Prohibition-era trapdoors? Secrets of the Underground Railroad? An Edgar Allan Poe connection? Delicious cocktails? This little pub in Massachusetts has all those things and more. Here’s what you need to know about visiting the Worthen House Café in Massachusetts.

There’s so much hidden history at the Worthen House Cafe in Lowell. This understated pub has a past worthy of Hollywood. First built in 1834, it’s the oldest tavern in Lowell and packed with hidden quirks.

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A secret panel behind the bar slides away to reveal a storage area for Prohibition-era booze. Ask your bartender to show you the ancient liquor bottles – they were discovered in the compartment long after Prohibition ended.

Google/Gina Malin

There’s also a hiding spot in the attic where it is believed former occupants of the Worthen stowed runaway slaves during the Underground Railroad era.

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Feeling warm? Ask a member of staff to turn on the bar’s original pulley-driven fan system. It’s one of only four in the country and the only existing model in its original location.

Google/Jimmy Steffensmeier

This place has attracted plenty of notable authors. Edgar Allan Poe is said to have written at least part of The Raven while staying on the second floor. Jack Kerouac was also a regular in his time.

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As if all of this history wasn’t enough, the Worthen is said to be home to a ghost named Matthew.

Google/Jimmy Steffensmeier

Staff and patrons have seen the spirit prowling around the third floor, which was once a bedroom area when the structure operated as an inn.

Google/Bernie Ongewe

Today, the Worthen is a fixture in the Lowell food and bar scene. It’s often comfortably filled with locals and visitors enjoying a lively evening out.

Google/Ron Baron

You can drop by for live music on the weekend and delicious bites and sips all week long.

Wikimedia Commons/Jane023

Stop by the Worthen House Cafe to soak up some history…and perhaps a pint or two.

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You can find the Worthen House Café in Massachusetts at 141 Worthen St., Lowell. Click here to check out their website for current opening hours and menus. For more of the coolest historical spots in the state, take a look at this road trip.

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Google/Gina Malin

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Google/Jimmy Steffensmeier

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Google/Ron Baron

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Address: 141 Worthen St, Lowell, MA 01852, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Worthen House Café in Massachusetts October 10, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in Massachusetts? A hearty meal with a side of the paranormal? If that sounds right up your alley, plan a meal at Sun Tavern, a haunted restaurant in Massachusetts. The restaurant dates back to the mid-1700s and is known for its resident ghost (and its delicious food). A hermit who lived in the old building, Lysander Walker killed himself there with a gunshot in the early part of the 20th century. His spirt is said to remain in the restaurant to this day. Since its transformation into a tavern, the owners and diners have noticed a lot of strange occurrences, including a candle that relights itself and the sound of footsteps when no one is there. What are the creepiest cemeteries in Massachusetts? Can you think of a place more likely to be haunted than a cemetery? Massachusetts is home to its fair share of haunted cemeteries, including Goose Hill Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the 1700s, making it rife for the paranormal. Stroll through the cemetery for a tranquil walk. However, when you notice a road next to the cemetery, follow it. It leads to a hidden cemetery where former Massachusetts prisoners are now buried. Old Hill Cemetery is said to be haunted by the Pierce Family. The family is together in a tomb, which has been disturbed repeatedly since they were buried in 1863, causing their spirits to be restless and to roam the cemetery to this day. What are the best historic restaurants in Massachusetts? Historic restaurants in Massachusetts are fairly easy to find. The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant offers an enchanting experience before you even sit down. To get inside the restaurant, you’ll have to cross a covered bridge. Sit outdoors for some of the most beautiful views, especially during the autumn. The scenery even boasts a waterfall. The restaurant serves such delicious dishes as juicy steaks. The Belfry Inn and Bistro is another historic restaurant in Massachusetts. Nestled in a former church, the enchanting restaurant serves such popular meals as filet mignon and lobster risotto.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Worthen House Café in Massachusetts

October 10, 2020

Beth Price-Williams

Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in Massachusetts? A hearty meal with a side of the paranormal? If that sounds right up your alley, plan a meal at Sun Tavern, a haunted restaurant in Massachusetts. The restaurant dates back to the mid-1700s and is known for its resident ghost (and its delicious food). A hermit who lived in the old building, Lysander Walker killed himself there with a gunshot in the early part of the 20th century. His spirt is said to remain in the restaurant to this day. Since its transformation into a tavern, the owners and diners have noticed a lot of strange occurrences, including a candle that relights itself and the sound of footsteps when no one is there. What are the creepiest cemeteries in Massachusetts? Can you think of a place more likely to be haunted than a cemetery? Massachusetts is home to its fair share of haunted cemeteries, including Goose Hill Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the 1700s, making it rife for the paranormal. Stroll through the cemetery for a tranquil walk. However, when you notice a road next to the cemetery, follow it. It leads to a hidden cemetery where former Massachusetts prisoners are now buried. Old Hill Cemetery is said to be haunted by the Pierce Family. The family is together in a tomb, which has been disturbed repeatedly since they were buried in 1863, causing their spirits to be restless and to roam the cemetery to this day. What are the best historic restaurants in Massachusetts? Historic restaurants in Massachusetts are fairly easy to find. The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant offers an enchanting experience before you even sit down. To get inside the restaurant, you’ll have to cross a covered bridge. Sit outdoors for some of the most beautiful views, especially during the autumn. The scenery even boasts a waterfall. The restaurant serves such delicious dishes as juicy steaks. The Belfry Inn and Bistro is another historic restaurant in Massachusetts. Nestled in a former church, the enchanting restaurant serves such popular meals as filet mignon and lobster risotto.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

A hearty meal with a side of the paranormal? If that sounds right up your alley, plan a meal at Sun Tavern, a haunted restaurant in Massachusetts. The restaurant dates back to the mid-1700s and is known for its resident ghost (and its delicious food). A hermit who lived in the old building, Lysander Walker killed himself there with a gunshot in the early part of the 20th century. His spirt is said to remain in the restaurant to this day. Since its transformation into a tavern, the owners and diners have noticed a lot of strange occurrences, including a candle that relights itself and the sound of footsteps when no one is there.

What are the creepiest cemeteries in Massachusetts?

Can you think of a place more likely to be haunted than a cemetery? Massachusetts is home to its fair share of haunted cemeteries, including Goose Hill Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the 1700s, making it rife for the paranormal. Stroll through the cemetery for a tranquil walk. However, when you notice a road next to the cemetery, follow it. It leads to a hidden cemetery where former Massachusetts prisoners are now buried. Old Hill Cemetery is said to be haunted by the Pierce Family. The family is together in a tomb, which has been disturbed repeatedly since they were buried in 1863, causing their spirits to be restless and to roam the cemetery to this day.

What are the best historic restaurants in Massachusetts?

Historic restaurants in Massachusetts are fairly easy to find. The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant offers an enchanting experience before you even sit down. To get inside the restaurant, you’ll have to cross a covered bridge. Sit outdoors for some of the most beautiful views, especially during the autumn. The scenery even boasts a waterfall. The restaurant serves such delicious dishes as juicy steaks. The Belfry Inn and Bistro is another historic restaurant in Massachusetts. Nestled in a former church, the enchanting restaurant serves such popular meals as filet mignon and lobster risotto.