Take A Trip To Lily Dale

By: Jessica Keeton

I can remember years ago watching "Crossing Over with John Edward" as he tried to connect with loved ones on the other side. For me, it was more like watching him guess names until he found someone in the audience he connected with, and when he did, that audience member usually looked puzzled and confused by what he was saying.

Over the years we have seen psychics and mediums like John Edward, Sylvia Brown and Miss Cleo try to convince us they can talk to our relatives that have passed, some more believable than others. Thanks to TLC's new show "Long Island Medium," psychics and mediums may be making a comeback.

I have never been one to believe in psychics or mediums but figured I would give the show a try, at least for entertainment purposes. My fiance had noticed me watching and had brought up Lily Dale, the world's largest center for the science philosophy and religion of spiritualism or as I now call it, a town of psychics and mediums. 

I had looked up some information on it and thought it would be interesting to visit sometime in the future, but not anytime soon. About a week later, we had gone to a family party and some family members out of the blue brought up taking a trip to Lily Dale in the coming weeks, so we picked a date and were going to see what it was all about.

Not knowing what to expect, I did a bit of research and found The Official Site for Lily Dale Assembly which offers information on events, general information including fees, accommodations, maps and more, areas to visit, and a list of all registered mediums.

When looking through all the mediums, you are provided with emails as well as websites for each of them which include what to expect at a reading, fees, appointment scheduling and a picture of what the medium looks like. From there, I was able to find the medium that best fit what I was looking for, so I scheduled an appointment.

After meeting up with other family members, we left from Buffalo and before I knew it, we were pulling up to the entrance, paying a ten dollar fee for an all day pass which includes every event going on that day. Walking down the streets of Lily Dale, you are met with beautiful cottages, each having a garden that would make anyone jealous. 

Inside Lily Dale, there is something to meet everyone's needs including a beautiful Fairy Trail, a hiking trail through the woods filled with fairy and gnome houses, small villages and beautiful handmade trinkets everywhere you look, all made for loved ones who have passed. Visitors and residents are more than welcome to bring their handmade treasures and place them on the Fairy Trail.

Lily Dale offers dining accommodations including The Sunflower Cafe and Monika's Delights as well as a great place to get your caffeine fix at Cup-a-Joe's Coffee Shop. Believe me when I tell you, they have something to suit everyone's tastes including a great lunch menu and drinks to keep you cool in the heat.

If you're looking to do a little shopping while you're there, Lily Dale has you covered with The Bargain Shop, Crystal Cove and Lily Dale Bookstore & Souvenir Shop. You'll find everything from books, t-shirts, candles, jewelry, clothing, kids toys and just about anything else you're looking for at great prices.

The Forest Temple and The Inspiration Stump are areas of tranquility and a place to renew your own Spiritual energies. Lily Dale registered mediums, visiting mediums and students offer message services at both these areas. These are great for first-timers, groups and anyone who wants a chance at being chosen for a quick reading.

If you're interested in history, you'll want to visit the Lily Dale Museum, an 1890 one-room school house that takes you on a walk back through time through photos, artifacts and memorabilia from the first days of the spiritualist movement and the founding of Lily Dale. You'll discover spiritualist newspapers, magazines and pamphlets from the pioneers of early spiritualism, the Susan B. Anthony women's suffrage display, pictorial displays of pioneer landmarks of the region and so much more. You'll want to make sure you bring your camera if you're visiting the museum.

Lily Dale also offers the Lakeside Assembly Hall,
the Lily Dale Auditorium, a beautiful beach, Ghost Walks, Pet Cemetary, Marion Skidmore Library, Lily Dale Artisan Guild and much more. For all that Lily Dale has to offer, you can visit Inside Lily Dale.

Unfortunately I was only able to stay the day, but am looking to stay over when I head back next month. Lily Dale offers great accommodations whether you're staying a night, week or all season. From their beautiful historic hotels to guest homes to the campgrounds and RV park, Lily Dale offers it all.

Lily Dale's website offers a great schedule of daily and weekly events as well as workshops, Victorian Times Weekend and Children's week. Be sure to check out Lily Dale's Schedule of Events before you go.

When it comes to readings, I scheduled mine the day of, but I highly recommend scheduling before you go as they are usually booked, especially on the weekends. Fortunately, the registered medium Debra Boardman called me back and fit me in the last spot. I won't give too much away, but I will say she was spot on with everything. Again, I have never been one to believe in psychics or mediums but she impressed me so much that I am planning a trip back with my whole family. She was very professional and sends your recording to your email before you even leave her house. She is also very reasonably priced, friendly and can expect your money's worth when you see her.

If you are a frequent visitor or a first-timer and are interested in donating to Lily Dale, you'll be helping out with the ongoing preservation and restoration. Lily Dale lets you choose the project you want to support and donate to, with the list of projects located in the Donations Section.

Whether your looking to have a personal reading done or just enjoy a relaxed, peaceful setting, Lily Dale offers great options for you to explore year round.

Have you ever been to Lily Dale? If so, how was your experience?