Alfie’s Wholesome Food & Ghost/History Tour at the Historic Buxton Inn
If you have never eaten at Alfie’s Wholesome Food located next to the Granville Public Library in Granville, Ohio, check it out- delightfully delicious! We traditionally have chosen the kale salad, rosemary lemonade, and blondie topped with oats and caramel toffee. Today, one of us chose the “Healthy Horse,” a Swiss cheese, avocado, sprouts, tomatoes, and horseradish cream sandwich and the other chose “The Alex”, a roasted turkey, spinach, provolone cheese, tomatoes, and pesto sandwich for our entree. The side of kettle potato chips had a pinch of sweetness. We opted to eat al fresco in the little courtyard sprinkled with statues, mums, and stained glass. This was a most enjoyable meal before walking to the Historic Buxton Inn for the “Ghostly Tour”!
Three presidents are known to have visited the Historic Buxton Inn located in the heart of Granville, Ohio: William H. Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and William McKinley. We learned about this along with additional historical information and some tales of spirits on a history and ghost tour on this lovely autumn day. Each ticket was $15, which included learning about how one ghost has often conjured up the strong scent of gardenia perfume, one young man spirit has often been encountered in the basement (tavern), and there have been several reports of ghostly activity in rooms 7 and 9. Other interesting, spirited tales/experiences were shared by the friendly tour guide. Being that the inn was built in 1812, we learned interesting historical facts like the inn having been used as a place of safety on the Underground Railroad. We got to see the secret entry to a hiding spot revealed- very cool!
We enjoyed seeing the unique paintings used for fireplace inserts; one favorite was the painting based on the allegorical story, “Pilgrim’s Progress”. The woodwork of the mailboxes, customer service desk counter, and saloon area were beautifully preserved and full of character along with the chandelier hanging in the saloon, which was originally used in a surgical room (contained several mirrors around it). The blue paint used in the saloon was selected as a match to one of the former inn keeper’s choice colors; the former owner, “the woman in blue” (Bonnie), has frequently been an active ghost at the inn. This was a fascinating and informational tour! The Historic Buxton Inn and Alfie’s were ideal places to spend a fall Saturday afternoon.
