Most towns, no matter what size, have stories to tell. Some are scary, others odd and mysterious. Regardless of how much truth there is to the tales, ghost tours can be an entertaining way to spend the evening, especially as Halloween approaches.
We’ve put together this list of nearby tours to help you get started. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a flashlight and your camera. You never know who or what you might bump into. And, for those unfamiliar with the term “haints,” it is a word with deep Southern roots that has been attributed to many cultures, and is used to refer to ghosts and haunts.
Acworth Ghost Tours
Enjoy a 1.2 mile walking tour through historic downtown Acworth. Tour guides tell stories based on a mix of documented sightings, first hand experience, research and local history, as documented in the book “Acworth Heritage, History, Hauntings.” Guests are welcome to bring ghost hunting equipment if desired. Tours last between 90 minutes and two hours.
Canton Historic Haunts
Take a trip back into Canton’s past 200 years, and learn about some of the strangest, most fascinating, and downright unexplainable accounts of the spirits that have chosen to make their presence known within the town’s square. This 2-hour-guided walking tour winds through the Downtown Canton Historic District and is family- friendly.
Ghosts of Marietta
Tour the historic streets of Marietta, a city with a past that is deep in tradition. In fact, it’s rumored that some residents chose never to leave. Whether it is the tale of the spirit of a departed Civil War soldier, or a mysterious resident of one of Marietta’s stately homes, you will hear the stories behind these mysteries and, maybe, if you’re lucky, experience them as well. Tour guides tell stories based on a mix of documented sightings, firsthand experiences and history.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
As Atlanta’s oldest cultural site, Historic Oakland Cemetery offers a window into the city’s rich and fascinating history. Oakland is the final resting place for more than 70,000 souls, including many Atlanta founders, and noted citizens of Georgia. A visit to this Victorian garden cemetery provides opportunities to start a dialogue about the historic past.
Roswell Ghost Tours
Experience the charm and mystery of the South through Roswell’s many ghost stories. Your guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour tour through the city’s historic district. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Founders Cemetery, the burial site of the founder of Roswell, Roswell King. You may be surprised by how many spirits reside behind the walls of the antebellum mansions that Gen. William T. Sherman didn’t burn. The deep ravines with the ruined mills hold secrets of exiled mill workers whose toilsome moans still may be heard. Grand Greek Revival mansions and humble mill workers’ apartments are some of the haunted sites you’ll see on this easy walking tour.
Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour
Dahlonega is rich with ghost lore and is known for two famous photographs of ghosts, so get your camera ready. Be prepared to hear all the local ghost stories that accompany this city’s history, such as “The Woman Who Waits By the Window,” and “The Chessboard Ghost.” The Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour is a group project of the 2012 Class of Leadership Lumpkin County.
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