Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford
The Jean Bonnet Tavern in Bedford, PA, is widely known for its ghost stories and paranormal activity, with many claiming it is Pennsylvania's most haunted restaurant. Its reputation is built on centuries of history, including its use as a French outpost, a war headquarters, and a tavern since the 1760s. Patrons and staff report numerous chilling experiences, and the tavern keeps a "ghost book" full of visitor accounts of hauntings. Patrons and employees have reported seeing apparitions of figures in colonial or frontier clothing, sometimes seen drinking at the bar or simply observing the living. One of the most famous stories involves a ghost named Lucy, the mistress of a married man who was allegedly hanged by his wife. Her spirit is said to roam the tavern. A man accused of being a French spy was reportedly hanged in the tavern during the 1700s. His bones were later discovered under the floorboards during a renovation in the 1950s. His spirit is described as prankish and has been seen sitting at the bar. Unexplained phenomena are common, including the sound of footsteps in empty hallways and objects moving on their own. A bartender once saw a man sitting at the bar after closing, only to find no one there after investigating. In another instance, an unplugged blender reportedly turned on by itself. The attic apartment, in particular, is a hotspot for activity. A former owner, Melissa Jacobs, noted that the attic door would open and close on its own. Guests have reported sensing unseen presences and objects being moved, while children have told stories of a "nanny" tucking them into bed. Some visitors, even skeptics, report feeling a strange energy, getting goosebumps, or feeling touched or prodded by an unseen presence. Cold spots are also frequently mentioned. The tavern is supposedly home to other spirits, including a ghost cat, a boy, and the unseen presences of former servants who continue their duties.