Q: Is the hearse haunted, did it actually carry dead people?
A: Good question! And the answer is… YES! It IS a hearse after all? This 1992 Cadillac Hearse, did carry many dead in the grand state of Kansas, nope, Dorothy doesn’t live here - but don’t worry, chances are you likely wouldn’t have known any of its decedents anyway, at least we hope not. It is however, now able to carry the living impaired. With seating for four and seatbelts.
Q: Will we be forced to walk long distances and required to carry a gallon of water so we don’t dehydrate or must we wear layers of clothes to avoid hypothermia?
A: No and not so much. Although your “final destination” will require minimal walking to enter the location, the terrain is not suitable for everyone; this is not a walking tour by any means. You are welcome however, to bring a beverage that has a lid, in to the hearse, and we do recommend closed toe shoes, denim jeans and a sweater, after all we will be in a forest in the dark.
Q: So is this just a spooky history tour or will we be able to be involved in a paranormal investigation?
A: We will be sharing the history of the locations we will be visiting, however, this is far from a spooky history tour…your final destination will be at a haunted and very active undisclosed location, here YOU, and your party will be able to become the paranormal investigator, utilizing hand held equipment and communicating with those on the other side…those that are willing that is.
Q: Can I scream at the spirits and demand they make there presence known as seen on T.V.?
A: Ummm…Can I go to your house and scream at your grandma and demand she bake me cookies? No...please don't. We handle these investigations with the upmost respect and the responses that come through are not as a result of demands or taunting by any means. In fact we have been to these locations numerous times through out the years, and some of these spirits are known to us by name.
Q: Can you guarantee me a chance to spot or experience a real live, or real dead ghost, or will someone be jumping out of the bushes scaring the bee-jeesus out of me?
A: Alas, we did try to sign a working contract with the dead, but there union reps were unfortunately not so cooperative. Although we cannot guarantee activity for every tour, we can guarantee that you will more likely encounter an experience while on our tour, than not on our tour. Again “No”, we are not a Halloween side show, jumping out from behind the bushes or wearing masks…not unless you’re into that kinda thing then I am sure I can get one of our crew to oblige.
Q: I have paranormal equipment of my own, can I bring it with?
A: YES! As long as it is hand held. Please note, you are responsible for your own equipment should you bring some. So if it is damaged or lost, it is on you.
Q: Can I bring my kids with me on your tour, one is 8, 13 and 15 years of age, they are very mature for their age and I think they will have fun!
A: Mature you say? Well heck why… NOT! If you don’t mind taking your 8 year old into a cemetery after dark, talking about serial killers, trying to raise the dead, …oh and did I mention, driving in a HEARSE?? Heck we will happily give your junior ghost hunter, a Red Bull so they can stay up all night and perhaps a cigarette to calm their nerves while were there,... yes? NO AND NO! - YOU CAN NOT BRING YOUR 8 YEAR OLD on this tour. You must be 16 or older, and even 16 year old's will need to be accompanied by an adult. You nuts..??
Q: Will I bring something back from this location that I can’t wash off?
A: Ewww…let’s hope not! - Oh you mean of the ghostly kind? This location although active and has some strange energy surrounding it, has been cleansed & bound by a professional from the UK. In other words, any dark energy that previously existed, is unable to interact with the living, so NO, your head will not start spinning once your back home, nor will you begin to levitate on your ceiling shooting green vomit at your friends from 10 feet away - But if that does happen, please let us know, we want a picture! No seriously, the area in question is safe, and those spirits who are interacting with us are friendly and do so willingly, and are not of a negative nature.
Q: Can I take photos and video tape all of your awesomeness?
A: Yes and No. You are welcome to take photos with your cell phone and even record a short segment of equipment going off. However, NO professional video cameras or filming will be a allowed and NO video recording of any of the tour guides or information regarding the tour. We hope you respect this, as we all have families and not only would we like our privacy respected, but we also don’t want you to blast SPOILER ALERTS all over the internet, it ruins it for those who have not toured yet. Warning: The location we will be going to is known for getting the juice zapped of batteries, so don't be surprised if your phone or camera is no longer fully charged.
Q: Can you tell me what locations we will be going to?
A: Alas no, you will not be given this information until you are officially booked. The reason for this, is because Santa Cruz Haunted Tours, is LEGALLY permitted to be at said locations and we are fully insured for these sites. We are professionals and not only do we NOT want individuals trying this on their own, but anyone who is not legally permitted to be on the premises during regular business hours, will be “trespassing” and can be subsequently arrested.
Q: How long is the tour, can you give me a brief description?
A: The Haunted Hearse Tour, runs about 1.5 hour. Pick up and drop off in the hearse, will be to and from the Haunted Brookdale Lodge, so we will meet you there. We start at about 8 pm. You will learn the haunting’s of the lodge before we depart, but unfortunately we will not be investigating the lodge due to renovations which are scheduled to commence. We will then drive you to a secondary location for a little history where a tragedy occurred, and bust out some equipment, followed, by your "final destination" where we will commence with a paranormal investigation at a local haunted hot spot. Using actual equipment and interacting with the other side. If we have some strong activity and participants are willing the tour may go a little over.
Q: What days are the tours available, and I have a special event, will you work with me on days you’re not typically open?
A: Glad you asked! We are typically open, Thrs, Fri, Sat, and sometimes Sunday. And YES! If you have a special event for a party of four on a day were not typically operating, if given advanced notice, we can work with you. Although there may be an additional fee involved.
Q: Are you only open around Halloween?
A: Another good question! NO – We are open as long as the weather permits. Typically we do close for the winter months, due to rain or very cold weather, not to mention the holidays. However, we are open about 8 months out of the year. Our current closing date for the season is December 15, 2018 – with an expected reopen date around April or May of 2019 – depends on the weather.
A: Alas, No. However, the Brookdale Lodge, is OPEN for hotel accommodations’ so if you really want to have an amazingly haunted evening, I highly recommend, reserving a night at the haunted Brookdale Lodge the evening of your tour.
Q: How do I learn more about your group, I understand you are seasoned investigators?
A: YES! We ARE the Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters and have been investigating since as early as 2009. The locations we will be taking you to, we have researched and have investigated for many years. If you would like to learn more of our investigations and research please feel free to visit our website at www.santacruzghosthunters.com
Q: One last question, can I become a tour guide or maybe drive your amazingly awesome spooky hearse?
A: Actually YES! We will be seeking out a tour guide and driver for next season or maybe a tour guide / assistant manager. Those individuals hired for the position will require to be trained in paranormal investigating and all drivers MUST have a clean driving record.