First Annual Southside Heritage & Hauntings
October 16–18, 2026 • Nottoway County, Virginia
Join us for a weekend celebrating the haunted history, folklore, mysteries, and strange tales of Nottoway County and Southside Virginia.
Southside Heritage & Hauntings celebrates the release of David Chappuis’ new book, The Ghosts of Nottoway and Other Southside Virginia Tales, with ghost stories, local history, author readings, guest speakers, tours, vendors, food, music, antiques, and more.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Dusk – Nottoway Courthouse Ghost Tour.
Step back in time for an evening of ghostly tales and a guided stroll through historic Old
Nottoway, including stops at Old Brick Church and the Courthouse Green. Discover the
history, legends, and lingering spirits of Nottoway.
The ghost tour begins at Old Brick Church, directly across the street from Old Nottoway
Antiques.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 – 12pm – dusk and after
Saturday October 17 Noon–8:00 PM.
Spend the day exploring the rich history, mysteries, and hauntings of Southside Virginia!
Enjoy author readings, guest speakers, psychics, a ghost museum, local legends, guided
ghost tours, vendors, delicious food, books, and much more. Discover the stories, spirits,
and secrets that bring Southside Virginia’s haunted past to life!
Noon–1:00 PM – Author Readings
David Chappuis shares selected readings from The Ghosts of Nottoway and Other
Southside Virginia Tales.
Beginning at 1:00 PM – The Ghosts of Nottoway and Oddities Museum opens.
Main Tent Presentations
1:30–2:15 PM – Suzy Hokanson: Psychic Sailing, Sand & Art
Join medium Suzy Hokanson as she connects with the spirits whose lives and stories
inspired The Ghosts of Nottoway and Other Southside Virginia Tales.
2:15–2:45 PM – Harry Boyd: Remembering Kay Ragland Boyd
Harry Boyd shares memories of his late mother, Kay Ragland Boyd, whose columns in the
Crewe-Burkeville Journal helped inspire The Ghosts of Nottoway. Hear about her
experiences referenced in the book and the legacy she left behind.
3:00–3:30 PM – Stephanie Amos: Ghost Hunting at the Historic Wayside Inn
Ghost hunter and investigator Stephanie Amos shares her experiences at the reportedly
haunted Wayside Inn in Middletown, Virginia. Dating to 1797, it is one of America’s oldest
continuously operating inns. Stephanie will share photographs she believes may have
captured a ghost on camera.
3:30–4:00 PM – Suzy Hokanson: Exploring the World of Mediumship
Suzy shares insights into her work as a medium, how she connects with spirits, and how
attendees can explore and develop their own intuitive and psychic abilities.
Other Saturday Activities
1:00–5:00 PM – Southern Favorites with a Spooky Twist
Enjoy a lunch buffet catered by Dine n’ Crewe of Southern favorites with a spooky twist,
served while supplies last. See prices and payment options below.
1:00–4:00 PM – Music Through the Decades
Chris Page, owner of Bright Lights Entertainment, sets the mood with a haunting
selection of music from the 1920s onward, connecting us with generations gone by.
2:15–3:15 PM – Messages from Beyond: Psychic Sand Readings
Join Suzy Hokanson as she uses sand to connect with the spirit world and explore
messages, impressions, and connections from beyond.
2:30 PM – Old Nottoway Antiques Tour
Author David Chappuis leads a tour of Old Nottoway Antiques, including the mysterious
painting that returned home. Follow David near his home, the Randolph Tavern, for
personal ghost stories featured in The Ghosts of Nottoway and Other Southside Virginia
Tales.
3:00 PM – Share Your Ghost Stories!
Do you have a ghost story, unexplained encounter, or local legend from Nottoway County
or Southside Virginia? Stop by Old Nottoway Antiques and share your tale with Mark.
We’d love to hear about the mysteries and hauntings of our community!
3:30 PM – Haunted Costume Contest
Come dressed as your favorite Ghost of Nottoway, ghoul, or Halloween-inspired monster
for a chance to win Ghosts of Nottoway merchandise! Bring your most hauntingly
creative look! The winner will be announced at 4:00 PM.
4:00 PM – Toast to The Ghosts and Costume Contest Winner
Raise a toast to The Ghosts of Nottoway and celebrate our costume contest winner as DJ
Chris Page kicks off the Ghost Dance Party!
4:00–5:00 PM – Ghost Dance Party
Dance with the spirits of Nottoway to supernatural favorites like “Superstition,”
“Thriller,” “Monster Mash,” and more!
4:00–5:00 PM – Spirits in Watercolor: Psychic Art Readings
Suzy Hokanson combines art and intuition in watercolor mediumship readings. Attendees
who receive a reading can take home their one-of-a-kind watercolor creation as a
keepsake.
At Dusk – Ghost Tours of Historic Old Nottoway
As darkness falls, step into Nottoway’s haunted past with guided ghost tours of Old Brick
Church and the Courthouse Green. Hear chilling tales of local history, legends, and
unexplained happenings.
Spirited Shopping and Timeless Treasures
Discover a little magic while you shop! Visit our metaphysical vendor, Celeste Starchild,
on Saturday from 1:00–5:00 PM for gemstone jewelry, smudge supplies, mini meditation
sound bowls, candles, and gemstone pendulums. Prices vary. Old Nottoway Antiques will
also be open all three days, offering vintage treasures, unique finds, and a chance to take
home a piece of the past at a great price.
Admission Prices and Payment
The event is free and open to the public. Readings with Suzy Hokanson have a suggested
donation of $10, payable in cash.
Signed copies of The Ghosts of Nottoway: $20 •
Lunch: $20 per person
Cash and credit cards accepted for books and lunch purchases.
Saturday lunch service is 1:00–5:00 PM, while supplies last.
Spend the day exploring Southside history and hauntings with author readings, guest speakers, mediums, ghost museum, local stories, vendors, food, ghost tours, books, and more.
Dusk – Ghost Tours of Old Brick and the Courthouse begin at Old Brick Church.
Spend the day exploring Southside history and hauntings with author readings, guest speakers, local stories, vendors, food, tours, books, and more.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Noon to 1:00 PM – Book Signings & Historic Nottoway
Stop by to pick up your copy of The Ghosts of Nottoway and Other Southside Virginia
Tales and have it signed by the author, David Chappuis! Enjoy more local history,
captivating stories, and opportunities to explore historic Nottoway.
Location:
Southside Heritage & Hauntings
Old Nottoway Antiques
6254 Old Nottoway Rd
Crewe, Virginia 23930
Come for the history. Stay for the ghosts.
*More speakers, vendors, activities, and schedule details will be announced as we get closer to the event.