“Best burgers in town,” they say. That claim hangs in the air as thick as the Texas heat, promising a treat after a trip through time at J. Lorraine Ghost Town.
J. Lorraine Ghost Town isn’t just old. It is an experience. It sits just east of Austin in Manor, Texas. Here, the echoes of the Old West linger. This recreation of an 1800s western town offers a strange and eerie atmosphere for those who dare to explore.
George Richards bought the property to do some farming. As he tilled the earth, he kept digging up old planks of wood. He researched the property. Turns out there was a town named J. Lorraine active sometime in the 1900s. Some force of nature tore most of the town down, causing several deaths. The townsfolk decided to leave. Another story credits an angry mob burning the town down.
This isn’t a historic site in the traditional sense. J. Lorraine Ghost Town is a reimagining, rebuilt with scrap wood from the original town. It serves as a movie set, wedding venue, and a place to explore during public hours. The 4.5 acres invite exploration.
Imagine the stories these buildings could tell. A quiet place to hide, but it was eventually burned down by the outraged citizens nearby. Now, the re-creation stands as a reminder of what the old days were really like. You can wander into Madame Marie’s quaint home and have your fortune read. Stroll past dilapidated jail cells.
Kids love locking each other in the jail. They play out-of-tune songs on the saloon piano. They pretend to have ailments in the doctor’s office or get haircuts at the barbershop. The maze is a favorite. This wooden structure often takes up to 30 minutes to figure out.
The restaurant offers affordable comfort. Hamburgers, sandwiches, and ice cream are on the menu. Beer and wine are available. There are horseshoes, washers, darts, volleyball, and tetherball to play. Live music sometimes fills the air.
Some say the buildings still house former residents. People claim to hear voices and smell pipe smoke. Others say it is a very unique setting in which you can plan to bring your fun. Whether you encounter a ghost or just the wind whistling through the window panes, J. Lorraine Ghost Town leaves an impression.
Remember J. Lorraine Ghost Town when looking for something different. It is open weekends. Check the website for the latest updates. Come for the history. Come for the atmosphere. Come for the burgers. Just come ready for an adventure.