Ghost tours are a fabulous way to learn about a city and its past and enjoy an evening out. Most aren’t that scary but offer a unique perspective on a popular destination and even permit you to be a tourist in your hometown. That’s precisely what I did when I took a US Ghost Adventures tour of my hometown, Raleigh, North Carolina. Don’t miss out— see why a ghost tour is the perfect addition to your next trip.
Why You Should Go on a Ghost Tour
I love ghost tours. I try to include one on the itinerary whenever possible. It’s not that I’m drawn to fright or dark stories — it’s that, by their nature, they’re rich in history.
As a self-proclaimed history buff, these tours offer up an array of fascinating facts, interesting characters, and enough historical details to deliver a mesmerizing overview of a destination. Likewise, they provide a cost-effective opportunity to explore the city on foot and get up close to its historic landmarks. So, when US Ghost Adventures invited me to join one of their tours, I didn’t hesitate to say yes!
Raleigh Ghosts & Ghouls Hauntings Tour
Jason and I took the Raleigh Ghosts & Ghouls Hauntings Tour on a Friday in March. The cool drizzle certainly added an eerie quality to the evening— it was perfect for the occasion. We arrived just a few minutes before our 8 p.m. start time at the meeting spot outside the North Carolina Capitol. Ghost Tour guide, Chris and the other tour-takers were punctual as well so we began our tour through Raleigh’s ghostly past right on schedule.
The North Carolina State Capitol proved to be a superb starting point. We discovered the stories behind the numerous hauntings and creepy happenings reported in the historic old building. Moreover, we learned a great deal about the building itself, the enormous sum of money it took to construct, and the infamous figure with three brass buttons that frequents the third floor.
Explore Raleigh on Foot
The Ghosts & Ghouls Hauntings tour took us on a journey around Capitol Square that lasted a little over an hour. This was the perfect amount of time for getting an insightful overview of the area, its history, and of course its otherworldly residents.
We enjoyed visiting some of the city’s most historic homes including the North Carolina Executive Mansion. At each stop on the tour, we heard captivating stories of past residents and historic events while getting an up-close look at these beautiful structures.
It was also a terrific way to immerse ourselves in Raleigh’s haunted heritage while enjoying a stroll downtown. I could continue on and on sharing all of the wonderful spooky details, but I don’t want to spoil it for you!
If you’re planning to take the Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour, you’ll find convenient street parking available on Capitol Square. Parking is free on weekends and from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday. Since the tour begins at 8 p.m., you’ll be able to park for free.
Tips for Planning Your Ghost Tour
A ghost tour is great for a variety of travelers. From group outings to couples or solo travelers— you can’t go wrong with a ghost tour. Most ghost tours are geared toward adults but aren’t very scary. Although, should you wish to seek out more harrowing excursions, they’re out there.
You will want to book in advance to ensure there is room on the tour you wish to take. Walking tours as indicated by the name, include hitting the pavement so comfortable shoes are a must. Additionally, weather happens so be prepared. Unless it’s extreme weather, most tours run rain or shine.
I was pleased to receive the email from US Ghost Adventures inviting me to tour. They operate ghost tours in 190 US cities, making them the largest ghost tour company in the country. A visit to their website makes it simple to locate a ghost tour near you or in the city you’re traveling to.
They also own and restore historic haunted houses such as the Villisca Axe Murder House and the Lizzie Borden House. That’s quite an impressive roster of haunted history.
What I Liked
I appreciated the professionalism of the Ghosts & Ghouls Hauntings Tour. Before it began, our guide sent me a text message confirming the time and meeting location and offered help if we had trouble finding him. Nice touches like this help put tour-takers at ease and remove any confusion before the event. It also sets the tone for what we can expect during our tour.
I especially liked the laid-back casual flow of the tour. We were a friendly albeit small group that evening, but our guide Chris was pleasant, excited about the subject matter, answered our questions, and even offered post-tour dining suggestions.
This was a fun Friday night activity that permitted me to be a tourist in my hometown. I learned a lot and enjoyed exploring Raleigh’s ghostly historic past. If you love a good mix of history, mystery, and a few spine-tingling stories, this ghost tour is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
- Although my tour was sponsored by US Ghost Adventures, all opinions are honest and my own.
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