Where to see ghosts in Philly (if you believe in ghosts)
Here's a haunting guide to the Philadelphia area's most ghost-filled spots.
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In a city with enough history as ours, it's easy to think that there might be some spirits hanging around: a Revolutionary soldier decides to linger at a fort, prisoners and patients still occupying old quarters. There's plenty of supposed paranormal activity in Philadelphia, but the question remains: Do you believe?
Ever want to hold a seance at the Pennhurst Asylum? Event organizer Ghost Hunts USA will bring the experts and the gear to the former institution. Using supplied tools, brave hunters can roam the underground tunnels and one of the facility's buildings.
10 p.m. to 7 a.m. select days through Nov. 2, Pennhurst Asylum, 100 Commonwealth Dr., $149, ghosthuntsusa.com/collections/pennhurst-asylum
To start this ghost hunt, a local paranormal society will be investigating haunted happenings in a restaurant basement. From there, participants tour historic houses and buildings along Main Street in Mullica Hill.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Blueplate restaurant, 47 S. Main St., Mullica Hill, harrisonhistorical.com/events
Hear tales from Edgar Allan Poe's time in Philly and learn about the ghosts that haunt Independence Hall. You'll hit up many a historical location, from the Powel House to Carpenters Hall.
Daily in October; Fridays and Saturdays in November, Cosi, 325 Chestnut St. $19; $12.50 under 12. spiritsof76.com
Psychic and ghost-hunting expert Laurie Hull-McCabe leads groups on a spiritual searching expedition through Old City. Paranormal equipment will be provided.
Thursdays in October, Han Dynasty, 123 Chestnut St. $35; $20 under 12. grimphilly.com/tours
Beach season may be over, but Ocean City folklore — like the ghost of the Flanders Hotel — remains. Tour this Shore town's historic district on foot and hear about its haunted past.
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. $15; $10 ages 4-12. ghosttour.com/oceancity
Private Ghost Hunts at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Small groups (between five and 20 people) can work with representatives from Free Spirit Paranormal Investigators to train in the use of ghost-hunting equipment, learn ghost-hunting methods, and explore the grounds of Laurel Hill Cemetery after dark.
Three-hour hunt begins between 7 and 9 p.m Fridays and Saturdays in October, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., $25 per person, thelaurelhillcemetery.org/visit/tour-activities/private-ghost-hunts-with-free-spirit-paranormal-investigators
Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour
Cape May has some spiritual visitors, too. Learn about them on this 30-minute trolley ride led by a psychic medium.
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October. Tours depart from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth or Physick Estate. $12; $8 under 12. capemaymac.org/trolley-tours
With a history dating from the height of the Revolutionary War, Fort Mifflin has seen its share of horrors. Lit by candlelight, visitors can wander the grounds and (possibly) witness the ghosts of past wars.
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, and Oct. 21, Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Rd., $20, $15 under 12. fortmifflin.us/event/candlelight-ghost-tours/
Pair some ghost stories with wine as an expert ghost hunter regales with the history of the grounds where Ridgewood Winery now stands.
3:15 to 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Morlatton Village, 31 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, $23, facebook.com/events/1455426597858933
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Candlelight Walking Tour
Feel the presence of the city's and the country's founders with this candlelight walking tour that takes visitors through the back alleys and graveyards of Independence National Park, Society Hill, and Old City.
7:30 p.m. weeknights through Nov. 30, Fifth and Chestnut Streets. $17; $10 ages 4-12. ghosttour.com/philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary Ghost Hunt
For more than a century, Eastern State was a fully operational penitentiary and it's been rumored that ghosts of prisoners still wander the cell blocks. The private group Ghost Hunts USA will stage its own nighttime jaunt to see what kinds of energy awaits. Participants will have access to ghost-hunting equipment and areas of the prison that are usually closed off to the public.
7:45 p.m. Nov. 17, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., $149, ghosthuntsusa.com/collections/eastern-state-penitentiary