Florida is usually associated with sun and fun. Beaches, theme parks, beautiful weather. You know - Paradise.

What many people don't realize is that Florida, or at least parts of it, have a reputation for being a little on the ghostly side. Where are these spirited (so to speak) places? Let's take a look at where you can have a spook-tacular time.

Key West

Most people don't realize that the city immortalized as "Margaritaville" has its roots in salvage and even (dare I say it) piracy. Some residents swear that spirits are indeed restless in certain parts of the city. After dark, you can take a walking tour of Key West and hear tales such as a German count who dug up the body of his one true love. If that wasn't bad enough, he is said to have serenaded her for seven years! And let's not forget the haunted doll (no, his name is not Chucky) who is said to be possessed by an evil spirit. What other stories await? You'll just have to take the ghost tour and find out.

Grayton Beach

There is a little place called Camp Helen near Florida's Grayton Beach State Park that is said to have a spirit named Rachel wandering about. Rachel was the young daughter of the camp caretakers, and Rachel loved swimming in the nearby lake. Unfortunately, one day she drowned, and is now said to be wandering

St. Augustine

Ghost walks also abound in Florida's (and indeed, the nation's) oldest city. Tales of slaves, murder and restless spirits haunt this city, making it the number one ghostly attraction (so to speak) in Florida. Take a walking tour after dark and visit places like the old City Jail, where the activity is most apparent, so I am told. Many say the hairs on the back of their neck rose while on the ghost walk.

Do You Believe?

I believe that the ghost tours are a good time, and a chance to stretch your legs. Visit parts of the cities you might not have ventured into. Enjoy the stories and legends from the past. Do I believe in the ghosts? Let's just say that I've heard at least one ghostly tale that I laughed so hard at that I cried. Why? Because I know some of the people (as in elderly family members) who would have had to have been involved if there were any apparitions. (Whoever came up with the tale probably figured that people who would have been involved were already ghosts.)

So while I don't believe in the ghosts themselves, I do believe that a hauntingly good time can be had by all.

Gail Nettles is a Florida native who enjoys introducing the Sunshine State to visitors. She also publishes the websites http://www.great-florida-vacations.com and http://www.your-florida-keys-vacation.com.

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