Lula's Pub is a downtown Wilmington bar beloved for its underground aesthetic, its low-key atmosphere and its ghost story, which tells of a former slave killed on the property who now greets guests in mirrors or dark corners.

Venture down a dark, cramped hallway and into this subterranean hideaway that's lit with string lights and neon signs. It's a small communal space, but it's legend of the man who haunts the property is one that has stood the test of time.

Still, it begs the question, is the story of Cooter true? And what strange encounters have happened on the property, itself a story of historic progress in downtown Wilmington?

We tell the story of Cooter and the property in this week's installment of A Cape Fear Unearthed Halloween. 

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish.

The show is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry, Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning, and Cape Fear Pharmacy.

Sources:

• "Pub Crawl Wilmington," Wilmington.Tours app by Java Dog Press
• "Ghosts of Old Wilmington," by John Hirchak
• Wilmington Morning Star articles