{"id":42582,"date":"2021-12-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-cassadaga-fl\/"},"modified":"2024-01-04T14:22:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T14:22:43","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-cassadaga-fl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-cassadaga-fl\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Cassadaga, FL"},"content":{"rendered":"

Put Cassadaga in Florida as the centerpiece of your holiday trip if you want a vacation with a spiritual flavor to it.<\/p>\n

After all, this small unincorporated town of Volusia County in east-central Florida has earned fame as the “Psychic Capital of the World.”<\/p>\n

Cassadaga began building this reputation in the mid-1890s when it was established as a winter retreat for spiritualists from Lily Dale, NY.<\/p>\n

The town\u2019s founder, George P. Colby, claimed that the Native American spirit guide, Seneca, led him to Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

The name that Colby adopted for the town is a Seneca Indian word meaning “water beneath the rocks.”<\/p>\n

This alone is a hint at the myriad of joys to discover not only in Cassadaga but also in east-central Florida.<\/p>\n

Here are the 15 best things to do in Cassadaga that you can calendar for an extraordinary visit to Florida: <\/p>\n

Walk with Spirits at Horseshoe Park & Fairy Trail<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

JWCohen \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Tackle the short uphill path of Seneca Street from the Colby Memorial Temple to the enchanting Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail.<\/p>\n

Horseshoe Park preserves the lush woodlands of the meandering horseshoe-shaped roadway in the original survey of the Cassadaga community.<\/p>\n

The northern side of the park serves as the whimsical setting of the Fairy Trail under the shadow of thick tree canopies.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

JWCohen \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

This trail is short, looping at just 0.2 miles, but here, you can imagine yourself within the realm of sprites, pixies, gnomes, and other kindred nature spirits.<\/p>\n

Like other past trail visitors, you can hang sparkling and colorful beads on tree limbs as your memento for the place.<\/p>\n

Along the trail, you will have photo-ops in its labyrinth and fairy houses, as well as with the fairy wings strategically placed near the trail\u2019s entrance and exit.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

JWCohen \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Relax at Colby-Alderman Park<\/h2>\n

Access the 146-acre Colby-Alderman Park at 1099 Massachusetts St. for a soothing outdoor experience in Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

This park\u2019s name is honorific of spiritual medium George Colby, founder of the nearby Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, and the Alderman family, donor of the parkland.<\/p>\n

Lake Colby spreads adjacent to this park, providing a scenic backdrop to its lush trees and vegetation.<\/p>\n

The Colby-Alderman Park provides a boat ramp for fishing and boating in the lake.<\/p>\n

In this park, you can follow a 1.5-mile, out-and-back nature trail suited for walking, jogging, or biking.<\/p>\n

The park also offers two pavilions, picnic tables, an outdoor volleyball court, a kids\u2019 playground, and ample parking spaces.<\/p>\n

Visit C. Green\u2019s Haunted History Museum<\/h2>\n

Check out the C. Green\u2019s Haunted History Museum housed in a historic one-story structure at 1079 Stevens Street.<\/p>\n

This museum features more than 2,000 square feet with 25 rooms where you can experience the macabre and paranormal in its collection.<\/p>\n

Family-friendly in concept, it features more than 300 items on display that includes haunted dolls, crystals, Ouija boards, and a 1900s rental casket.<\/p>\n

The museum is open Friday to Saturday, and if you visit the museum early, you can return later with your ticket for the haunted house tour at no added cost.<\/p>\n

Psychic readings are offered in the mini-garden of this museum, where you can also buy crystals and jewelry.<\/p>\n

Fathom Life at Cassadaga Spiritualist Psychic Center<\/h2>\n

Drop by the Cassadaga Spiritualist Psychic Center at 1048 Marion Street for readings on your life journey.<\/p>\n

This center offers the psychic reading services of a brother-and-sister tandem, Chris and Kathy.<\/p>\n

These two are certified mediums for psychic readings, life coaching, tarot cards, and other spiritual services.<\/p>\n

As a full-time international psychic, Chris is not only a holistic life coach but a healer as well, offering one-on-one sessions either in person or by phone.<\/p>\n

His sister, Kathy, is a fourth-generation psychic reader who is also a mystic and can do readings by phone too.<\/p>\n

Explore the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is your logical first stop for an immediate grasp of the town\u2019s psychic character.<\/p>\n

The hub of this camp, which was designated in 1991 as a Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is at 1325 Stevens Street.<\/p>\n

The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp spreads over 53 acres and hosts a 55-home neighborhood where the residents worship at the Colby Memorial Temple.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Visitors are welcome in this camp, and you can seek the apartments or homes of the camp\u2019s residents who offer their services as healers and mediums.<\/p>\n

The camp also holds tours, workshops, and seminars that you can check out at spiritualists\u2019 administrative office at Stevens Street.<\/p>\n

On this same street, you can shop for books on spiritualism and metaphysics as well as other related items at the Andrew Jackson Davis Bookstore & Information Center.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Stay at Cassagada Hotel<\/h2>\n

Book a room at the Cassadaga Hotel that was built in 1922 precisely to accommodate the growing visitors of the Spiritualist Camp.<\/p>\n

This small, 14-room hotel reminiscent of intimate travel accommodations of the 1920s is located at 355 Cassagada Road, just across the spiritual camp\u2019s administrative building.<\/p>\n

This hotel claims that it is haunted but also swears that its resident ghosts are friendly spirits.<\/p>\n

Many Cassagada visitors were said to have taken pictures of spirit energies in and around this offbeat hotel.<\/p>\n

The hotel\u2019s gift shop offers a wide variety of specialty books andsouvenirs, such as candles and sterling silver jewelry.<\/p>\n

For an exquisite dining experience, you can try the Italian dishes of Sinatra’s L’Aldila Restaurant inside the Cassagada Hotel.<\/p>\n

Explore Seneca Park and Medicine Wheel Park<\/h2>\n

Cassadaga features two other parks worth exploring for their spiritual attributes\u2014Seneca Park and Medicine Wheel Park.<\/p>\n

Seneca Park is located at 1099 Marion Street and was developed to celebrate the spirit guide of George Colby, Seneca.<\/p>\n

Embraced by lush trees, this park has a centerpiece gazebo overlooking Spirit Pond, ideal for meditation.<\/p>\n

You can also turn to reflection and meditation at Medicine Wheel Park, which was developed to honor sacred Native American traditions.<\/p>\n

Sitting in an incline near the Fairy Trail, this park is located at 535-501 Lake Street.<\/p>\n

Join the Cassadaga after Dark: Find the Spirits Tour<\/h2>\n

Book a ticket to the Cassadaga after Dark: Find the Spirits Tour typically held each Friday starting from 8:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

This tour\u2019s tickets can be bought at the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp\u2019s bookstore at 1112 Stevens Street.<\/p>\n

During this two-hour tour, the psychic investigators of the camp will guide you on the scientific side of spiritualism.<\/p>\n

In this tour, you will have a nighttime walk-through of the Victorian-era community of Cassadaga and enter two of its spiritual hotspots.<\/p>\n

You will learn how the camp\u2019s psychics probe, analyze, and classify spirit manifestations.<\/p>\n

With your digital camera, you may be able to capture images of these manifestations that can come out as energy orbs for you to fathom later.<\/p>\n

This learning tour about Spiritualism, Mediumship, and Physical Phenomena will take you to rugged terrain, so be sure to dress appropriately.<\/p>\n

Other Things to Do Nearby<\/h2>\n

Get a Sun Tan at Daytona Beach<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Sean Pavone \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Include an excursion to Daytona Beach<\/a> when visiting Cassadaga, as just some 20 miles separate these two amazing Florida destinations.<\/p>\n

Located northeast of Cassadaga, Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of white-sand coastline and plenty of water-based recreational activities.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Sean Pavone \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Your choice in this east Florida coastal attraction includes not only swimming and sunbathing.<\/p>\n

Dubbed as \u201cThe World’s Most Famous Beach,\u201d Daytona Beach is also a haven for surfing, parasailing, and fishing.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Tom Hirtreiter \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Daytona Beach is accessible to visitors for free 24\/7, and parking is allowed in several designated beach areas.<\/p>\n

In addition, you can enjoy a mile-long zone surrounding the Daytona Beach Pier open to pedestrians only.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Sean Pavone \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Shop for Tropical Fish the Daytona Aquarium<\/h2>\n

The Daytona Aquarium is one interesting place to visit coming from Cassadaga, especially if you love keeping and growing exotic tropical fish.<\/p>\n

Only about 17 miles northeast of Cassadaga, the Daytona Aquarium is located at<\/p>\n

3131 West International Speedway Blvd.<\/p>\n

This aquarium boasts 30 years of experience in tropical fish breeding, raising, and selling.<\/p>\n

The Daytona Aquarium\u2019s specialization is cichlids, but it also offers a large variety of freshwater fish.<\/p>\n

On its site, this aquarium maintains more than 30,000 gallons of fresh water in its tanks, all filled with tropical fish in an amazing rainbow of colors.<\/p>\n

Visit the Daytona International Speedway<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Katherine Welles \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Located just 20 miles northeast of Cassadaga, the Daytona International Speedway conducts daily tours of its site at 1801 West International Speedway Blvd.<\/p>\n

In this tour, you will see up-close the behind-the-scenes in one of the world\u2019s centers of car racing.<\/p>\n

All these tours notably include a digital photo package that should preserve more than enough memories of your Daytona experience.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Grindstone Media Group \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

There is also a camping option that allows you to set up your RV or trailer camp somewhere in the 180-acre infield of this famed speedway.<\/p>\n

From your campsite, you can thus relive the heat of the thrilling Daytona races, particularly at the speedway\u2019s famous banked turns curved at 31-degree angles.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Grindstone Media Group \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Visit the Stetson Mansion that Hats Built<\/h2>\n

The Stetson Mansion is located at Northeast Camphor Lane in DeLand<\/a>, about 8 miles to the north of Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

It is often endearingly called \u201cthe house that hats built\u201d because its owner is the famous hat maker John B. Stetson.<\/p>\n

Built in 1886, the Stetson Mansion is reputed as the most historic home in all of Florida and the state\u2019s lone Gilded Age mansion.<\/p>\n

The Stetson Mansion is also considered the grandest and most innovative home ever built in Florida before the 20th century.<\/p>\n

It was the first Florida home with Edison electricity, indoor plumbing, steam heating, and a call bell system.<\/p>\n

The mansion\u2019s opulent details include a parquet wood floor in 16 different mosaic patterns, 10,000 antique glass panes, and various handcrafted wood adornments.<\/p>\n

Wade Deep in History at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Paul Juser \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

The Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is a 10-acre historical site as well as a botanical preserve.<\/p>\n

This point of interest in east-central Florida is located in Orange, 24 miles northeast of Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

The Plantation\u2019s history began even before Florida became a state of the US in 1845.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Paul Juser \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Located near the Halifax River, Dunlawton was one of the big plantations that drove the sugar industry of Florida, then under Spanish jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

During the Second Seminole War of 1836, the Dunlawton Plantation was the scene of ferocious battles that destroyed the mill and eventually crippled Florida\u2019s sugar industry.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Paul Juser \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

The plantation became the site of the Bongoland amusement park, and when this was closed, the restoration of the Dunlawton Sugar Mill ensued.<\/p>\n

Various plant collections in different gardens were integrated with this restoration project which also introduced a master gardener demonstration area.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Paul Juser \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Tour the Reptile Discovery Center<\/h2>\n

Have a unique experience in a tour of the Reptile Discovery Center at the corner of U.S. Highway 92 and Big John Drive in DeLand, 11 miles north of Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

In this facility, you can stroll along its nature trail, where you will see various reptile species, including tortoises, lizards, and alligators, in their enclosures.<\/p>\n

It also features indoor exhibits for various kinds of snakes, like mambas, cobras, and rattlesnakes.<\/p>\n

For a more exciting visit, schedule it either a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday, as on these days, you have a chance to witness live venom extraction at the center.<\/p>\n

The center is also home to the Medtoxin Venom Laboratories, a commercial venom production facility, hence the extraction drills demonstrations for visitors on certain days.<\/p>\n

Explore Blue Springs State Park<\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

U. Gernhoefer \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Blue Springs State Park is located at 2100 West French Avenue, Orange City<\/a>, which is less than 10 miles west of Cassadaga.<\/p>\n

You can enjoy swimming in the 73-degree waters of this park\u2019s spring, the largest on the St. Johns River.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

U. Gernhoefer \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

The park\u2019s waters have been designated as manatee refuge, but swimming with these endangered creatures is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n

The park provides a hiking trail, several picnic areas, and air-conditioned cabins for overnight stays.<\/p>\n

Camping in this park is also an option, and facilities are available for you to enjoy boating and fishing in the St. Johns River.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

A visit to Cassadaga can be full of exciting surprises, given that this town has built a reputation around mysticism.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the strategic location of Cassadaga in east-central Florida enables the town\u2019s visitors to immediately swing to other endearing points of interest in the Sunshine State.<\/p>\n

Keep Cassadaga in mind when planning a holiday break, as the trip will surely be worth it.<\/p>\n

Discover More of Volusia County, FL<\/h3>\n

Things to Do in Ormond Beach, FL<\/a><\/p>\n

Things to Do in DeLand, FL<\/a><\/p>\n

Things to Do in Edgewater, FL<\/a><\/p>\n

Things to Do in DeBary, FL<\/a><\/p>\n

Things to Do in Orange City, FL<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Put Cassadaga in Florida as the centerpiece of your holiday trip if you want a vacation with a spiritual flavor to it. After all, this small unincorporated town of Volusia County in east-central Florida has earned fame as the “Psychic Capital of the World.” Cassadaga began building this reputation in the mid-1890s when it was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":42603,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1548,1307,1314,526,1200,1199,45],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42582"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42582"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42582\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42602,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42582\/revisions\/42602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42582"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42582"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42582"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}