What's New in the West: March 2006
Check out new events, online tools, scenic byways, and more in the West.
The Exploratorium in San Francisco will broadcast the March 29 solar eclipse over Africa and the Middle East live by satellite from Turkey. Camp out in the museum for the 2:55 a.m. show or check www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse.
Enjoy superb sauvignon blanc for $5 a glass. Made by Sauvignon Republic Cellars, the Russian River vintage is on tap in kegs at the Culinary Institute of America’s Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant in St. Helena, Calif. (707) 967-1010, www.ciachef.edu.
Pure Digital Technologies' disposable camcorder captures up to 20 minutes of video with sound. It’s the size of an iPod and weighs under five ounces. On sale at Rite Aid and CVS stores for $30, plus a $13 processing fee that includes a DVD.
Concert Concierge, San Francisco Symphony’s new online tool, helps you find upcoming events to match your tastes, with choices such as violin, orchestral, piano, or vocal music, and light, dramatic, or spiritual tone. www.sfsymphony.org.
By April new Mount Hood Scenic Byway signs will mark the 105-mile route from Troutdale to Hood River, Ore., which was recently named Oregon’s sixth National Scenic Byway. www.byways.org.
Downtown Seattle’s Hotel Max , doubles as a gallery for artists. Black-and-white photos distinguish the doors of the guest rooms, while contemporary paintings hang in the lobby. Rooms from $159. (866) 833-6299, www.hotelmaxseattle.com.
At the Future of Flight Aviation Center near Everett, Wash., you can design your own plane, fly a simulator, and tour the nearby Boeing factory ($15). (425) 349-3200, www.futureofflight.org.
The best Western town of 2005? It’s Sheridan, Wyo., says True West magazine, whose executive editor handed local officials an award in January. Cody, Wyo., took second place.
Montana’s stunning new Lodge at Whitefish Lake is offering get-to-know-you bargains. Through March, suites with decks, stone fireplaces, and mountain and lake views start at $99. (800) 735-8869, www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com.
Bid on some 300 pieces of Western art or explore 103 exhibit rooms at the C.M. Russell Auction in Great Falls, Mont., March 16–19 at the Best Western Heritage Inn. (800) 803-3351, www.gfaf.com.
Waterfalls, mountain vistas, rushing rivers, rocky shores. Spy them all on Whistler Mountaineer rail trips from Vancouver, B.C., to Whistler and back, three hours each way. Runs start May 1, and cost $154 round-trip. (888) 687-7245, www.whistlermountaineer.com.
Photography courtesy of San Francisco Exploratorium
This article was first published in March 2006. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
