If you’re in search of a haunted destination for your next trip to Florida, consider one of these reportedly haunted areas of the Sunshine state. You can make a day trip of haunted restaurants and historic sights, or go all out and spend the night in one of several haunted hotels.
The ghosts of former owners, Simon Feinberg and Bessie Gibbs, haunt the Island Hotel & Restaurant in Cedar Key, Florida. One particular employee, Molly Brown, reports a number of ghostly encounters during her nearly 30 years of employment at the bed and breakfast. Two such encounters include spotting a black-veiled woman standing in the front lobby, and feeling the ghost of Bessie Gibbs “hugging” her. Kitchen staff and hotel guests also report spotting Simon Feinberg in various areas of the hotel and restaurant.
Inside the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow, Florida, visitors may experience one of many ghosts. The ghosts are attributed to several people who died on the courthouse property. Two brothers accused of murdering a police officer were hanged inside the courthouse. Another death occurred by accident as a result of a boiler explosion. The elevator used to access the boiler room is believed to be haunted. Employees claim to hear screams from the accident victim. Another ghost, a lady adorned in white, appears to some employees in certain areas on the second and third floors of the courthouse.
Owners and employees of Ashley’s Restaurant in Rockledge, Florida, claim to witness the ghost of a woman who appears in the bathroom mirrors of the restaurant. Visitors to this purportedly haunted bathroom also claim to catch glimpses of ghostly boots inside the bathroom stalls. The ghost is believed to be that of Ethel Allen, a girl who was murdered inside the restaurant in the 1930s. Employees of the restaurant also believe the ghost of two children haunt the facilities. In addition to visual ghost sightings, patrons also claim to hear the screams of small children.
The Cassadega Hotel in Cassadega, Florida, treats guests to a completely paranormal experience. The owners of the hotel boast of the immense amount of psychic energy within the property. They offer psychic readings and educational classes on tarot, numerology, astrology, Wiccan practices and more. Hotel owners encourage visitors to bring cameras to capture spiritual orbs on camera.
