Just away from Highway 89 in the Logan Canyon, a large piece of property sits with overgrown foliage adorning the paths, run-down cabins in view, and the remnants of a camp left behind still standing. Most know it as St. Anne’s Retreat, despite the Sisters of the Holy Cross not being there since the 50s and even then, only staying at the site sporadically. Paranormal … [Read more...]
TOP FIVE HAUNTED PLACES IN UTAH
Utah is a haunted state. More so than most people realize. There are all manner of folkloric and legendary spooks and boogies lurking about in our backyard. Here is my list of the top-five most “haunted” and interesting places in Utah: Number 5 North Temple. In 2018 I spent several dangerous nights (collecting stories here was one of the stupidest, most dangerous … [Read more...]
Secret Tunnels under Ogden’s 25th Street
A walk down Ogden’s 25th Street is a sight for historic eyes. The preserved architecture is reminiscent of the bustling railroad town that once stood, many of the original building signs are intact, and many modern businesses continue to display art and memorabilia from original decor. Legend has it that even the ground beneath your feet holds mysteries of “Two Bit Street.” … [Read more...]
Utah’s Top Five Strange Creature Encounters
We’ve all seen the top whatever lists that populate the media. The top ten friendliest this, or the top five most dangerous that. Some of you may even remember scrolling across something along the lines of the topmost ominous or scary “monster” sightings. I know I have, and my responses to these are always, Zzzzzz. Why? Because the author/s will, without fail, pick and choose … [Read more...]
A Jackalope Sighting in Utah? Horned Rabbits are the Mascots of the American West, but are they Real?
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...]