Haunted Inns, Taverns and Resturants
Hospitality comes from some of Connecticuts finest resturants and taverns. The old, the historic and then haunted? You may decide to have dinner, or spend the night in one of these beautiful bed and breakfasts', but be prepared...because you may be eating, or sleeping next to a spirit from the historic past.
Yankee Pedlar Inn- In the town of TORRINGTON-The Yankee Pedlar inn was originally owned and built by Alice and Frank Conley. It opened in 1891, and was to the highest standards of the wealthiest of people. Mr and Mrs Conley died in 1910 and ran the inn til that time. Even today the 60 room tavern/inn has crackling fireplaces, hitchcock furniture, and atmosphere rich in history. You'll feel like you've stepped back into time, 100 years ago.
Seen and Heard- Many of the employees have seen black mists, and shadows that walk around many area's of the inn. Furnature has moved by itself, especially one particular rocking chair. Knockings on the walls and doors at different times durning the days and nights. The room where Mr. Colney died seems to be quite haunted, guests have reported the feeling of someone sitting on the bed. Staff have also seen the white figure of a woman floating around, and also a man. Could it be the restless souls of The Conley's still assisting in running the Yankee Pedlar Inn?
Blacksmith's Tavern- Glastonbury CT, At Blacksmith's Tavern, odd things happen after the witching hour. I was unable to find any history about this place. The only thing I could currently find was information about the claimed hauntings.
Seen and Heard- Appearing most often when few people are left in the building, is the ghost of a young man with dark hair wearing a rough fabric shirt and dark colored knickers. A historian researched the building and found that the builder of the house was Benjamin Taylor and one of his children was William. William married and had a 6 year old daughter. He died of consumption in his twenties while his wife was pregnant. People say he seems more lonely and worried than scary. Some of his doings include lights going on by themselves, locked and checked doors are found wide open, and stored frozen pastries have been discovered strewn all over the basement floor.
Carousel Gardens by Candlelight- In Seymour there is a very beautiful resturant with excellent food called Carousel Gardens. The atmospere is not only relaxing, but you can sense the haunting as well. (information from http://www.carouselgardens.com/history.html) William Henry Harrison Wooster was born in Waterbury (Prospect), Connecticut on July 4, 1840. Mr. Wooster married the late Anna L. Putnam of Springfield, Massachusetts on August 31, 1861. They resided in Seymour, Connecticut and were worthy of six children, having five daughters, Anna Thompson, Clara Lee, Louise, Mabel and Helena Ruth, and one son, Horace. .
Mr. Wooster was in the good phrase of his day, a "Captain of Industry", an exemplar of the simple virtues of hard work, enterprise, integrity and foresight. He belonged to that fine group of Connecticut industrial leaders. They have contributed so importantly to the prosperity and reputation of the state in the field of manufacturing. He moved to Seymour in 1878 and over the next quarter century he was responsible for founding and organizing The Seymour Manufacturing Company, The Seymour Trust and The Seymour Water Company until his death.The death of William Henry Harrison Wooster on December 17, 1919, the age of 79, was mourned as the passing of the first citizen of Seymour and an outstanding figure in Connecticut industrial circles. Anna L. Putnam Wooster was laid to rest on March 2, 1927 at the age of 86.
Seen and Heard: The ghost of The Woosters are said to be still floating around the old mansion turned resturant. Especially that of Helena Ruth or "Ruth". The ghosts are welcome, and the owners play part to the hauntings. Glasses have smashed and shattered by unseen hands, also visitors have been poked and touched. A waitress proceeded into the kitchen to ask a Chef a simple question. He answered her in a hostile tone of voice. With no movement in the kitchen anywhere, suddenly all of the spoons and ladles that were hanging above his head fell on him. She thanked Ruth and fled the kitchen. Diner music has changed in mid song to heavy metal, Doors open and close by them selves. Apparently there is also a ghost cat, that has been seen and when those go looking for it it is then not found.
Personal Experience: I went to eat there for my birthday last year. I did experience something paranormal. We took a tour of the place, and I could feel something very cold surrounding me and following me. I'd feel it for a few minutes then it would go away, and return a few mintues later. While in one of the upstairs rooms, all the windows began to rattle all at once, for about 20 seconds. Perhaps Ruth was trying to communicate with me?
The Redbrook Inn- The inn is on the national register of historic places in CT, and is also listed on almost every haunted information website. Built in 1740 and then a second building, built in 1785 the buildings are surrounded by 7 acres of private woods. There are 10 guest rooms, which contain antique furnature, wood burning fireplaces, and canopy beds.
Seen and Heard: Guest staying at the inn have reported seeing (within there rooms) an older woman with white hair, with a shawl wrapped around her. The ghost of this woman, appears to be a friendly, gentle guardian type spirit. On a few occasions guests who were staying at the inn, left there wood stoves burning, while they fell asleep some claim that they were woken by the woman in the shawl. Also reported at the inn are disembodied voices, whispering, and moving cold spots.
Captain Grants Inn- The place was originally built by Captain William Gonzales Grant in 1754 for his wife Mercy Adelaide Avery. Grant died at sea, while Mercy lived into her 80's and the home continued to house three generations of the Grant Family. The Inn is on the national list of historical places, and was recently rennovated. The Avery House is also on the property, and is a seperate smaller house built in 1790. It is the home where the Holly and Margaret Rooms are located. Both of these rooms feature wood burning fireplaces.
Seen and Heard- Visitors to the Inn are told when they arrive that if they hear a loud knock at the door, they can answer if they like... but nobody will be there! Those who stay in the Adelaide Room might encounter the ghosts of a mysterious woman and her two children--the former residents sometimes turn the TV on and off or knock down the shower curtain.
The Lighthouse Inn- The Resort was built in 1902 as the grand summer home of steel magnate Charles S. Guthrie. Originally called Meadow Court for the Wildflowers surrounding it, the home commanded a breathtaking view of Long Island Sound. The mansion was designed by noted architect William Emerson of Boston while the formal grounds were conceived by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park. Meadow Court became a popular destination for social events and a private retreat for film stars including Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Meadow Court began operating as an Inn in 1927, and was renamed for the nearby New London Harbor Light. The Lighthouse Inn Resort is a member of the Prestigious Historic Hotels of America. "There are few homes in America more attractively situated than the property of Mrs. Charles S. Guthrie, in New London, CT. This is the embodiment of the ideas of what a house should be." - American Homes and Gardens, September 1912.
In 1930 a bride who was staying at the Inn, had her wedding planned there. She was rehearsing walking down the grand staircase when she tripped and fell and broke her neck. Her spirit is said to have been haunting the Inn ever since that tragic day.
Seen and Heard- Guests as well as staff, have reported seeing a bride in the library, and walking the halls. In the cellar of the Inn strange things have happened such as the wine bottles opening by themselves. Doors opening and closing by them selves, lights flickering etc. Taps Investigated there and claimed the place NOT HAUNTED, but however there were some curious things such as EMF Spikes, Cold spots, and one member claims he was "touched" on the back while investigating the basement. Maybe the bride is just shy?!?!?!
5. The John York House COMING SOON
Pettibone Tavern- The tavern was built in 1780 as a stagecoach stop between Boston and Albany and had its share of visitors from the American history books; it's thought that John Adams and George Washington would have both stopped there at one time or another.
THE STORY More interesting is that of the ghost of Abigail Pettibone, who was murdered there by her husband when he found her having an affair. John Pettibone was husband to Abigail, he was a whaler/fisherman who returned early from a trip to find his Abigail in bed with another man. He quickly in a rage beheaded both of them. If that wasn't enough, John went around the house fetching pictures of his cheating wife and cut her head from all the pictures as well.
Seen and Heard- Not only do people say Abigail haunts the tavern, and perhaps her lover, but also the spirit of a small boy has been seen as well. The boy is unknown, no one is quite sure of who he is, and how he got there. Multiple employees can attest to being called by name in a familiar voice but turn around to realize that there is no one there. Several closing managers have told stories of someone or something playing with the lights and music, or of leaving the dark building only to realize as they pull out of the parking lot that all the lights are back on. One of the most haunted spots is that of the ladies bathroom upstairs (Abigails old bedroom, and the site of the murder) This is also where the small boy has been seen. A female customer saw the reflection of an eighteenth century tavern wench in the mirror of the ladies room instead of her own. No one can explain this.One opening manager arrived to find one of the nearly indestructible oak Hitchcock chairs smashed to hundreds of pieces in the middle of the dining room -- a difficult task any living person could do...But ask anyone in Simsbury, CT...they can tell you all about the resident ghost Abigail.
Randall's Oridinary Landmark Inn- In 1680 John Randall purchased property in Stonington and John Randall II built the existing dwelling on this same tract of land. For more than two hundred years this farm was occupied by a Randall - John Randall III and IV, William and Darius Randall. Among the first to free their slaves, the Randalls became ardent abolitionists before and during the Civil War. The inn lies on 250 acres of property, and is about 6 miles either from Foxwoods, or Mohegan Sun Casino. Today the inn in North Stonington...is set so guests can feel as close to colonial times as possible. Dishes are served from the 18th, and 19th century, workers even dress in period clothing. Not to mention that the meals cooked, are done so in the old fashion way, in the fire place or hearth.
Seen and Heard- Some speculate that the ghost of John Randall still reside at the inn, and that he sticks around to make sure things are running smooth. Moving cold spots, orbs, foot steps have been heard around.
Homespun Farm B&B-The farm located in Griswald, CT was purchased in 1740 by Simon Brewster. He was a great-great grandson of William Brewster, who arrived in the New World in 1620 on the Mayflower. For over two hundred years the Brewster family ran this historic property as a dairy and orchard business. From the hand crafted beds to the hand hewn beams, Homespun Farm Bed and Breakfast warms you with the spirit of hard working men and women.
SEEN AND HEARD-The owners believe that the presence of old man Simon is a watchful spirit. A guiding spirit, they called him. He is the original owner of the 260-year-old home. Mrs. Brewster his wife is also there, she too is a protective spirit. Simon watches over the outside, and Mrs. Brewster watches over the inside of the house. She is heard walking up and down the stairs at night.
Blackberry River Inn- Norfolk,CT-
This information was obtained from the website:
The Blackberry River Inn is a converted Colonial mansion built in 1763. The Inn lies nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains on 27 lush scenic acres.
Restored to its original elegance, the Colonial Williamsburg buildings house 20 guest rooms and suites, many with working wood burning fireplaces, and wireless internet access.
The Blackberry River Inn is a place where the old meets the new. From common areas include 3 sitting parlors and a cherry paneled library, all with fireplaces. to a lovely breakfast room is where guests enjoy the Inn's complimentary breakfast.
SEEN AND HEARD- a white lady ghost who haunts the 2nd floor. Some have claimed they have heard a womans voice whisper to them while they were sleeping, other's have claimed that other strange things have occured.