The Secret is Out

Tucked away in the middle of South County, Charlestown has always been one of the region’s best kept secrets. Divided by Route 1, part of it is rural and woodsy while the other part is full of secret beaches, coves, and nature preserves. Both sides o er a quaint New England atmosphere coupled with unexpected surprises such as shops, restaurants, and attractions that sneak up around every corner along scenic Route 1A. Driving Route 1, you may find yourself stopping and turning around to revisit something that caught your eye. Lately, the sleepy town has been getting lots of buzz and rightly so, with a revamped inn, headline-making James Beard award-winning chef, and popular everexpanding festivals that bookend August.

BY FAYE PANTAZOPOULOS

Named after King Charles II, Charlestown was incorporated in 1738 with the General Stanton Inn opening just two years later, making it one of the oldest inns in the country. George Washington once slept here, along with other US presidents Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, and George H.W. Bush. Fast-forward to today, the property opened in July for its first season after being treated to a $2 million renovation courtesy of new owners Jackie and David Moore, a visionary couple of empty nesters who returned to the state after raising their family in Simsbury, CT. Mindful of retaining the colonial charm, modern updates like air conditioning and Wifi have been added. Says native son David, “this historic inn needed a facelift and we welcomed the challenge.” Jackie nods, adding, “this summer our goal is to welcome guests to our newly renovated bedrooms which feature sumptuous bedding, each with a private newly tiled bathroom. We're confident guests at the Inn and the restaurant will relax and enjoy themselves.”

With rich history comes the lore of the inn being haunted. So, are there ghosts? “Oh yes, three sets of ghosts have been reported,” Jackie grins, explaining that the last General Stanton died at the inn in December of 1821 and is buried in the cemetery on the