Excuses to get off the couch
Bugle Boys - ’Tis the season - the mating season, that is. During September and October, bull elks do their best to attract mates by bugling. Estes Park is a prime observation area, and even has a festival to celebrate the rutting season. Elk Fest is October 3 and 4; learn more at www.estes.org/Events/elkfest.aspx. If you can’t wait until October, the Cherokee Ranch in Sedalia has educational programs on elk bugling & observations planned for September 16, 22, and 29.
www.cherokeeranch.org
Chocolate and Wine - Double up on antioxidants at the Cherokee Ranch with a Chocolate Wine Tasting on September 24. Sample milk, white, and dark chocolates, international wines from France, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Spain, and savory treats. The evening includes a tour of the magnificent Cherokee Castle and commentary by a sommelier from Baroness Wines.
www.cherokeeranch.org
Get Brainy - Sometimes dinner and a movie just won’t do. If you need to do something different—really different—may we suggest the Zombie Crawl on October 24. You can prowl the 16th Street Mall as a zombie or a potential victim, and finish your evening with brains and brain juice. (Actually, pizza and drinks.) www.eyeheartbrains.com
Reasons we love
Drew Barrymore
- She charmed us completely as Gertie in 1982’s “E.T.”
- At age seven, she became the youngest person to host “Saturday Night Live.”
- She comes from a long line of accomplished actors going back to her great-grandfather Maurice Costello, a silent-film star
- After she posed nude for Playboy, Steven Spielberg sent her a quilt and an altered version of the magazine in which she appeared to be fully clothed
- She once flashed David Letterman while appearing on his show
- Her directorial debut is “Whip It,” which explores the world of roller derby. It stars Ellen Page, and Drew has a supporting role as “Smashley Simpson,” a fellow member of the Hurl Scouts. Catch it October 2.
Can’t-miss events
- Oktoberfest - Sept. 18 to 20 and 25 to 27
You can never get enough of grown men in lederhosen, tiny dachsunds, and copious amounts of brats & beer. Read all about it on page 17, along with all the other Oktoberfest happenings.
http://oktoberfestdenver.com
- Fall Equinox Viewing - September 22
In Picture Canyon, 35 miles southwest of Springfield in the Comanche National Grasslands, there are mysterious markings on the walls of Crack Cave that can only be viewed for a few minutes during the spring equinox and the fall equinox. Believed to be Celtic in origin, the markings were the subject of a PBS documentary in 1984. Call 719-523-6591 to reserve your space. www.secoloradoheritage.com/heritage-event-calendar/fall-equinox-viewing-at-crack-cave
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Fall Colors Train - October 1 to 4
The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad runs between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, giving you a view of the fall colors that you just can’t get from the highway. 888-286-2737, www.cumbrestoltec.com/content/events/33.aspx
Pumpkinfest - October 10
You’ve got hay rides, scarecrows, and music, but the best part is the pumpkins being launched into the air via catapult during the Jack-O-Launch.
www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/Visitors/Things_To_Do/index.htm
Hot Air Balloon Harvest - October 24 & 25
Brightly colored balloons will lift off in Greeley for two glorious days. Take a tethered ride or just enjoy the spectacle.
www.hotairballoon.us