You’ve got two choices…
Over the week prior to the convention, the Rhode Island Historical Society will be conducting their superlative Lovecraft walking tours of College Hill – for locals, and early arrivals – Saturday August 17th, Tuesday August 20th, and Thursday August 22nd, all departing the John Brown House at 11am. If you’re looking for a great orientation to Lovecraft’s Providence, or don’t think you’ll be able to squeeze in one of our dedicated tours during the convention, sign up for one of the RIHS tours by clicking here.
During the three days of the convention, we’re very proud to offer several walking tours of Lovecraft’s East Side, by some very well-versed Lovecraftian scholars and local guides, as organized by Donovan Loucks. These tours will lead you past two of Lovecraft’s homes as well as places described in “The Shunned House”, “The Call of Cthulhu”, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, and “The Haunter of the Dark”. This follows on the tours offered by the Rhode Island Historical Society conducted earlier in the week.
Please note that each tour requires a paid reservation to hold your spot.
These tickets are available at the bottom of this page.
IMPORTANT Privacy Note: Many of the buildings on the walking tour are private residences. Feel free to enjoy the tour from the sidewalks and rights-of-way, but please respect the privacy and property of the current owners.
FAQ for Visitors
Times and Dates: Each tour will take up a three-hour time slot, though the individual tour guide may take less time than that. The tour times are aligned to take up two panel slots. Here are the times during which walking tours will be taking place:
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon |
| 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | ——— |
| 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | ——— |
Tickets: Only 25 tickets will be available for each walking tour. If tickets are sold out for a tour, additional visitors may be permitted on the tour at the discretion of the tour guide. However, those who pre-purchase tickets will be allowed on the tour before “standby” visitors.
Cancellations: Given that tickets are only $5, refunding such a small amount isn’t worth the effort. So, we’ve decided to institute a no-refund policy. However, if we have to cancel a tour due to inclement weather or because a guide becomes unable to lead the tour, we will make every effort to refund your money. In addition, we reserve the right to substitute tour guides if some unforeseen circumstances arise.
Check-In: Arrive at the lobby of the Providence Biltmore before your tour is scheduled to depart. Present your ticket to your tour guide, who will check your name off the attendance list. If there are available spaces on the walking tour, your guide has the discretion to allow additional visitors.
Tour Length: The linear distance of the walking tour is 2½ miles. Just walking this route—and not stopping at any of the sites—will take about an hour. Though the walking tour is 2½ miles in length, visitors will also be ascending College Hill, attaining a height about 175 feet (or about 17½ stories) above the entrance to the Providence Biltmore.
Preparation: Given the scope of the tour, people with infirmities are discouraged from attending. It is highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes. Also note that, while summer in Providence can be very pleasant, occasionally both the temperature and humidity can rise to a very uncomfortable point. As such, keeping hydrated is important. However, note that there are neither water fountains nor public restrooms along the walking tour route. And don’t forget to bring your walking tour map from the program guide! If you’re unable to attend one of the scheduled walking tours, by all means explore Lovecraft’s College Hill on your own using the walking tour map!
Finally, be respectful of your tour guide. Remember, your tour guide is volunteering to lead your tour and could instead be sitting on a panel in air-conditioned comfort. Keep up with your guide and don’t talk while your guide is addressing the group—but please feel free to ask questions!
Purchase Walking Tour Tickets
Prices for walking tour tickets are just $5 each, which provides you a reserved spot on a tour, a bottle of water, and a tour led by an informative guide.