Lightning Strikes Historic Wayside Inn | Annapolis News

Lightning struck the historic 246-year-old Wayside Inn in Ellicott City, sparking a fire that damaged the lobby, guest rooms, and basement—forcing a month-long closure. Owned since 2018 by innkeeper Joe Xu, who kept it running through the pandemic, the inn’s old-school charm and rumored ties to George Washington and John Quincy Adams now face a major setback. Fire crews contained the blaze by 5 PM Saturday, but utilities remain shut off until safety inspections are complete. Repairs are ready to begin once insurers assess the damage, with reopening hoped for in about a month—though Xu’s calling it “seriously unlucky.” Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/73eee1eacca5955d