Even in the most picturesque places, spooky energy can linger beneath the surface. The Shoal Creek Greenbelt, with its shaded trails and peaceful surroundings, has a wildly horrifying past. The sinister story behind Austin's popular greenbelt will give you chills.
Historical markers tell spooky tales from days gone by.
As you reach the northern end of the greenbelt, keep your eye out for a specific historical marker honoring the life of Gideon White. This early Texas pioneer was brutally killed by Native Americans in 1842, and some people say you can feel his presence even to this day.
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Crunching leaves and peaceful winds aren't the only sounds you'll hear along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.
Listen harder, and you just might feel chills run down your spine. Is is the moaning of Gideon White? The sounds of Native Americans off in the distance? No one is quite sure, but there's certainly a spectral energy surrounding this land.
Early settlers scoured the area for buried treasure, but nowadays there's rumors of something else lurking beneath the ground.
During the Civil War, the victims of cholera and yellow fever were quickly buried along the greenbelt. While most of them were eventually moved to the Arlington National Cemetery, 35 of those bodies were never found.
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Modern day ghosts tend to haunt this beautiful land, too.
A young woman wearing athletic pants and tennis shoes often speed walks through this area in the wee hours of the morning. After a few quick steps, she suddenly evaporates into the night. Paranormal investigators believe she's the spirit of a young woman who was hit by a car during one of her late evening walks.
It's hard to believe a place so peaceful can have such a spooky past.
Despite these creepy occurrences, The Shoal Creek Greenbelt is an enormously gorgeous stretch of land. To access the hiking trails, go to 2600 N Lamar Blvd.
Did these stories make your hair stand on end? This isn't the only haunted spot in the city. If you're itching for more sinister tales, read about the 9 most terrifying places in Austin.
There are so many wonderful and weird things to explore in Austin. These hidden gems in Austin are some that most people don't even know exist! Get your GPS and point-and-shoot cameras ready to go on the Austin hidden gems adventure search of your life.
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1. Castle Hill in Austin is a cool spot to hang out and just chill, take photos, or even add to the graffiti walls if you're an artist.
7. Violet Crown Cinema is right in the middle of downtown Austin, yet so perfectly tucked away for an amazing boutique-style movie and dining experience.
8. The "Writing Barn" owned by Austin author Bethany Hegedus. This space is rented out for writing workshops and overnight stays. A writer's dream spot!
Maybe you've hiked the Greenbelt a million times and visited the Texas State Capitol for the past ten years. Lucky for you, there's still a whole world to discover within Austin's city limits. These are 13 unique things to do in Austin when you feel like you've done just about everything.
This eclectic shop in East Austin will whisk you back to the carefree days of your childhood. The Texas Toy Museum has over 20,000 different toys and offers classes on silk screening, toy casting, and prop-making. This non-profit organization is located on Congress Avenue. Stop by and soak up the sweet nostalgia!
Join David World Toys as they check out the Austin Toy Museum in this video showing off one of our favorite fun and unique places in Austin:
Austin Flea is an ever-changing outdoor crafts market that features goods from tons of local vendors. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage ceramics to adorable dog collars. To see where the Austin Flea is heading to next, visit the Austin Flea website.
Learn the art of Thai cooking at one of these scrumptiously spicy cooking classes. Thai Fresh offers public cooking classes several times a month, and each session has a different theme. Thai Fresh is located at 909 West Mary St. You can learn more about its upcoming classes by visiting the website.
This beautiful trail, located in Emma Long Park, will surround you in peaceful, verdant bliss. This hiking spot will transport you to another world. You can read our full article about the Turkey Creek Trail here. Be sure to check out AllTrails+ for up-to-date information about this and many more hiking trails.
This park, located along Comanche Trail, has the absolute bluest water in Austin. Soak up the sunshine and munch on a hearty picnic along the shore. For more information, read our feature article about Bob Wentz Park.
6. Embrace your inner diva at Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
This South Congress costume store isn't just for Halloween; it's open year-round. Explore the colorful wigs and lavish dresses. Who knows? You may discover another side of yourself. For more information, read our feature article about this fun nostalgic shop in Austin.
Note: Unfortunately, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds has permanently closed. You can still see photos and read all about it at the link above.
7. Indulge in the best food truck food Austin has to offer
When you head to Rainey Street you'll be transported into a culinary wonderland like no other. The ambiance of outdoor patios with lights, live music, and the beautiful Austin vibe will great you with a smile. From the best tacos around with a spicy zest to a magic grilled cheese that will transform your perception of what a grilled cheese should be. You never know what you'll find on the Rainey Street Food Truck Lot. We know one thing, you'll discover some of the best food trucks in Austin that's for sure.
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One of our favorite hidden gems in Austin is the Rainey Street Food Truck Lot. Take a tour in this video from Adventures of a Traveling Don:
8. Enjoy a few of your favorite things at Lazarus Brewing Co.
Lazarus Brewing specializes in the three things all Austinites love: beer, coffee, and tacos. This glorious trifecta can be found at two locations in Austin. For more information, read our feature article about Lazarus Brewing Co.
Bring some friends and head over to Vigilante Gaming Bar on Easy Wind Drive. With over 200 board games and a plethora of scrumptious gastropub fare, this nerdy bar will soon become your new favorite hangout.
10. Test your wits at one of Austin's 10 exciting escape rooms
Whether you want to escape from zombies or search for buried treasure, there's a panic room that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Learn about Austin's thrilling escape games here.
11. Laugh until you cry at one of Austin's hilarious comedy and improv clubs
No matter what tickles your funny bone, there's a comedy venue in Austin that will make you laugh uncontrollably. From The Hideout Theatre's delightfully witty improv shows to The Velveeta Room's wild stand-up, there's no shortage of places to giggle and guffaw. To learn more about Austin's comedy clubs, read our feature article.
12. Relax with a tasty hot tea at Brentwood Social House
This cozy tea house, located at 1601 West Koenig Lane, will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Order a fresh pastry and read a novel on their adorable patio or enjoy a classic English high tea. No matter what you do, you'll fall in love with Brentwood Social House.
13. Explore the lush surroundings at Green Gate Farms
Green Gate Farms is the perfect place to escape from it all. Their farm stand bursts with freshness and their summer camps are perfect for kids and adults! Visit Green Gate Farms along Canoga Avenue in Austin.
Learn a little more about Green Gate Farms in Austin Texas in this video from Village Farm Austin:
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Have you done any of these exciting things before? What's your favorite way to shake up your routine? Please share some of your favorite unique things to do in Austin with us in a comment.
