It's spooky season! Miami-Dade and Broward counties are home to their own ghastly myths and legends. There have been many reports across the area of ghosts creaking down hallways, weird smells in buildings, and spirits startling guests and/or employees. Whether you want to ghost hunt or get some fun chills, are some five of the most haunted places between both counties.
Miami City Cemetery
Founded in 1897, this cemetery is one of the oldest landmarks in the city and home to over 9,000 graves. Many important figures in the city's history rest here, such as Miami's first and third mayors and Julia Tuttle, the "Mother of Miami." If the potential spirits aren't getting to you, maybe the reports of animal sacrifices may. Historian Paul George does walking tours in the cemetery every year, and he said he doesn't believe in ghosts. He told the Miami New Times about a man interrupting his tour by putting a carved-out animal heart at the base of a tree; it's called a Santería sacrifice. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. George's cemetery tours will be over Zoom this year. Click here for more information. You can find the historical gravesite at 1800 NE 2nd Ave.
Blue Anchor British Pub
This Delray Beach restaurant's story starts in Great Britain. Founded in 1864, a jealous husband sliced up his wife over 100 years ago in Blue Anchor. The victim's name is Bertha Starkey, and she was stuck with the establishment since as a ghost. So much so, that they say she came with the restaurant when the structure was relocated to Florida. Bertha's footsteps can be heard creaking in the ceiling at night, legends say. CBS Miami said a half-inch thick glass shelf collapsed and shattered on its own during a commemoration of the anniversary of her murder. At least you can grab some fish and chips after you're done ghost hunting. Blue Anchor is located at 804 E Atlantic Ave.
Villa Paula
Villa Paula was constructed in 1926 to be the first Cuban consulate in Miami. It's now a museum in Little Haiti and home to many art galleries and events, but a spirit also calls it home. The tale begins with the first consulae, Domingo Milord, moving into the building with his wife Paula. The consulate's wife died after a leg amputation went awry. There are rumors that you can hear footsteps or even see the spirit of a one-legged woman. You can find Villa Paula at 5811 N Miami Ave.
Biltmore Hotel
Mobsters and gangsters liked to make luxury hotels their hangout spot decades ago when organized crime as at its highest in America. One such individual, Thomas "Fatty" Walsh, met his end over a gambling dispute. He was fatally gunned down in 1929, three years after the hotel was constructed. Now he is rumored to haunt the halls of the Biltmore Hotel. Guests and employees have reported smelling cigar smoke, elevators stopping on the wrong floor and even seeing an image of a dapper gentleman in the mirror. The hotel was also converted to a military hospital during World War II. Some soldiers passed away here, and you may see male spirits wandering the premises in WWII-era uniforms. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables.
Stranahan House
This is the oldest standing building in Broward County. Frank Stranahan, who was Fort Lauderdale's first postmaster, built the House in 1901. Like other structures on this list, it's also run as a museum, but it wasn't always in a good state. The House became destitute following the Florida land boom bust of 1926. Broke along with his investors, Stranahan committed suicide by jumping in a river and drowning himself. The river flowed in front of his home. His wife, Ivy Stranahan, lived in the house until her death in 1971. There have been reports of Frank Stranahan's spirit skulking around soon after his death. Rumors also say you can manifest Frank and Ivy Stranahan's spirits through photographs. If you feel like dropping by the home, it's located on 335 SE Sixth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. It's also a museum.
Luckily, you won't be alone with the spirits since most of these places are either museums or provide tours. With that said, have fun and stay scared!
Photo: Getty Images