Parker, CO September 2024

Style to Inspire

From the style of music we listen to, to the cars we drive and the different trips we take to relax, style is a collaborative expression of life all around and within us. It's a form of self-expression, but it is not something we have to go out of our way to prove. Style can be effortless if we allow it.

I've realized that style has a way of revealing itself in the little things that make you smile or the learning moments that help you grow. Kory Brunson says, “You have to take time to discover who you are, not decide who you are." I believe this statement can be applied in so many ways, but also within the defining tangibility of style.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths all the while creating legacy and heirlooms of our own. Within these pages are people and businesses that believe in the expression of who you are. They want you to be you and no one else. I hope this issue encourages you to embrace your own personal style whether that be in jewelry and clothes or career steps and leaps of faith.

Cheers to embracing your style and inspiring others!

CASSANDRA GREEN, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @PARKERCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHERS

Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com

Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Cassandra Green

cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Abby Watkins | abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com

COPY EDITOR

Elizabeth Watson | watsonmarketingllc@yahoo.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cassandra Green, Sonja Nix, Abbi Sulask

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Watkins, Khrysten Dyane Photography, Underexposed Photography, Poppy & Co by Kelsey Huffer

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

business monthly

9th Annual Fête des Fables Gala: Pinocchio

Experience the Italian countryside come to life at the Highlands Ranch Mansion with a piazza-style silent auction featuring a trip for two to Italy and a Lamborghini Gallardo Driving Experience, Ferrari cars on show, Italian Glam Station, Fête-favorite wine pull, fun photo ops and more! Event proceeds benefit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. Visit DCL.org/Fete-Des-Fables for details and tickets.

24/7 Dry Cleaners Under New OwnershipNow Family Owned & Operated

24/7 Dry Cleaners sets itself apart. The lobby has hardwood floors, background music and a spa-like pleasant fragrance. Stacey and Ryan, the new owners, offer 24-hour service with a locker system, free pick-up and delivery, wash and fold services and more! They also cater to horse owners, offering cleaning services for horse blankets and saddle blankets.

Gaylord Rockies Announces ICE! Featuring Warner Bros.’ The Polar Express™

Featured at six resorts nationwide this November, ICE!, the 24-year-old holiday tradition created by Gaylord Hotels, will return to Gaylord Rockies Resort from November 22nd through December. Using more than 2 million pounds — or 1,000 tons — of ice, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment,  The Polar Express™ will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China.

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.

Boutique

Parker Panache parkerpanache.com | 720.851.5121

Cinderella Ranch cinderellaranch.com | 303.840.2303

Twisted Wardrobe Designs - Parker twistedwardrobedesigns.com | 303.805.0541

JJ Chic jjchic.com | 720.239.2435

Inspyre Boutique - Park Meadows inspyreboutique.com | 303.898.3892

Gift

Shop

The LOCAL thelocalcolorado.com | 720.733.6900

Nest on Mainstreet nestonmainstreet.com | 720.708.2059

39 North CO 39northco.com | 303.940.3323

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Niche & Co thenicheandco.com | 303.537.7015

Great Finds Unique Treasures & Gifts greatfindsparker.com | 303.264.8934

Don't Let Investments Take a Vacation

Summertime is here — and for many people that means it’s time to hit the road. But even if you decide to take a vacation, you’ll want other areas of your life to keep working — especially your investments.

Here are a few suggestions for doing just that:

First, check your portfolio’s performance periodically, but don’t measure your results against a market index, such as the S&P 500. Instead, use your own benchmarks, such as how well your portfolio is moving you toward your goals.

Also, invest with a purpose. Follow a long-term investment strategy that reflects your goals, risk tolerance, asset accumulation needs, liquidity and time horizon.

One more idea: Invest strategically by matching some investments with specific goals. For example, your IRA and 401(k) are designed for retirement, but if you want to help send your kids to college, you might consider a tax-advantaged 529 plan. For a short-term goal, such as a wedding or a long vacation, consider an investment that offers significant preservation of principal.

By making those moves appropriate for your situation, you can keep your investments doing one essential task — working hard for you.

A HIDDEN GEM ALONG OLD ROUTE 66 WORTHY OF THE DRIVE

Texas-Style Americana, Luxury Version

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“A must-see for lovers of nostalgic Americana.”

What happens when you mix Texas charm, iconic Cadillacs, the artistic eye of Georgia O’Keefe, the Old West, and a sprawling 120-mile canyon? The Texas Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon, y’all.

Never heard of it? Astonishingly, you’re not alone. Palo Duro, the second largest canyon system in the United States, lives in relative obscurity despite its proximity to the Denver Metro Area. As a family who loves travel, I'm always on the lookout for nearby, drivable getaways.

A trip to the Panhandle of Texas isn’t on your bucket list?  Hear me out on why it should be.

Spring break 2024, we packed up our family of seven: two adults, two adult-sized teens, a 10-yearold and two furry family members for the seven-hour drive south. Just past Amarillo, Texas, we landed next to Palo Duro. Sharing the High Plains with eastern Colorado, the landscape felt familiar to our family of native Coloradans but also novel and fascinating.

When I say we landed "next to" Palo Duro, I mean literally on the rim of the canyon. You cannot stay any closer to the canyon without falling in.

We started our experience at Doves Rest Cabins, a guest cabin resort with a unique blend of rustic luxury and southern comfort. We were greeted with bubbly, both with and without alcohol, sweet treats for the humans and four-legged family members, along with commemorative champagne flutes to take home. Most Doves Rest Cabins are pet-friendly, ensuring our golden retriever, Gilligan, and Frenchie, Ginger, felt as welcomed and wrapped in luxury as we did.

Doves Rest Cabins owners Jeff and Sharyn Means and manager Lindsey Jones provide concierge service equal to that found in five-star hotels, an amenity that rarely accompanies vacation rentals. Before we arrived, Lindsey arranged our horseback tour and a delightful massage in their hopi-style teepee. The white glove service included groceries stocked and waiting for us upon arrival.

The vacation rental resort has 20 cabins divided into three main areas over 40 acres. Many cabins are close together for group travel, while others seem miles away from anything else. This felt especially poignant in the crisp, clear night sky unadulterated

with metropolitan light pollution. We couldn’t see our hands in front of our faces, and the brilliance of the starry night above left us awestruck.

The main area, Tres Vientos, is a 30-acre compound with 11 different cabins with patios for outside seating. The compound also has a secure wildlife area with feeders and gated protection for both native animals and human visitors.

The Longhorn Ranch, also gated, sits on an open pasture where the longhorn roam. Here, you’ll find the four-bedroom farmhouse, Four Gables and a cowboy-style ranch house called Rustlers Draw.

We stayed in one of the West Rim's seven cabins right on the canyon rim, most with hot tubs to enjoy the view. We were welcomed by Barbary sheep, also called aoudad sheep by locals. We found them charming, if not a bit curious. They were introduced in the 1940s from Africa as big game and have reproduced at such a fast rate that some consider them to be invasive.

Other local inhabitants, Texas’ famous longhorn cattle, bobcats, deer, rabbit and too many songbirds to list, can be seen in the mornings and evenings, surely viewing the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the canyon.

Artist Georgia O’Keefe taught at West Texas A&M University in the nearby town of Canyon from 19161918 before heading to her better-known home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She described Palo Duro's color as “a burning, seething cauldron, almost like a blast furnace full of dramatic light and color.”

Beyond the comfort of Doves Rest, the area offers a plethora of opportunities to entertain children and adults alike. From hiking and a quickly growing mountain biking community to horseback riding and wildlife spotting, there's something for everyone.

Perhaps the best-known roadside attraction in the area, Cadillac Ranch, features 10 Cadillacs perched nose-deep into the earth. The brainchild of 60s artist collective Ant Farm and late eccentric Amarillo millionaire Stanley Marsh III, the installation commemorates the golden age of automobiles along Route 66. Originally buried with their factory paint, these land yachts are now an interactive installation. Where else can teens legally spray paint while contributing to the artistic outcome?

The brilliance of the starry night above left us awestruck. “ ”

Next on our list was a visit to the Jack Sizemore Traveland RV Museum. If ever there was an idyllic, kitschy road trip stop, this is it, and we loved it. Full of vintage trailers, including the semi-famous bus Robin Williams drove in the aptly named movie "RV," this is a must-see for lovers of nostalgic Americana. Our kids loved seeing the inside of these bygone trailers, imagining life on the open road before plane travel became so accessible.

The highlight of our trip was the horseback ride with Palo Duro Riding Stables. Owned and operated by Jesse and Kristin Sorenson and assisted by cowpokes Kodi Jo and Kash, PDRS guides pilgrims and cowboys alike onto their beloved land into the canyon. The Sorenson family

has owned and managed this land for three generations. Jesse and Kristin now have put their special touch on running the stables, from their old-timey western outfits to personally selecting and introducing the horse each rider will sit atop. Our ride down into the canyon was narrated with canyon history, geology, generational family stories and modern-day cowboy living.

And then there’s the Canyon itself. While Palo Duro is the second-longest canyon in the United States, unlike the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder is 800 feet deep, making the bottom of the canyon easily accessible. Hiking and mountain biking trails lead to breathtaking geologic rock formations like the Lighthouse and Sad Monkey.

According to the Texas State Historical Society, “The steep sides of Palo Duro Canyon consist of bright, banded layers of orange, red, brown, yellow, grey, maroon and white rocks that represent four different geologic periods and a time span of more than 240 million years. Fossils of long-extinct animals and plants have been found embedded in the rock layers.”

We primarily hiked the bottom of the canyon, intrigued by the beauty of the sheer canyon walls. The kids loved trekking up to the "Big Cave."  We never made it onto the most popular site, the Lighthouse Trail, as distractions pulled our attention on our way there.

Next time, we’ll spend more time in the charming town of Canyon. It is home to West Texas A&M and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum on its campus. Canyon’s Main Street is home to restaurants, coffee shops, a bakery, a used bookstore, and, while not officially on Main Street, Creek House Honey Farm. My husband and I did sneak away to experience Honey Buzz Winery’s mead (honey wine) flight and accouterments.

We also look forward to visiting the Pioneer Amphitheater, nestled into the basin of the Canyon. On summer nights, they stage The One and Only Texas Outdoor Musical, Shakespeare in the Canyon, and patriotic fireworks shows.

The Texas Panhandle isn't entirely the South or the West. Instead, we found it to be an appealing mix of southern gentility and the Wild West's rugged individuality. The area has been home to the nomadic Comanches, Spanish explorers, pioneers, cowboys, ranchers and even some industrialists, truly a microcosm of America itself.

It's easy to dismiss Amarillo and the surrounding area as just another pit-stop along a worn-out Route 66. But I caution you: You will miss a nearby hidden gem. It is rustic, kitschy, luxurious and charming all in one.

PLAN YOUR TRIP:

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas Mountain biking, hiking, camping, glamping tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon

Where to stay:

Remote Glamping: Doves Rest Cabins dovesrestcabins.com

City Luxury: The Barfield boutique hotel in downtown Amarillo thebarfield.com

Where to eat:

OHMS Cafe & Bar, downtown Amarillo ohmscafe.com

Crush Wine Bar & Grill, downtown Amarillo crushamarillo.com

Creek House Honey Farm and Honey Buzz Winery, Canyon creekhousehoneyfarm.com

Mickey's Place, Canyon mickeysplacetx.com

Surrounding attractions:

Cadillac Ranch visitamarillo.com/listing/cadillac-ranch

Jack Sizemore Traveland RV Museum rvmuseum.net

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Canyon panhandleplains.org

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo aqha.com/museum

Local Tourism Boards: Canyon  canyontx.gov/35/Visiting Amarillo visitamarillo.com

RARE WESTERN STYLE JEWELRY

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS, KHRYSTEN DYANE PHOTOGRAPHY

HEIRLOOM PIECES TO HAND DOWN FOR GENERATIONS

“A city girl who followed her heart and married a cowboy,” Candace Gilchrist, owner of Permanently Punchy says, “style is more about creating your story.” And that is exactly what she has done through her unique Western-inspired brand.

She says, “In the beginning, I was looking for a way to remember [my dad] and I stumbled upon permanent jewelry.” At the time it was a more rural art so starting it felt like a leap of faith.

Since then, Candance’s business has grown to offer high-end Western jewelry along with her permanent pieces. Her logo with her brand, The Ranchy Armadillo, reaches into these roots. Her husband is a team roper so the armadillo repping cowboy boots and a twirling rope are the perfect syncopation to their life together.

Her Western pieces are timeless and unique in their essence. She explains, “Ninety percent of it is Native American made and then the rest is American artisans.” This has opened the door to support many women-owned businesses.

“They’re heirloom pieces, pieces that you’ll be able to hand down for your children,” Candace shares. “My Native American pieces usually come from the Navajo majority, I get some Zuni pieces and others that are unique and different, but most of them come directly from the artist so they’re getting that business as well. It’s fun to be able to support that.”

For more details and to view Candace’s rare finds and trove of artisans visit TheRanchyArmadillo.MyShopify

Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time. For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404

COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS

1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120

ColoradoEyeConsultants.com excellent eye care every time

Brunson KORY BAND

Developing a New Generation of Aspiring Musical Artists

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNDEREXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY

Parker Days Festival was a blast this year and we had the honor to welcome the Kory Brunson Band to our stage. I was excited to see that he joined us in our beautiful town of Parker. Kory Brunson is one of the reasons I found my own personal passion as a musician and vocalist. It was great to connect with him, find out more about his lifestyle as a songwriter and hear

about a new program he’s developed called Nashville Artist Development University (NADU).

Kory is a passionate performer, husband, father, friend and mentor. He firmly believes that there is a path to success for those passionate about music and songwriting. Talking to Kory about his wife, Meggin and two boys, Konner and Mitchell is an inspiration in itself and the foundation for how he has discovered a successful lifestyle as a musician.

In context to who he is outside of his career with his family, Kory says, “I’m the guy that gives the dippin’ dots, unconditional love, the nightly tuck-ins. I’m also created by God. That’s who I am.” Kory’s success is grounded in putting his family first while also enjoying the art of songwriting and performance.

That is where NADU begins. Kory has an innate passion to educate young songwriters and musicians so they can start their music career right and create a lifestyle they can be proud of.

“I want them to keep those stars in their eyes, but not so much that they blind them to other things and realities. Do it the right way. Learn how to be an entrepreneur, learn how to be a business person, learn how to stay in control of your life and soul. Then pursue your dreams. But get the information you need,” he shares.

NADU is created to equip aspiring musical artists with a healthy perspective of success, prepare them for different phases of business and fame as well as know who they are at every turn.

“You have to take time to discover who you are, not decide who you are,” Kory shares this from his own experience. NADU gets into the bolts of the music business. They address all aspects of running a business legally with financial wisdom and integrity.

Kory and his family have proven you can find a successful lifestyle within the music industry. NADU helps you discover yourself as a musician and live your wildest dreams with those you love. NADUniversity.com

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS

Driving Style

The Advantages of Having a Broker When Buying a Vehicle

Having a broker when buying a vehicle is the key to finding exactly what you’re looking for at a price and quality that is unmatched. Alex Yakubovich is a broker that works at Greenwood Automotive. Their inventory is vast and their business model for putting clients first is noteworthy.

He shares, “It’s simple… we put [our] clients first. We’re able to get our clients any make or model vehicle, new or preowned… [we] give unbiased, transparent information to make an educated decision that fits their needs!” CONTINUED

Essentially, he does all the research, comparing and negotiating. His words of advice? He says, “[know] what your needs and wants are and stick to them. It’s easy to get distracted and buy something fun and cute and regret it later. Slow down and take a deep breath, [no] need to feel rushed.”

He’ll help you get pre-approved, understand the current market and find exactly what you’re looking for. A majority of Greenwood Automotive’s inventory comes from broker client lease returns and trade-ins. Visit www.GreenwoodAutomotive. com or contact Alex directly at 303.949.7605 or Alexy@GreenwoodAutomotive.com.

ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE AND ABSTRACT PAINTINGS

BY DAVE REITER

“The Colors of Joy”Oil on canvas over board, 24 x 48 in.

The Story Behind the Painting:

“I had so much fun painting this fall mountain scene. It has so many things that brought me joy. When I first experienced this vista, the colors were at their peak and seemed extra vibrant. The landscape before me appeared pulsating, energetic, and alive. I soon realized that the size of this painting needed to be more prominent to capture all the fullness of what was stirring inside. All of this moved me to create ‘The Colors of Joy.’”

Representation:

The District Gallery, 5113 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

For availability, prices, or to commission a unique piece, contact Dave: Text: 720-338-8843 | Web: davereiterart.com | Studio: 10200 Casey Lane, Parker, CO 80138

Unparalleled Care: Our physician-driven care plan is designed to maximize the quality of the care we provide.

Best-in-Class Facility: The best medical facility for those in need of post-acute rehab and skilled nursing care.

Highly Qualified, Caring Staff Provide Our Patient Guests with: Care in a beautiful, hotel-like atmosphere to help achieve strength and functionality.

Post Acute Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care to Include: Family involvement, psychological care and discharge planning complement a well-rounded, individualized program and encourage each patient’s transition to their highest functional level.

hacks HAIR

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long

Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.

Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.

fishtail simple braids updo reverse

ARTICLE BY ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Part a mohawk section of hair down the center of the head. Create a French braid down the middle. For a thicker-looking braid, gently pull on the strands working your way up and down the braid. Pull it back into a ponytail for a simple and trendy look.

simple braid in a pony-tail

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Castle Rock Art Festival

Downtown Castle Rock | 9:00 AM

Admission is free to this two-day event. This esteemed community art festival highlights the talents of more than 110 exhibitors displaying a wide range of works from life-size sculptures to photography and jewelry. Local Parker artist Dave Reiter will be at the show featuring his paintings as well.

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Wine Walk

Downtown Parker, Chamber Office Check-In | 4:30 PM

Gather your friends and colleagues, grab your collectible glass and map at the Parker Chamber office, then spend your evening wandering Downtown Parker tasting and socializing. It's a great way to make new friends and enjoy a beautiful evening in Parker. Select downtown merchants will be pouring wine for participants at their business locations. www.ParkerChamber.com

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Back to Brazil with the CJRO - Live Jazz Concerts in Parker

The Schoolhouse at Mainstreet | 5:30 PM

Celebrate the launch of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s (CJRO) Friday Night Jazz Series by attending Back to Brazil with CJRO. At its core, the Brazilian beat is characterized by syncopated rhythms, intricate percussion and irresistible grooves that invite people to dance and lose themselves in the music.

SOLUTIONS THAT FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE.

We strive to make your vehicle look and feel its absolute best by getting to know what you really need so we can customize a package that fits your lifestyle. If what you need is a wash and polish, or an interior detail, or a complete package, we have the expertise to make your

SEPTEMBER 21ST

So Long to Summer 5k

Salisbury Park | 8:00 AM

Part of the Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series, this event is professionally timed. Registered participants will receive a race shirt, custom bib, a delicious post-race pancake breakfast from Flippin' Flapjacks and a tasty beverage (for ages 21+) from Fiction Beer Company. The FREE Kids' Dash follows the race for children eight and under; no registration necessary. www.ParkerRec.com/928/So-Longto-Summer-5K10K

SEPTEMBER 21ST - 28TH

Parker Fall Fest

O'Brien Park

The Town of Parker invites residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the start of autumn at O’Brien Park in downtown Parker. This year’s celebration will feature an expanded offering of free family-friendly events and activities.

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Library’s Annual

Gala Benefits the DCL Foundation

Highlands Ranch Mansion | 6:00 PM

Friday, September 27 is Douglas County Libraries’ Ninth Annual Fête des Fables Gala: Pinocchio! Guests will enjoy cocktails, a catered Italian dinner and dessert, live music and entertainment, a scaled-back Ferrari car show, piazza-style silent auction featuring a trip to Italy, wine pull and more at the charming Highlands Ranch Mansion. Proceeds benefit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. DCL.org/Fete-Des-Fables

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be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PARKER

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Brow Services

Celebrate Another Healthy Year

A lot can change in a year – including your health.

AdventHealth celebrates your strength, dedication and confidence as you move through life, and we’re committed to helping you be proactive about your health. That’s why we provide women’s care that supports you in body, mind and spirit.

During Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to make time to learn as much as you can about early detection of gynecological cancers and healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent them. Count on us to be there for you with the expertise and compassion you deserve.

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