Apparently, some people are into freaking themselves out.

I’ve never understood that.  I am the world’s biggest baby.  In fact, the one and only thing my husband doesn’t let me do is watch scary movies.  He claims that being sent off into a dark house to look for burglars and axe murderers at 2 in the morning is not cool.  (Actually, he says it is “freaking ridiculous, Britt!  Again?  Seriously?!  Go to sleep!”  And he doesn’t say freaking.)

But my job here at the UpTake vacation blog is to give the people what they want.  And my editor says the people want to know where to go to have the poop scared out of them!

It seems that Florida offers no shortage of scary, haunted places.  I wish someone would have told me that before I moved here.

St. Augustine – the whole damn town, apparently

Spooky St Augustine Lighthouse

Spend your Friday the 13th (and there are two coming up in February and March) on one of St. Augustine’s famed ghost tours.

This city along the northeastern coast of Florida is the oldest city in the United States.  I guess if a place has been around that long it is just inevitable it will be filled with ghosts.  Known to those of us who don’t seek out scary things for its world class golf and beautiful lighthouses, St. Augustine offers several places that are notorious for haunting.  Locations claiming to house spirits and spooks include houses, parks and even an old jail! *shudder*

Picture by Ukine – because like I would ever go near a haunted lighthouse!

Cassadaga – the town of gypsies and mystics!

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Cassadaga is located smack dab between Daytona Beach and Orlando, just off of I-4.  There are no hotels in town, and it’s not even a town really.  But it’s a must see pit stop on your way to and from anywhere – especially if you’re intrigued by the paranormal.

Cassadaga is a gypsie camp (or Spiritual Camp as some of the inhabitants call it).  The streets are lined with signs for fortune tellers, palm readers and spiritual readings.  Legend has it that this is the place to go if you want to convene with a loved one that has passed away.

OK, that’s all I can say about Cassadaga. I live entirely too close to this place to keep going on and on about ghosts and spooks and mystics and some kind of spiritual vortex that could be hovering right over my house.

Picture by Ebyabe, because again – no freaking way.

Cedar Key – where all the hotels are haunted!

Old Fenimore Mill at Cedar Key

If being on land with ghosts and invisible dead things isn’t scary enough for you, venture out to the island of Cedar Key!  I don’t know what says “horror movie waiting to happen” like 360 degrees of water and a nearly abandonned old town rumored to be swarming with spirits.

Of course, you’re not really a tough guy unless you’re willing to sleep with the ghosts.  According to legend, a former owner of the Cedar Key Island Hotel & Restaurant was murdered on the property – and that’s just one of the spirits that hangs around!

Picture of the haunted mill on the haunted island by fuzzcat, also known as someone who is not me

Seven Sisters Inn – Ocala, Florida

oooh - The Seven Sisters Inn!

I mentioned this Inn previously as a potential Orlando Valentine’s Day destination for anyone but me, but I would be remiss not to include it here as well.  Unfortunately, you might find it difficult to get a room (anywhere) for Valentine’s Day.  Not to worry – you can creep you and your loved one out on February 13th or March 13th and have an officially too scary for me Friday the 13th!

Seven Sisters is reportedly “the most haunted inn in Florida”, although a friend of mine recently spent a weekend and insisted he saw nothing out of the ordinary.  Of course, when he said it he sounded disappointed so he is clearly crazy and not to be trusted.  I think the rumors alone would be enough to keep me up all night.

Picture of the scary bathroom in the haunted bed and breakfast taken by the crazy person who went there specifically to ghost hunt.  Or, Avitable.

And there you have it.  Four of the creepiest places in Florida where you can willingly attempt to have someone or something scare the bejeezus out of you.

Now, which one of you wants to explain to my husband why I’m going to be waking him up in the middle of the night tonight?

Poor bastard has no clue what he is in for

(Now that picture I took.)

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year (February 14th for those of you living under an anti-Hallmark rock).  I believe that is a sign that the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift must be a romantic weekend away.

And where better to get away in February than the Sunshine State of Florida?

Of course, Florida is a big state, teeming with romantic beaches, secluded Bed N’ Breakfasts and luxurious spas that would make a perfect setting for any romantic surprise.  In the interest of making your life easier (and putting my favorite ideas in writing for my own husband), I’ve narrowed down the possibilities to Five of my favorite romantic weekend vacations in Central Florida (also known as in and around Orlando).

5. Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala, Florida.

Paris Apartment at Seven Sisters Inn

I’ll admit, Ocala, Florida is not the first place I would send someone for a romantic weekend.  But this infamous bed and breakfast is a rare treat – especially if you’re into ghost stories.  Known as “Florida’s most haunted Bed and Breakfast” (which suggests there is competition for the title), the Seven Sisters Inn has been featured on national “ghost hunting” television shows.  Past guests are encouraged to share their supernatural experiences in public journals, so even if nothing happens during you’re visit you should find plenty of ways to freak yourself out.

Why run away to a haunted bed and breakfast for Valentine’s Day?  Think clinging together during scary movies – times ten.

4. A Beach Retreat at Flagler Beach, Florida.

Again, most people would ask themselves why Flagler Beach?  It’s not quite Daytona Beach.  It’s not quite St. Augustine.  It’s just about half way in between and appears to offer absolutely nothing to tourists.

And that, my friends, is the appeal.

Dusk at Snack Jack

For about $100 per night, rent a private villa on the beach at the Island Cottage By The Sea.  Spend your days enjoying nothing but each other and the sound of the ocean.  The beaches here, while public, are quiet and uncrowded.  For a casual yet romantic dinner, you can eat indoors or out at Snack Jack’s and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water at sunset.

Of course, if you do decide you need more visual stimulation during the day than the ocean and boutique shopping can provide, you’re just a short drive up the coast to the infamous lighthouses of St. Augustine.

3. Be Grown Ups at Universal Studios Orlando and City Walk

Many people don’t think about amusement parks when they are planning a romantic weekend.  After all, places like Universal Studios were made for kids, right?

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios becomes a completely different experience when you go without children.  And when you stay in one of the on site hotels, you’ll receive free fast passes for all of the rides – which means no kids and no waiting in lines! My favorite on site resort is the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, but you have three to choose from.

When you’re done screaming and giggling like kids on the roller coasters, spend the night at City Walk.  You have dozens of restaurants and clubs to choose from – from a Latin dance club to a popular piano bar.  Again, staying on site means convenient transportation to and from the restaurants and clubs, as well as well lit paths for a late night walk back to your hotel.

2. Shop Until You Drop at The Florida Mall in Orlando

Mall at Millenia in Orlando

Maybe you don’t think shopping is romantic.  Maybe the idea of sleeping in a mall doesn’t send chills down your spine and a smile across your face.  Maybe it’s a good thing you’re not married to me.

If your Valentine loves to shop, you can spend the entire weekend doing what she (or he) loves.  The luxurious Mall at Millenia and the cult favorite IKEA practically share a parking lot.  There are two upscale outlet malls within 10 minutes of one another (Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets – because we wouldn’t want to confuse the tourists with similar sounding names).  And you can finish the day and spend the night at The Florida Mall, a sprawling complex that houses a Sephora and it’s own hotel!

If your Valentine doesn’t love to shop, the two of you can read this and have a good laugh together at the crazy lady who considers a really good mall a romantic date.

1. The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes

Yes, it’s The Ritz.  No, this won’t be a cheap weekend.

But it will absolutely be worth every single penny you spend if you decide to splurge on a trip to The Ritz Carlton Spa.

You can get pampered individually, or enjoy special spa treatments together like a couple’s massage.  Of course their treatments are first class, but my absolute favorite part about this place is what happens between the treatments.

The co-ed lounge area is heave on earth.  You’ll ooze out of there at the end of the day, more relaxed than either of you have been since you were old enough to understand the difference between a workday and a weekend.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a night at The Ritz Carlton with a deep tissue massage, a soak in a jacuzzi, and a long, hot sweat in the steam room.

Of course, if you’re married to me, you already know this.  Right? Right?

Photos courtesy of Seven Sisters Inn, Joe Shlabotnik, and Britt Reints