Packed with enough arts, museums, restaurants and culture to go against any U.S. metropolitan area, our very own Carson City stands out as a place we’re extremely proud of to call home. Take a walk through Carson City’s historic district or a tour of the Legislative complex on Carson Street and you’ll see why.
When the Nevada Commission on Tourism launched its Nevada Treasures contest as part of its “Discover Your Nevada” campaign, it was a no-brainer for us to vote on those Capital City places and events that are favorites not only among visitors but fellow Carsonites. We all
have our favorite stops, funky coffee shops and museums we want the world to know about. So why not tell the rest of Nevada and the world which places in Carson City stand out and that no one should miss when they’re here.
Vote for your favorite places through 5 p.m. Friday, March 30 and be sure to tell your friends to vote, too. The top 20 treasures in each territory will then go on to round two, which begins at 9 a.m. April 2 and ends at 5 p.m. Go here to vote. The list is long, so be sure to scroll through it.
As a psychic I have had many wonderful experiences at the homes in the historic district of Carson City. And again this year I will have the privilege to introduce attendees on the Ghost Walk to one of my favorite Carson City spirits.
This year for the Ghost Walk I will be at the Rinckel Mansion telling of my experiences at the mansion. I am excited to be doing the Rinckel Mansion this year as I am especially fond of Louise Rinckel who was the last one in the family to live in the house. Louise has always interacted with me when I visit the Rinckel and I am really looking forward to spending the day with her and hoping she will assist me with the tours.
To this day Louise still watches over the home along with her father. Louise keeps to the downstairs much like she did during her last days at the mansion. Mr. Rinckel can often be seen standing at the top of the staircase. This house is still alive with the Rinckels who were very much a part of molding Carson City in its infancy.
The Bliss Mansion will also be on the tour this year. This home has to be one of the most elegant in Carson City. The home was originally built on a burial ground. It was first an Indian burial ground and then became a cemetery for the poorer residents of Carson City. I believe the house is partly haunted by some of its first residents. I have had many experiences at this mansion. Being able to tour this home is not to be missed as it is now a private residence and not generally open to the public.
I will never forget coming down the stairs at the mansion and stopping at the landing that looks down at the front door to see the entry filled with men and women from the 1800’s shedding their coats and hats. They had come for one of the Bliss’ many parties.
Bliss Manison
The past owners of the mansion had let me take a visitor through the home while they were away. When I came to the door and started to turn the knob to go in I heard an old woman telling me not to forget the dog. I had to let the dog know it was me before going in… We captured an EVP just a second before I called out to the dog of an old woman telling me “Don’t forget the dog”.
The bedroom that overlooks a very large tree we met a little girl who wanted us to play with her. Our recorders caught her asking us to “swing.” Listen closely and you will hear her soft voice in the background. I have often wondered if that large tree once had a swing.
I was getting ready to open another door of one of the bedrooms when I heard a voice saying that I should not go in the room. But I remembered no one was staying at the mansion that day. When we reviewed our recorder on tape was a woman’s voice telling me not to come into that room.
Bliss Bungalow, currently a bed and breakfast will also be on the tour. If you walk up to the house quietly, you just might see a woman with dark hair sitting in one of the chairs on the porch. This is a woman who until about 2 years ago was the caretaker of the bungalow. She passed a couple of years ago but loved the home so much she visits it often. Also, I have never walked into the kitchen of this home without being greeted with a kind “Hello” from a woman spirit. If you walk around the corner and look up at the windows, you just may be lucky enough to spot three women from the Victorian era looking out the window. These three women are all related. Two of the sisters used to live in a small home across the street which is now torn down. The third woman is their cousin and she had a home just south a block or two from the bungalow.
When you go on the 19th annual Carson City Ghost Walk pay close attention during your tour and see what experiences you have in these wonderful haunted homes.
The Carson City Ghost Walk is on October 22, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. With tours leaving every half hour. Tickets in advance are $15 and $20 at the door. Children under 4 are free. Tickets are available at the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1900 S. Carson St. and online at www.brownpaperticket.com/event/193745.
Louise Rinckel and I are looking forward to your visit!
Janet Jones is a local psychic who has been investigating the haunts of Carson City for over 20 years.
Whether it’s taking in motorcycle rides, Community Theater, a ghost walk, wine tasting or a charity golf tournament, there’s plenty of events lined up this weekend in Carson City.
All weekend long Carson City Harley-Davidson, is hosting numerous activities to coincide with Street Vibrations activities throughout Northern Nevada. Let the good times roll Friday and Saturday, with music from eight different bands, demonstrations and at least 40 vendors selling everything from helmets and clothing to hamburgers and beer at the five-acre Research Way dealership. 2900 Research Way
Among the event highlights include Jason Pullen, who will perform stunts at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Live Fast Motocross with freestyle demonstrations at noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The below video is just a glimpse of what you’re in for.
Friday, September 23
The Silver State Stars present “And Then There Was One Too,” at the Carson City Community Center 7-9 p.m. The murder-mystery comedy play is a continuation of the popular Agatha Christie take-off comedy, “And Then There Was One.” The Play features 10 characters brought to a house on Cable Car Cliff for a masquerade party. Once G. Reef’s body appears, the guests start to accuse each other. One by one they hit the dust until two characters are left standing, the butler and maid. They believe that they committed the perfect crime, but it ends in a twist, and is filled with hilarious gags and dialog. For more information, call (775) 883-7900.
Warren Engine Co. No. 1 presents “Light Your Fire at the Governor’s Mansion,” in the Nevada Room of the Governor’s Mansion from 5-9 p.m. Live music by Mike and the Liabilities band, catered hors d’oeuvres, no-host bar, raffles and silent auction. Unveiling of recently restored circa 1900 chemical fire suppression cart. WECO began in Carson City, June, 1863 when Nevada was still part of the Utah Territory. The company is the oldest volunteer fire company west of the Mississippi River and probably the oldest continuously operated fire company, having provided uninterrupted service to this community since its inception.
Saturday, September 24
Play a round of golf this weekend to benefit breast cancer programs with the 10th annual Stroke to Help golf tournament hosted by the Soroptimist of Carson City. The format is four-person scramble; players choose to play Eagle Valley East or West Course. Cost: $85 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast and barbecue. Check-in time for the Eagle Valley Golf Course tournament begins at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Seek what mystery lurks behind the doors and windows of historic downtown Carson City haunted spots. Join Madame Curry for a 90-minute ghost walk through Carson City as she tells tales sure to spooky tales of local haunts.
Sunday, September 25
In the mood for wine? Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary will host a wine tasting at Aloha Discount Wine and Liquors. The cost is $30 per person, which includes: wine, complementary glass and snacks. Buy your tickets now at the CTRH Auxiliary Gift Shop, located in the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center Lobby or at Aloha Discount Wine and Liquors. 4555 S. Carson St., Carson City
A walk through Carson City’s historic district is always a unique ghostly experience. Let me guide you through some ghostly highlights before you venture out on your ghostly adventure.
Beginning on W. Robinson St. and the corner of Hwy 395/Carson St. you will find the Nevada State Museum formerly the U.S. Mint. I believe there are many spirits in this building but the most notable is a spirit of a man in the “ghost town” section of the museum. Take a few moments to quietly listen and watch, see if he will appear for you.
Just behind the State Museum on the corner of Curry & Robinson you will find a large white building that was once a lovely home. On the side of the house facing Robinson there were once daffodils planted below one of the windows. It has been widely reported that a little girl spirit picks the daffodils and then tries to bring them inside with her when she walks through the wall. Unfortunately, the daffodils are found on the ground outside the window as they cannot go through the wall as she had.
A couple of blocks up on Robinson you will come to the Bliss Bungalow, currently a bed and breakfast. If you walk up to the house quietly, you just might see a woman with dark hair sitting in one of the chairs on the porch. This is a woman who until about 2 years ago was the caretaker of the bungalow. She passed a couple of years ago but loved the home so much she visits it often. Also, I have never walked into the kitchen of this home without being greeted with a kind “Hello” from a woman spirit. If you walk around the corner and look up at the windows, you just may be lucky enough to spot three women from the Victorian era looking out the window. These three women are all related. Two of the sisters used to live in a small home across the street which is now torn down. The third woman is their cousin and she had a home just south a block or two from the bungalow.
As you continue walking up Robinson Street you will come to the Bliss Mansion. This is currently a private residence but definitely one of the most active homes in Carson City. The mansion was built on an Indian burial ground which also became a burial ground for the poor of Carson City. I have met many, many spirits in this home. We estimate at least 35 roam these grounds. I will never forget coming down the stairs and stopping at the landing that looked down at the front door to see the entry filled with men and women from the 1800’s shedding their coats and hats. They had come for one of the Bliss’ many parties.
Bliss Mansion
My friends who once owned the mansion had let me take a visitor through the home. When I came to the door and started to turn the knob to go in I suddenly remembered to call out to the dog and let him know that it was me. We captured an EVP just a second before I called out to the dog after an old woman who told me “Don’t forget the dog.”
The house was empty but as I came to one room and began to open the door I heard “don’t come in here.” I hesitated and then realized no one was in that room. When we reviewed our recordings, sure enough there was a voice of a woman saying “don’t come in here.
The bedroom that overlooks a very large tree we met a little girl who wanted us to play with her. Our recorders caught her asking us to “swing.” Listen closely and you will hear her soft voice in the background. I have often wondered if that large tree once had a swing.
The Bender home which is across the street from the Bliss Mansion has a lovely ghost that likes to bake. The owners have enjoyed the delicious smells coming from the kitchen for years.
You will now turn the corner and head down Mountain Street. You will come to the Krebs-Peterson House which was used in John Wayne’s last movie “The Shootest.” As you stop in front of the home, look up at the second floor windows. This is a small sitting room and sometimes you can catch someone looking out those windows down at you. This home has a number of spirits but I have always found one in this room looking out watching the world go by.
Walk down about one block and you will find a large old tree, it even looks haunted! Usually when we do our October Ghost Walk we have a witch hiding behind this tree. Have one of your friends stand next to it and take their picture. Don’t be surprised if you find beams of light across their face or orbs. This tree rarely disappoints and always worth a photo opportunity.
Now go back about a block and turn down Spear Street and head back towards Carson Street. When you reach the corner of Division and Spear you will be in front of Orion Clemens home (he was Mark Twain’s brother) which is now a law firm’s office. Next to the home you will see a small bungalow attached. This was once the servant’s quarters. This small building has a young woman spirit who might have been a maid for the Clemens at one time. She will occasionally move things. But the most recent activity at this home was a few months ago. I was sitting in the maid’s quarters and kept catching something out of the corner of my eye. I would see shadows dart by. My friend who has an office there asked me if I was seeing them too. Well, before I left her office we both saw a shadow man walk behind a large tree along the sidewalk and never come out the other side. I left my friend mumbling to herself in amazement because she had never experienced seeing a true spirit. I always love to witness someone’s first experience!
If you are interested in learning more about the Carson City resident ghosts, you will have an opportunity on August 20th on a 90 minute walking tour led by Madame Curry. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour. You will meet Madame Curry on the corner of Curry & W. Third just behind Firkin Fox restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau gift store at 1900 S. Carson St. (located on the Nevada Railroad Museum property). (775) 687-7410 or 1-Nevada-1.
Written-by Janet Jones a local psychic medium who has been exploring the spirits of Carson City for more than 20 years.
The Carson City Ghost Walk is this Saturday, October 23.The Ghost Walk is a guided walk by period costumed guides through our historic district.A selected number of homes will be open for viewing and inside these homes will be actors dressed in period costume portraying historic characters who haunt the home or city.It is a very professional well done tour and very popular.The tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and leaves every half hour until 2:00 p.m.There are two different tours that leave each half hour.This year they are called “The Curses” and the “The Rumors”.
This year I was asked to do one of the locations as a true ghost hunt experience.I invited my friend Sandie to assist me on the tours.Sandie and I are both psychic/mediums.We work with a paranormal group called “The Thin Veil Investigators” and do ghost hunts nearly every weekend.
St Charles Hotel hallway with no orb
This summer I hosted a segment on a new T.V. series “My Ghost Story”.Sandie caught on video a claw on one of our hunts.This video was used on “My Ghost Story” and I narrated the story of our experience that produced this video.Thin Veil Investigators are currently working on 2-3 segments for next year’s season of “My Ghost Story”.
On the Carson City Ghost Walk we will be sharing our experiences at the St. Charles Hotel on the Cursers Tour.The St. Charles is one of the segments we are working on for “My Ghost Story”.
Our tour of the St. Charles will be interactive.We will explain what are normal feelings, reactions, etc. that happen during a live hunt.We will ask the tour to participate and let us know if they have been touched, have chills, feel dizzy, etc.
You will meet Steve a recent tenant that passed a couple of years ago.Steve loves his picture to be taken and loves attention.So bring your cameras and tape recorders.Steve will not disappoint you.
Then there is Phil.We call him Mean Phil.He has serious personality issues.He is always mad, even when he is happy.He can’t appear happy he has a reputation to maintain!Phil is also very territorial and likes to pull women’s hair…one or two strands at a time.Phil is too special to go out on the outside deck to smoke, so you may smell his cigarette smoke when you enter his room.
St Charles Hotel with blue orb bottom/center
Today Sandie and I went to the St. Charles to “rehearse” our tour and the order we wanted to do it in.The St. Charles’ spirits were very active today.Sandie and I both experienced dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing and temperature changes.
We went into Phil’s room to talk to him about the tour.Phil has to be coaxed and pampered.When we left Phil he was, of course, mad.A while later we were standing at the end of his hall and I looked down the hall, there was a darkness at the end by Phil’s door.Sandie said “Phil is throwing a tantrum about the tour.”And was he ever!The hall just got darker and darker.But Phil wouldn’t be Phil if he didn’t.If we now went and told him he wasn’t going to be visited by us on the tour, he would throw another tantrum and be mad that we were not including him.”Sandie will be giving Phil’s portion of the tour.She and Phil have a special relationship.She fights really well with him.The two of them together can be quite funny at times.Sandie knows just how to push his buttons.So no telling how he will behave.
We then went in to see Steve.Now this is a whole different animal.Steve is a great big guy and a happy guy.He embraces company eagerly.He will perform just to please.Steve is one of our favorites.Today he was very, very excited about the upcoming tour.I know this sounds silly but he really is excited.Remember spirits were people just like you and I.Just because you pass on doesn’t change who you are.
We went up to the third floor to see the old lady in one of the rooms where she undoes the bed.You make the bed and return awhile later to find it torn up.
While we were up there I took a picture down the hall.A small blue energy showed up on the wall.I wonder if it is not the little boy that resides on this floor who calls for his momma.(see photo and evp) st-charles-momma-evp2
Blue orb closer look
We visited a number of our favorite spirits at the St. Charles today.But I was so exhausted from them feeding off my energy.When I returned to work I found it difficult to work from being so tired.
Sandie and I are looking forward to Saturday.If Saturday is anything like today, I will be in bed by 6:00 p.m. that day!
Sandie and I are putting together photos, video and evps that we have acquired on our visits to the St. Charles to share with the tours.
Come share our experience at the St. Charles this Saturday.Steve, Phil, Larry and all the other spirits are looking forward to meeting you!
This October the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Carson’s Redevelopment Authority would like to invite you to brave the city’s oldest residents at “The Festival of Spirits” Ghost Walk. Travel through the haunted streets of Historic Carson City, Saturday October 23rd, and stroll into the regions spooky past. Choose from two different fully guided tour options leaving every half hour from 3rd and Carson Street and travel along the Historic Kit Carson Trail. For just $20 for adults and $10 for kids (6-10) you can enjoy a 90 minute tour packed with history, folklore, and fun. These two tours are sure to promise a frighteningly good time.
The Curses Tour takes you deep into the most haunted locations in Carson City. Encounter the Top Hat Ghost at the St. Charles Hotel. In the early 1800’s, this man was a former occupant of the hotel in room 216. Though his stay at the hotel ended, he never did “check out.” The Esser Home, Methodist Church, & The Brougher Bath Home will also give you a chance to connect with the other side. The tour will guide you through the locations that have made Carson City’s history so unique.
The Rumors tour takes you on a journey into the history and intrigue of Carson City. On the tour you will experience 6 hair-raising locations that make up much of Carson City’s checkered past. The Ferris Mansion is home to a bride who was married in the early 1900’s. The fully gowned ghost can be seen walking around the back gate of the property. The only vow she kept was to haunt this now famous location. The Piano is the focal point of the Edwards Home. Once a prize possession to the Edwards family housekeeper in the late 1800’s the piano continues to be dusted to this day by the dedicated partition. The tour continues with the infamous Krebs-Peterson Home. This home was the location of John Wayne’s final movie, The Shootist. For more information on Krebs-Peterson Home and all of Carson City’s historic homes check out the Historic Buildings page.
If you want to see a different side of the Carson Valley, make sure you come out for the Festival of Spirits. It is an experience to die for. For more information and to purchase tickets go to activitytickets.com or call 800-NEVADA-1.
Summer still has plenty to offer with events and activities like free concerts, affordable ghost walks, vintage train rides and golf getaways.
A fun family weekend awaits with the 25th Annual Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival in Washoe Valley, August 13 – 15. The festival features bands in the picturesque setting of Bowers Mansion Regional Park on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. Shows take place Friday and Saturday evening at the Davis Creek Campground. Tickets are $15 for adults and $3 for children ages 2 – 12. www.bowersbluegrassfestival.org.
There’s plenty of reasons to get jazzed up for the Carson City Jazz Festival as more than 100 artists and 25 bands will perform throughout the month of August. Free and low costs shows, from big band to swing. Visit http://jazzcarsoncity.com for tickets, performer and concert details.
For the more adventurous, rafting and kayaking excursions follow a stretch of the Carson River Aquatic Trail, through scenic Carson River Canyon with historic relics of Comstock gold mining. A 9.3-mile float on the Carson River ventures through Class II and Class III whitewater, bringing explorers downstream to Santa Maria Ranch River Park in Dayton, Nev. Call Great Basin Sports 775-450-3446 for information and reservations.
Ghost Walk Tours are a delightfully spooky way to relive Carson City’s Victorian Era. Madame Curry, one of the city’s founding ladies, comes to life to lead guided walking tours of the downtown district’s historic homes August 21 and September 25. Ghost hunters of all ages can learn about lingering spirits of the past, with haunting surprises.
Take a ride through time on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s vintage steam and diesel trains along 16 miles of newly restored track between Carson City and Virginia City. Operating though Oct. 31, the “Sisters in History” route includes scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada and Carson River, passes through two tunnels and by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and offers occasional sightings of wild mustangs. The V&T travels the same silver path paved by the excesses of the Virginia City mines of the infamous 1860s Comstock silver boom. For tickets, www.VisitCarsonCity.com or 800-NEVADA-1.
Ongoing summer activities include two local farmers markets, every Wednesday at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Park and Saturdays at Third and Carson Street. Carson City’s Wine Walks feature a stroll and sip tour of local eateries, the first Saturday of every month. More at www.VisitCarsonCity.com/events.
The last Friday of every month, the Nevada State Museum, home to the Carson City Mint, fires up Coin Press No. 1, a 12,000 pound minting press built in the 1860s, providing minting demonstrations for museum goers. Tickets are $8 per adult. Call 775-687-4811×239.
The Divine 9, nine acclaimed courses around the Carson City and Carson Valley area offer year round deals with quality golf and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. www.DivineNine.com.
A complete list of events is available on the events page. Those staying the night have a choice of 1,700 rooms at a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, RV parks and more. An array of culinary delights await visitors, with dining options for all tastes and budgets.
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