Photo: Eric Ramirez.

Utah is ranked among the top ten states for celebrating Halloween traditions, and it’s easy to see why. From neighborly surprises to haunted restaurants and lingering spirits in old buildings, Heber Valley has more than its fair share of ghostly tales. Here’s your seasonal guide to the local haunts:

The Ghost of Mercantile: Emily

Midway Mercantile, which opened in 2018, is known for fine American dining, historic ambiance, and—if the staff is to be believed—a resident ghost.

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She’s called “Emily.” According to longtime bartender Kyle Sadelson, lights flicker, TVs switch on by themselves, and faint whooshes fill the room late at night. The staff describes Emily as playful, never menacing, almost as if she just wants acknowledgment for being part of the team.

“She’s nice and mischievous,” co-owner John Platt confirms. Kyle even swears she “likes him best,” boasting that she often teases him with bar-light strobes. If you stop in for the lavender chicken or a handcrafted cocktail, raise a glass—Emily might just be joining you.

The Lady in Black: Coinzio’s Ghost

Not all hauntings are friendly. When Chris Fazio, owner of Coinzio—Heber’s luxury coin and jewelry store—moved into his 1909 building, he quickly realized he wasn’t alone.

Working late nights upstairs, Chris began hearing heavy footsteps. One evening, upon turning on the lights, he caught a glimpse of a large, black-hued figure—both elderly and feminine—at the end of the hall. His staff soon reported hearing the same noises and even refused to go upstairs.

The building’s owner admits that previous tenants have also complained of an unsettling presence. Chris nicknamed her “The Lady in Black”—and this lady happens to be especially hostile toward women. Finally, in August 2024, weeks before Coinzio’s grand opening, Chris performed a cleansing ritual, hoping to send the spirit on their way. Since then, the footsteps have ceased. The Lady in Black, it seems, has taken her leave—or perhaps just gone quiet, waiting…

Are You Scared?

Want to test your fear level? Be sure and check out the 2025 Heber Haunted Hay Ride and Fall Festival at Kohler Creamery. You will for sure experience some local chills and thrills.

More info: https://www.hebervalleyhauntedhayride.com/

The Local Ghost: Booed by the Neighbors

If you’re new to Utah, don’t be surprised if your doorbell rings on a crisp October evening and—when you open the door—the prankster (or ghost!) is out of sight. Instead, you find a treat left behind.

This is the tradition of “booing.” A small gift, candy, or homemade goodie appears on your doorstep with a note that reads: “You’ve been Booed! Pass it on to two neighbors.” What might feel at first like a trick is actually a community act of kindness, a way to share the Halloween spirit. In Midway, I’ve personally unwrapped trail mix one year, and irresistible cinnamon rolls the next. It’s a reminder that Halloween in Utah is about more than frights—it’s about connection.

Final Words From the Haunted Valley

Whether it’s a mischievous phantom bartender or an ominous upstairs tenant, Heber Valley’s spirits remind us that Halloween isn’t just costumes and candy—it’s a season when the veil between worlds feels just a little thinner.

So, this October, as you sip your pumpkin-spice latte and hand out candy, listen for the creak of a floorboard, the flicker of a light, or the ring of your doorbell. You just might be next to get Booed.