Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Thinking about adding a spooky twist to your Richmond visit? This Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a mix of history, ghost stories, and pub hopping that can be a fun way to spend an evening. If you’re into haunted tales and local drinks, this tour might just hit the right spot.

What we like about this experience is how it combines well-researched stories with visits to historic, atmospheric pubs, giving you a taste of Richmond’s past and its ghostly legends. Plus, you’ll get to sample some regional drinks like Farmhouse dry cider and African wines, which makes the tour more than just a ghost story session.

However, a noteworthy point is that some travelers have found the tour somewhat limited in its ghostly content and felt they didn’t get full access to the establishments as expected. That might be worth considering if you’re looking for a truly in-depth ghost experience.

This tour tends to suit those looking for a casual, social evening that mixes history, spirits (both ghostly and alcoholic), and a bit of local lore. If you enjoy exploring pubs with a side of spooky stories, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of haunted stories and pub visits, with a focus on Richmond’s historic locations.
• Knowledgeable guides who share detailed, researched history and legends.
• Affordable price point at around $27.75, offering good value for a two-hour experience.
• Limited access to certain venues, which might disappoint those expecting full entry.
• Average rating of 4.0/5 based on reviews, with some travelers praising the guide and atmosphere.
• Not suitable for under-21s and not designed as a full-fledged ghost tour, but more of a social pub crawl with haunted stories.

What to Expect from the Tour

This roughly two-hour experience kicks off at 6:00 pm and is designed to give you a glimpse into Richmond’s haunted past while exploring its lively pub scene. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who weaves together stories, legends, and historical facts as you hop from one historic pub to another.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Rosie Connolly’s Pub Restaurant
Your journey begins in a pub housed in a building with a past tied to Richmond’s red-light district and the Railroad YMCA. The atmosphere is historic, and you’ll be encouraged to get a drink—perhaps with a hint of ghostly assistance. One review notes that “we didn’t enter any hotel,” which hints at some limitations in the tour’s access, but the storytelling still makes this spot interesting.
Duration: 20 minutes (Free admission)

Stop 2: JewFro
Next, you’ll visit a building reputed to be cursed, with stories about Daniel Denoon, who is believed to haunt the site. The building is now home to Smith and Foundry, which offers African wines for tasting, adding a flavorful twist to the experience. This stop combines paranormal tales with a chance to sample unique wines, though access to the original building’s interiors might be restricted.
Duration: 20 minutes (Free admission)

Stop 3: The Old Masonic Lodge
One of the oldest Masonic lodges still in operation, this site has served as a hospital during the War of 1812. Paranormal activity here has convinced some doubters of its haunted reputation. It’s a tangible connection to the past, wrapped in ghostly legends.

Stop 4: The Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Located in the city’s oldest standing structure, the Poe Museum celebrates the author’s time in Richmond. Many report seeing Poe’s ghost in the house, especially near personal artifacts. It’s a literary and haunted landmark, perfect for fans of gothic tales.

Stop 5: Richbrau Brewing
Here, you’ll learn about the history of beer in the U.S., followed by a tasting of the house brew. The brewery’s history ties into Richmond’s social fabric, and the beer taste tests add a relaxed vibe to the tour.

Stop 6: Historic Church and Cemetery
This first church in Richmond has witnessed numerous tragedies over the years. Reports of four ghosts haunting the cemetery make it a key spooky stop. The atmosphere, especially at dusk, can be quite eerie and memorable, even if you’re just listening to stories.

Stop 7: Civil War Hospital
A site that saw over 300 troops die and functioned as a hospital during the Civil War, now known for its ghostly tales. The history here is intense, and if you’re sensitive to ghost stories, this is a highlight.

Stop 8: Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille
The tour concludes at Patrick Henry’s, where you can try Farmhouse Dry Cider—perfect for a colonial-era vibe. Some reviews suggest that the spirits (ghosts) might be more than just metaphors, making this a fitting end to your haunted pub crawl.

How the Tour Works

This is a mobile ticket experience, meaning you just show up at the starting point on Franklin Street. The guide is well-versed in local lore and history, which really enhances the experience. The group sizes are capped at 15, ensuring that you won’t feel lost in a crowd—although some reviews mention groups of over 20, so check current details.

The tour isn’t about heavy drinking during the event—alcohol consumption is up to you, and the guide’s rules include no drinking or smoking during the storytelling portions. Still, many visitors enjoy sampling local brews and ciders at key spots, making it a social, relaxed evening.

The Value of This Experience

At around $27.75 per person, this tour offers a decent price for what you get—an intriguing mix of haunted tales, local drinks, and historic sites. The tour’s focus on Richmond’s unique spots lends a sense of authenticity, even if some reviews express disappointment over limited access or underwhelming ghost content.

The experience doesn’t include food or drinks, but you’ll have the opportunity to sample regional beverages at select locations. It’s a good way to combine sightseeing, storytelling, and socializing without feeling rushed.

What the Reviews Say

While many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and storytelling, some mention that the tour didn’t fully deliver on expectations. One reviewer described it as a “complete let-down,” citing no entry into establishments and a strict no-drinking rule. Conversely, others loved their guides, with one saying, “Mars was our tour guide and she was excellent—very animated and personable.”

A few found the ghost stories somewhat lacking or the experience boring, especially if you’re familiar with ghost tours. That said, some guests appreciated the atmosphere of the historic sites and the opportunity to taste regional drinks, making it a fun social outing despite the inconsistencies.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This pub crawl is ideal for those wanting a casual, social experience that blends history, spooky stories, and local beverages. It’s suitable if you’re interested in Richmond’s past and enjoy hearing ghost legends in atmospheric settings. It’s not the best choice if you’re looking for an in-depth ghost tour or full access to venues, but it’s a good option for a lighthearted night out with friends or a curious partner.

It’s also worth noting the moderate physical activity involved—walking between stops—and the fact that it’s not suitable for travelers under 21. If you’re traveling on a budget and want a mix of fun storytelling with some local flavor, this is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is designed for those 21 and over, mainly because it involves alcohol consumption and pub visits.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending back at the meeting spot.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You meet at the designated starting point, and you’re responsible for getting to and from each venue.

What is the group size?
The maximum is usually 15 travelers, though some reviews mention larger groups of over 20, so check current details.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the ticket price, but you can purchase beverages at the stops, and some stops feature tastings.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll be moving between locations.

Is this tour accessible by public transit?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed, so you can bring yours along without issue.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a fun, relaxed evening exploring Richmond’s haunted spots and local pubs, this tour offers a decent balance of storytelling and socializing. The guides are generally well-reviewed and knowledgeable, which adds to the experience, even if some locations and stories might fall a bit flat for seasoned ghost tour enthusiasts.

Keep in mind that access to some venues may be limited, and the ghost tales are more atmospheric than deeply spooky. Still, for a casual night out with a spooky twist, it delivers enough charm and history to warrant a try—especially if you enjoy sampling regional drinks and hearing about local legends.

If you’re not expecting a fully immersive ghost experience but are happy with a friendly, storytelling-focused pub crawl that touches on haunted Richmond, this could be a fun addition to your trip.