If you like your Halloween with a little dirt under its nails, drive south. On Saturday night the Callahan Emporium throws its Halloween party, and it is nothing like a quiet hotel bar. It is a one-night-only gathering in a tiny mountain town, and it is the rowdiest, friendliest room in the valley.
Saturday, October 31
Where: the Callahan Emporium, on Highway 3 in Callahan. The flyer lists 5801 South Highway 3.
When: 8 PM until finish.
Who: 21 and over. Bring your ID.
Wear: a costume. They are encouraged and recommended, and the wilder the better.
What you might find
Honestly, it is hard to say, and that is the point. You might see hula hoop dancing. You might see a shirtless rock star. You will almost certainly meet a biker, and you may park next to an RV that has seen Burning Man. Whatever you find, you probably will not find it anywhere else.
If you are only in the area for a few days, this is the night to come. Callahan is a town of a few dozen people at the south end of Scott Valley, and the Emporium has been its gathering place for generations. The building started out as the Baker Hotel in the late 1800s, and the antique bar came over the mountains from a saloon in South Fork, according to Jefferson Public Radio.
The women who make it
Chelsea, Jami and Shasta make the Emporium what it is: a place where people can let loose and be themselves. All three of them are great energy to be around, and this valley is profoundly lucky to have them.
Two things to bring
A dollar for the wall. Sign it, staple it up, and leave your mark with everyone who came before you.
Cash to tip well. Chelsea runs the bar as an independent woman while raising a family, and she gives a great deal to this community. Nights like this one happen because of Chelsea, Jami and Shasta, so take good care of all three.
Getting there and getting home
Callahan is about 15 to 20 minutes south of Etna on Highway 3. There is no taxi or ride share in the valley, so choose a sober driver before you leave. The highway is dark, and deer, elk, bears and large birds, owls included, cross it at night. Go slower than you think you need to. There is really no rush. Check Caltrans QuickMap before you go.
Making a full night of it? Start in Etna with Trunk or Treat on Main Street at 5:30 and the party at The Garage from 7, then head south. Our Halloween in downtown Etna post has the details.
Stay the weekend
Blossom Sanctuary is a private retreat house in Etna, about 15 to 20 minutes from Callahan. Three bedrooms for up to six guests, a wood stove for the slow morning after, and coffee and tea included. Bring your crew, pick a designated driver, and sleep it off in the quiet.
See open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary. Halloween weekend is open as of this writing.
Blossom Sanctuary is not affiliated with this event. Details come from the event flyer; plans can change, so check the Callahan Emporium's page the day of.
