We’re kicking off our October Halloween series with one of the most infamous hotels in America — The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Surrounded by mountains and mystery, this is the place that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, terrified Jim Carrey during the filming of Dumb and Dumber, and continues to attract ghost hunters and skeptics alike.
In this episode, we trace the eerie origins of The Stanley — from its visionary founder Freelan Oscar Stanley (the man behind the Stanley Steamer) and his miraculous recovery from tuberculosis, to the 1911 gas explosion in Room 217 that left chambermaid Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wilson forever tied to the hotel. We explore how this grand mountain resort went from luxury escape to haunted legend, and why so many believe its walls hold more than just history.
You’ll hear about Stephen King’s chilling night that sparked The Shining, Jim Carrey’s unexplained flight from Room 217, and the spirits said to linger — from playful ghost children to the Stanleys themselves, still hosting phantom parties in the ballroom.
We’ll also dive into theories behind the hauntings: the land’s ancient energy, tragic imprints from the past, and whether the Stanley’s mirror-lined halls might really act as a spiritual vortex.
So crack a cold one and join us as we check in for the night… because at The Stanley Hotel, the guests might not be the only ones who never leave.
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