Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour of Boothbay Harbor

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Boothbay Harbor after dark, the Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour offers a fun blend of local legends, haunted spots, and a taste of Maine’s craft beer scene. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, reviews and descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect — and it sounds like an experience that’s both entertaining and slightly eerie, perfect for those curious about ghost stories or looking for something a little different during their visit.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is its walkability — it’s designed to be a relaxed 90-minute stroll through some of the town’s most historic and supposedly haunted locations, all narrated by a knowledgeable guide. Plus, ending at the Footbridge Brewery with a craft beer flight and local barbecue means you get a satisfying, social finish to your spooky adventure. The other big plus? The tour takes place in the evening, when the harbor’s lights and the stories come alive.

That said, a potential drawback is the storytelling style — some travelers mentioned that while the tales are interesting, they might not be as spine-chilling as advertised, especially if you’re expecting full-on paranormal scares. Also, since the tour is primarily a walking experience with stories from outside or from public spaces, those hoping for inside visits or more immersive encounters might find it a tad underwhelming.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers who enjoy local lore, people interested in Maine’s maritime history, or anyone wanting a memorable, social evening in Boothbay Harbor. If you’re up for some ghostly tales paired with good company and a cold brew, this one could be just your thing.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of storytelling and scenic views around Boothbay Harbor
• Affordable price point at $30 per person, with good value considering the included treats
• Ideal duration of around 1.5 hours, manageable for most schedules
• Ending at Footbridge Brewery offers a relaxed spot to unwind and chat about the tales
• Tour guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling
• Not a haunted inside tour — stories are mostly told from the street or outside locations

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s the Tour All About?

The Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour gives you a chance to uncover Boothbay Harbor’s mysterious past through a series of stops filled with ghost stories, local legends, and haunted spots. It’s a fairly short, 90-minute walking experience that covers some significant locations, each with its own spooky tale. The tour begins at the iconic Footbridge, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the harbor while your guide sets the scene for the eerie stories to come.

Your guide, who is described as knowledgeable and personable—sometimes even having personal connections to the stories—leads you through the town’s historic streets, sharing tales of haunted houses, sea serpent sightings, and ghostly apparitions. We loved the way the stories are rooted in local lore, making them feel authentic and believable. It’s not all ghost stories, either — the guide also provides some intriguing background about the town’s history, adding depth to each location.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Stop 1: Boothbay Harbor Footbridge

This is a fantastic starting point, as the long wooden footbridge itself is a landmark. Walking along the bridge offers spectacular views of the harbor — perfect for setting a moody, atmospheric tone. The guide discusses why Boothbay Harbor might be considered haunted, with some theories about supernatural presence linked to its maritime past. A quick 10-minute stop, but it’s worth the photo op and the introductory stories.

Stop 2: Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library

Next, you visit the local library, which has its own ghostly legend. According to stories, a mysterious woman dressed in black checked into a hotel nearby and vanished. The details are left intriguingly vague, adding to the mystique. You might think, “Could there really be a ghost in the library?” or perhaps it’s just great storytelling — but either way, it adds a dash of local flavor.

Stops 3-5: Ghostly Commercial Street

This stretch of the tour takes you along Ghost Row, a nickname for a section of Boothbay Harbor filled with old inns and historic buildings. The stories here are colorful: Minnie’s ghost at Captain Sawyer’s Inn, a disembodied torso, and a dancing girl. Listening to these tales, you get a feel for the town’s seafarer past and its ghostly legacy. Reviewers have appreciated how the guide’s personal connections and interviews with locals lend authenticity to these stories, making them feel “tangible and real.”

Stops 6-7: Sea Serpent and Outer Heron Island

Here, the tour shifts slightly from hauntings to maritime monsters. The Boothbay Sea Serpent has been sighted by many over the years, adding an element of sea folklore to the adventure. The stories about superstitions and sightings are told with enthusiasm, and you’ll get a sense of the town’s connection to its oceans and legends of monsters lurking beneath the waves.

Final Stop: Footbridge Brewery

Concluding at the Footbridge Brewery is a nice touch. This historic home, once run as the Kenniston Hill Inn, is said to be haunted, especially the area where a brutal murder took place. It’s the perfect spot for a cold craft beer — brewed locally with Maine ingredients — and some barbecue. The brewery’s relaxed ambiance allows you to unwind and discuss the stories with your fellow ghost enthusiasts.

What Do Travelers Say?

Many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling skills and the local insights. One reviewer mentioned, “Lisa is a history buff with a gift for story telling,” highlighting how engaging and well-informed the guide is. Others appreciated that the stories, while intriguing, didn’t go overboard in trying to be terrifying, making it accessible for a wide audience.

However, some found the stories underwhelming, noting that the tales weren’t as “spine-chilling” as they’d hoped, and that the tour lacked inside visits to the haunted sites. One reviewer said, “It would’ve been a lot more fun if we could actually go into the buildings,” which is an important point to consider if you’re expecting a more immersive experience.

Cost and Value

At $30 per person, this tour offers decent value. It includes the walking tour itself, a local snack, and a 10% discount on future Mysterious Harbor Tours. When you consider the stories, the scenic walk, and the ending at a lively brewery, it’s a fun, affordable evening activity. It’s not a full-blown haunted house experience, but for those interested in local culture, maritime history, and ghost stories, it’s a good deal.

Practical Details

The tour is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm, perfect for catching sunset views and the evening atmosphere. It’s limited to 20 travelers, which keeps things intimate and allows for more personalized stories. You’ll want to park at the public paid lot at 12 Granary Way, which is conveniently close to the brewery and the starting point.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy storytelling, local legends, and mild spookiness, you’ll likely find this tour a lot of fun. It’s suited for those who appreciate a laid-back, social atmosphere and aren’t expecting intense ghost encounters or inside visits. Perfect for curious travelers, history buffs, or groups looking for a relaxed evening activity that combines culture, history, and a bit of mystery.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour offers a friendly, engaging way to explore Boothbay Harbor’s haunted history. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy storytelling, scenic walks, and a casual, social vibe. The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge shine through, making the tales feel genuine — even if they don’t all send shivers down your spine.

While it may not satisfy thrill-seekers looking for fully immersive or inside experiences, it delivers a fun and atmospheric evening, especially when paired with a cold Maine craft beer. For $30, it’s a unique addition to your itinerary that combines local lore with stunning harbor views.

If you’re in Boothbay Harbor and want a blend of history, ghost stories, and a lively atmosphere, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check if you’re craving more intense paranormal activity — but for a relaxed, interesting night out, it hits the mark.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally family-friendly, but it’s geared toward adults and older children who can appreciate the stories. It’s best for kids who enjoy stories and history rather than those sensitive to spooky tales.

Are inside visits included in the tour?
No, the stories are mostly told from outside or public spaces. The tour doesn’t include inside access to the haunted sites.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it manageable for most schedules without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided walk, a local snack, and a 10% discount on other Mysterious Harbor Tours. Drinks and food at the brewery are extra.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, public paid parking is available at 12 Granary Way, right next to the Footbridge Brewery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option if your schedule shifts.

If you’re craving a relaxed, story-driven night of ghost tales paired with good food and local drinks, the Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour offers a charming way to spend an evening in Boothbay Harbor. Just remember to enjoy the stories with a skeptical eye — and maybe bring a friend or two to share the fun.