Lerner Theatre is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a tech director who had a heart attack and died on the job. Witnesses say lights flicker and strange sounds come from the attic, and a ghostly figure, some say, can be seen in the second-floor box seats when you take a virtual tour on the theater’s website. Staff members say the misty “figure” is simply a newly installed high-backed chair, still covered in plastic; light reflecting off the plastic gives it a ghostly appearance.
Lerner Theatre
Winchester Mansion
The 1905 Winchester Mansion is home to the ghost of former resident Nellie Knickerbocker, some say. Folks working at the businesses housed in the mansion have noted the attic light coming on by itself, objects falling off shelves, and strange sounds. Reports tell us that when Nellie Knickerbocker was alive, she was a bit quirky. She liked the casket she bought for her husband William so much, she bought one for herself and put it in the foyer.
Ruthmere Mansion
Ruthmere Mansion is rumored to be haunted; witnesses say the ghosts set off alarms and sirens inside the mansion especially on Halloween. Some report the sound of phantom gunshots here as well. It should be noted that employees at the house museum say they have never experienced any hauntings here.
Hart Ranch and Museum
Silent film actor William S. Hart, who died in 1946, once owned Hart Mansion, and he, his sister and several of his dogs are said to live on here in spirit. Witnesses also have smelled fresh coffee brewing in the home. Rumor has it that Hart will only appear to those people he likes.
Mount Misery Road
Legends abound about this narrow country lane, including that of a Lady in White who walks along the roadside and a phantom of a man who committed suicide hanging from a bridge. Demon dogs, ghostly faces in tree trunks, unexplained lights and misty apparitions also have been reported, as well as a group of spectral men in black suits and Mary, who haunts the cemetery.
Sacramento Theatre Company
Five ghosts, maybe more, are said to reside at the Sacramento Theater Company. Pinky, a former stagehand, is the most famous. He was granted this nickname because his apparition has a pinkish glow. Witnesses also have noted footsteps on stage after closing, the figure of a man walking the halls, and flickering lights.
Earnestine and Hazel's Bar
Earnestine and Hazel’s Bar is rumored to have more than liquid spirits. Folks have reported apparitions on stairwells and in dark corners, and the jukebox always seems to play the song that best fits the situation, all by itself.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
One if by Land, Two if by Sea is a restaurant that was formerly a carriage house was once owned by vice president Aaron Burr. The haunted eatery is said to have 20 ghosts, including Burr’s daughter Theodosia, whose apparition has been spotted in the mezzanine. Witnesses have heard the clink of wine glasses in empty rooms, and several women in the late 1990s claimed to have had an earring mysteriously swiped while they were on the premises.
Iceland Ice-Skating Rink
Sacramento’s oldest ice skating rink is said to be haunted by the ghost of “Pops” Kerth, who was the father of Sacramento city councilman and mayoral candidate Rob Kerth. Witnesses say Pops makes his rounds at around 4 a.m.
Elizabeth Lake
Elizabeth Lake is famous for its creature that is said to live in its depths and come out at night to feast on local livestock and crops. The legend comes from as far back as the Spaniards’ first settlement here. Witnesses describe a sulfurous smell and eerie feelings when they are near the lake.
