Happy Friday the 13th! A few weeks ago I had a chance to participate in one of the most unique walks I have ever taken throughout Downtown San Jose. I joined the San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. The guided one-mile journey takes participants past buildings steeped in decades of dramatic events and reported hauntings while at the same dropping tons of fascinating history of San Jose.

The experience began under the prominent arch at Paseo de San Carlos and wound through areas tied to everything from Wild West saloons and brothels to brewery tragedies to sorrows at San Jose State University. Stories shared included the former Sainte Claire Hotel, where spirits have remained active, and the last public lynching in the US at St. James Park.

I learned so many new things from the tour. I don't want to give too much away, but did you know Trials Pub used to have a jail in the basement where several people died, and the remnants of the cells are still there directly beneath the dart boards? Multiple people have reported ghost sightings at Trials as well as unexplained bruises when collecting darts.

On the other hand I also learned that the concept of quicksilver (mercury) mining actually came from Indian tribes. While there was so much fuss about the gold rush, more money was made mining quicksilver at the New Almaden Mine in San Jose than ANY individual gold mine in all of California.

This tour succeeded in blending in documented local history with accounts of shadow figures and unexplained phenomena. Anyone drawn to unique perspectives on local heritage will find this tour delivers in compelling fashion. The walk has offered distinctive way to experience Downtown San Jose after dark and the tour guide was fantastic!

All of the tours start at 8pm and are relatively kid friendly (ideal for older kids). Reserve your tickets at https://usghostadventures.com/san-jose-ghost-tour/ or https://lizzie-borden.com/ghost-tours/san-jose/

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