SEE INSIDE: This Tennessee Prison May Be Haunted and You Can Tour It [PHOTOS]

When I was tipped off about this incredibly cool tourist attraction in the Smoky Mountains, I could not, for the life of me, place where I'd heard the name.

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN STATE PENITENTIARY

I did a Google search but found nothing more about Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary other than its history and the fact that it is quite a popular destination for east Tennessee tourists. And I can understand why.

From the time it opened in 1896, it was a working prison until 2009, after which a museum was added and tours begin. And the photos you are about to see will clarify why it's become a popular destination for ghost hunters. In fact, paranormal tours ARE available at Brushy Mountain.

PARANORMAL AND REGULAR TOURS OF BRUSHY MOUNTAIN ARE AVAILABLE

Of course, regular tours are, as well.

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN -- THE HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION

When I first began researching Brushy Mountain, I was CERTAIN it was where The Green Mile was filmed. But that classic Stephen King adaptation utilized Tennessee State Penitentiary.

It was still bugging me, though. I just KNEW I'd heard Brushy Mountain referenced in a movie. And it wasn't The Shawshank Redemption. THAT prison is in Ohio. Then it hit me...in The Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling offers Hannibal Lecter a transfer to the more comfortable confines of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill. It was all a ruse; he never went. Hence, there was no need for location shooting.

I don't know why it never occurred to me you could tour PRISONS because Alcatraz is probably one of the most popular attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I want to thank Lindsay Brosch of Seymour, Tennessee for letting me share memories of her tour of Brushy Mountain with you.

Enjoy.