Cassadaga, Florida is a small unincorporated community located in Volusia County, known for its long-standing association with Spiritualism. Founded in the late 19th century by a group of Spiritualist pioneers, Cassadaga has become a center for psychic and mediumship readings, as well as a hub of spiritual exploration and learning. Visitors to Cassadaga can explore the community’s rich history and take part in a variety of workshops, tours, and events centered around Spiritualism and metaphysical topics.
History
Cassadaga was founded in 1894 by a group of Spiritualist pioneers who were seeking a place to establish a community centered around their beliefs. The Spiritualist movement had gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th century, and its followers believed in the possibility of communicating with the spirits of the deceased.
The founders of Cassadaga purchased land in Volusia County and began to build their community, which they named after a Native American term meaning “water beneath the rocks.” They built a number of homes and meeting places, including the Cassadaga Hotel, which still stands as a centerpiece of the community today.
The early years of Cassadaga were marked by growth and development, as more Spiritualists were drawn to the area and settled in the community. The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp was established in 1895, providing a place for Spiritualists to gather, learn, and practice their beliefs.
Over time, Cassadaga became a center for psychic and mediumship readings, drawing visitors from across the country who were interested in exploring the community’s unique spiritual heritage. Today, Cassadaga remains a thriving center of Spiritualism and metaphysical exploration, and it continues to attract visitors and spiritual seekers from around the world.
Attractions
1. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is a hub of activity in the community, offering workshops, tours, and events centered around Spiritualism and metaphysical topics. Visitors can take a guided tour of the camp, attend a mediumship demonstration, or participate in a healing circle.
2. Cassadaga Hotel: The Cassadaga Hotel is a historic landmark in the community, dating back to the early days of Cassadaga’s founding. Visitors can stay in one of the hotel’s charming rooms, dine in its restaurant, or take part in a ghost tour to learn about the hotel’s haunted history.
3. Colby Memorial Temple: The Colby Memorial Temple is a center for Spiritualist worship and teaching, and it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the Cassadaga community. Visitors can attend a service or event at the temple to experience the Spiritualist traditions that have been practiced in the area for over a century.
4. Spiritualist Camp Walking Tour: Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp to explore the community’s unique architecture and learn about its history and traditions.
5. Psychic and Mediumship Readings: Cassadaga is known as a center for psychic and mediumship readings, and visitors can book a session with one of the many certified Spiritualist mediums in the area for a personal experience with the spiritual realm.
Dining
1. Sinatra’s Ristorante: This Italian restaurant is located in the Cassadaga Hotel and offers a cozy atmosphere with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan.
2. Orange City Deli & Grill: This restaurant is located just outside Cassadaga and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features American classics like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as Greek specialties like gyros and spanakopita.
3. DeLand Bakery and Natural Market: This bakery and cafe is located in nearby DeLand, just a short drive from Cassadaga. They offer a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
4. Cassadaga Country Club: This restaurant is located on the grounds of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp and offers a casual dining experience with classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
5. The Alley: This cafe and juice bar is located in the heart of Cassadaga and offers a variety of healthy options like smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and fresh-pressed juices.
Events
One of the most popular events is the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp’s Halloween Psychic Fair, which takes place annually in October. During this event, visitors can participate in psychic readings, attend workshops, and browse through vendor booths featuring various spiritual and metaphysical items. The fair also features a costume contest, live music, and food vendors.
In the spring, Cassadaga hosts the annual Spring Equinox Celebration, which takes place in March. The celebration includes workshops, meditations, and healing sessions. The event also includes a drum circle, where participants can join together and create a rhythmic beat.
In addition to these annual events, Cassadaga also offers regular classes and workshops throughout the year. These classes cover a wide range of topics, from mediumship development to energy healing techniques.
Another notable event in Cassadaga is the weekly Sunday service at the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. During these services, visitors can attend lectures and receive messages from the spirit world through psychic mediums.
Real Estate
The majority of the homes in Cassadaga are older, historic properties with a lot of character and charm. Many of these homes have been well-maintained over the years and feature unique architectural details, such as wrap-around porches and stained-glass windows.
The cost of homes in Cassadaga varies widely depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Generally speaking, the average price of a home in Cassadaga is higher than the average home price in surrounding areas due to its historical significance and spiritual atmosphere.
There are also a few new construction homes and properties available in Cassadaga. These newer homes typically feature modern amenities and layouts, but may not have the same level of historical character as the older homes in the area.
One of the unique aspects of real estate in Cassadaga is the availability of properties that are specifically designed for spiritual practices. For example, there are several homes and retreat centers in the area that have been designed for meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.
Overall, the real estate market in Cassadaga is relatively small, but it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a spiritual community. Whether you are looking for a historic home or a modern retreat, there are a variety of properties available in Cassadaga that cater to a range of lifestyles and interests.