We put it to a vote and you have spoken. Here are your favorite local businesses. BY SEARCH
PARKER STAFF
Our HistoryHashtag look at the early days of dairy farming here in town. BY SEARCH
PARKER STAFF
BEST DISHES IN TOWN
Taste is subjective, but that doesn't stop us from sharing some of our favorite foods BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF
August 10 - October 5 | 19650 E. Mainstreet | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Colorado. Exhibit attendees are invited to vote for their favorite art piece! Vote for more than one piece, vote for the same piece more than once, or you can even stuff the ballot box if you want to. No strict rules! Winner will be announced at a reception on September 19th.
September 14 | 11920 N Motsenbocker Rd | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Keep Parker safe and beautiful! Fire Mitigation and Trail Clean-up along the Cherry Creek Trail. Create piles of debris for the Town's Parks, Trails, and Forestry department to pick up. Park in back by the Polo Fields for a short trail walk to Cherry Creek Trail. Hats, sunscreen, loose long sleeve shirts, long pants recommended. Water provided.
September 21 | 11920 Motsenbocker Rd. | 8:00 am
Enjoy the end of another Colorado summer with a workout with family and friends, and then reward yourself with delicious pancakes. This event is professionally timed. Registered participants will receive a race shirt, custom bib, a delicious post-race pancake breakfast. The FREE Kids' Dash follows the race for children 8 and under.
September 21 - 28 | Downtown
We had so much fun during Fall Fest last year, and plan to have even more this time! Fall Fest Kick-off: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in O’Brien Park, featuring activities with Sam the Scarecrow, kids' hay bale maze and pumpkin patch, giant table games, Name A Snowplow contest winners unveiling, and snowplow touch-a-truck.
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Mayor Toborg, Parker Town Council, Town Manager Michelle Kivela and Town staff celebrated the groundbreaking for the Town Hall expansion and renovation project. The project will add 32,043 square feet of new office space and fully renovate the current facility. Construction will occur in two phases, with completion expected in early 2026.
Enter your best Parker snapshots in the 2025 Town Calendar Photo Contest. We are looking for striking images that depict life in Parker - natural landscapes, wildlife, events, facilities, businesses, architecture, weather, or even people living life in our Town. Winning photos will be included in our 2025 Calendar and 2024 Annual Report. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 31.
Outdoor swim is over. H2O'Brien Pool closed on Sept. 2 for the season. The pool features two 182’ water slides, a zero depth entry with a large, state-of-the-art water play structure, a lap pool, a concession area and a sizeable deck space with seating, ample shade and a game area. We will see you all Saturday, May 24, 2025!
The 91-acre park site north of Salisbury Park ballfields will include four lighted baseball/softball fields, two synthetic turf lighted multi-purpose soccer fields, restrooms/shelter, two tennis courts, 21 pickleball courts, a community hub pavilion, outdoor fitness area, inclusive playground, bike park, and overlook pavilion. The project will be phased over several years starting in 2025.
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 #1 Accounting
19501 Mainstreet, #200 Parker, CO
303-688-4786
GREG'S AUTO #1 Auto Repair
10310 Dransfeldt Rd Parker, CO
303-841-8000
POSH cakes #1 Bakery
10471 S Parker Rd #8B Parker, CO
303-840-1251
richie's #1 Car Wash
9996 Twenty Mile Road Parker, CO
303-840-1696
parker dentistry #1 Dentist
12947 S Parker Rd, Ste 2 Parker, CO 303-468-5413
PARKER LAW #1 Attorney
19590 E Mainstreet, #104 Parker, CO 720-549-3606
Auto mart usa #1 Auto Sales
9895 S Twenty Mile Rd Parker, CO
303-840-8888
canvas cu #1 Bank
18999 Ponderosa Dr Parker, CO
303-691-2345
ivory medspa #1 Day Spa
18425 Pony Express Dr, #111a Parker, CO
720-570-6848
24/7 #1 Dry Cleaner
19521 E Parker Square Dr. Parker, CO 720-333-8369
prairie hill #1 Florist
8466 Flintwood Rd Parker, CO
720-241-9288
hair color xperts #1 Hair Salon
10259 S Parker Rd #102 Parker, CO
303-805-5333
grounds guys #1 Landscaping
Parker, CO
303-974-4623
tiger lee's #1 Martial Arts Studio
11153 S Parker Rd #N Parker, CO
720-476-9610
parker optical #1 Optometrist
10841 S Crossroads Dr #9 Parker, CO
303-841-2020
antonio's #1 Pizza
12947 S Parker Rd Parker, CO
720-851-5300
paradise travel #1 Travel Agent
Parker, CO
303-912-3676
interior delights #1 Furniture
10970 S Parker Rd Unit A12 Parker, CO
866-434-8911
burn boot camp #1 Health Club
12840 Stroh Ranch Ct #103 Parker, CO
303-827-8622
made clean #1 Maid Service
Parker, CO
720-463-4113
plum creek #1 Mortgage Company
10952 S Pikes Peak Dr Parker, CO
303-807-9645
parker ortho #1 Orthodontist
19700 E Parker Square Dr #C Parker, CO
303-841-5500
osgood team #1 Realtor
19590 Mainstreet, Suite 105 Parker, CO
303-810-5757
pCAC #1 Veterinarian
10702 S Parker Rd Parker, CO
303-841-8833
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25
$$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New
CHERRY VILLAGE
ASIAN GRILL
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 $$
JOHN HOLLY’S Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
Located in the Park Meadows Mall, off a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting. This Brazilian steakhouse is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. Try the full churrasco (shoo-hah-sko) to enjoy delicious meat cuts brought right to your table! And don’t forget the guarana!
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 $$
LA PETITE CREPERIE
The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.
19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)
Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.
18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker
720-500-5555 $ (N)
New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!
19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)
Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$
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 $$
The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken. 10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$
A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $
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 $$
Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup! 880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$
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 $$
THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options. 3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$
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 $$
ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$
Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.
9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$
LA CASITA
Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.
18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 19553 E Mainstreet, Parker
303-840-0325 $$
LOS
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.
19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker
303-840-6574 $$
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S
Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.
971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $
A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.
3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$
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 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$
Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it!
11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.
115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair. 12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $
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 $
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 $$
DUKE’S
Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.
363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines
303-814-2487 $$$
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 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-792-2571 $$$
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.
Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere. 11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$
Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience. 19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
My one trip to Paris left me with a longing for French crepes. La Petite Creperie satisfied that yearning. The Ham Gruyere is fantastic
Here in the Douglas
School District (DCSD), we have so much to celebrate!
1. For the rst time in a decade, DCSD is the TOP scoring district in the Denver/Metro area!
2. DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!) scores in every subject and every grade.
3. DCSD is ranked number 11 on the list of the 250 "most envied" school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight.
DCSDK12.ORG/FUNDING
We are faced with growing challenges in our school district, including capital investment for the future and the need for new schools. This is why the DCSD Board of Education is considering a Bond initiative for the November ballot.
FACT: Bond funding is critical towards ensuring we have safe and comfortable schools for all of our kids (today and in the future).
A potential 2024 Bond Initiative would help DCSD to provide safe and comfortable learning environments for all of our kids, by:
Implementing safety and security upgrades at every school;
Addressing capital improvement backlogs at our schools that includes urgent repairs to mechanical and electrical systems, roofs, intercom systems, parking lots, and playgrounds;
Constructing and equipping two new neighborhood schools and an addition to one existing neighborhood school to accommodate growth and reduce overcrowding;
Funding urgent needs to support special education, information technology, athletic and activity upgrades, and buses.
Enhancing the District’s career and technical education o erings for students.
I have been a client of Kat’s for many years and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else. She always
She
~ Susan
Kat is the
She always makes my hair to look it’s
And she makes me
her bubbly
~
Marcia
Cindy does a fantastic job with cuts & color! If you’re looking for someone that truly knows how to color hair, you must book an appointment with her. She’s the only person I’ve gone to that doesn’t end up giving me highlights that look yellow or golden. She’s amazing!
~ Michelle
