Hope you had a great Valentine’s weekend. My Singles’ Awareness weekend involved some sweet treats from Tony’s, which never seems to disappoint. I need to look into whether or not they typically (or seasonally) carry the lobster bisque — really enjoyed it! And no, I decided to skip naming a bull for myself — let me know if you ended up going!

What people definitely did attend this past week was the Survivor Scavenger Hunt over at Challenge Hill. For all the Survivor fans out there, I’m sure you saw this already, but I’m glad I didn’t try to get an outdoor workout in at Miller last week when hundreds of people came out to try and win a trip to LA for the Season 50 finale. According to CBS, there were over 500 people going up the hill in just three hours with some sleeping in their cars or coming straight from the night shift for their chance to win. Here’s a CBS clip on it.

Just an FYI — Castle Rock Film Festival tickets dropped — the festival will be taking place April 9-12. You can get your tickets here.

I stopped by Buff City Soap this week — they just relocated from the Outlets to downtown Castle Rock (right next to Playa Bowls on Wilcox).

If you're not familiar, Buff City is a "Soap Makery" where everything is handmade in-store, daily. No harsh chemicals, no animal fats, no parabens or phthalates (not that I have any idea what those are, but they sound bad) — just plant-based ingredients.

Why plant-based soap (according to them):

What they carry:

The scent names alone are worth a visit — Muse, Kraken, Ferocious Beast, Unicorn, Frooty Loop. They were nice enough to give me some free samples, which I was very excited about…until I looked down and my Laundry Scent Booster said "Narcissist"…all I could ask was how she knew, especially after having just met me a minute ago. Well, now I've been obsessing over why she thought (knew) I am one.

You can pick from what's on the shelf or create your own custom scent. They also do group events — kids’ birthday parties, ladies nights, custom parties — where you make your own mini bath bombs (partywithbuff.com).

Grand Opening: Feb 20-22

Their official grand opening is this Friday through Sunday with regular store hours (below):

221 Wilcox St #105, Castle Rock
Mon-Sat 10:00am-7:00pm | Sun 11:00am-6:00pm

You've probably seen the name. Maybe you know someone who's used them. Comfort Keepers has been helping seniors across Castle Rock and greater Douglas County live safely, comfortably, and independently at home for years.

Their caregivers provide more than daily assistance — they offer companionship, connection, and peace of mind for families who want to know their loved ones are in good hands.

With an office right here on Wilcox Street, they're local, not some out-of-state call center.

Learn more about Comfort Keepers

I had to look up the origin of this name, but don’t say I didn’t warn you — Eris, from Greek mythology, was the goddess and personification of strife and discord (yikes), but according to her bio, this Eris is a little shy but warm and playful. She’s got quite the coat, too.

Broncos — The Vikings were reportedly interested in GM George Paton, but Schefter said Wednesday the Broncos are intent on keeping him. Thursday, the team unveiled the Burnham Yard stadium site plan at a community meeting — 150-acre development, retractable roof, targeting 2031 for the first game. And Sunday, Doug Belk was hired as defensive backs coach (coming from USC). Free agency opens March 11.

Nuggets — we're 35-20, sitting 3rd in the West heading into the All-Star break. We closed out the first half with a win over the Grizzlies (122-116) on Tue, Feb 11. Jokić had another triple-double (26/15/11). We return Thu, Feb 19 @ the Clippers, Fri, Feb 20 @ the Trail Blazers, and Sun, Feb 22 @ the Warriors.

All-Star Weekend was...fine. Murray made his first All-Star appearance but had a rough showing — bounced first in the Three-Point Contest and went 0-6 in Game 1. Jokić played 5 minutes total then sat out Game 2. Still managing that knee.

Before the break, Jokić became the only player in NBA history to hit 1,000+ points, 475+ rebounds, 400+ assists, 250+ free throws, 75+ threes, AND 30+ blocks before the All-Star break. He missed 16 games. He's averaging a triple-double (28.7/12.3/10.7) and on pace to be the first player ever to lead the league in both rebounds and assists. He could still win his 4th MVP if he doesn’t miss more than one game from here on out…could be a tough ask.

Avalanche — we're 37-9-9 with 83 points (best in the NHL). We're still on Olympic break. Group play wrapped up, and all eight Avs representing in Italy have scored at least one goal:

- MacKinnon, Makar, and Toews have tallies for Canada (3-0, top seed).
- Brock Nelson scored two goals in USA's 5-1 win over Latvia (USA also 3-0).
- Lehkonen and Kiviranta found the net for Finland.
- Landeskog scored in his return for Sweden.
- Necas got one for Czechia.

Qualification playoffs are today (Tuesday). Quarterfinals Wednesday, semifinals Friday, gold medal game Sunday at 6:10am MT. Canada vs USA final looking very possible. At least one Av is coming home with gold. Schedule here.

Back Feb 25 @ Utah.

Rockies — full squad reported today (Feb 17). Spring training opener is Feb 20 vs the Diamondbacks.

Rapids — season opener is Feb 22 @ the Sounders in Seattle.

Mammoth — huge week. We beat Las Vegas 13-12 on Friday to tie the franchise record for consecutive wins, then beat Toronto 16-8 on Saturday to break it. Seven straight. We're 8-2, sitting 2nd behind Saskatchewan. Next up: @ Toronto on Fri, Feb 20 at 5:30pm MT.

Want your business in front of 5,500+ locals? Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter.

[email protected]

Get your tickets for ShamROCK STAMPEDE and use code CRCREW for 15% off!

The 8th Annual ShamROCK Stampede is back at the Douglas County Event Center on Saturday, March 14. Choose your distance — 10K (10:00am), 5K (10:15am), or the 1K Kids Run. Walk it, run it, whatever pace works for you.

This one's also an RRCA State Championship race if you're feeling competitive. And yes, there's free beer, spirits, and bagels at the finish line.

All proceeds benefit the It's a Calling Foundation and Live Free Association.

Want to get involved? They still need volunteers and have a few sponsorship opportunities left.

Register here — use code CRCREW for 15% off.

Tuesday, 2/17:

AdventHealth - Get Your Health Fix in 2026! - 11:30am–1:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Tunes and Brews - 5:00pm–9:00pm

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, 2/18:

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

Wild Blue Yonder - Pints and Paint - 6:00pm–9:00pm - tickets

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

Thursday, 2/19:

Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Trivia Night - 6:00pm

RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm

105 West Brewing - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:30pm

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, 2/20:

Buff City Soap - Buff City Soap Grand Opening - 10:00am through Sunday

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

COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines: Pages & Pours Decant & Swirl Edition - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Galentine’s Wreath Workshop - 6:00pm–8:00pm - tickets

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

Wide Open Saloon - Gritty Velvet - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Sinners & Saints - Derek Hall - 8:00pm

Saturday, 2/21:

Wide Awake Eatery - Shaun Peace - 10:00am

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

COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 5:00pm–9:00pm - tickets

Wide Awake Eatery - Jennifer Lane - 5:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Freddy Rodriguez Legacy Jazz Band - 6:30pm - tickets

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Sarah P and the Dirty Logger - 6:30pm–9:30pm

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

Wide Open Saloon - Off Ramp - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Sunday, 2/22:

Magpie Art Center - Tetra Pak Printing - 10:00am–12:00pm - tickets

Magpie Art Center - Junk Journals - 12:30pm–2:30pm - tickets

Cantril School - Ground & Restore Workshop - 1:00pm–3:00pm - tickets

Monday, 2/23:

Alidade Brewing - Puzzle Competition - 5:30pm–7:30pm - tickets

Heads up on events that are further out:

Alidade Brewing - Trivia Night - Feb 24, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Bourbon Cocktail Class at Sinners & Saints - Feb 25, 6:30pm–8:00pm - tickets

Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Show - Feb 25, 7:30pm–9:00pm - tickets

Wide Awake Eatery - Luke Story - Feb 27, 5:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder & Mystery Show at Cherokee Castle! Death of a Gangster - Feb 27, 6:00pm

Rancho Vaya Con Dios - Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony - Feb 27, 6:00pm–10:00pm - register

Wide Open Saloon - Struggler Project - Feb 27, 7:00pm–10:30pm

Sinners & Saints - Bunny Blake - Feb 27, 8:00pm

Rock Solid Fitness & Wellness Club - Grand Opening of Rock Solid Fitness & Wellness Club - Feb 28, 8:00am–11:00am

Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank - Feb 28, 10:00am

Alidade Brewing - Bring your own Vinyl Night - Feb 28, 5:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli - Feb 28, 5:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Whiskey Tasting ~ Wonderful World of Whiskey! - Feb 28, 6:00pm - tickets

The Stagecoach Saloon - Wags And The Boys - Feb 28, 6:30pm–10:30pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Aces and Eights - Feb 28, 6:30pm–9:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Hooligans Holiday - Feb 28, 7:00pm–10:30pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos - Mar 5, 6:00pm - 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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