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Better Health

Better Life

Now offering

• weight loss GLP-1’s

• hormone replacement therapy

• Peptides and NAD+

• Vitamin IV’s

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 Monday - Saturday / No Appointment Needed

www.20mileurgentcare.com

720-974-7210

Dr. Steve Morrison

Voted Best in Parker 14 years in a row!

MARCH 2026 3

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CONTENTS

10

The Family Tree

Geneology helps us find our roots, and discover

ourselves along the way.

BY SEARCH CASTLE ROCK STAFF

6 | LOCAL LEADER - John Huffaker

8 | SEASONS - Spring In Your Step

12 | CUISINE - The Guide

ON THE COVER

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NO . 267 | MARCH 2026

Search Castle Rock ©2025 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights

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Local Leader

JOHN HUFFAKER

John Huffaker was born and raised in Texas, staying in the Lone Star State to

graduate from Texas Tech University. He became an attorney and practiced

for 38 years in Amarillo, Texas. John became widely known in the state for his

experience and expertise in dealing with many aspects of agriculture and

agricultural finance law. In 2009, he was appointed to the Texas Tech Board of

Regents. Then, in 2012, he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor and General

Counsel for Texas Tech University. After retirement in 2018, he and his wife,

Charlotte, moved to Colorado to be nearer his two daughters; Lacye, who lives

in Aurora, and Shannon, who lives in Albany, California, a suburb of Oakland.

Besides family and profession, John’s lifelong passion has been Rotary. With

over 46,000 clubs, Rotary International is a network of service clubs serving local

communities the world over. Huffaker first became a Rotarian in 1984 and is

now completing his 42nd year.

John says that first and foremost, Rotary Clubs are where community members

put to use their Rotary motto, "Service above self." In Parker, the club has

served the town with projects such as the construction and maintenance of

the gazebo in O’Brien Park, assisting many local organizations such as Affinity

Ranch and the Parker Task Force, and assisting youth service groups.

John Huffaker

John is the current

president of the

Rotary Club of

Parker. The Parker

chapter, consisting

of 62 members, has

served Parker since its

founding in 1993.

When asked about retirement, John says it might not be as sedentary as we

are led to believe. “I find this to be true for a lot of retirees. Looking toward

retirement, they wonder what they will do with their time and are ultimately

surprised by how busy they end up being. That has certainly been true for me. I

stay busy with Rotary and our church, the Parker United Methodist Church and,

for the last 18 years, I have been deeply involved in conducting a continuing

legal education program for agricultural law at the Texas Tech University School

of Law.”

“But also, my wife and I have enjoyed some wonderful trips, traveling in the

United States, Europe and, once, to New Zealand. But the most special trips:

We have been able to travel several summers with both our daughters, their

husbands and our wonderful grandkids, most recently, last summer, to Costa

Rica.”

John also says he happily does most of the cooking at home. “You would

probably know that, growing up in Texas, we ate a lot of chicken fried steak

and gravy, but I have mostly left that behind. These days, I try to keep things

healthy. I use a lot of lighter cooking methods, and I do a lot of seafood, chicken

and pork. And I do vegetarian dishes fairly often. But I must say, I haven’t

abandoned all my ‘Texas raisin’. Every other week or so, I make a batch of my

mother’s cornbread, baked in her old cast iron skillet with the perfect patina.”

Parker Rotarians are a diverse group of professionals, tradespeople, civic

leaders, retirees, stay-at-home parents, neighbors and friends, who:

• Volunteer locally and globally

• Support those in need including youth, seniors and veterans

• Enjoy fellowship through service, socials, and shared values

• Work together to improve lives in Parker and beyond

To learn more about what the rotary does or to become a member visit

parkerrotary.org.

6 SEARCHCASTLEROCK

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MARCH 2026 7

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SPRINGINYOURSTEP

Six simple ways to freshen up your home for spring

Open your windows! - Through long winter months, we missed the

breeze coming in, the sounds of birds in the trees, and kids playing

outside. Open up and feel the beginning of outdoor weather

again! Let in the fresh air to circulate and improve the air quality

throughout your home. Open two windows to get a cross breeze.

Maybe you can have a few weeks with no heating or AC costs.

Bright and Green - Bring fresh greens or bright flowers onto your

patio and into your kitchen to enjoy the beauties of the season.

Use a vase, a pitcher, a canning jar; it doesn’t need to be fancy.

Even begin preparing your seedling starts for the garden. Brighten

up your space and celebrate the Earth waking up again.

Pillows - Add light, bright, or floral-printed pillows to change up

your decorations and lighten up your rooms after the heavy

winter colors. Animal silhouettes and scenes can deliver a touch

of whimsy and fun. Soft or textured fabric will add interest to our

sense of touch and comfort to our furniture.

Ceramic or Stone Animal - Spring brings new life to nature, with

animals coming out in abundance. It is exciting to see baby

animals and nests with tiny eggs. Incorporate these cute little

friends into a table display or front porch. A bunny, bird, frog, or

other little creature will serve as a darling decoration.

Front Door Wreath - The simple but beautiful circle and color of a

wreath will bring cheer to your front door. It is a pleasant welcome

to neighbors and will enliven your curb appeal. The circle is also

reminiscent of Easter worship as a Christian symbol of eternal life.

It is an ancient tradition marking honor and celebration.

8 SEARCHCASTLEROCK

Spring Scent - Light a candle, melt a new wax fragrance, or bake

some fresh favorites to bring spring feelings and memories to

mind. Strawberry shortcake, lemon bread, blueberry muffins, lilac,

or lavender are sure to work. This simple trick will signal the start of

spring to an additional sense - our sense of smell, which triggers

our nostalgia and brings special memories back.

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THE PRIDEMORE

LEGACY CONTINUES

The Pridemore Family Legacy Continues.

A trusted local family is back—now serving

Parker & Castle Rock at Legacy Auto Clinic.

Decades of experience. One family. One

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501 South Street; Castle Rock,

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MARCH 2026 9

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The Family Tree

FIND YOUR FAMILY. DISCOVER YOURSELF.

by AMBER TUELLER

10 SEARCHCASTLEROCK

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Our story. Finding out about our

past is something intriguing and

exciting! Who came before us? Where are

my people from? Who is my great, great

grandmother? Am I related to a famous

person in history?

There has been a recent surge of interest

in each individual’s heritage. Technology

and quarantining have contributed to

this surge. A Wall Street Journal Article,

from July 2020, told how the number of

amateur genealogists grew during the

pandemic while people had extra hours

at home. There have even been reality

TV shows centered around finding facts

and information leading to confirmation

of someone's family history details. It is very

impactful to see how much finding their

family meant to those people.

A past article on selecthealth.org by

Chakell Wardleigh, called "5 Benefits of Knowing Your Family History," conveys some of the reasons why we should

learn about who we are.

1. It gives you a sense of identity: “Nothing is more eye-opening than learning about who you are. Learning about

your ancestors, celebrating family traditions, embracing your culture, and understanding where you came from can

open your eyes to how beautiful and unique you are. It can also give your sense of self-worth and belonging a boost.”

2. It makes you more resilient when learning what generations before you suffered and how they fought through their

challenges.

3. It helps you connect with others — people from your family tree in the past, present, and future.

4. It makes you a better human. Hearing the stories that helped shape others can inspire you and help you show more

gratitude and empathy.

5. It helps you make good health choices. Knowing some of the health concerns that may be present in your family

can educate you and help you prioritize a healthy lifestyle.

A Wall Street Journal article from November 2019, “The Secret Benefits of Retelling Family Stories,” talks about how

family stories help people psychologically. They feel connected to the stories and feel that sense of belonging,

while also internalizing the morals and lessons from stories. According to this article, 90% of teenagers and young

adults can retell family stories when asked, even if they seemed uninterested when the story was told. Telling family

stories face to face is especially impactful. Family stories that illustrate working

through feelings of sorrow, fear, or stress can help children cope with their own

emotions.

Start working on your own family tree through a variety of options. Begin with

birth and marriage certificates, military and naturalization records; search

census records, religious records, and newspapers to find out more about those

who came before you. Ancestry.com, familysearch.org, Access Geneology,

RootsWeb, and Heritage Quest are some of the many online tools to help you.

Use these tools to track and record names and dates, upload photos, record

family stories, attach historical records, and connect with relatives.

Share information and stories with other members of your family. Teach your

children who and where they come from. Establish a focus to carry on family

stories, along with special recipes or traditions. If you don’t know any of your

family history details, begin with your own story and information, then work

from there. Learning who we are can impact us significantly. Who we are is

worth sharing and celebrating!

MARCH 2026 11

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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

Asian fusion

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, Pegasus has something for everyone. They have

served an ecletic menu in a comfortable setting for the past 31 years. While you're there, go

see the giant riverboat roulette wheel behind the bar!

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 $$

12 SEARCHCASTLEROCK

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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 $$

MARCH 2026 13

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Exceptional Service

elegant results

50+ years experience

serving homeowners,

builders & remodelers

call for a free estimate

720-810-1160

www.petersenglass.com

10226 Progress Lane • Parker

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 $$$

14 SEARCHCASTLEROCK

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 $$

IT JUST

WORKED

Advertising Works:

Consumers still trust traditional media advertising

over social media and online ads.

71% of readers confirm purchasing products

or services seen in Search Castle Rock.

Join our community and let Search Parker

connect you with our 100,000 monthly readers.

bret@tuellers.com | 303-805-9455

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