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The tour begins at the corner of California and Taylor Streets, where Mina relates her creation as a vampire. Having been a vegetarian, she was plenty mad at first and had to be force fed on her way to San Francisco's Barbary Coast. When she arrived, the Barbary Coast was so bad that even vampires were afraid to come out, and she stayed underground for a long time. When Mina did venture out, though, she seems to have met all the most famous characters and she spins tales and tells all, from how a millionaire made his way from his home to his mistress across the street to how vampires helped build the Bay Area Rapid Transit System.

During stops at the Nob Hill Cafe, Huntington Park, Pacific Union Club, Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels, tour members learn about San Francisco history and vampire lore. It's all in good fun, though, as the cheerful, smiling Burns leads her flock to the tour's end at the Marines' Memorial Club.

We rate the Vampire Tour 4 stars out of 5 for its unique combination of history and entertainment. It's a pleasant alternative to standard evening activities. Be sure to dress warmly, it's usually quite windy on the top of Nob Hill and San Francisco evening fog makes it feel even colder.

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