Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Williamsburg’s Haunted Pub Crawl: A Spooky Night of Drinks and Stories

If you’re looking for a fun, mildly eerie way to spend an evening in Williamsburg, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers an engaging mix of local history, ghost stories, and a few drinks. Priced at $27 per person and lasting around two hours, this tour guides you through some of Williamsburg’s most historic spots, pairing well-researched tales with visits to cozy pubs and restaurants. While drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, you’ll have ample opportunity to sample local brews and perhaps catch a glimpse of Williamsburg’s spooky past.

What we really love about this experience is how knowledgeable guides like Tom and William bring the stories to life with humor and genuine enthusiasm. The stops at The Hound’s Tale and DoG Street Pub set a welcoming tone, and the final visit to the Precarious Beer Project underlines the relaxed, social vibe. Plus, the focus on accurate history and authentic local ghost stories makes it much more than just a pub crawl with a haunted twist.

One potential consideration is that drinks are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget extra for your beverages. Also, the tour covers walking around the historic district, so comfortable shoes are a must. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and a lively atmosphere, and who aren’t expecting a traditional pub crawl. It’s perfect if you love really well-told stories and don’t mind a little walking between stops.

Key Points

• Authentic Ghost Stories: Well-researched, historically accurate tales told by guides with a passion for Williamsburg’s spooky side.
• Visiting Local Establishments: Several stops at local pubs and restaurants, with plenty of time to enjoy your drinks and the ambiance.
• Two-Hour Experience: A compact but engaging tour that balances storytelling with social drinking.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, making for a cozy, more personal experience.
• Price and Value: $27 covers storytelling and visits but drinks are extra, so plan accordingly.
• Best for: History buffs, fans of ghost stories, and anyone who enjoys a fun, social evening exploring Williamsburg.

A Detailed Look at the Haunted Pub Crawl Experience

Starting Point and Atmosphere

The tour begins at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St, right in the heart of Williamsburg, at 5:45 pm. This prime location puts you in the midst of the historic district, setting the perfect tone for an evening of tales and taverns. The group size is capped at 15, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the mobile ticket system makes check-in straightforward.

First Stop: The Hound’s Tale

Your ghostly adventure kicks off at The Hound’s Tale, a local hotspot that’s perfect for easing into the evening. Here, your guide shares spooky stories tied to this historic location, which has its own haunted reputation. The review notes that this first stop lasts about 20 minutes and is free to enter. Expect engaging storytelling that delves into the area’s past with a spooky twist.

Second Stop: DoG Street Pub

Next, you walk over to DoG Street Pub, a Williamsburg institution. Here, the ghost stories continue—specifically about a haunted theatre—while you enjoy your drink. This similarly lasts about 20 minutes and is another free stop. Multiple reviews praise guides like Tom for their knack for blending humor with historical facts, making these tales not just spooky but also memorable.

Third Stop: Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill

The third stop takes you to Berret’s, a well-loved seafood spot with a haunted past. Here, the stories turn gruesome, touching on the haunting of this historic restaurant. A notable point from reviews is that some tours may skip certain locations due to schedule changes, but overall, the emphasis remains on authentic, researched stories rather than sensationalism. This stop, too, is about 20 minutes long.

Fourth Stop: Precarious Beer Project

The final leg of your haunted journey is at Precarious Beer Project on South Henry Street. Here, the tour culminates with a final ghost story and a chance to enjoy a drink in a lively, local brewery atmosphere. The review mentions that this spot offers a relaxed ending, where stories and drinks flow freely, making it a fitting conclusion. The tour wraps up here, giving you a chance to socialize and reflect on the haunting tales.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Unlike some ghost tours that focus solely on storytelling, this experience emphasizes authentic local pubs and the spooky ambiance of Williamsburg. Guides like Tom and William have earned praise for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep everyone engaged. The stories are based on thorough research, which adds credibility and depth to the tales, making them more than just ghost stories told around a campfire.

The two-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to explore several sites and hear plenty of stories, but not so long that it becomes tiring. Plus, the small group size means more interaction and a more intimate experience, which many reviewers have appreciated.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Pricing and Additional Costs

The $27 ticket covers the guided storytelling and the stops at four key locations. However, drinks are not included, and this has been a point of mixed feedback. Some reviewers—like Christina—felt it was pricey considering the extra costs for drinks, which can push the night close to $100 if you indulge. Others, like Corinna, point out that it’s a great value if you enjoy the stories and atmosphere more than the pub crawl aspect.

Timing and Walking

Starting at 5:45 pm ensures you’ll hit the streets in the early evening, perfect for a twilight walk through Williamsburg’s historic district. Expect to walk between stops, with each stop lasting around 20 minutes. The whole tour is roughly two hours, so comfortable shoes are advised. The tour is near public transportation, which makes getting there easier.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate vibe. This allows guides to tailor stories and answer questions. Many reviews mention how guides like William and Tom bring a friendly, knowledgeable presence, making it a fun social experience for groups or couples.

Important Notes

• Confirmation is rapid, usually within 48 hours.
• Service animals are permitted.
• The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—some walking involved.
• Be aware that not all stops may be visited on every tour, especially if scheduling conflicts arise.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is its commitment to accurately researched stories. Several reviews highlight how guides share historical details, sometimes with personal anecdotes, making the tales more engaging and believable. For example, Robyn mentions that guide Tom was “funny, knowledgeable & shared some great stories.” This authenticity enhances the experience, making it more than just a series of ghost stories.

Some reviews note that certain locations might be skipped or that not all planned stops are visited, often due to scheduling or guide availability. While this can be a downside, it’s tempered by the quality of storytelling and the overall atmosphere.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs who appreciate well-researched tales, ghost story lovers, and those who enjoy a social, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re expecting a traditional pub crawl with multiple drinks and lively bar hopping, this might not meet your expectations, as some reviewers pointed out that only one pub was visited, and drinks are extra.

It’s also perfect for travelers who like walking tours that blend local sights with stories, as most stops are within easy walking distance in the historic district. The tour is particularly suited to those who value authenticity and want a genuine glimpse into Williamsburg’s haunted past.

Final Thoughts

The Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of history, storytelling, and local flavor, making it a memorable evening in Williamsburg. The well-informed guides, especially Tom and William, turn what could be a simple pub crawl into an engaging, authentic experience full of spooky, often surprising stories. While drinks aren’t included, the stops at local pubs and the chance to socialize in a relaxed setting add to the value, especially if you’re more interested in the tales than the beverages.

This tour is best suited for those who love history and ghost stories, are comfortable with walking, and are okay with budgeting extra for drinks. If you’re looking for a fun, atmospheric evening that combines authentic stories with a bit of local charm, this ghost tour could be just the right choice.

FAQs

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to purchase your beverages at each stop, which can add to the overall cost.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, with about 20 minutes spent at each of the four main stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is primarily geared toward adults interested in ghost stories and pub visits. Physical activity and walking are involved, so children should be prepared for that.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St and ends at the Precarious Beer Project, 110 S Henry St.

Are the stories suitable for sensitive listeners?
The stories can be spooky and sometimes gruesome, so discretion is advised for young children or those sensitive to scary tales.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking through Williamsburg’s historic district.

In essence, the Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a charming, slightly spooky way to experience Williamsburg’s dark side. It’s a solid pick for those who value good storytelling, authentic local venues, and a friendly guide to lead the way through the town’s haunted corners.