Telling Elegies Adults Walking Tour in Saint Augustine

Traveling through St. Augustine always feels like stepping into a living history book—except with ghosts. The Telling Elegies Adults Walking Tour offers a compelling glimpse into the darker, more mysterious corners of this charming city. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on numerous reviews and the detailed itinerary, it’s clear this tour is designed for those who enjoy a mix of history, spine-tingling stories, and a bit of local lore.

What we particularly like about this tour is its balanced combination of historical facts and ghostly tales, often delivered by guides who seem genuinely knowledgeable and engaging. Plus, with a price tag of just under $35, it’s a fairly affordable way to spend an evening exploring the city’s shadowy past. However, a possible caveat is that this tour isn’t suited for young children or the faint of heart, given its dark themes and mature content. If you’re someone who loves stories about serial killers, historic tragedies, and ghostly legends, this experience could be just right.

This tour best fits visitors who want an authentic, slightly spooky, but educational experience after a day of sightseeing. If you’re looking for a lively, humorous, or family-friendly activity, you might want to consider other options. But for those interested in a think-about-it exploration of the city’s more sinister side, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers key historic and haunted sites.
• It’s suitable for adults and older teens interested in ghost stories and dark history.
• Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• The tour includes stops at Flagler College, Trade Winds Tropical Lounge, and St. George Street.
• Price reflects good value considering the length and content of the tour.
• It’s not for those who prefer lighthearted or superficial ghost stories or who are easily disturbed.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The Telling Elegies Adults Walking Tour kicks off at Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine, located at 32 Charlotte St. This meeting point is central, making it easy for visitors staying in or near the historic district to join in. From there, your guide will lead you on a roughly 90-minute walk through some of the city’s most storied streets.

First stop: Flagler College. While many visitors admire the architecture and grandeur of Flagler College, this tour offers a different perspective—focusing on its ghostly legends, including the Ghost of Henry Flagler. You’ll also hear about the mysterious suicides and tragic institutionalizations associated with the property. The guide’s insights here serve to humanize the historic figures, blending fact and legend seamlessly.

Next, you’ll move to the Trade Winds Tropical Lounge. Here, the focus shifts to darker tales involving “Bad Bill,” a serial killer responsible for seven sadistic slayings. It’s a chilling story, and the guide emphasizes the grisly details, which makes it clear this isn’t a tame ghost walk.

Finally, the tour winds through St. George Street, stopping at historic sites tied to local legends, including the murder of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley on her front steps. This segment offers a mix of genuine history and ghostly lore, with stories that often leave an impression long after the tour ends.

The Guides and Their Stories

Reviews consistently highlight the guides’ knowledgeable and lively narration. One reviewer called their guide “very knowledgeable and funny,” while others appreciated the authenticity and passion guides brought to the stories. However, a couple of reviews found some guides’ storytelling less compelling—some felt stories were overly long or exaggerated, or that the narration was disjointed.

This highlights an important point: your experience can depend heavily on the guide you get. The best guides seem to mix historical facts with storytelling flair, making the dark tales more vivid and memorable.

Booking, Duration, and Group Size

The tour is priced at $34.99 per person, which for 90 minutes of guided entertainment is reasonable. All fees and taxes are included, and the tour operates with small groups (max 25 participants), meaning you’ll get a more personalized experience than large bus tours. The mobile ticket system makes it simple to book and join, and the tour is available with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Everything you need is included—fees, taxes, and the guiding service. Gratuities, however, aren’t included, so if you enjoyed the experience, supplementing your guide is appreciated, as usual.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This tour suits adults and mature teens interested in ghost stories, dark history, and local legends. It’s perfect for those who enjoy authentic storytelling and are comfortable with potentially unsettling themes. It’s less suited for children, or travelers seeking a light-hearted or family-friendly ghost walk.

Why the Tour Offers Good Value

At just under $35, the tour packs a lot into a short span—you get to see key historic sites with a focus on their spooky side, all while learning about the city’s darker moments. The small group size and engaging guides add to the value, creating an intimate setting that encourages questions and discussion.

It’s a solid choice if you want an evening activity that combines history with a thrill, especially after a day of wandering the city’s historic streets. Plus, the dark tales often linger longer than the daytime sights—giving you a different perspective on St. Augustine.

Final Thoughts

The Telling Elegies Adults Walking Tour is a well-rounded option for travelers craving a mixture of history and hauntings. Its main strength lies in the passion and knowledge of guides, who bring stories to life with enthusiasm and authenticity. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending historical significance with ghostly legends, making each site more than just a backdrop—they become part of the story.

While some reviewers noted that some stories could feel a little stretched or less engaging, overall, the tour’s balance of facts and spooky tales makes it a memorable experience. If you’re interested in dark history, enjoy engaging storytelling, and are prepared for some mature themes, this tour offers good value and genuine entertainment.

For those who are curious about the hidden, haunted corners of St. Augustine, or just want a different way to explore the city’s past, this walk is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for young audiences due to its dark themes and mature content.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

What’s included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included; no extra charges for admission or tickets.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is my mobile ticket enough to join?
Yes, the tour offers a mobile ticket for easy access and check-in.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Where does the tour meet?
It starts at Ghost City Tours of St. Augustine, located at 32 Charlotte St.

To sum it up, the Telling Elegies Adults Walking Tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to experience the city’s more mysterious side. It’s best suited for those who appreciate stories that are part history, part legend, and all intriguing. With knowledgeable guides and a reasonable price, it’s a memorable addition to any St. Augustine visit—if you’re comfortable with a touch of the macabre.