Texas is full of history and tall tales that are passed down from generation to generation. With all of the history here in the Lone Star State, there are sure to be some spooky places with stories that are sure to send chills down your spine. From ghostly patrons at restaurants to creepy finds at pawn shops, here are some of our chilling stops with historical tales that are well-worth the eerie stop.
10. Aurora Alien Gravesite in Aurora
Aurora- The population of this small town above Fort Worth used to be 5,000 but when an epidemic wiped out the population, it has remained at around 1,500, but that is not this town’s most famous story. In the 1800’s something out of this world happened, and it has been the talk of the town since. It is said that an alien spaceship had crashed into one of the windmills, it was so big that it even made the town newspaper! Now people from all over come to the gravesite where the alien is said to be buried, but hold on before you grab your shovel, it is also said that the remains have been moved elsewhere to prevent people from digging it up!
9. Coyote Bluff in Amarillo
Amarillo- Over at the Coyote Bluff Café, there is a frightening creation of a burger that is sure to haunt your dreams, and maybe stomach. The Burger from Hell is a fiery burger with a daunting name, but for those brave enough to take a bite find it’s flavor to be delicious! Don’t let the name fool you and take a stop at the Coyote Bluff Café in Amarillo and try the spicy burger that is sure to heat up those taste buds!
8. Dave’s Pawn Shop in El Paso
El Paso- In the border city, there is a pawn shop that is sure to give you the heebie jeebies, as there are some items that are not very friendly looking. From chupacabras to the trigger finger that was once attached to the hand of Pacho Villa, there is always something to point at when at Dave’s Pawn Shop. This shop was well worth the stop on the Texas Bucket List, just make sure to keep an eye on your hands!
7. Thurber Ghost Town in Thurber
Thurber- What was once a coal-mining and brick manufacturing town is now a place with a story that still stands there to this day. Thurber, Texas was one of the first cities in the United States with electricity, running water, and natural gas in every home, that life was unfortunately abandoned when black gold was discovered nearby and everyone moved away making Thurber a ghost town. Aside from the eerie emptiness, there is also a cemetery that is full of souls that have been long forgotten.
6. Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum in San Angelo
San Angelo- This jewel in the popping part of San Angelo is where men can pick out diamonds for their woman, or find a different type of jewel upstairs in Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum. With the boarding house for girls that had a booming business for the young ladies of San Angelo that eventually led them into a life of riches. The Bordello was definitely something that sparked curiosity and that those in company of the girls were well taken care of.
5. Hotel Galvez in Galveston
Galveston- At the Hotel Galvez and spa, there is a story that is unlike any other. With Mr. Bobby Lee Hilton as the face and ambassador of the hotel, he is the charming and charismatic man that the patrons love to see and hear from. Aside from his tenure at the hotel, he had to tell us about the history that is not for the faint of heart, the hauntings. The hotel has numerous accounts of hauntings that have been seen by patrons and staff that have sent their hair standing straight up. According to the town’s folklore, the so called haunting spirit is named Audra and hung herself in room 501 from the grief of losing her fiancé. For some reason we couldn’t catch a glimpse of the haunted room, which means you’ll have to go see it for yourself! If you dare.
4. The Gas Station (We Slaughter BBQ) in Bastrop
Bastrop- In Bastrop, there is a gas station that might look pretty familiar to those who have seen a certain horror movie in the 1970’s. The green van in the front might look familiar, but remember if you hear a chainsaw, run! This Texas gas station was featured in the famous 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie, and has been restored to look flawless for the past four years. Aside from it’s famous looks and film history, this gas station is also serving up some good barbeque! But if you’re brave enough, you can even spend the night in the cabin and really feel like you’re living in the film. While there are no chainsaws involved in this overnight stay, this gas station gives the full experience of the famous horror film.
3. Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Montgomery
Montgomery- We were thrown to the wolves at the St. Francis Montgomery Wolf Sanctuary, which started in 2002 after a lone wolf, Mystery, was found in the nearby woods and rehabilitated in the sanctuary. Now over 13 wolves and wolf dogs roam the sanctuary and call it home. These playful looking wolves are for sure daunting with dominance and are learning how to socialize and create relationships with each other. But watch out for that full moon, because you will definitely hear them collectively howl and let their presence be known to those in the surrounding area!
2. J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor
Manor- This ghost town is not full of history, it is here for the full and fun western experience! Named after his daughter, Jennifer Lorraine, owner George T. Richards created this small western town with distinct characteristics in each corner that tell their own stories. J. Lorraine’s Ghost Town in Manor, Texas is perfect for the family experience that comes with a small price of free, well worth a stop on the Texas Bucket List.
1. Monteleone’s Ristorante in El Paso
El Paso- This Italian restaurant in El Paso serves up hot and delicious dishes that are a favorite among everyone, but not for those on the other side. When owner Gary Monteleone expanded his restaurant, he found out he had expanded into what used to be a spiritualist church. With multiple spirits roaming the restaurant for some good food, one spirit in particular was so intimidating and violent that Gary felt that even bringing in a priest wouldn’t help. The spirit was throwing items throughout the kitchen, and when a customer could even feel the presence, she stepped in to help push the spirit out. Now four spirits remain, and they do their part in entertaining the customers with the simple flip of a beer bottle cap. While we were there, we ran into odd technical issues that sent chills down our spine! Despite the ghostly occurrences, Monteleone’s Ristorante is always serving up authentic Italian food along with some interesting stories!