When you think of ‘The Shining,’ your mind likely immediately goes to the hotel where Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) spirals into madness. While this iconic horror film has made its home there for decades, where exactly did it originate from?
Stephen King was inspired to pen The Shining while staying at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. To this day, Room 217 of this historic hotel remains popular with visitors.
Timberline Lodge
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is one of the greatest horror movies ever made, following struggling writer Jack Torrance as he takes on the job of winter caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel. But soon enough, solitude, writer’s block, and supernatural elements start to get to him; his family begins to suffer in his wake as Jack spirals into madness.
The exterior shots for the Overlook Hotel were shot at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon. Conversely, interior shots were captured on soundstages at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England.
Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon is a classic northwestern lodge that stands the test of time. Constructed during the Great Depression and now a National Historic Landmark, this historic structure features accommodation, an old-world lobby area, and an exhibition center.
Portland to Beaverton is an easy drive, and it’s also accessible by bus or train. The ski slopes at the lodge are only minutes away, while in summer you can snowshoe or hike on nearby trails for some outdoor adventure.
At Timberline Lodge, rooms are rustic and cozy with original handcrafted furnishings. Some even feature fireplaces or private balconies. In addition to free WiFi access, each room includes a TV with cable or satellite channels, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom.
This historic lodge, constructed by the Works Progress Administration and dedicated in 1937, still serves as a ski lodge and mountain retreat today. It’s popular among groups, families, and individuals who want to experience Oregon’s stunning outdoor terrain while taking in some breathtaking scenery.
If you’re searching for an exciting, adventurous place to stay on Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge is the ideal destination! It offers a range of accommodations including luxury hotel rooms and family suites as well as three restaurants, two bars, and various recreation activities.
Ramshead Bar: Enjoy a cold beverage after an active day on the slopes at Ramshead; Blue Ox Bar: More relaxed with stunning views; Cascade Dining Room: Fine-dining experience with stunning views.
Elstree Studios
The Shining was filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, England. Constructed in 1925 and named for Elstree village (about 40 miles from London), these studios were owned by Wilcox Films at that time.
During the 1920s and 1930s, several successful films were shot here – including Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita as well as some scenes from A Clockwork Orange.
In 1979, George Lucas created the original Star Wars trilogy at Elstree Studios and expanded it to six large stages – one of which was used for Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This major success helped save the studios from going bankrupt.
After being put up for sale for a short while, Hertsmere Borough Council purchased and managed Elstree Film & Television Studios Ltd. Nowadays, these facilities are utilized for various TV and film projects.
One of the great advantages of these studios is their convenient access to public transport. They are within easy walking distance from a local train station and some buses go directly there.
Restaurants and pubs in the area can be utilized for lunch or dinner before or after a show, making it an enjoyable day out with family or just some alone time.
Another reason to visit the studios is to view all of the costumes used on the set of The Shining. They were truly amazing and offer an insightful look into how much things have evolved in film over time. It’s truly fascinating how much has changed in this industry alone!
In addition to costumes, there are plenty of other intriguing sights at the studios. Many old movie sets have been restored and displayed for visitors’ enjoyment.
For those interested in the history of these studios, The Elstree Story: Twenty-One Years of Film-Making can be purchased at The Elstree Museum. It features articles from many people who worked there previously and is filled with pictures from that era.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in America. Mountains, glaciers, and lakes come together to form an idyllic backdrop for hiking and outdoor activities.
It’s also renowned for its amazing wildlife, such as grizzly bears and wolves. As one of America’s most popular national parks, visiting here should be on any American’s bucket list.
Before it became a national park, the region was inhabited by Native Americans. The Blackfeet tribe controlled the region until they ceded their land to the federal government in 1895.
Once the Blackfeet were forcibly removed, European explorers searched the area for furs and beavers. In 1891, the construction of the Great Northern Railway opened up northern Montana’s northern frontier for settlement.
In addition to its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and lake views, Glacier National Park is renowned for its scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road is one of the most stunning drives in America and should not be missed by any visitor who visits Glacier National Park.
No wonder, then, why people flock to Glacier National Park – one of the world’s most stunning national parks. From its tallest peak to ancient cedar trees and wildflower-filled meadows, Glacier offers something special for everyone who visits.
Even if you don’t have time to hike to all of Glacier National Park’s highlights, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. Take a red bus tour along Going-to-the-Sun Road or explore other parts of the park for some unforgettable adventures.
Visit some of the nearby museums and art galleries. Furthermore, this park boasts several historic hotels and chalets that are worth exploring.
When visiting Glacier National Park, the ideal time to visit is during the summertime when many of its trails remain open year-round. But be sure to bring plenty of rain gear as this national park straddles the Continental Divide and temperatures can get quite cold in certain areas.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier National Park’s main driving route, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is one of the world’s most picturesque drives. It divides the park into east and west regions along Logan Pass and offers views of nearly every landscape the park has to offer, from glacial valleys to striking cedar forests and alpine peaks.
Glacier National Park’s two-lane, winding highway was no small feat when it was constructed between 1921 and 1932 – both as an engineering feat and as an iconic vista that unites two sides of the park. Today it stands as a national historic landmark, both as an engineering triumph and an iconic vista that unites two sides of Glacier National Park.
When planning a trip to Glacier, don’t miss out on the many attractions along Going-to-the-Sun Road as well as some great hikes. You can explore this drive in your vehicle, on board an iconic Red Bus Tour, or by foot.
At the base of Logan Pass, you can enjoy a picnic at Lunch Creek. This secluded spot was once where early visitors to the park would pause for lunch and take in stunning mountain views.
Within striking distance of this vantage point, you’ll come across Triple Arches: a series of three stone arches that span an impressive gap in the mountainside. Constructed during the 1920s, these engineering marvels offer breathtaking views of Mount Oberlin – a majestic 4,049-foot peak rising out of the valley below.
Another popular stop along Going-to-the-Sun Road is Big Bend, a u-shaped turn that offers unobstructed views of the park’s mountains and allows you to get close to the Weeping Wall.
Finally, just a short distance down the road, you’ll come upon Lake McDonald Lodge – an old-fashioned Swiss chalet-style hotel and National Historic Landmark. At 10 miles long and 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is one of the largest glacial lakes in Yellowstone National Park. Here, you can take a break to admire its vibrant rocks beneath the water or just take in its breathtaking beauty.