Search South Aurora December 2025

DECEMBER 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!
DECEMBER 2025 3

CONTENTS
10
Athletes to Watch
A season-long feature highlighting some of the best high
school athletes in the area.
BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
6 | HOLIDAYS - The Giving Machine
8 | HOLIDAY - The Bell Still Rings
13 | CUISINE - The Guide
ON THE COVER
Ethan R. admiring the Christmas tree.
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AURORA
SEARCH SOUTH
Search South Aurora is published
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NO . 215 | DECEMBER 2025
Search South Aurora ©2025 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights
reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly
prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and
businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.

some people just know
how to relax
• Spas • Chemicals • Filters • Billiards • Traeger Pellets • BBQ Accessories • Bull Grills
Locally Owned and Operated
| 303-841-7646
| www.spasofparker.com
| spasofparkerco@gmail.com
DECEMBER 2025 5

The
Giving
Machine
"Imagine swiping your credit card at a
vending machine - but instead of buying
a candy bar for yourself, you’re buying a
sheep for a family in a third-world country.
Or a polio vaccine. Or a pair of shoes. Or
100 meals for your local food bank. With
the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines,
that’s exactly what happens. The Giving
Machines provide a way for people to
follow the example of Jesus to help those
in need and make the Christmas season a
little more meaningful for themselves and
for countless others.”
The description from the Giving Machine website
lays out an intriguing concept of how we can help
those both home and abroad through the simple
convenience of a vending machine. Have you ever
bought dental care or tiger worms from a vending
machine? It is a uniquely special experience to donate
to others this way. The Giving Machines are located in
just over two dozen cities around the world, and we
get to have them in our very own downtown Denver!
Denver’s Mayor Michael Hancock has been a big
proponent of this program. "The power of these
machines is that anybody can give, no matter what
your station in life, no matter how much money you
have, anybody can walk up to these machines and
give because no amount is too small," said Hancock.
"Over the last four years since we've had these
machines in Denver, we've raised over $1.3 million."
CBS News Colorado.
Working with Mayor Hancock, The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints has set up the Giving
Machines as part of their “Light the World Campaign”
each holiday season to help spread aid and holiday
cheer to many in need. They have partnered with
charities around the world along with local charities
to create a custom vending menu. Items range from
$3 to $250. You can purchase multiple items in a single
transaction up to $3000.
of Metro Denver, affordable housing; Metro Caring,
providing nutritious food and hunger solutions; and
Village Exchange Center, serving immigrants and
refugees. The three international charities are: iDE
Global, creating livelihood opportunities; Mentors
International, addressing generational poverty; and
Water for People, making high-quality drinking water
accessible.
The experience is also educational, with each vending
selection describing how the item is used and the
difference it can make in someone’s life. Here are a
couple of examples: “For $50, provide a family of four
with nutritious food for one week.” “For $18, buy three
ducks with business mentoring to provide income for a
family from duck egg production and breeding.”
The Giving Machines are at Cherry Creek North Holiday
Market each year from Thanksgiving through New
Year's Day. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. You can plan your visit at givingmachinesdenver.
org. Help make the difference; help light the world.
Our local Denver charities included are: A Precious
Child, empowering children in need; Doctors Care,
health access for low-incomes; Habitat for Humanity
6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

What to my
Wondering Eyes
Alexa Nugent brings the
Christmas spirit through
her decorating business.
Stepping into Alexa Nugent’s
front door, I was greeted
with a big hug and a
beautiful glimmering pink
Christmas tree. Alexa’s
family with four daughters
started the pink tree years ago when they had
just moved from Colorado to Texas. They were
feeling homesick for Colorado and decided
to decorate a tree with some of their special
memories. This cherished tradition continues
to return each year with additions from their
life. It holds precious memories and ornaments
representing Alexa’s husband, daughters, their
family, friends, and even a special dog.
This local business owner of Design for the
Holidays shows off her passion for Christmas.
We had the chance to witness Christmas in her
own home during an exclusive tour. How did
she get her start? While in college, Alexa first
helped her professor's wife decorate multiple
trees and has continued bringing Christmas
cheer to homes ever since. A wreath class at
the Texas home superstore, Garden Ridge, also
helped push her into the decorating business.
While visiting, we asked Alexa about her
inspiration, choices, and tricks. She loves
moving lights and how they make the tree
feel like it is breathing and moving with you.
Clear string micro buds are her go to for lights, adding
a twinkling strand to every tree to help it glisten. As for
clever tricks, strapping a tree to a false shelf inside
a pedestal box increases the tree’s height and gets
ornaments up off the floor. Alexa is a forever do-ityourselfer,
including flocking her own tree or cutting out
prelit wires! She takes found items and repurposes them
with paint and adornment. She combines partial trees
or garlands into something beautiful and custom made.
Helping clients has helped her love Christmas even
more. She starts out detached enough from each
client tree that she can put it together quickly, but by
the end becomes emotionally invested. Trees represent
memories to her, and each family’s special story is told
through their Christmas tree and treasured ornaments.
Alexa said she decorates her own home each year
before starting on clients’ homes to savor the joy of
pulling out the first Christmas touches. The Christmas spirit
is evident in her beautiful home.
DECEMBER 2025 7

1
7 8 9
2 3
10
11
4
5
6
The Bell Still
Rings For All Who
Truly Believe
We asked some of our younger readers
what they love about the holidays.
8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

12 13
4
Hallie, age 5
Because we get to eat candy canes.
5
Carter, age 11
I love the holidays because of the feelings of kindness
that are spread throughout the world. I love that
through all our struggles, the holidays are a time when
we can all gather together with our loved ones.
14
6 Kaitlyn, age 18
My holidays are always filled with memories - having
family over, eating all the food in the world, and being
grateful for everything that has gotten us to where we
are. Remembering Jesus's birth and what it means to
me always stands close to me heart, and reflecting on
His sacrifice is something I will never forget.
1
7
Brynlee, age 12
I love the joy of spending time with family and the
delicious food we have at the holidays!
8
Zeke, age 4
My favorite thing about Christmas is decorating the
Christmas tree.
9 Everly, age 12
My favorite part of the holidays is all the holiday food,
smothered in ketchup.
10
Lucas, age 6
I love when everyone is happier and nicer for a whole
month.
11
Jenna, age 13
I love decorating with my family and drinking hot cocoa
with the fire on! Oh, and stringing popcorn.
1
Henley, age 7
My favorite thing about the holidays is Christmas music.
12
Trina, age 9
I love when we all get together and bake. My aunts
come over and we make the best treats for the holidays.
We also open a present on Christmas Eve and it's always
pajamas.
2
Logan, age 6
I love the holidays because we get to celebrate Jesus’s
birthday and we get to open presents! I also love to
make sugar cookies with my family.
13
Taylor, age 10
I love the holidays because we can gather our families
together and I love the special meaning and messages
of the holiday season.
3
Caroline, age 14
My favorite part of Christmas is baking my mom's
famous ginger snap cookies, then relaxing by the fire
with cookies and eggnog while the snow falls outside
and the Chrsitmas tree sparkles.
14 Henry, age 8
My favorite things about the holidays are decorating
the tree, singing carols, and visiting family and friends
that are far away.
DECEMBER 2025 9

ATHLETES
to
WATCH
Douglas County has some of the best athletes in the country.
Many enter their senior seasons with multiple D1 offers to some of the best
universities. During this school year, we will highlight some of those athletes,
their accomplishments, and their promising futures.
Jaylen Burge
Class of 2026
Grace Joebchen
Class of 2027
Luke Howery
Class of 2027
10 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

luke howery
CHAPARRAL WOLVERINES
BASKETBALL
Luke has started varsity for all of his high school career. Last year he
was First-team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State,
while averaging 17 points and 5.5 assists. With his club team, Luke
went to Kenya and helped a village and school in need. Luke has
received offers from Colorado State, New Mexico, Wyoming, and
Seattle. He is committed to Colorado State University.
grace joebchen
LEGEND TITANS
SWIMMING
Grace is currently the 22nd ranked swimmer in all of Colorado
according to swimcloud.com. She has been voted All-League
each of her first two years in high school and was a 5A state
qualifier in 50 free, 100 free, 100 breast, and 100 fly. Grace holds
the team record in 50 fly for her club. Grace has recived interest
from several D1 schools but has not committed yet.
jaylen burge
PONDEROSA MUSTANGS
WRESTLING
Jaylen is ranked #1 in the state in his weight class coming into his senior
season. Among his many awards and tournament wins, Jaylen is also
a three-time state finalist, three-time region champion, four-time letter
winner, and carries a 4.75 GPA. Jaylen is currently uncommitted but is
in talks with School of Mines, UNC, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Nebraska,
Princeton, Cornell, Stanford, and Columbia.
DECEMBER 2025 11

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It gets noticed.
You can touch it, feel it, hold it, even smell it.
It stands out.
Let’s put it to work for you.
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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 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY
& ROADHOUSE
Destination locale with an
informal ambiance offering
hearty comfort classics
215 Wilcox St Suite G,
Castle Rock
303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO.
Douglas County’s longest
running brew pub. Steaks,
burgers, pizza and soup!
880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock
303-814-9273 $$
DECEMBER 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

Make
Your
Marketing
Dollars
Stretch!
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 $$$
UNIQUE
VISTAVINO MODERN
Quaint Tuscan grill made
fresh from local fare. Every
dish is a winner!
611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
303-814-2487 $$
PRINTING • PUBLISHING
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DECEMBER 2025 15

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