Since 2013 when Barkeater Chocolates purchased the property, nearly every employee has experienced unexplained sounds and movement. Most commonly, staff hear footsteps & banging sounds; and on one occasion, an employee came in to find various objects in the middle of the floor. In 2015, a construction crew working on the building claimed to hear footsteps and voices coming from upstairs, only to realize nobody was in the building. Two paranormal investigations yielded some interesting information, but the real story is in the building's mysterious history.

 

From 1947-2013, the building was home to one family for several generations; however, the building's history dates back to 1884 and the old house has witnessed many different stories. From tourists that pass through during the night to occupants that pass away at all hours of the day, at least one of them under mysterious circumstances, the building's past won't disappoint you. 

 

Who is it that haunts the chocolate shop? Is it that playful boy that has been seen running through the store, the man who works in the basement or the woman who only speaks in a muffled voice? And why do they feel the need to throw chocolate when customers are shopping, or set off smoke alarms when certain visitors enter - only to turn them off when they leave? Oh, and why do they need the room so hot, it is a chocolate shop afterall!

Public & Private Haunted Factory Chocolate Sessions are offered from February - November and must be reserved and paid for in advance. This 90-minute experience includes firsthand accounts of paranormal activity, stories from past investigations, and the mysterious history of the building that houses Barkeater Chocolates. Guests will participate in light ghost hunting before finishing with a hands-on chocolate-making activity to take home.

Experiences are held entirely onsite (not a walking tour), are accessible to all abilities, and are rated PG-13 due to spooky and occasionally scandalous stories. Both public and private sessions are available. Reservations can be made through the Barkeater Chocolates website or by calling 518-251-4438.

Paranormal investigative groups may also reserve private, after-hours access to conduct their own investigations using personal equipment. Groups can explore the store, experience room, kitchen, attic, storage areas, and the surrounding property. Investigations begin after store closing at 5:00 p.m.; late winter/early spring or fall is recommended for darker conditions.