Estes Park has long been a favorite day-out excursion with friends and family, and although it can seem very touristy, there are lots of fun things to do. Currently, my aunt (Aunt Banana) and uncle live there, and we spent the night at their house to have a little extra time to explore (and because we like hanging out with them!)
We had never been to the famous Stanley Hotel, although it is a grand presence above the lake as we enter town from the east. It is said to be haunted. We walked up from our parking spot on the main strip to get a closer look at this lovely example of Georgian architecture. Luckily, we encountered no ghosts.
What a gorgeous staircase; we learned later that the four different balusters on each step were designed to represent the four seasons.
What we didn't realize when we planned this trip was that the town of Estes Park is celebrating its 100th year this summer! Aunt Banana called to ask if we would be interested in touring the home of F.O. Stanley - not the hotel, but his actual home. This was definitely a unique opportunity, as the home is a private residence and not often open to the public. In the last hundred years, in spite of the property belonging to two families after the Stanleys, there are a surprising number of original details still in the house, including floor plan, woodwork, front stair case, wall paper, bathroom fixtures, and some light fixtures (although they were originally gas.) Other items that have been replaced still maintain period charm. The staircase in the Stanley home was the precursor to the one in the hotel. Unfortunately, the tour started in a side door and finished at another, and we never got a good glimpse of the front of the house, up close. However, we did learn that the home and hotel exteriors were originally a mustard yellow!
What we didn't realize when we planned this trip was that the town of Estes Park is celebrating its 100th year this summer! Aunt Banana called to ask if we would be interested in touring the home of F.O. Stanley - not the hotel, but his actual home. This was definitely a unique opportunity, as the home is a private residence and not often open to the public. In the last hundred years, in spite of the property belonging to two families after the Stanleys, there are a surprising number of original details still in the house, including floor plan, woodwork, front stair case, wall paper, bathroom fixtures, and some light fixtures (although they were originally gas.) Other items that have been replaced still maintain period charm. The staircase in the Stanley home was the precursor to the one in the hotel. Unfortunately, the tour started in a side door and finished at another, and we never got a good glimpse of the front of the house, up close. However, we did learn that the home and hotel exteriors were originally a mustard yellow!
When we returned from the tour into town, we ran into none other than Mr. and Mrs. F.O. Stanley! He commented to me about these crazy cars from the future. I thought that was funny.
It was fun to step back in time and learn a bit about what the Stanleys contributed to our state and society, from the hotel to the Stanley Steamer, photographic advancements, and his love of hand-crafting violins.
Besides the Stanleys, we had a quick trip through Rocky Mountain National Park, where we saw some beautiful waterfalls, and lots of creatures. It was a great day for the tour, and I may have found time for some sweater knitting.
I've never been there - never realized all there was to see. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures. We'll have to plan a trip there.
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