BUNK DOWN AMONG THE SPIRITS: The ships of past wars tend to be ripe zones for paranormal investigation and spirited overnight sleepovers. Look to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, a ship that served its time during World War II and now hosts many a ghost tour. The U.S.S. Hornet in Alameda is also reputed to be home to some wraith-like residents, and while it doesn't boast the number of ghostly events that the Queen Mary does, it very occasionally opens up to those who'd like to see something beyond this realm. That means an evening gathering aboard the hulking carrier, and, for some guests who select a particular package, it means sleeping in a World War II bunk. Intrigued? The U.S.S. Hornet Museum Grey Ghost Paracon packs the flashlights and heads down old corridors on Saturday, Feb. 22.
THE CONVENTION: Several paranormalists will call upon the U.S.S. Hornet, including a few SyFy channel hosts. A Paranormal Conference is the centerpiece, and a dinner, and a three-hour investigation aboard the ship. There are two higher levels of access, both with some different asterisks, but they do share this: You'll be able to bunk down on the Hornet. That's a pretty rare opportunity, so consider adding that on if you're intrigued. You can sleep on the Queen Mary any night of the year, but the Hornet is not typically open to public stayovers. Package costs from from fifty bucks to $150.
THE BENEFICIARY: The fundraiser will help out the Hornet's Education Department and providing transportation "for local schools to take part in the Hornet's STEM educational programs."
