- Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom – A Richmond Ghost Tour
Recently I was invited to go on the Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom tour through Richmond Ghosts. Here’s what to expect if you’re considering doing a Richmond ghost tour while looking for things to do in Richmond VA. Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom The tour hits multiple spots around Shockoe Bottom, stopping at the locations to explain their significance. Highlights include the Mason’s Hall, Poe Museum, and Church Hill Tunnel. The content of the tour focuses on the history of the building/location, how it came to involve ghosts, and highlights of eerie experiences folks have had in that location over the years. As we were walking between stops, our tour guide Bryce also shared some different sinister Richmond history tales. Learning the history of these sites and interesting tidbits about events that happened there was the coolest part for me. I’m not native to the city, but have lived in the area for over a decade, and pretty much every site was a new one for me. Richmond was involved in so many significant points of Virginia’s and America’s history (i.e. the founding of the country, the slave trade, the Civil War) that there’s always more to learn. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the stories of ghosts that continue to be passed down are part of a place and reflect the events that have happened there. They often represent populations and stories that aren’t always talked about when looking at these events with a wider lens. Interested in things to do around Richmond VA? Best Richmond Travel Guides | Richmond Date Ideas Under $10 | Hiking Near Richmond Richmond Ghost Tour Logistics The Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom tour runs most nights at 8 pm. We met our tour guide, Bryce, in front of Havana 59 on 17th Street. This is where farmers markets and other events are often held. The tour ends right back where it starts, so parking near Havana 59 is a good idea. If you’re not familiar with the area – there’s lots of street (paid) parking in the area as well as a few free spots/lots. Be sure to leave yourself time to find parking because this is a busy area. From there we traversed a 1 mile route throughout the area, stopping at various spots. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and attire for walking and standing. If the weather calls for rain, an umbrella or poncho would be a good idea. Photography and video are allowed along the tour because you are on public roads/lots and not entering any of the buildings. Tips at the end of the tour can be made with cash or electronically through apps like Venmo. NOTE: On Friday and Saturday nights, Richmond City Police shut down several roads in Shockoe Bottom around 9 pm because of the nightlife spots there. With the tour getting out at 9 pm, we needed a few extra turns to get out of Shockoe Bottom. This did not effect the tour itself, just something to be aware of. Scare Level I am not a scary story or horror movie kind of person. Jump scares, gore, and terror just aren’t for me so I was a little apprehensive about a tour like this. The origins of ghosts and why a person would stick around usually aren’t happy tales, but I didn’t find these to be overly creepy or nightmarish. No one jumps out at you or attempts to scare you – no cheap scare tactics here. Final Thoughts My husband and I enjoyed our tour through Richmond Ghosts so much we are eyeing a few of the other tours they offer. US Ghosts runs these tours and they have a variety of tours in tons of cities. They also overnight stays in places like the Lizzie Borden House. Nearby Sweet Treat: If you have a Saturday ghost tour, stop in to OMG OCP beforehand. They have delicious oatmeal cream pies in tons of fun flavors! Unfortunately, they close at 7 most days, but on Saturdays they’re open until 8.
- Crochet Owl Pattern – A Quick No Sew Stuffed Animal
You’ll think this adorable crochet owl pattern is a hoot. This no sew crochet owl stuffed animal can be made in 30 minutes.
Recently I was invited to go on the Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom tour through Richmond Ghosts. Here’s what to expect if you’re considering doing a Richmond ghost tour while looking for things to do in Richmond VA. Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom The tour hits multiple spots around Shockoe Bottom, stopping at the locations to explain their significance. Highlights include the Mason’s Hall, Poe Museum, and Church Hill Tunnel. The content of the tour focuses on the history of the building/location, how it came to involve ghosts, and highlights of eerie experiences folks have had in that location over the years. As we were walking between stops, our tour guide Bryce also shared some different sinister Richmond history tales. Learning the history of these sites and interesting tidbits about events that happened there was the coolest part for me. I’m not native to the city, but have lived in the area for over a decade, and pretty much every site was a new one for me. Richmond was involved in so many significant points of Virginia’s and America’s history (i.e. the founding of the country, the slave trade, the Civil War) that there’s always more to learn. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the stories of ghosts that continue to be passed down are part of a place and reflect the events that have happened there. They often represent populations and stories that aren’t always talked about when looking at these events with a wider lens. Interested in things to do around Richmond VA? Best Richmond Travel Guides | Richmond Date Ideas Under $10 | Hiking Near Richmond Richmond Ghost Tour Logistics The Sinister Scaries of Shockoe Bottom tour runs most nights at 8 pm. We met our tour guide, Bryce, in front of Havana 59 on 17th Street. This is where farmers markets and other events are often held. The tour ends right back where it starts, so parking near Havana 59 is a good idea. If you’re not familiar with the area – there’s lots of street (paid) parking in the area as well as a few free spots/lots. Be sure to leave yourself time to find parking because this is a busy area. From there we traversed a 1 mile route throughout the area, stopping at various spots. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and attire for walking and standing. If the weather calls for rain, an umbrella or poncho would be a good idea. Photography and video are allowed along the tour because you are on public roads/lots and not entering any of the buildings. Tips at the end of the tour can be made with cash or electronically through apps like Venmo. NOTE: On Friday and Saturday nights, Richmond City Police shut down several roads in Shockoe Bottom around 9 pm because of the nightlife spots there. With the tour getting out at 9 pm, we needed a few extra turns to get out of Shockoe Bottom. This did not effect the tour itself, just something to be aware of. Scare Level I am not a scary story or horror movie kind of person. Jump scares, gore, and terror just aren’t for me so I was a little apprehensive about a tour like this. The origins of ghosts and why a person would stick around usually aren’t happy tales, but I didn’t find these to be overly creepy or nightmarish. No one jumps out at you or attempts to scare you – no cheap scare tactics here. Final Thoughts My husband and I enjoyed our tour through Richmond Ghosts so much we are eyeing a few of the other tours they offer. US Ghosts runs these tours and they have a variety of tours in tons of cities. They also overnight stays in places like the Lizzie Borden House. Nearby Sweet Treat: If you have a Saturday ghost tour, stop in to OMG OCP beforehand. They have delicious oatmeal cream pies in tons of fun flavors! Unfortunately, they close at 7 most days, but on Saturdays they’re open until 8.
You’ll think this adorable crochet owl pattern is a hoot. This no sew crochet owl stuffed animal can be made in 30 minutes.