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your hair LOVE Kat is the best ever!!! Everyone loves my hair. Kat makes you feel as though you’re the only client she has. Warm and extremely friendly. I come from Rock to Parker and would Travel anywhere to have her do my hair! ~ Marcia I have very fine natural blond hair with no body. Cindy does a fantastic cut and style that is easy for me to maintain. ~ Anonymous Lena did my hair and my sister’s hair today and we are both look awesome. A joy to have someone do your hair and not have to worry about how it’s going to turn out, it turns out great every time for both of us. I really wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. And in the outside Chance that Lena is not there we both once had to have someone else at the salon to take care of us. And the results were equally as satisfying. What a joy to find a salon that gets it right every time. ~ Dede Cerese is the best! After searching for years, I finally found the perfect stylist! ~ Andrean Leah is great!! So knowledgeable, so professional and always gives an amazing cut!! ~ Gavin
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Maximum discount allowed is $35. Valid on new clients or if it’s been12 months since your last visit. Please mention this promotion at time of booking. Not valid unless presented to stylist prior to service. Not valid on corrective hair services, ombre, extensions, or keratin treatments. Not valid with any other discounts. One discount per client. Offer valid Feb, 2024.
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C A N ’ T B U Y M E LO V E Learn some interesting facts and stats about the popular holiday. BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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LO N E LY H E A R T S C L U B Bad dates can happen to good people. Enjoy a few real-life romantic flop stories. BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
13 THE GUIDE
The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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AURORA Search South Aurora is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC
At Prairie Hill Flower Co., Valentine’s Day is like the Super Bowl of flower arranging. BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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LVOE CAN'T BUY ME
Whether you share a box of chocolates with your significant other, or your significant other is a box of chocolates, enjoy our Valentine's Day "by the numbers"
6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
83% Most popular Valentine's Day gifts
Flowers: 17.2 % Chocolate: 11 % Jewelry: 9%
of flowers bought are roses, (over half of those are red roses)
440,000 people across the United States will become engaged on Valentine's Day
$185.81 average amount spent on gifts per person for Valentine's Day
224 million The number of roses produced for the holiday
7%
US adults say they've broken up with someone on Valentine's Day.
1913
When Hallmark began massproducing valentines in the U.S.
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Lisa had always been a big gardener and joked that they could grow flowers for income. That sparked an idea, and it took off from there several years ago! At the time there were no flower farms in Douglas County. They felt this was something the community lacked. Lisa took flower farm school online and learned the specifics of growing flowers. She is also a certified floral designer. They have learned and changed through their experience in the flower business. They grow all their flowers through the summer on their farm and acquire flowers from other sources during the winter season.
Prairie Hill Flower Co. Local family showcases home grown flowers and a blossoming floral business Lisa Frahm and her husband own the Prairie Hill Flower Co, a local flower farm and florist business. Lisa started out as an architect and chose to step away from her career to be a stay-at-home mom to be with her children. She and her husband are Colorado natives and grew up in the Parker area. Lisa's grandparents had land when she was growing up, which influenced her desire to live a rural lifestyle. The Frahms always dreamed of having land. When they had the chance, they bought ten acres and built a house that they had dreamed up and Lisa had designed. To change their land to an agricultural zoning, they learned that they needed to show agricultural income from their land.
By the next summer their business was starting out and it was perfect timing for the community. Everyone felt isolated and lacked connection after the Covid lock down. Mask restrictions were still in place and the flower farm served as a local place for people of the community to gather outside without needing a mask. It was a special way to share with the community. Prairie Hill Farm sold flowers to the Parker area and had designated U-pick days to welcome community members to the farm. They began selling custom arrangements for people as well as helping customers arrange flowers from what they picked on the farm. Lisa shared how Valentine's Day is like the Super Bowl of flower arranging and preparations for the holiday begin in December. Lisa suggests buying flowers that are in season as they add an incredible freshness and variety to bouquets. She also wants to champion support of local shops instead of large companies who are not locally sourced. She appreciates the loyalty from the community and working with other local florists. Lisa shared how flowers bring connections in all times of life: joy, sorrow, loss, or new birth. Being apart of those tender moments is what drives her.
FEBRUARY 2024 9
Lonely Hearts Club Not all dating experiences have a "happily-ever-after" ending Stories as told to Search South Aurora Staff
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Getting to know someone romantically can leave you feeling… drained. If you’ve ever felt like love is a battlefield, have no fear we’ve all been there. Sometimes bad dates happen to good people. Enjoy a few romantic flops from our favorite people. You’re welcome, and no, we’re not sorry for sharing.
"Bre and I were on our first date. The server brought us our food and my very first bite of steak got stuck in my throat. I was not choking; but couldn't dislodge the steak. I took a drink of water but ended up discretely spitting the water back into my glass because it wouldn't go down. I quietly excused myself and went to the bathroom. After about ten minutes one of my friends came to the bathroom to check on me. He asked if we should try the Heimlich maneuver. He knocked the wind out of me two or three times to no avail. Realizing that I had no choice, we headed to the ER. For the next hour we all sat in the waiting room. A nurse finally informed me that I needed to have a procedure to remove the obstruction and would have to be sedated, which means one of my friends needed to stay
and drive me home. My date, Bre, volunteered and my buddies left to take their dates home. The doctor sedated me and removed the steak from my throat. The next thing I knew, I heard familiar voices saying my name and laughing. As I slowly woke up, my vision cleared and I saw my friends, my brother Dave, and Bre all smiling at me. Apparently I kept saying, 'My doctor is a terrorist, we need to call Jack Bauer!'" I finally got Bre back home about 1:00 in the morning. I don’t remember if I walked Bre to the door that night, but we did go out again and actually dated briefly. - That wasn't a love connection, but Jason is now happily married and his wife cuts all his steak into little pieces. FEBRUARY 2024 11
"My first official date with Amanda - When I called her on the way to pick her up she let me know that she had invited another one of her guy friends (Sam) to join us for dinner. He showed up and chatted it up all night. After dinner, he realized he forgot his wallet. Amanda ended up paying for him. True story ... awesome first date." - Jeremy ended up marrying Amanda. He now pays for the whole meal almost every time.
"Once, my date rear-ended someone so hard that I spent the next couple of months going to physical therapy for my neck and back. We worked together, so we saw each other every day ... wasn't awkward at all." - Melanie is a wife and mother of three. She is a very cautious driver.
"First date with a guy and he takes me to one of those bounce house/obstacle course type places. While we were jumping I looked down and noticed that the crotch seam on my pants was coming apart. I quickly excused myself and went to the front desk to ask for a stapler to fix the tear. They had a stapler, but no staples. The best they could do was some scotch tape. I tried the best I could to close the gap, but the tape basically did nothing at all and the hole grew throughout the night. My date never said if he ever noticed, but we never went out again." - Autumn married the man of her dreams and carries staples with her everywhere she goes.
"As we left the small restaurant where we had just eaten, I noticed a car that looked just like mine being loaded up on a tow truck. It was my car. I pleaded with the guy to leave it and he made me pay $70. I had $75 total in my account, so after I paid for the car, the date was over. I took her home. Another time, my date and I drove to an outdoor area for a nature walk. As we walked through a big field I realized I had dropped my keys. After a long time searching, my date had to walk home alone while I continued to search. I finally found them, and my date got more of a nature walk than she wanted."
"I asked a girl out that I had seen on campus. The date went fine and we enjoyed ourselves so much that I called her back for a second date. A man answered the phone and I asked to speak to the girl. The man asked who I was. I answered and then asked who he was, to which he replied he was her husband. I immediately hung up. Several weeks later I called back to make sure it wasn't a joke played by her brother or friend. The number had been disconnected. I ran into the girl later on campus and she admitted that she was married." - Steve enjoyed it so much that now he only dates a married women - his wife.
"One of my roommates went on a date with a guy who started clipping his toenails while they were watching a movie at his apartment. It wasn't into a trash can. He just let the clippings land on the coffee table in front of them. Then he asked her if she wanted to clip HIS nails. She said no. They never went out again." - Suzanne is married and raising her beautiful kids to only clip their own nails.
"I was asked out by a guy I knew in high school and he bought us tickets to a Denver Nuggets game for our first date. I was 17 at the time and this was one of my first dates ever. I didn't have a car, so he picked me up. We drove to the game, got our seats, and made small talk as the game started. After about 45 minutes he excused himself to use the bathroom. Ten minutes later, he wasn't back yet and I figured there was a line at the men's room. I sat there alone through halftime and I finally went out to his car to look for him. It was gone. He had ditched me. I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure he left with some girl he'd known in the stands." - Emily has a new boyfriend who has yet to leave her stranded at a ball game.
"My first date ever the guy's parents came with us and sat in the back seat. They recorded the whole car drive"
"My date and I were in the back row seat of a large SUV on our way to an amusement park. My date began to look nautious and asked if we could pull over. I told my buddy to pull over but he was in the far left lane on the freeway. They passed back a small chip bag but it wasn't in time. My date was throwing up all over. She was trying to catch it with her hands, but it was getting everywhere. She filled up the chip bag and it overflowed. We dropped her and the other girls off at the mall to buy new clothes because it got all over hers. Then the guys drove to a gas station and used wet wipes to clean up the car. "
- Amanda didnt give him or his parents another chance.
- Spencer is now engaged to be married, just not to her.
- James is still searching for that perfect someone who loves cars and long walks in nature.
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THE GUIDE
THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.
KEY
Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25 $$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New
JUNZ
Asian fusion
More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.
CHERRY VILLAGE ASIAN GRILL
JUNZ
Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere. 17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$
DANCING NOODLE
A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food. 10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu. 19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$
JOHN HOLLY’S
Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure. 9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best. 11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$
BAKERY/DESSERTs LA PETITE CREPERIE
The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh. 19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)
PARIS BAGUETTE
Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone. 18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)
POULETTE BAKESHOP
New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day! 19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)
BARBEQUE BIG JIMS
Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$
GQUE BBQ
Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$
HICKORY HOUSE
The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken. 10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$
OLD WEST BBQ
A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $
BREW PUB 20 MILE TAP HOUSE
Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO. Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup! 880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$
FEBRUARY 2024 13
TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL
Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends. 19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$
THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options. 3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$
ITalian CRANELLI’S
Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format. 10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$
DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN
Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service. 872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$
PORTOFINO
Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian. 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$
SCILEPPI’S
A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$
VIA BACI
Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$
MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$ 14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
CASA MARIACHI
Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates. 9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$
LA CASITA
Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. 18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$
LAS DELICIAS
MANNA
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
PARKER GARAGE
PIZZA
A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season. 2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $
The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions. 19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$
PEGASUS
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
RORY’S
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone. 19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions. 10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes. 313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$ Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! Downtown gem. 11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$
SIERRA
new american
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
CASTLE CAFE
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers. 403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs. 971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $
CRAVE
A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes. 3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch. 115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
ANTONIO’S
A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair. 12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $
ARTISAN
Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert. 12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $
COLORADOUGH
A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$
LIL’ RICCI’S
New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$
PARRY’S
NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters. 5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$
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