Is Snow Hill Country Club Haunted ? Have dinner and decide yourself

Ever had dinner with a ghost? Well here is your chance, Ghost Hunters! Snow Hill Country Club is haunted, and had been serving up “Dinner and a Ghost” nights on Fridays in October for the past 12 years. In fact, the place is so legendary, that it was featured on an episode of the Biography channel’s “My Ghost Story.” The country club is located just outside of Wilmington, on State Route 73. The “Dinner and a Ghost” nights feature food, fear and even an overnight stay.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten in many scary places, but this was our first “Haunted Food Adventure.” The food is pretty straight forward. On our two trips to the country club, buffet items included turkey and ham, while another night they featured ribs and salmon. The meal is rounded out with salad, a couple of sides and a dessert plate shared by the table, or possibly some cake.

But we weren’t here for the food, we were here for the ghosts. And Snow Hill delivered….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— “Dinner and a Ghost” features appetizers in the bar and a buffet style dinner. The menu has improved since the 1820’s and they wont be serving rabbit, steamed onions, venison and beef tongue anymore.

One of our dinners featured Ribs and Salmon

— After dinner, the hosts take you on a guided tour complete with historical information, sound recordings of unexplained voices, and even a couple of photos believed to be “supernatural.” Tour gurus include historian Kathleen Madison and Ghost expert/Paranormal Investigator Shelly Suittor. Supporting cast includes Ghost Hunters Kat Powell and Alicia Soich.

— After the tour, guests are encouraged to look around for about an hour and explore for themselves. During this time a few notable unexplained “phenomenon” have been known to occur.

— Attendees may purchase alcohol at a full service bar on the main level.

— There are 6 guest rooms, and groups may make reservations to stay the night for about 100 bucks per room. Included in the stay is “ghost hunting” all night, if you have the guts to roam the halls late at night. Even golf may be arranged during good weather.

— Snow Hill Country Club is located in New Vienna, Ohio at 11093 New Vienna Rd (Daytonians know this as State Route 73). Famous visitors have included Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary 1920’s golfer, Walter Hagen.

— Minimum groups for ‘dinner and a ghost’ are 12 people. Cost of dinner and tour is $45 per person.

Click to enlarge: What you think of the “orb” in this photo. Is it the sign of a spirit ?

MUST SCREAMS:

— Snow Hill was built and owned by the Harris family in 1820. It was a popular Inn and tavern up through the 1900’s. One of the oldest running businesses in Ohio, the country club is said to be haunted by spirits of past owners, family members and past guests.

— Many stories abound from the 70’s and 80’s like a man whom believed he hit a pedestrian in the road, but noone was found. Or records of police and firefighters responding to alarms and seeing unexplained light and movements throughout the house.

— The Food Adventures Crew had a few unexplained happenings during our two tours:

Big Ragu was taking photographs in the dark, damp cellar thought to be a passage for the underground railroad. In some of the photos, some circular orbs appeared, one very prominently. We were told that many ghost hunters believe these are tell tale signs of “spirits” in the room. To be honest, we do not know what to think, other than the orbs were strange and not in photos taken of the same place seconds earlier. The prominent orb in the photo had a distinct outline and almost looked to have “veins” running through it. Odd indeed. Is it a spirit? You decide.

The Big Ragu was in the storage area of the basement, when the door next to him opened about an inch and then slammed quickly. He looked around the room at the handful of people near him and they had that “oh crap” look on their face. Ragu opened the door and saw a dark empty hall with a staircase, there was nobody there. There was also a moment where the Big Ragu felt something grab his back pocket. He was unsure if this was a fan who liked his behind or a ghost.

Elegant, yet Spooky: Stay the night… if you dare

— During our 2nd visit to Snow Hill, one of our fellow guests took a photo of what appears to be an apparition in one of the bedrooms. Again, unexplained and just plain weird.

— Employees tell stories of glasses shattering, chandeliers swinging violently, and various apparition sightings.

— Recordings of various unexplained voices gave us goosebumps, especially one particular ghost that whispered the word “Becky” as clear as day on the recording. The voice was creepy like Golem from Lord of the Rings movies, or like someone who ate too much at Golden Corral.

— An 1880’s portrait photo of an man was found in a cupboard, and when locked away, would keep appearing in various open areas of the country club. One of the tour guests recognized the photo as her ancestor Thomas Wilson, a Civil War vet. Since being identified, it was found out that he was a former owner of the country club, purchasing it at auction in 1898. Since being identified, his photo has ceased moving inexplicably.

— A candlemaker tool levitated and slammed to the ground on a couple of occasions in front of various dinner party guests a few years back. The theory is that the ghost of the original owner, Mrs Harris, might not be keen on a “peasant tool” being allowed in her formal dining room as decor.

With Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for “Dinner and a Ghost” at Snow Hill Country Club. We were skeptical going in, and realized after 2 visits, some things happened that we couldn’t explain. Were they spirits from lives past? Look at our photos, listen to the recordings in person. Is the place haunted? Did we see “ghosts?” You decide…. and check it out for yourself, but we suggest you don’t go alone.

Click to enlarge: On our 2nd trip to Snow Hill a fellow guest took this pic. Is is a ghost?

So you want to get spooked? Want a frightening Food Adventure ??

Then contact Snow Hill Country Club and ask for a private Dinner and a Ghost Group (minimum 12 people). Tell them Food Adventures sent you!

Don’t forget, you can book an overnight stay and/or a round of golf !

For reservations contact General Manager Katie Gephardt at [email protected] or call her at 937-987-2491.

The Dinner and a Ghost website can be found HERE –>http://www.snowhillcountryclub.com/dinner-and-a-ghost/

For scary images, haunting plates and funny faces, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW FOR UNEXPLAINED AND DELICIOUS PHENOMENA !

[flagallery gid=62]

Delicious Shrimp Scampi Dinner at Arthur’s

Good pasta, pizza and more is what ‘wowed’ us at Arthur’s Restaurant. This Italian eatery is located in a spot that has housed many restaurants, Heck, we remember when this building at 5900 Bigger Road was a Pizza Hut in the 70’s. We hope it breaks the trend and becomes a mainstay. Arthur’s came with glowing recommendations from many friends, so we knew this locally owned restaurant deserved a spot on our Food Adventure hit list. We checked it out over and over, and we have never had a bad meal. Maybe that is because the chef, Louie, has been cooking for 33 years. He even spent 2 years in Italy, and 8 years in New York City honing his skills in various kitchens. The waitress we typically have for dinner is experienced, friendly and couldn’t be more helpful. She is a star. The lunch staff is attentive and always has some suggestions.

Manicotti, Baked to Perfection

So, you gotta try their food, but where to start? How about the Calamari appetizer? It is lightly fried and full of great seafood flavor. Share it with a friend and you will devour it in no time like we did. May we also suggest the Mussels in garlic wine sauce? We are talking Italian old school here. Another appetizer that you do not see many places in Ohio is Steamed Clams. Catch them if they are in season!

Many of the entrees come with a salad, and the house Italian dressing is our favorite. Then there are the rolls. These lovehandle causing little bites are irresistible. They are a cross between bread and a crescent roll, and are lightly dusted with butter and Parmesan cheese on top. Try and use your willpower, but it is futile, you will ask for more rolls. Let the battle of the bread begin.

Let’s talk pasta. If you love gourmet flavors and pasta dishes. At Arthur’s, he would suggest a winning entree of Shrimp Scampi. Large, garlic infused shrimp are perfectly sauteed and placed over linguini. The sauce is delicate with hints of butter, lemon, Parmesan cheese, basil and oregano. This dish is more than a few forkfulls, and may have you taking a to-go container.

Arthur’s Pizza: Magnifico !

The Big Ragu prefers the more traditional, tomato based or marinara sauce dishes. He found a favorite as well. It is the Manicotti dinner, which is simply exquisite. The entree is filling, yet one of the lighter tasting manicotti recipes that we have experienced. Served piping hot, these ricotta stuffed shells were baked and sauced with a light marinara. The finishing touch is covering in the manicotti with mozzarella cheese.

Two other specialties that we enjoy at Arthur’s are their Pizza and their Stuffed Rolls. Filling and cheesy on both counts. From the homemade crust, to the fresh ingredients, they have these menu items down pat. The pizzas are plentiful and they aren’t stingy on toppings. The same goes for the magnificent and large stuffed rolls. These picture perfect delights were eye-opening good.

Don’t forget their sandwiches! Arthur’s has one of the best Eggplant Parmesan Subs that we have ever eaten. The combination of the fresh bread, sauce, eggplant and cheese is a wonderland of taste. The sub will put a dent in your hunger, but not your wallet at $7.99. It even comes with a side salad or potato.

Want more to “mangia” (that means eat for you non-Italians)? There is a dessert at Arthur’s that is an absolute ‘must mangia.’ It is the homemade Tiramisu. Sliced like a pie, the taste is exceptional. The ladyfingers soaked in coffee liqueur matches the silky, whipped pudding foundation perfectly. If you miss getting a piece of this, we will have to call Tony Soprano on you.

Again, we share with you another little known jewel of the Miami Valley food scene. Locally owned with pride, Arthur’s is yet another place that keeps us “Foodies in our Forties.” On a side note, the same people who own Arthur’s own Palermo’s Restaurant on S. Dixie Drive. We only touched on the menu here, but other signature dishes include soups, open-faced seafood sandwiches and calzones. Arthur’s will also cater any event at 10% off the menu pricing.

If you have not yet visited Arthur’s, swing by for a $6.99 lunch deal. For that price you can keep coming back and trying various menu items. The dinner prices are reasonable, especially compared to other restaurants. Take advantage of their early bird special of buy one get one 1/2 off when you eat from 2pm-5:30pm. The dining room is casual, yet a perfect place to take a date for a romantic dinner. We were very impressed with what Arthur’s had to offer, and plan to come back many times. They do not have a website or Facebook page, so you will have to check them out in person. Take your own little private Food Adventure to Arthur’s and give this place a try. You just may see us in the dining room, eating like kings and practicing some off-color, Italian hand gestures !

Have you been to Arthur’s? If so, what were your thoughts on their menu? Please comment below and browse our photos from our Food Adventures to Arthur’s.

Are you a Facebook Foodie? Then”like” Food Adventures Facebook by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=30 name=Gallery]