July 26-27 Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

Left Rocky Mtn National Park and headed to historic Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909 as a guest house for the Stanley's (yes, of Stanley Steamer). Was not officially a hotel til the late 40's. Is rumored to have several ghosts that reside there, so we couldn't wait to get a "haunting". (Reports that a maid still cares for room 217, children run through the halls on the 4th floor, and a playboy still plays in room 401). Took a ghost tour and got the scoop, had dinner at local restaurant, then let the kids wander, ghost hunting. Also learned that Stephen King stayed at the hotel in the 70's and was inspired to write "The Shining" in 7 days after staying there! Sadly, kids had nothing to report- they were disappointed, but had fun looking. Morning we headed to town for souvenier shopping, after morning coffee on the "veranda" overlooking the mountains... had to say goodbye to Estes Park.