Exploring the Haunted Wayside Inn Middletown VA: History, Ghosts, and Room 14

Hey, spooky cats! 🖤

Hey, spooky cats! 🖤 I had the chance to stay at the historic (and super haunted) Wayside Inn in Middletown, VA. This place did not disappoint! If you’ve been following my paranormal adventures, you know I’m always on the lookout for places with rich history and ghostly reputations. The Wayside Inn has both in spades, so I couldn’t resist checking it out—especially when I heard about all the famous people who’ve stayed here and the ghost stories that have been passed down through the years.

A Brief History of the Wayside Inn

The Wayside Inn isn’t just your run-of-the-mill historic hotel. This place has been around since 1797, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country. Originally called “Wilkenson’s Tavern,” it served as a stagecoach stop and a hub for travelers making their way through Virginia. Over the centuries, it’s seen its fair share of history, from the Civil War (when it was used as a hospital) to hosting some pretty big names.

Speaking of big names, here’s a fun fact: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Charles Lindbergh are all rumored to have stayed at the Wayside Inn. That’s right—Ford, the guy who put America on wheels, and Edison, the man who lit up our lives, both spent time here. How cool is that? There’s even talk that FDR and General George Patton might have stayed here too, though the details are a bit murky. This place has played host to some major figures in American history.

The Ghosts of the Wayside Inn

But let’s get to the good stuff—the ghosts! The Wayside Inn is known for its hauntings, and with so much history, it’s no wonder. People have been reporting strange occurrences here for years, and after my stay, I can see why.

The Bride’s Tragic Tale

One of the most well-known ghost stories from the inn involves a young bride who allegedly died on her wedding night. The story goes that she passed away under mysterious circumstances, and her spirit never left the inn. Guests have reported seeing her wandering the halls in a white wedding dress, looking lost or heartbroken. While the details of her death are more legend than fact, the sightings are frequent enough to make you wonder if there’s something to the tale.

The Soldier’s Spirit

Given the inn’s use as a hospital during the Civil War, it’s no surprise that a soldier’s ghost is among the reported hauntings. People have seen a man in a Confederate uniform wandering the hallways, especially in the early morning hours. There are even reports of hearing heavy boots clomping down the corridors when no one is there. Could it be the spirit of a soldier who never made it home? Many guests think so.

The Infamous Room 14

And then there’s Room 14, where I stayed during my visit. This room has a reputation for being the most haunted spot in the inn, and I couldn’t resist doing a little investigating of my own. Guests who have stayed in Room 14 have reported all kinds of creepy things—unseen hands touching them, doors that lock or unlock on their own, and shadowy figures appearing in the night. I’ve even heard about sudden temperature drops and cold spots that make your hair stand on end.

During my stay, I did a full paranormal investigation in Room 14, and let me tell you, things got weird. You can check out the video on my YouTube channel for all the details, but let’s just say I wasn’t alone in that room.

The Haunted Ballroom

Another area of the inn that’s said to be haunted is the ballroom. Visitors have reported hearing old-fashioned waltz music coming from the room, even when it’s completely empty. Some have even seen shadowy figures or people dressed in period clothing dancing across the floor, only for them to vanish when approached. It’s like the past is still alive in that ballroom, replaying over and over again.

The Playful Child

There is also a ghost of a young boy that people have heard laughing and playing in the hallways. Guests have seen what looks like a small child darting around corners or hiding behind furniture, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek. While no one knows exactly who this child might have been, his presence is felt by many who visit the inn.

Guests Speak Out: First-Hand Experiences

I’m not the only one who’s had strange experiences at the Wayside Inn. Over the years, plenty of guests have shared their own ghostly encounters:

• One guest who stayed in Room 14 reported seeing shadowy figures near the foot of the bed. "I was lying in bed when I suddenly felt like I wasn't alone. I looked toward the foot of the bed and saw what looked like a dark shadow just standing there. It was only there for a few seconds, but it felt like forever."

• Another visitor described feeling watched as they walked up the staircase: "As I was going up the stairs to my room, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me. When I reached the top, I looked back, but there was no one there. It was one of the creepiest experiences I've ever had."

• A guest who passed by the ballroom heard unexplained music: "I heard the faint sound of music, like an old-fashioned waltz. When I peeked inside, the room was completely empty and silent. The music stopped as soon as I entered the room."

• And let’s not forget the soldier’s ghost: "I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of boots walking down the hallway. When I got up to check, I saw a man in a Confederate uniform. He walked right past me and disappeared around the corner."

• Finally, a guest who stayed in room 14 mentioned feeling a cold touch during the night: "In the middle of the night, I felt something cold touch my arm, like someone brushing against me. The room was freezing cold all of a sudden."

Final Thoughts

The Wayside Inn is more than just a historic inn—it’s a place where the past and present seem to collide. Whether you’re interested in its rich history, its famous guests, or its ghostly inhabitants, the inn offers something for everyone. My stay in Room 14 was definitely an experience I won’t forget, and I’m already planning a return trip to see what else I can uncover.

If you’re ever in Middletown, VA, I highly recommend a visit to the Wayside Inn. Who knows? You might just have your own paranormal experience to share. And if you do, be sure to let me know! I’d love to hear all about it.

Paranormal Investigations

Given all these reports, it’s no surprise that the Wayside Inn has become a magnet for paranormal investigators. People armed with EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and thermal cameras have explored the inn, and many have walked away with evidence that seems to confirm the inn’s haunted reputation. We’re talking unexplained voices caught on EVP recordings, strange temperature drops in specific rooms, and orbs or shadow figures showing up in photos and videos.

Room 14, of course, is the focus of these investigations, but the entire inn offers opportunities for ghost hunters to connect with the other side. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s something thrilling about spending time in a place with such a past and a reputation for the supernatural.

Planning Your Visit

If all this talk about ghosts and history has you itching to visit the Wayside Inn, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Virginia, the inn is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip with a side of spooky. And even if you’re not staying the night, you can still enjoy a meal in their charming dining room or sip a drink in the bar—who knows, maybe you’ll glimpse the ghostly bartender while you’re there!

 Room 14 is the choice for thrill-seekers, but expect surprises in other rooms too. Just remember to pack your camera and maybe an EMF detector if you’re serious about ghost hunting. Even if you experience nothing paranormal, the inn’s cozy atmosphere and historic charm make it a memorable place to relax and unwind.

Share Your Stories!

I’m always on the lookout for new ghost stories, especially from places as rich in history as the Wayside Inn. If you’ve had any spooky experiences there—or anywhere else, really—don’t be shy! Share your stories in the comments below or tag me on social media. I love hearing about the paranormal adventures of my fellow spooky cats.

And if you’re planning a visit to the Wayside Inn after reading this post, be sure to let me know! I’d love to hear all about your trip and whether you encountered any of the inn’s resident spirits.

Stay Tuned for More Haunts

This isn’t the last you’ll hear from me about haunted spots like the Wayside Inn. I’ve got plenty more investigations, ghost stories, and creepy tales lined up for you all. So if you’re as obsessed with the paranormal as I am, make sure to subscribe to the blog and follow me on YouTube for the latest updates. And don’t forget to hit that notification bell so you never miss a post or video!

Until next time, keep those EMF detectors handy, and remember—just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Stay spooky, my friends! 👻✨

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, spooky cats—just a taste of the history and hauntings that make the Wayside Inn such a unique and chilling place. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or just someone who loves a good ghost story, the Wayside Inn has something to offer. And who knows? If you ever decide to spend a night there, you might just have a ghostly encounter of your own.

If you do, be sure to let me know—I’d love to hear all about it! Until next time, stay spooky! 👻