Fall is the season of cozy screams and haunted places.
When the air gets crisp, the nights get long, and pumpkin spice takes over every menu (guilty), it’s officially spooky season in Essex County. Around here, ghosts aren’t just in the movies — they’re part of the local lore. From the haunted games of Kingsville’s famous George the Ghost to mysterious lights dancing over Lake Erie, our little corner of the county has more chills than a freezer full of fish flies.
So grab your scarf, your sense of adventure, and maybe a latte from JOE. Hot+Cold, because we’re taking you on a mini road trip through some of the region’s most hair-raising haunts.
Welcome to The Grove’s H(a)unting Map — where local legends meet cool vibes.
Stop #1: George the Ghost – The OG of Kingsville Lore
A painting by David Pelham, at The Grove Hotel, depicting George The Ghost, of Kingsville folklore.
Ask anyone in Kingsville about ghosts and they’ll mention George. He’s said to have once lived (and apparently stayed) in one of the town’s historic buildings — a friendly prankster known for flickering lights, creaking floors, and the occasional cold chill down your spine.
No one really knows who George was — theories range from a local shopkeeper to a weary mariner who just never checked out. What we do know? He’s basically Kingsville’s unofficial mascot of the afterlife.
You won’t find him registered in any room at The Grove Hotel, but we like to think he floats through town, keeping tabs on who’s keeping Kingsville cool. (George, if you’re reading this — thanks for the vibe.)
🕯 Where to Go: Take a stroll down Main Street after dusk. The glow from our streetlights looks extra eerie when the fog rolls in. Coincidence? We’ll let you decide.
Stop #2: Ghosts Love a Lake View – Colchester Docks
Locals swear that on foggy nights by the Colchester Harbour, you can spot a faint lantern bobbing along the water — even when there’s no boat. Some say it’s a fisherman who lost his way home. Others say it’s the spirits of old sailors guarding their final catch.
Either way, it’s the perfect spot for a moonlit wander (bonus points if you’re staying at The Grove Motel — you can just chill out, take a stroll to the beach and watch the waves roll in).
👻 Ghost-Hunting Tip: Bring your phone — not to call for help, but to snap that misty lakeside photo. You never know what might show up in the background.
Stop #3: The Harrow Fairgrounds — Where Things Go Bump After Dark
By day, the Harrow Fairgrounds are filled with the smell of funnel cake and the sound of livestock judging. But after hours? Let’s just say things get weirdly quiet.
Some claim to hear whispers near the barns, others have spotted shadows that move when there’s no wind. (We blame the ghost of a prize-winning chicken that never got its ribbon.)
🎟 Where to Go: Harrow Fairgrounds, of course. Visit in daylight if you’re easily spooked — or go at twilight if you like your adventures served medium rare with a side of goosebumps.
Stop #4: Leamington’s Phantom Lights
Leamington’s shoreline and the Pelee Passage have their own brand of mystery — glowing lights that appear over the water, flicker, and vanish. Locals have been spotting them for decades. Some say it’s the spirits of shipwrecked sailors. Others? Marsh gas.
Either way, it’s the perfect setting for a ghost story — and a bottle of wine from a nearby EPIC winery (because spirits pair well with… well, spirits).
🍷 Local Hack: Pick up a bottle at one of our many local wineries and head to Seacliff Park, and see if you can spot the lights yourself.
Stop #5: Amherstburg After Dark
If you’re chasing ghosts, Amherstburg is basically the VIP lounge of hauntings. Between Fort Malden, the Navy Yard, and the town’s historic homes, there’s no shortage of eerie encounters.
Visitors have reported phantom soldiers, eerie footsteps, and the occasional shadow crossing the path near the fort’s old barracks. It’s the kind of place where history literally comes alive (just maybe not in the way you expect).
⚓ Where to Go: Take a nighttime stroll along the waterfront or join a local ghost walk. Just don’t be surprised if someone else is walking beside you — and you can’t quite see their face.
🗺 The Grove’s H(a)unting Map
Your unofficial (but totally awesome) route for exploring spooky Essex County:
- Kingsville – Meet George (or try to).
- Colchester – Lake Erie lanterns.
- Harrow – Fairgrounds after dark.
- Leamington – Phantom lights by the pier.
- Amherstburg – Haunted history walk.
🔥 Bonus Stop: End your night back at your room at The Grove — where the only spirits we guarantee are in the minibar.
🗝 Wanna Go Full Ghost Hunter?
If you’re all in on the haunted hype (and not just here for the cute pumpkins and cozy hoodies), check out the Haunted History Pass from TWEPI’s Crossroads series. It’s basically your backstage pass to some of the region’s most legendary haunts — with stories, stops, and plenty of goosebumps guaranteed.
You can start your adventure there, then swing back our way for a latte, a lakeside chill, and maybe a run-in with George. Because nothing pairs better with ghost stories than caffeine and a great playlist.
💬 Boo-yah!
Whether you’re a true believer or just here for the vibes, Essex County knows how to deliver a chill. Our region’s got layers — history, mystery, and a little bit of magic under every autumn leaf.
So grab your crew, cue your spooky playlist, and explore the haunted side of hospitality. Just don’t forget to tag us at @thegrove.rocks if George photobombs your shot — he’s got a reputation to uphold.
Original BLOG by Jennifer Flynn, Chief Fun Maker & Experience Curator at The Grove Hospitality Group (October 2025)
