The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To lift your spirits: a guide to ghost tours
Regional offerings range from straight-up ghost stories to tours with costumed performers.
As September comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to go on or make reservations at one of metro Atlanta’s ghost tours.
Whether you prefer straight-up ghost tales or a more theatrical tour with costumed performers, these nine go-to ghost tours will help you to get officially spooked in Atlanta:
Lawrenceville Ghost Tours
Tours last 90 minutes and depart from the Aurora Theatre every weekend from May-September and every night in October. Hear local legends about metro Atlanta’s oldest town and more recent stories about the results of paranormal investigations at Lawrenceville’s spooky spots, as told by professional storytellers.
Oakland Cemetery Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours
The historic cemetery, founded in 1850, is the perfect setting for a ghost tour. A costumed guide leads the way through Oakland’s lit Victorian gardens, marking the only time during the year that its gates are open after dark. Tours are held on Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 27-30.
The Fox Theatre Ghost Tours
The fabulous Fox hosts its fourth annual ghost tour, which allows you to walk the halls of this Atlanta landmark as you hear stories about ghostly sightings in the boiler room, stage freight elevator, hospital room and more. Tours are about 90 minutes long and start as often as every 20 minutes on Oct. 9, 11, 12, 14 and 30.
Roswell Ghost Tour
Roswell’s Ghost Tour departs from the bandstand in the town square, and you’ll spend about 2.5 hours on foot, covering a mile that’s an easy walk. You’ll be able to go into an old cemetery and hear stories from paranormal investigators. The stories and locations take center stage, since there are no costumes or similar theatrical touches. Tours are scheduled year-round, including on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and daily in October.
Stone Mountain’s Tour of Southern Ghosts
Stone Mountain’s tour follows along lantern-lit paths of the Historic Square as professional storytellers share ghost stories. Their tales are appropriate even for young children, and a group of six storytellers changes each night. Tours are held Oct. 14-16, 20-23 and 27-30.
Decatur Ghost Tour
Decatur’s walking tour starts in the Historic Town Square and makes stops at two of the oldest two-story homes in town, as well at as Old
Decatur Cemetery and old train depot. It’s offered any time of year, including on Fridays and Saturdays in September, with additionaldaysaddedinOctober, especially close to Halloween.
Marietta Walking Tour
This 90-minute lanternled walk takes you through downtown Marietta as you hear tales of the restaurant that once served as the town’s morgue, as well as spooky stories about Katherine, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art’s resident ghost. Tours are held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Scaryetta Haunted Trolley Tour
Take a ride with the Historic Marietta Trolley Co. through several haunted landmarks during this 90-minute tour, which includes a walk through the cemetery. Tours are held the first Friday of each month.
Marietta Haunted Pub Crawl
This walking tour takes you to several of Marietta’s pubs that are purported to be haunted. The tour is for adults age 21 and older, and some establishments may offer drink specials along the way. The tour can be booked privately until October, when public tours will then be posted online.