A Hotbed of Hauntings

Halloween is in the air and houses across the nation are decked out in all their demonic finery. While most of what we see is fun and festive, a handful of homes and buildings are steeped in mystery – stemming from spine tingling legends and real life nightmares.

Given our location in what was once the Wild West, our little region of Northern California has more than its fair share of hauntings. The California State Library is home to its very own spectral guest in the second floor reading room, specifically the California history section. The most common sighting is that of a (transparent) older man with glasses studying historical books. This other worldly visitor may also be behind the many lost books that mysteriously reappear on the shelves where they belong.

The Perrault House on was once a commonplace for light bulbs bursting, fuses blowing, and even the occasional levitating purse or telephone, while the record store on K Street is also known to entertain guests from other centuries. Many shoppers have crossed paths with a woman dressed in Victorian garb. Word is she prefers the basement, and insists on quiet, as she has no qualms telling others to keep it down.

Sacramento-specific locales aren’t the only places spirits stick around. The Woodland Opera House is home to a couple of paranormal entities. One may possibly be a firefighter who perished when the original building burnt down in 1892. Another may be a music lover who enjoys lingering with guests.

The Stonehouse Brewery/Building in Nevada City (along with the nearby National Hotel) are also known to have special visitors. The rugged and beautiful building is situated over tunnels where Chinese immigrants were killed. Both locations were featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures.