ABOUT SPELL CASTER GHOST TOURS

Founded in 2022 by me, Gretchen Upshaw, Spell Caster Ghost Tours was born out of a deep love for the hidden histories, eerie lore, and unexplained mysteries of Central Texas. For years, I personally researched the history and hauntings and guided eager guests through the dark and macabre past.

Today, the lanterns have been passed to Ellie Holm, who serves as our Managing Director & Principal Steward. While I remain the foundational heartbeat of the company, Ellie is now leading the haunted charge—bringing fresh energy, managing our incredible tour guides, and ensuring every guest experiences the same spooky magick on which Spell Caster was built.

SPELL CASTER’s Founder, Gretchen

I was born under a Full Texas Moon to amazing parents and grew up in a haunted house in San Antonio. I eventually fled to Austin and made it my home for over twenty years, but wanderlust led me to live in magical cities like Prague and New Orleans.

I’ve lived a few different lives, but the ghosts always seem to find me. After completing my Master’s Degree in Religious Studies, I managed a start-up Ghost Tour Company in New Orleans, conducting National Investigations, and growing the company into nine additional cities. After nearly a decade of visiting, researching, and writing about the most haunted cities in the US, I returned to Texas to weave a little magick and macabre, creating Spell Caster Ghost Tours.

My lifelong obsession with the unexplainable has also manifested in other creative realms. I am the author of the paranormal novel, The Phases of Lilith: A Dark Crescent Moon, and the creator of Letters in the Dark, a venture dedicated to keeping gothic tales alive through immersive, physical correspondence.

As the founder of Spell Caster Ghost Tours, it remains a distinct privilege to serve as the former raconteur and designer of unforgettable experiences for fellow fans of dark history, lore, and the paranormal.

Spell Caster’s Managing Director, Ellie!

Greetings! Originally from Boston, MA, I am an engaging storyteller who seamlessly blends 20 years of professional experience in live events with a lifelong personal passion for the paranormal. I am thrilled to bring my expertise in production and performance to my role as the Managing Director of Spell Caster Ghost Tours.

Since joining SCGT as a Ghost Tour Guide, I quickly became known for my theatrical delivery and historical insights. I love to captivate my audiences and look forward to leading our team of guides with a shared vision: ensuring every single guest leaves with a smile. Whether I am managing behind-the-scenes operations or stepping under the streetlamps, I am dedicated to delivering an unforgettable evening filled with mystery, intrigue, and a little laughter as you explore the charming downtown streets.

Meet Spell Caster Ghost Tour Guide, Jessi!

Jessi grew up in a haunted house in Dripping Springs, TX, and has been obsessed with the paranormal ever since! During the day, she works as a registered nurse, and at night, she enjoys going on paranormal investigations. She stops to read headstones, has never met a library archive she doesn’t like, and is passionate about telling ghost stories to keep history alive. Also to remind us that we’re more alike than different- we’ve all hidden under covers after hearing the same bumps in the night!

Meet Spell Caster Ghost Tour Guide, Sara!

Hi! I’m Sara! A project manager by day and spooky storyteller by night. So how does a project manager become a tour guide? Well, a degree in Anthropology and History made me curious, and a love for the spooky since I could talk helped. I’ve always been drawn to history, folklore, and all things haunted. I love combining storytelling with local history and creating entertaining, creepy, and memorable experiences.

Part storyteller, part history nerd, part ghost adventurer, I love all things spooky, weird, and haunted, and I’m excited to share the legends, lore, and lingering spirits that make an unforgettable night.