This Creepy Day Trip Through The Spookiest Places In Texas Is Perfect For Fall
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 26, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Fall — at least the first month or so — is synonymous with Halloween. If your spooky season itinerary could use a few additions, we’ve put together the perfect day trip. Spanning just under 130 miles, this two-hour excursion leads to haunted hotels, a creepy creek, and several other destinations rife with paranormal activity.
Click here for the Google Map that will serve as your guide on the trip.
The setting of a local urban legend, Donkey Lady Bridge attracts amateur ghost hunters of all ages. While the story has several variations, it centers around a woman whose body was badly disfigured in a fire -- either at the hands of her husband or demented strangers. Her hands resembled hoofs before she died, which earned her the nickname "Donkey Lady." Legend has it, if you drive onto the bridge at night and honk your horn, she'll appear to seek revenge on those who wronged her.
Many consider the Menger Hotel to be among the most haunted hotels in the country, and a quick look at its history explains why. Built on the site where the Battle of the Alamo took place, the hotel has seen bloodshed, fire, a robbery, and even meetings for Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." Today, a host of spirits are said to haunt these dimly-lit hallways, ranging from a former maid to slain soldiers and countless other supernatural beings.
No haunted day trip to the San Antonio area would be complete without mentioning the Alamo. The sheer amount of human life that was lost on this land almost ensures the grounds are rife with paranormal activity. The Alamo is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily.
Another haunted hotel, the Emily Morgan is also located on former battlegrounds. The building itself originally served as a medical facility, with a special wing purported to house people suffering from psychiatric ailments. An onsite morgue and crematorium meant death was a regular occurrence. If the gothic architecture isn't enough to spook you, perhaps the numerous accounts of unexplained activity will be. Both guests and staff members have experienced misplaced items, doors closing of their own volition, and shadows creeping along the walls, among other accounts.
The name that this body of water carries should be sufficient proof of how truly haunted it is -- but just in case, we'll let you in on the details. According to local lore, the disembodied wail of a woman can be heard emanating from the creek at night. This story is likely a rendition of the popular Latin American myth of La Llorona, which revolves around a woman who drowned her children, and later herself, only to be cursed to aimlessly wander the site of their death for all eternity. Are you brave enough to visit after dark?
Dating all the way back to 1844, Magnolia Hotel had fallen into disrepair before it was restored into the beautiful -- yet undeniably haunted -- bed and breakfast that stands today. Numerous paranormal crews have visited and found irrefutable evidence that otherworldly beings do indeed reside within these walls. If you aren't up for spending the night, two-hour guided ghost tours are offered!
Situated in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, the stately Comal County Courthouse is said to harbor the ghost of Irene, a former employee. In addition to floating up and down halls, she also lends a helping hand to other staff members by organizing their paperwork. Even if you don't encounter any specters, you have to admit this 1898 Romanesque is at least a little bit hauntingly beautiful. Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.
Our trip comes to an end at the one and only Driskill Hotel in Austin. This architectural wonder is more than a century old and has hosted many iconic figures over the years. Among the ghosts you'll encounter are a child who tragically died after falling down the stairs, a bride who killed herself when the groom called off their wedding, and the owner himself, who had to forfeit the hotel due to financial hardship.
Quick note: since this is a day trip, you can opt to tour the hotel lobbies (if allowed) or simply take a stroll on the grounds. Be sure to visit the website or Facebook page for each hotel before visiting to learn about any rules that may apply. Alternatively, you could reconfigure the trip to end at the hotel you’d most like to stay in and come back for the others at a later time!
Would you take this spooky day trip? How many of the destinations have you been to already? Did you experience any paranormal activity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for another epic road trip for anyone who loves caves and waterfalls.
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