Historic Buxton Inn, Granville, OH
313 E Broadway, Granville, OH, 43023, United States of America
CHECK AVAILABILITYThe Buxton Inn’s long history lives on with the ghosts frequently seen there, the majority of which are the ghosts of its former owners. The first ghost ever reported at the hotel was Orrin Granger in the 1920s who built the hotel in 1812.
During the 70s, workers of the inn saw a man dressed in blue and since then they have refused to enter the inn after dark. Major Buxton (the man who the inn was named after) is also said to haunt the inn. He has been spotted in several locations around the inn.
Ethel “Bonnie” Bounell, the former innkeeper, is said to have died in room number nine. Guests who have stayed in the room have reported seeing a lady dressed in blue, Bonnie’s favorite color. Shadowy figures have been seen in rooms number seven and nine and even in the basement. Guests have also felt the presence of a ghostly cat jumping on their beds.
Other reports include heavy doors slamming shut and opening of their own accord, with no apparent breeze or other valid explanation. People have also reported hearing footsteps behind them in empty hallways, and their names being called out.
Buxton Inn was originally called the Tavern and it was built by 1812 by Orrin Granger. Today, the Buxton Inn is oldest continuously running inn in Granville, Ohio. Aside from being an inn, Buxton also served as Granville’s first post office and a stagecoach stop. The Buxton became very popular and was patronized by no less than President William Harrison himself. After Orrin Granger died, ownership of the inn changed. Although it went through several owners, it never closed down because of its popularity.
In 1829, more additions were constructed for the building. In the 1850s, the inn was purchased by James W. Dilley and it was renamed to “The Dilley House”. Major Buxton and his wife acquired the property in 1865. They attracted many guests and the inn continued to thrive under their ownership. After the death of the Buxtons, retired opera singer Ethel Bounell took over the inn. The current owners of the inn are Orville and Audrey Orr.
The Buxton Inn has 25 rooms and has been serving patrons for hundreds of years and continues to do so until now. The lovely inn has so much history, President Harrison himself frequented it. The rooms are tastefully furnished to look like they once did in the 1800s. The rooms of the inn have no televisions (people did not have televisions back in the 1800s) to encourage socializing with other guests.
The inn’s restaurant is exceptional. It serves some of the best dishes in Granville, Ohio. Some of the must-try dishes are the Fillet Mignon and Victorian Chicken. There are seven distinctive dining rooms which are perfect for various occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, business meetings, wedding receptions and retirement parties.
People who just want to have a cozy dinner for two can also enjoy themselves. Private dining for 8 to 60 people is available with a full wine list. The Tavern and Restaurant are closed on Mondays.
There are plenty of things to see, discover and do in Granville, Ohio. Granville’s history is long and colorful and if you want to know more about the town’s history, you can visit the Robbins Hunter Museum; Denison Museum; Kussmaul Gallery and the Granville Historical Society Museum.
For those who are looking for recreation and a bit of leisure in Ohio, there are various things to choose from. Golfers can go to the Granville Golf Course; Indian Hills Golf Course and the Raccoon International Golf Club. Tennis players can also go to the Granville Platform Tennis Club and the Granville Tennis Club.
Granville never runs out of good food and there are plenty of places where you can go to satisfy your palate. Elm’s Pizza Parlor and Creno’s Pizza are a must-try for lovers of the Italian fare. Granville Gourmet Whoopie Pies should also not be missed. The Broadway Pub is one of the best places to go if you want to cap the night with drinks.