Explore some haunted history with us + Raleigh Walking Tours. | 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.
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 tonight. 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.
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.
Gov. Daniel G. Fowle is said to haunt the Governor’s Mansion. What personal item of Fowle’s prompted unexplained knocking and other potential hauntings?
A. His antique desk B. His massive dresser C. His portrait D. His custom bed
Incogni can help remove your personal information from the web. | Image via Incogni
Using hidden cameras, the BBC caught workers at a scam call center laughing at the people they were tricking.
The disturbing truth? Scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your data from brokers.
Once your data is out there, it’s not just calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and identity theft.
That’s why Incogni stands out. The data removal service deletes your personal info from the web, then continuously monitors and removes new data as fresh threats emerge.
Smash Social Club will include murals by Durham artist Gabriel Eng-Goetz. | Photo by Stacey Sprenz
Coming Soon
Smash Social Club, a new “social playground,” will open in November in the former Carolina Ale House in Glenwood South. When you head to the 9,600 sqft entertainment space + restaurant, you’ll find table tennis, electric darts, and shuffleboard with upscale bites and craft cocktails to keep you going all night.
Announced
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences has confirmed a new tyrannosaur species coexisting with the Tyrannosaurus rex, called Nanotyrannus lancensis, thanks to the researchers at Dueling Dinosaurs. Gov. Josh Stein called this the “biggest dinosaur discovery of the decade.” Visit the groundbreaking fossil for yourself.
Drink
The Merchant’s new location, in the former London Bridge Pub on Hargett Street, opens today. Expect the same sultry vibes, top notch drinks, and neighborhood connection. Plus, next door, another bar called Grog Alley is coming soon.
Opening
A new putt putt spot from the folks behind Partee Shack opens Tuesday, Nov. 11 near Vinnie’s Steak House called Battle & Birdie. In addition to neon, high-tech mini golf, the new entertainment destination will feature laser tag arenas and a full bar + lounge. Plus, adult only hours start at 8 p.m.
Cause
Whether you’re seeking support or looking to lend a hand, the county has compiled a list of food pantries, local hubs, and more resources for you + your neighbors. Start exploring the map to find resources or discover where your donations can make a difference.
Plan Ahead
We’ve got two Small Business Saturday events for you. On Nov. 29, head to Raleigh Iron Works for the Raleigh Book Fair, complete with author signings, vendors, and stacks upon stacks. At Hartwell, pick your Christmas tree, meet Santa Claus, and get a head start on holiday shopping.
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Event Spotlight
🎃 More haunted fun
Visit this frightening home in Historic Oakwood if you dare. | Photos by Mia Hickey
Owner Jesse Jones goes all out every year on the Oakwood Halloween House, a local landmark with a yard full of skeletons, pumpkins, gravestones, and fantastical creatures in October. This year, he’s teaming up with Raleigh Downtown for a free block party tonight to celebrate Halloween in style.
Starting at 6 p.m., come in your best costume for a friendly costume contest and plenty of Halloween fun. Plus, bring a nonperishable food item to donate to Feed the Pack, NC State’s student-run food pantry. Check out more details on Instagram.
The Buy
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Happy Halloween, Raleigh! I hope you enjoy this especially spooky edition of RALtoday. Psst... Got a cool Raleigh or NC-themed costume? Send it my way — I’d love to include it in the newsletter next week.
}})
