Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

This week's Hidden Gem: Daffodil Hill

I would never have believed it had I not seen it with my own two eyes.

I thought I had died and gone to Heaven it was so beautiful.

Believe it or not, my Aunt, Sister, and I had just come from my Uncle's funeral when my Sister said we should cruise by 'Daffodil Hill' at Lakeview Cemetery. It was that perfect time of the year.

I did not know how well that would go over with my Aunt, but once we saw the whole hillside, it was the right choice and well worth it.

I am in awe of Lakeview Cemetery and have always been. I get weird looks when I speak of taking so-called 'field trips' to the cemetery periodically but that's ok. I even went on a date there--and it was delightful.

It's been around since 1869. Going to Hiram College, I have a warm place in my heart for James A. Garfield, who is buried at Lakeview Cemetery, among others such as Eliot Ness, Rockefeller, and Ray Chapman--the Cleveland Indian shortstop killed after being hit in the head with a baseball during a Yankee-Indian game back in 1920.

Lakeview Cemetery as a whole can be, and one day will be another one of my Hidden Gems, but today I am focusing on 'Daffodil Hill.'

When you enter the cemetery, they have signs pointing out the flower tour. You follow the arrows and after seeing the beautiful horticulture throughout, come upon the most amazing hillside covered with thousands of yellow daffodils.

I've heard this hill has been blossoming since the 1940's.

I could not believe my eyes. It was intoxicating and unbelievable.

I am so glad I got the chance to experience this phenomenon with my own eyes this year.

Seeing it once, this will be a yearly pilgrimage for me each and every spring.

Please, if you have not made your way through Lakeview Cemetery, it's quite the exquisite adventure. But, I hope you definitely take time to drive through next spring and take a gander at 'Daffodil Hill.' Then, you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Northeast Ohio Ghosts

What a better time to scare up this subject matter than on the eve of Halloween.

Yep, I do believe in ghosts. I know this topic matter is quite subjective and every single person on this earth probably has their own take, their own feelings, their own beliefs or non-beliefs, and their own experiences.

We have 'friendly' ghosts in our home. We've heard them. My Mom has seen them. My niece has been visited by these unexpected boarders.

My time as a student at Hiram College further confirms this belief. James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States as well as teacher and president of the college has a rich tie to the supernatural. There are many stories surrounding the Garfield's. James and his wife Lucretia lived in the 'Garfield House.'

After they moved on, left Ohio, and ultimately passed, the different occupants who progressively inhabited the 'Garfield House' each felt their spirit and heard them walking about--more so Lucretia.

Residents believe it must be Lucretia because of her attention to detail and tidiness. The house was kept up impeccably well --even when people were not around!

Others have shared that Garfield predicted his own death, identified his murderer and the way he was to die......after many conferences with his deceased father.

James A. Garfield continues his antics today at his burial place of Lakeview Cemetery, which is also believed to have ghosts scurrying about continuously.

I've just touched on a few instances. There are so many interesting 'ghost stories' in Northeast Ohio such as the story behind Franklin Castle....Squire's Castle...the USS Cod.....

For more ghostly stories, take a look at wkyc.com's ghost coverage and the Haunted Cleveland website.

The list is endless which is why my 'Halloween' Hidden Gem encompasses our Northeast Ohio Ghosts.

You never know when a visiting spirit may be lurking over YOUR shoulder-- when you least expect it!

Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!!!! I hope you get more treats than tricks!!!