You Have To Visit This Haunted Kentucky Bar With Mafia Roots
By Andrea Limke|Published April 16, 2019
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Kentucky is home to countless places with interesting stories, many of which you’d likely never guess if you visit them today. Uncovering the hidden history of a place is always an adventure, and there’s an unlikely spot in the riverfront town of Newport that has a unique tale. This city has always been a source of fun, with plenty of restaurants and attractions, but this one building might just have a darker side to it. Though it’s now an event space that’s a popular spot for weddings and gatherings, some claim it is haunted, and many believe it has Mafia roots. Once you see it, it’s quite easy to believe that the tales are true.
The Newport Syndicate is an event space that is a sought after destination for weddings, parties, and gatherings; however, The Syndicate also hosts its own events too, so there are plenty of ways to experience this historic Kentucky destination.
When attending an event here, you'll be impressed with the unique vibe and atmosphere that can be transformed depending on the event. You also may be surprised to learn about this bar's infamous past.
Newport was once known as the original "Sin City" and was a favorite destination for gangsters in the 1920s and 30s. Illicit behavior was common within the businesses in Newport, and The Syndicate was no exception.
Before the building was renovated in the 1990s, it was known as the Glenn Schmidt Playtorium. It housed a restaurant, casino, bowling alley, and the Schmidt family who owned it was thought to have ties to the Mafia.
The history of this building is featured in the Newport Gangster Tour, which is run by American Legacy Tours. On this tour, you'll learn about the history of Newport, as well as the various nefarious activities that once took place here. After hearing these stories, it's not surprising that many have reported ghostly activity inside The Newport Syndicate.
As the bar was likely involved in mob activity, it's thought that some unsightly activities took place there… and that some of those spirits continue to haunt the area. Workers and guests have reported odd feelings and ghostly happenings, although nothing has ever been made official.
The Newport Syndicate has always been a place that is known for good times, and any time you have the chance to visit for an event, you should. It’s filled with history, has a vibrant atmosphere, and you might even spot a ghost or two who are waiting to welcome you to this haunted bar in Kentucky. Have you been to an event at The Syndicate? Have you toured Newport to learn about its intriguing and surprising past? Let us know in the comments!
For more information on this town and the Newport Gangster Tour, check out our previous article here.
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