I can tell you from personal experience that hauntings are very real. And I could tell you some great ghost stories. In all my years of studying the metaphysical and spirit realm, I have come across a lot of proof that there is something "out there". If you want to travel and not just be spooked or walk around in the dark waiting to hear a squeaky door or thud in the night, then plotting out a few local towns of mystery might be just for you.
Taking a staycation is a great way to explore and discover historic places right near you that you may have never heard about. One doesn't have to hop an airplane to England to discover something mysterious. I live in Florida and have taken many a day trip to some fascinating locations that keep the "oo" in Spooky. There's a spiritualist town in Central Florida named Casadega that's known as the "Psychic Capital of the World". St. Augustine is another great haunted city to explore. With their oodles of guided tours and haunts galore. One can not write about oddities and leave out Coral Castle in Homestead or Gibbsonton, which is near Tampa, home to many talented circus side show performers.
I love to travel. I'm the type who will decide to go somewhere and just jump in my car and drive. I like to take the road less traveled by way of the back roads. I'm not shy about talking to the locals and ask for tips and clues to help my stay in town even better. Don't be shy, ask and discover. I believe that in today's world of social networking we've started to lose the joy of actual talking and most importantly, listening. Old Florida towns are rich in history and some bumps i the night. Taking a day trip or weekend getaway in Florida without breaking the bank is easy and fun to do with the mystical in mind. The state has it all from geological phenomenon (rolling up a hill) to house and businesses with documented hauntings.
* Originally published in Pulse Magazine pg 52 November 2012 Issue. Updated Aug 2016