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- Castle Rock Crew #046
Castle Rock Crew #046
Is it summer, fall or winter, a recipe that will give you some serious street cred, and everyone's favorite event of the year
Alright, so we had our first Castle Rock Crew Dinner Club this past week. I had a great time meeting more of you at the after dinner bar. Overall the feedback was very positive with a few things for us to work on. I think we may try one more in December with those kinks worked out.
I finally continued my fall drink quest as those menus are transitioned out for winter ones, and stopped by Apres and met Madi. She is awesome and I highly recommend you try out her coffee (Apres is downstairs in Ecclesia). Not only did I enjoy a bunch of fall favorites, which ended with the Fudge Break as the winner (maple walnut fudge syrup topped with cold foam), but I also got to try the infamous Coco Loco (if you know you know).
Stay tuned for their holiday menu.
Since I know you want your minds blown, here is the recipe for the Pumpkin Torte I alluded to a few weeks ago. I pulled out the family cookbook and made it for a Friendsgiving a few years ago and was actually invited back the following year…I think this thing takes all of the credit.
P.S. — if you want it to be elite, you’ll double the crust.
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Who’s ready for the Turkey Trot? I told myself I would train, then realized I didn’t have the right shoes, and did nothing about it…I will be changing that though and am going to head over to RNK to get some new kicks that will hopefully have the power to will me through the 5k. Need a refresher on the event? Read here. Sign up here. Use code CRCREW25 for 15% off. Volunteer here…see you there! Oh, and don’t forget to bring toiletries and non-perishable food for Help & Hope Center (1lb+ gets you free parking).
Sip & Stroll - don’t forget to mark your calendars and RSVP for this fun event on December 4! Need a visual? Check out our Instagram post here and RSVP here.
Starlighting: Everything You Need to Know for Saturday
So, we’re finally coming up to the event that everything else on the calendar seems to revolve around, at least when it comes to the holiday season. Things are pre-Starlighting, during-Starlighting, or post-Starlighting…it is literally my calendar’s north star.
When was the star first lit? |
Some other fun facts you can use to flex on someone while you’re waiting for hot chocolate: it’s 45 feet tall and sits roughly 290 feet above downtown, and became a V for victory in August 1945 after World War II.
A “lifetime” later and the tradition feels just as big as ever. It brings out families, long-time locals, new residents who want to feel plugged in, and anyone who still gets a little nostalgic when they see the star glow on the Rock for the first time each winter.
I think this shot by Sean has to be one of the coolest visuals of the Town and the Star.
Anyways, here is the full breakdown so you know where to go, what to expect, and how to plan your day.
Event Overview
Date: Saturday, November 22
Time: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Downtown Castle Rock and Festival Park
Starlighting is free to attend. The Castle Rock Chamber does not accept cash, so plan on using cards for food, drinks, and vendor booths.
The main stage ceremony begins at 5:00pm at 4th and Wilcox. The star will light at approximately 5:30pm, followed immediately by fireworks, weather permitting.
What To Expect This Year
The entire downtown core turns into a holiday street festival. You will find:
• Carolers on multiple corners
• Dance groups performing throughout the afternoon
• Food trucks and vendors
• Nonprofit and sponsor booths
• The kids zone, petting zoo, face painting, and activities
• Adult beverage tents spread throughout downtown
• Santa and Mrs. Claus in Festival Park from 2:00pm to 4:15pm
• Live music leading into the ceremony
The Fire Department will once again host the long-running chili supper at Station 151 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm (while supplies last).
Entertainment Schedule
Maps and Logistics
I recommend taking a look prior to going down there, because street closures span a wide area from 6:00am to 8:00pm. Shuttle drop-offs and parking garages fill quickly.
A Quick Note on the Tradition
The Chamber created the Starlighting community event in 1962, but the story itself goes back further. Helen Lowrie Marshall’s 1966 poem “Castle Rock” is still read each year and gives the ceremony the tone that keeps people coming back (find it on their website here). Starlighting feels old in the best possible way. Familiar. Predictable. Something you can count on.
For a lot of families, this is the moment the season officially starts.
If You Go
• Arrive early. Downtown fills fast.
• Shuttles run from 1:30pm to 8:00pm, to and from AdventHealth Castle Rock, Douglas County High School, and the Fairgrounds.
• Bundle up. Even warm days turn cold when the sun sets.
• Be patient. This event pulls several thousand people into a few city blocks.
• Stay for the fireworks if you can. They are short but always worth it.
Mod Mountain Boutique
Pet Adoptions
I know he’s a ways out, but Caramel was way too cute to not make him the star of the show here.
The Gardens
Premier Garden Center in Highlands Ranch, locally owned & operated
Upcoming Events
Highlands Ranch Hometown Holiday Event
Friday, December 5 | 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Highlands Ranch Town Center
The Gardens team will be there with giveaways and a chance to win a $50 gift certificate! Join us for this free event at the Highlands Ranch Town Center.
Sponsored by HRCA.
Create Your Own Ornament Event
Saturday, December 6 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | The Gardens
Celebrate the Season at The Gardens! Ornaments ready to decorate with acrylic paints & markers, organic elements, stencils, faux snow, and all you need to create your own memorable ornament!
Free to attend.
Christmas Trees & Fresh Greenery at The Gardens!
While supplies last!
Christmas Trees arrived 11/15
Fresh boughs, wreaths & garland arrive 11/18
Poinsettias expected 11/21
The Gardens
9542 South University Blvd., Highlands Ranch
thegardensgc.com
303-791-0338
Sports
Broncos — well, I guess I should keep my mouth shut because apparently we are LEGIT. Took down the Chiefs this past weekend in our typical fashion, a timeout with :03 left to bring Will Lutz in for the game winning field goal. I think we’re going to look scary good after this nice little break to recharge and tighten up. It’s a bummer that Dobbins is going to miss the rest of the season after playing so well for us, but it looks like RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin are going to step up and be just fine in his stead. There is optimism that Surtain will be back for week 13 as he’s been recovering from a pec injury over the past few weeks. Let it sink in how good our defense has been without him…once we’re back from bye, we take on the Commanders on Sunday, November 30 at 6:20pm. J.K. Dobbins is out for the remainder of the season due to an injury sustained on a non-called hip drop tackle versus….
Nuggets — Nugs are 10-3 putting us at 2nd in the Western Conference. We beat the Clippers 130-116, defeated the Timberwolves 123-112, and lost in overtime to the Bulls 130-127. We’re on the road where we face the Pelicans on Wed, Nov 19 and the Rockets in group stage of the NBA Cup on Mon, Nov 24. Then, we’re back home to host the Kings on Sat, Nov 22.
Avalanche — we’re 13-1-5 with 31 points (most in NHL) after beating the Ducks (4-1), the Sabres (6-3), and the Islanders (4-1). We round out the home stretch with the Rangers on Thur, Nov 20, and then head on the road to take on the Predators on Sat, Nov 22, and the Blackhawks on Sun, Nov 23. By the way, our goal differential is insane right now. It’s 31 and if I can read correctly the next highest is 16 for the Hurricanes.
Rockies — sounds like first and foremost the focus is going to be on revamping the pitching for us. Scott Oberg is the only remaining member of the big league pitching coaching and development staff after the organization parted ways with long-time pitching coordinator Doug Linton, coordinator of pitching strategies Flint Wallace, and Albuquerque Isotopes pitching coach Chris Michalak.
Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]
Events:
You won’t see I.C. Brewhouse on here for the time being, as it looks like they are rebranding/revamping under the Proper Kitchen & Bar, a Champagne Velvet concept. Looking like spring of 2026 for their reopening. The Centennial location has reopened as Tap House & Kitchen.
Tuesday, 11/18:
The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm–7:00pm
Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm
Bien y Tu (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - 85¢ Wings - 3:00pm–10:00pm
Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–8:30pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm
Wednesday, 11/19:
Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday, 11/20:
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Country Jam Session - 5:30pm
RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Online Event - LEGACY: A Real Estate Masterclass - 7:00pm–8:00pm - Registration
Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am
Friday, 11/21:
BoxDrop Mattress & Furniture - November Charity Clearance Sale Benefiting Colorado Kids Belong - 11:00am, thru Sunday
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music! Josh Blackburn - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Brian Brooks’ Sundown Rising - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Scott Uhl - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday, 11/22:
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - Holiday Craft Fair - 10:00am–6:00pm
Downtown Castle Rock - Castle Rock Starlighting - 2:00pm–6:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee - 15th Annual Starlighting Fundraiser - 2:00pm–8:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Star Lighting Dance Party - 6:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: These Guys - 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Aftershock - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sunday, 11/23:
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - Holiday Craft Fair - 9:00am–2:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Breakfast with Santa - 10:00am - tickets
Douglas County Libraries-Castle Pines - Booked for the Holidays: Hand-Painted Holiday Ornament Workshop - 3:00pm–4:00pm
Festival Park - Holiday Carriage Rides - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Graham Kay Headlines with Special Guests - 8:00pm–9:30pm - tickets
Monday, 11/24:
Downtown Castle Rock - Free Winter Trolley - 5:30pm–7:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Turkey Rock Trot - 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll - Nov 27, 7:30am - tickets (use code CRCREW25 for 15% off)
Wide Open Saloon - Whiskey Road - Nov 28, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: André LaMotte - Nov 28, 8:00pm–10:00pm
The Ridge Golf Course - Tree Lighting Celebration - Dec 5, 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets
The Ridge Golf Course - Movie Night - Dec 6, 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets
The Ridge Golf Course - Holiday Carriage Rides - Dec 13, 4:00pm–8:00pm - tickets (SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST)
The Ridge Golf Course - Holly Jolly Brunch - Dec 14, 9:00am–3:00pm - tickets
The Gardens, Highlands Ranch - Ornament Decorating Party! - Dec 6, 11:00am–4:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Dec 27, 6:00pm - tickets (ALWAYS SELL OUT, SO BUY AHEAD OF TIME)
Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below
*We are working on an events calendar via our sister brand that will provide both advance notice and greater variety for events - feel free to provide feedback: https://dougcodrop.com/events/
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
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