Had a chance to talk with Sandra Lord, owner and operator of Discover Houston Tours and got a great interview. From when she started it all, to what the future holds for her broomstick adventures.

Q: How long have the ghost walks been going on in Houston?
A: I have been conducting walking tours for 20 years, since I founded Discover Houston Tours in 1988. The Ghost Walks started in 1999, so I have been doing those for 9 years. I added the public Broomstick Adventures this year for the first time.

Q: How is business? Do you usually have a sold out crowd and are you noticing an increase in business as years go by?
A: Yes. I sold out the beginning of October. Yes I added an extra “witch” this year, plus the Broomstick Adventures. Houstonians love their ghosts!

Q: What got you started in the Ghost Walks part of Discover Houston Tours?
A: I had been researching Houston’s history for my other tours for 10 years and felt we had enough good ghost stories here to merit ghost tours in downtown Houston similar to those conducted in major cities around the country and around the world.

Q: Have you personally seen anything out of the ordinary on your tours?
A: My digital camera has caught orbs on several occasions.

Q: How long do your walks tend to last?
A: The Ghost Walks last 2 1/2 hours and the Broomstick adventure bus tour last 3 hours.

Q: How does someone sign up for a walk?
A: Go to www.DiscoverHoustonTours.com and look for available dates, then call me at (713) 222-9255 to complete your reservation. I hope to add an on-line ticketing service in November.

Q: Can you tell us a story of something scary happening on any of your walks?
A: On two separate occasions at Founders Memorial Park, participants took photos of an extra pair of legs. The participants were on different tours and did not know each other. Seems like someone at Founders doesn’t want to be forgotten. On two separate occasions at College Memorial Park Cemetery (currently unavailable due to Hurricane Ike), participants reported someone speaking in their ears near a grove of trees. I am getting so many interesting reports and photos, that I plan to start collecting them and putting them online soon — stay tuned!

Q: What do you like as the most haunted place in Houston?
A: The Spaghetti Warehouse. In addition to the traditional ghost stories there, the manager, Sandra McMasters reported a haunting on the day after Hurricane Ike. She and two employees went down to the restaurant to check on damage — luckily, despite ruined carpets, the restaurant has stayed open during repairs — and as they entered the restaurant, they heard someone in the kitchen, seemingly opening the refrigerator and moving things around. Sandra called out, but no one answered. The three quickly left the restaurant and locked the door. Then Sandra called 911. The police arrived quickly, with dogs, but after searching the restaurant from top to bottom, could find no evidence of anyone inside the restaurant. I guess the ghosts were hungry for some good meatballs and spaghetti after the hurricane.

Q: Do you plan on taking your walks to other places in Houston?
A: I may take the Broomstick Adventures to other locations next year. Stay tuned.

Q: What is your favorite haunted house directory in Houston?
A: www.HoustonHaunts.com !!!!!