17051 Lincoln Avenue Parker, CO 80134 Next to King Soopers
Stand strong in your faith by being more understanding of the word of GodWe’re taking Exiles in Babylon on the road for a special 2-day conference in Denver, Colorado. We’ve invited a diverse group of speakers and thinkers from a range of different backgrounds and perspectives to engage some of the most pressing cultural and political issues facing the Church today.
october 4-5 2024
southeast christian church 9650 jordan road parker, co 80134 register at theologyintheraw.com
*Presenters subject to change
Preston Sprinkle
Christopher Butler Christine Emba
Justin Giboney Dr. Derwin L. Gray
Street Hymns Jay Kim
Patrick Miller
Dr. Russell Moore Tony Scarcello
Kaitlyn Schiess
Rachel Joy Welcher
Evan Wickham
Tinika Wyatt
perfect halloween party
Tips and tricks to help you pull off the perfect spooky party.
BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
editor’s take - politics
It’s a scary time of year, but don’t let politics become the reason for the terror BY
SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
The
SOUTH AURORA STAFF
local haunts
Some great destinations that will add a little spooky to your halloween holiday. BY
SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
Local Haunts
~ of~ Colorado
Come Trick-or-Treat season, people start scoping out where to find the best corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and, if they enjoy a bit of a thrill, the best haunted houses. You don’t have to wait until Halloween to find some great haunts; turns out, Colorado has some great destinations that will add a little spooky to your halloween festivities.
The Molly Brown House Museum - Denver
The “Unsinkable” Molly Brown was a one-time local who famously survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. She once lived in this Victorian Denver home, built in 1889. Since then, it’s served as a private residence, an apartment for young men, and a home for wayward girls. It’s also a place associated with numerous eerie tales, including tales of hauntings by Molly herself. Today, in addition to frequent visitors by paranormal investigators, it serves as an educational outlet and offers historical tours. www.mollybrown.org
Museum of Colorado Prisons
- Cañon City
Royal Gorge is not the only thing to check out while you’re in town. “Stop by and do time” at the museum, which shares a stone wall and armed towers with the prison that has been in continuous operation since 1871. Explore over 140 years of history, including the two story cell house, with 30 inmate cells on the upper level and archival storage, the original kitchen and isolation cells on the lower level. Documentation of famous riots and exhibits of famous inmates, including Alfred Packer (convicted cannibal) and Antone Woode (convicted 12 year old murderer) are just some of the creepy artifacts on display. With all that happened within those prison walls over the last couple hundred years, the spookiness level is definitely high. Prisonmuseum.org
Hotel Colorado
- Glenwood Springs
The Hotel Colorado was built in 1891 and hosted such famous guests as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft, Molly Brown, Al Capone, and even notorious gambler Doc Holiday (although his visits to the Hot Springs preceded the existing hotel, his presence forever links him with the beginnings of the Hotel Colorado.) It was converted to a hospital in WWII, hosting as many as 500 injured military personnel. The giant ovens in the basement are rumored to have been used as crematoriums. There are still 131 of the original rooms available to guests, but visitors to the hotel aren’t limited to paying guests. Guests and staff alike have reported lots of activity, especially in the predawn hours. Elevators moving floor to floor without passengers, wafting smells of cigar smoke and perfume in the lobby, and sounds of dishes being moved in the Dining Room have all been reported. A young girl in Victorian clothing has reportedly been seen playing ball on the grounds as well. www.hotelcolorado.com
Central City Masonic Cemetery and Creepy Crawl - Central City
Nothing says creepy weekend haunt like an old cemetery. Just above the mining towns of Central City lies this graveyard that was started in the early 1860’s. Rumor has it that every year around November 1st, the ghost of a woman dressed in black appears to visit the grave of John Edward Cameron. There are also stories of the ghost of a young boy that may follow you around the grounds. As they say, there’s safety in numbers, so if you chose, you can visit the cemetery with the Gilpin Historical Society during the Creepy Crawls around the city each October and take in Paranormal Night at the Museum. www.gilpinhistory.org
Hotel Jerome - Aspen
Aspen is known for being a luxury ski resort destination, but this particular hotel has quite a different reputation. Jerome B. Wheeler built the hotel in 1889, less than a decade after the mining town of Aspen was established. The town and the hotel were booming until Aspen’s “quiet years” with the mines beginning to close. At that time, people paid $10 for a month of residence at the hotel, including meals, and the Hotel Jerome became the social center of town. Hauntings at the Jerome are rumored to include visits from the ghost of a little boy who tragically drowned in the swimming pool as well as a maid who fell ill and died after falling into an ice-cold pond. Brave enough to book your stay? Hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com
Stanley Hotel - Estes Park
The Stanley, arguably the best known spooky Rocky Mountain destination, is famous for being the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. The hotel is home to endless ghost stories, including those of no less than 4 spirits regularly roaming the halls, most notably, Lucy, Paul, Eddie, and Elizabeth. In the concert hall, lights have been known to flicker; laughter and footsteps echo off the walls; and unexplainable, chilly drafts greet guests from time to time. During the spookiest of seasons the Stanley offers more than just their famous Evening Tour; join them for Murder Mystery Dinners, The Shining Ball, and Halloween Masquerade Parties. Book your stay with the Spirit Adventure Package for tickets to the spirited night tour, a Stanley “squishy” ghost, REDRUM mug, and accommodations of the most infamous 4th floor. stanleyhotel.com
As usual, Cindy knows my needs so well and has memorized my style that I almost don’t have to say anything to her anymore. She is wonderful. I love her!
~ Jessica
I described the kind of hair style I wanted. Lena patiently listened, then gave me exactly what I wanted. She is amazing.
~ David
Thank you Leah! It is always a great experience every single time! I LOVE my hair each time I see you!
~ Michelle
I won’t go anywhere else.
~ Lori
Having A Perfect HALLOWEENPARTY
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those that will oblige their holiday loving friends, throw some pumpkins and maybe a few mums on their porch, and might even get in on the fun and wear a costume to the party. Then there are those who have pumpkin spice flowing through their veins. Those who have already hit Parker Party America a few times to get just one more spooky decoration for the Halloween landscape on their lawn and have been planning the perfect costume for their killer Halloween party for months.
Okay, maybe there are more than two kinds of people when it comes to all things Halloween, but no matter if you’ve been planning your party for weeks or you decide to get some friends together at the last minute, there are some simple things you can do to make a killer Halloween get-together.
First, for your “Horror-able” Décor. Be sure to decorate any areas that guests will be spending time,
whether it’s the front porch, back deck, or anywhere in between. Don’t worry, filling the space isn’t as scary as it sounds. Go straight to the balloons, grab some orange and white balloons (fill with helium and tie with matching strings too). Use a sharpie to add jack-o-lantern or ghost faces to them for spooktakular centerpieces or accents in the room. You can also get some black tulle, cover your larger helium balloons, and gather the tulle at the bottom for a spookier effect.
Once you have your décor set, you’ll want to take pictures of your family and friends to pos. Grab a backdrop and photo prop set and share your memories.
Another simple fix? Head over to the wedding aisle, yep, wedding. Grab some tissue paper wedding lanterns/ bells, add some construction paper eyes, drape with cheesecloth and, boom! Little ghosts are now guests at your party. When you grab your plates and napkins, get some extra table covers and use them as backdrops or extra bunting accents. Have some smaller round tables? 1 white or orange table cover + some black construction eyes and you have a table that doubles as décor!
Now for the boo-ffet. Mummify your beverages! Grab a tub and wrap it with crepe paper, throw on a couple eyes. Now a Mummy is keeping all those drinks cool. Make the ice in the tub (and for your drinks) a little spookier by grab some plastic spiders and freeze them in your ice cube trays. Don’t forget to pick up your favorite “Mr. Bones” decor, but instead of propping him up outside, lay him on one of your serving trays and turn your charcuterie to charboo-terie; fill him with your meat and cheese spread for a ghoulish buffet centerpiece.
Sweets should get the scare treatment too, right? Jump on the “naked” cake trend and serve a chocolate pumpkin cake on a simple cake stand to set it apart from other sweet offerings. Make it easy and grab a few different sized bowls and fill with treats!
Toss in a fake pumpkin, a witch’s hat, and some faux leaves. Turn the pumpkin on its side (the stem is now a nose), add the leaves for some hair and top with the hat for an easy witch. A fog machine, inflatable decor, or spooky lights will set a memorable scene now and for years to come.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that everyone wants a hostess that isn’t stressed, that is present and not distracted by a million things. People feel so much more at ease when you can greet them, chat and laugh with them, can even EAT with them. And guess what? YOU will be happier too! Have you ever not eaten at your own party? Being busy and hangry is a terrible combo. Basically, be prepared. Have a few backup plans if things don’t go quite right and then shrug at anything you can’t control.
To thank my guests, I love having door prizes – a prize for the winner of any games we play and then the best costume prize. Everyone puts their name in a bowl for the door prize, easy peasy. There’s usually a jar full of candy corn where the closest guess gets the prize. Everyone votes for the best costume. I learn from every single event I throw from my mistakes so I’m glad that I make them. It makes me that much more prepared and excited for the next one.
EDITOR’STAKE
BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
It is that time again, when hopeful public officials vie for our vote to establish the future of government policy. Whether on a national stage or at a local level, fortunes will be spent in the pursuit of gaining an office. Yard signs are everywhere, new Facebook pages pop up almost daily, and the mud slinging is never far behind. Let’s get ready to rumble!!!!
Now, I know in a polite society we are supposed to avoid talking about things like politics and religion, but ignoring what is happening around us seems about as insane as, well, what is happening around us. Brother turns against brother, neighbor against neighbor, and the vitriol all over social media makes it unbearable to take our phones out of our pockets.
What happened to us? When did a political stance become more important than a person’s character or a relationship. It seems no longer important what is said, just which “side” says it. Nevermind if someone has a good idea, or much less the truth. If it came from across the aisle, they will fight it tooth and nail to disprove or discredit it. We don’t want the best solution to a problem; we just want that other guy to lose. No matter what.
Thomas S. Monson once said, “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” Sage advice. Can you imagine a world in which both sides put their pride aside and worked together to find the best solution? The great John Wooden noted, “It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.” But what did he know? He never had much success in his life.
As with most things in this life, it is much easier to point to the “other guy” and condemn their faults than it is to lay claim to our own onus in this mess. Just like in sports, the problem isn’t confined to the participants involved. Ask almost anyone who has been to little league games and they will tell you the real problem is the fans. How can we demand more of those in office when we go at each other’s throats over every political issue?
It is time to rise above the standard that has been accepted. Time to be better than the contention that society embraces, because we may not agree with what you say, but in our country, we defend to the death your right to say it!
PUMPKIN CARVING
TIPS & TRICKS
T he time-honored tradition of turning pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is one many families enjoy each year. Nothing says, “Halloween,” more than a house with amazing jack-o-lanterns peeking out on October 31. Here are some tips and tricks for you to use this year when carving your creation.
• Draw your design on the pumpkin with a waterbased marker beforehand. Mistakes are erased easily with a damp sponge
• Draw your lid to be an odd shape so you know exactly how to replace it for a tight fit
• Cut a hole on the back of the lid AND on the bottom of the back of your pumpkin to allow air to circulate through. With good air flow your candle will be bright
• Serrated metal saws, now widely available in carving kits, are a safer alternative to knives and allow younger children to get in on the action. KIDS SHOULD CARVE ONLY UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION
• Use an X-Acto knife for details and the tip of a potato peeler to make small circles and curves
• Re-attach a section that is accidentally removed by using a toothpick to pin it back in place
• Sprinkle the bottom side of the pumpkin lid with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or cloves to let your jack-o’-lantern do double duty as an air freshener.
• Place the jack-o’-lantern in a plastic bag and refrigerate when not in use.
• Try making an uncarved jack-o’-lantern by painting designs with royal icing. You can enjoy a decorated jack-o’-lantern but still use the pumpkin when Halloween has come and gone.
• To prolong the life of the jack-o’-lantern, cover it with a damp towel when not on display
• Consider giving smaller children stickers, tempera paint, or markers to decorate their own pumpkins
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
Asian fusion
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 $$
JOHN HOLLY’S Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
THE GUIDE
THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
JUNZ
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.
JUNZ
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 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE
Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup! 880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$
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 $$
MEXICAN
ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$
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
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 19553 E Mainstreet, Parker
303-840-0325 $$
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.
19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker
303-840-6574 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
new american
CASTLE CAFE
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
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 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker
720-476-7162 $$
MANNA
A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season. 2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $
PARKER GARAGE
The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions. 19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$
RORY’S
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 $$
SIERRA
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.
115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
PIZZA
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 $$
STEAKHOUSE
DUKE’S
Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.
363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines 303-814-2487 $$$
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 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$
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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 $$
