Search South Aurora March 2025

MARCH 2025
SEARCH SOUTH
AURORA
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2 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

Better Health
Better Life
Now Accepting New Patients
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
We are pleased to be able to serve Parker as both an urgent care and family medicine
clinic. We provide a myriad of services to get you well and keep you healthy.
Open Every Day / No Appointment Needed
www.20mileurgentcare.com
720-974-7210
Dr. Steve Morrison
Voted Best in Parker 12 years in a row!
MARCH 2025 3

CONTENTS
10
The Good Doctor
The Morrison family has been a local staple for decades. Dr.
Steve Morrison leads out as what is great about Parker.
BY search south aurora staff
6 | PEople - Joy McWilliam
8 | People - Janelle Ames
13 | CUISINE - The Guide
15 | cuisine - Chronicles: Parker Garage
ON THE COVER
The Ames Family from Franktown
T
parker
colorado
t u e l l e r
p u b l i s h i n g
AURORA
SEARCH SOUTH
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NO . 206 | MARCH 2025
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MARCH 2025 5

Town's Joy
Joy McWilliams is more than just a mainstay real estate agent; she is a local fixture.
Her love for Parker has established her as a local leader.
BY AMBER TUELLER
6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

If you talk to Joy McWilliams, you are immediately struck
by her warmth and energy. She is a big part of our Parker
community, and we wanted to highlight her as one of our
local leaders. Joy and her husband, Brian, are behind the
real estate duo, Mc2 Properties. You can follow them on
Instagram, Facebook, or watch their monthly broadcast on
YouTube to see the market overview, real estate advice,
and some tours of listings.
Joy grew up in Texas and Brian grew up in the Littleton area.
After college, they met through mutual friends, got married,
and moved around a few times. They ended up back in
Colorado 16 years ago. Joy was already involved in the real
estate world and worked under several brokers. She was
with Keller Williams years ago, then switched to Osgood, a
local boutique broker on Mainstreet in Parker.
In the last five years, she decided to work with Compass,
a newer company whose business model is to work
with experienced agents. They are very driven in their
technology platform, using AI and other tools. They are also
frontrunners in private exclusives, which allows agents to
market properties to their agency before becoming public.
Joy believes their advancements make Compass different
and a top seller. Bryan and Joy teamed up three years ago
to work together in real estate.
Joy and Bryan not only sell homes but essentially sell our area
as a great place to live. They stay educated on planning
and zoning announcements, schools, and projects. They
know Douglas County well and do most of their selling in
Castle Rock, Parker, and South Aurora. They are mindful to
stay in touch with the local communities, events, and the
culture of the area. Joy is often suggesting Parker to people
moving to the area because of what a special place it is.
They love Parker and have become ingrained into the
community through networking with their business, the
Chamber, friends, and neighbors. They have a son and
daughter who go to high school in Parker and are involved
in the school community as well as the town. They try to
be involved with service activities through the Chamber
and SECOR to help people in our area. Joy says business
is about relationships and being in front of people having
conversations.
I asked Joy what she thinks makes Parker so special. She said
it's the history and smalltown feel of our downtown area with
the events and traditions that are built there for friends and
neighbors. She talked about how family-oriented our town is
and how many opportunities there are for kids. Recognizing
the importance of youth and children adds value to our
community. But of course, most of all, Joy shared how it’s
the people of Parker, how everyone helps each other and
wants to interact and that each person matters. She feels
fortunate to live in this area. Good people draw like-minded
people to our area to strengthen us and our hometown feel.
That is what Joy and Brian have brought to our community.
We applaud their involvement, service, and impact!
MARCH 2025 7

The Town Jewel
Royalty isn't something we have here in the U.S., but one of our
local crown jewels is Janell Ames and her love for Douglas County.
BY AMBER TUELLER
8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

Janell Ames loves Parker and has been involved in this
community her whole life. She loves the roots she has put
down. She is very loyal and loves people. Janell grew up
in the Pinery and went to Ponderosa High School. She
studied marketing at college at then Mesa State and
married her high school sweetheart, Billy. They decided
to stay in the Parker area and have two boys and a girl.
As a very young mom, she became involved again at
Ponderosa as a girls' softball coach and loved it! She felt
that being home with her children when they were young
was very important. They chose to sacrifice so she had
the chance to raise her children full time. Through this
era, she became involved in her children's classrooms, in
the PTO, at church, and in the neighborhood.
One day, soon after having her third baby, a friend
showed up with a flyer for Mrs. Colorado. She thought
it was silly at first but eventually decided to get involved
in the pageant with a friend. She became Mrs. Parker
and was involved in the pageant for four years, also
becoming Mrs. Colorado! Crazy enough, one day
she saw heels out at her grandma’s house and she
announced to Janell that she and Janell’s mom were
also going to be part of the competition that year. She
talked about what a fun and special experience it was
to be part of an exciting event together.
It was a world she did not know about and had to train
for in a whole new way. Janell said it really helped her to
reflect on what she stood for, what she wanted to show
her children, and what she wanted for the community.
She learned she had a voice and that she could be a
strong woman. She wanted to show her daughter what
being a woman with internal beauty looks like – being
smart, kind, humble, and helping others.
After winning, Janell thought of how she could give back to Parker. She made 200 appearances as Mrs. Colorado
through service, speeches, and events. She worked with our former mayor, David Casiano, on many projects. Among
other events, they organized a walk for the cure and were part of the holiday parade. She started a chapter at the
Children’s Hospital called "Seeds of Hope" to help give comfort to moms with babies in the NICU. She also partnered
with a local charity and did a women’s home build. Each event where she made an appearance, she took someone
close to her and tried to get her kids involved.
Years later, when her kids were older, she did many hours of volunteering at Sagewood Middle School. Danny Winsor,
the principal, sought her out to be more involved in the school and start teaching. She taught student government,
speech, and Avid. She loved the culture that she and her students created in the classes and how they included
community service in their curriculum. She taught for seven years and even had the chance to teach one of her sons.
In 2022, when she decided to retire from teaching, she reached out to Danny to let him know. He was working at
the district level by then and told her about an opening as the new DCSD Legacy Campus event coordinator. She
decided to apply and now loves being back in the school community! She has been able to work with so many
people throughout the district, businesses in the area, and non-profit organizations as they come to the Legacy
Campus for events, meetings, speakers, competitions, banquets, and training. She loves to connect with former
students, families, and other teachers. She still volunteers to help with the pageant and even hosts the prelims for Mrs.
Colorado at the campus. She loves her position and how it gives her a taste of all the worlds she has been a part
of and loved in her life! She loves the culture and takes pride in their campus. Her impact locally has been felt very
heavily. Her love for our area and the people here is very evident!
MARCH 2025 9

THE
GOOD
DOCTOR
10 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

Meet Dr. Morrison
He has those patient relationships
typically only found in small town
practices, but he brings all the tools
and technolgy of the big boys.
He also had several more experiences as a youth that
helped him become familiar with the medical world.
Steve played football and had some knee issues,
as well as a hernia repaired. One day on the way
to high school he was in a serious car accident. He
flew through the windshield, requiring a few days’
stay in the hospital, some plastic surgery, and serious
recovery.
Gratefully, Steve was able to go on to play football
at the University of Washington for three years and to
serve a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic. He
began medical school at Western University of Health
Services of the Pacific in Pomona, California. He met
his wife, Julie, and they were married in 1997.
Twenty Mile Urgent Care is a staple in our community.
It is the only privately-owned urgent care in Colorado,
unlike others that are part of larger conglomerates.
Doctor Steve Morrison had the vision to open this
urgent care nearly two decades ago when there
were no such options around. In 2007, he was able
to create this family care and urgent care hybrid to
serve the community and align with his strengths and
interests.
Dr. Morrison grew up in Snohomish, Washington. He had
two uncles who were doctors that left an impression
on him. Steve shadowed them throughout middle
school and high school and came to be fascinated by
science and healthcare. He was especially interested
in sports medicine.
MARCH 2025 11

Throughout medical school, Steve realized that he
loved family medicine.
Steve and Julie moved to Parker in 2003, where he
worked in Aurora for a family medicine practice for
four years. It was during this time that Steve realized
the need for an urgent care in Parker. He also decided
he wanted to branch out in his field to something
more challenging. This is how the urgent care/family
medicine hybrid began.
Steve is the only doctor at Twenty Mile Urgent Care,
along with two physician assistants and a nurse
practitioner, who serve patients at the clinic. The
practice includes ten staff members, three of which
have been there since the very beginning!
Their unique clinic makeup provides a "hard to find
these days" personalized relationship with patients.
The locally-owned, small town feel allows for each
patient to feel cared for, not like being a number
in a large chain. Steve said they love the Parker
community, (along with surrounding Franktown,
Elizabeth, and Kiowa). He has enjoyed the chance to
build relationships with families and has seen many of
his patients from childhood into their adulthood. And
the Morrisons have always appreciated the loyalty of
the community.
Steve and Julie have three children: Hailey, Cameron,
and Cole. As a family they love skiing in the winter and
spending time at the lake in the summer. They love to
call Parker home!
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12 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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
Asian fusion
JUNZ
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.
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 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality
home-style cuisine. This
Parker fixture is known for a
fresh, creative menu.
19751 E Mainstreet, Parker
720-851-8559 $$
ITO SUSHI ASIAN BISTRO
Asian fusion restaurant
known for quality ingredients
and fresh fish daily.
2240 Mercantile St #100,
Castle Rock
720-749-6777 $$ (N)
JOHN HOLLY’S
Chinese and Thai dishes
that are nothing less than
the culinary equivalent of an
exotic adventure.
9232 Park Meadows Dr,
Lone Tree
303-768-9088 $$
JUNZ
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 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY
& ROADHOUSE
Destination locale with an
informal ambiance offering
hearty comfort classics
215 Wilcox St Suite G,
Castle Rock
303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest
running brew pub. Steaks,
burgers, pizza and soup!
880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock
303-814-9273 $$
MARCH 2025 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 $$
MEXICAN
ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for
authentic cuisine in a relaxed
ambiance. Great for parties.
7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown
303-663-7800 $$
CASA MARIACHI
Unassuming local joint
serving up straight-forward
Mexican plates.
9771 S Parker Rd, Parker
720-842-5105 $$
LA LOMA
Upscale-rustic atmosphere
known for traditional Mexican
meals.
6361 Promenade Pkw,
Castle Rock
303-632-9900 $$ (N)
LAS POTRANCES
Casual Mexican restaurant
full of real Mexican culture,
Mexican Food, Fresh Drinks,
and Friendly Hospitality.
19600 Solar Cir, Parker
303-840-0325 $$ (N)
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
Elegant family-owned eatery.
There’s a combo dish to
please everyone.
6370 Promenade Pkwy.,
Castle Rock
720-769-5474 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And
bring your appetite for the
large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker
303-841-0160 $$
new american
CASTLE CAFE
Set in a former 1890s hotel.
Plating hearty American
fare like pan-fried chicken &
burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock
303-814-2233 $$
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 $$
DOUG’S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe
where everything is made
from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet,
Parker
720-476-7162 $$
MANNA
A casual sit-down destination
with a menu that reflects
Colorado’s growing season.
2350 Meadows Blvd.,
Castle Rock
720-455-3664 $
PARKER GARAGE
The Parker landmark located
right downtown offers a
locally-sourced menu. Great
service and large portions.
19420 Mainstreet, Parker
720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast
or lunch. American, Greek or
Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock
303-688-6746 $$
RORY’S
Comfort food and baked
goods at their finest.
Don’t see it on the menu?
Ask for it!
11020 S Pikes Peak Dr.,
Parker
720-708-2889 $$
SIERRA
High-end, wood-fired
kitchen with a warm
ambiance, preparing
select American dishes.
10680 Cabela Dr.,
Lone Tree
303-662-8800 $$
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Upscale, yet casual dining
experience with a one-of-akind
menu. Don’t miss the
brunch.
115 Wilcox Street,
Castle Rock
303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
A modern and open venue
that boasts thoughtful and
honest cuisine. A haven for
the gluten-free crowd.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker
720-826-3689 $$
PIZZA
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 $$
14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

Culinary Chronicles
PHOTO FROM PARKER GARAGE
Parker Garage | 19420 Mainstreet, Parker
My husband and I had been anticipating our rare
date night all week. A quiet snowfall cast a magical
quality over the cold evening as we arrived at
Parker Garage on Mainstreet.
The restaurant welcomed us with dark rustic wood,
low lighting, a tower of whiskey bottles, and local
western-themed art featuring horses and bison.
Bright red doors with vintage wrench handles hinted
at the garage theme. We were seated right away
in the main room with a view of O’Brien Park, where
we watched the snowfall.
STEAKHOUSE
DUKE’S
Rustic restaurant featuring
beef & seafood dishes, plus
a sports tavern with an Irish
vibe.
363 Village Square Lane,
Castle Pines
303-814-2487 $$$
FOGO DE CHAO
Upscale Brasilian steakhouse
with all-you-can-eat meat
carved tableside. Guaraná is
a must, and try the Creme de
Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows
Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)
PERRY’S
Chops, seafood, wine, &
cocktails served in an upscale
setting with a lounge & live
jazz. 8433 Park Meadows
Center Dr., Lone Tree
303-792-2571 $$$
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Texas-themed steakhouse
with a great menu and
wonderful atmosphere.
11205 S. Parker Rd,
Parker
303-805-5848 $$
TRAPPER’S
CHOP HOUSE
Upscale hideaway local
favorite featuring their
signature Volcanic Hot Rock
sear-it-yourself experience.
19308 Cottonwood Dr.,
Parker
303-248-2132 $$$
UNIQUE
VISTAVINO MODERN
Quaint Tuscan grill made
fresh from local fare. Every
dish is a winner!
611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
303-814-2487 $$
The restaurant offers options for those seeking a
nice meal and those wanting to enjoy a game and
drinks at the lively bar. The drink menu is extensive,
with beer, wine, a wide whiskey selection, and
craft cocktails. I enjoyed a glass of my favorite
Chardonnay while my husband explored the
bourbon options with the help of our server.
My husband opted for the surf and turf, while I
chose the salmon. Both dishes were satisfying. The
highlights were the zing of the peppercorn sauce
on the steak, and the crispy crust on the salmon,
while still keeping the inside perfectly tender.
Dessert was our favorite. We ordered the lemon
cheesecake with strawberry sauce. The bright, zesty
flavors contrasted with the snowy scene outside,
making us dream of the warmer months ahead.
We're already looking forward to a spring date night,
sharing cocktails and appetizers
at the bar, then taking a stroll
through the park when the
weather warms up.
Denise Woods is a
freelance writer
who will be reviewing
local eateries monthly
for this new feature.
MARCH 2025 15

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