The legend of the Jackalope, or variations of it, can be found all over the United States, but it is familiarly found hopping about in the lore and legends of the west. Here we know it as a critter of cryptozoological whimsical-lore that is often described as an average sized hare or jackrabbit, but with antlers. It is found on postcards, in taxidermy form in random cafes, and … [Read more...]
Leprechauns in Utah? Where else but Leprechaun Valley?
I have a fascination with Faerie Lore. Even when I was a little “laddy,” I dug through old tomes to learn as much as I could about magical little people. Whenever I am asked to chat or write on this topic, the magic quickly consumes me. One group I am often asked about at this time of year centers around leprechauns. They are often described as solitary faerie and have been … [Read more...]
Spooky Dating Ideas for Valentine’s Day or any other Day
February is the month for love, but let’s be honest, dating can be exhausting and sometimes awkward. It can be difficult getting to know someone, especially when they’re wearing their “dating mask.” You can’t get to know someone by sitting in a movie theater, and sometimes going out to eat isn’t an option because of the cost, so what do we do? Perhaps go on a walk, talk, and … [Read more...]
The Monster Rabbits of Washington County
In the summer of 2002, I collected one of the most fun and interesting stories I have ever stumbled upon. A gentleman by the name of Darrell contacted me to say that he had an “interesting story” to share. He insisted on meeting in person so he could “size me up first.” I was fine with that so I agreed to go to his home in Draper the following day. The next morning I … [Read more...]
Meet Krampus, the Anti-Santa Who Seeks Disobedient Children this Christmas Season
There are various pieces of holiday lore scattered around the world that might seem to fall more in the traditions of Halloween than of the jolly contemporary versions of the winter and Christmas Holidays. But these Winter Holidays have darker historical trappings than most people realize, as there are all manner of grotesque metaphysical beings and beasties that lurk about … [Read more...]
A Ghost Plays Piano in the Old Mormon Church in the Middle of Night
Graveyards are notoriously scary places, especially after dark, and the same is true of old church houses. Churches, despite being houses of God, can also attract opposing forces, making them concentrated gathering points for both good and evil. My first experience with the darker side of churches came right after high school. After taking a vocational floor covering class … [Read more...]
Strange Sightings In Utah County: Don’t Walk Alone After Dark
I have spent my entire life collecting tales about the weird and mysterious elements of Utah — stories that at first seem completely unbelievable, but sometimes, just sometimes, there ends up being more of a foundation of truth than we’d like to admit. (See my article about The Giant Flying Manta Ray of Provo for evidence of this.) Since 2011, I have been documenting sightings … [Read more...]
Mysteries of the Great Salt Lake
MONSTERS, GHOSTS, CURSES, AND MORE...DEEP MYSTERIES OF A SHALLOW LAKE Abandoned places have a special allure, as if calling out to tourists, paranormal experts, and scientists alike. The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique places on the planet. As the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, and seven times saltier than the ocean, it’s hard to miss on a … [Read more...]
The (Other) Oldest Profession: Storytelling in Utah
No, not THAT profession! Get your mind out of the gutter! It’s storytelling! Storytelling has been practiced since the beginning of time. It has been documented that there have been primitive civilizations who functioned without the use of the wheel and yet, they had storytellers. These storytellers of old were instrumental in passing on traditions, genealogies, songs, … [Read more...]
The Last of The Hobos and Utah Phantom Train
I grew up on a “haunted” racehorse farm close to the border of Vineyard and Orem. Trains would run north and south along the tracks exactly west of the farm. These trains ran past a bar that was literally “on the other side of the tracks,” and just a stone’s throw away from my farm. I believe the bar was called Danna and Shirley's Hitching Post. Many of my nights were spent … [Read more...]