Both Gunnison and Crested Butte areas will come alive this fall as hunters quickly converge on these towns sporting camoflauge and blaze orange clothing.  Add to this a trailer full of ATV’s loaded down the coolers and provisions preparing for “elk camp” in the mountains.  Dreaming of elk tenderloin over a fire, these hunters gear up for a hopeful season of archery, muzzleloader, or rifle for Colorado’s infamous wapiti. Most of the available tags are typically by draw and include; elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion, and more, with some elk tags being offered over-the-counter.  Archery is currently happening with its end date being September 26th.  Muzzleloading just ended on the 19th of September with first rifle season starting on October 16th-20th, where you might catch the elk still bugling if you are off the beaten track.  Second rifle season occurs between October 23rd-31st, third occuring November 6th -14th and fourth from November 17th-21st.  All hunters need to be aware that hunting at higher altitude (7500 feet and above) requires a little more preparation such as drinking lots of water.  Did you know that one of the past Boone and Crockett’s World Record Elk is displayed at the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce?  As an avid hunter myself, I wish all the newcombers and seasoned hunters alike a successful hunting season!

Fall Color Transforms Crested Butte’s Landscape.  Fall is definitely here in the high country! Probably one of the most favorite times of the year, both locals and tourists alike strap on their backpacks and load up their cars to enjoy a bit of the colorful aspens for the next 3 weeks.  The aspens take on a different color during different times of day, but late afternoon is best for pictures.  Kebler Pass, just north of Crested Butte, is well-known for its large mass of aspens and considered a scenic byway, especially in the fall.  Other drives not to miss include Ohio Pass and Cinnamon Pass (near Lake City) with breathtaking hikes throughout the county with some favorites being the hike to the Castles, Snodgrass Mountain, Woods Walk and more.  Be sure and check out Crested Butte during this spectacular show of colors!

Sidewalk Cafes might be a sign of the times in Crested Butte soon with  Elk Avenue restaurants to offer extended seating in front of their establishment.  This might be a great boost to our overall economy as it would benefit some of those historic restaurants that were not able to offer outside dining previously.  Local attorney, David Leinsdorf has brought this economic development option to the forefront to offer the public a “sidewalk cafe” feeling.  This temporary approval by the town council will be closely watched, but in the meantime, expect to enjoy your favorite meal outside by early August!

Considered one of the busiest weekends of the summer – and for good reason as Crested Butte is preparing for approximately 185 juried artists to show their handiwork along the streets of historic, downtown Elk Avenue.  Mark your calendars for July 31st -August 1st, 2010, from 10 am to 5 pm for the 38th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, our signature cultural event offering some of the most unique type of artistry including glass, mixed media, drawing & graphics, wood, fiber, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and wearable art.

There’s even something for the kids being sponsored by the Crested Butte Center for the Arts called ”Art Alley“.  Kids can create free work of art including Still Life With Flowers, Self Portrait, Fabric Art, Mixed Media/Collage and even an interactive Scavenger Hunt!

Ranked as one of Colorado’s Top 5 fine art and fine craft shows, the Festival made the “Art Fair SourceBook’s TOP 100 FOR 2010″ list for arts festivals nationwide.  No wonder people flock to our little community during the first weekend of August to attend this well-known event - why not when you can beat the 100+ degree heat back home!

New this year, the Crested Butte Arts Festival is proud to present Culinary Arts, which features five top chefs from the Denver’s well-known restaurants offering exciting events that can be purchased in advance.  For more information, click here.  Of course, there is also the Culinary Court, featuring delectable fare from many fine Crested Butte restaurants as well as out-of-town vendors. Attendees can sample everything from lamb kabobs and shrimp spring rolls to spicy Italian sausage sandwiches and some of the finest barbequed beef in the state.

According to Gunnison Country Multiple Listing Service, the list prices for these high-end properties range from$1,050,000 to $6,999,000 (Taylor Crest – 6 bedroom/7 bath home in Skyland that was Mountain Living Magazine’s past “Home of the Year” and comes fully furnished down to the 2 vehicles in the garage).  The difference in price per square foot is amazing as well, ranging from $266 per square foot to a whopping $4,663 per square foot for a custom-built 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1500 sq. ft. guest home on 35 acres overlooking Peanut Lake just outside the city limits of Crested Butte. 

Over the last 2 years, approximately 20 homes have sold over the million dollar mark with a total sales volume of $31,085,000 according to the Gunnison MLS.  Of those, in 2009, the maximum sales price was $2,872,000 for a Faust Properties’ custom 5 bdrm/5 bath home in Overlook bordering forest service land which brought in close to a record price per square foot value of $676 during that time.   So far, for 2010, Crested Butte has seen 5 sales over a million dollars with 2 new properties having gone under contract in the last 2 weeks: CBMR’s Tipple House at Prospect (list $4,500,000 million+) and a bank-owned home at Smith Hill Ranches on 35 acres (list $3,000,000 million). 

It looks like Crested Butte real estate is seeing a new trend in luxury buyers.  The properties in highest demand are the custom-built homes with top-of-the-line appointments throughout, reclaimed timbers, custom stonework, combined with a bit of quirky and unique being a definite bonus.

• Two years of taxes paid
• Two years of Full Family Membership at the  CB Mountain Club
• Land financing for qualified buyers through Community Banks of Colorado
• Access to the Five Step Legacy Home Process with the best local architects and builders

The final selection of Wildflower Ridge D lots are also being offered and are included on the New Prospect price list.   

The Lodge at Mountaineer Square is also offering reductions ranging from 18% – 29%, for more information click on the Mountaineer Square Price List.

Golf Villas #5, Crested Butte Country Club

Festivities are heating up for a promising July 4th weekend not only for parade festivities, but also in real estate as the Crested Butte real estate market has already brought in over $26.7 million in sales year-to-date!  Also, on an even higher note, CBMR’’s Tipple House is under contract for an undisclosed amount, with a list price of over $4.5 million.  Actually, about 5 homes and/or condominiums (out of 58 total)  have sold over the $1 million mark so far this year.  The prices range from $80,000 for 1 bedroom/1 bath Grand Lodge unit on the mountain to a 4 bedroom/3 bath custom home in the Kapushan Annexation for $1,401,000.

“Buyers have figured out that the prices today are 5-6 years ago prices – and that’s an incredible value when compared to other resort towns”, states Jana Barrett, broker associate with Prudential Becky Hamlin Realty, Inc.

As far as the 4th of July weekend schedule, follow the link below to find out more, but be sure and put the pancake breakfast on your list of things to do (this year they are asking you to bring your own plate & silverware), as well as the well-known musical “Guys and Dolls”.

http://www.cbchamber.com/4th-of-july.html

Woodcreek Condominium #201, Mt. Crested Butte

Enjoy the sounds of Wood Creek as it trickles down the hillside next to this great 2 bedroom/2 bath unit featuring open floorplan, southern exposure, woodburning fireplace, and gorgeous sunset views.  Currently rented out occassionally by owner, this unit offers a nice furniture package.  The perfect condominium for skiing as access to the Westwall lift is across the street.  Amenities include an outdoor hot tub, elevators, foyer area and bus stop location. 

Priced at: $260,000

Westwall Condominium #A402, Mt. Crested Butte

Here’s your chance to get in on 50% ownership of a nicely furnished 2 bedroom unit at the Westwall Lodge. Featuring ski-in/ski-out access, outdoor pool/hot tub, bar/lounge, fitness facilities, underground parking and membership in the Alpine Club which features ski valet and more! Unusual opportunity for the right person. Put this one on your list to see as the amenities alone make it worthwhile both winter and summer!

List Price: $349,000 (50% ownership)