The Starlit Path

US Ghost Adventures reached out to me, inviting me to experience and review their Austin-based ghost tour!

They offer two thrilling options—a pub crawl or a walking tour. I opted for the walking tour, a two-hour eerie journey through downtown Austin, where history and hauntings collide.

Did you know that 45% of Americans believe in ghosts, and ghost tourism is booming? Every year, around 20 million Americans participate in ghost tours, haunted house visits, or paranormal investigations.

My Review

The tour kicks off at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Austin (ticket price: $26), and trust me, you’ll want to wear comfy shoes. The route is well-planned, taking you to some of Austin’s most eerie spots, all while learning the ghostly past of the city.

I’ve always believed that even if you aren’t necessarily interested in ghosts, but have a love for history, a ghost tour is a great option. It combines fascinating historical facts with a touch of the supernatural, making it an exciting way to explore the past. I loved the lantern our guide, Vincent, used—it set the mood perfectly—and his enthusiasm and knowledge really brought the stories to life. It’s no surprise that ghost tours are thriving, generating over $300 million annually across the U.S.!

One small suggestion I have is to make the tour even more immersive by adding visuals. A pamphlet or flip file with pictures for each stop—like photos of orbs or historical figures mentioned in the stories—could really elevate the experience.

Here’s why this tour is a must-see:

1. Saint Mary’s Cathedral
   Built in 1884, this Gothic landmark is said to echo with the ghostly hymns of a long-departed choir that still sings during midnight mass.
2. The State Capitol
   Visitors claim to see the spirit of a Confederate soldier patrolling the halls at night, eternally guarding the marble corridors of Texas power.
3. Handle Bar (The Cockfight)
   Once rumored to be a Prohibition-era brothel, this downtown bar’s second floor is known for unexplained footsteps and lights that flicker after closing time.
4. The Driskill Hotel
   Austin’s most famous haunted spot, where the ghost of a little girl who fell down the grand staircase still plays with a bouncing ball in the halls.
5. Omni Hotel Downtown
   Guests report phantom knocks and the feeling of being watched on the 14th floor, where an elevator once opened to reveal no one—but a sudden rush of cold air.
6. Opposite the Paramount Theatre
   Actors whisper that a former projectionist still watches every show from the balcony, adjusting invisible reels as the lights go dim.

You can find all the details on their website: https://usghostadventures.com/austin-ghost-tour/

Don’t miss out on this hauntingly fun experience and Happy Halloween!

*This post is sponsored by US Ghost Adventures