Monday, September 7, 2015

Inspirations from a "Haunted Hotel"

Got a chance to finish the summer off with a trip to Colorado. Such a beautiful state.
Visited Manitou Springs and Estes Park and let me tell you, living in the midwest you really appreciate the scale and power of nature. While in Estes Park, I got a chance to visit the Stanley Hotel for the second time. It was much better this time because I gave myself enough time to enjoy it a bit more and even have a whiskey at the bar- unfortunatley the bartenders name was not Lloyd.

I was amazed that the Hotel embraced "The Shinning" commercialy.
The gift shop had books, hats and room 217 plaques (as well as keys for 1408)
The basement level had a nice little display and tour area for both the Kubrick film as well as the TV adaption. They actually planted a Hedge maze- (2015 it said) out front. That was not there the last time I was here. It was only about 3 ft tall, so it was pretty easy. Even the restroom was a bit creepy...thought I was going to run into Grady. I also saw posted the flyer for the Stanley Hotel Halloween mascarade ball. How awesome would that be...




All in all, it was a great way to start September. We will be returning to our big party this year after a few years of retirement- just can't seem to let it go. Time to get to work and start enjoying the best time of the year!


Next fall it looks like Sleepy Hollow and Salem for my inspirational trip so any suggestions or tips for that would greatly be appreciated!
The October Boy

Also, on a side note- The wife's phone camera flipped upside down while taking pictures in the Stanley......it mysteriously "fixed" itself after we left. Makes you think.....