On this pre-Halloween weekend, there is a lot going on in St. Petersburg for those with a taste for getting spooked. Here is the Crow’s Nest paper-tour-guide of things to do and places to sight-see.
Haunted spots
The Vinoy Hotel – The Vinoy has been around since 1926 and is supposedly haunted by a whole host of ghosts, including invisible musicians and a woman in a white dress on the fifth floor. There is even one room that guests are not permitted to stay in because of reported activity.
Jannus Live (formerly Jannus Landing) – A deceased security guard supposedly still keeps watch over the venue. Get too overheated or tired during a show, and he’ll walk you out into the fresh air. But turn your back on him for a moment and he’s gone!
The Skyway Bridge – Numerous suicides and the Skyway tragedy of 1980 (34 people died) have made this bridge a supposed hot spot for paranormal activity. Stories range from a hitchhiking ghost girl to a phantom bus that reenacts going over the side.
Old Northeast – No official reports on this one, but just take a walk through this neighborhood at night and you’ll get the heebie jeebies. We spotted five black cats, and some cool Halloween decorations.
Nelson Poynter Library – Rumor has it that the ghost of Nelson Poynter himself still likes to take an occasional ride between the floors of his namesake building. It also serves as a good excuse when the elevator is acting up. Tests here by SPIRITS of St. Petersburg, a paranormal research group, didn’t find any conclusive evidence of a haunting.
Haslam’s Bookstore – As if books aren’t creepy enough, this store is supposedly haunted by the ghost of beatnik Jack Kerouac. His books mysteriously move from bottom shelves to eye-level ones overnight, and employees have also reported floating books.
Detroit Hotel – The Detroit is probably one of the most famous purportedly haunted places in St. Petersburg. The story goes that the former owner was in love with a sea captain, but when he betrayed her on his travels she boarded up his picture and left town. Now a woman in a red dress will sometimes appear and disappear before guests at the bar in the lobby.
The Williams House – This other on-campus location is supposedly haunted by Sarah Williams, wife to original owner John C. Williams. Rumor has it that she continues the dance recitals she had while she was alive, and moves things off of people’s desks overnight.
Attractions
Ale and the Witch Third annual Pumpkinfest – The Witch will offer more than 10 pumpkin beers for your taste bud bliss. If you bring a carved pumpkin between 5 and 8 p.m., you will receive a $10 gift card. All of the jack-o-lanterns will be illuminated at 8 and placed around the courtyard. There will be live music from 3 p.m. to midnight. (111 Second Ave. NE, Saturday, Oct. 26)
Hellview Cemetery Haunted House – This free attraction has been run by local horror enthusiast Mark Muncy since 1996. This year’s theme is “Hell Hath No Fury,” and it’s filled with scary ladies. (510 49 Ave. N., Oct. 25-27 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m.)
The Radley Haunted House – St. Petersburg resident Cody Meacham is weaving an elaborate story about the fictional, cursed Radley family, which centers around a haunted house in his parents’ front yard every October. The tale enters its sixth chapter this year, and it keeps getting weirder.
Dark Arts: Creep St. Pete Local – A fundraising event put on by Keep St. Pete Local that will feature the work of over 60 artists and live performance art pieces. Costumes are encouraged and food trucks will be present. (Station Numberthree, 2701 5th Ave. S., Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., $10 entry.)
Blow your own glass pumpkin – Any day now through Nov. 8 at the Morean Arts Center you can pay $75 to work with a master blower and create a pumpkin or paperweight. If you just want to watch some glass blowing, check out GLASStoberfest on Saturday at 7 p.m. Beverages will be provided by The Ale and the Witch. (719 Central Ave, glass blowing package available through Nov. 8)
