Hotel at a Glance: Springville Inn

Four of Springville Inn's guests have called the inn home for nearly 100 years—resident ghosts known simply as the "Young Man," "Little Girl," "Woman," and "Old Man," that is. The ghosts aren't malevolent, according to the staff. Rather, they lead a quiet existence in the oldest section of the inn, which was built in 1911. Local historian Jeff Edwards believes that the ghosts "moved in" when their bodies were stored on ice in the upstairs rooms, awaiting transportation to the morgue in Porterville.

• Best place to spot a ghost: The "Woman" is most often seen wandering the second-floor hallways, the "Old Man" prefers the kitchen, and the "Young Man" sticks to the bar and grand staircase; the "Young Girl" hasn't been seen in years.
• Phantom flirt: The "Young Man" has been known to brush up against women to make his presence known.
• Home-cooked meals: are served at Stagecoach Bar & Grill Wednesday–Saturday nights from 5–9 p.m.
In-room comforts: western pine furnishings, country quilts, and murals of the night sky

Springville, California: Historic City Overlooking the Sequoia National Forest

The city of Springville lies on the cusp of the Sequoia National Forest in central California. The forest is home to some of the world's largest trees—sequoias can grow to nearly 300 feet tall and more than 100 feet in circumference. To see the trees close up, head to nearby Balch Park, which has a few giant sequoias and a small lake ringed by hiking trails. Off in the distance, the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevadas provide ample opportunity for hiking or skiing, depending on the season. Tall granite domes are common in this range; Dome Rock is popular with visitors.

Springville was first settled by pioneers back in 1849, and there's still a lot of history to be found here. It's worth it to spend some time exploring Main Street. There are a few historic homes and buildings within walking distance of Springville Inn; many contain small cafes or shops.