Hope you had a fantastic weekend and were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather like I did. Beyond spending some time outdoors, I attended Parallel Journeys’ Grand Opening, which they hosted at Sunday Salmon. Parallel Journeys is a community for people seeking authentic friendships and meaningful connection through life's transitions. It was awesome to hear more about their mission and meet some of you!
Learn more about this wonderful new organization here.
Ladies' Night Out — early bird tickets are sold out, but general admission is still available. DougCo Social is teaming up with Blanchard Family Wines for a private guided wine tasting hosted by Shanna Blanchard, co-owner of Blanchard Family Wines — Friday, April 10 at COFF33 in Castle Rock. Sparkling welcome, charcuterie and dessert boards, four wine tastings, photos, and giveaways.
Looking for clothes for your kids, grandkids, or someone else's kids? Just Between Friends is back at the Douglas County Fairgrounds this week. Shop kids' clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, and more — all priced 50-90% off retail. Want first pick before it opens to the public? Presale shopping is available Wednesday and Thursday morning for $10-$20 — kid-free, timed entry, and first access to the best stuff. General admission kicks off Thursday at 4pm and runs through Sunday, with a 50% off sale on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
Find more information and tickets here.
Now Open: Bar Hummingbird
I've been waiting for this one.
Bar Hummingbird just opened at the Promenade — right next door to The Brinkerhoff (same owners, connected spaces, completely different energy). This is their dedicated cocktail lounge: craft drinks, small bites, but with the same irreplaceable sunset views over the Front Range.
And those views might be the real draw. The outdoor terrace is perched up at The Promenade with direct sightlines to the mountains, perfectly oriented for golden hour. If you've been looking for somewhere to grab drinks and watch the sun drop behind the foothills, bookmark this.
The inside is just as thoughtful — crystal chandeliers, velvet seating, warm amber lighting. They describe it as "a sanctuary of shadow and light," which sounds like marketing-speak until you walk in. The vibe actually delivers.
The Backstory
Bar Hummingbird comes from Mark and Jo Brinkerhoff — the same team behind The Brinkerhoff next door and Savina's (formerly La Loma) on the other side of The Promenade. The concept was inspired by Mexican haciendas, Italian elegance, and Europe's storied cocktail bars. Castle Rock sits along a natural hummingbird migration route, so the name is personal and rooted in place.
What We Tried
I stuck to mocktails during my visit, and they genuinely impressed me.
Coco Encanto ($18) — Seedlip, mint, lime, coconut cream, ginger beer. Honestly one of the best drinks I've had in a while.
Golden Hour ($14) — Lighter, still solid. Good option if you want something simpler.
And the Lobster Roll ($30) was next level. But here's the thing — the bread, baked fresh at The Brinkerhoff next door, was every bit as good as the lobster itself.
We also had the 3 Coast-to Coast Hot Dogs ($24) which I would definitely go for again.
I am really excited to go back and try their Tomato Bisque with Pimento Sandwich ($22).
The Menu
Signature cocktails run $18–$24. Martinis $20–$22. Mocktails $14–$18. Small plates $9–$30. Desserts $15–$18.
A few standouts: The Hummingbird ($23) is their signature — rose gin, pear vodka, elderflower, apple. The Butte Old Fashioned ($18) is named after the volcanic rock itself, Woodford Reserve with cocoa bitters. And if you want to customize, the Bespoke Margarita ($24) lets you build your own — add serrano for heat.
Food-wise, it's small plates only — think French onion dip ($9), mini cheeseburgers ($20), lobster roll, and even caviar ($115). No full dinner service, but the bites are legit.
Before You Go
21+ only. No exceptions (unless they announce a special event).
Walk-in only for now. First come, first served — they keep a waitlist when it fills up. No standing room; they want to preserve the atmosphere. (Reservations are expected to be available at a later date.)
Dress the part. It's not a strict dress code, but the space is designed for an elevated evening. They ask guests to dress in a way that complements the setting — you don't need a blazer, but they ask you to skip the ball caps, flip-flops, and athletic attire.
Private Events
They offer private gatherings — there's an upper terrace overlooking the foothills that looks perfect for it. If you're planning something, you can inquire through their site.
The Details
Hours: Tue-Thu 4-10pm | Fri-Sat 4-11pm | Closed Sun-Mon
Address: 6371 Promenade Pkwy (next to The Brinkerhoff)
Check out our post on Instagram for more photos from our visit here.
We’ve got our first Dinner Club in Lone Tree tomorrow night, and it’s going to be our biggest one yet with almost 80 attendees. We'll be in Parker on the 15th, and most likely back in Castle Rock on the 29th.
Sign up here.
We're also hoping to add a Couples Dinner (55+) that same evening — if you're interested in socializing as a couple with other couples, keep an eye out for more details.
Pet Adoptions
I let out an “Oh…my…” when I saw this little guy, Colin. This young pup is just 15 weeks old and you can tell he’s just looking for a good cuddle.
Tri Arts Project
The Art of Giving Gala is Tri Arts Project's annual fundraising event that promises a fun evening for a great cause. Dress creative and colorful, and join an evening lit up with LED art, swirls of color, and a rainbow of auction items to bid on. You will also be treated to live music, a fantastic plated sit down dinner, open bar, and opportunity to meet our lively Board of Directors. Help grow creativity and the arts in Castle Rock and Douglas County.
Sports
Broncos — Draft prep continues. We're hosting RB Jonah Coleman (Washington) on a top-30 visit this week — he met with Payton and says our offense runs similar schemes to what he ran in college. Also on the visit list: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), WR KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), and OL Jude Bowry (Boston College). Meanwhile, Justin Simmons says he still wants to play — but only for a contender. We're not calling; Hufanga had an All-Pro year and Brandon Jones is back healthy. Draft is April 23.
Nuggets — We're 48-28, sitting 4th in the West. We went 4-0 this week: won in Phoenix (125-123), beat the Mavs (142-135), the Jazz (135-129), and the Warriors (116-93). Murray's week: dropped 53 on the Mavs (his 4th career 50-pt game), then broke the franchise record for 3-pointers in a season (221) against the Jazz. Jokic had 23/21/19 in the Mavs game and also hit 6,000 career assists. We host the Jazz Wed, Apr 1, head @ San Antonio Sat, Apr 4, and host the Blazers Mon, Apr 6.
Avalanche — We're 49-14-10 (108 pts), sitting 1st in the Central. We went 3-1-0 this week: wins in Pittsburgh (6-2) and Winnipeg (3-2), lost to Winnipeg at home (4-2), then bounced back with a win over Calgary (9-2). Lehkonen returned from an upper-body injury after missing 11 games. We host the Canucks Wed, Apr 1, head @ Dallas Sat, Apr 4, then host the Blues Sun, Apr 5.
Rockies — Baseball is back... and it's been rough. We got swept in Miami to open the season — lost all three by one run (2-1, 4-3, 4-3). But we bounced back with a blowout win in Toronto (14-5) to go 1-3 (last in the NL West). We finish @ Toronto Tue before the home opener Fri, Apr 3 vs the Phillies. Then we host Philly through Sunday and Houston on Monday.
Rapids — We're 3-2-0 (9 pts), sitting 5th in the West. No match last week — international break. We acquired winger Georgi Minoungou from Seattle for $2M. Next up: @ Toronto FC Sat, Apr 4 at 1pm.
Summit FC — We're 1-1-2. Big week: won @ Gotham (2-0) on Wednesday — our first franchise win, and we did it against the defending champs. Then Saturday's home opener at Mile High broke the NWSL single-game attendance record — 63,004 fans showed up. We drew Washington 0-0. Next up: host Seattle Reign Sat, Apr 4 at 6:45pm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Mammoth — We're 10-5, sitting 4th in the NLL. No game last week. Next up: host the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Fri, Apr 3 at 7pm at Ball Arena.
Noteworthy: County to Consider Zebulon Contracts Todaymorrow
Douglas County Commissioners are holding a special meeting Tuesday, March 31 at 5pm at the Philip S. Miller Building to vote on contracts and financing for the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex.
This is the big one. Zebulon is a 46.5-acre regional sports facility planned for Sterling Ranch (near Moore and Waterton Roads). The initial vision includes an ice complex, baseball fields, and an indoor sports complex. The county's looking at a $60–80 million contribution.
An economic analysis projects the complex will generate $1.3 billion in total economic impact from 2026–2036.
If you want to speak, show up and sign up with staff in the hallway outside the Hearing Room. Each speaker gets 2 minutes.
More info here.
Want your business in front of 5,500+ locals? Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Castle Rock Jobs
Events:
Colorado Wine Walk returns to Denver on April 26 from 3pm–6pm at the historic Dairy Block.
Hosted by our friends at Blanchard Family Wines, the Grand Tasting features unlimited wine samples, a commemorative glass and tote, live music, and gourmet bites. Guests can also purchase bottles from participating wineries during the event.
If you are looking for a good excuse to head into Denver, this one is worth the drive.
CRC readers can use code CREW10 for 10% off tickets.
Tuesday, 3/31:
Elizabeth Brewing Company - Trivia Night - 7pm–9:30pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7pm–9pm
Wednesday, 4/1:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10am–11:30am - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6pm–8pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7pm–9pm
Thursday, 4/2:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10am–11:30am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3:30pm - tickets
Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6pm–8pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos - 6pm–9pm
Wide Open Saloon - Country Line Dancing - 6pm–10pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke - 9pm–12am
Friday, 4/3:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10am–11:30am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3:30pm - tickets
COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5pm–9pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli Live - 5:30pm–9pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn Live - 6pm–9pm
COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 7pm–9pm - tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Walker Williams Live - 7pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - Jordan Yewey Live at the Altar - 8pm–11pm
Saturday, 4/4:
Teaology Tea Cafe - Yoga with Karen - 9:30am–10:30am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10am–11:30am - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - Jennifer Lane Live - 10am–1pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3:30pm - tickets
COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5pm–9pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas Live - 5:30pm–9pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - A 1950's Sock Hop Gone Sour - Murder Mystery - 6pm–9pm - tickets
COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 7pm–9pm - tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Missconduct Live - 7pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - DJ Max in the Lounge - 9pm–12am
Sunday, 4/5:
Wide Open Saloon - Easter Brunch - 10am–2pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank Live - 11am–2pm
Monday, 4/6:
105 West Brewing - Trails n' Ales Run Club - 6pm–8pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Wide Open Saloon - Logan Mize Live - Thu 4/9, 7pm–10:30pm
Stagecoach Saloon - The Band These Guys Live - Fri 4/10, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - Michael Reese Live at the Altar - Fri 4/10, 8pm–11pm
Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band Live - Sat 4/11, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver 'The Tribute' - Sat 4/11, 7pm–10pm - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver 'The Tribute' - Matinee - Sun 4/12, 2pm–5pm - tickets
Sinners and Saints - Spring Sparks After Fifty: Speed Dating - Thu 4/16, 6:30pm–8:30pm - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Bad Movie Good Beer: Plan 9 From Outer Space - Fri 4/17, 6pm - tickets
Stagecoach Saloon - Sarah P and the Hay Pullers Live - Fri 4/17, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Sinners and Saints - John Wise Band Live at the Altar - Fri 4/17, 8pm–11pm
Alidade Brewing - Jazz Night with The Sam Witter Trio - Sat 4/18, 6pm–9pm
Wide Open Saloon - Ninety Percent 90's Live - Sat 4/18, 7pm–10:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Viva Flamenco! - Sun 4/19, 3pm–6pm - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Puzzle Competition - Mon 4/20, 6pm - tickets
Sudden Fiction Books - Book Bedazzling - Tue 4/21, 6pm - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Fri 4/24, 6pm–9pm - tickets
Sinners and Saints - Mike Maurer Live at the Altar - Fri 4/24, 8pm–11pm
Alidade Brewing - Adult Spelling Bee - Sat 4/25, 6pm
Stagecoach Saloon - Vetras Live - Sat 4/25, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - Sat 4/25, 7pm–10:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Princess Party at the Castle - Sun 4/26, 11am–1pm - tickets
Sinners and Saints - Boozy Book Fair with Sudden Fiction Books - Sun 4/26, 2pm–6pm
Alidade Brewing - Colorado Pint Day - Wed 4/29, 12pm - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Show - Thu 4/30, 6pm–9pm
Worth the drive: other Douglas County events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below.
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
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