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What’s New For This Summer In Pikes Peak Country
Pikes Peak, Colorado - Summer 2005
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
The stunning chandelier in the lobby of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is
just the beginning. Now see an entire collection of glass work by
internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly at the arts center at present thru
August 14th, 2005. This never-before-seen landmark exhibition is the first major
presentation of Chihuly’s Call 719*634*5581 for information.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and nature Center celebrates its 10th anniversary
with a “Summer of Celebration” in 2005. Events include a Gala in the Garden
evening, a golf tournament, the Starlight Spectacular Bike Race and a garden
tour of homes near the Garden of the Gods Park.
Proceeds from these events support the Garden of the Gods Foundation in its
efforts to maintain and preserve Garden of the Gods Park. Garden of the Gods
Park is on the National Register of Natural Landmarks and it is free to the
public. Call 719*634*6666 for information.
Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is offering special Murder Mystery Dinner trains
on designated Saturdays throughout the year, aboard the new William Jackson
Palmer Dining Car. Red Herring Productions of Colorado Springs, led by Din Moon,
will perform “Murder in Buffalo Chip” or “Murder Speaks Easy” while passengers
dine and ride in comfort through the magnificent Royal Gorge. During the
journey, the train follows along the mighty Arkansas River directly through the
Royal Gorge, with the sheer granite cliffs towering more than 1,000 feet above
the train.
The Murder Mystery Dinner Trains departs from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon
City. The journey lasts 21/2 hours, covering a round-trip distance of 24 miles.
The per-person price is $95 and includes the train ride through the spectacular
Royal Gorge, the Murder Mystery performance, a four-course gourmet dinner, and a
complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Seating is limited for the
Murder Mystery Dinner trains and reservations are required. Or if you are
looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, how about seeing the Royal Gorge
and the Arkansas River from the cab of a locomotive? The Historic Royal Gorge
Route’s up-front view with the engineer is popular with railroad buffs and
scenery lovers.
With only two individuals allowed in the cab on each trip, reservations are a
must. The minimum age is 13. Call 888*RAILS-4 U for details about these special
events as well as regular train information.
Buckskin Joe’s Frontier Town and Railway
For a real taste of the Old West, check out Buckskin Joe’s Frontier Town and
Railway. This year, indulge your favorite fantasy and become a gunfighter for a
day. This new program will show you how it’s done And this year the attraction
has added a few special autumn events worth noting.
On Sept. 16 and 17, the town hosts its first BBQ Shootout. This sanctioned
cook-off pays the top competitors up to $4,000 in prizes. This is a chance to
pit your barbecue against all comers. Beginning Oct. 13, and through Halloween
Buckskin Joe’s turns into the
Town of Terror a haunted ghost town right out of the 1800s. Be prepared to be
scared right out of your boots. Right along with that, there’ll be a FestEvil on
Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29. The evening events will feature some unusual vendors
and strange entertainments. Call (719) 275-5149 for more information.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The legendary white lions will be special guests this summer at the Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo. The legend of the white lion has been a part of Africa folklore
for centuries. The ancient myth holds that once every hundred years these regal
animals emerge from the African bush, their majestic white coats a clear
representation of the good to be found in all creatures.
Claims of sightings started to surface in 1928. Scattered reports continued
over the next 47 years, until confirmation of their existence finally came in
1975 when a white lion litter was seen at Timbavati Game Reserve, adjacent to
Kruger National Park in South Africa. The two-year old white male and his tawny
colored brother arrived at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in early May. Call (719)
633-9925 for more information.
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