Cork Street Tavern, Winchester


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The Cork Street Tavern in Winchester, Virginia, is rumored to be haunted by multiple spirits linked to its long history, which includes serving as a brothel, speakeasy, and former Civil War-era building that burned down. The paranormal activity is said to be concentrated in the older part of the restaurant, and some of the more common ghostly encounters include: One of the most frequently reported apparitions is a Confederate soldier. Waitstaff have been tripped by an unseen entity, which is believed to be the soldier. Another spirit is a prankster who plays tricks on staff and patrons. Candles that have been put out mysteriously relight on their own. Lights turn on and off without a logical explanation. Items have been found in disarray after a loud crash in the kitchen, but nothing is actually broken or out of place. Some people report feeling physically harassed by a less-friendly presence. Female patrons have found themselves inexplicably locked in the restroom. Other visitors have reported being touched or grabbed by an unseen force. A ghost nicknamed "John" is thought to haunt the establishment, dating back to its days as a speakeasy during Prohibition. The tavern's building, which was known as The Rustic Tavern back then, reportedly had hidden areas in the basement for bootlegging operations.

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