I don’t know about you, but when I’m looking for a new restaurant, I prioritize high quality, impeccably prepared food, friendly, professional service, and if a scenic view is included, that will surely seal the deal. It is rare for me to ask whether the establishment is haunted.
But we’re circling the drain on the season of spook, and while the kiddies don masks of fright and fun, grownups can benefit from a bit of whimsy. And if you can add food to the mix, so much the better.
Believe it or not, Central Florida is overflowing with establishments that will add a bit of scary spice to your dining experience. Here are our top four places that are sure to thrill not just your palate, but your senses — your extrasensory senses.
Dining in the Dark
Remember those Halloween parties of our youth, when someone would blindfold you and put your hands in bowls of spaghetti or grapes with the skin removed? If that was your cup of tea, then Dining in the Dark is right up your alley.
Imagine entering a lovely banquet hall where you are blindfolded before you’re served the first course. That’s the Dining in the Dark experience presented by Meliá Orlando Celebration Hotel and its restaurant, The Wilson, who’ve partnered with Fever Originals to offer a special multi-sensory experience. If you prefer staying closer to Orlando, Dining is the Dark is also available at the Citrus Club.
Before the big day, I was given the choice of three menu options: the Red menu for meat, Blue menu for seafood and Green menu for vegan. I have to admit, while I found the blindfold claustrophobic at the beginning, it truly enhanced the flavors of the food. With my eyes wide shut, I could allow the food to take center stage.
Is it a spooky experience? Only if you have a thing against blindfolds. While this is not a ghostly experience, I highly recommend Dining in the Dark, as it certainly aligns with the spine-tingling Halloween vibe.
For more information, visit eatatthewilson.com or DiningintheDarkExperience.com or feverup.com or call 407-964-3258.
The Enzian, Maitland
Most of us are familiar with The Enzian, a trendy art house movie theater that’s in Maitland. A popular establishment for those who enjoy indie, foreign and classic movies, The Enzian hosts the Florida Film Festival. It’s also known for being haunted.
Apparently, there is a ghost that appears on moonless nights, usually around 1 a.m. It’s nice to know that the spirits are punctual. Some have reported seeing a disembodied head hovering around the north corner of the building, just before it disappears in the kitchen. There have also been reports of screaming.
As a frequent Enzian moviegoer, I’ve never experienced ghostly sights and screams, but there’s no doubt the place has an other-worldly feel. Why not head off (that was my pun for the day) to the Enzian for a spooky movie this Halloween and experience some extra chills and thrills?
For more information, visit enzian.org or call 407-629-0054.
The Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora
There’s a six-year-old girl named Amy who lives at the Lakeside Inn. While there’s nothing strange about that, what if I told you she’s been living there for the past 130 years?
According to the Mount Dora Buzz, it was in the late 1800s when Amy wanted to go fishing with her father on Lake Dora. He told her no and watched as she walked back home to be with her mother at the Inn. Little did he know Amy did not do as she was told, and followed him to the lake, never to be heard from again. But that’s not where the story ends.
If you go to the Inn today, there is a sepia photo dated 1884 that hangs next to the dining room. The photo is of a table setting and in the background is a child. According to legend, this is Amy. The clincher is the picture was taken weeks after her disappearance.
Those who work at the Inn today claim to see ghosts, smell cigars or strong floral perfume, even when no one is in the room. There are whispers, singing, and creaking noises of all varieties. Which is why The Lakeside Inn is a prime hotspot for some tantalizing ghost-host excitement.
For more information, visit lakeside-inn.com or call 352-383-410.
Ashley’s Tavern, Rockledge
This Tavern is so active, some have even named it the “Nation’s Most Haunted Tavern.” There are many stories and events that have occurred within these walls, including deaths by accident and murder. Legend has it that a spirit of a former employee loved the Tavern so much, he refuses to leave.
The handsome Tudor-style building was constructed in 1932 and originally named Jack’s Tavern. Built on the site of an old railroad depot that burned to the ground, it was a classy joint, reminiscent of those historic photos they used to show during the introduction of the television show “Cheers.” Tragically, an oncoming train on the tracks next to the restaurant killed a young woman.
While the Tavern has had many owners and several names throughout the years, it remains a popular spot. And the spirits are said to be playful, engaging in activities like hiding keys and other items. If you’re looking for a place with an otherworldly ambience, Ashley’s Tavern is a terrific spot.
For more information, call 321-636-6430.