Lonely Hearts Club
Not all dating experiences have a "happily-ever-after" ending
Stories as told to Search Parker Staff
Getting to know someone romantically can leave you feeling… drained. If you’ve ever felt like love is a battlefield, have no fearwe’ve all been there.
Sometimes bad dates happen to good people. Enjoy a few romantic flops from our favorite people.
You’re welcome, and no, we’re not sorry for sharing.
"Senior Year in high school, I was asked to homecoming by a super cute and very popular boy. In our school, the dates for these dances were all-day affairs.
My date picked me up about 11 am and we headed up the mountain where we picnicked and went fourwheeling. While winding up a small road, my front right tire caught a large, loose rock and the right front end of my ATV started to fall down the embankment. The whole vehicle went over the edge and careened down the 100-foot side of the mountain with me on top. At about 20 feet down, my hair and jacket caught on a tree limb, and I grabbed on for dear life. The vehicle continued to fall the rest of the way to the bottom in a tangled and wrecked mess.
My back was all scraped up and bleeding, but I was ok and able to climb back up to the road.
My date was sweet and made sure I was ok, but I’ll never forget the look of horror on his face when he saw the state of his mangled ATV at the bottom of the cliff.
I still had to go home, shower, and get dressed and ready to go to the dance. I was stressed and in pain. When I peeled off my t-shirt at home, my whole back was bloody, and I had scrapes and gashes from neck to waist. Of course, the dress I was wearing to the dance had a lower back which left my new wounds visible for all to see and hurt when we danceed.
I never found out what happened when my date told his dad I had ruined their ATV- but I did notice that my date was working extra shifts at his job."
- That wasn't a love connection, but Emily is now happily married and steers clear of ATVs.
"When Gladys and I were dating, some time before we’d become engaged to be married, I decided to invite her on a drive to visit my grandparents in a rural Utah town, a roughly eight-hour drive from where I lived. The drive was mostly uneventful, however, I do remember toward the tail end of the trip experiencing some level of discomfort from an accumulation of “bad air” in my digestive tract.
Upon arriving at my grandfather’s remote residence, my grandmother required something that necessitated a trip to Wal-Mart, some 45 minutes away. No sooner had we begun our journey than my dear friend, bad air, came knocking on the door (with some urgency, I might add).
Once at Wal-Mart, Gladys and I split up to accomplish our tasks. As soon as Gladys was gone from sight (and hopefully ear shot), I found that I was in that blissful moment where the persistent petition to vent the bowels was still active and I had enough privacy to grant it. Please understand, the idea of privacy did not mean that I was alone in the aisle. I was disappointed to discover that the force of my push had filled my pants. The next moments are a bit of a blur for me, though there was certainly panic. Walking was tricky as any movement of the legs seemed sure to result in a tumble of humiliation out of my pantlegs and into my shoe or onto the floor. I waddled away in disgrace, carefully attempting to keep my denim receptacle from spilling its contents. Upon arriving in the restroom, I found that it was not as clean as I would have liked, though probably cleaner than I deserved. As I found myself alone in that dirty WalMart restroom, I did the only thing I could think to do: I stood at the sink and bathed myself and attempted to launder my pants. After getting myself as clean as I could in a Wal-Mart bathroom sink, and after ringing my pants out to the best of my ability, I dressed and left the bathroom. I was walking normally, but with damp pants and, to my mind, an unpleasant and lingering odor. We did eventually get back to my grandparents’ home. I did eventually get a shower and a change of clothes. I was grateful that Gladys seemed willing to ignore and never mention what had transpired."
- Curtis ended up marrying Gladys. She swears to this day she had no idea throughout the whole date.
"First year of marriage and I was scheduled for fire academy the day of my anniversary. I walked in the door after a full day and my wife was dressed to impress! Dinner was made, candles were lit, and music was on.
What she didn’t know was that on my way home I realized that I was missing my helmet. Showing up to academy the next day without my helmet would have been severely bad. I was in a panic. I quickly explained my predicament and if looks could kill I would have been a dead man standing. She said, “Ok hang on and I’ll go change.” She came out of the bedroom wearing sweatpants and sweatshirt, hair pulled up and zero excitement on her face.
We drove the 1.5 hrs with me apologizing and doing most of the talking. I snuck into the fire station, found my helmet, and snuck back out without being caught. We drove the 1.5 hrs back home in silence, ate a cold meal, and went to bed."
- Devin wore that helmet at home for several more days as protection.
"I was asked out by a guy I knew in high school and he bought us tickets to a Denver Nuggets game for our first date. I was 17 at the time and this was one of my first dates ever. I didn't have a car, so he picked me up. We drove to the game, got our seats, and made small talk as the game started.
After about 45 minutes he excused himself to use the bathroom. Ten minutes later, he wasn't back yet and I figured there was a line at the men's room. I sat there alone through halftime and I finally went out to his car to look for him. It was gone. He had ditched me. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure he left with some girl he'd known in the stands."
- Claire has a new boyfriend who has yet to leave her stranded at a ball game.
"I asked a girl out that I had seen on campus. The date went fine and we enjoyed ourselves so much that I called her back for a second date. A man answered the phone and I asked to speak to the girl. The man asked who I was. I answered and then asked who he was, to which he replied he was her husband. I immediately hung up. Several weeks later I called back to make sure it wasn't a joke played by her brother or friend. The number had been disconnected. I ran into the girl later on campus and she admitted that she was married."
- Steve enjoyed it so much that now he only dates a married women - his wife.
"My girlfriend had a tendency to lock her keys in her car or misplace them somewhere in the house. Following weeks of carrying an engagement ring around in my pocket, waiting for the right opportunity, I decided on the perfect plan. After fastening the ring to her car keys, I propped up the ring to make it immediately visible, and placed them in the spare washroom while she was getting dressed for our dinner reservation. When it was time to leave, I suggested we take her car to ensure she would find the keys. Chaos ensued. In frustration, she emptied her purse, foraged through every inch of her car, and rearranged each drawer in the kitchen. Upon my third suggestion to check the spare room, she offered a sharp reminder the room is never used and the keys could not possibly be there. With one last effort, I urged her to check anyway. After finding the keys (and the ring), she turned to find me on one knee."
- Cobie and his wife live happily with their two kids and several sets of spare keys.
EDITOR'STAKE
by BRET TUELLER | PUBLISHER
I have come to dislike the phrase "falling in love." Sorry hopeless romantics. It's not that I am against the notion, I "fell" in love with my wife 25 years ago and I am more in love with her every day. What I object to is the connotation that falling in love evokes. It makes it feel arbitrary, out of our control even. Something that happens to you against your will. The reason I object to the phrase is because if you accept involuntarily being made to fall into love, doesn't that mean that you can just as unwittingly fall OUT of love?
Love is a choice.
I think that is true for all kinds of love; romantic, sibling, and even neighborly. Love in any form is never easy, at least not the lasting kind. Being willing to so easily accept "falling out" of love is a coward's way of escape. And it is prevalent in the world we live in. Especially among neighbors. Why do we have such contempt for our neighbors and community members that have a different view than us?
A couple sat at their kitchen table to indulge in a delicious breakfast. The wife looked out the window and saw her neighbor hanging laundry on the clothesline.
"Her laundry is never clean!" she said to her husband. "Someone needs to teach her a thing or two when it comes to washing her clothes!"
Day after day, the wife would complain to her husband about their neighbor's dirty laundry. One morning, as they enjoyied their breakfast, she noticed something was different.
"Wow, look!" the surprised wife said to her husband, "Her clothes are clean. Someone must have taught her how to wash her clothes." Without raising his head from his plate, the husband kindly responded, "Actually, honey, I got up early this morning and washed the window."
I love this story about why sometimes we choose not to love our neighbor.
And so it is with life - what we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look. Have more patience, more empathy, more understanding ... and choose to love.
Winter Vibes
Those long winter months can play havoc with our heads. Stuck inside, patience on its last nerve, sometimes all we need is an outlet.
Here are a few suggestions to beat those winter blues.
Snowshoeing
Rocky Mountain National Park has various levels of trails that are available for snowshoeing. Also, they offer ranger-led snowshoe walks for beginners on weekends through March 31 on the east side and beginner and intermediate snowshoers through March 11 on the west side. Entrance fees to the park apply, however there is no additional fee for the walks. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/romo and search for snowshoe information.
Ice Skating
29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen
What better way to enjoy the winter air than ice skating! The Ice Trail at Discovery Park is a great option. For a fun mountain experience, try Evergreen Lake. Get more information at www. evergreenrecreation.com
Camping
2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park
For an entire weekend of winter family fun, a great place to visit is the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. You can make reservations to stay in a room, in a lodge, or reserve your own cabin. There are many winter activities to keep you busy during your stay. For more information or to make reservations, call 970-887-2152 or visit www.ymcarockies.org.
Tubing
455 County Rd 72, Fraser
A great place to enjoy some exciting, fast-paced tubing with the family is Fraser Tubing Hill, which is located two miles west of Winter Park. They don't require advanced reservations and have a lift/pulley system that pulls you up to the top. For more information, they can be reached at 970-726-5954.
Hot Springs
Colorado’s mountains have plenty of activities to get your heart racing, but they’re also perfect for kicking back. Dip into one of over 30 hot springs, where you can soothe sore muscles after a long day of hiking or skiing. Many also offer water slides and kid-friendly amenities.
Game Show Battle Rooms
8230 S Colorado Blvd B, Centennial
If you have ever watched Wheel of Fortune or Price is Right and thought you could do that, now is your chance. You're in the Game Show! Battle your friends, family, and co-workers playing your favorite game show games in their custom game show arenas. Visitors face off against each other in teambased game show competitions.
Vehicle Vault
18301 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy, Parker
Not your average car museum. Visit the Gallery at Vehicle Vault, a unique and beautiful museum and event venue housing a fabulous collection of rare and exotic automobiles from all over the world. Take a tour through the history of the automobile. The Gallery Collection features cars from every decade since the turn of the 20th century.
Your Own Neighborhood
Let’s not forget a great day spent sledding or tubing down the neighborhood hill! Also under this category we have building a snowman, erecting a snow fort, making snow art, etc. Snowball fights are a great way to burn some energy and have some healthy family competition. Divide into teams, build your forts and let the snowballs fly! This year the kids are able to climb their very own tall mountain of snow in the comfort of their own yard!
Whether you share a box of chocolates with your significant other, or your significant other is a box of chocolates, enjoy our Valentine's Day "by the numbers"
CAN'T BUY ME
When Europeans started exchanging valentines
1840
When the first valentines were mass-produced and sold in the U.S.
11,000
The average number of children conceived on Valentine's Day
24% of single people buy themselves a gift for Valentine's Day
198 billion
The average number of roses produced for the holiday
14 % of women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day
1913
When Hallmark began massproducing valentines in the U.S. O VE
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
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 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.
19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$
ITO SUSHI ASIAN BISTRO
Asian fusion restaurant known for quality ingredients and fresh fish daily.
2240 Mercantile St #100, Castle Rock 720-749-6777 $$ (N)
JOHN HOLLY’S Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
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 $$
LA LOMA
Upscale-rustic atmosphere known for traditional Mexican meals.
6361 Promenade Pkw, Castle Rock 303-632-9900 $$ (N)
LAS POTRANCES
Casual Mexican restaurant full of real Mexican culture, Mexican Food, Fresh Drinks, and Friendly Hospitality. 19600 Solar Cir, Parker 303-840-0325 $$ (N)
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.
6370 Promenade Pkwy., Castle Rock 720-769-5474 $$
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!
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 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-792-2571 $$$
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 $$
Culinary Chronicles
My husband and I love Mexican food but had yet to find that go-to place in Parker. When our neighbors told us about the local favorite, Las Potrancas, we couldn’t wait to try this family-owned restaurant.
The location is tucked behind Parker Road, north of Pine Lane. The dining room was bustling with activity when we arrived for dinner. The décor is a unique blend of rustic charm with a touch of whimsy, featuring playful skeleton decorations and vibrant color. My whole family enjoyed finding and pointing out the unique details.
The service was very friendly, and our waiter made great recommendations. He was attentive even with the crowd, which shows how well the restaurant is run.
For me, the true test of a Mexican restaurant is the chips and salsa – and I was not disappointed! The chips were crispy, warm, and perfectly salted. The house-made salsa got our taste buds tingling.
The birria tacos were a showstopper with tender meat and a flavorful consommé, perfect for dipping. I would order this dish again and recommend it to all taco lovers. For families, there is a kid-friendly menu that includes burgers and chicken fingers to satisfy our little eaters.
I am so thrilled that we found this hidden gem in the heart of Parker. It’s the perfect spot for a casual dinner, a fun date night, or a celebration with friends at the spacious bar. I encourage you to check it out for yourself!
Taco Tuesday anyone?
Denise Woods is a freelance writer who will be reviewing local eateries monthly for this new feature.
Las Potrancas | 19600 Solar Cir, Parker
