Providence: Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour

Providence, the historic city in Rhode Island, hides a captivating world of ghostly tales and supernatural mysteries. The ‘Providence: Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour’ invites visitors to explore these eerie legends, from the tragic love story of Edgar Allan Poe and Helen Whitman to the unsettling secrets of H.P. Lovecraft’s infamous Shunned House. As you retrace the steps of literary masters, you’ll uncover the weird and unsettling history that has long captivated writers and visitors alike in this enigmatic city. What secrets lie hidden in Providence’s haunted past?

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Tours In Providence.

Key Points

• This 1-hour guided tour in English explores the haunted history of Rhode Island, including a tragic love story between Edgar Allan Poe and Helen Whitman.
• The tour visits the ‘Shunned House’ from H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories, known as one of the most haunted houses in Providence.
• Visitors can learn about the ghostly legend of a cursed apple tree planted by Roger Williams and the mysterious death of Angela O’Leary at the Fleur de Lys Studio.
• The tour allows participants to retrace the footsteps of renowned writers, immersing them in the macabre and cosmic horror that inspired their works.
• This walking tour delves into the weird and unsettling legends that have captivated writers and visitors to Providence, Providence’s haunted past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The guided tour typically lasts for 1 hour and is conducted by a live tour guide in English. It’s wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to participate.

This is a unique opportunity to channel the spirit world and uncover the haunted history of Rhode Island. The tour promises to be an immersive experience, taking guests on a journey through the strange and spooky tales that have captivated writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.

Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal or simply curious about the region’s dark past, this walking tour promises to deliver an unforgettable encounter with the supernatural.

Highlights

Channel the spirit world on a guided tour of Rhode Island’s haunted history, uncovering the tragic love story of Helen Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe, and visiting H.P. Lovecraft’s Shunned House from one of his short stories.

Hear the strange tale of Roger Williams and the apple tree, and learn the spooky history of the Fleur de Lys Studio and a Rhode Island vampire.

Walk in the footsteps of these renowned writers, while listening to bone-chilling, campfire tales of deadly plants, macabre artifacts, and ghostly encounters.

Explore Providence’s weird and spooky history and discover the city’s hidden supernatural secrets.

Tragic Love Story

Providence’s haunted tour delves into the tragic love story between writer Edgar Allan Poe and his would-be fiancée, Helen Whitman.

The two met and fell deeply in love, but their relationship was doomed from the start. Some key details of their ill-fated romance include:

• Poe was still mourning the death of his young wife, Virginia, when he met Whitman.
• Whitman suffered from poor health and a fragile mental state, which put a strain on their relationship.
• Their families strongly disapproved of the match, creating significant tension.

Tragically, Poe died just a year after meeting Whitman, leaving her heartbroken and alone.

The tour explores the haunting legacy of this doomed couple and the lingering mysteries surrounding their love story.

Shunned House

H.P. Lovecraft’s Shunned House, featured on the tour, stands as a chilling landmark from one of his short stories. The eerie dwelling was the setting for Lovecraft’s tale of a house haunted by a dark, malevolent presence.

Participants on the walking tour will visit this infamous site and learn the grim history behind the story. Lovecraft drew inspiration from the real-life Shunned House, which has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Providence.

Visitors will hear the unsettling details of the house’s sinister past and understand why it continues to captivate fans of horror and the paranormal to this day.

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Ghostly Apple Tree

Along With the haunting tale of the Shunned House, the tour also explores the strange story of the ghostly apple tree linked to the life of Roger Williams, the founder of Providence.

According to local lore, this peculiar tree was planted by Williams himself and bore a supernatural significance:

• The tree was believed to be cursed, as any attempts to destroy it led to untimely deaths.
• Visitors reported hearing the disembodied voices of Williams and other early settlers whispering from the tree’s branches.
• The tree’s appearance allegedly changed over time, morphing into a twisted, ghastly form that inspired fear in those who witnessed it.

Over the centuries, the tree has become a symbol of Providence’s haunted past and the enduring mysteries that surround the city’s founding.

Vampire at Fleur De Lys

The tour also delves into the strange tale of a supposed Rhode Island vampire linked to the Fleur de Lys Studio, where a woman named Angela O’Leary met a tragic end.

According to local lore, O’Leary was found dead in the studio under mysterious circumstances, and rumors quickly spread that a vampire was responsible.

Visitors on the tour will learn the eerie details of O’Leary’s death and the persistent rumors of a vampire lurking in the shadows of the historic studio.

Whether the tales of a Rhode Island vampire have any truth to them remains a mystery, but the guide will share these spooky legends as part of Providence’s haunted history.

Footsteps of Writers

Visitors on this guided haunted walking tour have the chance to retrace the steps of renowned writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, who drew inspiration from Providence’s rich history and eerie lore.

As the tour guide leads you through the city’s streets, you’ll:

• Visit the real-life ‘Shunned House’ that appeared in one of Lovecraft’s short stories
• Hear bone-chilling tales of the tragic love story between Poe and his muse, Helen Whitman
• Learn about the strange influence the region had on Lovecraft’s cosmic horror writings
• Explore the locales that sparked the imaginations of these literary masters of the macabre.

Providence’s Weird History

Beyond the well-known histories, Providence harbors a trove of peculiar tales that have captivated writers and visitors alike.

From a purported Rhode Island vampire to a deadly apple tree, this tour delves into the city’s weirdest legends and unsettling mysteries.

Hear the strange tale of Roger Williams and the cursed apple tree that claimed his life.

Explore the Fleur de Lys Studio, where the ghost of a young woman named Angela O’Leary is said to haunt the premises.

Visit the real-life ‘Shunned House‘ from H.P. Lovecraft’s chilling short story, discovering the dark history behind this notorious abode.

Providence’s weird and spooky past promises to thrill and chill even the most seasoned paranormal enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Recommended Age for Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify a recommended age, but it’s generally suitable for ages 16 and up. Children younger than 16 may not find the content engaging or appropriate. Parental discretion is advised.

Can Children Attend the Tour?

The tour is open to children, but it’s not recommended for young kids as the content may be scary or disturbing. Parents should use their discretion based on their child’s age and sensitivity.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on walking tours for safety and accessibility reasons. Tour companies typically restrict participation to human guests only, unless the pet is a service animal. Check with the tour provider for their specific pet policy.

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography is generally permitted during the tour, but visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the group or disturbing any private property. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours that can be tailored to the group’s interests and needs, providing a more personalized haunted history experience.

Recap

This captivating walking tour delves into Providence’s haunted history, uncovering the city’s chilling legends.

Visitors can explore the tragic love story of Poe and Whitman, discover the eerie secrets of Lovecraft’s Shunned House, and retrace the steps of literary masters.

From ghostly apparitions to mysterious tales, this tour offers a thrilling glimpse into Providence’s weird and unsettling past.

You can check availability for your dates here: