fun times sitting in a semi-dark room on a stormy night or around a crackling campfire taking turns at telling scary stories and seeing who could come up with the most sinister plot. That was how Mary Shelley gave birth to her first novel now known as "Frankenstein".

Sorrel-Weed House

While vacationing on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Mary and her friends amused themselves by reading German ghost stories, prompting a suggestion they each write their own supernatural tale. Mary's scary tale was conceived in a waking dream she had one night. She wrote a short story about her horrific dream and later expanded it into the famous novel. Needless to say, her story took the honor of being the scariest tale that infamous night.

Looking for inspiration for a winning scary novel? Savannah was dubbed by The American Institute of Parapsychology as "America's Most Haunted City". The Sorrel-Weed House at 6 W Harris Street at Madison Square was featured on Ghost Hunters and is one of the top ten creepiest places in America. Be sure to take the 10:30pm tour for the greatest affect, if you dare.

Charleston's darker side can most certainly fuel the imagination and inspiration for a winning frightful tale. Travel Channel designated Charleston "America's Most Haunted Places". Take an inside look at Charleston's haunted Old City Jail, enter the Provost Dungeon, or visit Poogan's Porch where Zoe makes her presence known. Walk the streets, bars, and cemeteries while the guides of Bulldog Tours amuse you with the tales and stories of the not so holy side of the Holy City.

Take your search for nighttime fun and storytelling entertainment a step further and consider what the Footlight Theatre has to offer October 28, 29 30 and November 4, 5, 6 at 9pm. "The Weir" by Conor McPherson will be presented by the Footlight Players. "The Weir" takes place in a small tavern in rural Ireland where local men swap spook stories in an attempt to impress a young woman who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house, but the tables get turned on them when she tells a tale of her own. Old-fashioned story telling guaranteed to send chills up your spine. Ticket price ranges $10-$15. Footlight Players Theatre is located at 20 Queen Street.-Vacation Rick Travel Charleston

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

It is the most photographed and painted tourist attraction in Charleston. It was an undesireable part of town following the Civil War, but now is a very sought after landmark synonymous with the name of Charleston. Painted in an array of Caribbean inspired pastel hues resulted in the name by which it has become identified. Sea captains, traders, townsfolk and pirates shopped, traded, and sold their goods in this stretch of realestate located on East Bay Street. Walk through the Old Market and you will find it on plates, switch covers, shells, and just about anything with a flat surface, even bricks. It is a group of buildings called Rainbow Row. If you are a resident it is a been there, done that, but if you are a first-timer the Row should be on your must-see list.

Originally Half Moon Battery, this landmark is considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The structure stands proudly at the foot of Broad Street. It is the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon. All the employees dress the part. You will see them standing at the top of the steps along the front in colonial dress waving and greeting tourists. Inside are three floors of Charleston history highlighting the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The artifacts displayed help you get a picture of the events and people that influenced and shaped the history of Charleston or specifically, Charles Towne. The Provost Dungeon, still dank and without sunlight, highlights a tour that speaks of pirates and patriots in chains, of a siezed tea shipment and General Moultrie's hidden gunpowder, and ghosts lurking within its walls.

The Powder Magazine located at 79 Cumberland Street is Carolina's oldest public building. A small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches designed to implode in case of an explosion was used as a powder magazine from 1713-1770 and again briefly during the Revolutionary War. Its other uses were as a stable, a wine cellar, a print shop and now, a museum. It offers free of charge living historic presentations and showcases different period interpreters, local crafters, artists, musicians, and other historical novelties. Every Saturday in June and July there is a live performance scheduled called The Gentleman Pirate at 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

While in the area check out Johnson's Pub & Pizzeria or the Blind Tiger Pub for some cool drinks and creative dishes.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and anywhere else.