Raleigh Ghost Tour Review | Raleigh Date Night Ideas | Downtown Raleigh Things to Do

July 30, 2025July 28, 20251 Comment

Do you and your boo need some fun new Raleigh date night ideas? Take a walk on the spooky side with a downtown Raleigh ghost tour! My husband and I embarked on one during our most recent date night in Raleigh, and I’m here to spill all my honest thoughts. Plus, you can save 10% on a US Adventures Raleigh Ghost Tour using my exclusive promo code WANDER10!

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Quick disclosure: US Ghost Adventures invited me on their Raleigh Ghost Tour in exchange for a review. However, all of the opinions expressed in this blog are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you book a tour through my link. Thank you SO much in advance for your support!

Raleigh Ghost Tour Review

Raleigh Ghost Tour Info

The US Ghost Adventures Raleigh Ghost Tour highlights numerous buildings purported to be haunted throughout the downtown area. The tour is about an hour long and covers one mile (there’s also an extended tour, but we just did the standard option). Along the way, your guide will highlight the city’s scariest spots, sharing historical facts and reported paranormal encounters.

Tours are offered nightly at 8pm, and groups convene at the North Carolina State Capitol. There is plenty of free parking available nearby, and the meeting location is easy to find since the tour guides carry mini lanterns. Note that tours are rain or shine—and they do mean it!

There was a decent amount of rain and thunder during our tour, and we came unprepared without jackets or umbrellas. While some locations offered tree coverage, we were pretty thoroughly soaked by the end of the night. However, everyone remained in good spirits—and the stormy weather only added to the eerie ambiance.

Locations Featured on the Raleigh Ghost Tour

Above is a map detailing all the stops we made along the Raleigh Ghost Tour.

The experience started with a few stories surrounding the State Capitol building itself. Apparently, some Civil War-era souls may still walk the halls…

From the State Capitol, the tour stopped by Death & Taxes, an upscale restaurant found in a building from 1907. Before being converted into a restaurant, it was used as a coffin house and then a morgue. Unsurprisingly, there are many creepy accounts of ghostly apparitions and interactions.

Next up was the Briggs Hardware Building (where the City of Raleigh Museum is located). Here, we heard the tragic story of a child who reportedly fell to their death down a flight of stairs in the building. You can see the stairs themselves from the street—they’re incredibly steep and look straight out of a horror movie.

After this stop, it was time to visit the White-Holman House. This historic former home had genuinely unsettling vibes, especially against the backdrop of rain and lightning. Visitors say a peg-legged ghost can sometimes be heard going up or down one of the staircases inside. Talk about creepy!

From there, we took the short walk over to Haywood Hall. The 18th-century mansion is considered one of Raleigh’s oldest homes, and the beautiful property now operates as an event venue. Many people claim to see ghostly felines wandering around the house and gardens because the original owner kept upwards of 40 cats as pets.

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The next location on the tour was the stunning North Carolina Executive Mansion. It’s a beautiful residence that has housed state governors and their families since the late 1800s. One of the most interesting facts we learned about this spot is that some of the bricks used around the mansion grounds feature cursive signatures. Since the mansion was built with prison labor, these signatures were left by inmates who participated in the construction.

Our final destination (no pun intended) and my favorite stop on the tour was the Hecks-Andrew House. This unique building has a distinctive Second Empire-style architecture and quirky design elements, including stained glass windows and staircases that lead to nowhere. It reminded me a little bit of the Pink Palace from Coraline! Many spooky tales surround the historic mansion, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation.

My Raleigh Ghost Tour Experience

Overall, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Raleigh Ghost Tour. It’s more of a historical walking tour than a ghost-hunting experience, but there’s a nice balance of history and scary stories. I recommend bringing layers and/or an umbrella if the weather might be dicey. Wear comfortable shoes as well, since you will end up walking around a mile.

Our tour guide, Alexa, did an excellent job of guiding the group through downtown Raleigh while highlighting unique landmarks and fun facts along the way. She was very engaging, adaptable, and knowledgeable, and she made the tour interesting for our entire group (which included a wide range of ages).

Final Thoughts

The Raleigh Ghost Tour is fun for couples, families, and friend groups—make sure to add it to your list of downtown Raleigh things to do! Since it wasn’t super intense or frightening, I’d consider it an appropriate activity for anyone over the age of 13 or so.

I especially enjoyed learning about the local history and admiring the buildings’ architecture, so this tour is fun even if you don’t believe in ghosts. US Ghost Adventures also hosts tours in over 100 cities (including iconic locations like the Lizzie Borden House), so I highly suggest checking if there’s one near you.

Save 10% on your Raleigh Ghost Tour with code WANDER10

Big shoutout to the folks at US Ghost Adventures for partnering with me on this post!

What to Do in Wilmington, NC | Fun Things to Do in Wilmington

May 7, 2025Leave a comment

Are you planning a trip to the North Carolina coast and wondering what to do in Wilmington? I’ve got you covered with this roundup of fun things to do in Wilmington, NC! This charming coastal town has something for everyone, from history buffs to food connoisseurs, shopaholics, and nature lovers. Here’s my ultimate guide to spending an afternoon in Wilmington.

Visit a Coffee Shop

What to do in Wilmington, NC | travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Visiting a local coffee shop is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new city. After hearing about Hidden Grounds Coffee on social media, I had to check it out! This funky dinosaur-themed coffee spot has a small but aesthetic interior full of dino decor and merch. There was a line out the door when I arrived on a Saturday morning, but it was entirely worth the wait.

I tried an iced oat milk Boot Scootin’ Berry latte, a spring specialty drink—it was SO yummy and perfect for the season. The outdoor space is where Hidden Grounds really shines. There’s ample seating and lush greenery, creating the illusion of a tropical oasis right in the heart of Wilmington.

Walk Around Historic Downtown

Wilmington’s Historic Downtown area (the River District) is perfect for strolling around. It’s incredibly picturesque, with classic Southern architecture, cobblestone streets, and towering trees. For waterfront views, hop on the Riverwalk, which follows the Cape Fear River for about two miles. Downtown Wilmington also has many bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, bars, music venues, and restaurants to discover.

Explore The Cargo District

For a unique change of scenery, check out the Cargo District. Many of the shops and restaurants in this community are housed in shipping containers, giving it a cool and trendy vibe. Check out Hello, Love and The Plant Outpost for quirky gifts and home items. There are also many food and drink options—I got some Italian ice from Sunset Slush, which was deliciously refreshing. I’d definitely love to return and try some other Cargo District eateries.

Grab Lunch

Wilmington is full of tasty restaurants to satisfy any and all of your cravings. I grabbed lunch at The Half, a casual sandwich shop, during my visit. The friendly and inviting eatery has all kinds of unique sandwich creations. I thoroughly enjoyed The Clara, a vegan option with chickpea salad and vegetables on rye bread. It was perfectly creamy, crunchy, salty, vinegary, and slightly sweet. Yum! I’ve also eaten at Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a low-key but fun hangout spot with fresh, flavorful seafood.

Enjoy the Outdoors

You can’t go to Wilmington without getting outside for a bit. There are three nearby beaches—Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville—if you want some surf and sand. Another great option is the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, a small park teeming with pitcher plants and venus flytraps. I’ve also heard good things about the New Hanover County Arboretum, but haven’t made it there yet.

Shop for Local Goods

Don’t forget to stock up on some local goods while in Wilmington! When the weather is nice, the city frequently hosts outdoor festivals and events where you can shop for food, art, crafts, clothes, and more. I also highly recommend Biggers Market, which carries a wide array of produce, snacks, baked goods, meats, and dairy products from local vendors.

I hope this travel guide to things to do in Wilmington inspires you to plan a trip! Let me know your favorite Wilmington activities and restaurants in the comments.

Hot Springs + Asheville Weekend Trip | Post-Hurricane Helene Western NC Travel Guide

November 11, 20241 Comment

Solomon and I just returned from a relaxing weekend in the mountains, and I’m sharing everything we did and saw while away! We knew ahead of this weekend that most of the towns in North Carolina we were interested in visiting would still be dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Since we just wanted a chill fall getaway to unwind, we figured it would also be a good excuse to give our business to an affected town. We settled on Hot Springs because we found a beautiful cabin available for the weekend, and the owner was encouraging visitors to support the handful of local businesses that have reopened.

Some towns throughout western NC have been completely devastated and are shut down for the foreseeable future. However, many have begun welcoming visitors and are eager for the tourism and financial support. Also, portions of North Carolina’s wilderness areas, like Pisgah National Forest, remain closed.

Do your research before traveling to western NC to avoid unintentionally putting strain on already struggling communities. Tourism is a major revenue source for some towns, but it’s essential to remember the local residents and organizations are just trying to make ends meet one day at a time. Be a conscious and responsible traveler—give your business to the places that need it the most!

Day 1: Hot Springs

Breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner

Hot Springs and Asheville weekend trip, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

We kicked off Saturday with breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner. Everyone working at this casual, homey spot was warm and welcoming. They made sure to let us know they had cinnamon rolls available (Saturdays only), so of course we had to order one.

Let me tell you, this was the best cinnamon roll of my life! It was soft with a slightly crispy exterior, full of cinnamon spice, and covered in an irresistible icing. We enjoyed it so much, we ordered a second one. I ordered a breakfast plate with eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, a biscuit, and gravy, and it was all scrumptious.

Hot Tub Time

Photo credit: Hot Springs Treehouse Cabins, NC.

Our stay at the Treehouse Cabins was cozy and relaxing. Cabin #2 had a stunning mountain view and everything we needed for a comfortable getaway. The best part was the hot tub overlooking the town of Hot Springs. It was chilly and overcast after breakfast—perfect weather to soak for a bit.

Hiking Along the Laurel River Trail

After watching a Harry Potter movie and playing some solitaire at the cabin, it was time to enjoy the crisp fall weather. We set off on the Laurel River Trail, an easy path that meanders along the river. Walking beside the water was scenic and peaceful—we stopped a few times to sit on the rocks and watch for fish swimming around. The entire trail is a little over seven miles roundtrip, but we headed back early, hiking around four miles total.

Stocking Up at Tobacco Road Burley & Brew

Tobacco Road is the local beer and wine store in Hot Springs. We swung by to grab an assortment of hard ciders and were surprised to see a rooster hanging out inside! (It actually wasn’t our first of the trip—earlier, a group of five or six roosters cruised by hunting for bugs while we were enjoying the hot tub.) Tobacco Road had an impressive selection, and we chit-chatted with some friendly locals on our way out. There was live music and a bonfire just outside, and it was cool to see the community united and in high spirits.

Dinner from Tin Can Pizzeria

Tin Can Pizzeria, an Asheville-based eatery, was serving slices from a food truck down the road. They have a fundraiser to continue their mission to provide complementary meals to towns like Hot Springs affected by the hurricane—I highly recommend donating! The pizza was really tasty, especially the sourdough crust.

Day 2: Asheville

Sauna House

Photo credit: Sauna House.

On our way home on Sunday, we swung by Asheville to see some friends. They suggested we visit Sauna House since the resort in Hot Springs was temporarily closed. Sauna House was a totally new experience for me, and I loved it. We started with 10-15 minutes in the sauna before rinsing off and taking a cold plunge. I’ve swam in cold water before, but that plunge was next level!

After what felt like an hour (but was probably only a minute), we moved to the heated seating area to let our body temperatures self-regulate and return to normal before repeating the process twice more (minus the cold plunge on the last round). While going from the steaming hot sauna to the icy pool was a shock to the system, it felt mentally and physically amazing afterward. I definitely have a newfound respect for those who do daily cold plunges.

Brunch at Mother

After about two hours at Sauna House, we headed next door to grab food at Mother. This eatery has a small but delicious menu of cafe classics like quiche, grilled cheese, and soup. I had the daily special—a twist on an old-fashioned tuna melt—and it was to die for. The highlight, aside from the tasty tuna filling, was the bread: two thick slabs of perfectly toasted sourdough that I’m still dreaming of.

Coffee for the Road from Farewell

Since Mother was only serving cold brew coffee, we walked up the street to Farewell. Everyone got pumpkin spice lattes (which were divine—heavy on the spices without tasting sickly sweet or artificial), and I tried an ube latte. I’ve never had ube-flavored anything, so I had no idea what to expect. It had an earthy, slightly nutty taste that I enjoyed, though the group was 50/50 on liking it. Armed with our coffees and refreshed after the Sauna House visit, we hit the road for home!

As sad as it is to see so much destruction from Hurricane Helene, I’m amazed by western NC’s resilience and know the affected towns will return even stronger than before.

Little Creek Loop Trail – Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina

October 28, 2024October 27, 2024Leave a comment

With the fall colors finally beginning to appear in our area, my husband and I set off on a leaf-peeping adventure. We decided to explore Raven Rock State Park, which is a quick 20 to 25-minute drive from our house. It was a cloudy, crisp fall day—perfect for admiring the autumn foliage.

Little Creek Loop Trail in Raven Rock State Park, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Our initial plan was to check out the Fish Traps Trail, but we ended up on the Raven Rock Loop Trail. The path gradually descended through the forest, leading us to a junction after about 1/4 mile. We decided to head right and follow the Little Creek Loop Trail. This roughly 3-mile-long path follows a small creek to a camping area before looping back to reconnect with the Raven Rock Loop Trail.

There were beautiful mountain laurel shrubs and fall colors along the way. We saw a few deer at one point and only a handful of other hikers as we meandered through the woods. Our dog had a blast smelling every plant and tree he could and getting his paws wet in the creek. Little Creek Loop Trail was the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning—we’ll definitely be back to check out more trails in the state park.

North Carolina Fall Bucket List | Fall Things to Do in North Carolina

September 23, 2024September 22, 2024Leave a comment

Autumn is officially here, and I created the ultimate North Carolina fall bucket list to celebrate! My husband and I recently relocated from Colorado, and it’ll be our first fall living in North Carolina. I loved fall in Colorado, but the South holds a special place in my heart since I grew up in Georgia, so I’m excited to be back for one of my favorite seasons. We’re still in the midst of moving and unpacking, but I’m itching to get out and experience all the fun fall things to do in North Carolina!

1. Get apple cider donuts from an orchard

Apple cider donuts are some of my favorite fall treats. While you can find them at most grocery stores this time of year, nothing beats authentic donuts from a local orchard. We didn’t have many apple orchards in Colorado, so I’m excited to check some out here in North Carolina.

2. Carve pumpkins

Every fall, my husband and I carve pumpkins to keep on our front porch around Halloween. I love getting creative with different designs and having a friendly competition to see whose turns out better. Once October 1 rolls around, it’s time to start brainstorming what we’ll carve this year!

3. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

While I’ve driven along portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway before, I’ve never seen it in the fall. It’s one of North Carolina’s most beautiful roads, and I’ve heard it’s especially stunning when the leaves are changing. I can’t wait to go leaf-peeping along the parkway with a pumpkin spice latte while listening to my favorite fall tunes.

4. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

It’s been years since I’ve visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I’m eager to explore more of it now that we’re living in North Carolina. The fall foliage is supposed to be breathtaking throughout the park and there are tons of cool hikes, waterfalls, overlooks, and scenic drives to check out.

5. Have a scary movie marathon

A few years ago, I started an annual tradition of watching a scary movie every day in the month of October. Horror is one of my favorite movie genres, so it’s the perfect way for me to celebrate spooky season. I’m excited to rewatch some of my go-to horror movies and see some new ones.

6. Bake a festive pie

My husband is a wonderful baker and we usually make at least one pie every fall season. I love classic apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies—sometimes, we switch things up with a sweet yet tart cranberry custard recipe. I’m already dreaming of whichever pie we decide to whip up first!

7. Take a day trip to Old Salem

Old Salem is supposed to be an adorable area to visit during fall. I’ve never been, but the pictures I’ve seen make it look as pretty as postcard. I think it will be fun to take a day trip to the historic neighborhood to walk around, visit some museums, and do some shopping.

8. Spend a weekend in the mountains

There are so many quaint mountain towns throughout North Carolina that I want to explore, like Black Mountain, Boone, and Hendersonville. I definitely plan to take a weekend this fall to check one of them out when the foliage is at its peak. Nothing beats a relaxing getaway up in the mountains, especially when there’s a chill in the air and you’re surrounded by gorgeous red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Let me know your recommendations for enjoying fall in North Carolina!

Wandering the Gap

Tag: North Carolina travel guide