GO BAck
Haunted South Florida
Meeting Up With... is based out of Miami so MUW went on a mission to find out if the city was haunted and we could not believe what we discovered. Our first and most obvious place to turn was to Sandy from Ghost Tours Miami & Tropical History Tours. Tis the season when tourists and locals alike demand the most of her attention but was able to take a few minutes out of her hectic schedule to give us the inside scoop of Ghosts in Miami!
Sandy has been an Arts in Education Storyteller for many years. She has taught theatre classes at the Coconut Grove Playhouse where she says she worked with the most talented, smartest, best kids in South Florida. Prior to working with a tour guide for Ghost Tours Miami & Tropical Tour she worked as a tour guide at the Original Key West Ghost Tour. Working in the ghost industry sticked and you can tell when speaking to her on the phone that she loves her job.
The folks who come out for The Miami Ghost Tours are smart, interesting and
filled with curiosity and adventure. They are terrific, she told MUW.
MUW: What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you?
S: The 'living' have caused the scariest experiences in my life. Most of the spirits that surround us are our own angels, guardians, and caring family. Those spirits and loving souls are here to guide, teach and protect us.
MUW: Have you or anyone else ever seen an actual ghost on
one of your tours? Anything scary happen?
S: Yes we have seen ghosts. Some of them even manifest in appearance that is much like living beings. We have captured some of their mages on film, as well as other beings that do not resemble humans. We encounter energy masses, orbs, and things that have no familiar reference. The unknown can be scary.
My guests have been touched by things unseen, and have seen and felt things we can not explain. Of course, that can be chilling.
MUW: What interests you the most about ghosts?
My guests have the courage of all great explorers, the imagination of artists.
It is adventurous, exciting, and intelligent to reach beyond what we can easily grasp.
MUW: Is there a place thats most haunted in the Grove? If so what is it?
S: Some of the most haunted areas are not open to the public. The Tour has access to a section of an ancient path. In that location we often experience extraordinary encounters.
The Mutiny Hotel is another incredible place. Beautiful and serene now, their history is notorious! The hottest spot in the Miami of the last century, gangsters, movie stars, lovers and murderers waited on line for a chance to party at the Mutiny Hotel. Maya Hatcha, a wonderful, interesting shop on Grand Avenue, has a friendly spirit that has haunted the shop for decades. Maya Hatcha is a must see. Even the Book Store in the Grove, in the Mayfair Shops on Grand Avenue, has an Entity that makes itself known from time to time. .and there is so much more.
MUW: What is your favorite Grove ghost story?
S: My favorite story is the one I have not yet been told. I am a bit of an explorer myself.
I am often contacted by folks who have ghosts, unexplained energies and hauntings.
I spend some time in cemeteries and am researching an incredible location in Broward.
MUW: What do you hope tour goers take away from this experience?
S: The tour goers find they are not alone. There is so much in Heaven and Earth. This Miami Ghost Tour reminds us that every family has the same experiences; visits from loving relatives who have crossed over, contact with spirits, encounters spoken of in whispers.
We regain faith in ourselves when we share the ceremony of our experiences.
The Ghost Tour gives a great history and sense of how magical this old city is.
Ponce Deleon was here. Spirits both restless and friendly, pirates, pioneers, gangsters, treasures and mystery, charity, goodness, heroism, murderous intent, true crime, ancient legends and wonderful triumph are all accessible in this seaside village.
MUW: Do people ever tell you of times their personal ghost experiences?
S: The Ghost Tours, here in Coconut Grove, gives us all a chance to share our stories.
Some people want their stories to remain private. I always respect that.
Many people share stories with me and have given their kind permission for me to collect their extraordinary stories and incredible photographs, for a story collection.
That is very exciting.
Our contact information is available for anyone who wants to call or e-mail.
Ghost Tours Miami at 786-236-9979
Ghost Tours of Coconut Grove is on-line at www.ghostgrove.com
We welcome e-mail to spirits_ghostgrove.com
Thanks for your interest in what we love, and for the opportunity to
extend an invitation to walk with us through the haunted Grove.
Wear comfy shoes and bring your single shot cameras. Digital are great.
We do not invite recorders or film cameras, but we have gained a reputation
for spectacular 'ghost light' photos.
Coconut Grove Cemetery --------------------------------------- Rumor has it, Michael Jackson filmed scenes for the 'Thriller' video at the Coconut Grove Cemetery. Scenes of dancing zombies seen in the 1983 video set the eerie mood.
