This week in Scott Valley: October 15 to 21
Every Thursday we share what's happening around Etna for the week ahead, from Main Street to a little farther afield. This week the valley's fall color is coming into its own, Denny Bar Co. has a new menu, and there's a meteor shower worth staying up for.
In the valley
All week: fall color. The second half of October is when the oaks, bigleaf maples, alders and dogwoods along the creeks usually turn. Take the short loop at golden hour, or give an afternoon to the Valley Loop. Our drives guide has maps and mileage.
Thursday to Sunday: Denny Bar Co. The distillery and restaurant on Main Street has just rolled out a new menu, with weekly specials from 4 to 8 pm, Thursday through Sunday, including a whiskey of the week. Short distillery tours run Friday to Sunday. Call to book.
Thursday to Monday: Etna Brewing Co. The covered, heated patio on Callahan Street is made for cool fall afternoons.
Wednesday to Saturday: Farmhouse Bakery. Breads, pastries, tarts and a lunch special on Main Street. Go early for the best of the bake.
Friday, October 16: yoga with Chai Perlman, 5:30 and 7 pm. Two hour-long classes. See Chai's schedule to book a spot.
Saturday, October 17: Trunk or Treat in Fort Jones, 6:30 to 7:30 pm. An early Halloween for families, about 15 minutes up the road.
Any day: Fort Jones Museum. Native American baskets, gold-rush history and old mill stones from around the valley, on Main Street in Fort Jones. It keeps weekday and Saturday afternoon hours, so check before you go.
A little farther
Saturday, October 17: Dunsmuir Oktoberfest, 3 to 7:30 pm. About an hour and a half south.
Monday, October 19: Mount Shasta Farmers' Market, 3:30 to 6 pm. Pair it with a walk around Lake Siskiyou, about an hour and a quarter away.
Look up
Wednesday night, October 21: the Orionid meteor shower peaks. The moon is bright this year, so the best viewing is in the dark hours before dawn, after it sets. Find a spot away from lights, look toward the east, and give your eyes twenty minutes to adjust.
Good to know this week
Fire restrictions are in effect in the Klamath National Forest, so no campfires in the forest. Check the forest's alerts page before you go.
It's hunting season in the mountains around the valley. Wear bright colors on the trails.
There are no posted closures on the road to Etna Summit as we write this. The first snow can come any time from late October, so check conditions before driving up.
Small-town hours change with the season. Check before you drive in.
Planning a visit? See open dates and prices at Blossom Sanctuary, and see you next Thursday.