The list includes theaters, restaurants, bars, cemeteries, a submarine, a train and couple of castles. In the spirit of the season, here’s a guide. Not a believer? Many offer tours so you can see for yourself. (Published 2018)
Those in charge of Fairport Harbor Lighthouse aren’t keeping it a secret that it’s supposedly haunted. It’s right there on their website: “The Ghost Cat Story.” The four-legged ghostly feline even has a name, Sentinel. Legend says that in 1871, Capt. Joseph Babcock was the head keeper of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. He gave his bedridden wife many cats. Most disappeared when she died, except for the gray Sentinel.
Many say he’s still there today, including the Animal Planet channel, which visited in 2010. The lighthouse is open to the public; call 440-354-4825 to arrange a tour or paranormal visit.Vermilion: Though most historians agree that Gore Orphanage never actually existed, that hasn’t stopped the stories from swirling around this hilly road in Lorain County — no doubt in large part thanks to its creepy name.
Pictured: A stone pillar in the woods of a Lorain Co. Metro Park in Brownhelm Twp. marks the approximate location of the former Swift mansion.1234 Bolivar Road: Built in 1893, this imposing sandstone castle has seen its fair share of hauntings, according to those who have spent time there. The out-of-this-world residents include the dancing Lady in White, who may have been a regular when this was a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Chuck Gove says the ghosts also include a construction worker who died in the building and a former caretaker, whose cherry-vanilla pipe smoke can still be smelled on occasion.8615 Euclid Ave.: One of only four Millionaires’ Row mansions still standing, the Drury Mansion was one of the last built, in 1910. Francis Drury, who made his fortune in stoves, and his family didn’t stay long — heading to Gates Mills by 1926, where they built a replica of the 52-room home.
792 Mentor Ave., Painesville: One of the most oft-told ghost stories in town must be that of this 1812-built country inn, the subject of many TV shows, ghost hunts and more. It’s said the inn is haunted by Suzanne, the “ugliest woman in Painesville,” whom Joseph Rider married for her money in 1834. She died mysteriously six weeks after her marriage, the story goes, but has never really left the building.2035 East Fourth St.: It would be surprising if this historic spot wasn't haunted.