Aiken’s Haints and Haunts
Not everybody believes in ghosts, but everybody loves a good ghost story. Not everybody loved history class in high school or college, but everybody loves the history of their hometown. That’s the ethos of Kent Cubbage, owner and tour guide of Aiken Ghost Tours.
For more than 20 years, Cubbage has been leading haunted history tours of Aiken’s downtown. A lover of history, he became enamored with Aiken’s rich history when he moved here 30 years ago.
“Aiken has as fascinating a history as any small town in the south, if not any small town in the country,” said Cubbage. “I’ve spent the last three decades immersing myself in Aiken’s past. I am always learning new things about this wonderful town, including its legends, lore and haunted stories.”
The tour is a walking tour in the core of downtown Aiken. There are five stops and dozens of stories along the way. The tour begins in St. Thaddeus graveyard at the south end of Pendleton St. There, Cubbage discusses the notable people who are buried in the graveyard, the locale’s connection to the Battle of Aiken during the Civil War, and the strange things that happen in the graveyard one night out of the year.
From there, the tour moves a half a block to Hayne Avenue. Guests are amazed to hear that the Hope Diamond was once owned by an Aikenite, who may have fallen prey to the curse of the stone. Other stops include tales of the hauntings at the Old Post Office and the Aiken Gas Explosion.
Cubbage is also one of the tour guides on the City of Aiken Trolley Tour on Saturday mornings, and like many Americans, has kept his love of Halloween into adulthood.
“October 1 is the official start of ghost tv shows in my house,” said Cubbage. “And, of course, the busy season for my haunted history tours. I do dozens of private tours and some public tours throughout the year, but the phone really starts ringing right before Halloween.”
Tours are scheduled for October 25, 26, 27 and 31, and others may be added depending on demand.
Cost is $20 per person, $15 for kids 16 and under.
For more information or to book, call 803-270-0773 or email kentcubbage@yahoo.com.
