“They’re back.”
For fans of the Poltergeist horror movie series, that simple declaration may send a few chills up and down the spine.
That reaction might be appropriate with the return of a popular local other-worldly activity as well.
The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History’s ghost tours have returned, with local guides taking hearty souls on the spooky excursions around town every Friday and Saturday evening, from now until November.
The similar Pilot Mountain Ghost Tours, a monthly march of the macabre in Pilot Mountain, is also up and running, occurring the first Friday of every month, along with a Trolley Ghost Tour of Mount Airy for folks who might not be up to the walking tours around town.
“We have been doing this for 13 years,” said Olivia Jessup, marketing and membership director at the museum. “This is Lucky 13.”
The tours are among the most popular activities at the museum.
“People always love something kind of spooky to do,” she said of the tour’s popularity. “Even if it’s not Halloween. Every town has a good ghost story to tell. People really latch on to that, every weekend we are booked.”
Those taking the tours include both local residents and tourists. “I’d say it’s a good mix of locals and people traveling. It’s definitely a big draw for tourists. Main Street kind of quiets down in the evenings, a lot of the shops close. If visitors are looking for something to do, it’s a huge draw for keeping downtown alive after dark…it’s a different atmosphere.”
She said the most popular time of year, as might be expected, is September through November — during the Halloween season. Still, she said many of the tours at other times of year are full. “Especially in the summer, when it’s hot during the day and a little cooler in the evening, people like to come out in the cooler evening air.”
A cadre of volunteers — some story tellers, others who just enjoy the tours — lead the walks, each putting her or his spin on the local ghostly tales. That means each tour may have its own unique surprises.
“We have a collections of stories we pull from,” she said of the dark local legends. “The guides will pick ones that are their favorites, the ones they like to tell the best, the ones that fit the atmosphere. If you get a different tour guide, there’s going to be a chance you get a different tour. I can’t say there isn’t any crossover, but there are differences with the tour guides.”
At present, she said there are seven tour guides, though that number can grow. “If a story teller’s interested in joining that team, we can easily get them here to review the stories…we’re always open to people becoming tour guides, because it has grown to be such a big thing, it has become a lot of work for the tour guides.”
Jessup does offer one word of caution for those wanting to give the tours a try. “We always tell people to book in advance…just walking up may not work.”
The lantern-lit walking ghost tours begin at the museum, 301 N. Main St., starting at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, through Nov. 9, and take roughly 90 minutes. The cost is $20, which includes taxes. Advance paid reservations are required.
“Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera and umbrella, if needed,” museum officials said.
The Trolley tours are held the first Saturday of each month, beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting roughly 60 minutes. The cost is $35.
The Pilot Mountain walking ghost tours are held the first Friday of every month, at 8 p.m., beginning at the town hall at 124 W. Main St. Costs there are $20.
For more information, visit https://www.northcarolinamuseum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=91 or call 336-786-4478.
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