East of Lake Tahoe is a small old west town with a saloon that was once the go-to spot for millionaires like Mark Twain. A fire at the turn of the century left the upper levels gutted and vacant, but history and ghosts remain.
One of my first paranormal investigations in the area took place at the Washoe Club, and I can tell you first hand that there's definitely activity there. If you didn't know this, I have mediumship abilities. When I investigated this place a few years ago, I channeled a prohibition-era mobster upstairs and a little boy in the first-floor saloon. (Yes, this place is an old west town but it's also very close to Reno, which would explain the mafia connection.)
Aside from its haunted history, I really love this place because it feels even more old west than Old Sacramento does. The first level is also a saloon, so you can stop by for drinks and good people watching.
Washoe Club is in Virginia City, Nevada, which is about three hours away from Sacramento and about a half hour from Reno. If you get motion sickness, beware...the road to get up to Virginia City is windy and exhausting. I got sick just driving.
This is especially cool for those wanting to take a ghost tour, but the town is full of history and therefore just a cool place to check out during the day.
Get more info about the Washoe Club here.
