Castle Rock, CO October 2025

30-minute mammo

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The Food & Drink Issue

Dear Readers,

October always seems to bring with it a sense of richness—cooler days, golden light, and the kind of appetite that makes gathering around a table even more meaningful. At Castle Rock City Lifestyle, we’re especially excited to celebrate this season with our annual Food & Drink issue, a tribute to the flavors, talent, and community spirit that make our town’s dining scene so vibrant.

Castle Rock has always been a place where tradition meets innovation, and nowhere is that more evident than in our restaurants, breweries, cafés, and cocktail bars. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our community’s truly eclectic mix of dining experiences. From cherished local favorites that have been serving families for years, to bold new concepts bringing fresh flavors and energy to town, there’s something for every palate right here at home.

What makes this moment especially exciting is the sheer variety now available. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy, familiar meal at a tried-and-true favorite, or eager to sample a dish that pushes your taste buds into new territory, Castle Rock’s culinary scene is blossoming in ways that rival much larger cities. It’s a reminder that expanding our horizons doesn’t always mean booking a trip—it can be as simple as trying that new spot just down the street.

Supporting our local food and drink establishments is about more than enjoying a great meal. It’s about nurturing the dreamers and doers who have invested in this community. Every restaurant opening, every glass poured, every dish served reflects the passion of people who believe in Castle Rock and want to contribute to its growth. When we dine out, we’re not just feeding ourselves—we’re helping to ensure that Castle Rock remains a dynamic and welcoming place for all.

So, as the crisp autumn air settles in, I encourage you to explore. Make a reservation at the newest bistro, stop into that bakery you’ve driven past a dozen times, or revisit a long-time favorite with fresh eyes. In doing so, you’ll discover that our local dining scene is about much more than food—it’s about connection, creativity, and community.

Here’s to new flavors, old favorites, and the shared joy of a table well set.

Warmly,

October 2025

PUBLISHER

Steve Hill | steve.hill@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Debbie Hill | debbie.hill@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kristen Gonzales kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kristen Gonzales

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Castle Rock Headshots, One Ton Creative

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

Steve turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Castle Rock City Lifestyle

Homegrown Tap & Dough Opening Fall 2025

Homegrown Tap & Dough, founded in Denver in 2011, offers an approachable Italian restaurant experience that celebrates Colorado’s landscapes and ingredients. What began with hand-tossed pizza has grown to include Italian favorites like Pepperoni Rolls, Chicken Parmesan, Caesar Salad, and Colorado-inspired sandwiches. Each location feels “quintessentially Colorado,” with gondolas from ski resorts, stone fireplaces, and artifacts honoring local history. With Homegrown Tap & Dough Castle Rock opening Fall 2025, Gastamo Group looks forward to joining the community.

Niche & Co Now Open in Downtown Castle Rock

Niche & CO, a veteran-owned small business located in the heart of downtown Castle Rock, is a furniture, home, and gift boutique founded by husband and wife team Jon and April in 2016. Offering inspiring, unique furnishings and accents for every corner of your home. John and April’s own experience as veteran helicopter pilots sparked their idea to focus initially on aviation and travel themed goods, later delving into the unique niches of everyone’s lives.

Scan to read more

Life Time Breaks Ground in The Canyons

Life Time is coming to The Canyons in Castle Pines in 2026! Their newest club in the Denver metro will offer more than 103,000 square feet of top-tier athletic amenities and activities for all ages. Features include indoor and outdoor pickleball, exceptional classes, luxurious pools, Kids Academy, hydrotherapy suites and much more. To join the waitlist visit: Life Time Castle Pines

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The ABC’s of Radiant Skin

A – Retin-A, Retinol, or Tretinoin Your nighttime glow-up. Smooths, refines, renews.

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the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Breakfast

Wide Awake Eatery https://wideawakeeatery.com/ | 303.600.8393

B & B Cafe http://thebbcafe.com/ | 720.733.7827

Pegasus Restaurant http://pegasusrestaurantcastlerock.com/ | 303.688.6746

Trestles Coastal Cuisine www.trestlescastlerock.com | 303.663.3622

The Block & Bottle https://www.theblockandbottle.com/ | 303.927.6754

Brewery

105 West Brewing Company https://www.105westbrewing.com/ | 303.325.7321

Alidade Brewing http://alidadebrewing.com/ | 720.726.2109

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse greatdividebreweryandroadhouse.com/ | 303.955.5788

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Iron Mule Brewery https://www.ironmulebrewery.com/ | 720.328.9008

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. https://wildblueyonderbrewing.com/ | 303.814.3663

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BIEN Y TÚ

Step Into Mexico On Fourth Street In Castle Rock

With a father like Tom Walls, former owner of Trinity Grille in Denver, it’s no surprise that his son, Dillon Walls, jumped into the restaurant business as well.

“I went to CU and graduated from there, and I was like I don’t want a real job yet,” Dillon jokes.

“So I took off and jumped down to Australia to use as a jump-off point for traveling to the rest of Southeast Asia, and I got to Sydney and was like, I don’t need to go anywhere.”

It was there that he earned his master’s degree while living there for four years before returning to Colorado to join the family business.

Owning restaurants like Trinity Grille, Castle Cafe, and Next Door Bar, Dillon’s family had years of experience, and he was ready to take the reins.

“I ended up in San Miguel de Allende, a tiny little town a couple of hours north of Mexico City,” Dillon explains. “It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, a colonial Spanish town, just as cool as could be.”

“So I went to a wedding there,” he continues. “And rented an Airbnb that had been built in like the 1620s or something like that, and I was like, this is going to be a restaurant…so that’s basically what manifested here.”

Dillon wanted something with a traditional Mexican vibe and an inviting interior, and Bien y Tú offers precisely that. From the lavish ferns that span the depth of the restaurant to the stained glass and outdoor patio, walking in feels like stepping into Mexico itself.

“The basis for the concept was a real colonial Mexican base with a kind of Tulum feel draped over the top,” Dillon says.

While it took some time to come to fruition due to COVID-19 delays, the finished product of Bien y Tú now graces Fourth Street in Downtown Castle Rock, having been open since March 2025, bringing exquisite Mexican cuisine to the area.

“Our philosophy has always been, of course, have a beautiful interior, but you’ve got to have the food that gets people

“Bien y Tú does just that with their mix of culinary backgrounds from France and Mexico.

Together, the usual Mexican foods get a dash of spectacular, like the quesābirriā tacos that showcase a German cheese or Dillon’s favorite, the enchiladas with a mushroom cream sauce.”

back in,” Dillon explains. Bien y Tú has no problem there with their mix of culinary backgrounds from France and Mexico. Together, the usual Mexican foods get a dash of spectacular, like the quesābirriā tacos that showcase a German cheese or Dillon’s favorite, the enchiladas with a mushroom cream sauce.

When asked why open Bien y Tú in Castle Rock, Dillon’s answer is simple. “Castle Rock’s been so good to us.” Now Dillon wants to return the favor.

Crystal Cleaning

FROM WIDE OPEN to Wide Awake

WIDE AWAKE EATERY BRINGS A LIVELY BRUNCH TO WILCOX STREET

For Sedalia’s Wide Open Saloon’s owners, Leah and Todd Hills, embracing their newest endeavor, Wide Awake Eatery on Wilcox Street, was about bringing an elevated brunch to Downtown Castle Rock.

“We love brunch food,” Leah explains. “And for our menu, we just created what our favorite dishes are and decided to implement them into that space, and thought that it was something that the community could really enjoy.”

With their first restaurant, Wide Open Saloon, such a raving success, Leah and Todd understand the ins and outs of bringing a community together with food, live music, and dancing. Despite opening the weekend before the COVID shutdown, Wide Open Saloon surpassed all expectations.

“That was a bit of a challenge,” Todd explains about opening with the impending epidemic lurking. “But we got through it and actually made a lot of new friends during that period of time because we had lots and lots of outdoor seating, probably more than anyone in the county. We were attracting party buses from Denver.”

What could have been a tough time ended up being a true success story, where Wide Open Saloon was hiring when others were letting people go. Now, five years later, Leah and Todd still have many of the same employees with them.

With Wide Open Saloon featuring an elevated comfort food menu, Leah and Todd wanted to share something similar in downtown Castle Rock; hence, Wide Awake Eatery opened on June 1, 2025.

“We really focus on how the atmosphere feels,” Leah says. “It’s a bit elevated, just like our menu is, but it’s really more of a gathering place for the community.”

While they originally opened with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they paused the dinner option to ensure the earlier meals were spectacular first and foremost.

“We thought, let’s pause the dinner for just a little while and just really focus in on breakfast and lunch,” Leah explains. “Make that excellent, make it great. Then, when we really have what we wanted to give to the community from the beginning, we’ll open dinner back up.”

“We lived for three years across the street in the Encore,” Todd says. “We’re very familiar with what Castle Rock had to offer as far as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they’ve done a great job. There are some great restaurants down there, but we kind of felt like the first niche that needed to be filled was a fun brunch/ breakfast place.”

order it, don’t let the person sitting next to you have a bite because you won’t get the dish back,”

Todd jokes.

Now, having perfected their elevated menu of breakfast and lunch, the dinner menu has been reintroduced to the fold. Using their favorite dishes from restaurants throughout Colorado, Arizona, and even Texas, Leah and Todd brought an affordable, fine dining experience to Castle Rock.

“We’ve got a little bit of everything on the menu that are super fun dishes like our Bananas Foster French toast.”

Wide Awake Eatery entered the scene, serving up fun along with culinary delights and offering a twist on breakfast classics.

“We’ve got a little bit of everything on the menu that are super fun dishes like our Bananas Foster French toast. I always tell someone, if they

While they brought over some of Wide Open’s huge sellers, such as the Italian sandwich, Birriastyle tacos, and candied bacon, their menu at Wide Awake also features new and exciting dishes.

“We’ve taken things that we’ve loved, kind of put our own twist on them,” Leah says. “Kind of elevate them as much as possible. And that’s our menu.”

Currently living in Sedalia, fifteen minutes from each location, Leah and Todd credit their success to the many people behind the scenes who support them.

“We have an amazing team behind us to be able to help us and execute our vision,” Leah comments proudly. “From our management team to the front of the house, to the back of the house, we’ve always said, that’s really what makes us successful–our people.”

IT’S TIME FOR YOUR SPRINKLER WINTERIZATION!

The first freeze in Castle Rock is said to occur sometime in September or October. Protect your system from costly damages and make the Clever choicebook with us now to ensure a smooth activation in the spring! Make the Clever choice, book online, or call us today!

Wine With a Purpose

ARTICLE BY LAURIE PROBSDORFER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When I first discovered ONEHOPE Wine, I quickly realized it was about more than just sharing great wine. Crafted in collaboration with the Mondavi family and our award-winning Napa Valley winemaking team, ONEHOPE pairs exceptional quality with a powerful mission: to bring people together and give back.

As a Cause Entrepreneur with ONEHOPE, I get to create experiences where friends gather, share stories, and raise a glass—all while supporting causes close to their hearts. Every tasting turns into an opportunity to give back, and I’ve loved seeing the impact right here in our own community. Local organizations like Castle Rock Parks and Recreation, Douglas County Task Force, Douglas County Pride, and local schools have benefited because someone chose to host a wine night with purpose.

The bigger picture is even more inspiring: ONEHOPE has donated over $11 million to more than 50,000 charities nationwide. That means every bottle opened, every toast shared, and every connection made ripples outward into real change.

What excites me most is the accessibility of this opportunity. You don’t have to be a wine expert or a nonprofit leader to make a difference—you just have to open your home, invite your friends, and enjoy the experience. ONEHOPE makes it simple to combine the joy of gathering with the power of giving.

For me, it’s more than wine. It’s community. It’s connection. It’s hope. And I love inviting others to be part of it—because when we gather with purpose, we truly can change the world, one glass at a time.

2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS OCTOBER

OCTOBER 4TH

Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary Fall Festival

Happy Dog Ranch - 3460 N. HWY 67, Sedalia, CO 80135 | 11:00 AM

MEET THE ANIMALS! CARRIAGE RIDES! GOLF CART TOURS! FOOD TRUCKS! VENDORS! GAMES! CRAFTS! PUMPKIN PATCH!

Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary is a 501(C)3 offering healing for animals and humans. Partnering with The Aspen Effect for at risk youth; offer certification classes in animal acupressure & massage; horsemanship clinics; life coaching and equine supported mental health. Find out more at: HAPPYDOGRANCH.ORG

OCTOBER 5TH - 11TH

Castle Rock

Restaurant Week

Downtown Castle Rock

Come to Downtown Castle Rock during the week of October 5-11 to dine at some great restaurants

Participating restaurants will be creating a special item that is not on their menu just for your dining enjoyment.  Come support local, independent restaurants in the fall in Downtown Castle Rock!

OCTOBER 9TH

Advent Health Women’s Wellness Summit

PACE Center - 20000 Pikes Peak Ave

Parker, CO 80138 | 10:00 AM

Guests will enjoy a chef crafted luncheon and a dynamic keynote from Denver’s own Barbara Brooks, a nationally recognized advocate for women in business and aging well, fol-

lowed by expert-led wellness sessions designed to educate and uplift.  Across the Ages: Why Women Need Each Other Now More Than Ever.  The Surprising Wellness Benefits of Building Friendships Across Generations To register go to: https://www.rmahf.org/ parkerwellnesssummit.html

OCTOBER 18TH

Spooktacular

Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 West Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock, CO | 1:00 PM

It’s Halloween and time for fall fun with the entire family. Celebrate all things not-so-spooky at Spooktacular. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged but not required. Activities include games, prizes, food and, of course, candy. This free event is held outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

OCTOBER 24TH

Fangtastic Festival

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock, CO | 12:00 PM

Join us for a spook-tacular Halloween Trick-or-Treat Community Event designed especially for families and caregivers of homeschooled kids and little ones not yet in school! Experience a delightful booth-to-booth trick-or-treat adventure filled with Halloween music, festive vendor booths, and, of course, plenty of candy to satisfy every sweet tooth.

OCTOBER 24TH

Bonfire, BBQ, and Brews

Village Square Shops, 7347 Village Square Drive Castle Pines, CO | 5:00 PM

Start your Fall Fest Weekend with a relaxed evening of good food, seasonal brews, and live music by the fire. Enjoy savory BBQ, sip on a selection of brews in our beer garden, and gather with friends and neighbors around the bonfire as music sets the backdrop for the night.

Want to be featured?

Kings

The

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Cobblestone

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Toasted S’mores Martini with Marshmallow Vodka

The Perfect Cocktail to Sip Fireside

ARTICLE BY BECKY HARDIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SVETA ZARZAMORA

INGREDIENTS:

For the Rim

• ½ tablespoon chocolate syrup

• 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers

For the Drink

• 1 ounce chocolate liqueur dark or milk

• ½ ounce marshmallow vodka

• ½ ounce heavy cream

• 1 marshmallow for garnish

METHOD:

• Dip the rim of your glass in the chocolate syrup and then in the crushed graham cracker. ½ tablespoon chocolate syrup, 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers

• Pour the chocolate liqueur as slowly as possible over an upside down spoon into the glass. 1 ounce chocolate liqueur

• Mix together the heavy cream and marshmallow vodka in a separate container. ½ ounce marshmallow vodka, ½ ounce heavy cream

• Pour the vodka mixture as slowly as possible over an upside down spoon to make the layered look.

• Place the marshmallow on a bamboo stick as a skewer.

• Brown the marshmallow slightly over an open flame (or under a broiler). Do not allow it to catch on fire. 1 marshmallow

• Lay the bamboo stick on the drink and light the marshmallow for effect before drinking. Stir together the drink and enjoy!

This magazine is how Steve redefined success.

This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters. The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?

Castle Rock City Lifestyle

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