Many tourists flock to Florida to enjoy the warm temperatures and see the sights, but the state is also filled with plenty of ghost tales and paranormal activity ”“ many of which have led to a handful of popular tours in the region. In this article, you will encounter some of the haunted locations in Florida, such as haunted stories associated with Saint Petersburgh.
St. Petersburg Haunts
Following the publication of a book titled, ‘Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg’ by Tim Reeser ”“ a ghost tour was created when people started to show interest on the local topic. The Ghost Tour of St. Petersburg brings visitors closer to some of the tales mentioned in Reeser’s book. Some of the haunted places in the city that one may encounter during the tour include:
Jannus Landing Courtyard ”“ Known as a popular outdoor concert venue, the Jannus Landing Courtyard is thought haunted by a phantom that supposedly dates back to the 1980s. Interestingly, on one of the ghost tours, a family approached the group and mentioned that they believed the ghost haunting the courtyard was their son.
1888 Detroit Hotel ”“ You’d think that a hotel named Detroit would be found in Michigan, but this particular establishment is right in St. Petersburg. The tale associated with this old hotel starts with the discovery of an unidentified portrait that the owners found in the attic. Some think that the photo is of a former mayor of the city. Just like the movies, there are claims that the eyes in the portrait follows people around. The tour guides mention that the portrait is quite fond of the ladies.
The Renaissance Vinoy Hotel & Golf Club ”“ The hauntings at the hotel had been felt by others, but it wasn’t until a visiting baseball player named Scott Williamson told news reporters in 2003 that he felt a ghost on the fifth floor of the hotel. It is believed that the tower on the fifth floor plays a role in the paranormal activity and that the site is the haunting grounds of a ‘lady in white.’
Touring the Haunted Sites
Ghost tours of St. Petersburg, Florida haunted places take place at 8 p.m. on a nightly basis. Participants will follow a costumed guide who will journey throughout the historic streets of St. Pete. Tickets cost $15 per person, while children ages 4 to 12 only pay $10. The tours depart from
Hooker Tea Co. & Café located on 300 Beach Dr. NE. The tour typically lasts somewhere between 75 and 90 minutes.
To learn more about some of the sites you might want to add to your list of must-see attraction in St. Pete, read the article titled, ‘Haunted Sites in St. Petersburg, Florida’ for more ideas.