When we travel to visit our daughter Amanda, her husband Steve and the twins we stop in Herkimer NY and spend a night or 2 there doing some “diamond” mining at the Herkimer Diamond Mine. But when we were there last year we heard about Beardslee Castle that was built in 1860 and has an interesting history including tales of ghosts and spirits. Beardslee Castle is located just ten minutes from where we stay at 123 old state road in Little Falls NY.
This castle is just stunning inside and out. There are 5 Intimate dining rooms one with a 6-foot fireplace. There is a “dungeon” located downstairs with a cozy bar and grill featuring a casual menu, also downstairs is the “wine” room with a gated “cell” with a hand-painted vine mural on the ceiling.
We sat upstairs near the large fireplace. We were seated with menus and had warm bread with hummus and an olive tapenade to start.
Next, we all had a seasonal salad with greens, pumpkin seeds, and red onion. The one thing about Beardslee Castle Restaurant is that they source much of the products local and not only does the menu change seasonally but also weekly depending on what is fresh, available and in the season so although I’m showing you our dinner it’s likely they may not have these items on any given night. We went in late August.
My Mom, Lydia ordered a mushroom ravioli dish. If you like mushrooms this is the dish to get. I mean really….look at all those mushrooms! Needless to say, my mom was very happy with her dinner.
My Dad, Howard and my husband Jim, both had the seafood pasta dish with scallops, shrimp and vegetables. All I can say is the table was very quiet when we were all taking our first bites as they too were very pleased with their dishes.
I had an Asian scallops dish with a side slaw. I love scallops and this dish did not disappoint. I was a little worried as some Asian flavors can take over a dish especially a dish with scallops but this was not the case. Everything balanced just right. The sweet scallops with a tangy-sweet with a hint of salty worked very well together. The crunchy slaw on the side was a nice compliment.
I mentioned earlier about the history of the castle and that it may be even haunted. Well, let’s talk some more and you can tell me what you think! 2 ghost hunting societies believe Beardslee Castle is in fact haunted. The castle has even been featured on the history channel in a segment about “Haunted History”
It is believed that there are at least two spirits. Some of the incidents that make people believe it is haunted include pictures, including one we took. Bright lights that appear to be floating, sounds, doors opening or closing, objects moving, including flying utensils, loud noises and this one would have certainly made me wonder…the sink in the ladies’ room just turns on. Glad that did not happen while I was in the restroom!
There are a couple of theories as to why they think the castle is haunted. One reason is that one of the prior owners hung himself in the castle after a long illness. Another was the death of a bride who died in the castle the night before her wedding. The third reason has to do with the location of the castle. Back in the 1700s during the French and Indian war, a fortified homestead stood on the property where the castle is now located.
No matter if you believe in the haunting or spirits this restaurant is rich in history with delicious food, excellent service in a beautiful location. They recommend reservations and be sure to check them out of their website or Facebook to find out when they are open as they have different hours for summer and winter. http://beardsleecastle.com/
Enjoy!
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