Post by Graveyardbride on Oct 15, 2013 12:53:14 GMT -5
Ghost Tours and Haunted Happenings Feed Seasonal Interest in the Supernatural
At the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, some say a ghost named Emily (above) appears at the painting “In Flanders Fields” from time to time. Legend has it that the Emily's spirit goes to the painting because she is still waiting for a soldier to come back from World War II.
Ghost stories like that of Emily and other historic legends are the focus of the Ghost Tour of Ocean City, organized by Eileen Reeser. Her family business also runs tours in Philadelphia and Lancaster, Penn. In Ocean City, the guided walking tour is lit by candles and takes participants through the downtown area while they listen to stories like Emily’s. Reeser said ghost legends are usually tied to the history of buildings such as the Flanders and City Hall. “That’s what fun about it; you look in the past and see who or what could it be,” Reeser said. “It’s a puzzle.”
Ocean City isn’t the only shore town in Cape May County hosting tours focused on the paranormal this time of year. In Cape May, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities is hosting a variety of creepy events throughout the month. One of MAC’s tours is Phantoms of the Physick Estate, which runs 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26, with family friendly afternoon tours offered 1-4 p.m. both Saturdays.
Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tours and Walks with the Ghost Writer are held at various times throughout the month featuring author and ghost hunter Craig McManus, who will share the results of his paranormal investigations in Cape May. Other spine-tingling events include the Tales of Terror Trolley Ride weekends in October, Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26, and Midnight at the Physick Estate Friday, Oct. 25. For details see Fall fun and ghostly happenings in Cape May or call 609-884-5404. Tickets can be ordered in advance at capemaymac.org.
Reeser started Ghost Tour in 1995 in Pennsylvania and expanded to Ocean City in 2002. She said she was surprised at how popular ghostly events such as hers have become. “They just took off. Everyone seemed to want to hear ghost stories,” she said. “It surprised us that the tours have been going this long.” Ocean City was the ideal shore town because of its interesting history, Reeser added. She pointed to its founding as a Christian resort, quite unlike Atlantic City. “It is a unique history on the south side of the Jersey Shore,” she said. “It’s family orientated, which we thought was a good match.” While the ghost stories are creepy, according to Reeser, they are appropriate for children. It’s not surprising that as Halloween nears, more visitors and locals look for something creepy to do. Reeser said that while the tours are offered during the summer, interest peaks in the fall. “Tours start to become more popular around Halloween,” she added.
The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is led by local guides at 8 p.m. every Saturday up to and including Halloween. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up and $10 for ages 4-12 and must be purchased in advance.
Reeser isn’t sure why the supernatural seems to have such appeal. “I think part of it has to be that people hope there is something more to this life,” she concluded. “But your guess is as good as mine.”
Source: Christie Rotondo, Shore News Today, October 11, 2013.