229 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330
919-718-4659 Ext 1407
919-718-4659 Ext 1407
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- Boo & Brew Ghost Tour
Boo & Brew is back!
Oct. 18-19
Walking Foodie Tour
Join us on a hunted foodie adventure right here in Sanford! This 2.5-hour walking tour will take you to five local restaurants, breweries and sweet treat spots to indulge in delicious snacks. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to explore the area's spooky and mysterious history through entertaining ghost stories.
Oct. 24-26
Historical Walking Tour
Step into the eerie past with a historical walking tour of Sanford, where history and hauntings intertwine. Hear spine-chilling tales of five ghosts said to roam the city’s most iconic buildings, from restless spirits in a long-closed furniture store to mysterious apparitions haunting a former train station.
Oct. 17 & 31
Culinary Delights Tour
Savor the flavors of downtown Sanford with a tour featuring staff-recommended bites from the area’s most beloved restaurants. Five eerie ghost stories can also add a haunting twist to your tasting adventure. Be sure to get your culinary map at participating restaurants or the Sanford Welcome Center.
Visit or call the welcome center for maps and recommendations.
Listen to the ghost stories:
A little about the ghosts you may encounter.
> The Pitfalls of Being Ernest
As celebrities go, there’s none quite as famous (or should we say infamous) as Ernest Badgett, the renowned ghost of the Temple Theater. The former set designer and mortician, known to many in life and death as “The Cardboard King,” was quite accomplished in many things. He did, however, really botch his one moment to shine as a stage actor, and honestly, he’s never gotten over it. It’s why some patrons have had breathtaking experiences while visiting the theater—none having anything to do with the awesome plays and musicals they happen to see on stage.
> The Misfortune of Lee McIver
Steel yourself, crawlers. The ghost of Lee McIver might be out and about on the Brew & Boo trail. What happened to the former owner of Lee’s Furniture store to cause his untimely passing was indeed shocking and horrible. It’s the only thing that explains why a humble, civic-minded, hardworking family man like Lee would remain here haunting the living. If only justice could be served to right that misfortunate wrong then maybe Lee could pass on peacefully. Until then, expect him to pop up when and where you least expect, and try not to scream when he does.
> A Fiery Farewell to John T. McKernan
Feeling unseasonably warm this fall evening? Perhaps the ghost of former fire and police chief, John T. McKernan is to blame. On the day that a catastrophic fire broke out at the current site of Hugger Mugger Brewing, the chief suddenly died and was never seen alive again. His ghost, however, refuses to rest and many people have witnessed him very much deceased. You might just cross paths with “Big John” as he continues to patrol the streets of downtown Sanford. We suggest you be on your best behavior. You really don’t want to be on his bad side.
> A Timeless Tale of Two Tuckers
You can always count on The Tuckers to stir up a little ruckus. Especially in death. If you’re hoping to avoid their ghosts, good luck. If they’re not at The Historic Railroad House, they’re at Depot Park, Temple Theater, or even Wild Dogs Brewing. In short, they get around, but what else would you expect from the First Mayor and First Lady of Sanford? Strangely, their presence causes odd things to happen from phantom train whistles to ghostly whispers. But the good news is they always find their way back home with a little help from crawlers like you. Are you up to the challenge?
