The Haunted Wayside Inn
Or, The Best Bar Wings in Middletown
A few months ago, I took one of my legendary road trips south to Richmond in preparation for The Poe Trail, a semi-docuseries on Edgar Allan Poe that I still promise to write someday. I remember calling the desk when I booked the inn to inquire about the security deposit.
They had no idea what I was talking about, and I couldn’t have been happier, Traveler.
The Wayside Inn of Middletown, Virginia, proudly claims the title of America’s oldest continually operating inn and first motor inn, a fact I discovered on the inn’s website. This historic establishment, open since the mid-18th century, has witnessed a rich tapestry of history unfold at its doorstep.
According to Only in Your State, the inn served as a Civil War hospital for the Union and the Confederacy. As I pulled outside, I saw a historical marker dedicated to Stonewall Jackson retreating to Middletown.
And there’s far more history with the Wayside Inn, Traveler. But we’ll get into that. First, I needed to check in and drop my bags off in my room.
Check In
Upon arrival, check-in was easy, and I received a brief historical tour of the downstairs property. I noticed a sign that social media photography was welcome, but commercial photography needed prior approval from the inn’s owners. I can respect that, so this entry will not contain any affiliate links or advertising.
I set my bags by the bed and looked at the history packet left on the wardrobe. The room was quiet, well-lit, comforting, and clean, which is everything I look for in one of my stays, haunted or otherwise.
Middletown is a quiet and beautiful town, from what I’ve seen. It’s a small roadside town that cuts through Virginia on the way to Harper’s Ferry heading towards Maryland.
I’d spent the day driving several hours through North Carolina, and I needed two things more than anything: food and a shower. There is an adjoining bar and restaurant known as Larrick’s Tavern, so I decided to eat there.
Larrick’s Tavern
My stay was on a Wednesday, Wing Wednesday, down in the tavern. I ate like a king, Traveler. Wings were 75 cents each and came in various flavors, including island sesame fare. I’m boring, so I stuck with my usual Buffalo medium, and the wings did not disappoint, either.
The wings were cooked well but not too crispy, and the sauce was ample. The bartender was very friendly and attentive. Even the tavern patrons were very nice (we had a discussion about the Fallout TV show). The hotel’s atmosphere was pleasant, but the tavern’s down home vibe made the journey worth it.
How Did I Sleep?
After some wings and a shower, I began my day’s close-down process. I turned on the TV and put on AEW Dynamite while I checked my pictures. The light on my ceiling fan flickered now and then, but otherwise, the atmosphere was pleasant.
I had a great night’s sleep. I woke up feeling refreshed, and my mattress was comfortable. Checking out the next day was a breeze: All I had to do was drop my card off at the desk in a drop box. I would stay at the Wayside again if I’m ever in the area, even if I’m not looking for a haunted adventure. The night was quiet and calm, and the day before me was gorgeous.
But, Is It Haunted?
The short answer to that question is yes, Traveler.
I captured some of the best evidence I’ve ever been able to capture on these hunts. As I am in the process of piecing everything together, that footage is unavailable at this time. However, I’ll upload it to my YouTube channel soon.
In the meantime, Only in Your State has a detailed take on the hauntings and the inn’s friendly ghosts. Not only that, the inn hosts ghost hunts from time to time! Led by Vince Wilson…wait, why is that name familiar? That’s right, Traveler! We’ve been on a ghost tour with Vince before! He is, and always will be, a legend. And I recommend taking his ghost hunt when available.
Dudley and I must once again be on our way. I recommend the Wayside Inn for wings, a quiet evening, or your answers to the paranormal.
Until again,
Safe Travels, Traveler!
