Search South Aurora September 2024

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AURORA SEARCH SOUTH SEPTEMBER 2024

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HAIR COMES BACK.

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303-841-2807 waxingthecity.com 17051 Lincoln Avenue Parker, CO 80134 Next to King Soopers

Even the biggest goals start with simple steps COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps today with personalized insurance and financial services that can have a big impact on your family’s future. When you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help.

Welcome Home Finally, a safe place to be your authentic self.

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Marshall Ekhoff Financial Representative Parker, CO 80134-8201

(303)841-3018

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Print makes the difference It’s real.

It gets noticed.

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It stands out.

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FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS Letterhead • Business Cards • Forms • Etc.

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PHOTO: V1 REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

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LEGENDAIRY Our HistoryHashtag look at the early days of dairy farming here in town.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

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B E S T D I S H E S I N TO W N Taste is subjective, but that doesn’t stop us from sharing some of our favorite foods.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

13 THE GUIDE

The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

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B E S T I N TO W N

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We put it to a vote and you have spoken. Here are your favorite local businesses.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

p u b l i s h i n g

SEARCH SOUTH

AURORA Search South Aurora is published

by Tueller Publishing, LLC

IDEAS & SUBMISSIONS contribute@tuellers.com

NO. 200 | SEPTEMBER 2024 Search South Aurora ©2024 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.

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We are committed to providing exceptional service with our team of certified technicians that ensure every job is done right the first time. As a locally owned business, we're dedicated to serving our community with the highest standards of quality and care.

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Best Town In

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Best In Town

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Parker is great. And what makes it great are the people and businesses that make up our community. We asked you to vote for your favorite local businesses and with a turn out better than the November elections, here are your choices for the best Parker has to offer.

DENISE HOBSON

PARKER LAW

19501 Mainstreet, #200 Parker, CO

19590 E Mainstreet, #104 Parker, CO

303-688-4786

720-549-3606

GREG'S AUTO

Auto mart usa

10310 Dransfeldt Rd Parker, CO

9895 S Twenty Mile Rd Parker, CO

303-841-8000

303-840-8888

POSH cakes

canvas cu

10471 S Parker Rd #8B Parker, CO

18999 Ponderosa Dr Parker, CO

303-840-1251

303-691-2345

richie's

ivory medspa

9996 Twenty Mile Road Parker, CO

18425 Pony Express Dr, #111a Parker, CO

303-840-1696

720-570-6848

parker dentistry

24/7

12947 S Parker Rd, Ste 2 Parker, CO

19521 E Parker Square Dr. Parker, CO

303-468-5413

720-333-8369

#1 Accounting

#1 Auto Repair

#1 Bakery

#1 Car Wash

#1 Dentist

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#1 Attorney

#1 Auto Sales

#1 Bank

#1 Day Spa

#1 Dry Cleaner

prairie hill

interior delights

8466 Flintwood Rd Parker, CO

10970 S Parker Rd Unit A12 Parker, CO

720-241-9288

866-434-8911

hair color xperts

burn boot camp

10259 S Parker Rd #102 Parker, CO

12840 Stroh Ranch Ct #103 Parker, CO

303-805-5333

303-827-8622

grounds guys

made clean

Parker, CO

Parker, CO

303-974-4623

720-463-4113

tiger lee's

plum creek

11153 S Parker Rd #N Parker, CO

10952 S Pikes Peak Dr Parker, CO

720-476-9610

303-807-9645

parker optical

parker ortho

10841 S Crossroads Dr #9 Parker, CO

19700 E Parker Square Dr #C Parker, CO

303-841-2020

303-841-5500

antonio's

osgood team

12947 S Parker Rd Parker, CO

19590 Mainstreet, Suite 105 Parker, CO

720-851-5300

303-810-5757

paradise travel

pCAC

Parker, CO

10702 S Parker Rd Parker, CO

303-912-3676

303-841-8833

#1 Florist

#1 Hair Salon

#1 Landscaping

#1 Martial Arts Studio

#1 Optometrist

#1 Pizza

#1 Travel Agent

#1 Furniture

#1 Health Club

#1 Maid Service

#1 Mortgage Company

#1 Orthodontist

#1 Realtor

#1 Veterinarian

SEPTEMBER 2024 7

HISTORYHASHTAG

DAIRY

#LEGEN Many came to Colorado for the prospect of gold during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.

Gold was first discovered in the state in 1858 at Little Dry Creek, in the Englewood area. In the next year 100,000 people rushed into the Denver area and settlements sprang up. The railroad also came through Douglas County in the early 1900s, but flooding along Cherry Creek continued to plague the track, and much of it was discontinued by 1935.

adjoining railroad lines up and down the Front Range and east into Kansas and Nebraska. It was located on Pilgrim’s Place Road in Parker.

The Sedalia Creamery, built in the late 1800s, was located south of the railroad tracks and was near East Plum Creek. It was made of stone on the bottom floor, with two floors above that were made of wood. A huge pulley system was attached to the ceiling and machinery.

Wagons full of milk cans would come to the creamery for services. This photo of the Castle Rock Creamery was taken in the early 1900s, showing automobiles in place of wagons bringing milk cans to the creamery. It still stands at 407 Jerry Street in Castle Rock and now serves as a funeral home.

When the hope for gold had lost its luster, settlers turned to their previous occupations.

They combined farming and ranching to make it in a new life. Many pioneers in the area were Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian, and began to establish dairy farms.

Hard work and many hours of milking were part of their regular routine.

The Littleton Creamery, built in 1884, collected milk and cream from dairy farms in the area and turned them into cheese, butter, and ice cream! By 1888, the creamery processed milk from about 1000 cows. The building was later used for high school and church classes. It is still standing at 2675 West Alamo in Littleton and is an antique shop. The Parker Creamery, also known as the Littleton Creamery at Parker, was built in 1897 on land donated by George Parker. It was one of many milk separation stations 8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

Courtesy of Archives & Local History at DCL

At one point there were seven successful creameries in Douglas County: Castle Rock, Hill Top, Sedalia, Parker, Larkspur, Spring Valley and Franktown. They provided dairy products for Denver and the surrounding areas. The Welte Cheese Ranch was a famous cheese factory in the Highlands Ranch area. Even at the end of the 1900s there were still close to 200 dairies in Douglas County. Last year that number was down to 61. Times and towns have changed over the decades, but the dairy tradition is a part of our county’s history and culture.

Better Health Better Life

Now Accepting New Patients CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

We are pleased to be able to serve Parker as both an urgent care and family medicine clinic. We provide a myriad of services to get you well and keep you healthy.

Open Every Day / No Appointment Needed

www.20mileurgentcare.com 720-974-7210

Dr. Steve Morrison

Voted Best in Parker 12 years in a row!

SEPTEMBER 2024 9

t B e sTwist on a Classic

Don’t call it a burger. Chef Duy’s creation at Parker Garage, the Spicy Korean Chicken Sandwich, will make you re-think the chicken sandwich.

t B e sBreakfast Kneaders’ All You Can Eat Chuncky Cinnamon French Toast with homemade caramel syrup ... and did I mention it’s All You Can Eat? Enough said!

t B e sComfort Food

THE

BEST DISHES

Probably my favorite dish right now, Los Volcanes Carnitas Estilo Volcanes makes my mouth water. But better pick your time well, they only serve it on the weekends.

TOWN

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My one trip to Paris left me with a longing for French crepes.

La Petite Creperie satisfied that yearning.

The Ham Gruyere is fantastic

t B e sFrench Rendition

t B e sMouth-waterer

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Rory’s serves up a Chicken Fried Chicken that will make you miss your mama.

We suggest you top it with the sausage country gravy.

Wow!

Taste is subjective, and it might be an impossible task to name the definitive best dishes around, but it sure was fun trying. These are some of our favorites. But don’t take our word for it, take the challenge yourself.

Visit 10 local restaurants in the next 30 days and tell us what some of your favorite dishes are at contribute@tuellers.com.

We might disagree, but it will be a “tasteful” argument!

The Best Care For Your Best Friend

SO LONG TO SUMMER 5K/10K

SATURDAY

SEPT. 21

8 a.m. at Salisbury Park

Race Shirt • Pancake Breakfast • Post-Race Beer

ParkerRec.com/Summer5K10K Presented by:

with Title Sponsor - RNK Running & Walking and Official Beer Sponsor - Fiction Beer Company

Parker Center Animal Clinic 10702 S. Parker Road Parker, CO 80138 303-841-8833 parker-vet.com

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Parker Parks & Recreation

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LO R A D O

INTHEKITCHEN What better way to celebrate your love of food than to take a cooking class?! Uncorked Kitchen is located in Centennial. It is a sleek and beautiful facility with high-end indoor cooking appliances.

The spacious outdoor grilling patio boasts a view of the Front Range.

They offer dozens of classes each month for all ages, with a variety of package choices. Learn how to combine techniques and ingredients for a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

Enjoy a date night out or bring the family for a group rate class. You can take individual classes or even host a cooking class birthday party.

Taste of Uncorked classes are a great way for people who have never been to come check out a shorter version of the class and see what Uncorked is all about. The events calendar on the website tells the specifics of each class. Descriptions of the planned recipes will inspire you to try a class!

Just a few delicious samples of classes are: Fried Chicken Picnic Summertime French Favorites Italian Summer Taste of Uncorked – Mexican Fiesta Family Day Out: Grilling Extravaganza Knife Skills Summer Supper Fall-o-ween Seaside Italian Also look at Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios in Highlands Ranch and Posh Cakes in Parker for other cooking classes.

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THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing.

The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25 $$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New

JUNZ

Asian fusion

More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.

CHERRY VILLAGE ASIAN GRILL

JUNZ

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes.

Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes.

8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB 20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays.

12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO. Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

SEPTEMBER 2024 13

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian.

10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients.

210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties.

7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$ 14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

MANNA

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

PARKER GARAGE

PIZZA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

PEGASUS

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

RORY’S

Elegant family-owned eatery.

There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$ Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! Downtown gem.

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

new american

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

CASTLE CAFE

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Set in a former 1890s hotel.

Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$

Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.

115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.

5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

FAMILYTIME

The Table The kitchen table is a well-used space. Through the day and week, it serves many purposes.

In our home it is a place where homework is done, papers are sorted, projects are created, groceries are unloaded, games are played, and books are read.

But at the end of each day it becomes a treasured place – a place to gather, a place where people come together. For a few moments a day, it is a place to stop.

Sitting around the table enjoying a meal, conversation, and laughter, is a blessed event.

It is a necessary ritual that binds us together and fills our bodies and spirits. Our time together celebrates everything the table represents: food, family, fun, and home.

STEAKHOUSE DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.

363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines 303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$

The table is also a place to share with neighbors, friends, and loved ones. The pineapple, with its stately shape and happy colors, is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. It is a delicious addition to any meal. To echo the sentiment of friendship and warmth, we want to share a special recipe: grilled pineapple. This unique and scrumptious treat is a family favorite. We hope you enjoy it! From our table and home to yours.

Grilled Pineapple

One whole pineapple ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon gallon-size zip baggie Cut the top and skin off the outside of pineapple.

Stand pineapple upright and cut down to create long, thick spears; discard center core. Place pineapple spears, brown sugar, and cinnamon in baggie and shake/rub until pineapple is coated.

Place in a baking dish and let marinate for 1 hour.

Grill on BBQ until grill lines appear and it is warmed through.

SEPTEMBER 2024 15