Highlands Ranch, CO February 2026

Love Local in NoDo

When I moved to South Metro Denver several years ago, I felt like I was giving up culture for convenience. I loved walking to a restaurant, art gallery or wine shop from my former duplex in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, but my car didn't fit in my itty-bitty garage, and I couldn’t entertain more than three people for dinner.

Like many of our readers, my sojourn from urban living to suburban comforts was driven by the desire for more space and better schools. But I missed the fine dining and funky vibes of my former existence.

You can imagine my delight when restaurants decided South Metro Denver was a place to be, and sophisticated, upscale dining no longer required a 30-minute drive north.

This is how the new, expanded antiques and consignment studio Modern Vintage Marketplace makes me feel. It reminds me of the creative, indie spaces of my younger adulthood, where imagination and wonder snuggled up in coffee shops and book stores.

Access to the arts has expanded since I’ve been here. Many artists call Northern Douglas County — which I lovingly call NoDo — home, like Jeanne Oliver, who sat down with Jennifer Starbuck. Singer/songwriter/audacious living guru Darcy Nelson, who got her start busking at the Highlands Ranch Farmers Market, updates us on what she is doing now. And we highlight an upcoming Lone Tree Arts Center show, featuring an entirely Colorado cast, bringing fine arts right to our doorstep.

With so many cultured options now, I encourage you to check them out; find restaurant recs in our October 2025 Foodie Issue, which you can find at citylifestyle. com/highlandsranch. Because NoDo is a great place to be, and to Love Local.

All the Best,

SONJA NIX, MANAGING EDITOR @HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angie Jehu, Jennifer Starbuck, Gabi De La Rosa, Sonja Nix

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Josh Gray

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Finally, Primary Care That Puts You First

At Ascend, you can call, text, or see your doctor whenever you need, without any copays or insurance hassles. Your monthly membership covers comprehensive family medicine for individuals, families, and small businesses. Whatever your primary care needs are, we've got you covered. Starting in January 2026, you can use your HSA to cover your membership. Better care just became even more accessible.

right home should feel like a

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: About 85 students from Rock Canyon, Mountain Vista, Regis and Lutheran high schools had a year-end holiday mug exchange through Happy Crew, a Douglas County youth group with a mission to make every teen feel that they matter and belong. Happy Crew is supported by the nonprofit Happy Crew Coffee House, located on the top floor of the Business Foundry in Lone Tree.

business monthly

Custom Designed, Locally Crafted

Mark Your Calendar: Highlands Ranch Travel Expo

Join Highlands Ranch Travel for their annual Travel Expo on Thursday, February 19, at Lone Tree Golf Club. Meet face-to-face with experienced travel advisors and Highlands Ranch Travel's preferred partners representing cruises, tours, safaris, and more. Discover new destinations, insider tips, and exclusive offers designed to help you plan your next vacation with confidence. Admission is complimentary, but space is limited, so mark your calendar and invite a friend to share in the wanderlust.

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Cottonwood Psychiatry Now Accepting Patients

Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, of Highlands Ranch is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry, and is pleased to announce the opening of Cottonwood Psychiatry. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication with therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, the team at Cottonwood Psychiatry treats major mental health conditions such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and OCD, alongside helping patients cope with major life transitions, grief and loss.

Douglas County Libraries Hosts Bestselling Author C.J. Box

Douglas County Libraries welcomes New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box on February 22, at the DCSD Legacy Campus. A nationally recognized literary voice to the Douglas County community, Box will discuss “The Crossroads,” the latest installment in his long-running Joe Pickett series, in conversation with KOA host Ross Kaminsky. Tickets include a hardcover copy of the book and a place in the signing line; companion tickets are available with the purchase of General Admission. DCL.org/featured-events

As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.

Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.

Mother and Baby Care Across the Front Range

The journey to parenthood is full of milestones — and you deserve the highest-quality care at each one. From family planning and pregnancy care to personalized birth experiences and post-partum support, AdventHealth is here with the compassion and expertise to help you feel whole.

• Comfortable birthing suites

• Certified nurse midwives

• Breastfeeding support

• Level III NICU

CELEBRATE YOUR GALENTINES

ARTICLE BY ANGIE JEHU

HONORING THE CHERISHED AND BELOVED FRIENDS WE HOLD DEAR

“A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” ~ Irish Proverb

The month of February is traditionally associated with heartshaped boxes of chocolates, exquisite floral arrangements and random acts of kindness. Consequently, an “unofficial” holiday celebrating the significant bonds of friendship, known as Galentine’s Day, is gaining popularity. The observance is typically recognized on (or around) February 13th and dedicated to honoring those individuals who occupy a cherished place in our hearts and lives. Friendships are fundamental, and studies suggest they contribute to increased longevity. Given that these relationships often endure longer than romantic partnerships , Galentine’s Day has emerged as an important occasion for celebrating. Whether gathering for a cocktail or wine tasting, indulging in a restorative spa experience, or engaging in a craft or activity, we have curated a selection of ideas for you and your four-leaf clover!

WINE TASTING

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Toast to friendship and enjoy small bites expertly paired with perfect sips of wine on Wednesday, February 11th, from 7 PM8:30 PM! Spencer and Ari Pedemonte will share their vast experience and passion for Old and New World wines at the Southridge Recreation Center.  They will provide a curated selection of tastings, fostering a new appreciation for each wine’s unique taste and origin, and the discovery of new flavors and aromas. Tickets can be purchased by going to: hrcaonline.org/Events

DINNER AND SHOW

Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood & Lone Tree Arts Center

Kick off an evening to remember with dinner at Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood, followed by a short walk to Lone Tree Arts Center. Described as “musical gumbo”, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will delight and entertain the Lone Tree Arts Center on Friday, February 13th at 7:30 PM. Founded in 1977, this GRAMMY Award-winning New Orleans-based band has toured over 30 countries and recorded 12 studio albums.  This experience will guarantee smiles, laughs and the urge to get up and dance! To learn more: blueislandoysterbar.com & lonetreeartscenter.org

HIGH NOON TEA WITH TOUR

Cherokee Castle in Sedalia

Escape into a world of elegance and beauty, fit for a royal, in the historic Cherokee Ranch Castle in Sedalia, CO.  Reservations are required for an extra special experience on February 13th or 14th at 1 PM.  Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, warm scones, pastries, finger sandwiches and tea.  After your delightful indulgence, embark on an hour-long tour of the magnificent castle. Dressy attire is encouraged. To learn more: cherokeeranch.org

DINNER AND MOVIE

Postino in Highlands Ranch

Share a delicious bruschetta board and enjoy the warm, friendly ambiance at Postino in Highlands Ranch. From smoked salmon to a seasonally inspired burrata, flavors are next-level and elevated by a glass of house wine. Gluten-free options are available and desserts include “Hot Donut Dots” and “Olive Oil Cake” to round out a meal.  Afterward, enjoy a movie at a nearby theater, like AMC Highlands Ranch 24. Reservations are always recommended. To learn more: postinowinecafe.com

SPA DAY

Oakwell Beer Spa in Highlands Ranch

Relax, unwind and enjoy a day of pampering! With over 300 five-star reviews, the Oakwell Beer Spa offers a unique approach to relaxation. The “Zen with Friends” or “Beer Therapy Ritual” package provides a private spa experience, including an infrared sauna, rain shower, relaxation deck and a large hydrotherapy tub. This special tub is filled with water, plus a blend of barley, hops and beneficial herbs (known as a beer bath), which is excellent for relieving muscle tension and joint pain. For ultimate relaxation, consider adding a “Zero Gravity” massage afterward. To learn more: oakwell.com

PAINTING OR POTTERY

Arts on Fire in Highlands Ranch

Create lasting memories and a beautiful piece of pottery, glass or canvas art with a friend or group. Arts on Fire welcomes small or large groups (6-30 individuals) at their Highlands Ranch studio or at a private residence. Guests may bring food and beverages to the studio. If you prefer to host a private party at your home, a minimum of 10 painters is required, and they will furnish all necessary paints, brushes and materials for your event.  To learn more: artsonfirestudio.com

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FIND YOUR ARTISTIC CENTER IN THE IN-BETWEEN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER STARBUCK

DOUGLAS COUNTY ARTIST AND TEACHER JEANNE OLIVER ON CREATING A LIFE OF CREATIVITY, ON PURPOSE

Creativity is calling. In the quiet when the littles are down for a nap or on the daily commute. It calls during the in-between , those moments on the edges of work, and laundry and sports practice. Douglas County artist, teacher and entrepreneur Jeanne Oliver wants you to listen to that calling, and let creativity be a source of joy in your life. All it takes is a daily practice of discovery.

For the past 20 years, Oliver has owned an online art school with her husband, Kelly, and has hosted dozens of artist retreats on their Douglas County property. Oliver spends several weeks a year teaching workshops abroad in such dreamy art havens as France, Italy, Scotland and England.

Oliver’s creative life began as a kid in rural Illinois. “I was always writing — really bad love stories and poetry and plays — and creating with paint, anything, really. I was a very creative kid.” So much so that she planned to study art after high school but the well-meaning advice from the adults in her life steered her into a more practical field of study. “As a kid, I thought that meant I wasn’t any good as an artist. I thought these adults were trying to tell me in a kind way that you aren’t any good, you need to pick something else up.”

As a young wife and mom, Oliver re-discovered her artistic life in that kitschy, almost-mandatory mom craft of scrapbooking in

the early 2000s. Scrapbooking led to handmaking journals and other papercrafts, commissions from friends, then selling her items in local boutiques. Scrapbooking had become her in-between that led her back to her art.

“Nothing felt as much as breathing as when I started creating again,” Oliver says. “We just recently re-watched ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,’ and the children in the movie remembered how something used to be. That’s what it was like for me. I remembered how creating used to be. It was an unfolding of who I was, remembering how much it meant to me, how I processed the world, the joy it brings.”

SUCCESSTOMEMEANS

Oliver encourages everyone to create every day. Don’t know where to start? Spend 10 minutes today writing poetry in a journal. Or throw a sketchbook in your work bag and try your hand at contour sketching during lunch. Create solely for the pleasure of creating, Oliver says. And consistency will build skills and a body of work.

“It goes back to living the creative life. Most people are busy. You’re a young mom with kids at home or teenagers, you’re working full time. I think there’s a belief that as soon as this stage is over I’ll start creating, and before you know it, we’re in our 50s, 60s and so on. If we don’t learn to create in the in-between , we will never create.”

“Creativity was given to us as a processing tool. In the quiet of making, we are able to process the noise of this world. In my own making, I have found new ideas. I have also processed things, forgiven other people for things, forgiven myself. I’ve found gratitude for things. Being quiet has allowed me to think. And we all need that.”

The Olivers’ online art school offers downloadable, on-demand classes in subjects such as drawing, oils, paper crafts, encaustics, as well as lifestyle workshops on entertaining creatively. The Olivers’ three children — Jack, Madolyn and Benjamin — all grew up helping with the business, putting together supply kits for classes, interacting with guests and serving food at in-person workshops.

JEANNE OLIVER

Jeanne Oliver is an artist, business coach, teacher and author. She is the founder and co-owner with her husband, Kelly, of an online art school that offers downloadable, on-demand classes ranging from more traditional art lessons — classes such as Abstract Expressionism, Drawing Faces, a study in the work of Pablo Picasso and Francoise Gilot — to creative lifestyle topics such as Curated Entertaining At Home, Art As Worship, The Art of Wintering.

The Olivers’ podcast, The Jeanne Oliver Podcast, centers on business, art and lifestyle.

“The biggest calling when teaching other people as an artist is to get people to make, to do what they can with what they have, see what happens when we show up and practice,” Oliver says.

Find more at jeanneoliver.com

“

The Olivers also teach a course for creative business owners. They start by asking students what they want their lives to look and feel like, then build their creative business to fit that vision, not the other way around.

That’s how the Olivers have built their own life. They chose to homeschool their children, made travel and art a priority. They honor a weekly Sabbath to physically and spiritually recharge and keep their faith the center of their lives. Oliver says this has also meant saying no to opportunities that are good, but not aligned with their current life goals.

She has said no to a second book to follow up her “The Painted Art Journal” published in 2018. She’s turned down invitations to teach workshops for 2027 so that she and her family can spend extended time in Florence, Italy, honing new art skills. The Olivers also made the decision to stop hosting at-home artist retreats when they moved two years ago to a mid-century home that they plan to slowly update. Instead of home retreats, they spend more time in Nashville, Tenn., where all three of their young adult children have ended up. Their oldest two are in the music industry there, and their youngest is about to start studies in film and photography.

“We have to admit that success doesn’t look the same from one family to another. Success to me means time with my family, freedom to come and go, to travel, to make,” Oliver said. “I think the hardest things to put down are the things that actually work, but you need to put them down to make room for where you want to go next.”

Highlands Ranch TRAVEL EXPO

Thursday, February 19: 3pm-7pm

Lone Tree Golf Club | 9808 Sunningdale Blvd, Lone Tree, CO 80124 Join us for the 2026

Join the HRTVL Advisors along with some of our trusted travel partners representing cruises, tours, safaris, and more. Discover new destinations, insider tips, and exclusive offers designed to help you plan your nex t vacation with confidence!

Complimentary Admission, Reservation Required

.

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX

Calling All Modern Makers & Vintage Lovers

AN ARTISAN ROUND UP AT MODERN VINTAGE MARKETPLACE

RR Metal

RR Metal, created by metalsmith Rachael Rush-Tarverdi, offers handcrafted jewelry, trinket trays, garden markers and metal keepsakes. The collection of copper, brass, and pewter pieces is perfect for gifting, keeping, and everyday use.

The Dust Pottery

Michelle, the artist behind From The Dust Pottery, creates functional and whimsical pottery in her home. She hopes to bring smiles to those who see her work.

JRHankglassworks

At JRHankglassworks, you can find fused glass creations, including nightlights, tea-lights, platters, bowls, recycled wine bottles and jewelry. They are created using multiple techniques in kiln firing and a range of glass colors.

Innovative Artisan

The Innovative Artisan, aka Dennis Gereaux, creates laser-cut wall art, most of which is made from recycled corrugated boxes. Through a multi-layer, intricate process, his work includes organic and geometic designs. Custom work available.

Pinkinparker Alcohol Ink creates one-of-a-kind, colorful home décor, including coaster sets, framed art, tiled trays, PopSockets, and light switch covers. This mesmerizing medium adds pops of color and originality to your home.

JYGlass

Corporate trainer and executive coach by day, Jennifer York spends evenings as the artisan behind JYGlass. Jennifer creates functional and fun glass art, from stir sticks and serving pieces to sun catchers and bauble dishes.

Art By Jeslyn

Art By Jeslyn creates artwork featuring authentic Disney pins and other vibrant, original pieces available only at MVM. She is available for commissions and murals.

Colorado Cords 4 Paws

At Ericka King’s shop,  Colorado Cords 4 Paws, you can find handmade dog collars and leashes crafted from paracord and biothane. She began crafting leashes five years ago and gradually added collars. She loves learning and growing as an artisan at MVM.

Founded in 2020,  Elevation Creative Co. serves as the creative home for Christy Jones’ creativity and playfulness. Christy sells handmade and upcycled items. Her passion is giving old quilts and clothing a new life.

Ginger Castillo’s Wrist Rockers

Why should Swifties have all the fun?

Music photographer  Ginger Castillo’s Wrist Rockers  lets lovers of all music genres rock their vibe on their wrist - metal heads from the 80s, grunge lovers of the 90s or alt rockers today.

Choize Unlimited – your destination for artisanal fashion. From colorful Banjara bags to exquisite Kashmir shawls, every creation reflects heritage, sustainability, and timeless style for those who love authentic craftsmanship.

Until recently, Kelly and Wil Crossley spent their careers in corporate America, both in the aerospace industry. In 2022, they made a bold, life-changing decision to step away from the corporate world together, choosing instead to pursue a shared vision rooted in creativity, community, and purpose. From the beginning, they wanted to build something that not only showcased beautiful and meaningful items, but also gave back by supporting local makers, creating gathering space, and strengthening community connections.

Kelly found herself drawn to reselling, fascinated by the stories and craftsmanship behind vintage pieces. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion—particularly for vintage glass. She climbed a steep learning curve to become highly knowledgeable across many types of glassware, developing a trained eye for quality, history, and design. That realization led Kelly and Wil to open Modern Vintage Marketplace

Kelly found herself drawn to reselling, fascinated by the stories and craftsmanship behind vintage pieces.

in Highlands Ranch. From the outset, they made a conscious effort to build a store like no other—one that goes beyond traditional retail. Designed as an interactive experience, the space invites guests to read, touch, hear, and see, encouraging exploration, nostalgia, and connection.

Now celebrating its two-year anniversary and recently expanded into a much larger location, Modern Vintage Marketplace proudly features 28 local artisans and offers an 1,100-square-foot event space available for rent. Kelly and Wil carefully curate top-quality new, vintage, and antique items within a warm, inviting atmosphere where people are encouraged to linger, relax, and connect—making the store a true community hub, not just a place to shop.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS: A Story THAT LIVES Here

Local Artists and the Shared Experience of Live Theater at the Lone Tree Arts Center

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX

“I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free,“ famously declares Ouiser Boudreaux from Truvy Jones’ beauty shop chair in the 1989 movie Steel Magnolias.

We disagree.

This spring, Steel Magnolias arrives at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Through conversation, humor and shared loss, the play explores the bonds among six women whose relationships power the story. Its focus on friendship, community and the resilience those connections provide drives the performance, but also hints at how high-quality local theater can strengthen community bonds.

Produced in-house by the Lone Tree Arts Center, Steel Magnolias features an entirely Colorado-based cast. The stage version is intimate, set entirely inside Truvy’s beauty shop, and strips the story down to its emotional core, allowing audiences to experience the essence of relationships in real time. Without shifting locations or cinematic shortcuts, the play relies on performance, timing and connection to carry the story forward.

For Director Marisa D. Hébert, a Colorado native contracted to lead the production, the play’s strength lies in its emotional honesty. “At its core, the play is about love and friendship,” Hébert says. “It is about women who show up for one another through every season of life.” That perspective has guided the creative vision, shaping a production rooted in authenticity rather than nostalgia.

The decision to include Steel Magnolias in the 2026 season reflects the Lone Tree Arts Center’s broader commitment to professional regional theater. In-house productions are developed to the same professional standards as major regional stages, with professional creative teams, union actors and a production infrastructure designed to support high-caliber work. Many performers who appear on the Lone Tree stage also work at other theaters like the DCPA, reinforcing the center’s reputation as a destination for professional live performance.

Marcus Turner, the Arts Center’s Associate Executive Director, emphasizes that the goal is consistent quality. “We want every show to feel polished and professional,” Turner says. “That includes the set, the costumes and, most importantly, the performers.”

Audiences should know that when they come here, they’re going to see work that meets a very high standard.”

That standard is reflected in the casting of Steel Magnolias. The production draws performers from across the Denver Metro area and Colorado Springs. Among the cast are Billie McBride as Ouiser Boudreaux and Sheryl McCallum as Clairee Belcher, performers Hébert calls “matriarchs of the Colorado theater community.” Their extensive experience grounds the production by bringing depth and confidence to the stage.

They are joined by emerging performers like Heidi Carann Snider as Annelle Dupuy Desoto and Erika Mori as Shelby Eatenton Latcherie. The combination of experience and emerging talent creates a dynamic and layered performance. “It bridges generations,” Hébert says. “You have artists who helped build the foundation of theater in this state working alongside those who are carrying it forward. That collaboration becomes part of what the audience feels.”

Much like the wisdom divined from generation to generation in Truvy’s shop.

Despite  Steel Magnolias southern setting, the Lone Tree production emphasizes universal experiences. The focus on family bonds, lifelong friendships and the rituals that hold communities together allows audiences to recognize themselves not in accents or setting, but in the emotional truth of the performance. That emotional accessibility required from the performers is supported by a high level of craftsmanship. From set construction to costume design, every element reflects the Arts Center’s attention to excellence. Turner notes that this expectation applies across all programming. “Whether it’s a touring artist or a home-produced show like Steel Magnolias, our goal is always to create something visually compelling and emotionally engaging.”

Accessibility remains a defining feature of the experience. For many patrons, attending a performance at Lone Tree offers the ease of a local venue without sacrificing quality. And you don’t have the struggle of finding a parking spot downtown. That balance encourages repeat visits and lasting relationships between patrons and the arts center.

Beyond the stage, the Arts Center plays a significant role in the regional economy. According to Turner, the arts generate approximately $3.12 billion in economic activity across seven Front Range counties. “Every show has ripple effects,” he says. “When people come to see a performance, they also support nearby restaurants, hotels and local businesses.”

In that sense, when the curtain rises on Steel Magnolias, it will represent more than a single production. It reflects an approach to theater that values collaboration, excellence and community connection, demonstrating how stories, when produced with care and professionalism, can resonate well beyond the stage.

As Hébert puts it, “This is not just a show people are coming to see. It is something we are building and sharing as a community together.”

The

Lone Tree Arts Center presents - Steel Magnolias

Cast:

Jacque Wilke as M’Lynn Eatenton

Billie McBride as Ouiser Boudreaux

Sheryl McCallum as Clairee Belcher

Erika Mori as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie

Heidi Carann Snider as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto

Marisa D. Hébert, Director

Opens April 9 and runs through April 18

Evening and matinee performances available For tickets, lonetreeartscenter.org

Smarter Strength Training Starts Here.

Dream and Live Audaciously

Meet Your Neighbor: Darcy Nelson and her Music

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Darcy — singer, songwriter and professional feel-all-the-feelings human. I moved to Colorado in 2018 for a fresh start, hoping to continue my career in marketing for the arts, but found myself busking at farmers’ markets in Highlands Ranch and the South Metro Denver area after not landing my dream job.

I’ve been in Colorado for about 8 years now, and it really feels like home — the sky, the community, the natural spaces here just fit.

The South Metro area feels especially sweet, thinking back to the ways that neighbors here really supported me. My busking days awakened a whole new chapter in my life.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSIC.

I’ve been a musician in my heart since I was a kid: I grew up singing in church and making up little songs around the house before I ever thought of music as something you could publicly claim as “a life path.” I’ve been actively creating music for a little over a decade since I picked up the mandolin after college. My music lives in that singer-songwriter world with soul, folk and pop influences, and sometimes spoken-word when the emotion wants to speak instead of sing.

ARTICLE BY HIGHLANDS RANCH

CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH GRAY OF ECLPST

I write about my inner life experiences with love, loss, growth, healing, spirituality and the messy middle parts. I like songs that feel like a conversation — the kind that make people nod and say, “Okay, wow… same.” My goal is that my shows feel like we’re all in the living room together, not like I’m up on some distant stage.

I’ll be releasing new tracks in 2026 and can’t wait to lean into more topics of relationships and the spectrum of feels that come with the heart.

WHAT DOES MUSIC IS MEDICINE MEAN?

For me, Music Is Medicine means music doesn’t just entertain, it heals. Not in a clinical way, but in the soul. It reminds us we’re not alone, it gives language to big feelings, and it can shift our entire nervous system in three minutes.

Some songs are like a hug, some are like a mirror and some are like a deep exhale. I write and perform with the intention that something in the music helps you move something inside.

WHAT IS YOUR MUSE, AND WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?

Oooh, this is so hard to narrow down... I’d have to say that real life is my main muse — messy conversations, heartbreak, healing, nature, quiet mornings, loud epiphanies. I’m inspired by those moments when life cracks me open in a good way and offers overwhelming feelings.

I’m drawn to musicians who are honest and emotionally present — artists who tell the truth and don’t polish the humanity out of it. Voices with soul, songs with storytelling, people who let vulnerability be a strength. My tastes range widely, from Alison Krauss and Jewel in my earlier days to Taylor Swift, Rising Appalachia, Amistat, Ian Munsik and Kacey Musgraves in the present.

WHERE DO YOU PERFORM, AND WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU?

Community gatherings and concerts where people come to actually listen . I’ll be performing around Colorado and beyond over the next few months, and I’m looking for more folks interested in hosting house-concert listening experiences for their community. I bring the music and vibes, they provide the space and people to have a shared experience.

A few highlights coming up are a Friday residency series at The Study Wine Bar in downtown Denver, a special experience called “Love in the Attic” on Thursday, February 12th, in Downtown Denver and an intimate, catered house concert for women in Parker on March 26th.

Limited tickets will be released for the February show any day now on my website. darcynelson.com/shows.

The easiest way to keep up is through my website and social media. I keep my show calendar updated and post upcoming events as they’re announced. There are always a few surprise shows that pop up along the way.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR CRAFT?

I love this question and aim to keep growing and evolving each year. In this next chapter, I’m leaning into creating more music, more shows, more collaboration and deeper trust in my voice as it keeps evolving. I’m writing new songs, exploring recording projects and creating more experiences where music and healing meet: workshops, retreats and immersive concerts.

The theme right now is expansion, and I’m excited to lock in the sounds of an electric guitar custom-made for me by Burnt Strings (my brother’s project), and mastering my looping pedal to expand my sounds in real-time solo sets.

FINAL THOUGHTS?

I’ve really enjoyed this conversation, and if I had final words to share, it would be an encouragement for each of us to dream and live audaciously, offering our best to the world and making the most of each moment. Sending love to all reading this!

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY

A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.

WHERE TO STAY

Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

WHAT TO DO

Take the steepest funicular in the world, the MontBlanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.

Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.

Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.

events

FEBRUARY 6TH-8TH

Father Daughter Ball

Highlands Ranch Mansion

Wander through the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a night of twinkling lights and blooming charm. Create a special keepsake together, savor sweet treats at the dessert table, and dance the night away. Capture the joy with a keepsake photo from our photo station, and for an added touch of fairytale magic, carriage rides will be available for an additional fee.

FEBRUARY 21ST

Rock Your Wellness Back for the 3rd year

The Village Work, Wellness & Event Center

Rock Your Wellness is a Wellness Expo Fundraising Event benefitting local non-profits, YANA and Make Mental Health Matter. The event aims to promote well-being within our community, fostering physical, mental, and emotional health. This year, the expo will showcase 75+ vendors, including crafts, silent disco, live music, food trucks, blood drive, mini-workshops, dance movement classes, trauma-informed yoga, Fit for Mom classes, family fun, and much more. yanamom.com/events

FEBRUARY 21ST

Highlands Ranch 5k

Highlands Heritage Regional Park

Winter never disappoints us when racing in February in Highlands Ranch, you won't feel chilly after a course so hilly. After conquering the 5k, warm up with apple cider or hot cocoa in your finisher mug. This race is a BolderBoulder qualifier event. The 2026 charity partner is BackPack Society. Bring 5 canned or non-perishable items to enter the race-day raffle. highlandsranch5k.com

FEBRUARY 21ST

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Southridge Recreation Center

Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 21, with a festive day of culture, community, and fun. Enjoy a free, vibrant market featuring traditional goods, plus three captivating cultural performances showcasing music, dance, and heritage, including a Chinese New Year Gala Performance and the Lion Dance. Ring in the new year with joy, good fortune, and a deeper connection to tradition.