Travel

Christmas Shines Bright

Gaylord on the Rockies Offers a Beautiful Winter Wonderland Getaway Article by Kara Witherow | Photography by Gaylord Hotels The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from Denver, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together and make new traditions. From November 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas...

Life + Culture

Veteran Ben Batiste

The Power Of Giving Back To Your Community Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Abby Watkins Ben Batiste, a veteran and financial services expert, is no stranger to hardship. Despite loads of odds stacked against him early in life, he maintains a positive mantra and lives by it daily. “I believe if you put good out into the world, whether religious or not, if you put good out, good will come back,” he says passionately. Ben entered the U.S. Marine Corps to escape the horrors of...

Education

Community Beyond School

Karter School of Parker Opens Doors to Parents And Broader Community Article by Cassidy Ritter | Photography by Joel Paevalis When Anna Savier was a new mom, she, like many parents, craved community.  “I wanted to have playdates with other moms and get to know other people when I was new to the community,” Anna says. “It was really hard because you drop off your kids, you go to work and you don’t meet people.” Now, as a mom to an 8-year-old and 10-year-old, Anna’s taking matters into her own...

Local Services

Save the Seven

Local Horsewomen Rescue Seven Horses and Commit To Their Rehabilitation at Whispering Pines Equestrian in Elizabeth Article by Julie Hoglund | Photography by Abby Watkins Rescuer and horse trainer Ann Fouret recalls her first encounter with the seven horses she was tasked to rescue. “They were skin and bones and living in dark barn stalls without ventilation. They were like shells of horses. Their eyes were blank, like they were somewhere else. They were only getting fed once a day, and their...

Wellness

Invest in a Legacy of Healing: Support The Aspen Effect

Article by Jerry Van Leuven Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Douglas County, The Aspen Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit changing the trajectory of youth and family mental health through one powerful approach—connection. Using equine-guided and nature-based mentorship, The Aspen Effect surrounds youth and families with supportive relationships that cultivate trust, resilience and emotional growth. Their model has been especially impactful for youth navigating anxiety, substance use  disorder...

Food + Beverage

Connection, Beauty And Meaningful Experiences

Pam Briere Shares Her Vision for Villa Parker, Ovest Via Ristorante and Elevated Taste Catering Article by Cassandra Green | Photography by Abby Watkins A divine experience is one that can intertwine with the abstract art of atmosphere and, at the same time, pull those details into a concrete and memorable moment that can be lived and experienced time and time again. Pam Briere, Owner & Creative Director of Villa Parker, Ovest Via Ristorante and Elevated Taste Catering, is an artist of...

Shopping

Our Local Nest On Mainstreet

A Gift-Guide From Our One And Only, Nest on Mainstreet Article by Julie Hoglund Nest on Mainstreet in downtown Parker isn't a typical gift store; it's a treasure trove! The moment you walk up the red brick pathway onto the quaint cottage porch with its scalloped trim, charm greets you everywhere: rocking chairs, floral garlands, wreaths, signs, pots spilling over with foliage and holiday decor. Green farmhouse doors open to a gift-wonderland. There is something for everyone at an extensive...

Arts + Culture

Tequila Tasting

Cencalli Taqueria and Agaveria Serves Up Tequila, History and Culture Article by Cassidy Ritter | Photography by PIN It took Zoe Romero and her husband, Andres Venalonzo, three tries and about nine years to open Mexican restaurant Cencalli Taqueria and Agaveria in Parker, their hometown. “We actually submitted a letter of intent for two other areas,” Zoe says. Zoe’s and Andres’ dreams finally became a reality in late July when Cencalli opened in Parker, about two years after they opened the...

Food + Beverage

Lone Tree Brewing Company

From Home Brewing To Opening Lone Tree Brewing Company, John Winter Finds A New Passion Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Amy Ronk Sitting down with John Winter, local Parker resident and former pilot for United Airlines, proves that passions in life can coincide or change. “I think once it’s kind of in your blood, it’s in your blood,” John marvels about missing flying. His personal plane, Betty, keeps his love for flying alive while he focuses his enthusiasm on his breweries in...

Food + Beverage

Colorado-Born Bourbon, Crafted with Ingenuity

Branch & Barrel: Bold Colorado Whiskey. No Shortcuts. No Compromise. Article by Danielle VonFeldt | Photography by Snappy Spirits Nestled in eastern Centennial, Branch & Barrel Distilling stands as a testament to Colorado’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and love for fine whiskey. Founded by friends Ryan, Tom, and Scott, the distillery began as a dream shared over construction sites and plumbing projects. What started as conversations between industry professionals with a shared appreciation for...