Historic Oakwood is known for its 20th-century homes and rich history. | Photo by RALtoday
Raleigh is crawling with history — and ghosts, too, according to Raleigh Walking Tours guide Tricia Sabol. As a guide to Oak City for over seven years, we talked to Sabol about Raleigh’s ghastly inhabitants and other haunting stories.
Editor’s note: These ghost + true crime stories contain references to mental illness, gun violence, death, and other sensitive subjects.
The Ratcliffe Angel
In Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a stone angel guards the grave of Etta Ratcliffe, who was sent to Dorothea Dix Hospital due to suspected mental illness in 1918 by her husband and family. Within a month, Etta died from a brain hemorrhage, and Sabol said this means she most likely wasn’t mentally ill.
Back to that statue. Etta reportedly haunts the angel overlooking her grave, and visitors report that the eyes of the angel follow them around the hallowed grounds. What’s most chilling is what happens in just a few days. According to Sabol, at the stroke of midnight on Halloween, the Ratcliffe Angel’s head spins around 12 times — and there’s even a crack in the neck where the angel’s head is said to spin.
Other unsettling stories on Sabol’s tours include fellow Oakwood Cemetery resident Gov. Daniel Fowle’s peculiar bed, a ghastly tale of the Sir Walter Hotel, and Andy “Slim” Anderson, who causes even more trouble after his death, but you’ll have to join Sabol on a tour for more.
Oakwood Cemetery is private property and closes at 6 p.m. every night. Be sure to check out Dia de Oakwood celebrations to honor and remember those who have died.
More eerie tales
Here’s a small taste of stories to expect on each of Raleigh Walking Tours’ spooky season offerings:
Haunted History: Learn about Gov. Fowle and haunting folklore.
Sip n’ Stroll Ghost Tour: Indulge in some booze and learn about a ghost haunting Salisbury Street after her death behind the Sir Walter Hotel.
True Crimes & Curious Tales: Following a basement shootout, Slim Anderson is killed, but even more mayhem ensues after his death.
Spellbinding Stories: This tour combines ghosts, true crime, and historical accounts.
Pin Point Raleigh Halloween Party | 7-10 p.m. | Pin Point Indoor Pickleball & Golf | $12 | Party at this new pickleball spot with a costume contest, unlimited play, and a long drive contest.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Trick or Treat @ Transfer Co. | 12-3 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall | Free | Kids can come in costume and visit food hall vendors for candy.
Longleaf’s 3rd Annual Halloween Party | 7-11:58 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel, Raleigh | Free | This chic hotel will have eerie cocktails, a very competitive costume contest, and a spooky DJ set.
Friday, Nov. 1
Special Event: Gianmarco Soresi | Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $26+ | You might recognize him from TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube — see him live in Raleigh.
Raleigh + NC’s rail system is about to get a big upgrade. N.C. Railroad Company received a $105.6 million grant and approx. $65 million from other contributors to upgrade Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Burlington, and Greensboro’s rail presence, including track improvements, additional rails, and more. (The News & Observer)
Opening
New downtown sports bar + community spot The Brass Tap is set to open at 400H in early November. In addition to being a prime game day spot, expect 45 taps, a variety of food offerings, live music, and more all on North West Street near Press. (Raleigh Magazine)
Try This
TrunkShow will host its Vintage Spectacular this Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the quirky vintage store. Shop local vintage sellers, enjoy food + coffee trucks, and get a tarot card reading.
Coming Soon
In case you missed it, Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens will host a new music festival in Durham called Biscuits & Banjos April 25-27. Musicians involved include Rissi Palmer and a Carolina Chocolate Drops reunion. (INDY Week)
Community
Here’s your PSA ahead of holiday cooking: Don’t let your grease go down the drain. Set up a curbside grease pickup through the City of Raleigh November through early January to keep your pipes clear, and the city will refine grease into renewable biofuel.
Holiday
Everyone loves NC Christmas trees, including heads of state in Washington, D.C. The White House will be home to an NC Christmas tree from Avery County grower Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in the Blue Room, and the Cartners will present the tree at the end of November. (CBS 17)
Giveaway
There’s still time to win our 12-month massage membership giveaway (worth $1,000+) at The NOW. Fill out this giveaway form before Wednesday, Oct. 31 at noon for a chance to win monthly massages, member perks + more.*
Noise filtering, nearly invisible, rechargeable, long-lasting: Check, check, check, and check. This tiny hearing device turns noise into clarity, isolating the voices you care about for crystal-clear convos.*
Category
Civic
🗳️ Cast your vote
If beating the Election Day crowds didn’t convince you, vote early for this cute sticker. | Photo by RALtoday, design by Shannon Fisher
The general election is a week away on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Here’s what you need to know to make your vote count and some pro tips to make the process seamless on or before Election Day.
Now through Saturday, Nov. 2, voters can head to any Wake County early voting site to receive their ballot. Raleigh locations include Talley Student Union, John Chavis Memorial Park Community Center, and the Southeast Raleigh YMCA, along with 19 other sites across the county. Pro tip: Check the wait times at all polling locations to see which one can get you in first.
If you choose to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, you must report to your assigned precinct according to your voter registration. The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — voters must be in line by 7:30 p.m.
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Talking with Tricia about Raleigh’s spooky stories made my week and sent a chill up my spine. I love including Raleigh Walking Tours in the newsletter, and you’ll see me on a tour soon.
This could be you on one of many Raleigh Walking Tours.
