Growing up, I was fascinated by urban legends around Cleveland. Just as myth once pointed archaeologists toward uncovering Troy, there's always an ounce of truth preserved in the stories we locals tell. Sure, you might have to take those stories with a pound of salt sometimes, but the magic is still there if you know where to look. Malabar Farm State Park, about an hour and 20 minutes from Cleveland, is home to several stories. For one, the Ceely Rose House stands in Lucas, Ohio as a chilling reminder that horrible incidents can occur in the dreamiest settings. The Big House, home to Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield, is also said to be haunted. Before you visit, you might consider grabbing some ghost-themed jewelry to show the local spirits that you mean no harm, because you never know what's lurking around the corner here.

Malabar Farm State Park is one of my absolute favorite places near Cleveland.

Being allergic to grass and hay, I always have to remind myself to pack allergy pills before a trip to this working farm. However, it's a trip like no other! This view from atop Mt. Jeez is downright humbling, and that's just one of many things visitors love about this landscape.

This spot was once home to Louis Bromfield, a talented writer and conservationist.

Being a writer myself, I can't help but nerd out here. Seeing how one Ohio-born writer found his inspiration is downright fascinating. Bromfield, the son of a farmer, was an early proponent of sustainable farming practices at this very spot, and he did this while penning novels. With roots in Hollywood and a seemingly limitless imagination, this writer truly had a story to tell.

Bromfield's story is preserved on his farm, which is open to visitors to this day.

See that massive house in the background? That was where Bromfield lived. During the tour, they'll tell you that he built it to be a bit eclectic, inspired by the old Ohio farms where each subsequent generation might add onto the home to create an expanded and unusual layout.

According to legend, the Big House at Malabar Farm is said to be haunted.

Some accounts mention mysterious sounds and smells, and others recount seeing apparitions and feeling something small brush across their legs. Some have nodded to Bromfield himself as the resident ghost, and if that's true, I honestly don't blame him. This is absolutely the type of heavenly landscape where I could spend an eternity.

Touring the Big House is a treat like no other, as it truly captures the feel of Bromfield's life and legacy.

One ghost hunting group believes the energy here is residual, meaning it's not the type of haunting that will interact with you. Think of it like a tape recording that plays over and over... in essence, his energy left a permanent mark on this space, if you believe in that possibility.

And while some report feeling a cat brush against their legs, I almost can't help but wonder if Bromfield's beloved dogs might be the ghostly culprits.

Bromfield had a soft spot for boxers, and you'll see that throughout the house in paintings and photographs. (And in some claw marks that are still on the front door... some of the dogs were infamous trouble makers, but gosh dang it, Bromfield loved 'em.) Sure, he might have had cats, too, but these pups were his pride and joy.

Whether or not you believe the stories, this spot is a true time capsule.

Touring the Big House is like stepping into a time machine. Bromfield's life is preserved throughout the space, and a few Hollywood mementos are waiting to tell their stories, too. There's so much to see here that history buffs can't help but fall in love.

There's so much to love at Malabar Farm State Park, about an hour and 20 minutes from Cleveland.

You'll find it at 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843.

Have you visited this (allegedly) haunted landmark near Cleveland? Do you believe the stories about Malabar Farm State Park? Sound off in the comments below!

And before you visit, you might consider grabbing some ghost-themed jewelry to show the local spirits that you mean no harm, because you never know what's lurking around the corner here.