This weekend will have oodles to do and see in New Hope. I had another email from a reader who would be in the area, and told her of this upcoming post. So if your in the area or visiting check this tour out for sure.
New Hope, that I talk of often here, is a small borough town nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County, PA. For those that are not yet aware, the streets of New Hope are notoriously haunted - quite possibly the most haunted town in America, next to Salem! The town is rich in Revolutionary War history and George Washington led his troops through New Hope in 1778 on the way to Valley Forge. In addition to its historical interest, New Hope is a hub for paranormal enthusiasts who hope to encounter the town's famous spooks and specters. The ghost tour we have are very fun and cool and will be going on this weekend which will be Specter and Spirits!!! Join us for a haunted ghost tour and whiskey tasting. The tour will stop at 5 different supernatural sites, the first four of which will include its own terrifying tale and complimentary whiskey pairing! The fifth and final stop will be at the most notoriously haunted house in New Hope- The Logan Inn! Here, after chilling you spine, you will attempt to soothe your unease with a Halloween craft cocktail.Some of the haunted sites.......
Aaron Burr House
I had to list this first for significant reason. I'm related!!!! Aaron Burr was the brother of my great great great great grandmother!!!!! As told down through the generations to my aunt, the third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr, is primarily known for killing his rival, Alexander Hamilton, in a bloody duel in 1804. In our family history, for a fun tidbit, it was said the famous duel may never had happened if both Aaron and Alexander were not such hot heads. What is less well-known is that, after the duel, Burr fled to New Hope, Pennsylvania and sought refuge in a private residence for nearly a month. In 1873, an inn was erected on the stone foundation of the private residence and today the Aaron Burr House welcomes visitors who are eager to catch a glimpse of Burr's brooding specter, where it is said, he returned to his favorite refuge.
Joseph Pickett House...now Zoubi's
Joseph Pickett is New Hope's resident ghost. Pickett was a local shopkeeper and artist whose painting, "Manchester Valley," was posthumously hung in New York City's Museum of Modern Art. Though Pickett died in 1918, his spirit lingers in his home and studio. A former tenet claimed that she was startled by a man who she assumed was an intruder. When she later visited a local museum, she saw a picture of Joseph Pickett and recognized him as the man she had seen. Other tenets report hearing footsteps on the stairs, knocks on doors and objects that have mysteriously moved. Joseph Pickett's house is located on Mechanic Street in New Hope with Zoubi's restaurant.
Hearth Pub
One of the oldest buildings in New Hope. The beautiful interior of this BYOB rustic restaurant boasts original wood beamed ceilings and a solid, hewn wood bar. On the tour it will be discussed its haunted past.
Parry Mansion
The Parry Mansion was built in 1784 by Benjamin Parry, one of New Hope's founders. The house has the distinction of having been occupied by four generations of Benjamin Parry's direct descendants. Not only does the Parry Mansion have a history of hauntings from various Parry family members, but so does the shop next door! Soul, Body and Home Gifts is haunted by the ghosts of Jaques,once a local resident, and Britt, who apparently prefers the back porch. The proprietor of the gift shop can share many a tale of her experiences with local specters.
Logan Inn
Established as an inn in 1727, the Logan Inn is the oldest continuously run inn in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and one of the five oldest inns in the United States. However, it's not just the inn's colonial period charm that draws visitors in droves. Legend has it that the basement of the Logan Inn was used to store bodies of fallen Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War and visitors, and inn workers often report seeing a spectral solider frequenting the inn's well-appointed tap room. Guests also report strange noises, unexplained drafts and the strong scent of lavender perfume in room six, where the ghosts of two young girls are said to linger.
There is also this private residence on Mechanic Street. While I don't think the tour goes into the house, it is mentioned that current and pass owners report hearing and seeing ghosts and objects moving.
There are other places I have felt odd vibes before, and not only in New Hope, but also across the bridge in Lambertville. I always get un-edge feelings when using the restrooms in the basement of the Lambertville House Hotel. And then, there are rumors of people seeing the ghost of Jessica Savich, a news reporter, and her gay friend, who perished to death in the canal, when she put her car in reverse by accident, drowning them both! If your in the area the tours meet at Main and Ferry Streets weekly from June till third week in November; every Saturday night. In September and October they meet every Friday and Saturday. The tours always leave at 8pm promptly and are lantern led! How neat is that? And then there's the whiskey!!
