Hunting the haunted: Peninsula's Winking Lizard Tavern

The Winking Lizard Tavern that sits next to the Ohio and Erie Canal has numerous spirits and even a ghost. Many employees believe that the bar area is haunted by the ghost of a woman from the 1920s. The tavern's staff often joke that the ghostly spirit is attracted to the alcohol spirits. Strange things have occurred in the building over the years. The canal trail is also rumored to be haunted.

History
The Winking Lizard Tavern was originally the Peninsula Inn which was built in 1850. It eventually became the Peninsula Nite Club, later closing in 1980. It reopened as the Wizards of Za in 1986. Finally, it became the Winking Lizard Tavern in 1922, which is still in operation today.

Haunted History
The tavern is rumored to be haunted by a woman from the 1920s. Most of the staff have personal stories of encounters that they have had near the bar. Many people have had things happen to them that they can't explain. Some of them claim to have seen the ghost. Just outside of the tavern is the Ohio and Erie Canal and spirits seem to be drawn to the waterway.

Location
The Winking Lizard Tavern is located at 1615 Main Street, in Peninsula, Ohio.

Be sure to check out John's other columns:
Akron Paranormal Examiner
Cleveland Haunted Places Examiner

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Many locations that are listed in John's Hunting the Haunted series require permission to visit or investigate. Most of these places are patrolled by the authorities and trespassers could face fines or possibly even be arrested.

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