Suds, Chili & Tunes Kick Off Autumn in Mt. Crested Butte

Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off, September 6

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (August 28, 2008) - Get into the spirit of autumn with Mt. Crested Butte's annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off held at the base of the ski area from noon - 6 p.m.  On Sept. 6, heat up by sampling great chili prepared by area cook-off contestants from noon - 2 p.m., then cool off with beers poured by Colorado microbreweries from noon - 4 p.m.  Two bands will provide the tunes, with Great American Taxi from noon - 3:30 p.m. and Shurman from 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Help select "Crested Butte's Favorites" in a range of categories: pale ale, amber/brown ale, dark ale/porter/stout, light lager, amber/dark lager; wheat beer; and specialty beer/strong beer/Belgians.  There is no charge to enter the chili cook-off, which features four categories: anything goes, professionals only, vegetarian, and International Chili Society red (no beans or fillers).  Cash prizes are awarded for the best chili.

Admission is $10 for chili only, $15 for beer only, and $20 for beer and chili.  Admission includes unlimited "tasting samples" and 6 full-size beers.  No admission will be charged after 4 p.m. 

Transportation is provided to and from Crested Butte to the base area by free Mountain Express buses.  There also will be a Safe Ride shuttle to provide transportation to and from Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte and anywhere in between. 

The event is presented by the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce and Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association.  For more information and to enter the chili cook-off, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (970) 349-6438.

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Mt. Beckwith near Crested Butte, Colorado

Explore Colors on Stunning Fall Drives in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (August 28, 2008) -  Nature and the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte are bursting with spectacular color and a wide range of activities throughout the month of September.  Whether blazing trails by foot, mountain bike, horse or automobile, there is something to please adventurers and explorers of all ages.

To share the spectacular scenery and weather, Gunnison and Crested Butte have teamed up to present "September Splendor in the Rockies," a month-long celebration featuring a full calendar of events.  For a listing of September Splendor activities, visit www.septembersplendor.com.  Also, consider the following five fall drive ideas to experience Gunnison County bathed in the glory of autumn's amazing palette.

FALL DRIVE ROUTES

Ohio Creek Road to Kebler Pass

Take a left on Ohio Creek Road in north Gunnison off Highway 135 (look for signs).  About 12 miles up the Ohio Creek Valley, near a series of ranch buildings that mark the abandoned site of Castleton, travelers will see the spires of "the Castles."  These are erosion remnants carved out of volcanic debris that erupted from the West Elk Volcano, now extinct.  Approximately 15 miles from the Ohio Creek junction are abandoned buildings and sheds of Baldwin, the company town for one of the largest coal mines in the region.  Look for a fine view of the Anthracite Range from here.  In a short distance, the road will become steep and flatten out again before reaching Ohio Pass, which is about 2 miles from the intersection with Kebler Pass heading west toward Paonia Dam and Kebler Pass Road heading east to Crested Butte.  Before heading to Crested Butte, take a short detour
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