Estes Park, CO
Remember The Shining? The long hallways of the spooky Stanley Hotel may have inspired Jack Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” meltdown in Stephen King’s famous horror flick, but the hotel owners insist there are no evil spirits lurking in this historic hotel from 1909. Don’t get them wrong -- there’s still plenty of paranormal activity here, just not of the creepy-evil variety. Among the friendly spirits are American businessman Freelan Oscar Stanley and his piano-playing wife Flora -- they’ve both decided to stick around their stately hotel that once catered to the early 20th century’s rich and famous. Hear Flora play a tune on the music room’s piano, catch a glimpse of “F.O.” strolling the lobby and -- if you stay in Room 217 -- be pleasantly surprised to find your bags inexplicably unpacked. The dearly departed chief housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson has a particular affinity for the room, and treats guests to extra housekeeping services from beyond the grave. That friendly gesture may just warm your heart … in between giving you goose bumps.
