Spring Ghost Tour

Pennell said he uses his businesses to help others cope with their fears of the unknown. The Spring Ghost Tour teaches participants how to recognize and deal with ghosts in their lives.

“A lot of people think it would be scary [to encounter a ghost],” Pennell said. “It’s not scary—well not for us. We’re so used to [paranormal] things that it is normal.”

The ghost tour introduces participants to prominent ghosts, such as two members of the original family that lived on the property in the early 20th century when Old Town Spring was still a bustling railroad community, Pennell said. He claims the spirits still reside at Whitehall House.

Another allegedly infamous ghost duo in Old Town Spring, the Courting Couple reportedly can be seen holding hands and sitting on a porch swing on the balcony, Pennell said. He claims people who sit on the swing can feel it propel forward without using force.

The Pennells provide infrared cameras during the late night tours allowing tourists to explore the grounds and take photographs. A projector screen set up in the building’s dining room allows less adventurous guests the opportunity to watch potential paranormal activity live from their seats.   

After a tour of Whitehall House, participants visit allegedly haunted monuments in Old Town Spring, such as the hanging tree and The Doll Hospital building. The Pennells usually hold tours twice per week in October with fewer held after Halloween.

“We want it to be educational for people because it’s a history tour of Old Town Spring—even when we talk about ghosts,” Pennell said. “I will try and explain things to them so that there won’t be any fear.”

The Spirit Quest Center also hosts catered dinners that begin with food before a paranormal investigation of the 120-year-old Whitehall House led by the Pennells, who have 15 years of experience as paranormal investigators. Some of the tour and dinner guests might even receive a friendly gesture from the local spirits, the tour host said.    

“We have things that happen where people might get touched, and it could be in broad daylight,” Pennell said. “When it happens, don’t worry. They’re just saying, ‘Hello.’”