Castle Rock Crew #054

Well, I hope you enjoyed the snow this past week. I had left town right before it started coming in, but ended up in a place that had even more snow…and, thank you to everyone who was concerned about my safety. I did survive flying Frontier. And actually, someone let me know about their GoWild! Pass. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m dangerously close to going from “I will never fly Frontier” to “how did I become their biggest customer?”

TBD on whether I actually pull the trigger…but here are the details.

Worth it if:

• You’re flexible and can book last minute

• You do quick weekend or spontaneous trips

• You can travel light (personal item only included)

Probably not worth it if:

• You need specific dates and times locked in

• You hate add-on fees (bags, seats, etc.)

• You’re traveling with kids and zero flexibility

The important nuance: it’s not standby, but it kind of feels like it.

You get a confirmed ticket — but most domestic flights only open up the day before departure, and availability isn’t guaranteed.

Practical translation: Denver is one of Frontier’s best hubs, which means more Frontier flights overall — and more chances that something workable pops up inside that 24-hour window if you’re flexible on timing and destination.

You still pay taxes and fees on every flight, blackout dates apply, and it auto-renews unless you cancel.

So yeah…I’m not endorsing it yet — but I’m officially intrigued. Still need to get through all of the fine print.

See for yourself: it’s $349 instead of $599 right now. Link here.

News Flash: Town Council approved a resolution for the $1.1 million purchase of ~35 acres adjacent to Lost Canyon Ranch for future open space. Learn more.

Mark your calendars: Youth Summer Camp registration opens on Monday, January 19th. Learn more.

Blanchard Family Wines at COFF33

Blanchard Family Wines hosted pop-ups and tasting classes at COFF33 last weekend, and the consistent feedback was the same: high-quality wine in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.

One of our team members attended the wine and chocolate tasting class on Saturday and said it was an intimate group, which made it easy to settle in, ask questions, or simply enjoy the wine without feeling crowded or rushed. Here’s an Instagram Reel of it if you’d like to check it out.

The owners led the experience themselves, walking through how the wines are made and aged, how different grapes behave, and what drives the flavor differences between them. Guests were able to try the wines alongside chocolate and share reactions naturally, without being told what they were supposed to taste.

Afterward, the night shifted into easy conversation, including background on their Denver location and what they’re building as a family-run wine label. The overall takeaway was simple: good wine, no pressure, and a setting that lets you engage as much or as little as you want.

Blanchard Family Wines will be back at COFF33 again this weekend, and these pop-ups are expected to continue.

If you went, let me know what you thought!

Legacy Auto Clinic

A local, family-owned auto repair shop now open in Castle Rock.

Looking for a mechanic you can actually trust?

Legacy Auto Clinic specializes in under-hood and under-car repairs, servicing all makes and models, including diesel, European, and hybrid vehicles. Focused on honest diagnostics, quality work, and long-term customer relationships.

Learn more

Use code CASTLEROCKCREW for $50 off any service or repair of $200 or more

Legacy Auto Clinic
501 South St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
720-598-5077

Pet Adoptions

No explanation needed — adopt her while you can! Okay, maybe I need an explanation on the name Cindy Vortex…

Sports

Broncos — alright, there was some seriously exciting football over the weekend. Not going to lie, I was a little surprised to see Buffalo tough it out against the Jags, but here we are. Somehow we are 1.5-point underdogs even being at home. Let’s see if we can stop Josh Allen and James Cook and actually put some points on the board. I think we’ll be feeling good after getting dialed over the bye week. We host them on Saturday at 2:30pm. CBS will provide coverage. Check out both the AFC and NFC playoff picture here.

Nuggets — Nugs sit at 26-13, bringing us up to 3rd in the Western Conference — Thunder lead by a mile with the Spurs one game ahead of us. We beat the Celtics (114-110), lost to the Hawks (110-87), lost to the Nets (127-115), and beat the Bucks with many of our starters out. We play the Pelicans Tue, Jan 13, the Mavericks on Wed, Jan 14, the Wizards on Sat, Jan 17 and the Hornets on Sun, Jan 18.

Avalanche — we’re 33-4-8 with 74 points (most in the NHL), and maintained our lead to 11 over the Stars. We lost to the Lightning (4-2), beat the Senators (8-2), shutout the Blue Jackets (4-0), and lost to the Maple Leafs in OT (4-3). We face the Predators on Fri, Jan 16, and the Capitals on Mon, Jan 19.

Rockies — On January 24th from 10:00am to 4:00pm, you can attend Rockies Fest for autographs, Q&A sessions, kids’ activities, and more.

Mammoth — we’re 3-2 to start the season after we beat the Georgia Swarm 7-5 which puts us at 4th overall. Game recap can be found here. We visit the Halifax Thunderbirds on Friday, Jan 16 at 4:30pm.

Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]

Events:

Tuesday, 1/13:

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

Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Trifecta - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–7:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm

Wednesday, 1/14:

Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)

Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Cantril School Building - TAP Talk January: Together We Create - 6:00pm–7:30pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday, 1/15:

Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Trivia Night - 6:00pm

RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Friday, 1/16:

Sandstone Ranch Guided Open Space - January Star Party at Sandstone Ranch - 3:45pm–12:00am

COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-up - 5:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli - 5:30pm

COFF33 - Guided 4-Wine Tasting - 6:00pm–7:00pm - tickets

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn: Live in Castle Rock - 6:00pm–9:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Sarah P And The Hay Pullers - 6:30pm–10:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - 6:00pm–9:00pm - tickets

Sinners and Saints - LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Michael Reese - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 1/17:

The Grange - The 2026 Great Grange Book Exchange - 10:00am–1:00pm

COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-up - 5:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli - 5:30pm

COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 6:00pm–7:00pm - tickets

105 West Brewing - Live Music: Rented Tuxedo - 6:30pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Wags And The Boys - 6:30pm–10:30pm

Sunday, 1/18:

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Chilli Competition - 2:00pm–3:30pm

Monday, 1/19:

Alidade Brewing - Puzzle Competition - 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets

105 West Brewing Company - January Books & Brews - 6:30pm

Sudden Fiction Books - Final Draft Book Club - 6:30pm–8:00pm

Heads up on events that are further out:

Save the Date: Winter Ball at the Fairgrounds on Jan 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Holiday Tea with Tour - Jan 22-23, 1:00pm - ticket

The Stagecoach Saloon - Vetras And Atomic XPerience Split Set - Jan 23, 6:30pm–10:30pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid - Jan 24, 6:30pm–10:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Whiskey Tasting-Bourbon and Rye - Jan 24, 6:00pm - tickets

105 West Brewing - Live Music: Mike Maurer Band - Jan 24, 6:30pm

Lala's Coffee and Boba - The Sunday Pour: Lima Coffee Roasters - Jan 25, 9:00am–10:30am - tickets

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder & Mystery - Till Death Do Us Part - Jan 30, 6:00pm - tickets

Douglas County Fairgrounds - Winter Ball - Jan 31, 6:00pm–9:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Walker Williams - Jan 31, 6:30pm–10:30pm

Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Castle Rock Comedy Show with Carla Clay – Hosted by Mark Masters - Jan 31, 7:00pm–9:30pm - tickets

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 with a new URL that will provide both advance notice and greater variety for events. Feel free to provide feedback: https://dougcoevents.com/

⚠️ 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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