Editorâs note: This is the first is a series of stories in October that will explore some of the more haunted places in and around Virginiaâs Potomac Communities.
MANASSAS, Va. — Manassas is a small city teeming with landmarks and a harried history that dates back to before the Civil War. One of these historical landmarks, the Olde Towne Inn, has its share of haunted history and paranormal activity that will make even the biggest skeptic a believer.
The Olde Towne Inn on Main Street in Old Town Manassas has been a local hot spot for residents to grab a bite or a drink, or for tourists staying in the Washington area. And while people may have come to expect great service and a good night in Manassas, what they may not expect is a ghost showing them a good time.
Inn employees and guests alike have reported strange sounds and sites on the property, with many of the reports coming from rooms 50, 52 and 54. One recent report of activity took place in room 54 at the hotel.
âThe wife reported the sound of something crashing to the bathroom floor, but said when she and her husband rushed to the door, absolutely nothing was broken. Although they felt uneasy, they tried to get some sleep,â said Lisa Sievel-Otten of the Manassas Museum.
While they may have tried to shrug it off, the spirit had other ideas, waking the couple by tugging on their mattress, which immediately alerted the couple, who searched the room to find it empty. Their initial reaction was that it may have been an animal in the room but could find nothing. Again shrugging off what had happened, the wife returned to the bed where she witnessed her husband levitating, before falling on to the floor from the bed.
And who is the ghostly perpetrator responsible for these reports? Many believe it to be from a Miss Lucy, a young and playful spirit from the time of the Civil War â a key time period in Manassasâ history.
The next morning, the couple reported the occurrence, and the staff replied, ââOh, thatâs Miss Lucy up to her old tricks. She usually stays in Room 52, but sometimes she wanders into rooms nearby,ââ said Sievel-Otten.
Was this the presence of a Civil War period other-worldy spirit, amusing herself by interacting with guests? Or is it simply an overreaction to a long night and a need for rest? Take a trip to see the Olde Towne Inn, and you may be able to discover the truth for yourself.
Want to hear more about the local haunts of Manassas? Then consider taking a Spirited Past Tour during the Halloween season, hosted by the Manassas Museum. The tours will take place at the end of October.
Recent Stories
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trumpâs directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the regionâs economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fireâs cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer fundsâdeveloper-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructureâor tap into the countyâs fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers âto the greatest extent possibleâ before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
âThis approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,â Gordy explained.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
