BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – There could be stories and alleged spirits lingering right under your nose.
Lakeview Cemetery is the resting spot for many of the people who made the Queen City what it is today.
Their stories and maybe even their spirits are just some of the stops on Queen City Ghostwalk.
Holli Bushnell has never lived more than a mile from a cemetery. Today, she works in one.
“It’s very much, you know, in my spirit, and something that I feel kind of called to do,” she said.
She’s the office assistant at Lakeview Cemetery. This year, she took over Queen City Ghostwalk from founder Thea Lewis.
On fall nights, past ancient gravestones and iconic buildings, Bushnell brings spirits of Burlington’s past back to life.
“Folks usually have their flashlights out if they’re feeling like they need the comfort. And as we’re coming through this area, I feel a lot of folks like the anticipation just kind of builds and builds,” said Bushnell.
Up the hill is a tour hotspot.
“It’s probably the most haunted building in downtown Burlington,” said Bushnell.
The Follett House, now home to Pomerleau Real Estate, is a college street icon – but there’s more to the building than meets the eye.
Pomerleau employees recall hearing footsteps, moving objects, and blinking lights, and they say it’s all because of Loraine Follett.
Loraine Follett and her husband, Timothy, lived in the home in the mid-1800s before Timothy died.
Over one hundred years later, the Pomerleau family took over and realized they had houseguests.
Owner Ernie Pomerleau recalls hiring a psychic to make peace.
“He kind of went and had a conversation with the spirit; he told me to actually invite her to return with her relatives, so whether that occurred or not, we don’t know,” said Pomerleau.
Reporter Sophia Thomas: “Do you think the Folletts are living here today?”
Pomerleau:” I think Mrs. Follett was here for a while.”
It’s the kind of shocking local lore that only a ghost tour could bring.
Whether you’re a believer or not, Bushnell says every story is rooted in historic records.
“This is a real history tour in Burlington that also has a lot of wonderful, supernatural ones with the elements,” said Bushnell.
Bushnell says she’s considering starting up summer ghostwalks with stories of hauntings by the lake and beyond.
