Life + Culture

The Legacy of a Recipe

How my late grandmother’s biscotti recipe taught me what it means to be Italian then, now, and forever. Article by Emma Reed | Photography by Geertje Caliguire While some losses become easier to bear over time, others grow harder. My Nana passed away when I was too young to have the perspective to ask about her life the way I wish I could now. The best of her is preserved in her recipes. Something of an heirloom in our family, her combination of ingredients defined so much of who she was...

Food + Beverage

Rosemary Sugared Cranberry Cocktail

December Recipe of the Month Article and Photography by Debbie Hill Ingredients for the Garnish: 1 Packet of fresh Cranberries 1 Packet of fresh rosemary sprigs 1/2 cup water 1 cup sugar (1/2 cup for syrup, 1/2 cup for frosting)   Instructions for Garnish: In a medium saucepan, mix water and 1/2 cup sugar, stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir in rosemary sprigs, until coated. Using a slotted spoon, transfer...

Wellness

The Magic of The Aspen Effect

Mini horses and volunteers improving mental health for Douglas County youth Article and Photography by Aspen Effect Staff The Aspen Effect is one of the fastest-growing nonprofit organizations in Douglas County, where there continues to be a youth mental health crisis.  Youth in Douglas County experience mental health crisis at a rate greater than the national average. Now operating from Happy Dog Ranch in Sedalia, Colorado, The Aspen Effect believes that all youth are strengthened by...

Travel

Unwrap an Experience This Holiday Season

Simplify Gift-Giving with Experiences for Lifetime Memories Article by Kristen Gonzales The gift-giving season brings the stress of finding the perfect gift to set the stage for the magic of Christmas morning. Whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, or friend, the joy of giving thoughtful gifts to your loved ones is paramount this time of year. But what if instead of toys or gift cards, we gave the gift of experiences? Cecily North-Rudow, a certified travel agent with Traveling North...

Health + Wellness

Extra-Mile Care

When Allen Gresham turned 90 in the ICU, Castle Rock AdventHealth delivered more than just care—they gave him a celebration to remember. Article by Amanda Lundberg, BSN, RN It all began when Allen was feeling not quite right and was rushed to the ER by his children, Ron and Kathy. The medical team at Castle Rock AdventHealth swiftly took over, diagnosing Allen with a stroke. The exceptional care and efficient response from the ER team were just the beginning of what would turn into a...

Health + Wellness

Making a Difference With Movement

Meet the faces behind Castle Rock’s famous Turkey ROCK Trot and its host organization, RUN to Change Lives. Article by Emma Reed On Thanksgiving morning, the 20th annual Turkey ROCK Trot will once again take over the streets of Castle Rock, starting at the Douglas County Event Center. The race not only kicks off the holiday but also unites the community for a good cause. It is Castle Rock’s largest attended running race, indoor expo, and a beloved Thanksgiving morning tradition. At the heart...

Arts + Culture

Castle Rock Welcomes a Vibrant New Center for the Arts

Tri Arts Project Opens Its Doors at the Historic Cantril Building Article by Emma Reed In a celebration blending history with creativity, Castle Rock's first dedicated center for the arts, Tri Arts Project (TAP), officially opened its doors in September with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Cantril School Building. A crowd of local officials, business owners, and community members gathered to witness the highly anticipated event and tour the facility. “We had 200 name...

Food + Beverage

Embers

Provision's November Cocktail Article by Tyler Clanton | Photography by Jeb Brant Ingredients: 1 oz Your favorite Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon  ¾ oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon ½ oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao ¼ oz Caol Ila 12 Year ½ oz Toasted-Marshmallow Syrup 4 dash Chocolate Bitters   Instructions: Toasted Marshmallow Syrup: Lightly toast 2 cups miniature marshmallows in the oven. Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, toasted marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a...

Travel

Make Merry Memories

Polar Express™, Jack Frost, Mistletoe Village, Santa's Workshop and More at the Gaylord Rockies Article by Kara Witherow | Photography by Provided Holidays are for family, friends and making memories. Whether bundling up and spending a day walking through a winter wonderland, decorating gingerbread or singing Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk, guests will find it all at Gaylord Rockies Resort near Denver.  Amid dazzling holiday lights, seasonal cuisine, the enchanting Mistletoe...

Food + Beverage

Sip, Savor, Stay Awhile

Inside the Hospitality and Passion Behind Castle Rock’s Premier Crafted Cocktail Lounge, Provision Article by Emma Reed | Photography by Aaron Sager The atmosphere at Provision is intimate. Dark and cozy, the space is dimly lit with rich wood accents and plush seating that invites you to sink in and stay awhile. It's the perfect spot for a date night, an evening with friends, or simply to unwind after a long day. The vibe is upscale yet unpretentious—a place where you can feel both luxurious...