Take A Ghost Walk Through Historic Isle Of Shoals, New Hampshire, Then Dine At The Haunted Ray's Seafood Restaurant
By Ken MacGray|Published November 21, 2022
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Ken MacGray
Author
Hey! I'm a freelance writer and guidebook author. I've authored "New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide", serve as editor of Appalachian Mountain Club's "Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide", and and am co-editor of the "White Mountain Guide", also for AMC. I'm currently beginning work on the 6th Edition of AMC's Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, which will be published in 2025. I live in southern New Hampshire and can usually be found wandering throughout the state's mountains and forests.
New Hampshire has a long history full of folklore and legend. Many places around the state are said to be haunted. If you are interested in the paranormal, this combination of destinations makes for an excellent day trip. Take an excursion to the Isle of Shoals off the coast and follow it up with a delicious meal at Ray’s Seafood Restaurant in Rye, New Hampshire. Both locations are said to haunted by spirits of the past and who knows, you might just see or hear something that you can’t explain!
The Isle of Shoals has long been settled by those alive and dead.
Shared between the states of New Hampshire and Maine, the Isle of Shoals lie six miles off the coast. This chain of small islands have been inhabited for over 400 years and originating as a fishing community. In addition to the residents who are very much alive, the islands are said to have been haunted by ghosts since the 1800s.
You may not be the only one staying in your hotel room.
At Star Island's Oceanic Hotel, there may be more happening that what we can see. Guests at the hotel have reported noise as if someone is moving furniture in the fourth floor attic. Upon investigation, the attic has been found to be empty.
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Spirits such as "Old Bab", Louis Wagner, and one of Blackbeard's wives are also said to roam the islands.
Animals are said to be very in tune with the spirit world. Perhaps this Spotted Sandpiper has encountered the ghost of Louis Wagner. Legend states that he haunts Smuttynose Island in remorse for killing two young girls here.
This seasonal restaurant closes for the winter, but we hope you add this spot to your bucket list.
The ghost who is said to haunt Ray's Seafood Restaurant goes by the name of Goldie. Goldie's presence is believed to make an appearance now and then as her belongings were stored in the attic for many years when she lived here with her sister Blanche in the 1960s. She is said to have opened locked windows, switched on the attic light, and even make the phone ring.
Ray's welcoming atmosphere, comfortable bar, and delicious food all combine for a quintessential seacoast dining experience. Just be sure to leave a seat open because you never know who might show up.
Ray's Seafood Restaurant's humble beginnings began in the mid-20th century.
Ray's began life in the 1950s as a small lobster pound which eventually grew larger with the addition of a clam shack. Their motto was "Our food is as fresh as our help". Perhaps this was around the same time that other spirits began to make themselves known.