Amelia Island Museum of History Ghost Tour

It is the unexplained phenomena that presently "haunt" some of the locations on the tour that may make a believer out of you. Still, whether you believe in paranormal phenomena or not, this is a fun way to learn more about Fernandina Beach's history... and it's good exercise!

A cemetery is a fitting meeting place for a ghost tour. It is dark and quiet and... well, spooky. As we all begin to gather, everyone is whispering. I wonder whether that is out of respect for the dead or that none of us want to stir up any spirits that might be lurking.

We are joining a specially arranged tour for a just-married couple (of one day) and their large wedding party, so my husband and I feel somewhat like wedding crashers.

We meet our guides for the evening, Walter and Nancy, a spry and smiling retired couple and the tour begins. Our first stop is just across from the graveyard — St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Do spirits really inhabit churches? I'm left pondering that as our guides lead us away, down the dark street.

Among other places, we visit the Silk Stocking District. It's not what you think. In its day, it was actually the most affluent part of town — where the ladies could afford silk stockings. Now many of the mansions serve as bed and breakfasts and it is said that guests report unexplained occurences. Other hauntings and apparitions have been reported throughout the historic town where tragic or traumatic events have reportedly taken place.

Whether you believe in paranormal phenomena or not, this is a fun way to learn more about Fernandina Beach's history... and it's good exercise!

Note: I intentionally didn't take notes of details or record the tour. It is the unexpected that makes ghost tours the most fun and I don't want to spoil the intrigue.