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<h2><strong>The Haunted Legacy of Spouting Horn Restaurant in Depoe Bay, Oregon</strong></h2><h3><strong>Introduction: A Coastal Gem with a Ghostly Past</strong></h3><p>Depoe Bay, Oregon, is known for its dramatic ocean views, the world’s smallest navigable harbor, and the iconic Spouting Horn—a natural blowhole that sends seawater shooting skyward in spectacular bursts. But beyond the scenic beauty lies a chilling tale: the Spouting Horn Restaurant, a landmark that served locals and travelers for decades, is steeped in ghostly lore and maritime mystery.</p><h3><strong>Origins of the Spouting Horn</strong></h3><p>The restaurant began life in the early 1940s as the <strong>Spouting Horn Inn</strong>, perched above the roaring Pacific. Its location offered diners an unparalleled view of the ocean and the famous blowhole. During World War II, the upstairs rooms were rented to the U.S. Coast Guard, housing sailors tasked with patrolling the Oregon coast for enemy submarines. This military connection would later become central to its haunted reputation.</p><p>By 1951, Betty Taunton and her husband took over operations, transforming the inn into the Spouting Horn Restaurant. Betty’s homemade pies became legendary, drawing crowds for decades. The restaurant remained in the same family until its closure in 2014, after which it was reborn as <strong>The Horn Public House &amp; Brewery</strong>, retaining its prime oceanfront view but shedding none of its eerie allure.</p><h3><strong>Ghostly Encounters: The Sailor in the Window</strong></h3><p>The most persistent legend involves the apparition of a sailor. Visitors and passersby have reported seeing a spectral figure gazing from the second-floor windows—believed to be a Coast Guard serviceman who once lived there during WWII. Employees claimed the ghost was mischievous, moving cutlery and startling staff during late-night shifts. Paranormal enthusiasts describe cold spots and unexplained noises echoing through the building long after closing time.</p><h3><strong>Why the Haunt?</strong></h3><p>Theories abound. Some suggest the sailor died tragically during his coastal patrols, his spirit tethered to the place he called home. Others believe the building’s proximity to the ocean—a liminal space between land and sea—makes it a magnet for restless souls. Whatever the cause, the Spouting Horn’s haunted reputation grew, cementing its status among Oregon’s most famous paranormal hotspots.</p><h3><strong>Depoe Bay’s Haunted Neighborhood</strong></h3><p>The Spouting Horn isn’t alone in its spectral fame. Nearby, <strong>Gracie’s Sea Hag Restaurant</strong> reportedly hosts lingering spirits of devoted patrons, while the historic <strong>Yaquina Bay Lighthouse</strong> in Newport tells tales of a ghost named Muriel Trevenard. Lincoln County, rich in maritime history, seems to harbor more than its share of ghost stories, making the area a favorite for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.</p><h3><strong>From Past to Present</strong></h3><p>Today, The Horn Public House &amp; Brewery occupies the former Spouting Horn space, offering craft beer and coastal cuisine. While the décor has changed, locals whisper that the sailor’s spirit remains. Patrons occasionally report strange sensations—an unseen presence, a flicker in the corner of the eye—reminders that history never truly leaves.</p><h3><strong>Visiting Tips</strong></h3><p>If you’re planning a trip:</p><ol><li><span></span><strong>Respect the property</strong>: It’s a functioning business, not a ghost tour.</li><li><span></span><strong>Enjoy the view</strong>: The Spouting Horn blowhole is a natural wonder worth the visit.</li><li><span></span><strong>Stay curious</strong>: Ask staff about the building’s history—you might hear a chilling tale or two.</li></ol><h3><strong>Conclusion: A Story That Lingers Like Sea Mist</strong></h3><p>The Spouting Horn Restaurant’s haunted history is more than a spooky anecdote; it’s a reflection of Depoe Bay’s layered past—where rugged beauty meets human stories, and sometimes, those stories refuse to fade. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, one thing is certain: the legend of the sailor in the window will continue to haunt Oregon’s coast for generations.</p>