(previously adventures in paradise)
SPOOKY PARADISE
Boo-tiful fun this season, from Silent Slayer Ghost Tours of Tampa Bay to the Haunted Clearwater Trolley Tour (Dunedin, Clearwater), Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream to Creatures of the Night at Zoo Tampa. Don’t miss freeFall Sings I Put A Spell On You 10/28 concert. My fave? The SPIRITS of St. Petersburg and B. Stark Art Studios presents the Perfectly Proper Pop-Up Paranormal Museum featuring works by local artists depicting locations linked to supernatural activity around the Tampa Bay area. In conjunction with the art, the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg are providing short QR links that lead to videos, articles, and artist interviews discussing lore and legends on each location as well as information about ghost hunting. Buy their books, Supernatural Saint Petersburg and Paranormal Pinellas as well as tarot cards from the Tarot Project, featuring 78 works by Florida artists. FYI: B. Stark Art Studio, #208, ArtLofts @ Florida Craftart. The studio is open for Second Saturday Art Walks, Sat. 12-4, and by appointment.
Brandy Stark is the founder of the SPIRITS of St Petersburg, a paranormalist with 25 years of academic and investigative research, and a local artist known for her wire works. The public is welcome to bring in images, video, or audio clips that may contain supernatural captures for review and talk with Stark. In conjunction with Paradise Tours, Stark also offers Ghost Tours for groups of 8-14, there is a 90-minute bus tour available for $35 per person, with a $5 discount offered for those who pay prior to the tour. There is a walking tour for groups of 2-7 for $20 per person. 727-417-8036
Want an out-of-this world haunted stay? The ghost at the Horton Grand Hotel in San Diego’s can be glimpsed in the armoire mirror. Or the Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala claims to be the most haunted bed and breakfast inn Florida. Guests and
employees report seeing several ghosts with some regularity. It’s said to be haunted by the original owners, Emma and Ben Rheinaur, along with their three children, a flirtatious spirit named George, and a small figure that steals shoes. (Ghost Hunters has even featured this one on their TV show!)
AHOY MATEYS
Throw on your best boating shoes and head over to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show taking place Oct. 26-30 to celebrate 63 years of the high-end trade show. As the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of inland waterways making it the perfect destination to showcase the best of the best in the boating industry. At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, guests can awe in the latest technologies and models of boats and yachts of all sizes as well as browse the newest marine products and accessories. The Bahia Mar Yachting Center is home to the Windward VIP Club where you can enjoy premium open bars, gourmet food, fresh stone crab claws, calamari, oysters and more. Or check out the Gosling world-famous floating cocktail barge. www.flibs.com/en/home.html
FANTASY FEST
This 10-day Key West celebration kicks off 10/21 and features exotic outfits, bare-all costumes, parades, pool parties, body painting, karaoke and more. The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is just steps from lively Duval Street and Mallory Square, the heart of Fantasy Fest. Hotel guests can partake in the Red Elvises Pool Party 10/28 with Igor & Red Elvises bringing the funk. Unwind poolside 10/30 with Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz. www.fantasyfest.com
