If you’re curious about Burlington’s darker side, the Hollow in the Hills ghost tour promises a one-hour stroll through the city’s haunted spots and chilling tales. Designed for those who love stories of the supernatural, this tour offers an engaging way to explore Burlington’s historic streets after dark. While it’s a short experience, it packs enough spooky atmosphere and local legend to make it worthwhile.
What we really appreciate about this tour is the way it combines history with ghostly legend, making the stories more than just spooky tales—they’re woven into the city’s fabric. Plus, the guide’s energy and humor tend to keep the mood lively even when dealing with the darker stories. However, a potential drawback is that the tour’s duration is just one hour, which might leave those hungry for more ghostly detail a little underwhelmed. Still, it’s a fun, affordable option for travelers who enjoy ghost stories and historic strolling.
This experience is best suited for adventurous visitors, especially those with a curiosity for local legends or an interest in Burlington’s historic districts. It’s also ideal for families or groups who want a lighthearted, spooky evening activity. Just keep in mind that it’s not suited for visitors with mobility issues, as the walk involves some physical activity.
Key Points
- Brief but engaging: One-hour walking tour through historic Burlington’s haunted sites.
- Storytelling focus: The guide offers humor and energy, making spooky stories more enjoyable.
- Historic locations: Includes landmarks like the Flynn Theater and Church Street Tavern.
- Authentic legends: Features local ghost stories tied to real tragedies and legends.
- Weather-resistant: Takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
- Group size & cost: Small groups at a reasonable price, making it accessible without feeling crowded.
Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at Burlington’s Haunted Nightlife
- The Meeting Point: Starting at the Heart of Downtown
- A Walk Through Burlington’s Haunted Landmarks
- The Experience: Atmosphere & Guide
- Practical Details & What to Expect
- What the Reviews Say
- The Sum Up: Who Should Book This?
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Burlington Vermont
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Burlington Vermont we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at Burlington’s Haunted Nightlife
Burlington might be best known for its lakeside beauty and college town vibe, but it also has a dark, ghostly side that this tour seeks to explore. We appreciate the balanced approach the tour takes—while it’s themed around ghosts and hauntings, it’s not overly theatrical or cheesy. Instead, it leans into storytelling rooted in local lore, which makes the experience more authentic and engaging.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Burlington Vermont.
The Meeting Point: Starting at the Heart of Downtown
Every ghostly adventure begins at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, located at 152 Pearl Street. It’s a central spot in the Church Street Historic District, which itself is reputed to be one of the most haunted parts of the city. The guide, recognizable by their US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and lantern, sets the tone with a welcoming attitude. From here, the group begins winding through the historic streets, with each stop revealing a different piece of Burlington’s spooky past.
A Walk Through Burlington’s Haunted Landmarks
The tour’s itinerary includes 10 locations, each with its own ghostly story or legend. Some highlights include:
Lake Champlain Chocolates: You might find it surprising that a sweet spot like this has a haunting tale. The story suggests that behind the scenes, there’s more than just cocoa—possibly some restless spirits lurking around the chocolate factory. As one reviewer said, “Stories were enjoyable,” and this stop is a fun way to mix local industry with ghostly intrigue.
The Flynn Theater: A historic venue that’s also known for its ghost stories. The chance to snap a photo in front of the theater lends a tangible connection to the city’s past performances and possibly spectral apparitions. Its reputation as a haunted site adds a layer of intrigue—perhaps performers from the past still linger.
Church Street Tavern: Feel a cold shiver just thinking about it. This pub is reputed to be haunted, and feeling that chill is part of the fun. The stories here are woven into the tavern’s long history of serving locals and travelers alike.
The 160 Bank Street Explosion: The tragedy behind this event is part of the reason Burlington’s haunted history remains alive. The story of the explosion is shared with respect and a touch of the tragic, giving the ghost stories more depth.
The Experience: Atmosphere & Guide
We loved the guide’s energy and humor, as one review pointed out, making the tour lively and engaging. Their storytelling creates a sense of shared adventure without taking itself too seriously. The group size is manageable, which allows for some interaction and questions, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Given the tour’s duration of just one hour, it’s a quick hit of spooky tales—perfect for those on a tight schedule or first-time ghost tour enthusiasts. The price is generally reasonable, offering good value for the experience, especially considering the local storytelling focus.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details & What to Expect
Timing & Weather: The tour runs rain or shine, so it’s wise to dress comfortably and bring weather-appropriate clothing. Because it’s outdoors, even in evening hours, comfortable shoes are a must, as the walk involves some standing and light walking.
Accessibility: The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues, mainly because of the walking involved. There’s no mention of transportation, so expect to walk about a mile or slightly more during the hour.
Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve your spot with the flexible option to pay later, and cancellations are free if done 24 hours before. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.
What the Reviews Say
With only six reviews, the overall rating of 2.3/5 suggests mixed experiences. Comments like “I really enjoyed our guide’s energy and humor!” highlight that the guide’s personality is a core part of the appeal. Others mention the stories being “enjoyable,” indicating that even if the experience isn’t perfect, it’s still fun for most.
The low rating hints that some may find it less compelling or perhaps underwhelming if expecting a longer or more detailed tour. Nonetheless, for those curious about Burlington’s haunted history or looking for a fun, quick ghostly adventure, it’s worth considering.
The Sum Up: Who Should Book This?
This ghost tour is a solid choice for visitors interested in local legends and historic Burlington. If you enjoy storytelling with a lively guide, and don’t mind a brisk, one-hour walk through dark streets, this experience offers a glimpse into the city’s mysterious side without a hefty price tag.
It’s particularly suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for entertainment after dinner. Expect some spooky stories, a dose of local history, and a chance to see Burlington’s streets from a different perspective. However, if you’re after a more in-depth or lengthy ghost experience, you might find this tour a little brief.
Overall, Hollow in the Hills provides a fun, atmospheric, and reasonably priced way to add a dash of the supernatural to your Burlington visit. Just bring your curiosity—and maybe a flashlight—and enjoy the spooky stories waiting in the shadows.
Hollow in the Hills: Buried in Burlington Ghost Tours
“I really enjoyed our tour guide's energy and humor!”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour is generally family-friendly, it involves walking and some spooky stories that might be intense for very young children. Use your judgment based on your kids’ comfort with ghost stories.
How long does the tour last? The tour runs for about one hour, making it an easy, quick activity during an evening out.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time. The booking process is flexible, with the option to pay later.
What happens if it rains? The tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for weather conditions.
Is there any transportation involved? No, the tour is a walking experience starting at a fixed location, and participants should be prepared to walk about a mile.
Are there age restrictions? The tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility impairments, but there’s no specific mention of age restrictions. Use discretion for children based on their interest in ghost stories.
Can I record the stories? Audio recording isn’t allowed, so it’s best to take notes or just enjoy the storytelling live.
What should I wear? Dress comfortably and weather-appropriate. Bring shoes suitable for walking on city streets.
In short, if you’re looking for a short, spirited peek into Burlington’s haunted past, this tour offers a fun, lively way to explore the dark corners of the city—perfect for those who enjoy stories, history, and a little ghostly fun.
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