“Spirited” Stops to Fill Up Your Glass

In 1865, after a long day of hunting, Shubal Scudder Merritt and his son Lewis returned to their home in Appleton, NY. After reading some upsetting news in his room, Lewis quickly ran down the main stairs and through the home’s French doors. Startled by Lewis’ sudden appearance, Shubal fired his gun, shooting and killing his son. It was 3 o’clock on a Thursday afternoon. Shubal immediately ordered for the French doors to be locked and never opened again – which is how they remained, except at 3 o’clock on Thursdays when they would burst open – as if Lewis were running through them once again.

It’s in that very doorway where staff of the Winery at Marjim Manor have seen the apparition of a Victorian boy standing, and visitors have been asked the ghostly question, “Who’s in my house?” Come for a wine tasting of the winery’s fruit and grape wines and hear about the other tragedies that occurred in this haunted home – all of which took place at 3 o’clock on Thursday afternoons. Or schedule a ghost hunt and explore the property for yourself.

See, the Haunted History Trail has two kinds of spirits - the ones you drink, and the ones you meet! Pull up a seat at these haunted locations and wet your whistle on ghostly tales and unusual activity.

At Grapevine Farms in Cobleskill, NY, you may come for the wine but stay for the weird. Sample some vino in the wine cellar or dine at the farmhouse bistro, then make your way through three floors of themed rooms and boutique shops. But watch out for the ghostly children that have been seen running through the hallways of this once-abandoned farmhouse.The famed psychic, Katie Manning, recently made clear to the owners that on the second floor was a distinctive sound of voices of the past. She also noted the sound of footsteps on the vintage staircase... Explore on your own during the day or schedule a night-time tour or private investigation to drink in the eerie experience.

Stop in for a pint at Wayside Irish Pub in Elbridge, NY, and you’ll never have to worry about drinking alone. A handful of ghosts spend their afterlife at the bar and like to say “hi” by poking patrons or pulling their hair. Grab a drink and a bite to eat, and the bartenders will gladly share spooky stories of glasses flying across the bar and pictures being knocked off the wall. Professional paranormal investigators are welcome to look for the regulars – the building’s original owner, Squire Munro, a friendly poltergeist named Harry, and Sara, a transparent woman in a long dress who reportedly hung herself on the third floor.

Miles Wine Cellars in Himrod, NY is no stranger to spirits – both bottled and otherworldly. Located in a Greek revival mansion that overlooks Seneca Lake, the home was originally built in 1802, and there is little doubt that today it is inhabited by more than the rieslings that the Finger Lakes is known for. Strange happenings such as slamming doors, footsteps, and unexplained sounds have manifested on the property for years. To celebrate these otherworldly residents, Miles Wine Cellar now produces a "Ghost" wine, a chardonnay, and Cayuga blend. Stay at the Inn or stop in for a sip and a story - but note, stirring up the spirits is not allowed here.

Belhurst Castle, located in Geneva, NY has a colorful past of love affairs, embezzling funds, even death. The property's most well-known ghost is Isabella, the beautiful opera singer often seen dressed in white. According to local stories, Isabella fled with her forbidden lover, Spanish Don, to America, where they built a house with a secret tunnel. When the authorities came looking for them, they tried to escape through the underground passage to their awaiting boat, only for the tunnel to collapse on Isabella. To this day, the white lady is said to walk the shores of Seneca Lake, grieving her lost lover. Spend the night in one of the three haunted hotels at The Belhurst, dine in one of two restaurants, taste wine in the on-site winery or get a spa treatment at Isabella Spa~Salon, named after the famous ghost in white seen roaming the ground.

Raise a glass to the spirits of the Trail and plan your next paranormal adventure. Thirsty for more? The Haunted History Trail website shares hours of each location, and provides information on ghost hunts, private and public investigations, and guided tours. Or call these stops directly for questions about the paranormal and tour availability.   

Cheers!