Had an awesome time hosting some friends over the weekend. Didn’t have restarting Lost on my itinerary, but it happened…and I’m not mad about it.
One other thing I didn’t have on the itinerary was seeing Venus and Jupiter on Friday night…don’t ask me which one is which. Can you guess where I was?
Anyways, we’ve got an awesome new spot to highlight in today’s issue so let’s get into it.
Business Spotlight:
Griddled Crêpes & Paninis
Alright, so whether you're going shopping at the Outlets or just want good food, there's a new go-to spot right at the front of the Outlets. Griddled Crêpes & Paninis opened up at the beginning of May and by the time I got there a few weeks later, I witnessed a few people who had already turned into regulars…Outlets staff introducing a coworker to this spot for the first time and another store employee coming in for the second time that day…they weren't the only ones who were enjoying it…I was, too…and so was the couple next to me giving me a play-by-play the entire time they were eating.
Who’s behind it
The founders behind it are power couple Bri and Jacob Blaylock, local owners and hands-on operators who also own and operate Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Cafe. And they are as local as it gets, living with their four little ones right here in the Red Hawk (ummm jealous of the commute). Plus, when I say hands-on, I mean hands on: you'll find Bri behind the counter and Jacob whipping up paninis. And they're training the next generation already…if you want to see a heartwarming video, go check out their Instagram where you can watch their kids seeing their business for the first time…and this husband and wife team obviously can work together without driving each other nuts since they had the courage to open up a second concept. I'm not surprised though, they were great when I met them. And the second time I was in there someone came over just to tell the staff that someone was singing Bri & Jacob's praises about how nice they are…they're awesome, go say hi!
What I ordered
First visit, I went all out and got the Trailblazer Panini, the Nutella Mascarpone & Strawberry crêpe, and the Dulce de Leche Latte. All three were great, and I'd order all three again. (Heads up, you won't find the Dulce de Leche Latte on the menu. Order the flavored latte and ask for dulce de leche.) Ingredients were all high-quality: I was asking about the produce and the couple next to me was asking about the bread.
Then, I decided to go a second time because I saw two different reels on Instagram: one about their 34oz "buckets" of iced coffee and another about their Dubai Chocolate crêpe. Now I try to be careful about what I say I need versus what I want…the 34oz coffee bucket is firmly within the need category…the other half of my breakfast of champions, the Dubai Chocolate crêpe, probably goes under the want category. Though, and I know I'll probably have the Affiliate Nation of Influencers come after me for this, I don't think my morning routine is missing a sauna protocol, cardio, red light therapy, or a cold plunge: it's starting the day off with a crêpe. I just feel better about myself, like I've actually accomplished something first thing in the morning and that gives me confidence to take on the world.
The menu rundown
Sixteen savory builds, every one available as a crêpe or pressed on ciabatta, most named for the landscape around here. The Cabin Caprese (mozzarella, roma tomato, arugula, basil pesto, balsamic glaze) gives you the idea.
Nine sweet crêpes, from a simple cinnamon up to the Dubai.
Drinks cover a full espresso lineup, cold brew, energy drinks, and smoothies.
They've got solid kids' options, and I saw plenty of playdates and full family affairs going on while I was there. And yes, they do have highchairs for the extra small ones.
Grand opening — the big weekend's here:
Friday, June 19 — Outlets ribbon cutting. Two specials all day: a free 12oz beverage with any purchase, and spend $30+ to score a free Nutella Strawberry crêpe.
Saturday, June 20 — Castle Rock Chamber ribbon cutting at 9am. Plus, a free 12oz beverage with any purchase, and spend $40+ to walk out with a free Griddled tumbler.
Just for the Crew — from today (June 16) through June 26, buy any panini or crêpe and get a free dessert crêpe — screenshot or print the coupon below and show it at the counter. (Excludes Dubai Chocolate crêpe on the free dessert crêpe, limit one free crêpe per transaction.)
Hungry now? Order on DoorDash
Details
Outlets at Castle Rock, Suite 175 on 1st Street (outer strip)
Hours: Mon–Sat 9a–8p, Sun 10a–6p
Dedicated to-go parking spot
Gluten-free crêpes available
Work-from-anywhere friendly, plenty of outlets
griddledco.com, (720) 728-8232
Want more of a visual? Here’s a quick video of the spot on Instagram
Pet Adoptions
The Buddy Center just took in a few of these German Shepherd-Great Pyrenees puppies. Queen Clarion looks like she’s ready to find her forever playmate. I doubt they are around for long!
Sports
Broncos — The offseason news was mostly the good kind this week. The team signed Sean Payton to a new five-year contract, locking up our head coach through 2030 right alongside GM George Paton — Payton's led us to the third-most wins in the NFL over the past two years, including last season's run to the AFC Championship Game. On the staff side, Davis Webb is embracing his promotion to offensive coordinator and will handle the playcalling this fall. The hard one, and it's close to home again: linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested a second time in two weeks and now faces a felony assault charge, with police saying he violated a protection order. He's due back in court, and the team says it's still gathering information.
Nuggets — With our season over, it's the quiet-before-the-storm stretch: the NBA Draft is June 23-24, where we hold the No. 26 pick in the first round and No. 49 in the second (acquired via Atlanta), and free agency opens July 1 — with the front office still working to clear cap space to re-sign Peyton Watson. NBA Finals — The title went to New York. The Knicks closed out the Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win the series 4-1 and capture their first championship since 1973 — a 53-year drought snapped behind 45 points from Jalen Brunson.
Avalanche — Two good headlines in our offseason. Captain Gabriel Landeskog won both the Mark Messier Leadership Award and the Bill Masterton Trophy — fitting hardware for a guy who clawed all the way back from a multi-year knee saga. And the front office confirmed Jared Bednar and his staff are back next season, with Joe Sakic running the draft and free agency. Meanwhile the team that knocked us out came up empty: Vegas lost the Stanley Cup Final to Carolina in six games, with the Hurricanes winning their first Cup since 2006.
Rockies — We went 3-4 on the week and sit 27-46, last in the NL West. We took the first two from the Cubs at home (7-3, 3-2) before dropping the finale (9-3), then lost the first two at the Athletics (6-4, 7-5) — but the Sunday getaway game was something else: we erupted for a franchise-record 23 runs in a 23-9 win on a 101-degree afternoon at the A's Las Vegas ballpark. Monday in Chicago stung, though: Cole Carrigg's three-run homer had us up 4-3 into the ninth, but the Cubs tied it and walked it off on a bases-loaded walk to beat us 5-4. We're back at it @ the Cubs Tue 6/16 and Wed 6/17 before coming home for the Pirates Fri 6/19 through Sun 6/21 and the Red Sox Mon 6/22.
Rapids — Still on the World Cup break, so no MLS match for us (we sit 11th and don't play again until July). The tournament's the story, and it opened well for the hosts: the USMNT thumped Paraguay 4-1 in its World Cup opener in LA on Friday, scoring inside the first 10 minutes. Up next in Group D is Australia on Friday, June 19.
Summit FC — Idle on the NWSL break, but the U.S. women were the ones on the field: the USWNT beat Brazil 1-0 in Fortaleza on Tuesday to split a two-game road set with the 2027 World Cup hosts, bouncing back from a 2-1 loss in the opener — in a wild one that produced eight red cards. The NWSL picks back up later this summer.
It was great to see some of you this past week at the DougCo Social Dinner Club in Castle Rock. We’ll be back in Lone Tree on Wednesday, June 24 before taking a little break. Be sure to sign up!
We’ll also be hosting another Couples Dinner that night in Lone Tree at John Holly’s. If you’d like to join us, sign up below. Please note this sign-up is on a separate platform from the Dinner Club above.
Noteworthy: A first ramp opens at the Crystal Valley interchange
If you live on the south end of town, your drive just got a little easier. The Town opened the first northbound I-25 on-ramp at the new Crystal Valley interchange, letting drivers get onto I-25 north straight from Crystal Valley Parkway. To find it, take the roundabout at Crystal Valley Parkway and East Frontage Road, then head west on Crystal Valley Parkway to the ramp.
It's one piece of a project that's been on the Town's wish list since the 1980s, and a top transportation priority, meant to give southern Castle Rock and Douglas County a real connection to the interstate. Two more ramps on the east side of I-25 (the northbound off-ramp and a second northbound on-ramp) are slated to open later this summer, with the southbound ramps following in 2027. The whole interchange, a joint effort between the Town, Douglas County and CDOT, is expected to wrap in 2027, though the Town says steady progress could push that earlier.
One heads up if you're driving through this summer: expect intermittent nighttime lane closures on I-25, plus more trucks and heavy machinery in the area. You can follow the project's progress at CRgov.com/CVI.
Castle Rock Jobs
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Events
Alidade Brewing is turning ONE!
Join us for our Anniversary Luau Party on Saturday, June 20 from 12pm–6pm. We’re dropping an exclusive Tropical Hazy IPA with Exclusive Limited Releases all day long! Plus Year One Glassware, Tropical Slushees, a DJ, Island-Inspired Menu, Arcade Truck and Luau Games with Prizes! Follow our page for full tap lists and VIP updates!
Tap Learn More to follow us for exclusive anniversary event updates.
Tuesday, 6/16:
The Stagecoach Saloon - Line Dancing with Joyce at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia ($0.85 Wings) - 7:00pm–8:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 6/17:
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Brian Hornbuckle at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 6/18:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Stones & Stories: The Geology Behind the Castle - 9:00am–11:00am - $38.50 - tickets
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Vinyl Night at Honnibrook - 5:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Thursday Trivia by Myxed Music at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–8:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks Free Concert: The Rick Lewis Project - 6:30pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker - 7:00pm–10:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Karaoke with Jammin Joes at The Stagecoach Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Friday, 6/19:
Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli Saxophone Friday at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show Weekend Kickoff Concert 2026 - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music: Pat Foley - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid - 6:30pm–10:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Scott Uhl - Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Jeff Goodwin Live at Wide Open Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday, 6/20:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Archaeology Hike - 9:00am - $39.50 - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - Shaun Peace Guitar Brunch at Wide Awake Eatery - 10:00am–1:00pm
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show 2026 — Main Show Day - 10:00am–3:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds & Event Center - Colorado Whiskey Fest 2026 - 11:00am–5:00pm - $35-$75 - tickets
KB Ranch - Cowabunga Cafe at KB Ranch - 11:00am–2:00pm - $28 - tickets
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - DJ's Retirement Party at Honnibrook - 12:00pm–10:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Alidade Brewing Year One Anniversary Luau Party - 12:00pm–6:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Blaze Duo at Outlets (Jun 20) - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Garner & Gather Barn - Summer Market at the Barn - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank Spanish Guitar Saturday at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Waterloo: The Centennial Gala at Cherokee Castle - 6:00pm - $180-$381 - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band - 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: These Guys at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Float Like a Buffalo (Outdoor Concert Series Kickoff) - 7:00pm–10:30pm - Starts at $23.18 (GA) / VIP $33.85 - tickets
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with DJ Max - 9:00pm–12:00am
Sunday, 6/21:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Father's Day Brunch - $73.95 - tickets
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
Bar Hummingbird - Castle Rock - Bubbles & Beats Sunday Brunch at Bar Hummingbird - 11:00am–3:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Afternoon Dave Chapa (Father's Day) - 12:00pm–4:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Dan Soto at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Clay Cutler at Outlets at Castle Rock - 3:00pm–6:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 6/22:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday at Alidade Brewing - 5:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Run Club at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting: Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine of Verona - Wed 6/24 - $72 - tickets
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Castle Rock Summer Concert Series - Wed 6/24, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Fireworks Paint Party at Wild Blue Yonder - Wed 6/24, 6:30pm–8:30pm - $40 - tickets
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: The Marshall Tucker Band with Ben Chapman - Fri 6/26, 6:00pm–10:00pm - $35+ - tickets
COFF33 - Battle of the Brushes - Fri 6/26, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18 - tickets
Alidade Brewing - From the Ashes: Hideaway Bar & Grill Benefit - Sat 6/27, 3:00pm–6:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Castle Rock Chamber Sip & Savor - Sat 6/27, 5:00pm–8:00pm - $50-$90 - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock Ducky Derby - Sun 6/28, 9:00am–3:00pm - $10-$20 - tickets
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — That Eighties Band - Sun 6/28, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Cherokee Setting of the Sun and Rising of the Full Moon - Mon 6/29, 7:15pm - $40 - tickets
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 6th Annual July 4th ROCK-IT RUN (5K, Half Marathon, Free 1K Kids' Run + Concert) - Sat 7/4, 6:00am–11:00am - $38+ - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock 4th of July at Festival Park - Sat 7/4, 5:30pm–10:00pm
Denver Polo Club - 4th of July-themed Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 7/5, 10:00am–3:00pm - $49.87+ - tickets
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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