What is a ghost tour?

A ghost tour is a story telling/walking tour conducted by a trained tour guide in the evening hours in Historic Ellicott City. Only our Spirits Pub Crawl enters buildings but you will be walking close enough to some to be able to touch them.  Our tours recount stories  from the past and newer accounts that current building occupants have shared. Some stories have been told for so long that they are almost categorized as legends; all are either paranormal or haunted histories of the locations. 

    

Do we get to go inside the buildings?

Other than our Pub Crawls, our tours do not enter buildings. Many buildings house businesses you can return and visit.

 

Do we need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, advance purchase is required for all tours prior to 5:00 PM on the day of the tour. We do this so that your haunted walking tour does not get overcrowded.

 

What is your ticket cancellation policy?

If you cannot attend an event you bought tickets for, please let us know within 24 hours for a full refund, or to exchange for another date. Please DO NOT attempt to resell your ticket. We keep waiting lists for events and tickets are offered to those waiting before the general public. For refunds or questions, contact us at ecrfpres@aol.com

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What happens if it rains?

Bring an umbrella! Tours are conducted rain or shine. However, if the conditions are deemed hazardous or severe, we reserve the right to postpone or reschedule the tour. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather conditions.

 

If my tour is cancelled, will I get a refund?

Hazardous conditions may cause us to postpone or reschedule a tour. If we cancel your tour for any other reason, you will receive a full refund if requested. Tickets can be transferred to any other date (of equal value) as well.

 

Are there restrooms available during the walking tour?

Restrooms are not available during Haunted Main Street or Mt. Misery. Restrooms at the Howard County Welcome Center are open until 9:00 PM. Pub Crawl establishments all have restrooms.

 

How will I recognize my tour guide?

Our guides are either dressed all in black or in period costume, some carry lanterns.

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Is tipping allowed?
While we do pay our guides, tipping is allowed and encouraged!

 

What is the pace of the walking tour?

The tours are at a leisurely pace and last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

 

Is the tour suitable for children?
You know your child best so you are the most appropriate judge as to whether a ghost tour is something that will work for them. We do not recommend the tours for children under 12 and would say that any child will most likely have questions related to the stories and ghosts in general. We occasionally offer special tours, such as Haunts & Hounds that are designed to be child-friendlier, however always use your best judgement. Pub Crawls happen in bars are are not appropriate for those under 18 years old; guests must be 21 to drink on Pub Crawls.

 

Have you had any “ghostly experiences” on the tour?

We do not guarantee paranormal activity, we have, however, had lots of “ghostly experiences.”  Please feel free to ask your tour guide about their haunted encounters.

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It is scary?

The tours are story-telling events related to the town, certain buildings, and factual history. Nothing is staged and no employees will jump out and try to scare you. If there is an unusual occurrence it is truly paranormal in nature and/or completely by chance. What you may find scary is entirely subjective.

 

Are your tours pet friendly?

We love the non-human members of your family but pets are not allowed on our regular tours. We do offer Haunts & Hounds, pooch-friendly ghost tours that will accommodate your well-behaved, leashed canine companions. Please call for dates (410) 303-2959 and be sure to bring the appropriate supplies to clean up any messes.

 

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Our Haunted Main Street Tour is completely wheelchair accessible. The Mt. Misery Tour and Pub Crawls are more challenging due to terrain and historic building entrances. Please let us know that you will be bringing a wheelchair when purchasing tickets.

 

In what language are the tours conducted?
Currently, our tours are in English only.

 

Can I bring a camera?

We recommend bringing a camera for all tours. Not only can you get great pictures of haunted historic buildings, you might just capture a ghostly image!

 

Can I bring a video camera?
Video cameras and/or sound recordings are prohibited on the tour.

 

Am I guaranteed to get pictures of ghosts your tour?
No, there is no legitimate way to guarantee a picture of a ghost. Ghosts do not appear when asked; they do what they want, when they want.

 

Do you have group rates?

Private tours are open to 6 or more people.  Please call (410) 303-2959 for more details. Guides can do presentations on-site at your place as well.

 

How many people can you accommodate on your tours?

We attempt to limit the size of the tour to no more than 25 people.

 

Do you have a military/student/senior discount?
Yes, we offer a $5 discount for military, students, seniors, and members of the Howard County Historical Society for many of our programs. Please use the codes below when you check out: 

Please use code HOCOMUSEUM for your Historical Society member discount at checkout.
Students, Seniors, Military: Please use code Student-Mil-Senior at checkout.

Please note, only one discount may be used at a time; already discounted programs are not eligible for further discounts and not all events are eligible for discounts. Thank you!