By Anabel Kissel

Plagued by outbreaks of yellow fever, Civil War battles and bloody crimes, Savannah, Georgia, has earned a reputation as America’s most haunted city. For centuries, that reputation has lured in ghost hunters hoping to experience otherworldly encounters. As a scaredy-cat, I have no desire for such an encounter, but I was coaxed into a ghost tour by the one thing no girl can turn down—her sister’s bachelorette party. So, I give you the honest testimonial of a cowardly bridesmaid turned temporary ghost hunter.

With our bellies full from dinner at Churchill’s and caramel apples at River Street Sweets, we climbed aboard Ghosts & Gravestones’ trolley in a blur of animal print and laughter. Cruising down the cobbled streets, we drank in the scenery—lights glittering off the river, towering gothic cathedrals and canopies of Spanish moss—as our guide, Maria, captivated us with thrilling anecdotes and historical accounts. Her words conjured visions of pirates creeping down dark passageways, a phantom feline darting through stone walls and the frantic rattle of a bell from a foggy graveyard. 

Before our imagination could run wild, we arrived at our first stop, The Andrew Low House. Standing outside, Maria told the tale of the 1840s mansion, built over the ruins of an old jail and the Low family members who lived and died within it. We crept through the house searching for signs of lingering spirits, a whiff of perfume or a spindly silhouette in a mirror. To my relief, the only thing I observed was intricate 19th century furniture and a slight sense of unease as we explored the second floor, where docents often saw the ghost of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girls Scouts. Sensing this specter didn’t come with a side of Samoas, I hurried back to the safety of the trolley, where our tour continued. 

Passing shadowy cemeteries, bygone battlegrounds and eerie execution sites, our trolley made its way back to our second stop, Perkins and Son’s Ship Chandlery. I warily followed my sister into the dimly lit building, where she sat front and center on a wooden crate. I settled in next to her, waiting for Maria to tell us more about this abandoned warehouse. I won’t spoil what happened next, but I will share that I screamed out loud (twice) and strangled my poor cousin’s arm. 

Our tour concluded and with our heads full of countless ghost stories, we stepped back into the land of the living. In the end, I was grateful my sister’s spooky taste brought us to Ghosts & Gravestones, whose knowledgeable and engaging staff made this tour the perfect way to see Savannah. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or scaredy-cat, like me, a trolley tour in America’s most haunted city is an autumn must-do! Who knows—perhaps you will encounter a few new friends just dying to meet you…