Are you ready to embark on a journey through the eerie, mysterious, and spine-tingling history of New York? If you're a lover of all things ghostly or seeking a thrilling adventure, the Haunted History Trail of New York State is your passport to a world of phantoms, legends, and haunted tales. While this trail offers a wide array of ghost hunts and guided tours, today, we're turning our attention to two particularly captivating aspects: haunted inns and haunted dining experiences.

Did You Miss Part 1 & 2 of The Haunted History Trail Series? Check them out here:
Part 1: Explore the Haunted History Trail of New York State
Part 2: Ghost Hunt on New York's Haunted History Trail

There’s Room at the Ghostly Inns

Imagine spending the night in a centuries-old inn where restless spirits may roam the halls. These haunted inns provide a one-of-a-kind lodging experience, where you can cozy up in a room with a chilling past. From mysterious footsteps echoing in empty corridors to ghostly apparitions making fleeting appearances, these inns are perfect for those seeking a spine-chilling staycation.

The Shanley Hotel

Known for its intense paranormal activity, The Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, New York, is considered one of the scariest haunted inns in the state. Visitors have witnessed rocking chairs moving on their own, heard mysterious clock chimes, experienced cold and hot spots, heard whistling, footsteps, piano music, voices, and even smelled cooking aromas when no food was being prepared. Many guests have also reported seeing shadows and apparitions and have felt a sense of being watched. The hotel has been featured on TV shows like "Ghost Lab" and "Ghost Hunters," further cementing its reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

Accommodations at The Shanley Hotel include the option to stay overnight in a haunted environment. Guests can participate in paranormal investigations, and special events are held on select dates. The hotel offers a Continental breakfast for overnight guests. Pricing for accommodations and investigations varies, and you can find detailed information on their website.

Additionally, The Shanley Hotel is handicap accessible, and it is open year-round for guests, offering a unique experience for those interested in the paranormal.

The Beekman House

The Beekman House Bed and Breakfast in Middleburgh, NY, is believed to be haunted by Duryea Beekman, who was a prominent figure in the Beekman family. Duryea, born in 1840, lived in the house and later became the founding president of the First National Bank of Middleburgh. After the Beekman family left the house in the 1950s, every new family that has moved in has encountered Duryea's ghost. He typically introduces himself to a family member on moving day, dressed in period attire, and then moves downstairs to a dining room where he disappears into a closet beneath the main staircase. This closet door mysteriously opens at night, unlocks itself, and the doorknob turns as if someone is trying to get out.

Children in the house have reported encounters with the ghost of Duryea, who teaches them to whistle the tune "Linger in Blissful Repose," which was one of his favorites. Duryea is also known for his habit of checking if doors are locked, with door knobs turning and shadows seen through keyholes. Whistling "Linger in Blissful Repose" is often heard before sunrise, seemingly coming from various locations within the house.

As for accommodations and amenities, The Beekman House Bed and Breakfast offers nightly room bookings. The pricing for rooms varies, and you can find detailed rates on their website. Visitors have the opportunity to stay in this haunted house and experience its paranormal occurrences firsthand. The B&B is open year-round, and guests are encouraged to ask the staff about the paranormal experiences during their stay. The specific amenities provided are not mentioned in the provided text, but you can likely find more information on their website or by contacting the B&B directly.

Genesee Falls Inn

Genesee Falls Inn, located in Portageville, NY, is believed to be haunted by several spirits. The building, constructed in 1870, was formerly an inn with a restaurant where people gathered for entertainment. Paranormal activity reported by guests and owners includes hearing footsteps and doors shutting on their own, witnessing a young child in period dress, and a man in one of the bedrooms. Items sometimes go missing but are returned after a request to the spirits. Paranormal groups have observed flashlights turning on and off when prompted. The haunting may be attributed to the building's history, including fires, suicides, and a drowning. The property is also near a colonial cemetery, which adds to the eerie atmosphere.

For overnight stays, there are 11 renovated rooms with a Victorian-era ambiance decorated with real Victorian antiques. Some rooms have bathrooms, while others do not, so guests should check when booking. The inn offers a continental breakfast, and the owner, Debbie, is known for her warm hospitality. The pricing for rooms varies, and visitors can schedule ghost tours for groups of 1 to 10+ guests. Paranormal groups can also arrange investigations by appointment.

The inn's proximity to Letchworth State Park makes it an ideal location for spring to fall visits, and visitors are welcome to explore the building during normal business hours. Genesee Falls Inn provides a unique and historic experience for those interested in the paranormal.

King House Mansion at the Tarrytown House Estate

The King House Mansion at the Tarrytown House Estate in Sleepy Hollow/Westchester County, New York, is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Sybil Harris King. Sybil, the daughter of Benjamin Newtown Duke, co-founder of the American Tobacco Company, passed away in 1955 on the second floor of the mansion. She is said to haunt the second-floor hallways, particularly Room 293, where she died. Guests have reported hearing her footsteps, and she has been known to manifest as an apparition in white or through sounds, orbs, and faint shadows.

Accommodations at the Tarrytown House Estate include staying in the King House Mansion, where Sybil's presence is felt. The mansion underwent a $15 million restoration and offers a blend of old-world classic charm and modern amenities. Room prices start at $178 per night, and the estate is open year-round. Guests can also dine at the Goosefeather Restaurant on-site and inquire about the mansion's haunted history with the staff.

The Tarrytown House Estate is conveniently located just a short train ride or drive from New York City, making it an ideal escape in the Hudson Valley region. It offers a charming and historic atmosphere for those interested in experiencing a haunted stay.

The Knox Mansion

The Knox Mansion, located in Johnstown, Fulton County, New York, is believed to be haunted. This historical mansion was built in 1889 by Charles Knox, a gelatine magnate and businessman. Guests and visitors have reported various paranormal experiences at the mansion, including flickering lights, dropped lamps, footsteps, voices, sightings of ghosts, cold sensations, sheets being pulled off beds, a piano playing by itself, and other unexplained phenomena. There are also rumors of a still-born baby buried beneath the house in the basement, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The Knox Mansion offers accommodations in the form of a haunted bed and breakfast. Guests have the opportunity to stay overnight and experience the reported hauntings. Additionally, the mansion provides options for paranormal investigations and guided tours by reservation. Special events are held throughout the year for those interested in exploring the mansion's haunted history.

The mansion itself features 42 rooms, an elevator, a grand staircase, and a unique lava ash fireplace imported from an unknown Italian castle. While the mansion offers a historic and intriguing atmosphere, it's important to note that it is not handicap accessible.

For specific pricing and reservation details, guests are advised to contact the mansion directly at (518) 752-8231. The Knox Mansion is part of the Haunted History Trail of New York State, offering an immersive experience for those curious about its haunted past.

The Brae Loch Inn

The Brae Loch Inn, located in Cazenovia, New York, is known for its haunting experiences. Guests have reported encountering paranormal activity at the inn, including sightings of a ghostly girl in a long blue dress who offers to show them to their room. Other eerie tales involve a man and woman walking through closets and witnessing light orbs floating around canopy beds.

Visitors can book ghost tours in advance by reservation. These tours provide a guided experience to learn more about the inn's haunted past. Professional ghost hunters are welcome to visit and conduct investigations by reservation. This allows paranormal enthusiasts to explore and gather evidence of supernatural occurrences.

The inn is open year-round for those who would like to dine, stay overnight, and enjoy a self-guided exploration of the inn's haunted areas. The Brae Loch Inn also offers a "Ghostly Getaway Package" for guests. This package includes a private ghost tour of the inn, a stay in one of their king canopy deluxe rooms with a fireplace or jacuzzi, and a voucher for dinner and drinks at the on-site restaurant.

The lodging costs at the Brae Loch Inn range from $130 to $170 per night, making it an accessible option for those interested in experiencing its haunted reputation.

While the inn offers an intriguing and potentially spooky experience, it's worth noting that it is not handicap accessible.

For more information or to make reservations, you can contact the Brae Loch Inn at (315) 655-3431.

You can also watch a video about the inn's haunting experiences on their website or visit their Facebook page for updates and more information.

Fainting Goat Island Inn

The Fainting Goat Island Inn was constructed as a railroad hotel in the late 1800s, and guests have eagerly been sharing a spectrum of paranormal experiences ever since. Some have described awakening to the ethereal presence of two women sipping tea in the Fainting Room. Others have seen movement of a child-sized chair beside the bed in the Nubian room. Gumballs inexplicably tumble onto empty hallway floors, phantom footsteps ascend a staircase that no longer exists, and eerie reflections pass through mirrors.

In the summer of 2019, the inn unveiled the Angora Room, where guests have reported more tangible paranormal encounters, ranging from the weight of an unseen presence on the bed to sheets being mysteriously pulled away in the middle of the night.

The Fainting Goat Island Inn offers an array of uniquely themed rooms adorned with period furnishings and distinctive decor. Each room ensures comfort and character, with the convenience of a private bathroom. The inn's idyllic surroundings envelop visitors in a picturesque setting, with flower-filled grounds, a sprawling grassy lawn, and captivating vistas of the nearby river.

On-site, guests can make the acquaintance of Miles, the venerable patriarch of the fainting goat herd, and Porkchop, the amiable potbelly pig.

For those enticed by the prospect of delving into the inn's haunted past, pre-scheduled ghost tours are available and the inn extends a warm welcome to professional ghost hunters by reservation.

Visitors are welcomed year-round to savor fine dining, overnight stays, and the adventure of self-guided exploration inside historic and haunted spaces. The Fainting Goat Island Inn also offers a "Ghostly Getaway Package" that encompasses a private ghost tour, lodging in one of their thematic rooms, a dining credit, and more, with pricing for accommodations subject to variation.

Please note that the inn is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and specific details about costs and events can be found on their website or by contacting them directly at 607-972-9849.

For more information and updates, you can also check their website or Facebook page.

Historic Hotel Broadalbin

The Historic Hotel Broadalbin boasts an eerie, sordid past heaping with elements of the supernatural.

It began as a glove factory in 1854 before its transformation into a Keeley Cure inebriate hospital in 1895. In the summer of 1898, Dr. H. C. Finch operated a sanatorium on the premises, promoting a controversial "gold cure" for alcoholism. This unconventional treatment involved administering injections containing dubious and potentially toxic substances, stirring significant controversy and inflicting harm upon patients. Eventually, the "gold cure" faced discrediting by the mainstream medical community, and some unfortunate individuals bore the consequences, including blindness, excruciating pain, and, tragically, death.

Guests at the Historic Hotel Broadalbin have regaled a multitude of spine-tingling encounters. Sightings of soldiers stationed at the apex of the staircase, ethereal figures framed in the windows, and unsettling midnight sensations of unseen prodding. Reports extend to perplexing occurrences, such as lamps careening to the ground, seemingly pushed by an invisible force.

Within its historic setting, the hotel affords accommodations that invite guests to become part of its unique narrative. The establishment proudly boasts the 1854 Pub & Eatery, where diners can relish meals while engaging with servers to share their personal brushes with the paranormal. The hotel intermittently hosts exclusive haunted events throughout the year, extending an invitation to guests eager to immerse themselves in its spectral history. For the ardent seekers of the supernatural, guided tours are seasonally available in October, offering a comprehensive exploration of the hotel's otherworldly activities.

The hotel is open year-round, providing overnight accommodations. The costs for staying at the hotel can vary, and package and special event pricing is available online.

Please note that the hotel's restaurant and bar are open from Tuesday to Saturday, and they offer family-style breakfast on Sundays from 8 am to 12 pm. The Historic Hotel Broadalbin is not handicap accessible.

For more details about reservations, events, and pricing, you can check the hotel's website or contact them directly at 518-883-5414.

Red Coach Inn

Nestled in Niagara Falls, New York, the Red Coach Inn stands as a historic establishment with a ghostly past. Welcoming its first guests in 1923, the Red Coach Inn sits in proximity to the mesmerizing Upper Rapids of Niagara Falls, renowned as the "honeymoon capital of the world." The Inn showcases architectural aesthetics reminiscent of the English Tudor era, meticulously recreating the ambiance and style of England's Bell Inn in Finedon.

The hotel is steeped in whispers of the supernatural, with many stories of eerie encounters. Guests often mention the presence of a bride and groom, whose tragic demise occurred on their wedding day. Visitors have vividly described watching jewelry inexplicably glide across dressers, hearing mysterious nocturnal serenades of unexplained music, and feeling the distinct sensation of footsteps and dancing resonating from above, even when they occupy the top floor.

Serving dual roles as both a hotel and a bed and breakfast, the Red Coach Inn offers inviting rooms for a comfortable stay. Dining enthusiasts can relish the historic ambiance while indulging in culinary delights within the hotel's dining room.

The hotel operates year-round, making it accessible to visitors at any time of the year. For pricing and reservations, guests are encouraged to call the provided phone number.

Please note that specific amenities and services may vary, so it's advisable to contact the hotel directly at (716) 282-1459 for the most up-to-date information regarding accommodations, rates, and dining options.

The Red Coach Inn is also known for its appearances on TV shows, such as "Celebrity Ghost Stories - The Haunting of Bernie Kopell."

Hart House Hotel

The Hart House Hotel, located in Medina, New York, boasts a captivating history and offers distinctive lodgings and amenities. Established in 1876, the Hart House Hotel stood as Medina's premier inn, boasting over 30 elegantly appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and even a billiards room. However, as the demand for hotel services waned, the Hart House closed its doors in 1918, marking the end of an era.

The building underwent a remarkable transformation over the next 85 years, serving as a shirt factory under the ownership of Robert H. Newell. Employees reported uncanny experiences, from glimpses of spectral women in white to inexplicable footsteps echoing down staircases.

In 2005, a decade-long restoration initiative breathed new life into the structure, recasting it as a multifunctional venue encompassing the Shirt Factory Cafe, 810 Meadworks, and a boutique hotel that resurrected the original name and purpose.

The Hart House Hotel offers individually designed rooms inspired by actual patrons of the shirt factory, such as Winston Churchill, John Jacob Astor, and Bob Hope, providing guests with a distinctive and historically resonant ambiance. The Shirt Factory Cafe adds to this immersive experience, allowing visitors to savor a meal amid the building's historical backdrop. The hotel's meticulous restoration has preserved its original flooring and historic windows, enveloping guests in the tapestry of its storied past.

For those intrigued by the supernatural, the Hart House Hotel presents an opportunity to directly encounter its haunted history, with reports of spectral encounters, including a lady in a flowing dress with shoulder-length brown hair, frequently sighted atop the first staircase.

Costs for accommodations and dining vary, so it's recommended to inquire directly with the hotel by calling 585-735-6031 for current rates and availability.

Dining with Spirits

If you prefer a hauntingly delicious meal, the haunted dining experiences on the trail will leave you both satisfied and intrigued. Savor a gourmet meal in a restaurant known for its ghostly patrons. As you dine, you might hear faint whispers or catch a glimpse of an otherworldly presence. These dining establishments offer a unique blend of history, delicious cuisine, and a dash of the supernatural.

Here are 5 haunted eateries most renowned for its spooky atmosphere:

Belhurst Castle

Belhurst Castle offers a unique dining experience in a historic and possibly haunted setting. There are two restaurants on the property where you can enjoy your meals:

Edgar's Restaurant: This fine dining restaurant offers a menu featuring a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You can expect a sophisticated and elegant dining atmosphere at Edgar's, making it suitable for special occasions and romantic dinners.

Stonecutters Tavern: Stonecutters Tavern provides a more casual and relaxed dining experience. The menu typically includes a range of pub-style fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other comfort food options. It's a great place for a more laid-back meal or a casual get-together.

The exact menu offerings may change seasonally or with special events, so it's advisable to check with Belhurst Castle or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on menus and dining hours.

The Haunting at Belhurst Castle

Belhurst Castle's history is rich with love affairs, financial scandals, and tragic incidents. Locals dub the three buildings on the property as the "haunted houses." Some were old and dilapidated, inspiring tales of hidden passages and treasures. Notably, one house, the Hermitage, saw its owner die from blood poisoning after a fall that broke his leg.

Belhurst's most famous ghost is Isabella, an opera singer who fled to America with her lover and built a house with a secret tunnel. The tunnel collapsed on her during an escape attempt, and her spirit is said to roam the Seneca Lake shores, often appearing on the front lawn or flying in through windows.

Numerous haunted incidents have been reported by staff and guests, including showers and lights turning on and off, objects moving on their own, and eerie sounds. Guests have heard lullabies, children playing, and furniture being rearranged in rooms that once housed a casino.

The Castle offers guests the opportunity to experience its haunted history while enjoying dining, accommodations, and spa services. If you decide to stay at Belhurst Castle, you might have the chance to encounter some of its resident spirits and explore the rich history and ambiance of this unique location.

Grapevine Farms

Grapevine Farms in Cobleskill offers a unique dining and shopping experience in a location with reported paranormal activity. Here's an overview of the dining experience and what you can expect:

The Bistro: Grapevine Farms has a Bistro where you can enjoy lunch daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. While the page doesn't provide specific details about the menu, you can anticipate a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The Bistro likely serves a variety of lunch options, which may include sandwiches, salads, soups, and other light fare. The menu may change seasonally or based on availability.

Wine Cellar: The establishment also features a Wine Cellar where daily complimentary tastings are offered. This is a great opportunity to sample different wines and possibly discover a new favorite.

Homemade Cookies: Additionally, you can indulge in delicious homemade cookies while visiting Grapevine Farms. This could be a delightful treat to enjoy during your visit.

The Haunting at Grapevine Farms

Grapevine Farms, originally a working farm dating back to 1850, underwent a significant transformation in 2002 when new owners reimagined it as a diverse establishment encompassing a Gift Shop, Bistro, and Wine Cellar. Since then, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as a hub of paranormal activity. Over the past 17 years, numerous patrons and visitors have confidently reported witnessing eerie apparitions, experiencing inexplicable sensations, and hearing otherworldly sounds while within its walls. These uncanny occurrences have been carefully documented.

Among the ethereal denizens said to frequent Grapevine Farms, the names of David Hiltz and his wife, who rest eternally on the premises, often come up. These spectral figures are affectionately known as the "resident spirits" who allegedly frequent the second floor.

During psychic Katie Manning's visit to Grapevine Farms, she attested to distinctly hearing echoes of voices from bygone eras resonating throughout the second-floor space. Moreover, she reported the faint but unmistakable sound of footsteps echoing on the vintage staircase.

Numerous visitors have shared their encounters with ghostly children, who manifest as spectral apparitions playfully darting through the hallways.

Grapevine Farms invites you to visit and explore the rooms, ask staff about the stories, and potentially experience the aura of the family that once lived there. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, or simply exploring a location with a reputation for paranormal activity, Grapevine Farms offers a unique and intriguing experience for visitors.

Timeless Tavern Restaurant & Inn

Timeless Tavern Restaurant & Inn in Northville, New York, offers a unique dining experience in a historic setting. It is known for its paranormal activity, making it a unique destination for those interested in the supernatural.

Visitors and staff at the restaurant and inn have reported witnessing ghostly shadows in various areas of the establishment, including the dining room and office. Some have heard unexplained footsteps, and there have been reports of flickering lights and showers turning on and off without any apparent cause. A visiting cable repair person claimed to have seen a woman in the basement who identified herself as the boss. Haunting phenomena have been reported in several rooms of the inn, the dining room, and the basement of the restaurant.

In 2013, a comprehensive paranormal investigation of the property was conducted by Albany Paranormal. The findings from this investigation were reportedly strong, further solidifying the reputation of Timeless Tavern as a haunted location.

In addition to the restaurant, Timeless Tavern also offers an inn with six rooms. If you're looking for an immersive experience, you can book an overnight stay in this historic inn.

Pre-formed paranormal teams are welcomed for group investigations by appointment, providing an opportunity for ghost enthusiasts to explore the paranormal activity on-site.

Overnight room rates are available on the Timeless Tavern website. The establishment is handicap accessible.

Wayside Irish Pub

Enjoy delicious pub fare at the Wayside Irish Pub, famous for its paranormal activity, which makes it a unique destination for those interested in the supernatural.

The Munro House, an original structure dating back to the 1800s, has a history steeped in spectral lore. Tales of otherworldly occurrences have circulated since the 1960s. Witnesses have reported glimpses of a spectral lady in a flowing gown, affectionately known as "Sara," who frequently appears on the staircase. It is believed that Sara may be the ghost of a young girl who met a tragic end, having taken her own life on the third floor. Strikingly, sightings of Sara persist, spanning decades.

The majority of the poltergeist-like phenomena are ascribed to a benevolent apparition by the name of Harry. Harry has become renowned for engaging in playful antics and orchestrating paranormal incidents throughout the edifice. Alongside Harry, there are said to be other lingering spirits, including the founding proprietor, Squire Munro, and an unidentified traveler who met their fate within these walls. Witnesses have recounted a male figure clad in a soldier's uniform and shadowy apparitions lurking in the basement.

Visitors and staff alike have reported experiencing eerie sensations like inexplicable touches, gentle pokes, and encounters with chilling pockets of cold air. For some female patrons, a peculiar tug at their hair has been attributed to an unseen presence. Mysterious happenings include glasses seemingly propelled from the bar, pictures inexplicably detaching themselves from the walls, and the sudden appearance of enigmatic orbs in photographs taken on the premises.

The Wayside Irish Pub offers patrons more than just a gastronomic delight; it extends an invitation to delve into the realm of the supernatural. While savoring pub-style fare, one might remain open to the prospect of encountering the various inexplicable phenomena that have been reported within these hallowed walls.

If you're interested in a more immersive experience, the management allows professional paranormal investigations on-site.

The establishment is handicap accessible.

Winery at Marjim Manor

The Winery at Marjim Manor offers a unique dining and wine-tasting experience, and it is known for its paranormal activity. During your wine tasting, the staff will share haunting stories related to the manor's history.

Some of the reported paranormal phenomena at Marjim Manor include sightings of apparitions and unusual occurrences such as lights turning on by themselves and wine bottles falling off shelves. The manor has a reputation for being haunted, and visitors have reported hearing ghostly questions like, "Who's in my house?" and encountering the spirit of a Victorian boy near the location where a tragic incident occurred.

If you're interested in a more immersive paranormal experience, the Winery at Marjim Manor also offers pre-scheduled ghost hunts. These events can provide a unique opportunity to explore the manor's haunted history.

The establishment is handicap accessible on the main floor, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy their experience.

The Winery at Marjim Manor combines wine tasting with ghostly tales, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for both wine enthusiasts and those intrigued by the paranormal. Whether you're seeking fine wines or a spooky encounter, Marjim Manor offers a memorable visit.

Unveiling the Haunted History Trail

So are you ready to book yourself a ghostly getaway? Beyond the creeping shadows and chilling whispers, lies a tapestry of history, mystery, and the unexplained, where the past and the present intersect in eerie harmony.

Dive into the world of the paranormal with ghost hunts, guided tours, haunted inns, and more. Savor a meal in the company of the supernatural, and perhaps, just perhaps, you'll find yourself face-to-face with a lingering spirit from another time. One thing’s for certain, these haunted locales promise an unforgettable sojourn.

Will you dare explore the Haunted History Trail? The choice is yours, and the adventure awaits.

Discover the Spooky Side of New York: Haunted Inns and Dining on the Haunted History Trail