• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Start

Are we all here? Me, you and maybe a few ghostly extras? Good. Our first spooky stop is right on top of that bridge. You will need to be on the right hand side of it, since that is the scarier side. I just made that up, but it could be true. Regardless, you need to be on the right side of the bridge. I’ll meet you as you cross and tell you a ghostly story that goes back over 200 years.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Creek

We are standing over Rock Creek and the Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway on the bridge that carries M Street into the heart of Georgetown. This was originally the site of a wooden passageway constructed in 1788 – two years before the City of Georgetown was incorporated into the District. For any bridge nerds out there (you know who you are), evidently it was the first one located in the current District of Columbia, which is fascinating if bridge trivia is your thing. Anyway, this engineering marvel was reported to have collapsed shortly after its construction during a severe storm, killing a stagecoach full of passengers. According to local lore…a silent stagecoach, complete with ghostly driver and team of horses, can sometimes be seen, at night, naturally…whisking passengers away to some otherworldly destination (or perhaps just up the street to Starbucks). In the year 1800, a heavy wooden drawbridge was built to replace the original structure – a drawbridge that was used by tall ships needing to sail up and down Rock Creek, which was evidently wide and deep enough at that time. According to another legend, a tragic accident occurred here during the war of 1812, in which a drummer boy leading American troops across Rock Creek was knocked over the side during yet another violent storm, drowning in the water below. Witnesses have claimed to hear faint drumming that grows louder and louder and louder, then stops suddenly at the point where the boy allegedly fell to his death. Eerie. So take care (and maybe avoid stormy weather), as you head west into Georgetown, Washington D.C.’s oldest and creepiest neighborhood, across the bridge with a haunted history!

• Distance : 0.09
• Attraction : Trail

Looking to your right, you will see the entrance to Rock Creek Trail. Now don’t get me wrong Rock Creek Trail is a beautiful hiking trail that leads to Rock Creek Park. The park is a beautiful place with many fun things to do. You can visit the free zoo, learn at the nature center, go horseback riding, visit some historic buildings plus a lot more. But remember the name of this tour is Georgetown ghosts, murder and mayhem so let’s get back on topic. This woodsy park in the city is where 24-year-old former intern Chandra Levy was brutally murdered, and where her skeletal remains were found a year later. The investigation uncovered her illicit affair with Congressman Gary Condit, and the media took off with theories of motive and deception. Ingmar Guandique, a 20-year-old from El Salvador who had previously attacked two other woman in the park, was later tried and convicted of Levy’s murder, though he was eventually released and deported. Whether the park is haunted or not, it’s certainly a creepy place to be by yourself at night. Surrounded by woods and almost utter darkness, even the slightest sound can be pretty terrifying. You won’t catch me in this park at night. Ok, moving on. We will be walking straight on M Street for a while so if you get lost, that’s totally on you.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Embassy

This red brick building to your right is the Mongolian Embassy. Look for the red and blue striped flag. So embassies offer assistance to their national citizens abroad, but whatever… check out this paranormal story from Mongolia: The legend states that a Mongolian nomad was walking through the gobi desert and died of thirst and hunger. People traveling through this area of the desert say they can hear his ghost wailing, but that’s not the worst part. If you hear this ghost wailing, you’d better avoid him because if you see him, your eyes will bleed and you will go blind. Apparently a victim of this “Gobi Desert Wailer” got a good look at the ghost before his eyes bled and he went blind. He says the wailer wears old shredded up clothes and his eyes are black holes. Well I was going to go into the Gobi desert but now I’m rethinking my plans. Ok, let’s cross over 29th street and continue our tour.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Worm

Ok, I know we already talked about Mongolia but there’s something I just can’t get out of my mind. Not only is the Gobi Desert home to the “Wailer,” it is also home to the Mongolian Death Worm. Does this worm actually exist? The locals will tell you “absolutely,” although no one has actually seen one. Legend has it though, that this Mongolian Death Worm looks like a two foot long red sausage with no head or legs. It is so poisonous that if you barely touch it, you will die instantly... Want a cupcake? Alrighty, keep walking. Cross over 30th and I’ll meet up with you in a minute or two.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Cupcake Store

So there are TWO cupcake stops on this tour because I just feel like you are gonna need some breaks from all the scary creepy stories. I suggest you try a cupcake from Sprinkles, here on your right and then try another one from Georgetown Cupcake. That place is later on in the tour. You can compare the two and let us know which one you like best! After you leave Sprinkles, keep heading the direction we’ve been going. There’s a very haunted 18th century house that I need to show you.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Historic House

Ahead on your right is Old Stone House and it looks just like it sounds - old and stone. It was built in 1765 by a couple named Christopher and Rachel Layman and it remains mostly unchanged despite a number of different owners…and today, possibly as many spirits still inhabit the place. Interesting to note about this location…it’s the oldest unchanged building and the last Pre-Revolutionary Colonial building on its original foundation in the District of Columbia, remaining 85% original to its 18th century construction. In 1973 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and since 1960 has been open to the public as a museum that is definitely worth touring…well, after finishing up this one, naturally. But onto the ghostly stuff. Over the years visitors and staff have reported a great many sightings and paranormal activity here. On the first floor, a woman in a brown dress has been seen standing near the fireplace. Could this be the spirit of Rachel Layman, one of the home’s original owners? Hmm… Other ghostly occupants include a heavy-set woman who has been witnessed standing on the staircase as well as in the kitchen… Two different men have been sighted – one with long blond hair wearing a blue jacket, the other wearing short pants and stockings. On the third floor, a woman allegedly sits in a rocking chair, perhaps perpetually keeping watch over an infant. Which would make sense since the third floor is believed to primarily consist of children’s bedrooms. But wait – there’s more. Other spectral sightings include two different men in Colonial-era clothing, a young curly headed girl running up and down the staircase, an African American boy, and a European-looking craftsman, who was perhaps either the tailor or clockmaker who once ran businesses here. The laughter of invisible children and the vague images of women cooking over the hearth have also been observed… But perhaps the most intriguing is the allegedly malevolent ghost named “George” who has been known to choke and push visitors. His presence is often indicated by extreme drops in temperature, and he has left witnesses with an intense feeling of dread. Not nice, George! Bad ghost. Ok, that was spooky. Let’s get away from here. I think we need to just walk and breathe for a bit. Keep heading west on M Street.

• Distance : 0.08
• Attraction : House

Can you breathe again? Good. Because I need to tell you a grisly story from a famous house here in Georgetown. I’m gonna need you to pause and listen up. It’s a good one.. So the house is located at 3206 Q. Street. That’s 5 blocks north and one block west from here. I won’t make you walk all the way up there, because I’m a nice tour guide. You are welcome. The home belonged to Viola Herms Drath. She was a big-time Washington DC socialite, a notable figure in German-American relations, and a delegate of the republic of Cyprus. Her first husband died in 1986. Four years later she married an unpaid intern from Germany by the name of Albrecht Muth. Oh, and Albert was 44 years younger than Viola. Oh, and Viola was 70 years old at the time. After they wed, Albrecht made up a weird story about an elderly German Count who had fallen off an elephant in India and appointed Albrecht as his successor just before he drew his last breath. From then on, Albrecht insisted that he be referred to as “Count Albrecht.” Then just after the Iraq War he began telling everyone that he was a Brigadier General in the Iraq Army and even wore the accompanying uniform. Sounds like a crazy person to me. So early on in their marriage there were multiple instances of domestic abuse against Viola. Remember, she was 70 years old and he was 26. The police were called to her home on Q Street multiple times. Viola and Albrecht’s lovely union was actually called “the worst marriage in Georgetown” by the New York Times. Now that’s not a title that ANYONE should want to live up to. I guess then, that it isn’t too much of a surprise that the marriage did not end well. In August of 2011 Viola was found dead, strangled and beaten in her bathroom in the house on Q Street. Albrecht was found guilty of the murder. That was quite the gruesome story, am I right? Wanna go look at a pretty building now and feel better about life? Ok. Keep walking.

• Distance : 0.11
• Attraction : Bank and Historic House

So this building on the corner is kinda cool. It’s the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. It was built between 1921 and 1922. In 1961 the dome and cupola at the top of the building were gilded in gold leaf and that’s how you see it today. I know, not super interesting - or scary. So let me tell you another story while we are standing here. About 7 blocks north of here is Dumbarton Oaks. It was built in 1702 and over the years the property changed hands a bunch of times. The best-known residents, the ones who are said to have never left, oooooohhhh, are American diplomat, art collector, and philanthropist (in short, filthy rich and essentially unemployed), Robert Woods Bliss, and his lovely wife Mildred. The couple was so romantic that when they designed the garden, they used greek statues, and romantic benches surrounded by carefully planted trees and flowers that create the mood for looooove. I mean, they built a section in the garden called, “Lover’s Lane Pool”, so does it even surprise you that Robert and Mildred’s spirits would never want to leave, even in death?? They’ve been seen together in the main house, holding hands. Their ashes lie in a crypt in the rose garden, which could explain why they’re often spotted nearby as this was Mildred’s favorite spot in the entire garden. Mildred’s ghost has been seen wearing a hat or carrying a parasol – ya know, that goofy thing ladies carried around before sunscreen was invented. Can ghosts get sunburn? I’ve never really thought about it. And one surprised staff member is reported to have once opened a closet door only to come face to face with… Mildred Bliss herself! Visitors and staff have described Robert as a distinguished looking guy in a white pinstripe suit. Maybe Robert is more on the shy side, as there aren’t a lot of visitors who have seen him. But sometimes no one sees either of them, but they see evidence that they are there - like motion-activated lights turning on for no apparent reason and books discovered, left open, on tables where there hadn’t been any books there earlier. You should definitely check this place out, It’s only about a mile North of here, on R st. UCPlaces actually has a tour called Dumbarton Oaks that will take you right to this place. I’d love to show you around there! Well, after this tour is over. Ok, we’ve got a few fun stops on the way to our next haunted destination so let’s keep moving. Stay on M Street and continue heading west.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Escape Room

Up ahead and a few feet past Potomac Street there’s an Escape Room. If you don’t know what those are, let me tell you - get ready for some fun! This particular Escape Room is called Paniq Room and their room themes are “Perfect Crime,” Insane Asylum” and “Primal Quest.” Here you will get 60 minutes to escape a room by solving brain teasers, putting together clues, exploring rooms, applying your team-work skills and outwitting the game. These rooms are wildly popular so you may need to make a reservation to try one out.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Bar

So, next to Paniq Room is Georgetown Piano Bar, which comes in handy if you are looking for some high quality piano performances, some fun sing along piano evenings, plus Dueling Piano competitions on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9pm. Of course though, I have a grisly piano death story for ya. The year is 1905. The place is Baltimore, Maryland. The name is Grant Bowman. He and a few other guys were moving a piano with a wagon down a hilly street. Probably never a good idea. Anyway, a runaway streetcar crashed into the wagon, causing the piano to fall out of the wagon and crush Bowman. Yup, it happens. Ok, who needs another cupcake? Yeah me too. At the end of this street there’s a Pete’s Coffee and then across 33rd Street is Georgetown Cupcake. I’m not gonna be mad if you stop at both.

• Distance : 0.07
• Attraction : Cupcake store

Ok sweet tooth out - You can’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in a Georgetown Cupcake! Remember you are gonna tell UCPlaces who makes the better cupcake - Georgetown or Sprinkles. Now get in there and treat yourself. Then just keep heading west on M Street. If you are getting bored of M Street, don’t worry. We will be turning in two blocks.

• Distance : 0.28
• Attraction : Escape Room

Oh hey, wouldn’t ya know it! Another Escape Room! This one is called Georgetown Escape Room Live and it is the #1 escape room in all of Washington DC and Alexandria, Virginia. This place features Hollywood-style escape rooms and award winning puzzle designs. You have to come back with some friends and check it out sometime! You won’t be disappointed. Keep walking and then cross over 34th Street so you can meet me at the corner there.

• Distance : 0.26
• Attraction : Club

Oh hey, the Starbucks building that you’re passing used to be the home of The Cellar Door.. This was a cozy 163-seat music club from 1964 to 1981. So many amazing artists have played here. I’ll tell you what. Start heading uphill on 34th Street and I’ll list some of the more notable artists who have performed here. That will distract you while you walk up this steep hill. Ready? Ok go. Jimmy Buffett, Miles Davis, Jackson Brown, John Denver - You know, Country Roads, Take Me home… B.B. King and Carol King, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, Linda Rondstadt, James Taylor… Are you getting near the top of the hill yet? Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young, George Thorogood… Are you there yet? Ok one more - The Pointer SIsters - I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it. I’m about to lose control and I think I like it.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Historic House

When you get to Prospect Street, take a pause to catch your breath and listen to another ghost story. On your left is Halcyon House. It was built in 1787 and is said to be haunted by its original owner, first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, who is frequently seen on the property. And perhaps for good reason. For years the home was the center of social activity here in Georgetown, and when a party is hopping, why leave? Eventually however, financial decline and his wife’s death compelled Stoddert to transfer ownership of the home to his daughter Elizabeth. Those who have witnessed the ghost of Stoddard allege that he can be seen or heard in various locations around the house…often sitting in a chair and sometimes whispering unintelligibly. Over the years, a number of owners took possession of the home. In the 19th century it was alleged to have served as part of the Underground Railroad, and the house is reportedly haunted by the spirits of numerous runaway slaves who somehow perished in the basement during their attempted escape to freedom. Some advise to listen closely as their moans and cries can be occasionally heard emanating from the lowest level of the house. Spooky. Yet possibly the most bizarre tale of ownership is due to its later resident, Albert Clemens (Mark Twain’s nephew), who purchased the place in the year 1900. Albert couldn’t stop building on the property. For some reason he believed continually expanding the residence and grounds would help him to escape death. It didn’t. Although stairways that lead to nowhere, secret trap doors, and pointless, tiny rooms would suggest that he was just plain crazy. Clemens’ ghost has been reported at Halcyon House in addition to the others, as well as a mysterious lady who can sometimes be seen through an upstairs window. This unknown woman has been known to rearrange the covers of overnight guests. Could this be the widow of Benjamin Stoddert? Other residents have told about mysterious lights and sounds…and still others have claimed that their bodies levitated and rearranged themselves on their beds while they slept, so that their feet lay on their pillows. Either the party is still hopping as it was in Benjamin Stoddert’s time or Halcyon House is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Either way it makes for a good story in the morning. After you are done checking out Halcyon House, head west on Prospect Street. Halcyon House will be on your left

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Spooky Music

Now it’s time to prepare for our next scary stop. Just keep walking.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Movie sight

Pause here for a minute and let’s talk about “The Exorcist,” because we are going to be visiting some famous filming sites from this blockbuster horror film. This 1973 American movie starred Ellen Burstyn as actress Chris MacNeil, and her possessed and terrifying daughter Regan, played by Linda Blair. Jason Miller plays the part of Father Karras who is unsuccessful at exorcising the demon out of Regan, which eventually leads to his death. I’ll show you where he died in just a minute. Although we aren’t aware of any hauntings at the upcoming locations, there was a series of strange events that lead people to believe the film is cursed. The plot was based on an alleged exorcism performed by Catholic Priests at Georgetown University Hospital in 1949. More about that later. Perhaps the movie’s sinister storyline was to blame for what appeared to be a series of curses, or maybe it was actually something more. Right off the bat the film’s shooting schedule had to be delayed due to a fire on the set of what was intended to be the inside of the MacNeil’s home. Oddly, the room of possessed child Regan remained unharmed. Ok, up ahead is a lamp post where 36th Street meets Prospect Street. Get there and then look to your left and you see railing. Follow that railing and you’ll find the famous set of stairs that dramatically depicted a possessed Father Karras, played by Jason Miller, tumbling to his death after hurling himself out of Regan’s bedroom window and down the steps below. To make the stairs look as if they descend right off the side of the house, Director William Friedkin had an extension built with a false front to give the appearance of the priest jumping onto a stairwell right below the bedroom. And the steps themselves were padded with rubber. That’s some fancy Hollywood trickery right there. These famous stairs are a selfie hot-spot, so snap a picture and send it in to us here at UCPlaces! Feel free to go all the way down to the bottom and back up again. I’ll wait for you at the house next door which is just past the steps here on Prospect Street.

• Distance : 0.25
• Attraction : Movie Site

This next stop may make your head spin. All the way around. See that red brick building at 3600 Prospect St NW. This is the Mac Neil residence where possessed child Regan wreaked havoc in The Exorcist. It isn’t necessarily haunted, but if you look close enough and squint, you can almost see Regan’s face peering down at you from an upstairs window. Almost. Keep squinting. See her now? So this house is a painful reminder of the permanent injury actress Ellen Burstyn received as a result of filming a scene in Regan’s bedroom, in which her character is supernaturally flung across the room by Pazuzu, the demon that inhabits her daughter’s body. Evidently, the stuntman yanked on the wire tied around her midriff a little too hard, according to Burstyn, causing her to fly backwards and land squarely on her tailbone. The scream she lets out in the movie is real, and that take was the one that made it into the final edit. Now let’s check out another Exorcist movie film site. Turn around and cross over Prospect Street so you are walking along the left side of 36th Street. I’ll meet up with you soon.

• Distance : 0.22
• Attraction : Restaurant

Coming up on your left is The Tombs Restaurant. It’s in the yellow building we are walking next to. You enter the restaurant by going down the stairs just before the green building. This university watering hole is not only a great place to find spirits (see what I did there?), but it also happens to be the bar featured in the original Exorcist movie, and again in The Exorcist III. It was also the inspiration for the tavern in the movie, St. Elmo’s Fire…but that’s a subject for another tour on another day. Go on in and grab a drink or a bite to eat if you’d like, but I’m gonna keep walking along 36th Street and I’ll meet you at the corner of N Street.

• Distance : 0.25
• Attraction : Directions

Hello again! We are working our way toward Georgetown University, in case you were wondering. We’ve got another block to walk and then we will turn left on O Street, so cross over N Street and let’s keep going! Want some spooky music to accompany you? You’ve got it.

• Distance : 0.24
• Attraction : Church

We are almost to O street. It’s just at the end of the block. On your right is the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Founded in 1787, it is the oldest Catholic church in continuous operation in Washington DC. Next to the church is Holy Trinity School, which is DC’s oldest catholic elementary school.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Ghost Story

As you turn left on O Street, it’s impossible not to notice the spooky grey stone building looming up ahead. That’s Georgetown University, where we will end our tour after exploring more creepy film sites from “The Exorcist” movie. Before we get there, let me get you back into that spooky mood by telling you a good haunted cemetery story. About 10 blocks from here is the Oak Hill Cemetery. The first body was buried there back in 1848 and since then mayors, military figures, and even the owners of the Washington Post have been put 6 feet under at this haunted cemetery. If you want UCPlaces to guide you over, just take our Dumbarton Tour when you finish up this tour. Anyway, the Oak Hill Cemetery grounds house a few Victorian-style monuments, including two structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel and the Van Ness mausoleum. The mausoleum could be of particular interest to potential ghost hunters. Reportedly, a heavy presence can sometimes be felt inside. And in 1872, when the remains of one-time DC mayor, John Peter Van Ness, were moved to the mausoleum at Oak Hill, a passerby remarked that the grazing horses that had carried the hearse into the cemetery earlier, appeared as if their heads were missing. Maybe just a funny observation made by one of the locals at the time…maybe…or creepy omen perhaps? You decide. Legend has it those same six headless horses have been witnessed hauling in Mr. Van Ness’s remains, making the trek from the old Van Ness mansion, where the Organization of American States is now located, to Oak Hill Cemetery (hey horses, news flash: the guy already lives here). And allegedly on one occasion, those same spirited horses (see what I just did there?) are said to have forced a driver off Rock Creek Parkway! But that makes sense…it can be difficult to see where you’re going without a head, right? Ok, continue down O Street and enter Georgetown university through the wrought iron gates… if you dare.

• Distance : 0.02
• Attraction : University

Welcome to Georgetown University. I have to say, it is one of the creepiest, scariest buildings I’ve ever seen, especially at night when it’s kind of cold and windy, and you are all alone and listening to scary music. I can help with that (insert scary music) The statue in front of you is of Georgetown University’s founder - John Carroll. Nothing haunted there, but if you feel like taking part in the tradition of snapping a picture of you sitting on John’s lap, we didn’t tell you to. But if you do, we’d love to see that picture. Just sayin. Next, look to the left of the statue. Up high. Really high. See the creepy clock tower? Head over there and I’ll meet you.

• Distance : 0.02
• Attraction : University Hall

Take a good, long look at this beautiful stone building in front of you. This is Healy Hall. It’s a historical landmark, and the crown jewel of Georgetown University. It was built between 1887 and 1889 and was actually designed by the same guys who designed the Library of Congress. That’s all interesting or whatever, but what I think is really cool about this place is that Healy Hall was the backdrop for a lot of scenes in “The Exorcist”. If you haven’t seen this movie from 1973, you really need to. In this American classic, Ellen Burstyn plays an actress taking part in a student-protest film shoot on campus, right in front of that building. Some actual Georgetown students and locals were featured as extras in this scene. Burstyn's character, Chris MacNeil is allegedly based on actress turned spiritualist, Shirley MacLaine. Huh. I did not know that. A fun fact: the movie is still screened every year on campus at Halloween time. Spoooooooky. When you are done checking out Healy Hall, take the path to the right that goes behind the John Carroll statue and meet me at the corner.

• Distance : 0.25
• Attraction : Directions

Please turn left here and follow along side the spooky grey building looming over you. I’ll meet you where the path veers to the left. (scary music)

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Tunnel

Tunnels are creepy, right? I think so. As you walk through this one, Make all the spooky ghost sounds that you can and listen to them bounce off the walls. Do it.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

That church on your left is our final destination. I want to meet you at the courtyard there so please turn left. You will find the courtyard to your right, just past both sets of stairs.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Ok, meet me in front of the steps that lead into the Chapel.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Chapel

You are standing in front of Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart. In “The Exorcist” movie, It’s the church where Chris MacNeil enlists the help of Father Damian Karras to perform an exorcism on her 12-year old daughter, Regan. What's interesting about this particular exorcism is that it was allegedly based on one performed by actual Catholic Priests at Georgetown University Hospital back in 1949. It’s reported that the real-life possessed boy, known as Roland Doe to protect his identity, managed to free one of his arms from its restraint and yanked a spring out of the hospital bed’s mattress, which he then used to slash one of the priest’s arms. Ouch! Before learning to fashion bed springs into weapons, this same kid reportedly played around with a Ouija Board, which Regan also does in the movie. Let it be a lesson or something. And that brings us to the end of Georgetoen Ghosts, Murder and Mayhem. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite tours. I hope it is one of your favorites now too. Don’t forget, UCPlaces has a lot of really great tours that you can take on your own schedule. Some of them right are nearby if you’d like to try out more. I’d love to show you around Washington DC. Check your UCPlaces app - we are always adding more awesome tours to our collection. I can’t wait to go exploring with you again but until then, so long and happy touring!