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The building is constructed of locally fired brick used in the Federal style type
of architecture. The porch of the second story circles the original structure. The
wooded area behind the hotel was once a terraced vineyard, and built into the hill
area were several cave type structures used for the storage of various types of alcoholic
brews that were served in the tavern located in the hotel. One of these cavelike structures
can be viewed at the rear of the building today. In the 1920's, during prohibition, a moonshine
still was operated in the basement of the building. This area is now operating as a gift shop and
the office for the Trail Inn.
Sold in 1898 by W.E. Hitchins for the sum of $1,250.00 to the Aspinal family, the structure was converted to a
private residence. The building was bought, sold and remodeled many times in the ensuing years until it fell into
a state of disrepair. The building was purchased and restored by William R. Davis in 1989. John & Beth Sayler
then purchased the property in 1997. The nine additional buildings were added at that time and housed the cafe and
several gift shops. The Tunnel Hotel is currently listed in the Maryland Historical Registry.
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