Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: An In-Depth Review

Exploring Richmond’s darker side on a haunted pub crawl can turn an ordinary night into a spooky adventure filled with ghost stories, historic pubs, and local drinks. Presented by US Ghost Adventures, this tour promises a blend of history, folklore, and a bit of ghostly mischief, all wrapped up in a lively two-hour experience. It’s a great way to uncover the city’s haunted spots while enjoying some of its best local brews and cider.

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is the chance to visit historic structures that have seen centuries of Richmond’s evolution—and perhaps a few spectral visitors. The guides add value with their knowledgeable storytelling, often bringing the city’s ghostly legends to life (or death, depending on your perspective). However, some reviewers note that the experience can be hit or miss depending on group size and expectations.

This tour works well for those interested in Richmond’s haunted past and local pub culture, especially if you appreciate a good ghost story paired with a drink or two. Keep in mind, it’s a relatively casual event, with a focus on storytelling and atmosphere rather than full access to every haunted site. If you’re a cautious or sensitive traveler, it’s worth noting that some reviewers found the experience underwhelming or felt they didn’t get to enter as many establishments as hoped. Still, for a fun, spooky evening with friends, it hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Balanced blend of history, ghost stories, and pub culture.
• Knowledgeable guides who are good storytellers—some receive high praise.
• Variety of historic sites, from old churches to former hospitals, each with its own ghostly legend.
• Entry to pubs where you can sample local drinks like Farmhouse dry cider and craft beers.
• Group size is limited to 15, creating a more intimate experience.
• Price point around $27.75 per person, offering reasonable value for a two-hour tour.

A Closer Look at the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Tour

The Concept and What You Can Expect

This tour is designed as a two-hour walk through Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, home to some of the city’s most historic—and supposedly haunted—buildings. It’s a mobile ticket tour, meaning you start at JewFro in downtown Richmond and then visit a series of bars and historic sites, each with its own story and spectral legend.

The tour is led by professional guides who are expected to be both knowledgeable and engaging, with reviews highlighting guides like Mars, who was described as animated and personable. The atmosphere is intended to be casual and fun, blending history, local legends, and drinks into a lively evening.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Rosie Connolly’s Pub Restaurant
Housed in a building that once served as a Railroad YMCA, Rosie Connolly’s sits in what was once known as the “red light district” of Richmond. The ambiance is historic, and the experience includes a chance to sip a drink while pondering if ghostly hands helped pour the drinks. Reviewers note that although entry is free, the ghostly influence might be more poetic than palpable here. It’s a good warm-up spot that sets the scene for more haunted adventures.

Stop 2: JewFro
This building is widely considered cursed by locals—many businesses have failed after moving in, fueling ghostly rumors about Daniel Denoon, who is said to haunt the area. Here, you can taste African wines offered by Smith and Foundry, adding a unique cultural touch to the experience. Reviewers mention that this stop offers an interesting mix of history and myth, though the lack of paid entry means more focus on storytelling than site access.

Stop 3: Historic Masonic Lodge
This is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in the world, which also served as a hospital during the War of 1812. Its preservation adds an air of authenticity, and the paranormal activity reported here is enough to persuade skeptics of its haunted reputation. The stories tend to focus on the building’s long history of service and ghostly sightings, making it a highlight for history buffs.

Stop 4: Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Located in the oldest building still standing in Richmond, the Poe Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the famous author. Many believe Poe’s ghost still lingers around his personal items and former haunts. The museum’s connection to Poe adds a literary twist, and the stories of ghostly sightings here are compelling—reviewers mention that it’s both eerie and fascinating.

Stop 5: Richbrau Brewing
Here, you’ll learn about American beer traditions, followed by a chance to taste the house brew. It’s a nice breather after the history-heavy stops, giving you a chance to relax and talk about what you’ve seen. The brewery’s atmosphere is welcoming, and the beer selection well received, making it a favorite among some travelers.

Stop 6: Old First Baptist Church
This historic church is the site of numerous ghost stories involving the four spirits rumored to haunt the cemetery and the church itself. The building, which has survived several tragedies, offers a hauntingly beautiful setting, especially at dusk.

Stop 7: Civil War Hospital Site
Formerly used as a tobacco store and a Civil War hospital, this site saw over 300 soldiers die. Ghost stories here are vivid, with many claiming to have seen apparitions or felt unseen presences. If you’re interested in Civil War history blended with ghost lore, this stop hits the mark.

Stop 8: Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille
The tour concludes with a tasting of Farmhouse Dry Cider, a drink inspired by colonial times. Travelers can expect an authentic experience, but some reviewers warn that if your attention wanders, you might notice something out of the corner of your eye—perhaps a ghostly visitor or two.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Guides
Many reviews praise guides like Mars for their storytelling skills and engaging manner. She was described as animated and personable, which adds a lot of fun to the evening. However, a few visitors found guides less engaging or unsure of their stories, which impacted the overall experience.

The Sites and Stories
Most stops are historic sites with ghostly legends attached. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum, with its stories of Poe’s ghost, is a standout, as is the Civil War hospital site with its vivid tales. The old churches and lodges provide atmospheric backgrounds, perfect for ghostly tales.

The Drinks and Atmosphere
Sampling local drinks like Farmhouse cider and craft beers adds a social component to the tour. The pubs themselves are historic and atmospheric, enriching the experience. Some reviewers found the combination of history and drinks perfect for a relaxed, spooky evening.

Limitations and Drawbacks
A common criticism is that the tour doesn’t always live up to expectations—some felt they didn’t get to enter as many places as hoped or that the ghost stories were somewhat sparse. One reviewer called the tour “boring and awkward,” citing a lack of ghostly activity and poor guide engagement. Others expressed disappointment about the large group size or the fact that no entry fees were charged, which might limit the depth of exploration.

Pricing and Value
At roughly $27.75 per person, the tour offers reasonable value for a two-hour experience, especially considering the stories and drinks involved. However, since food and drinks are not included, your overall cost can rise quickly if you decide to indulge at each stop.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl is perfect for history buffs who enjoy stories of ghosts intertwined with Richmond’s past, as well as social groups looking for a fun, spooky night out. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of storytelling and local drinks, with a moderate physical activity level—walking between stops is involved, but it’s manageable for most people.

If you’re someone looking for a deeply immersive or paranormal investigation experience, this might not satisfy your expectations, as some reviews highlight. But if you enjoy a relaxed, entertaining evening with friends and an interest in ghostly tales, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Richmond’s Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a playful yet atmospheric peek into the city’s haunted spots. The tour’s real strength lies in its engaging guides and the historic charm of the locations visited. Sampling local brews and sipping cider in haunted pubs creates a memorable setting for an evening that’s spooky, social, and full of stories.

While some visitors found the experience underwhelming or felt it lacked the ghostly punch they hoped for, others loved the blend of history and fun. It’s best suited for those who enjoy lighthearted ghost stories, a relaxed pace, and a chance to explore Richmond’s historic pubs with a bit of extra spirit—literally.

If you’re after an authentic, well-researched ghost tour with a social twist, this tour offers good value and plenty of atmospheric moments. Just remember, it’s all about having fun and embracing the ghostly lore of a city that’s seen centuries of secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is designed for travelers over 21, mainly because alcohol isn’t included but likely available at some stops, and the ghost stories might be too spooky for younger audiences.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately two hours, covering multiple historic sites and pubs in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide, storytelling, and visits to various historic and haunted locations. Food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase during stops.

Can I eat or drink on the tour?
You can enjoy drinks at the pubs visited, but the tour itself is primarily walking and listening; eating is up to you at each location.

Is the tour walkable?
Yes, it involves walking between stops, all within the historic Shockoe Bottom area. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Refunds are available if you cancel in time, but no refunds are given within 24 hours of the tour.

In the end, whether you’re a die-hard ghost enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out with a spooky twist, the Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a charming and atmospheric way to explore the city’s haunted corners—and perhaps even get a glimpse of some unseen residents.