October 2008               return to newsletter contents page

2009 Conference Location Featured on Ghost Hunters

The location for the AVDA 2009 Annual Meeting is not only a well-known luxury resort; it is a famous haunt for spirits. Built in 1924, the Renaissance Vinoy® Resort and Golf Club has always been a preferred vacation spot for the rich and famous and presently serves as the host hotel for visiting teams playing the Tampa Bay Rays. Several housekeepers at the Vinoy have reported seeing a woman in a white gown in various rooms on the 5th floor in broad daylight. When they checked their eyes, she was gone. On the night shift, security personnel reported seeing a figure on the outdoor landing of Suite 253, another woman in a white gown. Concerned that she would jump to her death, they turned for their radio, but she was gone.

The Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Williamson had just turned out the lights when he got a tingling sensation, like he was being watched. Then he rolled onto his stomach and felt pressure on him, like he couldn't move or even breathe. He rolled over onto his back and saw a man standing by his curtains. Other reports from players on other visiting teams include faucets that turn on and off as well as toilets that flush themselves multiple times, flickering lights, and locked and chained doors that swing open.

To view the episode featuring the Vinoy®, click here. The Viony® story is the second part of this episode, advance the video to 26:50 to begin just the Vinoy® segment.

Happy Halloween!