Business & Tech
The Inn at Maple Grove Offers Fine Dining...and a Ghost
In addition to a good meal, guests can try to catch a glimpse of "Charlie," the resident ghost who occupies this historical Alburtis establishment.
Tucked among the winding roads leading up Bear Creek Mountain, The Inn at Maple Grove is not only a fine dining restaurant, but also a charming part of the Lehigh Valley’s history.
Built in 1783 as a place for saw and grist mill laborers to rest, it is now haunted by a ghost named Charlie (who is introduced to you at the top of The Inn’s menu).
There are two widely-known stories that might have led to Charlie’s appearance: an Indian was rumored to have been hung in the “common room” and a hotel guest was rumored to have been murdered in a closet on the second story. Unsure of which story has led to the ghost, the staff at The Inn has named him Charlie and can vouch for some of the strange occurrences he’s caused.
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The dining room at The Inn is a quaint place to enjoy a quality meal. It’s dimly lit by old-fashioned globe lanterns and candles on the tables, with small vases of fresh flowers to add color. The ceiling’s wooden beams and stone walls give the place a warm, rustic vibe and the 1920s music is kept at a low volume. The large fireplace makes quite a statement when you walk in the door, and is the most common area the ghost has been seen.
The Inn’s menu is largely seafood, with many shellfish appetizers and entrées like Stuffed Flounder, Broiled Scallops, and Lump Crabmeat. There is a nice selection of steaks (what The Inn is known for) like Filet Mignon and Prime Rib, a section of veal options like Veal Marsala, and a small list of poultry dishes including Chicken Olivia.
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On the “Light Fare” menu, you can find burgers, sandwiches, and smaller versions of their main entrées for about half the price. Just try not to fill up on the inch-thick bread and butter.
My meal: Broiled Crabcakes with a house salad and the “Vegetable Du Jour” (broccoli and cauliflower). The crab cakes were delicious – lightly breaded and moist. However, I think the “Vegetable Du Jour” could have been a little more interesting, given the price, so I have to give it a 4/5.
Details:
2165 State Street, Alburtis
610-682-4346
Hours:
Open 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5-10 p.m.Saturday. Closed Sunday, except for private parties.
Price range:
$$$ (the average dinner entrée is about $19, so head here to celebrate something special)