Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!
THE WASHOE CLUB (PART 2)
Stepping into a town like Virginia City, Nevada is like traveling back in time. And I kind of love that. Strangely, the second that Ryan Cultrera and I arrived in town, I felt a sort of comfort in my surroundings. I’ve only been there once before, but it was an inviting and warm – and of course a little creepy – feeling. This tiny little town is home to a ton of shops, bars, and a number of tourist friendly places for those looking for something spooky. However, it doesn’t feel like what one would call a 'tourist trap.' It's more than that. When we arrived, we checked into the Silverland Inn & Suites, and we were immediately made to feel welcome. My only complaint is that I decided to bring in too much lighting and camera equipment at once, leaving me with a literal pain in the neck – more on that later. And then it started, Ryan and I joined Nick Groff, Tara Bohren, Ryan McLeod, Justin Narragon and Stacy Iardella for a paranormal experience.
While I spent quite a bit of time at Washoe, my strangest personal experience happened at a little place that I mentioned in part one called The Mackay Mansion. Remember that neck pain I brought up? Well, as Saturday carried on into dusk, the pain that I was having increased. Once I arrived to take the tour at the old mansion that night – courtesy of Halen Dessaussois and Katie Hughes – my neck was feeling horrible. Yet I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Especially when a door upstairs slammed shut on its own, right before we were about to begin the tour. However, I soon found that I was beyong just hurting. It was in agonizing pain. What had been bearable before suddenly was excruciating. It was so terrible that I thought I’d have to see if there was a nearby urgent care facility. Finally, I gave up. I told Ryan that I was heading back to the hotel, and told him he should stay and take a few pictures and continue with the tour/investigation. As I walked off the property, I began to notice that my pain lessened. In fact, it was such a drastic change I was questioning how I would suddenly feel better once I stepped off the property. Even with that experience, I absolutely need to return to this amazing property.
All in all, our visit to Virginia City was an eye opening experience. One that will likely always stay with me. And of course, taking on this hidden treasure of a location with Nick is always a brilliant experience. And just in time for October, I have a special treat! Instead of Nick answering a handful of questions in print, our gracious host took a moment out of his busy Virginia City schedule to chat with us inside The Washoe Club. In fact, our interview took place in the very room where he saw an apparition so many years ago. You can check out our conversation above. Last but not least, I’d like to thank Nick, Ryan and of course Tara, Ryan, Stacy and Justin for helping make this one hell of a memorable weekend. As well, special thanks to both Halen and Katie for giving me a scary experience that I’ll never forget. If you ever have a chance to visit this lost in time town, I highly recommend you take it.