“Here’s Johnny!”

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Poetry

When we were visiting our son in Colorado, one place on his itinerary was Estes Park, and it’s in Estes Park where The Stanley Hotel is located, which is where The Shining was filmed, based on the book by Stephen King starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Although, the brilliant author disapproved of the film adaptation by Stanley Kubrick, even so, our walk around the grounds and inside the hotels was fascinating.

I’m not a horror fan, but I watched this genre in my teens. And yet, some images stick with me like super glue, unlike my husband who enjoys these movies for their creativity, costumes, and makeup, and who doesn’t take them seriously. Those horrific images that follow me through life such as from The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror are why I don’t watch them anymore. 😳 But now I’m going to contradict my words because I remember The Shining, vaguely, and I kind of want to watch it again now that we’ve walked through the hotel. Note, I said kind of.

“Honey, maybe we can watch The Shining on Halloween night,” I suggested. “But I need to have at least one light on.”

“Sounds fine, but I wouldn’t want any lights on. Where’s the fun in that?” He replied.

No decision between wife and hubby has been made yet. TBD.

There are several properties on the grounds, and we arrived in the evening, checking into our hotel, then enjoying a delicious dinner at The Post Chicken and Beer restaurant. We stayed at The Aspire which is part of The Stanley Hotel, so as guests, we were able to walk throughout the campus. I believe the hotel above is where the interior shots of the movie were filmed, but don’t quote me. I’m not versed in the history or details. Lights around the trees created a magical experience while we did what tourists do.

Can you tell I love lights?

Pulled from the hotel website:

Discover historic elegance and natural beauty at The Stanley Hotel, founded in 1909 by F.O. Stanley. Nestled in the heart of stunning Estes Park, Colorado, our iconic hotel is just minutes away from the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park and conveniently accessible from Denver Airport.

Immerse yourself in the rich history that inspired Stephen King’s masterpiece, The Shining, as you explore the corridors and rooms that echo with tales of the past. But The Stanley is more than a literary landmark – it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences.

Explore our diverse offerings, from a number of tours to magic shows, concerts, and exceptional dining experiences. With 41,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space, The Stanley is also the perfect backdrop for weddings and gatherings, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the US.

Whether you’re captivated by history, the allure of nature, or seeking a touch of magic, The Stanley Hotel beckons you to an extraordinary escape where each moment is timeless. Choose from four unique experiences for your stay: The Stanley Hotel, The Lodge, Aspire Hotel & Spa, and The Residences. Book now and embark on a journey where history and hospitality converge, creating lasting memories in a place unlike any other.

For the sake of October’s festivities, here are some quotes from the movie (besides, “Here’s Johnny!”:

  • “Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters” 
  • “The world’s a hard place. It don’t care. It don’t hate you and me, but it don’t love us, either” 
  • “Redrum” (written on a door, which is “murder” spelled backward) 
  • “I and others have come to a belief, that your heart is not in this. That you don’t have the belly for it,” said Delbert Grady to Jack. 
  • “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” 

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I hope you enjoyed reading about the historic hotel, and the photos from our trip. If you’re a horror flick fan, kudos to you! You’re braver than me! I’m too much of a scaredy-cat! And believe me, if we watch The Shining, I’ll win! At least one light will be glowing! 👻

Happy Friday, and have a goosebump-good weekend! 🎃

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a beautiful day! 💙

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
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97 thoughts on ““Here’s Johnny!””

  4. Big S. King fan here. I’ve visited Estes Park but it was when I was 16 and we didn’t check out the hotel. Sounds like you had a cool time while you were there. Having read the book prior to seeing Kubrick’s interpretation, I was also disappointed in the film adaptation. Too often directors think they know better than the authors on how to create a good story. Kubrick was brilliant, a legend, but he dropped the ball with The Shining. But that hotel is really something else. I’d love to visit sometime.

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    1. We had the best time, Mike, and I’m not surprised that you’ve been to Estes Park. Maybe you’ll get to visit the hotel in the future. I hope so because it was fascinating! I haven’t read the book, but it jumped out at me during my last Target trip. 🙂 So I bought it and hubby is reading now, then I will. We’ll probably watching the movie, but that light will surely be on! Thanks for adding to the topic. Have a good day, my friend.

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  5. I enjoyed this post very much, Lauren! “The Shining” still creeps me out, and I’ve watched all of the classic horror movies numerous times. Most of them don’t leave any impact on me anymore. “The Amityville Horror” still scares me, though. Yes, you should watch “The Shining” on Halloween since you’ve been to the hotel. It will be more meaningful.

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    1. I’m glad you did, Dawn! The Amityville Horror left the worst impact on me. Yikes! We probably will watch The Shining because, you’re right, it’ll be more meaningful (but with a light on). 🙂 Thanks for popping in!

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  6. I’m a big scaredy-cat too and can’t watch any of those scary movies or read the books. It would be fun to visit the Hotel though. I visited a ghost hotel in New Mexico once which was cool.

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  8. I’ve seen both the Shining and the sequel Dr. Sleep several times. I think they are great movies, but then I don’t mind horror movies. It is very cool that you visited the Stanley hotel. I am curious if you stayed overnight too.

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    1. I’m glad this post resonated with you, Thomas. We stayed in The Aspire which is part of The Stanley. I didn’t want to stay in the original hotel – too much of a scaredy cat! 🙂 And I hope I can make it through the movie. Thanks for stopping by.

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  9. Hi Lauren, I know a few scenes from the shining – like jack riding a bike in the hall? but never saw the whole movie and like you – I totally do not want to watch this genre. – or read it. I am sensitive to what I put in and I guard that carefully because for me, it matters. – And like you, I did watch some of these movies back in the day – liek the Freddie movies- hahaha
    ***
    Oh I had no idea that Stephen King disapproved of the film adaptation- hmmm

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    1. Oh, I watched the Halloween and Friday the 13th movies too, Yvette, but no more! I didn’t know that about Stephen King either, so it was interesting. We may watch it for Halloween, but I guarantee that a light will be shining. LOL

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  10. I thoroughly appreciate your position on the horror genre. (not my style at all) As I have never seen the movie in question (but have hear the quotes and seen the memes forever), I was fascinated with the post of the location. xx your sister under the black out eye mask

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    1. I’m glad you found this location fascinating, Annette, since you’re not a fan of this genre either. And thanks for the smile! It was a fun trip, and if we watch the movie, I may have to do a follow up post. 🥰😳

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  11. The Shining is one scary movie Lauren 👻 even now, watching would need lights on 🙄.
    It does look a mighty grand hotel though.
    Thank you for sharing your lovely photographs
    Much love dear friend xoxox
    🥰❤️🥰

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      2. BOO, Maggie! 🤡 That’s why we didn’t stay in the actual hotel. I probably would’ve had nightmares! 😳 So we stayed in The Aspire, another in the group on the grounds. That was okay for me. 🙂 Hugs and love and talk soon! 🥰💕

  12. WOW, what an adventurous trip Lauren! Looks like a pretty fabulous place to visit. Loved The Shining because it was pretty funny with the Jack Nicholson antics! 😜 Thanks so much for sharing special moments from your trip and have a FANtabulous weekend my friend! Cheers! 😍🥂😘

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    1. You’re the first who said The Shining was funny, Kym! LOL I agree though, no actor could’ve have done a better job than Jack! I’m glad you enjoyed this post, and I wish you the same, dear friend! Cheers! 🥂🥰❤️

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      1. I think I only felt that way because I was watching it with my husband…not that it wasn’t a nail biter that kept me on the edge of my seat! 😲 But I think because your title is “Here’s Johnny” it was more entertaining than let’s say “Chuckie!” 🤦🏻‍♀️ Cheers my dears! 😁🥂💖

      2. I get it! And Chuckie creeps me out too! And even I meant the title to be kind of comical too, and eye catching. LOL We’ll see how I do when I watch it with hubby. You’re so funny, Kym! Many hugs! xoxoxoxox 🥂❤️😁

  13. I saw The Shining in a theater with some college friends. We saw in front of us by several rows some guys from the frat we were living in for the summer. They didn’t see us. (Sororities closed for summer, but fraternities rented out rooms to boys and girls.) Anyway, we left the theater and wrote Redrum on those boys’ doors with lipstick! They totally freaked out.

    In spite of the scary movie, it looks like an amazing place to visit and stay.

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    1. OMG, Elizabeth, what a prank to play on the guys, but so funny! You girls were clever! It was an amazing and interesting place. I’m glad we had the chance to visit. Thanks for adding to this spooky topic. 👻🥰

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  14. Great pics Lauren, Looks like you guys had a fun trip and I agree with your hubby about the lights lol. How about a couple of jack o’ lanterns with flickering candlelight? Enjoyed this and enjoy the weekend.🎃🎃🎃

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    1. Thanks, Ernie, and a light will be shining for the viewing of The Shining. LOL Otherwise, I’ll get freaked out. 🙂 Hmmm, you gave me a good idea. We shall see and stay tuned for an update. Haha! I’m glad you enjoyed this and have a good weekend too! 👻🤡🎃😁

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    1. It was fun to see the actual hotel, Michele, and like you said, the grounds were beautiful. I’m glad you enjoyed this. I like to shake things up now and then. Thanks for being brave enough to stop by! 🥰🎃👻

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  17. What a fun place to visit. Of course, it’s just the location where the film was made and that makes it less frightening. I don’t watch horror movies. I live alone and don’t like being afraid. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I love the sign about the people you love becoming ghosts inside you. Never thought of it that way.

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    1. I hope that if we watch the movie, it will be less frightening for me because I’ve seen the location for filming. Fingers crossed and lights on! I didn’t watch those movies when I lived alone. And no more, except this one out of curiosity. I loved the sign too and felt the way you did. Thanks for chiming in, Jan! 🥰

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  18. What a cool tour loaded with history and spookiness, Lauren. Although, I don’t do scary it sounds like you will have good company with your husband watching with you! Boo! 👻
    Perfect Timing to share with Halloween! 👻 🍁👻

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  19. I don’t watch scary films either. Anything that has a lot of gore or violence in it just doesn’t do it for me. That said, I have seen the iconic scene with Nicholson peering through the door. The last scary film I watched was Carrie, which was decades ago. The hand coming out of the grave scarred me for life. 😎

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    1. I never saw Carrie, Pete, but I saw enough horror films to know that I won’t watch them again. But I may watch The Shining again since we’ve now seen the hotel. It makes it more interesting, and maybe it won’t be as scary. That’s a long shot though. 🙂 We shall see. 👻

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    1. I’m hoping that if I watch it again (with a light on) it won’t be as scary since we’ve seen the hotel. I’m hoping that the filming of it and mechanics will make it more interesting. But my hopes may be a very tall order. 🙂 And that is a creepy scene! 😳

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    1. I hope you get the chance, Beth, because the ‘campus’ was beautiful, especially at night with the lights, and it was interesting. I hope that if I watch it again, I’ll be more interested in the filming aspect and less creeped out. I think this is a big wish, but we shall see. 😳🤗

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  22. Horror movie? No way!🤭 But Stephen King is great. I’ve seen that Christmas is shining there already. It’s a lovely place that surely gives memorable experience, Lauren.

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  24. I LOVED this post soooo much, Lauren! When Delaney was in school in Boulder, we’d find reasons to head to the Stanley and explore the Estes Park area. It’s fun and one day…we’ll have a chat about the trouble my friend Linda and I got into there. That mountain backdrop…oh boy. Thanks for the fun memory lane moments. xo! 😉💝😉

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    1. I’m SO glad you loved this post, Vicki! It was fun to work on. Our son created an ambitious itinerary for our short visit, but we did everything and we’re glad we did. And it’s cool that you have great memories of Estes Park and The Stanley. Oh, you have me curious now! LOL Thanks for chiming in! xo 🥰❤️

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  25. Glad you had an interesting trip to Colorado, Lauren. I don’t think I knew the hotel was in Estes Park, which we visited a few years ago, though on a return trip our dear friend pointed it out.

    I hope you are having a great weekend!

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    1. We had the best time with our son, Steve, and visiting Estes Park and The Stanley were highlights. The next morning, we woke up at 5 am, got ready, and drove to Rocky Mountain National Park about 25 minutes away, and watched the sunrise at Bear Lake. It was stunning! Anyway, the weekend has been good! Thanks and have a good one too!

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  26. Neat post, Lauren. That sure is an interesting place. Fab photos, thank you!

    Actually, I’ve watched The Shining once, and that was quite recently. For a horror, it is very good.

    It’s hard for me to be scared by movies. I bummed the whole place out when I saw The Exorcist and burst out laughing during the BIG exorcism scene.

    I’m watching Tremors, Them and Tarantula on Halloween! Of course these are kitschy horror movies. Lots of time for 3.

    Have a great week! xoxoxoxo

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this ‘spooky’ post, Resa! LOL And you are so much braver than me! I take horror films too seriously, but I’m hoping that if we watch The Shining on Halloween (with a light on), I’ll be more intrigued because of visiting the hotel. We shall see! Oh my, you have a line up for Halloween movies! Have fun! Boo! I have arachnophobia too, so Tarantula is off my list! Thanks for popping in and hope you’re having a great week too! 🎃👻 xoxoxoxoxoxo

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      1. The hotel is really cool. So, keep the lights on and enjoy what will not be as scary as the first time.

        That’s right, I remember you have arachnophobia. Well, all of the movies I’m watching are so camp, they’re hilarious.

        Best to you and yours! xoxo🎃👻xoxo
        I cannot believe it is mid October already!

    1. I’m happy to make you laugh, Ritish! I think I’ll win the battle, but still TBD. 🙂 I’m glad you loved the photos. It was a fun place to visit, and if you get the chance, bring a nightlight! LOL Thanks for popping in! 👻

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    1. Thanks for being brave enough to check this post out, Edward! 😂 I didn’t see The Omen and I never will. I still want to watch The Shining though on Halloween b/c our block is dead (no pun intended) and it’s a Friday night. But I need the courage! My husband is reading the book now, which I’d like to read, but I’ll ask him how scary it was. Good sleep is precious to me. 🙂

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      1. I saw all of them, terrifying! My son wants to watch Scream in Halloween; at least that one isn’t going to mess with my sleep. He also wants to watch The Shining, but we’ll see about that one.

      2. I didn’t see any of the Scream movies either. I think I stopped watching horror decades ago. I’ve seen the Friday the 13th movies, and since we’ve been a camping family, those are a bit unnerving. But seeing the hotel of The Shining inspires me to be brave. LOL Maybe I’ll be less scared and more intrigued. One can only hope. 😁

  29. What an interesting location, dearest Lauren and I love the tree lights, and the message about our loved ones being ghosts who live inside us. I can’t watch horror films….like you, images stick from my teenage years. Not for me! Much love to you and Matt. Xxx 🩷✨🩷

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    1. I’m glad you liked this post, Jane. It was a fun place to visit, and the lights were magical. I thought that message was worth taking a photo for…no horror films for you either? Okay, I’m not alone then and that’s good. 🙂 Much love to you and Tim too, my friend 👻🥰 xoxoxoxo

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