Longfellow's Wayside Inn is reportedly haunted by the spirit of Jerusha Howe, the inn's former hostess, who is said to play the piano, emit a citrus scent, and manifest as a benevolent presence in rooms 9 and 10, occasionally interacting with male guests by caressing them or whispering on their faces. Visitors and staff have also documented phenomena like unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, strange lights, and objects moving on their own, with reports of hauntings dating back to at least 1868. The inn's resident spirit is Jerusha Howe, who was known as the "belle of Sudbury" and was the owner of the town's first piano. Jerusha is described as a friendly spirit who seeks companionship, but also has a reputation for touching or lying next to guests, particularly men. Guests have reported smelling her citrus-scented perfume and hearing her play the piano, especially in the middle of the night. Her presence is most strongly associated with Rooms 9 and 10, which were her personal room and sewing room, respectively. Guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps and disembodied voices echoing through the inn. Strange lights have been seen in the parlor and bedrooms. Objects are sometimes reported to move on their own. Guests often describe the distinct sensation of being watched or that someone else is in the room. Early recorded accounts of the haunting date back to 1868.