Exploring Cassadaga, Florida, the ‘psychic capital of the world’
Cassadaga, Florida, is said to be a tranquil haven full of spirits and fairies — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Vacations that enhance health and wellness are becoming more popular, as travelers seek authentic, transformative experiences. An offshoot of this trend is spiritual travel, where individuals seek personal growth, self-discovery, and a connection with the divine. Many believe one such opportunity is less than an hour from Orlando in Central Florida.
Welcome to Cassadaga, a town that has provided residents and travelers a spiritual sanctuary for more than 100 years. If you’ve never heard of this peaceful hideaway, prepare to be enchanted by this unusual community touted as the “Psychic Capital of the World.” This Florida town offers a unique opportunity for spiritual guidance and exploration, where reality blurs with the mystical.
What is Cassadaga?
The streets of Cassadaga are lined with Victorian-era houses — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Cassadaga is a quaint unincorporated community in Volusia County, Florida, and home to the nonprofit Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association. The association owns a 57-acre area with serene parks, shaded lanes, Victorian-era homes, and historic gathering places. Those who call Cassadaga home are followers of spiritualism, a belief system centered in the spiritual realm and the ability to communicate with spirits.
The main draw for visitors to Cassadaga are the many local residents who are certified spiritual mediums and healers. Cassadaga attracts an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year who seek spiritual experiences and alternative healing practices.
How old is Cassadaga?
Seneca Park is named after the spirit guide of George Colby, founder of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
George P. Colby, a self-proclaimed trance medium from New York, is said to have been led to Florida by a spirit guide named Seneca. In 1895, Colby deeded some of his Florida land to associates in Lily Dale, New York, who wanted to establish a Winter Spiritualist Camp in Florida. The new community soon gained recognition as a center for spiritualism; it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to do in Cassadaga
Whether you seek answers, inspiration, or simply a taste of the mystical, Cassadaga invites you to step beyond the veil. Come for the mediums; stay for the enchantment. Here are five things to do in Cassadaga to ensure a vacation to remember.
Visit the bookstore and welcome center
Begin your visit to Cassadaga at the welcome center — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
A visit to the Cassadaga Welcome Center and bookstore should be your first stop. Here, you can gain insights into spiritualism and Cassadaga’s history and learn about upcoming events and activities. The bookstore offers a diverse selection of books, crystals, and keepsakes or sale.
Book an appointment with a medium or healer
Cassadaga resident Richard Russell provides spiritual healing for clients — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Most visitors to Cassadaga are interested in booking an appointment with a certified spiritual medium or healer. Certification is said to be a long and rigorous process, requiring 400 hours of classroom and experiential training and written testimonials from clients to provide evidence of the person’s spiritual gifts.
You can make appointments at the Welcome Center or book online ahead of time. You’re encouraged to use your intuition to choose a medium.
One such medium is Richard Russell, who has served over 7,000 clients in the 20-plus years since he arrived in Cassadaga, burnt out from a career in New York real estate. Both a certified healer and medium, Russell offers spiritual counseling. He says he guides people to connect with spirit and contact loved ones on the other side of life.
Take a tour
Cassadaga’s charming Victorian Era homes are a tour highlight — Photo courtesy of Stanley45 / E+
Offered every Friday and Saturday, historic tours showcase Cassadaga’s Victorian-era charm and delve into its unique and mysterious past. You can explore the historical homes of present-day mediums and learn about ongoing spiritual activity. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into spiritualism and allows visitors to experience the uplifting energy that permeates Cassadaga.
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Evening tours are more adventurous. Tour guides walk you through the community to discover energy “hot spots,” where you might encounter spirit manifestations. Remember to bring a digital camera, which some believe is the best type of camera for capturing images of energy orbs and other spiritual manifestations.
Enjoy a walk through the community
The Fairy Trail in Cassadaga features tiny fairy houses tucked among the trees and mementos donated by residents — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Whether or not you take a tour, save time to stroll through the shady lanes of this picturesque community. Green spaces with seating sprinkled throughout create a perfect setting for reflection and meditation. One of the most magical outdoor spaces is the Cassadaga Fairy Trail in Horseshoe Park, where you can follow trails dotted with tiny fairy homes.
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Participate in a service, class, or event
The Colby Memorial Temple is used primarily for church services — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday evening or a Sunday, attend one of the many church services offered. Most sessions include teachings on spiritualism, hands-on healings, meditations, and spirit messages.
Seminars and workshops on various spiritual topics, featuring local teachers and visiting presenters, are hosted regularly. In addition, every three months, the community presents Gala Days, where you can partake in mini readings and lectures and browse vendors selling jewelry, crystals, crafts, and food.
Cassadaga hotels and lodging
Guests can step back in time with a stay at Hotel Cassadaga — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Cassadaga makes for a perfect day trip from Orlando, but with so much to do, it’s worth staying overnight. Several lodging options exist, including Hotel Cassadaga, a historic gem where spirits are said to linger. The hotel also features the Sinatra Restaurant, which offers tasty Italian fare. While the camp previously owned Hotel Cassadaga, it’s now privately run.
You’ll also find charming bed and breakfast accommodations nearby. The fully restored Victorian-era Ann Stevens House offers 10 beautiful guest rooms a few blocks from the camp. Cabin-on-the-Lake, located on the shore of nearby Lake Helen, offers a rustic cabin experience with three guest rooms.
