Black Cat Tales & Tours
We’ve got a sweet little tour we’re cooking up this spring….stay tuned for more details. When we aren’t haunting the town, we’re getting caffeinated and indulging on some sweet treats. We plan on launching Canton first, then Akron. We’ll keep you posted what’s brewing!
Please always double check when booking a tour that you are supporting a locally owned and operated business. Our own blood, sweat, and tears have been spent to research the history of our town, write the script, and lead our tours! If you are visiting the Akron, Canton, Massillon, or even greater Cleveland Ohio area, check out our walking tours. We also offer private custom tours. Teach out to us! On with the show……
Our “Sweet Little Tours” in May and June will operate as long as we have at least four tickets sold. Prices will start at $35, which includes several stops for coffee and cookies. The focus will be history with a focus on True Crime in Canton. Our regularly scheduled seasonal walking tours in October are $18 per mortal (plus eventbrite’s ticketing fees) and reservations must be made in advance by clicking here. If we don’t sell out in advance, we may be able to offer walk-up ticket sales. See our schedule below, or visit us on Facebook for updated information!
We were very excited to partner with the Canton Club Vault for our signature event “Spirts with the Spirits”. We had a great turn-out and enjoyed an evening of cocktails, spooky stories, tours of the historic Mills building, and even some fortune telling. Guests were both shaken and stirred!
Private tours are available year-round in Akron, Canton, and Massillon by contacting black.cat.tales.tours@gmail.com
DINE WITH THE DEARLY DEPARTED: We hosted our first event of this series at the Massillon Women’s Club, also known as “The Oaks”. We indulged in local ghost stories and lore, while enjoying a scrumptious meal. We will do this again at a date to be determined. We also hosted “Dessert with the Dead” in Canton at the Canton Woman’s Club. It was a hit and we will look forward to doing this event again as well.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do I purchase tickets?
We sell tickets on eventbrite. Click here to purchase.
Where do tours meet?
Canton: We typically meet right outside the Doubletree, but we do have several meeting spots.
Akron: Just to the left of the Akron Civic Theatre on Main Street, in front of Lock 3 Park
Massillon: To be determined
You will get an email confirming details of where to meet the day of your tour.
Will we be going into buildings on the ghost tour?
No. Tours will be outside. We will be walking a little over a mile downtown and you will be learning about the history and lore of local buildings and areas. (However for Dine with the Dearly Departed/Dessert with the Dead, we will be inside the venue for the entire program.)
Will I see any ghosts?
While we don’t have a contract with the spirits, oftentimes strange things may be caught on camera. If you happen to have ghost-hunting equipment, you are welcome to bring it on the tour.
Where do I park?
Canton Ghost Tour: Please see: https://www.cantonchamber.org/parking-downtown or street parking is free on the weekends.
Akron Ghost Tour: You’ll find several convenient parking decks and metered parking spaces around Lock 3. The closest parking deck is the State Street Deck located at 55 W. State St. Other nearby parking decks also include: Summit County Deck (200 S. High St.) Cascade Deck (10 W. Mill St.)CitiCenter Deck (132 S. High St.) There are also plenty of metered parking spaces available downtown, and they are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Massillon Ghost Tour: Varies based on the tour route and we will notify you before the tour.
Dessert with the Dead and Dine with the Dearly Departed: Plenty of parking will be available at the venue.
Can I take photos?
Yes, please do! Filming, however, is not permitted.
Is my guide a psychic?
No, but your guide has extensive experience researching history and folklore and has years of experience giving tours in New York and North Carolina. After moving back to her childhood home a few years ago, she realized downtown Canton was lacking a ghost tour, so she researched and created one. 2023 was our first year for Akron ghost tours, as well.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
If your children are interested in history and folklore, yes. We will be talking about some grim subjects like murder and death, but there will not be any jump-scares, nor intended frights. The walk will be about 1.3 miles, so as long as they can keep up the pace and have an interest, absolutely.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
There are some uneven sidewalks and a small set of steps. If you notify us in advance, we may be able to make modifications to alter the route slightly to accommodate you.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 90 minutes, but may go up to two hours, and 1.3 miles. Wear your comfortable shoes! Also there are NO public restrooms available until the end of the tour. Please plan accordingly.
What if it rains?
Tours go rain or shine. We will do our best to go out, unless there is a significant and severe storm. If there is severe weather, we will contact you via email ASAP to offer you another date.
LEGAL STUFF/WAIVER:
Ghost tours and events involve minimal risk. Even so, when you access our tours or events, you agree to this legal waiver and release of liability. By booking a tour or event, you agree to the following:
I release Black Cat Tales & Tours from any liability while participating in a tour or attending an event. By purchasing any tour or event ticket(s), I waive my right to sue. I agree not to sue Black Cat Tales & Tours, its owners, employees, or guides for any and all liability, claims, demands, loss, damage, injury, or death that may occur during or as a result of participating in a tour or event.
I understand that this is a walking tour conducted on public sidewalks, streets, and other public areas. I understand that there are inherent risks including but not limited to uneven sidewalks, curbs, potholes, construction zones, wet or slippery surfaces, weather conditions, traffic, other pedestrians, animals, and other natural or man-made hazards. I accept full responsibility for my own safety and well-being during the tour.
Black Cat Tales & Tours is not responsible for lost or stolen items, personal injury, illness, trips, falls, animal incidents, or any other natural or unnatural occurrences. Black Cat Tales & Tours will make reasonable efforts to point out potential hazards; however, participants are responsible for watching where they walk and for their personal safety at all times.
I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses or other expenses that result from illness, injury, or accidents during or arising from the tour or event.
Food & Beverage Acknowledgment (for applicable tours): Some tours may include food and/or beverages provided by third-party establishments. I understand that Black Cat Tales & Tours does not prepare or handle food and is not responsible for food preparation, food handling, allergens, or food-related illness. I agree that I am responsible for informing the establishment of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. I assume all risks associated with consuming food and hot beverages, including burns, spills, or allergic reactions.
Alcohol: Some tours may end at or near an establishment that serves alcohol; however, alcohol is not included in the tour ticket. Participants are responsible for their own decisions regarding alcohol consumption and transportation following the tour.
I grant Black Cat Tales & Tours, its owners, and its operators a perpetual, royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour or event for promotional purposes.
When I purchase tour/event ticket(s), I am also agreeing to this waiver on behalf of all members of my party, including family members, friends, and guests.
If I violate this agreement and attempt to bring legal action against any of the parties named herein, I agree to be responsible for their attorney’s fees and any costs incurred in their legal defense.
I acknowledge that I am purchasing tour/event ticket(s) of my own free will and agree to all terms listed above.
ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Black Cat Tales & Tours reserves the right to cancel or reschedule tours due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, or low attendance. If these conditions require the operator to cancel a tour, that is the only instance where a refund or credit will be provided to the customer.
More questions? Contact black.cat.tales.tours@gmail.com