My Spooky Yet Delicious Weekend at Beardslee Castle

Let me tell you about my recent weekend getaway to this place that's been on my bucket list forever – Beardslee Castle. Picture this: a stone castle built way back in 1860, looking like it was plucked straight from the Irish countryside and dropped in rural Upstate New York. I'm talking winding roads, the Mohawk River nearby, and this thick, rolling fog that just... well, it sets the mood, you know? From the moment I pulled up to 123 Old State Road in Little Falls, I had this feeling I was in for more than just a meal. I was stepping into a story.

A History Steeped in Mystery (and Maybe Gunpowder)

The story goes that Augustus Beardslee, a big-shot railroad investor, had this place built with the help of masons from Ireland and Switzerland. But the land's history goes back even further. They say the castle sits on the site of an old farmhouse from the French and Indian War in the 1700s. Now, here's where it gets wild – legend has it there was a secret tunnel under that farmhouse leading to the woods, stocked with gunpowder. The tale whispers that Native Americans found it and accidentally set it off, leading to tragic deaths. Some folks believe their spirits never left. Gives you chills, doesn't it? It's no wonder people say Beardslee is one of the most haunted castles in the world.

Dining with... Company?

The castle itself is massive, with five unique dining rooms and this gorgeous, oversized fireplace that just beckons you to sit and stay awhile. But let's be real, the spot everyone whispers about is downstairs: The Dungeon. Yep, that's the casual bar and grill in the basement. It's got pool tables, a seriously impressive selection of about 125 different beers (some super rare ones!), and this vibe that's... let's just say, atmospheric. Employees and guests over the years have reported all sorts of unexplained happenings:

😨 The Spooky Stuff:

• Hearing footsteps in empty hallways.

• Catching glimpses of strange, floating lights.

• Finding lights turned back on or doors unlocked after being secured for the night.

• One employee swears they saw a man dressed in black in the kitchen who just vanished!

• And outside? Stories of mysterious red lights deep in the woods on the property.

The castle has seen its share of drama, too, surviving two major fires in 1919 and 1989. Honestly, after hearing all this, sitting down for dinner felt like an adventure.

A Feast Fit for Royalty (Ghosts Optional)

Okay, let's talk about the main event: the food. Holy moly. The kitchen here is no joke. They change the menu weekly based on what's in season, pulling organic greens and veggies from local farms. The flavors are this incredible mix of Mediterranean and Asian influences. We're talking:

🍽️ Main Event Highlights:

• Blackened Faroe Island Salmon – cooked perfectly over wood fire.

• Walnut Crusted Pork Loin – so tender and flavorful.

• Grilled Duck and a Bone-Out Rack of Lamb that just melts in your mouth.

• Fresh Sea Scallops and Texas White Shrimp.

We started with the 3-Cheese Baked Onion Soup and the Grilled Venison Sausage – both were unbelievable. And the wine list? A whopping 300 bottles, with a fantastic spotlight on New York State vineyards. Dining here, with the stone walls and history pressing in, was an experience I won't forget. It's open for fine dining Friday through Sunday.

More Than Just Dinner: Murder, Mystery & 'I Do's'

If you want to crank the experience to eleven, you gotta book their Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. The Acme Mystery Company puts it on, and guests get to play detective! Before the show, the actors mingle, and you can grill them for clues (pun intended). Dinner is served family-style at your table while the mystery unfolds. It's a total blast.

And despite the ghost stories, or maybe because of them, this place is a wildly popular wedding venue. Can you imagine saying 'I do' in a grand banquet room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking this fairytale property? They offer all sorts of custom menus for big events.

Where to Rest Your Head (After All That Excitement)

After a night of great food and spooky tales, you'll need a place to crash. Little Falls and the surrounding towns have plenty of options:

So, would I go back? In a heartbeat. Beardslee Castle is more than a restaurant; it's a full-blown experience. The history seeps out of the stones, the food is creative and delicious, and the possibility of a supernatural encounter... well, that just adds a little extra spice to the evening. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or a ghost hunter, this place has something for you. Just maybe don't wander the halls alone after dark.