Halloween candy is on store shelves, pumpkin-spiced drinks have made an early Fall debut, and that means it’s time for some spooky fun. What better way to get into the spirit of the season than to experience first-hand some of Alabama’s haunted history? Now until the end of October, cities across Alabama are offering ghost walks, spine-tingling tours and paranormal investigations.
A variety of events pay homage to our dark history including a limited moonlit tour of the ghost town of Old Cahawba (near Selma) where paranormal investigators showcase their ghost-hunting equipment.
In Birmingham, lantern-lit tours guide visitors along dark-lit streets to discover the darkest secrets of the city, and in Huntsville, storytellers share ghostly tales of some of the most haunted neighborhoods.
I’ve dug up these five ghost tours across Alabama that embody the Halloween spirit:
1. Selma/Old Cahawba
Haunted History Tours of Old Cahawba– Saturday, October 20 & Saturday, October 27
You can reserve one of the limited tickets to this 90-minute tour and paranormal investigation at of Alabama’s most famous ghost towns. I’ve been on this tour more than once and I highly recommend it.
Two centuries of area history will raise the hair on your arms during the Haunted History Tour of Alabama’s most famous ghost town. This tour of Old Cahawba after dark takes participants on a deluxe wagon tour and short walks along the most haunted locations in the archaeological park. The Alabama Paranormal Research Group will pull out spirit hunting equipment along the tour, putting visitors in the middle of a real mini investigation.
After the tour, guests can sit around a bonfire and chat with paranormal investigators.
Seats for this 90-minute tour and investigation are limited and advance tickets for $20 are required. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tour times are 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 & 9:00 pm.
You can find more information at www.selmaalabama.com.
2. Huntsville
Huntsville Ghost Walk – Fridays and Saturdays in September and October
Huntsville Ghost Walks start at Harrison Brothers Hardware on the square downtown. They are offered every Friday now through October. Visitors can choose from three guided walking tours. Hear tales of Historic Huntsville’s haunted past while walking along the Old Town District, The Haunted Downtown District or the Twickenham District.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
You can book online at www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com.
3. Birmingham
The Birmingham Ghost Walk – Oct. 1-31
Ninety-minute lantern-lit tours take you into the shadowy darkness to discover Birmingham’s ghostly past. Different tours offer visits to haunted hotels, churches, theaters, and more. The Birmingham Historic Touring Company promises that these tours are some of the most chilling in Central Alabama.
Two-hour tours begin at 8:00 pm Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children.
You can buy tickets online at Birmingham Ghost Walk.
4. Florence, Sheffield
Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk – Fridays and Saturdays in October
Master storyteller and author Debra Glass entertains participants with tales, legends, folklore and true stories as you stroll the streets of Florence. Visit an old Civil War hospital where Debra says victims still haunt the living. Visitors will also experience haunted restaurants, recording studios historic homes and more spooky locations.
Tours start at 7:30 pm at Wilson Park.
Prices range from $15 for adults and $10 for children.
You can purchase tickets at www.florenceghostwalk.com.
5. Athens
Haunt Walks – Tuesdays and Thursdays in October
Hear the story about a student who fell to her death, yet still wanders the halls at Athens University. The Historic Haunts Walk begins at the Athens Visitors Center near the courthouse square and makes 10 stops to hear spooky tales while walking down the dark, haunted streets of Athens. Shane Black, author of Spirits of Athens, says this small town “may have more ghost stories per capita than any other town in the South.”
Each walk is approximately two hours. The first starts at 7:00 pm followed by the second walk at 7:30 pm. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. You can find more information on the Visit Athens website. Tickets go on Sale September 15 via Eventbrite.
Hope you have some spooky good fun on one or all of these tours. I would be thrilled to see some photos from your experiences.
Everyday Edith 