Austin Ghost Tours
Austin is steeped in history, from the days of
the Republic of Texas, through the establishment of Austin as the Capitol of
the State of Texas. Downtown Austin is full of old, historic buildings, many
of which are said to be haunted by a multitude of ghosts. Austin Ghost Tours
has meticulously researched the history behind each legend, and has created
walking tours based on the colorful and sometimes frightening stories of
Austin's past.
Originally created as an offshoot of Austin
Promenade Tours, a historic walking tour with a less ghoulish focus, Austin
Ghost Tours has been giving people goosebumps for well over a decade. Their
popularity increases every year, as does their offerings. They have recently
begin offering online tours to those who can't join the walking tours - but
the spine-tingling feeling of walking with the spirits is best experienced
in person.
One of Austin's most "incredibly
haunted" spots is the historic Driskill Hotel. Located on the corner of
Sixth and Brazos, it has been the crown jewel of downtown Austin since it
opened on December 20, 1886. Some say that the spirit of Colonel Driskill
remains in the building he was so proud of, evidenced by mysterious puffs of
cigar smoke. Staff have reported sensing a child bouncing the ball down the
grand staircase leading from the mezzanine down to the lobby and giggling -
perhaps the ghost of the four-year-old daughter of a US Senator who was
playing unattended with a ball when she slipped and fell to her death on the
marble floor at the bottom of the stairs. These and many other ghostly
legends are part of the Driskill's vibrant history.
The Driskill figures greatly into two of the
tours offered - the Ghosts of the Capitol Tour, which includes the Driskill,
as well as the Capitol itself, and the Governor's Mansion. The Ghosts of the
Warehouse District Tour features some of the oldest buildings in the city,
including the site of series of gruesome murders in 1885. These two tours
are 90 minutes each, and both end at the magnificent Driskill.
One of the most popular tours is the Sixth
Street Pub Crawl. Sixth Street, although a vibrant and extremely modern
entertainment district, is full of ancient building with their fair share of
ghosts, murder and mayhem. Enjoy Austin's historic taverns while learning
about its haunted past on this unique tour. The Sixth Street Tour has proven
to be all the rage for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Other tours include one dedicated to the
chilling story of the "Servant Girl Annihilator," a brutal serial
killer who predated Jack the Ripper, and terrorized female servants in 1884.
Halloween is a perfect night for ghost stories, and Austin Ghost Tours
celebrates with one of their best tours - a jam-packed combination tour that
includes the best of each. Tickets go early for this one, so book in
advance.
Austin Ghost Tours conducts their spooky
events rain or shine, and since they are walking tours, participants should
dress accordingly, including wearing appropriate shoes.
About the Author
Ki helps buyers and sellers in Austin. His site
provides information about Austin
real estate along with a search of for homes in the Austin
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