By Linda Jones
Summer heat getting to you? Find fun to suit your fancy by taking a trip up to the cool mountains. From art to vampires, opera to gambling to cemeteries, historic little Central City beckons you.
Gilpin County Art Gallery
This woven-top Hall Table by Harv Mastalir at the Gilpin County Arts Gallery was recently voted Best of Show.
The Gilpin County Art Gallery is a treasure. The oldest juried (judged) art show in Colorado has attracted visitors since 1946 and displays a wealth of artistic creations: sculpture, painting, watercolors, textiles, jewelry and ceramics. It’s located on Eureka Street in the oldest public building in Colorado, worth a visit in its own right. Behind the gallery is a sculpture garden that is serene and lovely. The gallery is open daily, except for Mondays, through Aug. 14. On Aug. 28, the gallery reopens for the Fall Members Show on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, noon – 6 p.m. through Oct. 2.
The Gilpin County Art Gallery is located at 117 Eureka St., 303-582-5952 and it’s free of charge.
Cemetery Crawl
Aspen Zippered Vase by Paul Stafford, wood, won second place and is on display in the Gilpin County Arts Gallery in Washington Hall on Eureka Street.
The popular Cemetery Crawl live history event is now in its 22nd year. Actors portray the ordinary – and some not-so-ordinary – spirits from the 1800s in one of the county’s many cemeteries. This year’s Crawl will be at the Masonic Cemetery above Central City at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28. Free shuttles will depart every 15 minutes from the Teller House parking lot beginning at 1 p.m. Cost is $12 onsite, $10 if pre-registered. Call 303-582-5283.
Film Festival
The Gilpin County Film Festival is Saturday, July 31, in various venues around the historic town. Tickets are only $18 and can be purchased at the Teller House. Feature film is the Oscar winning documentary In the Shadows of the Stars, a hilarious and affectionate look at the path to stardom. Silent films made in Colorado will be shown in Williams Stables; David Hockney: The Colors of Music will also show in the Opera House; and the new documentary Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress will be shown in the 1900 courthouse.
Gambling
Smaldone slot machines that were popular during the first half of the 20th century are located in the Central City Visitors Gallery at 103 Eureka. Photos by Linda Jones
The seven casinos in the town offer craps, roulette, live poker, blackjack, hundreds of slot machines, good food, two hotels, live bands and exciting contests. Stay and play.
Museums/historic tours
Marcia Thomas' wedding dress from 1894 hangs in the master bedroom of the Thomas House
The Richest Square Mile on Earth boasts five tours, each unique and all available through Labor Day. Tour the 1878 jewel, the Central City Opera House and the 1872 fine hotel, the Teller House. Experience the House Frozen in Time – the Thomas House, a 1900 snapshot of middle-class family life. All three are available on Eureka Street, within sight of each other. Visit the Gilpin History Museum and the exhibit, Sin in Central City: Gambling, Prostitution and Drinking, 1859 – 2000 just above Johnny Z’s Casino. All open Tuesday – Sunday. The Coeur d’Alene mine standing proudly above the town is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends.
Opera
Central City Opera House
The nationally-acclaimed Central City Opera Festival continues through August 8 with productions of Madame Butterfly, Orpheus in the Underworld and Three Decembers. Tickets available at www.centralcityopera.org.
Pig Roast
The annual Masonic Pig Roast on East First High Street will be on Saturday, August 8 Help restore the Masonic Building while enjoying great food.
Rodeo
The annual Gilpin County Fair/Rodeo will be Sat/Sun August 21/22. Food, rides, rodeo and more at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds on CH 46 just ½ mile off CH 119.
Shopping
Mountain Menagerie on Main Street offers specialty items from over two dozen artists and craftsmen. From there it’s just a step to Bevie Sue’s Emporium, another antique/gift shop. Find that perfect gift while strolling the historic streets.
Victorian tea
Enjoy tea served by costumed servers in the historic Stroehle House in Black Hawk amid the antiques. Enjoy a full luncheon and historic program on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets available at 303-582-5283.
Creepy
Make sure not to miss the Creepy Crawls for the first four Saturday nights in October at 7 p.m. They will be c-r-e-e-p-i-e-r this year.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I just wanted some more information about the Creepy Crawl. I wanted to bring some friends up, so we need a contact number, time date and cost. Thanks! Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Looks like the Gilpin Historical Society is involved with the Creepy Crawls. I’d keep an eye on their site http://www.gilpinhistory.org for details on those great ghost tours. The Gambler will have more information as we get it. And thanks for visiting http://www.coloradogambler.com.
-Cynthia, Gambler webmistress