The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories and Folklore

An old Southern saying claims that a fool "ain't got enough sense to bell a buzzard." But what does that mean—and why would anyone put a bell around a buzzard's neck? In 1920s Kentucky, a bitter property dispute between two neighboring farmers ends in murder. Sutton Metcalfe thinks he has hidden his crime forever in the depths of a mysterious cave. Then a lone buzzard begins circling overhead, an eerie bell clanging from its neck. And wherever Sutton goes, the belled buzzard seems to follow!

Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends, folklore, and original audio storytelling. "The Belled Buzzard: A Kentucky Legend of Murder and Madness" was collected, adapted and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller:  John Gentile Music: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard Episode Photo by John Bunting. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed

Story Sources & Further Reading

• "The Belled Buzzard." American Folklore and Legend. Reader's Digest Association, 1978.
• Cobb, Irvin S. "The Belled Buzzard." The Saturday Evening Post, September 28, 1912.

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
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Deep in the back roads of East Tennessee stands the abandoned Old Lockhart House, a place locals say is haunted. One Halloween night, two teenagers decide to test the legend—and discover that some places are better left alone. Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends, folklore, and original audio storytelling. Follow The Moonlit Road
Follow us for new stories, Southern folklore, behind-the-scenes updates, and more on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Bluesky, and Mastodon. "The Old Lockhart House" was written, recorded and told by Rick Baldwin Additional audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. Episode photo by Øyvind Holmstad.  Licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 Widescreen episode photo from Library of Congress, no restrictions known. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernGhostStories #TennesseeGhostStories #HauntedHouse #EastTennessee #AppalachianFolklore #SouthernFolklore #HalloweenStories

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Deep in the mountains of Tennessee, a young bride will do anything to save her husband's sanity from the legendary Wampus Cat. When a mysterious old woman offers her a strange mask with the power to confront the fearsome creature, the gift comes with a terrible price.  In this classic Appalachian mountain legend, courage, sacrifice, and the supernatural collide in one of the South's most enduring tales. Join The Moonlit Road for a haunting journey into Southern folklore and discover why the legend of the Wampus Cat continues to captivate storytellers and listeners alike. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Wampas Mask" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Janice Butt Audio production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #WampusCat #Wampus #AppalachianFolklore #AppalachianLegends #TennesseeFolklore #SouthernFolklore #Folklore #MountainLegends #CreatureLegends #AmericanFolklore #Legends #Storytelling #Podcast #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernStories #Mythology #CampfireStories #FolklorePodcast #Witchcraft

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
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Don't Fish on Sunday! Everyone in one small Virginia town knows the rule: don't fish on Sunday. The old-timers insist the river's fish honor the Sabbath, refusing to bite on the Lord's Day. But one young fisherman named Moses laughs at the superstition and returns home every Sunday with a full catch—until the day he hooks something no one has ever seen before. Part Southern folktale, part cautionary legend, this eerie tale explores the consequences of ignoring old traditions and reminds us that some stories survive for a reason. Adapted from traditional folklore and performed by Veronica Byrd, this episode of The Moonlit Road Podcast brings another haunting tale from the backroads of the American South. Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends, folklore, and original audio storytelling. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Don't Fish on Sunday!" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
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A weathered mirror hangs inside an old shotgun shack, but some reflections refuse to stay where they belong. In this haunting Southern tale from The Moonlit Road Podcast, a forgotten house, a strange mirror, and a lingering presence blur the line between memory and something far more unsettling. What begins as curiosity slowly turns into dread as the past presses against the glass. Rooted in the eerie storytelling traditions of the American South, The Mirror is a quiet, atmospheric ghost story about reflection, loss, and the things that wait in empty rooms long after everyone else has gone. FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Mirror" was directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Rick Baldwin Audio Production: Henry Howard Music performed by Barbara Bowman, with vocals by Mary Ann Howard. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.  

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
https://www.themoonlitroad.com

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In this eerie Tennessee folktale from Weakley County, a legendary fiddler emerges for one last contest, chasing the coveted "fiddler's dram." Fiddling contests were once the heartbeat of rural communities—where pride, reputation, and a jar of fine whiskey were all on the line. But on this particular night, as the music begins and the crowd leans in, something about the man on stage feels… not quite right. 🎻 A backroads tale of music, mystery, and a performance no one could explain. If you enjoy this story, take a listen to another "fiddling ghost story" - The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-ghost-of-fiddlers-rock-tennessee For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Fiddler's Dram" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Music: Randall Franks - https://randallfranks.com Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. Keywords: Tennessee folktale, Southern folklore, fiddle contest, American folklore, backroads stories, The Moonlit Road

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
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Did the Devil himself really build a mansion in the heart of the Garden District? Discover the eerie legend of the haunted estate that once cast a shadow over St. Charles Avenue. New Orleans is a city of secrets, but few are as unsettling as the story of the dark, imposing mansion that appeared almost overnight on one of its most prestigious streets. From the strange, hapazard construction to the terrifying sounds that echoed from within its walls, the "Devil's Mansion" became a landmark of dread for generations of locals. Content Warning: This story ventures into darker territory, including moments of violence that some listeners may find unsettling. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Tom Coleman Recorded at KRVS Radio Acadie, Lafayette, Louisiana Additional audio production: Henry Howard Music: Jez Graham The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #NewOrleans #GhostStories #SouthernGothic #GardenDistrict #DevilsMansion #LouisianaFolklore #StCharlesAve #HauntedHistory #UrbanLegends #StorytellingPodcast

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
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Bitterness between two sisters over a glittering diamond ring leads to terrifying consequences from beyond the grave in this chilling Georgia ghost story. In the quiet town of Washington, Georgia, jealousy festers for years between Martha and her sister Jenny. When Jenny dies, temptation proves too strong—and Martha takes the ring she has always coveted. But some things are never meant to be stolen. Soon a voice begins calling in the night: "Where's my ring?" FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Where's My Ring?" was told by Nancy Riggs Story adapted from folklore by Nancy Riggs with Craig Dominey Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
https://www.themoonlitroad.com

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Two college friends spend a quiet weekend at an isolated Appalachian mountain house — until strange nighttime noises lead to a shocking discovery. Listener discretion is advised.  This story contains frightening imagery and disturbing elements that may not be suitable for all audiences. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Grandma's Furry Robe" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert Guitar: Lanny Gilbert Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #SouthernHorror
#AppalachianHorror
#ScaryStories
#HorrorPodcast
#ShortHorror
#CreepyStories  

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
https://www.themoonlitroad.com

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Memphis is a city of music and history, but it is also a city of ghosts. Today, we explore one of its most enduring and debated legends: the haunting of Brinkley Female College by the mysterious Lizzie - and the hunt for an elusive buried jar that captivated an entire city. READ THE FULL STORY & SEE PHOTOS: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lizzie-ghost-brinkley-female-college-memphis-tennessee/ In this episode, we cover:

• The origins of the Brinkley Female College and its place in Memphis history.
• First-hand accounts of the terrifying encounters with "Lizzie."
• Why this specific ghost story remains one of the most controversial legends in Tennessee folklore.

Listen now to decide for yourself: is Lizzie a product of imagination, or a spirit that refused to leave school? FOR MORE STORIES: Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com. FOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad CREDITS: "Lizzie, Ghost of Brinkley Female College" was adapted and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen (https://tattlingtales.com/). Audio Production: Henry Howard. Piano improvisations by Carole Mitchell ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #MemphisGhosts #PinkLizzie #SouthernFolklore #HauntedMemphis #TennesseeLegends #TheMoonlitRoad

For more stories, including tales not on the podcast, visit our website:
https://www.themoonlitroad.com

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