Asheville: Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl

Imagine wandering through the streets of Asheville late at night, with a local guide sharing eerie tales of spirits, murders, and historic scandals, all while you sample drinks at some of the city’s most famous bars. This 2-hour adults-only tour takes you through a handful of historic hotspots, blending fun storytelling with a taste of Asheville’s vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for those who love a good ghost story, a bit of history, and some local flavor, all wrapped into one lively evening.

What we find particularly appealing is the mix of storytelling and drinks, allowing you to soak up the city’s haunted past while enjoying the ambiance of Asheville’s historic pubs. Plus, the tour’s focus on local legends and authentic venues makes it more than just a typical bar crawl. Yet, it’s worth noting that some reviewers have found certain stories a bit disconnected from the actual locations, so don’t expect every tale to be directly linked to where you stand at each bar.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy spooky stories, a moderate walk, and socializing with like-minded travelers. If you’re a history buff or someone fond of haunted tales, you’ll likely find this experience a fun and memorable way to explore Asheville after hours. However, those with mobility issues should be aware that walking more than a mile is involved, and the tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.

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Key Points

Historic Asheville: Explore the city’s dark past through stories of hauntings, murders, and tragedies.
Expert Guide: Led by a seasoned local who shares engaging, sometimes humorous, tales.
Multiple Stops: Visit eight hotspots, including three bars, with stories woven into the experience.
Authentic Venues: Drink at iconic locations like Packs Tavern, with a glimpse into Prohibition-era Asheville.
Interactive Element: Use your phone to possibly capture evidence of ghostly anomalies.
Age-Restricted: Adults-only experience, strictly for those 21 and over with valid ID.

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A Closer Look at the Asheville Haunted Pub Crawl

Setting the Scene: Asheville at Night

Asheville’s charm is undeniable during daylight, with its colorful Biltmore estate, eclectic art scene, and mountain views. But once night falls, the city takes on a different vibe—mysterious, slightly mischievous, and steeped in stories of spirits both literal and figurative. This tour hinges on uncovering those stories, many of which are centered around notorious figures and dark events from the early 20th-century.

Starting point is Barleys Taproom, a lively spot that doubles as a meeting point and first stop. Here, you’ll get your first drink and meet your guide. The guide, often described as friendly and funny, sets the tone for the evening—informative but relaxed.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

The tour winds through downtown Asheville, stopping at seven additional haunted hotspots, including three bars. Each location brings its own history, with tales of 1920s suicides, chilling executions, and tuberculosis hauntings.

One highlight is the story of the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald—a tragic couple linked to Asheville’s literary scene. You’ll learn about their turbulent lives amid the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, all while sipping a 1920s cocktail. Several reviews praise the guide’s storytelling ability, noting they are “nice and funny”, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Another notable stop is the Flatiron Building, which is rumored to be haunted by victims of tuberculosis, adding a layer of authentic ghostly atmosphere to the experience. The final stop is Packs Tavern, a historic bar with roots in Prohibition. Drinking here feels like stepping back in time, and the stories about Asheville’s clandestine speakeasies make for a fitting end.

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The Interactive Element: Ghostly Evidence?

A fun feature of the tour is encouraging guests to use their phones to capture anomalies or apparitions. While this might sound a bit gimmicky, it adds an interactive layer that some guests find amusing and engaging. Keep in mind, the tour does not guarantee paranormal evidence—it’s more about the fun of trying to capture something mysterious.

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The Tour’s Pros and Cons

What we love:

The knowledgeable local guides truly elevate the experience, weaving stories that are both spooky and insightful.
Visiting historic venues like Packs Tavern and hearing tales of Asheville’s Prohibition days adds depth beyond just ghost stories, giving a real sense of place.

One consideration:

Some reviewers mention that not all stops feature stories specifically about hauntings, and some tales are more about local murders or tragedies unrelated to the actual locations. If you’re expecting every story to be intimately tied to the bar or place you’re in, you may find this a bit disappointing.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and socializing over drinks. It’s perfect for those on a night out looking for something different and engaging, especially if you enjoy a bit of humor with your haunting tales. It’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or those who prefer a more in-depth historical tour without the focus on ghostly lore.

Value and Practical Tips

At a price that includes multiple stops and a guided experience, this tour offers a good way to combine entertainment and local history without breaking the bank. It’s a short but lively way to spice up an evening in Asheville, especially if you’re interested in supernatural stories and historic pubs.

Practical tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring your ID for alcohol purchase, check the weather forecast, and arrive early to find your guide easily. Since the tour is strictly adults-only, it’s a good idea to plan for a bit of a social atmosphere—friendly, lively, but not rowdy.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking an authentic, entertaining glimpse into Asheville’s haunted past, this haunted pub crawl delivers a lively mix of stories, spirits, and historic ambiance. The knowledgeable guides and unique venues create an experience that’s more than just a typical bar hop. It’s a fun, slightly spooky way to get to know Asheville’s darker side.

However, keep in mind that not every story may be directly linked to the locations you visit, and the tour’s focus on ghostly evidence is more about the fun of trying than guaranteed paranormal encounters. It’s best suited for adults who enjoy storytelling, history, and friendly ghostly tales over a few drinks.

Overall, if you’re curious about Asheville’s seedy underbelly, like hearing lively local legends, and want an evening of entertainment with a dash of the supernatural, this tour offers good value and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, this is an adults-only tour, so you need to be 21 or older with a valid ID to join.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, your ID, and weather-appropriate clothing. You might also want your phone to try capturing ghostly evidence.

Are all stops haunted or just stories?
While the tour features tales of hauntings, some stories relate to murders or tragedies nearby. Not every stop is guaranteed to be haunted, but all are interesting.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour involves walking more than a mile and is not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
While the exact cost isn’t listed here, the experience includes multiple stops, drinks, and a guide, offering good value for a two-hour social outing packed with stories and local culture.

By blending chilling tales, historic venues, and a lively guide, the Asheville Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl offers a distinctive way to explore the city’s dark corners—perfect for curious adults eager for a spooky, social adventure.