Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re curious about Asheville’s darker tales and enjoy a good spooky story paired with drinks, the Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl might just be your cup of ghostly tea. This two-hour adventure is designed for adults who want to explore the city’s haunted past while enjoying a drink or two at some of Asheville’s historic watering holes. While it’s not billed as a full-blown ghost tour, the mix of storytelling, ambiance, and local flavor makes for a lively, if slightly uneven, evening.

What we especially like about this tour is its focus on local history and authentic bars, which adds texture and depth to the experience. The guides are seasoned and know how to entertain while sharing tales that make you see Asheville in a different light. Plus, the opportunity to photograph anomalies or spirits with your phone adds an interactive element that appeals to the modern ghost enthusiast. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some reviews indicate not all stops feature ghost stories, which can leave those expecting more supernatural chills a bit disappointed.

This tour is best suited for adults interested in Asheville’s history, ghost stories, and nightlife. It’s perfect for those who enjoy storytelling, a casual drinking atmosphere, and a dash of the mysterious — but not necessarily hardcore paranormal explorers. If you’re looking for a fun, atmospheric evening with a local guide, this could be an entertaining choice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Bars & Historic Sites: Explore downtown Asheville’s true historic spots, some with stories dating back nearly a century.
• Seasoned Guides: Knowledgeable guides share stories that bring the city’s haunted past to life.
• Interactive Elements: Use your phone to capture evidence of ghostly anomalies, adding a fun, modern twist.
• Varied Storytelling: Not all bars feature ghost stories, which might affect some guests’ expectations.
• Adult-Only Atmosphere: Designed for those looking for a night out without children.
• Time & Value: A two-hour experience that combines sightseeing, drinking, and storytelling at a reasonable price point.

Starting outside Barley’s Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave., you’ll meet your guide, easily recognizable with a lantern and US Ghost Adventures T-shirt. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with a relaxed pace that allows for plenty of storytelling and socializing. You’ll visit seven different historic hotspots, including three bars, each carefully selected for their ambiance and historical significance.

The First Stop: Barley’s Taproom

Your evening kicks off with a fresh drink, setting a convivial tone. Right away, your guide will introduce you to Asheville’s dark side, teasing stories of 1920s suicides, executions, and tuberculosis. This hotel also acts as a warm-up for the spirits (both literal and paranormal).

Historic Hotspots & Tales

As you wind through downtown Asheville, the guide will provide stories as colorful as the drinks. For example, you’ll hear about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, whose tragic lives are intertwined with the city’s lore. The Fitzgeralds’ connection to Asheville offers a literary touchstone, making the stories feel more tangible.

Another highlight is learning about the Flatiron Building, known for being haunted by tuberculosis victims. These stories are often grisly but add a sense of authenticity and historical depth, making the ghosts seem less like Hollywood fiction and more like echoes of real tragedies.

The Prohibition Era & Packs Tavern

A key highlight is the stop at Packs Tavern, a renowned Asheville pub with a history stretching back to the Prohibition era. Here, you might sip a 1920s cocktail while absorbing tales from that tumultuous period. It’s a chance to enjoy a drink that’s historically appropriate, adding flavor to the storytelling.

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The Interactive Element

Part of what we love about this tour is the encouragement to use your phone to capture anomalies or apparitions. Whether you believe in ghost photography or not, it adds an engaging layer to the experience and appeals to those who like a bit of modern investigation.

End at Packs Tavern

The tour concludes here, leaving you with enough stories and a pleasant buzz to share with friends or ponder alone. It’s a relaxed but atmospheric way to cap your evening.

While the tour touts haunted tales, some reviews suggest that not every pub delivers ghost stories — one reviewer noted, “It was just stories of murdered people around the corner or up the street, not actually in the locations we visited.” This inconsistency may matter if your main interest is supernatural encounters. However, the guides’ storytelling skills generally keep the atmosphere lively.

The cost is reasonable given the inclusion of multiple stops and stories, but remember that the experience’s value hinges on your expectations. If you’re hoping for intense ghost-hunting or a deep dive into paranormal phenomena, this might fall short. But if you want a fun, atmospheric night out with added historical flavor, it’s a good deal.

Tour Logistics & Practical Tips

• Duration & Timing: Two hours, starting at 9 PM, ideal for a late-night adventure.
• Group Size: Typically small and intimate enough for good interaction.
• Price & Payment: You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, ID for alcohol purchase, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Limitations: Not suitable for those with mobility issues, as the tour involves walking and standing.

One of the most praised aspects from those who enjoyed the tour was the knowledge and humor of the guides. Their storytelling made the history engaging and approachable, turning what might have been a simple pub crawl into an entertaining and educational experience.

The Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl offers a lively, storytelling-focused look into Asheville’s past — with a spooky twist. It’s best suited for adults who love a good story, enjoy historic bars, and relish the idea of combining drinks with a touch of the supernatural. While it might not satisfy hardcore ghost hunters, the combination of local history, atmospheric venues, and engaging guides makes this a worthwhile outing for many.

Travelers should expect a relaxed pace, plenty of personality from guides, and a fun chance to see Asheville’s shadowy corners. Just be mindful that some stops may lean more toward history than actual hauntings, so set your expectations accordingly.

If you’re after a memorable, atmospheric night with a good mix of storytelling and socializing, this tour provides good value and a chance to see Asheville’s haunted side in a friendly, adults-only setting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is adult-only, designed for those 21 and over who appreciate a drink and spooky stories.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, starting at 9 PM.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just comfortable shoes, your ID (for alcohol), and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are all stops haunted or just some?
Not all venues feature ghost stories—some focus more on historical anecdotes or local legends.

Will I get a chance to take photos?
Yes, you’re encouraged to use your phone to document anomalies or apparitions if you see anything unusual.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those who cannot walk more than a mile, as the tour involves walking through downtown Asheville.

This haunted pub crawl blends stories, history, and fun into a compact evening that’s perfect for curious adults eager to uncover Asheville’s darker corners. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a change of pace, it offers a memorable way to experience the city after dark.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby