New York City is known for many things - the bright lights of Broadway, fine cuisine and corner vendors, glamour and excitement. Yet for those interested in the paranormal and unexplained, the Big Apple may very well be renamed the Big Haunt.

Once you've seen the popular sights the city has to offer, why not take a trip down the eerie side of the city many call home...years after they have departed? If you're in the mood for a frightfully fun stay in New York, and can't wait until the Halloween, the city is not without yearlong otherworldly charm.

Certain times of the year, Merchant's House Museum presents ghost tours and lectures on various topics, including the art of dying. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of any of the curious spirits known to wander the property.

It's said, too, that spirits haunt the Hotel Chelsea, and that the ghost of Dylan Thomas (who died after drinking too many spirits at the White Horse Tavern) haunts the pub to this day. Of course, he was taken to the Chelsea after collapsing outside the pub, so maybe he's pulling double duty?

Did you hear the one, too, about the Ziegfield Follies showgirl who haunts the New Amsterdam theater? Many have claimed to see Olive Thomas strutting the stage in her beaded costume.

The ghost of Roxy Rothafel is said to haunt the theatre he built, Radio City Music Hall, and various members of the Algonquin Hotel's Vicious Circle are rumored to have continued their stay at their favorite table and elsewhere in the hotel.

If you're interested in more contemporary ghosts, it's said the ghost of John Lennon has been seen outside the Dakota, where he was fatally shot.

When you do decide to come to New York, the ghosts are waiting. Hop in a limo and you just might see a few wandering around Manhattan.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer who writes professionally for many travel bureau and travel company websites, including NYCLimousine.com.