Exploring Oronos Literary Legacy with Stephen King
10/1/2025
At Hotel Ursa, we welcome explorers, storytellers, and seekers of the unexpected. Nestled on the campus of the University of Maine, we’re just a short drive from the places that shaped one of the world’s most iconic authors: Stephen King. For fans of King’s novels, or for anyone curious about the landscapes behind the legends, Maine offers a literary journey that feels both familiar and haunting.
A Writer Shaped by Place
Born in Portland and raised in Durham, Stephen King’s connection to Maine runs deep. He graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1970 and went on to teach at Hampden Academy, a chapter of life that inspired elements of Carrie, his first published novel.
But more than just home, Maine became the backdrop for King’s storytelling. From the quiet, eerie beauty of rural towns to the whispered secrets of old cemeteries, King infused the region’s natural and cultural history into his work, creating fictional places like Derry and Castle Rock that feel chillingly real.
Visit the Real-Life Inspiration
Derry = Bangor, ME
The city of Bangor is the blueprint for Derry, the setting of It and 11/22/63. Take a self-guided tour and spot familiar landmarks that appear in the pages of King’s books.
Castle Rock = Durham, ME
Durham, King’s hometown, inspired the sinister small town of Castle Rock, a recurring setting in novels like Cujo, The Dead Zone, and Needful Things.
Runaround Pond, Mount Hope Cemetery & More
Visit Runaround Pond in Durham, ME for a glimpse into the scenes that shaped The Body (Stand By Me) and The Dead Zone. And don’t miss Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, where Pet Sematary was filmed. These places are steeped in both history and fiction, perfect for fans chasing the edge between the two.
Giving Back to the State That Shaped Him
Together with his wife, the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation supports Maine communities through grants and charitable initiatives. Quietly powerful, their work reflects the same commitment to place, people, and legacy that defines so many of King’s stories.
Plan your Stay at Hotel Ursa
Whether you’re visiting the Stephen King House or simply tracing the footsteps of a Maine literary legend, Hotel Ursa offers a uniquely immersive place to rest and reflect. With our location on the University of Maine campus, where King once roamed, we invite you to find your own spark of inspiration here.
Get Inspired (https://hotelursa.com/offers)