Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Williamsburg’s Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl promises a lively way to explore the town’s haunted past while enjoying some of its local watering holes. It’s a tour that combines storytelling with a casual pub vibe, perfect for those who love ghost stories but also want to soak in the local scene. We’ve looked into what makes this experience tick, and here’s the scoop for anyone considering joining.

First off, what really catches our eye about this tour is the guide’s storytelling skills. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are, making the stories come alive in a truly memorable way. Plus, the mix of history with spooky tales offers a compelling peek into Williamsburg’s darker past, which is especially appealing for history buffs or anyone curious about the creepy corners of this historic town.

However, there’s a notable consideration: drinks are not included in the ticket price, which can add up if you’re not prepared. Some reviewers mention that the overall cost feels a bit high, especially if you’re expecting a full pub crawl with drinks included. This tour might be best suited for those who are genuinely interested in the stories and history rather than just the drinking aspect.

All in all, this haunted pub crawl is a good pick for adventurous travelers eager to learn and experience Williamsburg’s ghostly legends in a fun, social setting. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy storytelling, history, and a casual night out around town’s historic pubs. If that sounds like your kind of evening, read on for a detailed breakdown.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: Many guests praise the knowledgeable and personable guides who bring the stories to life.
• Historical Focus: The tour offers well-researched, authentic tales that appeal to history enthusiasts.
• Drink Not Included: Be prepared to pay for drinks separately; this isn’t a true pub crawl with drinks on the house.
• Short and Sweet: Lasting around 2 hours, the tour balances storytelling with visits to several local spots.
• Limited Stops: It typically includes three pubs and passes by historic sights, but not all promised locations may be visited.
• Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people) ensure a more intimate experience, ideal for personalized storytelling.
• Cost-Value Balance: At $27, it’s a decent price for the experience, but some reviews suggest the overall expense can rise quickly depending on drinks.

An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re into ghost stories and Williamsburg’s historic streets, this tour could be just the ticket. The experience is designed to be fun, spooky, and educational, with guides sharing stories based on thorough research. The tour’s balance of history and ghost tales is especially good for those who appreciate stories rooted in fact, making it more than just a ghostly gimmick.

The tour’s duration of around 2 hours makes it easy to fit into a relaxed evening. Starting at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St, it kicks off with a welcome around 5:45 pm. From there, you’ll visit several local pubs and historical sites, with each stop lasting about 20 minutes. The stops include well-known spots like The Hound’s Tale, DoG Street Pub, and Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill, ending at the Precarious Beer Project.

The Stops – What to Expect

The Hound’s Tale kicks things off with a drink and a spooky story, which sets the tone for the night. Guests report the guide’s storytelling to be engaging and informative, with lots of local lore. It’s a good warm-up, and many mention how the guide’s enthusiasm makes the stories memorable. One reviewer notes, “The tour guide was very informative,” and another says, “Tom was an excellent guide! He was funny, knowledgeable & shared some great stories.”

Next, you’ll head to DoG Street Pub—famous for its haunted tales of the historic theatre nearby. Guests often comment on how the stories add a layer of intrigue to the pub ambiance. While the pub visits are brief, lasting around 20 minutes each, they provide a casual setting to enjoy drinks and listen to more ghostly legends.

Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill is another highlight. Many reviews mention the gruesome tales connected to this spot or the house of worship nearby, lending a chilling edge to your visit. However, some guests note that the stops can feel rushed, especially if the guide’s time management isn’t spot-on.

Finally, the tour ends at Precarious Beer Project, where you’ll get a chance to relax and hear the final ghost story. This spot is also praised for its local vibe and craft beers. It’s a fitting ending that combines storytelling with a relaxed social atmosphere.

The Reality of the Tour

While many reviews sing praises about the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills, some guests have expressed disappointment. A common theme is the discrepancy between initial expectations and the actual experience. Several reviews emphasize that the drinks are not included, and that the pub visits may be limited or rushed. One guest exclaimed, “The drinks at the pubs are not included with the price,” which is an important note if you’re on a budget or expecting an all-inclusive experience.

There are also some reviews mentioning that the tour doesn’t always visit all the advertised locations or that certain stops are skipped, especially if guides need to leave early or if the scheduling shifts unexpectedly. For example, some guests report not passing certain sites like the Public Hospital or Bruton Church, or only visiting one pub instead of multiple as advertised.

Another point of concern is timing and group size. The tour’s small group size (maximum 15 travelers) is a plus for a more personal experience, but some reviewers feel the pacing could be improved. A few mention that storytelling can be hard to hear, especially if the guide doesn’t use a microphone, which might diminish the experience if you’re in a larger group or if background noise is loud.

The Cost and Value

At $27 per person, the tour is reasonably priced, especially considering the focus on storytelling and local history. However, once you factor in drinks, which guests report spending an extra $30-$50 on, the total cost can approach $100. Some reviews suggest that for the price, the stories and guide’s enthusiasm are worth it, but others feel it’s overpriced given the limited pub stops and the additional drinks expense.

The tour’s strength lies in the quality of the storytelling and the passion of guides. Guests consistently mention guides like Tom, Olivia, and Rob as being personable, humorous, and knowledgeable. If you’re someone who enjoys hearing well-researched tales in a lively setting, you’re likely to find value here.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for ghost lovers and history buffs who enjoy storytelling and exploring local legends. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, social evening in Williamsburg with a mix of drinks and stories. Travelers who appreciate small-group tours and engaging guides will probably get the most out of it.

That said, if your priority is a true pub crawl with multiple stops and included drinks, or if you’re on a tight budget, you might find this tour a bit lacking. Also, those who prefer tours that visit every advertised site without modifications might want to double-check the itinerary.

FAQ

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. You should budget separately for beverages at each pub, which can add to the overall cost.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, starting around 5:45 pm. It covers a handful of stops with about 20 minutes at each location.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA. It ends at Precarious Beer Project, 110 S Henry St.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour’s content is geared toward adults interested in ghost stories and history. It’s best suited for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level, and no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be moving around the historic streets of Williamsburg.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not part of the tour. You’ll walk between stops, so wear suitable footwear.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour do not qualify for a refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an evening of fun stories, local history, and a drink or two, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a memorable way to experience Williamsburg at night. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and entertaining delivery, which can make even the scariest tales feel alive. But be prepared for some extra expenses if you plan to buy drinks, and keep in mind that not all stops and locations may be visited as initially promised.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling and want to combine their love of history with a social, casual night out. It’s less suited for those seeking a full pub crawl experience or visiting with young children. If you value quality guides and well-researched stories over a structured pub-hopping schedule, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Williamsburg adventure.

Happy haunting, and enjoy your spooky evening in Williamsburg!