Dinner, ride and mystery
Take an adventure trip from Cañon City through the Royal Gorge while solving a murder mystery and enjoying a four-
course dinner. After the detective work is done, savor the wares from the Holy Cross Abbey Winery. The train departs the Santa Fe Depot, 401 Water St., at 6 p.m. Saturday, as well as Nov. 12, 19 and 26, and Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The cost for the dinner, train ride and murder mystery is $95 per person. Additional details at canoncitycolorado.com and reservations at 1-888-
724-5748 or 303-569-2403. Many Cañon City hotels will give railroad guests their lowest rate; give them your train confirmation number.
Idaho Springs specials
The face of Olde Towne Idaho Springs is changing: Enjoy holiday treats and browse the new businesses taking up shop in Olde Towne Idaho Springs on Saturday and Nov. 6, where shops will offer special sales. More information is available at the Chamber and Tourism Bureau of Clear Creek County at 303-567-4660.
Artist series in La Junta
The Koshare Indian Museum, 115 W. 18th St., La Junta, hosts “The Kiva Presents … Artist Series.” On the first Sunday of each month, visitors are admitted free and have the opportunity to meet with that month’s artist, who will be on hand from 12:30-4 p.m. to provide demonstrations. Featured artists on Nov. 6 are bronze sculptor and painter Charlie Norton, and painter and potter Pat Norton. Information at koshare.org or 719-384-4411.
Festival of Trees
Steamboat Springs features the 11th annual Festival of Trees Nov. 12-21. The event will feature 26 decorated trees created by local businesses and nonprofit organizations on display throughout the Tread of Pioneers Museum. Public viewing runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 21. Routt County residents get in free with I.D. Nonresidents pay $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for children. Information at 970-879-2214. Also on Nov. 12, support the athletes of the Winter Sports Club in Steamboat Springs while enjoying a special evening for the Ski Ball and Auction at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the silent auction begin at 6 p.m.; a three-course dinner and live auction start at 8 p.m.; and dancing to Fredi & the Soul Shakers is at 9 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person. Supporter Tables are available for $1,500 per table. Attire is black-tie-optional. Call 970-879-0695, ext. 100 or 101, for information, to donate an item to the auctions or to purchase tickets.
MountainFilm on Tour
The Western Slope Environmental Resource Council welcomes MountainFilm on Tour to the North Fork Valley. Two collections of internationally renowned adventure films will show Saturday at the Paradise Theatre in downtown Paonia. The matinee begins at 2:30 p.m. and features a dozen adventure films from the 2005 MountainFilm Festival in Telluride. During this show, follow the first kayak descent of the Middle Kaweah River in the Sierra Nevada, climb the handholds and footholds of history up Devils Tower in Wyoming, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Arches National Park. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with some of the finest art, culture and global adventure films from MountainFilm 2005. Travel around the world with the music of Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the famed sitarist Ravi Shankar. Staff from the MountainFilm Festival will introduce the films and answer questions. Tickets for either show are $15 at the door for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Double-feature tickets can be purchased at the door for $25. Advance tickets are discounted $2. For credit card sales, call 970-527-5307. Beforehand, check out the Chaco Outdoor Gear Swap 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 228 Grand Ave. Proceeds from both MountainFilm on Tour and the gear swap will benefit WSERC, the local environmental group. Before or after shows enjoy special discounts at participating Paonia restaurants.
Sugar Plum Festival
Gunnison is hosting the Sugar Plum Festival, a free holiday arts and crafts fair, 9 a.m.-
4 p.m. Nov. 18-19 at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the County Fairgrounds. Information: 970-641-1501.
Free ski lessons
Learn to cross-country ski for free Nov. 19, Dec. 1, and Jan. 5 at the Crested Butte Nordic Center, Second Street and Whiterock Avenue. Call 970-349-1707.
