Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Walk through Providence's dark side!
The eerie writings H.P. Lovecraft- one of the most significant supernatural horror fiction authors of the 20th century- are inexplicably bound to his hometown of Providence. This tour walks in the tortured author's footsteps through his traumatic upbringing and favorite haunts; guests also meet some of the fictional characters that Lovecraft wrote into the city's fabric through dramatic retellings of his creepiest tales.
But Lovecraft isn't the only author that ambled the city's centuries-old sidewalks: Sarah Helen Whitman was an eccentric local spiritualist and poet who was briefly engaged to master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. This tour also explores her life and relives the couple's whirlwind- and doomed- romance.
A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Prospect Terrace
The tour begins here at this majestic overlook of Providence, where Lovecraft spent a lot of time writing his stories.
The tour will stop in front of the last home of Lovecraft, where he wrote a short story called The Haunter in the Dark. We will stop to chat about the author, the story, and to take photos. After this stop we will see one of two houses on the tour written into Lovecraft storylines, and then see the home of Sarah Helen Whitman, where Edgar Alan Poe first laid eyes on his future fiance.
Options
Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour
What‘s Included
Enthusiastic and expert guide
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great glimpse into Providence and authors who lived there
terrancephilips,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lizzy was great! Had a fun time learning about Poe and Lovecraft and had some other bonus Providence history/architecture facts along the way
Stories, hills, history
jessiemW6130ZM,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting! Lots of info about authors and Providence history. I didn't know any of the stories before I went. I'm not personally a huge fan of the featured writers, but I still enjoyed myself. It's a steep and hilly route, so if that's not your thing, be warned. It was our guide, Izzy's, first tour. She did great!
Surprisingly Fun and Informative Tour
rthomp4,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Dillon is what made our tour exceptional. He was so well versed in what he was talking about and spoke to it with such confidence that it commanded your attention. My wife and I were enthralled and because of the tour we became so fascinated by Lovecraft that we started reading his stories. Thanks again for a great time and we will be going on more of your tours when we get back to Providence.
Haunted Authors of Providence
Nicole S,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I purchased this tour for my In-laws, both avid readers, as a Christmas gift. They thoroughly enjoyed it. They had spent a lot of time in Providence, and the tour took place in an area that they had never visited. They loved their guide; the highlight was visiting the Atheneum and the stories of Edgar Allen Poe.
Amazing tour with Leah
Len U,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leah G was unbelievably good! Incredible simply! About a 2 hour walking tour and she was amazing. So many interesting and amazing stories
great experience!
902kamrynl,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tally was a great tour guide and was very knowledgeable on everything she talked about! 100% would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Providence, even if you’re not a fan of horror.
Take this tour!
TooBookish,Oct 24, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowledgeable, engaging, friendly guide provided a fun introduction to Providence's literary history with a focus on Lovecraft, Poe, and Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton. We walked through stunning historic neighborhoods.
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Operated by Providence Tour Company