New York State has been the epicenter of ghostly phenomena in the United States since the publication of Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in 1820. Western New York has its share of haunted hotels, graveyards, forests, and houses, and touring these locations makes a great family vacation. Along the way you will see some beautiful country, and no doubt hear a few stories from the locals that will send tingles down your spine.
The Roycroft Inn opened in 1905 to accommodate people who flocked to the Arts and Crafts community in East Aurora. (http://www.roycroftinn.com/inn/inn_history.htm ) The owner, Elbert Hubbard, died during the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. (http://www.online-literature.com/elbert-hubbard/ ) In 1986 the Inn was granted National Landmark Status. (http://www.roycroftinn.com/inn/inn_history.htm) Ghosts are said to haunt the main lobby and some of the hallways, and some people have heard voices in empty rooms. (Release Me: Haunted New York: http://release-me.net/newyork.php -- and many other places) There's a Haunted History Ghost Walk of East Aurora every Saturday from July through October, starting at the Roycroft Inn. (Resources 3)
Roycroft Inn
40 South Grove Street
East Aurora, NY 14052-2393
716-652-5552
roycroftinn.com
The Aurora Inn, built in 1833, is nestled in the Finger Lakes district, perched on the shores of Cayuga Lake. There were two disastrous fires that struck nearby the Inn, one in 1818, and the other in 1919. In one of these fires, two men and a young woman died. The ghosts of the two men are said to haunt the shores of Lake Cayuga, while the "White Lady" haunts the hotel and lobby of the Aurora Inn.
Aurora Inn
391 Main St.
Aurora, NY 13026
315-364-8888
In this otherwise unremarkable modern building, the ghost of a little girl named Tanya is possibly the most famous hotel ghost in New York State. Tanya reportedly died in a house fire on the site of the hotel. Dressed in a white nightgown, she has been seen by employees and guests of the hotel skipping down the hallways, jumping on beds, and playfully bouncing a ball. The town historian rejects the historical basis for story, but it doesn't seem to deter locals from telling it, and visitors from being spooked.
Holiday Inn Grand Island
100 Whitehaven Rd.
Grand Island, NY 14072
716-773-1111
holidayinn.com
The Green Lantern Inn, originally known as The Deland House, was designed by Mr. John Thomas in 1875 for Henry Deland. It served for awhile as a private residence, and later became a boarding house and a tavern. On October 8, 2006, the Inn was investigated by the "Mystic Encounters Team" because of its history of strange happenings. The owners say the ghost wandering around the Inn is Henry Deland, the original owner.
Green Lantern Inn
One East Church St.
Fairport, NY 14450
585-223-0556
thegreenlanterninn.com
