Manhattan's Oldest House Is Said To Be Haunted

Manhattan's oldest surviving house went up in Harlem Heights in 1765, and George Washington once ran his headquarters from these rooms. Its longest resident, Eliza Jumel, is the ghost paranormal investigators keep coming back for. Exterior renovations close the interior for now, and the park-like grounds stay open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. For the inside story, book the free, reservation-only walking tour ahead and arrive with daylight to spare for photos of the white columns.

From Jumel Terrace, a five-minute walk lands you at Blue Mountain Heights on West 158th Street. The kitchen runs from 1 PM until half past ten every night, which leaves plenty of room after the grounds close. Order the oxtail or jerk chicken, then add pepper shrimp and plantains for the table. This Washington Heights cafe and bar is one of the few table-service spots nearby, and weekend brunch plus happy hour specials stretch the visit when the group wants another round.

Plan this one as a late afternoon in Washington Heights. Reach the mansion by 3 PM, give the grounds an hour, and cover the roughly five-minute walk to dinner before the light fades. Book the walking tour ahead and keep dinner flexible, with the kitchen open late every night. The grounds suit dry weather, while the dining room covers a chilly evening. The pairing works on mood, with history and ghost stories first, then a warm room and Jamaican classics to talk it all over.