From Seattle to Salem, Southwest Employees shared their favorite spooky destinations to visit on All Hallows’ Eve.
Underground Streets of Seattle (SEA)—The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 burned the city to the ground. The townspeople rebuilt the streets one story higher than the old, making hidden hallow tunnels and passageways that played host to a red light district of mischief. A portion of the underground city had been restored for you to tour.
–Jennifer Lemón, Customer Service Specialist, Customer Support & Services
Alcatraz on San Francisco Bay (SFO, OAK, SJC, SMF)—Alcatraz, on San Francisco Bay, offers night tours for visitors looking to make an evening of stepping back in history. Experience the place that some of America’s most notorious criminals once called home and keep an eye out for the occasional reported ghost sightings. Alcatraz Cruises call it “An inescapable experience,” so enter at your own risk! –Hollye Gaman, Specialist, Culture & Communications
Superstition Mountains of Phoenix (PHX)—Whether it’s the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine or the perilous cliff faces, there’s a rich history behind the beautiful Superstition Mountains in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area. A short 30-mile drive from the airport will get you not only some gorgeous scenery but a sight that might send shivers down your spine. The Red Cliffs of Sedona may get a lot of the mystical credit in Arizona, but it’s the Superstition Mountains that have always caught my eye as far as that feeling that you may not be alone. The Mountains have had numerous reports of missing people, plane crashes, and even mysterious lights that keep people coming back for more. Largely unexplored and very dangerous, they are draped in an eerie energy that keeps me in awe of the majesty of this landmark.
–David Weck, Center Operations Associate, Customer Support & Services
The Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City (OKC)—The Skirvin Hotel is a beautiful hotel located in downtown Oklahoma City. It is located in Bricktown, close to restaurants, shopping, and the Chesapeake Center, where the Oklahoma City Thunder play. It was built in 1910, closed in 1988, and after renovation was reopened in 2007. The legend is that the ghost of Effie, Mr. Skirvin's mistress, haunts the 10th floor. It has been reported as haunted by four NBA teams, and most recently, an ESPN commentator. The teams reported trouble sleeping because of slamming doors, moving objects, and a baby crying. Maybe the ghosts are just Thunder fans!
–Krista Crow, Customer Representative, Customer Support & Services
Spirits of Charleston (CHS)—Considered America's Holy City, Charleston, SC, boasts a spectacularly spooky, storied past. This SWA destination is home to the spirits of America's first female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher; Revolutionary- and Civil War-era soldiers; notorious "Gentleman Pirate, Stede Bonnet, who was brought to justice on Charleston's White Point; and even the pup, Poogan, is said to brush against the legs of guests enjoying dinner in his former home, Poogan’s Porch.
–Virginia Anne Ivey, Project Manager, Marketing Sales & Distribution
Caddo Lake (DAL)—Two and a half hours east of Dallas Love Field lies the beautiful town of Jefferson, which is next to the headwaters of Caddo Lake (the only natural lake in Texas)—and it’s haunted. Many spirits wander through the in-town hotels and the bed-and-breakfasts (I’ve heard them!), including the ghost of “Diamond Bessie,” who was a 1870s flamboyant lady of ill repute who was murdered. Ghost walk tours are offered, but a sunrise walk through the East Texas mist to see Diamond Bessie’s grave marker in the main cemetery is certain to make your hair stand on end.
–Bill Owen, Senior Business Consultant, Network Planning
Stranahan House of Fort Lauderdale (FLL)—Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest standing building in Fort Lauderdale. Built by Frank Stranahan, who was Fort Lauderdale’s first postmaster, the home has long been known for its creepy, haunted vibe. It’s now run as a museum. Reports of Frank’s ghost haunting the home surfaced after his death. One report says a clock that had not worked began ticking and chiming on its own a week after his death. It is in a beautiful part of town—visit if you dare!
–Ally Harrington, CSA Supervisor, Ground Ops
Salem (BOS)—Roughly 40 minutes outside of Boston is the home of the Salem witch trials: the hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts in 1692. The trials resulted in the executions of 20 people, most of them women. Visitors to the Salem Witch Trial Museum experience the drama of that dark time though 13 life-size stage sets, figures, lighting, and a stirring narration as they are witness to the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem Witch Hunt. You can even see if you’re a descendant of one of the accused—I found out I was related to John Proctor, a farmer and tavern keeper who was hanged for witchcraft.
–Sydney Leonard, Editorial Communication Specialist, Culture & Communications
Share your favorite haunted hangouts in the comments. And remember to have a safe and fun Halloween weekend!
Alcatraz on San Francisco Bay (SFO, OAK, SJC, SMF)—Alcatraz, on San Francisco Bay, offers night tours for visitors looking to make an evening of stepping back in history. Experience the place that some of America’s most notorious criminals once called home and keep an eye out for the occasional reported ghost sightings. Alcatraz Cruises call it “An inescapable experience,” so enter at your own risk! –Hollye Gaman, Specialist, Culture & Communications
Superstition Mountains of Phoenix (PHX)—Whether it’s the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine or the perilous cliff faces, there’s a rich history behind the beautiful Superstition Mountains in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area. A short 30-mile drive from the airport will get you not only some gorgeous scenery but a sight that might send shivers down your spine. The Red Cliffs of Sedona may get a lot of the mystical credit in Arizona, but it’s the Superstition Mountains that have always caught my eye as far as that feeling that you may not be alone. The Mountains have had numerous reports of missing people, plane crashes, and even mysterious lights that keep people coming back for more. Largely unexplored and very dangerous, they are draped in an eerie energy that keeps me in awe of the majesty of this landmark.
–David Weck, Center Operations Associate, Customer Support & Services
The Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City (OKC)—The Skirvin Hotel is a beautiful hotel located in downtown Oklahoma City. It is located in Bricktown, close to restaurants, shopping, and the Chesapeake Center, where the Oklahoma City Thunder play. It was built in 1910, closed in 1988, and after renovation was reopened in 2007. The legend is that the ghost of Effie, Mr. Skirvin's mistress, haunts the 10th floor. It has been reported as haunted by four NBA teams, and most recently, an ESPN commentator. The teams reported trouble sleeping because of slamming doors, moving objects, and a baby crying. Maybe the ghosts are just Thunder fans!
–Krista Crow, Customer Representative, Customer Support & Services
Spirits of Charleston (CHS)—Considered America's Holy City, Charleston, SC, boasts a spectacularly spooky, storied past. This SWA destination is home to the spirits of America's first female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher; Revolutionary- and Civil War-era soldiers; notorious "Gentleman Pirate, Stede Bonnet, who was brought to justice on Charleston's White Point; and even the pup, Poogan, is said to brush against the legs of guests enjoying dinner in his former home, Poogan’s Porch.
–Virginia Anne Ivey, Project Manager, Marketing Sales & Distribution
Caddo Lake (DAL)—Two and a half hours east of Dallas Love Field lies the beautiful town of Jefferson, which is next to the headwaters of Caddo Lake (the only natural lake in Texas)—and it’s haunted. Many spirits wander through the in-town hotels and the bed-and-breakfasts (I’ve heard them!), including the ghost of “Diamond Bessie,” who was a 1870s flamboyant lady of ill repute who was murdered. Ghost walk tours are offered, but a sunrise walk through the East Texas mist to see Diamond Bessie’s grave marker in the main cemetery is certain to make your hair stand on end.
–Bill Owen, Senior Business Consultant, Network Planning
Stranahan House of Fort Lauderdale (FLL)—Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest standing building in Fort Lauderdale. Built by Frank Stranahan, who was Fort Lauderdale’s first postmaster, the home has long been known for its creepy, haunted vibe. It’s now run as a museum. Reports of Frank’s ghost haunting the home surfaced after his death. One report says a clock that had not worked began ticking and chiming on its own a week after his death. It is in a beautiful part of town—visit if you dare!
–Ally Harrington, CSA Supervisor, Ground Ops
Salem (BOS)—Roughly 40 minutes outside of Boston is the home of the Salem witch trials: the hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts in 1692. The trials resulted in the executions of 20 people, most of them women. Visitors to the Salem Witch Trial Museum experience the drama of that dark time though 13 life-size stage sets, figures, lighting, and a stirring narration as they are witness to the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem Witch Hunt. You can even see if you’re a descendant of one of the accused—I found out I was related to John Proctor, a farmer and tavern keeper who was hanged for witchcraft.
–Sydney Leonard, Editorial Communication Specialist, Culture & Communications
Share your favorite haunted hangouts in the comments. And remember to have a safe and fun Halloween weekend!