Return to Winchester, Virginia

[Michael J. Varhola]

One of the last stops on my most recent book tour was Winchester, Virginia, which I have often described as one of the most haunted cities in Virginia. I devote an entire chapter of Ghosthunting Virginia to a number of sites in the 18th century heart of the town, two of which I revisited last weekend.

The first was the Fuller House Inn, a haunted establishment that my wife and I stayed at in April 2008 and eagerly hoped to visit again, finally making it back this month after a year-and-a-half. We have probably not experienced anything of a paranormal nature at this site -- the possible exception being some strange photos I took in the basement last year and am still unsure about -- but many other people have over the years.

The other is what is now known as the Union Jack Pub but which, when I conducted an investigation at it last year, was the gutted remains of the old Union Bank. Owner Richie Oram has transformed it into a very cool pub that has hundreds of beers and other potent potables, an extensive and very authentic menu, and terrific ambience that includes live music and a very cool "British Invasion Room." Walking into such a dramatically changed place was, frankly, almost a surreal experience.

One thing that has not changed about the site, however, is the fact that it is definitely haunted. I captured a number of very profound orbs during my previous visit, and had some photos taken of me that also depicted some strange anomalies. During this most recent visit, I once again photographed at last one orb, in the same location where I had caught the most profound ones before. I also chatted with a number of members of the staff, especially Christine, who told me about their frightening experiences with the ghost of the "red-headed child" that resides in the basement of the place.

It was, in any event, a real pleasure for me to be able to do a signing at the Union Jack Pub on Saturday, October 17, during which I met and chatted with around 20 people about my two ghosthunting books and haunted sites around the region (learning in the process about several of which I had been previously unaware).

Thanks to Debby, Richie, Darrell, and all the people we met and talked with for a great weekend! Keep your eye on the America's Haunted Road Trip site for more information about these two Winchester locations. And check out my TravelBlogue for more information about these two sites that is not related to their paranormal aspects.