First of all, I absolutely LOVE everything about downtown McKinney. Not only is there great food and shopping but it is one of the most beautifully restored areas of the country with its buildings refurbished to their splendor. It's like taking a step back in time. Even the neighborhoods surrounding it are house after house of refurbished homes from the early 1900's.

Back to the ghosts. But don't you ever wonder how many of these old places whether in McKinney or around the country are haunted by some spirit that still thinks it's 1902? I hear many ghostly tales from some of the employees, volunteers and even visitors of these establishments. In the spirit of Halloween I thought I'd share two places that are great destinations on their own, but also have their share of tales of their "residents" who live there.

One of my favorite places is Chestnut Square Historic Village in downtown McKinney. It's a collection of seven historic houses and buildings dating from the 1850's. It is the project of the Heritage Guild of Collin County, an all volunteer, non-profit organization who had the brilliant idea to purchase these structures belonging to many prominent leaders who helped build the city. The guild refurbished then opened them to the public for weddings, events, tours, and phenomenal camps during the summer.

So it is worth the visit if you're ever in McKinney. Along with a history lesson, when prompted volunteers will also tell you about their "ghosts" that occupy the buildings. The main action seems to be at the Dulaney Museum, built in 1916 and was home to the prominent Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dulaney. One volunteer notes how one time she was upstairs alone and felt someone brush past her. Another volunteer noted of how she's felt a suddent cold breeze and the "scent of perfume from that era during my grandmother's day who lived in the 1900's." Others note being the only person in the house and hearing footsteps, things sliding along the floor or muffled talking from upstairs. Some refuse to be there alone and especially if it's getting dark outside. I'd like to spend the night there some time to do some ghost busting of my own but actually I'm too cowardly. If I did I'd make sure that I was with an army of friends and I was wearing a pair of Depends in case I got a scared out of my wits moment.

The old Collin County Courthouse that is now home to the McKinney Performing Arts Center is another great place to take a tour, catch a play, and then hit up volunteers and workers on great ghost stories as well. You'll get lots of good stories of sightings, sounds, creaks, and walking noises - enough to send a chill down your spine even though it's broad daylight.

So next time you check out a great historic building do some ghost busting of your own by digging a little deeper into its past. I'm sure you too will hear of a ghost story or two.