Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl

Discover Asheville’s Haunted Nightlife with a Spooky Twist

The Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl offers an engaging way to explore the city’s dark secrets and lively bar scene in one evening. Priced around $50, this 2-hour tour departs from Barleys Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave and guides you through eight historic hotspots. The tour is designed for adults seeking a mix of spirits, stories, and local flavor, with the chance to sip at some of Asheville’s most famous pubs, including Packs Tavern.

While the experience promises twisted tales of spirits, murders, and hauntings, it also emphasizes interactive storytelling, with the fun addition of using your phone to capture potential paranormal anomalies. The tour’s highlight is the seasoned local guide, who leads the group through Asheville’s shadowy past, blending history and ghostly legends. However, some reviews suggest that the storytelling quality can vary, making it ideal for those who enjoy spirited guides and historic ambiance.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours, starting at 7:30 PM or 9 PM (check availability)
• Location: Begins outside Barleys Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave
• Age restriction: Adults-only tour
• Includes: Visits to eight historic bars and hotspots
• Highlights: Tales of 1920s suicides, executions, tuberculosis, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald
• Special feature: Use your phone to capture paranormal evidence

Starting Point at Barleys Taproom in Downtown Asheville

The tour kicks off outside Barleys Taproom, a lively venue known for its craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to meet the guide, who is easily identifiable by a lantern and US Ghost Adventures t-shirt. The tour start time is flexible, with options typically at 9 PM, providing a late-night vibe suitable for those who enjoy a bit of ghostly intrigue after sunset.

From the very beginning, the guide sets the tone with engaging stories and explains the evening’s plan. The express security check helps groups move quickly into the experience, ensuring you maximize your time exploring Asheville’s haunted side. Though the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues, it’s accessible for most who can comfortably walk up to a mile.

Exploring Asheville’s Historic Bars and Haunted Hotspots

Throughout the night, the guide leads the group through seven other historic venues, each with its own ghostly past. Notable stops include Packs Tavern, where the story of Prohibition is woven into the atmosphere, and the Flatiron Building, haunted by tuberculosis victims from the past. The stops are carefully chosen for their haunted reputation and historic significance.

At each location, guests hear twisted tales of tragedies, murders, and spectral sightings, with some stops offering additional stories about the city’s history. The tour maintains a good pace, balancing storytelling with the opportunity to enjoy drinks and socializing. The guide’s knowledge enriches the experience, although some reviews note that not all pubs include stories, which might leave some wishing for more narration at each stop.

Sipping and Listening in Asheville’s Historic Pubs

One of the main attractions is the chance to drink at Asheville’s famous pubs, including Packs Tavern. As you sip on 1920s cocktails or local brews, the stories unfold, creating a fun and immersive atmosphere. The tour combines history, ghost stories, and a casual drinking experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed yet spooky night out.

Guests are reminded that alcohol is only for purchase at the venues and are asked to present a valid ID. The tour itself does not include free drinks, but the opportunity to enjoy Asheville’s craft beer scene adds to the authentic local experience.

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Using Your Phone to Document Paranormal Activity

A unique feature of this tour is the suggestion to use your phone to capture evidence of anomalies or apparitions. This interactive element invites curiosity and allows guests to engage actively in the ghost-hunting fun. While no guarantee of paranormal encounters exists, this twist encourages a playful approach to the tour, especially appealing to those interested in photography or the supernatural.

Guests should bring their own smartphones, ensuring they can participate fully. The activity adds a modern touch to the traditional ghost tour, blending tech and legend.

The Guide’s Role and Tour Atmosphere

The local guide is a key element of this experience, providing entertaining stories and insights into Asheville’s dark past. A nice and funny guide can make a big difference in how memorable the tour is. However, reviews highlight that not all stops include stories about ghosts or hauntings, which can be a letdown for some.

The tour maintains a casual, adult-only atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate a mix of history, humor, and ghostly tales. Participants should be prepared for walking outdoors at night, with comfortable shoes recommended. The experience is rain or shine, so weather-appropriate clothing is advised.

Pacing, Group Size, and Experience Quality

The tour’s pacing is generally steady, with a focus on storytelling at each stop. The group size is manageable, allowing for interaction with the guide and a more personalized experience. While some reviews mention that not all pubs include stories or ghostly tales, the overall vibe remains engaging and fun.

The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance between being thorough and not overly exhausting, especially given the urban setting with walks through downtown Asheville. The night ends at Packs Tavern, a historic landmark where the tour culminates, leaving guests with plenty of stories to share.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Since the tour involves walking up to a mile, it’s not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour proceeds regardless of rain or shine. Bringing your ID is necessary to purchase alcohol legally, but no other specific equipment is required.

The tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to plan around other activities in Asheville.

Final Thoughts: Is This Haunted Pub Crawl Worth It?

The Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl provides an entertaining blend of history, ghost stories, and local bar culture. Its main strength lies in the knowledgeable local guide who brings Asheville’s haunted past vividly to life, along with the fun of capturing paranormal evidence with your phone.

The experience suits adults looking for a lively, spooky night with a historical flavor. Families or those with mobility issues might find it less suitable, given the walking involved. The mix of storytelling, drinks, and ghostly legends creates an authentic Asheville evening that balances fun and fright.

While not every pub includes stories, the overall atmosphere, along with famous landmarks like Packs Tavern, makes this tour a memorable way to experience Asheville’s haunted side—and its vibrant nightlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
No, this is an adults-only tour designed for guests 21 and over due to alcohol consumption and mature themes.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting in the evening around 7:30 or 9 PM.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a passport or ID for alcohol purchase.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, the tour not recommended for those unable to walk more than a mile.

What is the cost?
Pricing is around $50 per person, which covers the guided walk, stories, and access to historic pubs.

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