Small Central Florida city steeped in mediums, mystics and otherworldly experiences
By Jax Maggie
I’ve all the time been an enormous fan of Madame Leota. You understand the levitating, crystal ball dwelling, blue-haired medium who summons the spirits of the Haunted Mansion on the Magic Kingdom. With phrases like “Rap on a desk it’s time to reply…ship us a message from someplace past,” she’s one kitschy fictional character that I’ve all the time adored. Positive, Leota’s not actual, however there’s a mystical spot about an hour-and-a-half from Jacksonville the place spiritualists, mediums, healers, and so-called aware people dwell. The city of Cassadaga, nestled within the coronary heart of Lake Helen, claims to be the “Psychic Capital of the World” and October, when the religious veil is skinny, is the right time to test it out.
The group, initially established within the late 1800s, is house to a bevy of religious
power, and affords an array of actions to maintain you spellbound. The city is finest skilled at night time. Take the tremendous spooky Spirit Stroll and hear as guides spin tales of the city’s historical past. The air is thick with the promise of a ghostly encounter and religious phenomena. If you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even catch sight of a mysterious fog or an orb within the pictures that you just take. We did on our final go to.
For these seeking to delve deeper into the supernatural, be a part of a séance, have your palm learn, be taught to learn Tarot Playing cards or dive into Tasseography (tea leaf studying). Pondering you could have been Elvis in a former life? There’s a native skilled on previous life regression, too.
The Lodge Cassadaga is the Grande Dame or Scream Queen of the village. The historic lodge serves as a religious sanctuary and affords an enthralling foyer, and cozy rooms. Have dinner at Sinatra’s Ristorante and luxuriate in a spirit or two whereas listening to weekly dwell music. On weekend nights (the primary & third Friday of every month) you’ll benefit from the hauntingly swinging sounds of Sinatra himself—or is it a Sinatra impersonator? Not possible to inform. This household owned restaurant affords an ample number of Italian fare, from arancini topped with marinara sauce to lobster and shrimp fettuccini.
Whether or not you’re in search of religious enlightenment, Halloween thrills, or just an enthralling getaway, Cassadaga conjures up plenty of enjoyable. Oh, and if you happen to occur to e-book a séance with a blue-haired medium named Madame Leota….inform her I stated, “Hello.” u
Search for extra of Jax Maggie’s travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Journal. 