October is spooky season, and what better way to celebrate than with a spine-tingling ghost tour. With all the history Northern Virginia harbors, the spirits of the departed are just waiting in the shadows to give you a fright.
Alexandria Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour
See why Alexandria is one of the most haunted cities in the United States, if you dare. This tour is adults-only and not for the faint of heart, visiting some of Alexandria’s most notorious locations in the dead of night. Tour highlights include the Shafer House, Nightmare House, and Ramsey House, one of Alexandria’s oldest homes. 138 N. Royal St., Alexandria, starting at $30
Brews and Boos Walking Tour
For those who need a little bit of liquid courage before wandering Alexandria’s haunted streets, try the Brews and Boos walking tour. The experience lasts about two and a half hours. You’ll visit paranormal hotspots as well as three of Old Town Alexandria’s oldest (and most haunted) pubs for refreshment. 480 King St., Alexandria, starting at $29.95, alcohol not included
Alexandria Colonial Tours
On this tour, a Colonial-costumed guide will lead you through the charming streets of Alexandria by lantern light, telling ghost stories, legends, and tales of mystery, love, and revenge. The one-hour tour covers six blocks. October tours run every night at 7:30 p.m., and additionally at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Book online. 221 King St., Alexandria, except for Fridays and Saturdays when the tour groups meet at Burke & Herbert Bank at 100 S. Fairfax St., $15 for adults, $10 for children
Fredericksburg Hauntings Tours
Fredericksburg is immersed in Civil War history, and this 90-minute candlelight walking tour combines history and folklore to explore the area’s many hauntings. Tours take place on Friday and Saturday evenings and are limited to 13 people. Call 540-760-5450 for reservations. $15 per person, 817 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg
Warrenton Ghost Walk Tours
Meet at the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail for an hour-long tour on October 17 or 18. Costumed guides walk you through downtown Warrenton regaling the area’s paranormal stories and haunted sightings. The 6 p.m. tours are specially designed for families with younger children. Tickets start at $17.85 per person, 10 Ashby St., Warrenton
Hauntingly Historic Occoquan Walking Tour
This one-and-a-half-hour walking tour is family-friendly and almost entirely outside. Meet at Local Colour Gallery and Boutique and learn about the resident ghost, Tad. Then visit Rockledge Mansion and walk the streets of quaint Occoquan as you hear spine-tingling tales of ghosts at several locations. $25, 408 Mill St., Occoquan
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
