LaFortune: San Jose is scary

As we officially start our roll into the long holiday season, it is my pleasure to point out just how quirky, funny, joyful and creepy San Jose can be. This month, let’s have some Halloween fun and visit some scary places we love.

If you haven’t been in a while, it is time to go back to the Winchester Mystery House. It is iconic and probably the most-haunted house in the country. If you’re looking for a scary new adventure, try their latest curated experience, Unhinged: Hotel.

Definitely among the best of the Bay Area this Halloween, the new journey invites you to step into a labyrinth of darkened halls and attempt to navigate a haunted immersive maze. Of course, there is a story too. It starts when a stranded group of friends seek help. Little do they know that the seemingly empty hotel is hiding dark secrets. The Winchester Mystery House wants to know, “Are you brave enough to step inside and uncover the dark secrets hidden within the walls?”

Add a touch of history, culture, family-friendly fun and free admission with the not to be missed, action-packed Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The Annual Avenida de Altares (Avenue of the Altars) is a jam-packed and uniquely San Jose event. This truly special tradition invites you to honor those who have passed, experience rich Mexican traditions and celebrate all life through art, music and food.

The heart of the festival is the curated altar walk, featuring spectacular altars created by local artists. These incredible installations provide stunning tributes to our ancestors, inviting reflection on the beauty and meaning of Dia de Los Muertos.

Once you’ve explored Avenida de Altares, don’t miss La Plaza’s festive grounds for activities that celebrate the spirit of the holiday. This event is packed with entertainment and activities that include music, Day of the Dead-themed Lucha Libre wrestling, art exhibits, performances, plus handcrafted art, clothing and accessories from local creators, traditional treats including micheladas from Michelada Lady, wine, beer and more. Remember that the event is free, but registration is encouraged.

Remember too, any time of year can be scary when you visit some of San Jose’s legendary haunted spots. Have you checked out these?

On your way to the top of Mount Hamilton, Grandview Restaurant is one of our favorite places. Their farm-to-table food and drinks are as spectacular as the amazing views of the South Bay. And perfect for the season, there is a ghost too. An ethereal young girl is rumored to be a frequent guest. She has been spotted by diners and may just be the explanation for the flickering lights throughout the restaurant.

Have you seen the Quimby Road jogger? Spirit maps list 3799 Quimby Road in East San Jose as the spot where you won’t want to go for a late-night jog. The Quimby Road jogger has staked claim on this creepy road and has been spotted by those driving through the area. Try to catch a glimpse before the ghost disappears into the hills.

The delicious and beautiful La Forêt Restaurant is one of San Jose’s most historic dining establishments. It sits next to the Almaden Quicksilver Mines in the former and first, two-story hotel in California. Known to house quicksilver miners during the California gold rush, it operated as a boarding house before becoming a restaurant in the 1930s. La Forêt’s comfortable and elegant atmosphere makes the perfect special occasion environment for spiritual encounters.

We don’t have a specific address, but along Hicks Road, south of Camden Avenue to the Almaden Reservoir, is a haunted stretch that has bred many scary stories. Ranging from cults to UFOs, the most popular urban legend of Hicks Road suggests that an angry albino colony, full of witches and recluses, still scares off trespassers on the road.

Last but definitely not least, if all this ghost chasing is making you hungry, and certainly this time of year has you craving pumpkin spice, you don’t want to miss a visit to another San Jose classic: Peter’s Bakery. This time of year, their legendary burnt almond cake has a seasonal pumpkin twist — a delicious way to end a scary jaunt.

Beware and enjoy!

San José Spotlight columnist John LaFortune is the president and CEO of Team San Jose, the nonprofit parent company of Visit San Jose, the city’s official destination marketing organization. Team San Jose also manages the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and entertainment venues including the California Theatre, the Center for Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater and San Jose Civic. Contact John at [email protected].