Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado by Lola Carter



The Stanley Hotel, known for its architecture, magnificent setting, and famous visitors, may possibly be best known today for its inspirational role in the Stephen King's novel, "The Shining." This Colorado hotel has been featured as one of America's most haunted hotels and with the numerous stories from visitors and staff, The Stanley Hotel continues to "shine" today, as it did in 1909 when first opened.

Forced by poor health to move West, F.O. Stanley and his famous Steamer arrived in Estes Park in 1903. Finding the town lacking in amenities, F.O. set out to change the local economy. On the 160 acres he purchased from Lord Dunraven, Stanley first built the main building of the hotel, one of 11 buildings in the original complex. Many of those original buildings remain in use today on the remaining 55 acres. Estes Park is the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park full of lush forests, thriving wildlife, and over 300 miles of hiking trails. From horseback riding to mountain biking, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to keep everyone in the family entertained. Enjoy the majestic scenery of the Rockies and the unique Colorado lodging The Stanley offers. There is no hotel in Estes Park more appealing and mysterious.

This is about Lord Dunraven…
One of the places it's said that Lord Dunraven hangs out is on the upper stair area. There are two stairs leading from the landing the left and one of the right. Women who walk up the stairs on the left often report feeling someone touch them, and occasionally will find pieces of jewelry missing or have them slip off and fall to the steps unexpectedly only to find that the chain or clasp that held it in place is broken.

This doesn't seem to happen on the right side for some reason. Not sure if it means anything, but at the top of the stairs is a meeting room called the Lord Dunraven room. Maybe he likes hanging out by things name after him?





Sunday, November 25, 2012

Argo Hotel in Crofton, Nebraska

A few years ago, I got the bright idea to visit the Argo Hotel in Crofton, Nebraska. The main attraction was that it was claimed to be haunted. This quickly turned into a girls night! Me, Jamie (sister), Mom (Gerry), and my daughter (Jessica) headed to Crofton, which wasn't too far away. It was a trip we made before Valentine's day, so of course there's always hazards with the roads and this town is located on Highway 12, a.k.a. the Outlaw Trail.

more to come...

Monday, November 19, 2012