Florida is well known for its idyllic weather and world-renowned attractions, but this state also carries with it some darker realities.
Ting says Orlando is full of haunted spots, particularly along Church Street in Downtown. She specifically mentions Harry Buffalo’s where an unseen ghost may be present.
1. Castillo de San Marcos
Built in 1672 and modified repeatedly over the centuries, this distinctive landmark has seen its fair share of history. Built of coquina – an exotic form of limestone – the fort housed hundreds of Native American prisoners as well as European soldiers during its history. Furthermore, many believe the fort to be haunted by supernatural entities such as shadow people or strange lights/sounds/etc.
Visitors to the fort have reported smelling strong perfume and feeling as though they are being watched. Some claim to have heard footsteps outside and experienced an uneasiness as they explore. Others even claim seeing an apparition walking near its walls during what is believed to have been caused by War of Jenkins’ Ear, an event leading to Spain ceding Florida to England.
2. Ashley’s – Rockledge
At 1609 Rockledge Boulevard in Berkeley Heights lies this eatery and bar which has become nationally renowned among foodies and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Built in 1934 as Jack’s Tavern, its original name later changed when regular Ethel Allen was murdered nearby the premises a year later.
Ethel and other ghostly sightings at Ashley’s make this Space Coast location known for its haunted legend, drawing many visitors. Spooks at Ashley’s include lights or dishes moving on their own, burglar alarms going off spontaneously, voices being heard after hours and cold spots; along with feeling as if being watched.
Ashley’s Restaurant provides delicious meals paired with supernatural touches in Florida’s dark side. Visit Ashley’s and experience Florida at its most macabre!
3. Villa Paula
There are certainly haunted spots throughout a state as unruly as North Carolina that hold many stories to tell, including Gerard John Schaefer’s home where many of his crimes took place, or Oak Hammock Park where there is a tree known as Devil’s Tree that many consider haunted.
Villa Paula, once an estate that became an apartment complex in the 1980s, experienced odd occurrences from residents when it first opened as an apartment complex. These included lights turning on and off at odd moments in hallways as well as footsteps heard down hallways; then soon came sightings and noises which eventually subsided after attending a seance in 1979, which allowed Cliff Ensor to sell this unique mansion without fear. New owners soon reported hearing slamming doors, objects moving independently, hearing footsteps walking down back stone pathways… even hearing footsteps walking down stone walkways!
4. Cruger-dePeyster Plantation
Established on a Timucuan Indian Tribe burial ground, this haunted Florida location has long been associated with mysterious objects moving without reason, orbs appearing in photos and feelings of great fear among visitors. Many visitors have also reported witnessing ghostly figures at this haunted spot in Florida.
Kingsley Plantation may be haunted due to its long and dark legacy of slavery; originally comprising 32 slave cabins – each potentially holding on to spirits of people enslaved there at some time in their history.
Robert the Doll of Key West has become one of the most haunted items in Florida due to multiple reports and accounts of paranormal activity surrounding it.
5. Bellamy Bridge
Deep in Florida’s panhandle lies an ancient monument that tells tales of love and loss: Bellamy Bridge over Chipola River is widely considered one of Florida’s most haunted spots.
Ghost storys surrounding Elizabeth Jane Croom Bellamy, a young bride who died after contracting yellow fever in the 1830s is said to haunt the area and is said to roam Bellamy Bridge on foggy nights looking for her husband.
Bellamy Bridge Historical Society offers haunted tours to discover this historic bridge and its heritage trail, and spot any sightings of mournful spirits floating through swamp waters as mere tricks of light or the product of overactive imaginations, but those who have felt her presence or seen glimpses of her spectral form swear it’s real.
