Haunted Texas: Urban Legends That’ll Make You Keep the Lights On

Posted on October 25, 2025November 2, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Texas may be known for its BBQ, football, and Friday night lights — but come October, those lights flicker just a little longer. The Lone Star State’s wide-open plains, rolling hills, and dusty backroads hold more than tumbleweeds and cattle. They’re home to some of the creepiest, most hair-raising legends that have spooked generations.

So grab your blanket, light your favorite fall candle, and settle in for a little Texas terror.

The Donkey Lady of San Antonio

San Antonio might be known for the River Walk and tacos, but it’s also home to one of Texas’s strangest tales — the Donkey Lady. Legend says a woman was horribly burned in a fire set by a cruel husband, leaving her face disfigured and her hands fused into hoof-like stumps. Locals swear her ghost haunts the Donkey Lady Bridge, her donkey-like wails echoing through the night if you dare call her name.

El Muerto – The Headless Horseman of South Texas

Down in the brush country near Ben Bolt, folks have whispered about El Muerto for over a century. This headless horseman rides under the moonlight — a decapitated bandit whose head was nailed to a saddle horn by Texas Rangers after his death. They say his ghost still gallops across the plains, searching for his missing head.

The Ghosts of the Alamo

The Alamo’s story is written in blood and bravery, but many say the battle never truly ended. Visitors and guards have reported seeing spectral soldiers standing watch at night, still protecting the mission’s hallowed ground. Even in death, those defenders haven’t left their post.

La Llorona – The Weeping Woman

No Texas ghost story list is complete without La Llorona. Her tale stretches across generations and cultures — a mother who drowned her children in a fit of grief and madness, only to be condemned to wander the rivers forever, weeping for them. Many claim to hear her cries near creeks and waterways throughout South Texas.

The Lake Worth Monster

Back in 1969, Fort Worth locals were terrified by reports of a half-man, half-goat creature roaming the Lake Worth area. Witnesses said it had scales and fur, glowing eyes, and a stench that could knock you flat. Whether it was a prank gone wrong or a genuine cryptid, the Lake Worth Monster remains a Texas legend that refuses to die.

The Emily Morgan Hotel – San Antonio’s Most Haunted Stay

Right across from the Alamo sits the beautiful, eerie Emily Morgan Hotel. Once a medical building with a morgue in the basement, guests today report strange noises, ghostly figures, and phones that ring with no one on the line. Some say it’s the most haunted hotel in Texas — and it’s easy to believe when the air gets cold in those old hallways.

The Menger Hotel

Another San Antonio haunt, the Menger has seen its share of famous guests — including Teddy Roosevelt himself. But he’s not the only one said to linger. Patrons have reported seeing spirits in 19th-century attire, including a ghostly chambermaid who still tends to her duties in the afterlife.

The Ozark Howler

Up in the wooded hills near the Texas-Arkansas border lurks a beast folks call the Ozark Howler — a large, black creature with glowing red eyes and a scream that sounds like a mix between a wolf’s howl and a woman’s shriek. Hunters swear it’s real, though most won’t stick around long enough to find out.

The Wampus Cat

A shapeshifting creature from Cherokee legend, the Wampus Cat prowls the woods of East Texas. Described as half-woman, half-mountain lion, she’s said to stalk those who wander too deep into her territory. Her glowing eyes are the last thing unlucky travelers ever see.

The White Lady of Rio Frio

The quiet beauty of the Rio Frio hides a heartbreaking tale. The White Lady is said to be the ghost of a young woman named Maria who died of a broken heart after her lover married another. Her spirit still roams the Frio River, especially on moonlit nights, watching over children as they sleep.

The Black-Eyed Children of Abilene

If you ever hear a knock at your door late at night, don’t answer — not if it’s the Black-Eyed Children. These pale, expressionless kids reportedly appear in pairs, asking to be let in. Their pitch-black eyes and unsettling calmness send most folks running. Legend says bad luck — or worse — follows anyone who invites them inside.

La Lechuza – The Owl Witch

In South Texas, folks fear La Lechuza — a witch who can transform into a giant owl. She’s said to swoop down on those who cross her, her cries mimicking a baby’s wail to lure victims outside. Some folks hang crosses or keep salt by the door to keep her away.

Bonus Texas Legends to Watch Out For

The Goatman’s Bridge (Denton): A vengeful half-goat spirit said to haunt a bridge where unspeakable acts once occurred.
The Catfish of White Rock Lake: An enormous catfish big enough to swallow a man whole.
The Saratoga Light: A glowing orb that floats along the Ghost Road in Hardin County — maybe a railroad worker searching for his lost headlight… or his lost life.

Final Reflections

Texas may be proud and bold, but it’s also haunted and restless. From ghostly soldiers to headless riders, from crying women to shape-shifting witches — these stories have lingered for generations, whispered around campfires and down dirt roads.

So next time the wind rustles through the mesquite and you hear something move out by the fence line — well, don’t look too hard. Some legends are best left alone.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Real Story of Razor Blades in Candy

Posted on October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 by gigis ramblings

candy apple on a platter with a razor blade

Every Halloween, parents warn their kids to check their candy before eating it. The legend of razor blades hidden in treats has become one of the most widespread fears of the season. But where did this chilling rumor come from—and is there any truth to it?

How the Razor Blade Scare Began

The panic dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when stories began circulating in newspapers about people finding sharp objects in Halloween candy. One of the earliest reports appeared in 1968, warning parents to inspect treats for hidden dangers. Soon, the story of “razor blades in apples” spread like wildfire through neighborhoods across America.

The idea of a stranger intentionally harming children played into real fears of the time. Urban life was changing, and people no longer knew their neighbors as well as before. Halloween, with its door-to-door nature, became the perfect setting for those anxieties to surface.

What the Evidence Really Shows

Despite decades of worry, there’s very little proof that anyone has actually been injured by tampered Halloween candy. Sociologists like Joel Best, who studied every reported case since the 1950s, found almost no verified incidents of strangers intentionally inserting razors or needles into candy to harm children. Most cases were either pranks, misunderstandings, or even hoaxes created by kids or parents seeking attention.

In rare instances where sharp objects were found, they were typically traced back to people the victims already knew—not random strangers. Yet the fear persisted, reinforced by sensational news coverage and word-of-mouth.

Why the Urban Legend Won’t Die

The story of razor blades in candy taps into a powerful cultural fear: the danger of the unknown. It reminds us how easily fear can spread when it involves children and something as innocent as candy. Over time, this myth has become part of the Halloween tradition itself, passed down like ghost stories around a campfire.

Even today, police departments often issue warnings each October to inspect candy “just in case.” And while modern trick-or-treaters are safer than ever, the myth continues to live on in our collective imagination.

The Takeaway for Parents

While the razor blade scare may not be based on real threats, it’s still smart to keep safety in mind. Stick to sealed, store-bought treats, inspect anything that looks suspicious, and remind kids not to eat anything until they get home. Most of all, remember that Halloween is meant to be fun—not frightening.

The Origins of Trick-or-Treating (It’s Older Than You Think)

Posted on October 14, 2025October 16, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Every Halloween, kids put on costumes, grab their candy buckets, and hit the streets chanting “trick or treat!” But believe it or not, this spooky little ritual goes way further back than most people think. Long before candy corn and superhero costumes, there were ancient festivals, medieval prayers, and a few mischievous traditions that helped shape what we know today.

From Celtic Samhain to Halloween Night

Over 2,000 years ago, the Celtic people celebrated Samhain, marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin, allowing spirits to cross over. To keep ghosts happy—or to blend in with them—people lit bonfires, wore disguises, and left out food offerings.

Sound familiar? Those early Samhain customs set the stage for what eventually became Halloween.

“Souling” and “Guising” in the Middle Ages

When Christianity spread through Europe, the pagan Samhain merged with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. That’s when a new custom called souling began. The poor would go door-to-door asking for soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead.

Meanwhile, in Ireland and Scotland, children and young folks practiced guising—dressing in costumes, singing songs, or performing little tricks in exchange for treats like fruit, coins, or nuts. Guising was playful, a little spooky, and the direct ancestor of modern trick-or-treating.

Immigrants Bring It to America

Irish and Scottish immigrants carried these Halloween traditions to the United States in the 1800s. But it wasn’t until the early 1900s that “trick-or-treating” as we know it started showing up—first in Canada, then spreading across the U.S.

By the 1930s, kids were roaming neighborhoods asking for treats while threatening harmless pranks if they didn’t get any. The phrase “trick or treat” became common, and after World War II, when sugar rationing ended, the candy companies jumped on board and turned it into a national tradition.

The Modern Halloween Tradition

Today, trick-or-treating is a staple of American Halloween. Kids (and plenty of adults) still dress up, knock on doors, and fill their bags with candy. The old superstitions may have faded, but the heart of the ritual remains the same: a mix of fun, community, and just a hint of mischief.

From ancient Celtic fields to suburban front porches, trick-or-treating has traveled centuries and continents to become one of the most beloved parts of Halloween night.

Famous Halloween Cold Cases That Still Haunt Families

Posted on October 11, 2025October 12, 2025 by gigis ramblings

It’s spooky season here on Gigi’s Ramblings, and this year, we’re diving into stories that send a chill down your spine for more than one reason. While some folks decorate with ghosts and goblins, others face real-life hauntings — the kind that come from unanswered questions and unsolved crimes. These famous Halloween cold cases still haunt the families who live with the echoes every October.

The Disappearance of Hyun Jong “Cindy” Song (2001)

In 2001, Penn State student Cindy Song vanished after a Halloween party. She was last seen dressed as a Playboy bunny, dropped off at her apartment in the early hours of November 1. Inside, police found her false eyelashes, fake nails, and purse — signs she made it home. But Cindy was never seen again. Over the years, leads have pointed to possible abduction and even serial killer connections, yet her case remains unsolved, leaving her family desperate for closure.

The Trick-or-Treat Murder of 12-Year-Old Nima Louise Carter (1977)

In Oklahoma City, Halloween of 1977 turned from fun to terror. Little Nima Carter disappeared from her bed after trick-or-treating. Weeks later, she was found in an abandoned house, locked inside a refrigerator. The case shook the community, especially since a babysitter had been murdered in a nearly identical way the year before. Despite several suspects, no one was ever charged. Her parents have carried that grief for decades, haunted by the timing and brutality of it all.

The Candyman Case — Ronald O’Bryan (1974)

This Texas case is one of the most infamous Halloween crimes in history. Ronald O’Bryan, later dubbed “The Candyman,” poisoned his own son’s Pixy Stix with cyanide to collect life insurance money — then tried to make it look like random Halloween candy tampering. His crime sent a shockwave through communities everywhere, changing the way parents viewed trick-or-treat safety forever. Though O’Bryan was caught and executed, the fear he ignited still lingers each Halloween night.

The Disappearance of Arianna Fitts (2016)

San Francisco’s Arianna Fitts was just two years old when she disappeared after her mother, Nicole, was found murdered in a shallow grave in a park — dressed in Halloween-themed clothing. Police believe Arianna’s disappearance and her mother’s death are connected, but after years of searching, the little girl has never been found. Each October, her family pleads for answers, hoping someone will finally come forward with the truth.

The Mystery of the Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre (1990)

While not exactly on Halloween night, the eerie timing — just days before — gives this case an unsettling tie to the season. Two gunmen entered a New Mexico bowling alley, killed four people, and injured three more in a robbery gone wrong. The suspects vanished into thin air. Despite composite sketches, leads, and decades of investigation, no one has ever been brought to justice. For the families, every fall brings back the same cold chill of that October day.

Haunting Reminders Every October

Each of these tragedies carries a common thread — families left with questions and communities changed forever. Halloween might bring out costumes and candy, but for some, it’s a painful reminder of the night their loved one never came home. These stories aren’t campfire tales; they’re real, unresolved heartbreaks that linger like ghosts in the crisp October air.

If you’re like me and love a good chill during spooky season, stick around — there’s more haunting content coming your way all month long on Gigi’s Ramblings.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

America’s Most Haunted Towns

Posted on October 17, 2018January 30, 2024 by gigis ramblings

If you know me, then you know Fall is absolutely my FAVORITE time of year! I’m an October baby, it just comes naturally. I count down the days to September 22nd every year.

When temperatures start to cool down and leaves start to change colors, I get all warm and fuzzy inside. For me, nothing says fall like a new pair of slouch socks, a soft blanket, a good book, the best-smelling candles, apple cider, football, and of course – scary movies!

In anticipation of the upcoming season, I thought it would be fun to cover the most haunted towns in America!

New Orleans, Louisiana

This is one of my favorite places in the world, so naturally, it’s at the top of my list. The Big Easy holds its own among the most haunted cities in the United States. You can just feel the energy in the air down there. It is famously known for embracing the dead among the living with the above-ground cemeteries and voodoo culture.

People have tons of theories as to why New Orleans is cursed, but the most widely accepted belief is the city’s vast history of violence. This place has no shortage of spooky tours to experience the hauntings in the flesh. These excursions vary from ghost tours and graveyard tours to voodoo and witch tours.

If you are interested in a possible paranormal experience I recommend checking out the following:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is probably the most underrated haunted destination on this list. Don’t let its exuberance of Southern charm fool you, there is a dark history just waiting to be discovered by curious travelers like yourself. Charlotte is rumored to have its share of ghosts that haunt establishments all over the city.

One restaurant in particular, the Cajun Queen, was transformed from a home back in the mid-80s. Rumor has it, the bar was constructed on top of the lady of the house’s bedroom, and she doesn’t appear to be happy about it. She has been known to visit the customers who are brave enough to drink there.

If you happen to be visiting beautiful Charlotte and want to take a walk on the dark side I suggest adding the following to your must-see list:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Next on my list is the historic town of Gettysburg. This place is, without a doubt, one of the most haunted places in America, if not the most haunted. I have never had the pleasure of visiting, but it is definitely on my bucket list. Not only do I love creepy places, but I love history!

You can’t turn around in Gettysburg without coming upon a cemetery, haunted museum, home, or battlefield. This is all thanks to the area’s dark and bloody history as the site of one of the country’s deadliest battles. Even if you don’t have a personal interaction with a spirit, the strange vibes from this hallowed ground are enough to chill even the most cynical naysayer to the bone.

When in the Gettysburg area make sure the following are on your list of must-see attractions:

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Savannah, Georgia

To outsiders Old Savannah may look like a sweet Southern belle, but she hides a dark secret. The town was built on the dead, literally. Buildings and homes were constructed atop Native American burial grounds and streets cover forgotten cemeteries of slaves and settlers.

Throughout the years, bloody battles, massive fires, yellow fever epidemics, and hurricanes have taken hundreds of lives, leaving behind unsettled spirits.

If you are looking for a good scare, look no further than these spooky attractions:

There’s just something intriguing about these historic towns, filled with folklore and fascinating mysteries. A spooky adventure awaits at any one of these most haunted cities in America.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.