Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Usually, I decorate the halls and the driveway and everything in between with cobwebs, spiders, bats, and all things ghoulish. This year with a trip to Europe, a three-day snowstorm, and snowdrifts still covering the ground, I’ll light candles in my pumpkins and will call it done. But my trip to the Stanley Hotel earlier this month still haunts me….
Recently, my husband, Danny, and I drove to Estes Park to enjoy the fall color and stop by my favorite haunt, The Stanley Hotel. When I visited a few years ago, I had been the biggest critic and didn’t believe anything paranormal would happen. My paranormal experiences always happened randomly. But that night was insane.
I’ve been back a few times for lunch without nary a shiver, but this time was different. Back on Friday, November 13th, 2010, we experienced so much paranormal activity, even I couldn’t believe it. At that time the Stanley held daily ghost tours and only displayed The Shining movie and series photographs downstairs from the lobby.
Now, they have made The Shining and all things paranormal their brand. The hedge they planted last summer in what will someday be a maze, has grown to shoulder height in front of the hotel. The gift shop is filled with many items displaying lines from Stephen King’s movie. The ghost tour continues and they have several Halloween events and balls in the month of October and November.
Not sure why Mona Lisa is peeking at us from behind the mugs…
So, when we came back earlier this month, it didn’t surprise me that there was a wait for parking. It has become quite a tourist attraction. We had lunch in the bar and then walked around a bit.
When I peeked into the piano room, one of the haunted places in the Stanley Hotel, well, you’ll see. I actually saw it while recording and almost shut off the camera too soon.
Here’s the video tour and the strange occurrence.
Proof of paranormal activity or proof that I’m over-reacting? You decide…
What do you think? Was it a reflection of some kind? A trick of the eye and my iPhone? I looked back in the room several times, but there wasn’t any direct sunlight.
Even though I wasn’t home much of October, I still decorated the inside of my house. It is my favorite time of year, after all.
Will we don our Morticia and Gomez Addams outfits? Some traditions have to continue no matter what the weather.
What do you believe? Do you think it was paranormal, or a trick of the light, a reflection from something? Would you have looked twice or dismissed it?
Click for more adventure on the Wild Ride!
Happy Halloween!
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
Hi contact me asap
LikeLike
Cool place to visit. It looks so innocent, doesn’t it? Happy Halloween, Susie.
LikeLike
Mwahahaha! Right?
Happy Halloween to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m not sure I’d sleep well in that place, but just for a visit it might be okay (if I didn’t watch the movie again). What an imagination Stephen King has, to make The Shining out of a location like that.
LikeLike
He actually stayed there in the 1970’s and witnessed paranormal activity, himself! Nothing like the movie, of course. LOL! Twins, naked ghouls in bathtubs, and possessions….
Happy Halloween, Anneli!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely a paranormal experience – best watch out. Ghosts are like bedbugs – one might have hopped in your luggage and is waiting until dark to reemerge!
LikeLike
That is so true, Jan. That has happened to me before. After my overnight stay at the Stanley, something poked me while in bed for the next three nights!!! This time, I hope I shook them off in Europe…
Happy Halloween!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK Susie which one of you is directly related to cousin ‘It’ ? And where do you keep ‘Think’ when you’re traveling about. I bet Roxy and Thing get along just great together. All of those scratchings and pettings on Roxy.
LikeLike
Right? Roxy would love Thing. We dressed up once again, but only 13 trick-or-treaters showed up. Next year, Halloween is on Saturday night. It’s going to be WILD!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a wonderful hotel but not sure I’d like all the spooky paranormal stuff. Love your Adams Family costumes, it really is a hug deal out in the States isn’t it? We have never done anything for Halloween really, not very important in the UK. Great to dress up though, always loads of fun.
LikeLike
My sister, Patty, and I are going back to stay at the Stanley in 2020 on Friday the 13th. LOL! I wonder if it will be as crazy as the last time. I pretty much shut down the paranormal awakenings six years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, but a few have slipped into my conscious state. 🙂
Halloween is a big money maker here with parties, costumes, cards and a night of trick-or-treating. It’s one of my favorite holidays since it’s a national costume party! As a kid, it was a big deal when I was allowed to go with my friends. So in that respect, it’s also a coming of age event. Mostly, it’s a night where everyone can forget who they are and become someone else!
That said, Danny and I went as dead people from the Titanic after the movie premiered. After meeting tons of people at a party, I went home and looked at my blue hideous dead face. I totally forgot what I looked like! LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s never been that big a deal in England although I think it’s now growing year on year. Anything that gets people dressing up and having fun is okay in my book and the fact that the whole family can get involved together is just great. Hope you enjoy the Friday 13th night. Could be seriously over the top and a lot of laughs (and screams).
LikeLike
Right!
Actually, Halloween is a kids’ night, but we dress up to give out treats and decorate. There are adult parties and events leading up to Halloween. I should host one next year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really should. It’d be great. Send us an invite ….
LikeLike
I have a secret. 😉
LikeLike
I bet!
LikeLike
I love that spooky old place! Sensitive or open conscious people should be forewarned
(It’s not Halloween without your Morticia. – Friday 13th there – now that’s worth thinking about!)
LikeLike
Exactly! The vibes are real. I do wonder how it will be next year since I pretty much shut down my sensitivity. You never know!
Yep, we dressed up for our 13 trick-or-treaters. LOL!
LikeLike
Cool! Have been there twice, but no such experiences. But it’s neat to hear others, like yourself (who is haunted, by all your accounts! 😉 ), who have weird things happen to them there!
LikeLike
Hey Frank! Great to see you!
I really didn’t think anything would happen again, and then I recorded the piano room. Whatever it was, really caught my eye as it happened! That place has so much energy. I wonder what will happen next November 13th. I bet if you stayed overnight, Frank, something would creep you out!
LikeLiked by 1 person