I Thought I Knew My Hometown… Until I Took a US Ghost Adventures Walking Tour.
Ghostly Walking Tour Lantern
Recently, I had the chance to join a US Ghost Adventures walking tour right in my hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey. The tour we took is called Requiem of the Reaper: Red Bank Ghost Tour. US Ghost Adventures offers guided walking tours in over 150 cities across the United States, blending local ghost stories with rich historical context.
Our guide was a local, and that authenticity made all the difference. She was enthusiastic, engaging, and clearly loved what she does. From the moment we started, we were completely pulled in by her wit and her ability to weave Red Bank’s history and haunted tales together in a way that felt natural and captivating.
We kicked off the tour outside the Dublin House, a long-standing Irish pub and a place I’ve been to countless times over the years. Little did I know it had a haunted past. Despite the chilly January evening, we decided to brave the cold, and I’m so glad we did.
The Dublin House, Red Bank, NJ
We opted for the extended tour, which took us on a leisurely journey through Broad Street, Red Bank’s main downtown strip, the rail station, the Armory (now an ice rink), and the Galleria. The Galleria especially surprised me. Today, it’s a bustling spot for shops and restaurants, but its early history is far more tragic than I ever imagined.
I won’t spoil all the details of the buildings and stories we heard—you should definitely take the tour yourself—but let’s just say we had some truly unique moments. One of the most memorable happened outside the Armory. As we stood there listening to the story, a gentleman walked up and asked if he could listen in. After the guide finished, he casually mentioned that the details were correct because his father had owned the building and was responsible for converting it from the old Armory into an ice rink. The timing alone gave us chills. What are the odds?
The Galleria, Red Bank, NJ
The Armory, Ice Rink, Red Bank, NJ
What made the night even more memorable was how often something unusual seemed to happen at just the right moment. Maybe it was a coincidence. Maybe it was the cold night. But more than once, we all paused and exchanged looks.
One standout moment happened outside what was once the Globe Hotel, a building I’ve walked past hundreds of times without ever noticing. It’s now a bar, but the original hotel sign still hangs outside. The story our guide shared was about a man who died there in the late 1800s after suffering a severe coughing fit. As she wrapped up the story and began moving to the next stop, a man stepped out of the bar, coughing loudly enough to stop us in our tracks. It was one of those moments that instantly made the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
The Globe Hotel, Red Bank, NJ (Bar)
The tour itself was wonderfully relaxed. There was no rushing from one stop to the next. Some tours even offer an optional EMF recorder for those who want a more hands-on paranormal experience, though we didn’t use one on our tour. We did, however, have time to stop for hot chocolate, chat, and really take in the atmosphere.
One thing I truly appreciated was how customizable the experience was. Our amazing guide made it clear that the tour could lean more heavily into history or ghost stories, depending on the group's comfort level. That flexibility made it feel welcoming for everyone. We even had a lively conversation with her and shared some of our own haunted experiences along the way.
Tips Before You Go
If you’re planning to take a US Ghost Adventures tour, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
Dress for the weather. Tours run year-round, and you’ll be walking the entire time.
Bring gratuity. If you enjoy your guide (and chances are you will), it’s nice to have cash on hand.
Expect a sustainable experience. Walking tours are an eco-friendly way to explore a town while supporting local guides and businesses.
US Ghost Adventures offers tours in cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston, so there’s a good chance there’s one near you.
You can easily turn the tour into a full evening. Grab dinner beforehand, enjoy drinks afterward, or make it a fun group outing or unique date night. It’s a great way to explore a familiar place from a completely different perspective.
I’m already planning my next US Ghost Adventure: Shoreline Shadows: Hauntings of Asbury Park.
For more information and to book your tour, or even plan a stay at the Lizzie Borden House, explore haunted historic mansions, or shop for novelty gifts and paranormal gear, click the link here and get ready for an unforgettable experience. I can’t recommend US Ghost Adventures enough.
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