Who doesn't enjoy a good ghost story? Lucky for us there are a bunch of haunted places in New Jersey with intriguing histories. A little scare can be a lot of fun, spiking adrenaline, giving us chills and a thrill... But, a lot of ghosts can be scary, and therefore dining with them might not be so appealing! The idea of an ice-cold hand encircling your neck or dinner plates flying towards your face can be a little frightening! However, you might not mind meeting a friendly ghost, and the Garden State's own haunted Cranbury Inn seems to have plenty.
The Cranbury Inn is one of the oldest eateries in New Jersey.
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This business was officially established in 1780, after the colonies declared their independence from Britain. However, what is now The Cranbury Inn has been functioning as a place to eat and drink since the 1750s.
Today's inn physically consists of two 1700s stagecoach taverns built together in 1800 by the innkeeper's house with a 1930 main dining room addition. It is a glorious wedding venue and a wonderful place to grab a meal.
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In addition to the restaurant, the inn housed guests until 1982. Their liquor store was once home to the justice of the peace and a telegraph office. In the 1930s, a lighted 18-hole mini golf course (now defunct) was built on the grounds. While all this history is fascinating, perhaps the most unique bit of trivia is that it may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.
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Records show that there was an Underground Railroad stop in the town of Cranbury; many believe that the inn was this stop. According to the inn's website, "an unusual amount of wear on the steps to the attic of the innkeeper's house and remnants of a door to a room and a shelf below which are nails to hang your cloak on, indicate that this attic space was used for far more than just an attic."Also historically significant, Albert Einstein was a frequent diner here. Other notable guests include the Prince & Princess of the Netherlands and the entire City Council of Moscow. Brooke Shields dined here as a Princeton student and portions of the film, "I.Q." starring Meg Ryan and Tim Robbins were shot here.
The gorgeous inn serves up American fare with a side of scare...
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The a la carte lunch menu is surprisingly affordable, with appetizers (like wings and crab cakes) and entrees (like shrimp & scallop scampi and tenderloin tips) also on the menu. But today's article isn't about their mouthwatering meals - it's about their prolific paranormal legacy. Don't be afraid - these are friendly ghosts.
According to one of the owners, Gay Ingegneri, many unexplainable events have taken place over the years. A pregnant employee had doors mysteriously swing open for her and some staff members insist they've gotten telepathic messages, warning them to turn off electrical fixtures. When psychics stop by, they say the spirits are warm and welcoming - they enjoy (after) life at the inn.
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Who may these ghosts be? Likely past customers and employees who loved their time on earth here. One story says that a man hit by a stagecoach in the 1790s has stayed, and doesn't enjoy renovations. Still, he doesn't mind guests. While specific spirits are a bit unclear, a recent paranormal investigation was able to detect mysterious orbs and EVP (sound) recordings.
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Have you ever been to the Cranbury Inn? Did you experience anything supernatural? Do you have any experience at this haunted restaurant in New Jersey -- supernatural or otherwise? We'd love to hear about your ghost-hunting adventures in the Garden State, so drop a comment below! Learn more about this notoriously haunted restaurant in New Jersey by visiting the Haunted Cranbury Inn's official website, or take a look at their Facebook page.
Visit our list of the most haunted places in New Jersey to find more scary spaces to explore!
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