Five Unusual Places to Find Spirits in Georgia

As the Halloween season approaches, our thoughts turn to pumpkins, hayrides and spooky spirits. But not all spirits are scary. Here are four unusual places to find spirits in Georgia that you may not have considered.

1. St. Simons Island Tree Spirits

The spirits on St. Simons Island live in the large live oaks that dot the landscape. Visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau on Beachview Drive to see the life-sized mermaid and pick up a map to find the rest of these hand-carved works of art. It's a fun scavenger hunt and a great way to explore St. Simons Island.

2. Distillery Tours

Not all spirits come in human form. The hand-crafted spirits industry in Georgia is growing with more than a dozen distilleries throughout the state. Try Taza Ray, the first commercially distilled spirits from sunflower seeds at Dalton Distillery. Sip some Georgia-made moonshine at the annual Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In in Hiawassee, or go on a tasting tour of artisan rum at the Richland Distilling Company in Richland and Brunswick, Georgia.

3. Chattahoochee Bend State Park

At Chattahoochee Bend State Park, you can find your inner spirit with a paddle down the Chattahoochee River. Chattahoochee Bend State Park has guided Hooch Hike and Paddles, as well as paddle-in campsites for those who want to commune overnight.  

4. Haunted Hotels

If you want to find more traditional spirits, try one of Georgia's haunted hotels. Meet a little girl playing in the halls in Americus, a young bride-to-be mourning the death of her fiancé in Augusta, or sit with a rich industrialist as he enjoys his favorite cigar overlooking the water on Jekyll Island.

5. Cemetery Tours

Georgia also has some wonderful cemetery tours where you can meet the "residents" — including Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Riverside Cemetery in Macon, and the Midway Museum Cemetery Tour in Midway — as well as some of the finest ghost tours in the country.