Regular visitors to Red River may notice a few changes. Some are small, while other are much larger or more dramatic. When all is said and done, however, Red River is still the same great place to spend some time in the mountains, winter, spring, summer or fall. So, what's new?
Look around and you'll see new green benches all around town. They are a great place to sit a spell and watch the world go by - that includes the occasional herd of deer, who are no doubt headed for Deer Lodge or the river.
River Street is now open from Copper King Trail to Pioneer Street, thanks to a new paved bridge which spans the Red River between Capo's Restaurant and the Lift House. There is also some new, attractive landscaping at the foot of the Red Chair Lift and, wonder of wonders, the street to the Ski Area known officially as Pioneer Road, no longer resembles a bombed-out cow path, thanks to a fresh rebuild and paving job. It looks great and the Super-G potholes capable of bending a wheel while knocking the front end out of line are gone.
While in that area, check out the changes at the nearby Alpine Lodge. The restaurant has a new name - the Blue Moose Cafe - and the menu will see a Bavarian theme, with new German dishes. Next door Chubbies tavern will become Chubbies Biergarten, with some remodeling and redecoration in conjunction with the theme, and some other surprises including more German beers to choose from. Live music in this cozy little bar is planned.
Another of Red River's favorite restaurants will undergo a name change, as well as a new look and some great additions to an existing menu. Altitudes (see photo above) is the name, replacing Brett's Homestead which changed hands last June. John and Traci Merrell, who have been in town a year and a half, are the owners and have some exciting plans. A change of decor reflects fresh ideas such as the addition of wild game like buffalo and venison, pasta dishes and seasonal vegetable specials. Red River favorites like steaks, seafood (lobster, Shrimp Rio Grande), Hot Honey Chicken, trout and lamb will remain. An expanded wine selection, specifically chosen to complement menu items is also in the plans, as is the construction of a lake-side deck for outdoor summer dining.
"When we moved here," says Traci, "we wanted to be outside. There are very few places here where you can eat outside and enjoy what God has made. We're looking to have live music, maybe jazz, outside.The deck will be fun."
During the summer, the Merrells hosted wine tastings, a special treat that they would like to expand into a regular feature this winter.
Located in Lifts West, Roberto's Mexican Restaurant opened this past summer, so this will be the first winter season. Chef Roberto Baños has made many fans with his style of mexican cooking, as well as his eclectic variety of down-home American food.
He's not a real-live, flesh-and-blood bucking bull, but Pepe is no stranger to Red River, providing adrenaline rushes for kids and adults alike in the parking lot of the Motherlode Saloon for the past three seasons. Now Pepe has found an indoor home at Bull Mania, next door to Texas Reds. As mechanical bulls go, Pepe, who may be nominated for PBR Bull of the Year, has variable speed controls so your don't have to be Chris Shivers to have fun.Mountain Treasures Gallery, which added a Coffee Bar last year, has expanded to include The Bistro, which specializes in fresh pastries and home-made bread, thanks to Bakerman Mike. Gallery owners Ben and Paula Richey also added an outdoor deck this past summer that will be open on those mild winter days that are not atypical in Red River.
Speaking of art and coffee, Sacred Grounds is located adjacent to Capo's Restaurant and will offer a variety of artwork from Native American to New Age. Wind Hughes and Rick Luce are the proprietors. P.S. For Rick, this is a homecoming: he grew up in Red River years ago when his parents owned and operated The River Ranch.
Former Red River residents James and Rhonda Murry are back in town and will operate the Pioneer Emporium on West Main, which, in addition to renting skis, snowboards and 2-way radios for better communication during winter treks on foot or snowmobile, will offer ice cream, coffee, espresso and drinks in a Cyber Cafe setting. There's a gift shop, too.
If you like to travel on vacation with pets, Creature Comforts, located on East High Street one block from Town Hall, has pet food and supplies and even offers massages for canines and kitties.
Speaking of pets, the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Area has added 5 kilometers of new trails which welcome you and your pet companions. Ski or Snowshoe and the trails are not reserved only for animal lovers, so everyone is invited to check it out.
If you get to the Red River Ski Area early or hang around after closing, you might catch a glimpse of the latest in snow grooming technology and the newest addition to RRSA's toy collection: the Piston Bully Snow Groomer. It's got an AM/FM stereo, heated seats and makes the slopes great.