The Massachusetts Pub That Attracts Visitors Because Of Possible Supernatural Activity

Sometimes, a restaurant's history is the bait that gets patrons in the door. Such is the case with Trattoria Stella, the Michigan restaurant that was built as a former psych ward, but it's hardly alone. For instance, Massachusetts claims its own haunted restaurant. Local whispers of paranormal activity beckon curious visitors towards Stone's Public House, an Ashland pub that is allegedly full of spirits. The story begins in 1832, when John Stone tried to capitalize on a new railroad coming to town and built a hotel right beside the future tracks. Said hotel was a failure, as the noise from the trains passing kept lodgers up all night, and the building changed hands repeatedly over the next century and a half.

In 1976, Leonard "Cappy" Fournier bought the dilapidated remains of Stone's inn to restore it. Quickly, however, Fournier and his staff said that they noticed eerie unexplained happenings. Glasses launched themselves off the bar, they claimed, while lights turned themselves on and off. Fingerprints appeared on untouched windows. Noises were heard upstairs ... despite nobody being up there. Fournier looked into the strange phenomena and was shocked by the hidden and sometimes violent history he uncovered. In 1863, a young girl named Mary Smith was hit by a train just outside the hotel and died on the first floor — confirmed in records held by Ashland's town clerk. Another man, named Burt Richard, expired on the property. Perhaps most frighteningly, a psychic hired by Fournier reported a vision of John Stone himself killing a gambler over a card game gone wrong, then burying the man's body in the unfinished basement.

From the outside, Stone's Public House presents itself as a quaint Yankee tavern. There's a large fireplace, a brick patio for patrons to enjoy nice weather, and an immense bar with brass fixtures. The dark wood wainscoting and exposed ceiling beams are a cozy nod to the past. The menu, too, is inviting, featuring Irish-themed comfort food like shepherd's pie, curry fish and chips, and a sausage and mashed potato dish with beans. Of course, it wouldn't be a Bay State restaurant without clam chowder and a Connecticut-style lobster roll. All that's missing is a bit of New England canned brown bread.

It's hard to say whether or not you will feel the ghostly touch of spirits when you visit Stone's, as anecdotal reports vary. Some supernatural activity that's been observed happens on the unrestored third floor, where guests are not permitted. With that said, more than one person claims to have heard little Mary Smith running around upstairs, and a bloodied pinafore that was reportedly hers is displayed in the dining room. If you feel a mysterious tap on your shoulder, that might be Burt Richard enjoying the vibes. The restaurant's ooky-spooky reputation has drawn attention from the Discovery Channel, podcasts, and numerous writers of newspapers, blogs, and books. Ultimately, however, haunting is in the eye of the beholder. To settle the question to your own satisfaction, you may need to visit yourself.