They arrive daily, sometimes by bus. They are the comfort-seeking, paranormal enthusiasts, and the curious. They are tourists and they come to consult one of the more than 100 mediums, psychics and healers. Where they go is Cassadaga, Florida, home to the South Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, the oldest active religious community in the southeastern United States.
Cassadaga, known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” is one of those quaint little towns in central Florida that you’d probably drive somewhere else without hardly looking. But, choose to stop, and it will send you back to a time in American history when spiritism and mediumship were considered as American as apple pie.
The city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and thus provides this step back in history. It’s full of residents who don’t look much different to you or me, but claim to have the gift. Most of the residents of Cassadaga are trained mediums, spiritists, and healers who share their gift with seekers and visitors alike. But the truth is, there really isn’t anything that creepy about Cassadaga.
Story:
Cassadaga was founded in 1894 by spiritists George P. Colby. He was a native New Yorker who traveled the country sharing his gift, delivering readings, and mesmerizing people with his séances. At one point in her travels, Colby met a Native American spirit guide named Seneca who directed her to travel to Florida and establish a spiritual center. Colby ended up in the Central Florida desert and founded the camp.
Colby originally only purchased 35 acres for the camp, but over the years it has grown to more than 57 acres of land. In the early days, Cassadaga appealed to the wealthy and well-educated looking for answers and reassurance for the future. The novelty has worn off, and over the years the city has become a mix of tarot card readers, numerologists, and New Age psychic healers, living alongside spiritual traditionalists who view their practice more as one. religion than anything else. .
But regardless of the division between the residents of this small town, the atmosphere is definitely unique and worth a visit. If nothing else to say you’ve been there.
How to get there:
The camp is located just off I-4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach. It’s about 30-45 minutes from the main attractions, and very modest from the highway, so keep an eye out as you get closer.
According to folklore, the city is in an energy vortex where the material and spiritual worlds meet. It is part of the reason why thousands of people visit this area each year.
To do:
The main reason for coming to Cassadaga is to achieve a certain level of enlightenment, whatever that means to you. There are many ways to do this and they won’t cost you that much either. One-on-one appointments with psychics or healers can come at a pretty hefty bill, but the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Church, the group that keeps the city’s history alive, runs daily classes, workshops, and seminars that are open to everyone.
Special events such as evening spiritual encounter photo tours, healing classes, Reiki healing circles, Sunday church services, and more are also held at various times of the week. You can also take a historical tour of Cassadaga which takes place at 2:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday every week.
The Camp’s certified media readings are intended to give you an insight into your life or perhaps allow you to communicate with the dear departed. Just remember, there are no guarantees when it comes to the supernatural, but sometimes peace of mind is all we need.
Where to stay:
Unsurprisingly, Cassadaga is home to only one hotel, the Cassadaga Hotel, and according to the hotel’s website, it’s haunted. Whether this is true or not is up for debate, but whether it makes you feel better, spirits are supposedly “friendly.”
Visitors to the Hotel Cassadaga are immediately transported back in time. 1920s era decor is deliberate and pronounced throughout. A wraparound porch with wicker chairs greets guests, while mahogany sofas and accents grace the lobby. The amenities are basic, so don’t expect anything fancy. But, anyway, this is not the type of place you go to relax by the pool. In fact, the Hotel Cassadaga doesn’t even have a pool. Rather, guests of the Cassadaga can make appointments with any of the in-house healers or psychics at the hotel’s Psychic Center, which is located on the premises.
Appointments start at $ 70 for half an hour. Healing and wellness services are also available to guests and visitors.
Rooms at the Hotel Cassadaga start at around $ 65 a night, but rates vary by day and time of year. The hotel also has a very strict age policy. Whether you’re heading to Cassadaga for real answers or just watching the show, they take their practice very seriously and don’t rent rooms to guests under the age of 21. And while they won’t stop you from bringing your kids with you, they don’t recommend it. There are no kid-friendly areas in Cassadaga, and that’s it.
Staying at nearby Lake Helen is also an option if the Spiritualists are overwhelming. There are two nearby bed & breakfasts: The Ann Stevens House, a few blocks from downtown Cassadaga, and Cabin On The Lake, two miles from town.
Where to eat:
Food is also limited at Cassadaga. The Laldila de Sinatra Restaurant is the main restaurant located within the Cassadaga Hotel. Although the reviews are mixed, most agree that the wine is excellent. American cuisine is served daily. There is a cafe next to the restaurant.
If you’re looking for more variety, the town of Lake Helen is about a five-minute drive from the campground and is home to a pizzeria, ice cream parlor, and barbecue restaurant.
