We joined about 30 other people in Marietta at the fountain across from the Lafayette to partake in the Ghost Trek. It was a crowded evening in downtown Marietta due to the Merchant/Artist walk. The trek was fun but the streets were a bit crowded at times. It was a little hard to hear the stories in the Lafayette Hotel as there was so much going on in the lobby that night. All in all, really enjoyed the trek, nice to be out and about in the evening, learning the history of Marietta and hearing some ghost stories. there's some great history in this town. The next day we went back downtown to some of the shops that were closed the night before. weather was perfect.
I've been enjoying ghost tours at three different locales where I've visited. Besides giving visitors something to do in the evening instead of holing up in one's motel room, one learns more history of a locale than normal and is highly entertained by the strange and interesting stories spun by the group leader. I've been on ghost tours in Harper's Ferry, Charles Town, Martinsburg and Beverly, West Virginia and have been delighted with each one. The same goes for the Marietta Ghost trek. All of its ghost tour is in the down town area of the city beginning at the fountain in front of the Lafayette Hotel on Front Street. The stories of murder are few on this tour. It seems to concentrate on strange disappearances and/or reappearances of people and objects. The stories often brought a smile to my face or a hearty laugh at the humorous situations told. I had a blast and recommend this ghost tour to all who enjoy stories well told by a seasoned story teller. There was nothing scary about the stories although a few dealt with prostitutes which might make your little ones inquire more about such women.
I recently took a group of 42 ladies to Marietta. Upon the advise of Shannon from the Washington County Tourism, I booked Lynn Srutevant to give us a step on tour (She got on our tour bus.) The ladies loved her and many bought one or both of her books... even though she did not have them with her, upon our request, she brought them to the hotel for us before we left. We stayed at the Lafayette Hotel and she had stories about strange happenings at the hotel... nothing too scary but just strange. This really got all the ladies imagination or observation enhanced... .and now we all have stories of strange occurrances that happened on our trip to Marietta. Lynn told us stories about the Ohio River that we never learned in school. Very interesting.
Whether you are visiting Marietta, or live in the area, this is a fun adventure. Our group met at the fountain in front of the Lafayette Hotel. Our guide started with the history and hauntings of this the first settlement in the Northwest Territory. Then we walked and stopped at selected spots along the 1 +/- mile route. We were even treated to an impromptu conversation with a resident of one of the buildings. Having grown up in the area, I thought I knew its history. I learned so much that evening. What a fun way to start your visit to Marietta.
This tour doesn't just tell you the fun and scary ghost stories but is also a great overview of downtown Marietta history - particularly the odd and mysterious past and beginnings of this quaint town.
We had an awesome time. I recommend this to everyone. Walked all over town and learned so much. So many great spooky stories and had so much fun.
Lynn is your tour guide,and you start off at the levee House & walk along fron street, learning the stories & making stops along the way. Lynn does an excellant job bringing the history to life.. enjoyed bery mucj, tour is almost 2 hours, its a comforotable walk & with many little stops.I caught some eerie shots on my camera, so take yours along & have fun!
We really enjoyed it!!! The group meets right in front of the Lafayette Hotel (it is also part of the trek), which is where we were staying. You walk to several different spots, and learn about the location's history as well as what happened there that has led to a reported haunting. We also had the opportunity to go inside of an old theater and do some ghost hunting of our own where there was no electric and nothing to rely on but our flashlights and digital cameras. We definitely plan on doing it again next year!!!
The guide knew the info inside and out and brought a lot of positive personality to the tour. I've been to Marietta many times, and learned a lot that I didn't know before. And the prices for the private tour are very reasonable if you want to do it in the off season. I would go on the tour again.
The history behind the town of Marietta makes this a wonderful evening.