It's hard to imagine there are businesses that have been around since before Virginia was officially a state. Yet the Old Dominion didn't obtain statehood until June of 1788. This was a few years after the opening of Gadsby's Tavern, an iconic bar in Alexandria where historic figures such as George Washington once dined. And, according to legends, some of the historic patrons haven't exactly left the premises. Here's more on the haunted bar that's been around since before Virginia was even a state.
Gadsby's Tavern is a famously historic building located on Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. It has served as a economic, social, and political central point for the city and therefore has gained an impressive reputation.
Guests are still invited to dine inside the historic tavern, which has greeted many a traveler over the past 200 plus years it's been in operation.
What's fascinating is that Gadsby's Tavern was not actually the first tavern built on the site. That designation belongs to Mason Ordinary, which was constructed in 1749. Needless to say, this extensive history lends itself to quite a few haunted legends.
One of the most famous ghosts is that of the Female Stranger. Legend has it, this anonymous woman died in Room 8 of the Tavern, which once included rooms for travelers.
To read more about the legend of the Female Stranger, you can click here.
Many diners and employees of the restaurant have occasionally seen the woman wander through the tavern. She appears in the form of a beautiful young woman, only to vanish right before your eyes.
Of course, the restaurant embraces its historic past and even any hint of the paranormal. Whether you happen to encounter one of Virginia's most famous ghosts or not, you're bound to enjoy dining like it's the eighteenth century.
And if you're curious to learn more about the Female Stranger, you can visit her grave at St. Paul's Cemetery off of Duke Street.
Gadsby's Tavern is located at 138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314. What are your thoughts on this haunted tavern in northern Virginia? Have you visited before? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience!
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