Welcome to spooky season, though it looks like things are heating up in the next few days before trailing off towards the end of the week. I'm looking forward to getting a few fall hikes in here once it does cool down. If you've got a favorite fall hike, let me know! I'd love to check it out.
Had to skip the Broncos meet-up this past weekend due to being out of town, but want to pick it back up again. Will be watching the Chargers game Sunday at 2:05pm at Border Burger Sports Bar (more on it below) if you'd like to join.
Legacy Auto Clinic
Quality Auto Repairs Backed by a Nationwide Warranty
Your vehicle is an investment, and quality repairs should come with confidence. Legacy Auto Clinic combines experienced, ASE-certified technicians with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty on most repairs. From everyday maintenance to complex repairs, Castle Rock drivers can count on our team to help keep their vehicles safe and dependable.
Save $75 on repairs of $550 or more. Show this email at checkout with code CastleRockCrew.
Don't have a big repair but need an oil change? If you're new to Legacy Auto Clinic, your first oil change is still free* with our September 8 email through 10/31.
*See the September 8 email for full offer details.
Familiar Location, New Bar
As promised last week, Border Burger Sports Bar opened last Wednesday (9/30) at 11am in the old Trifecta building by the Outlets…and yes, I was the guy walking in at 11am on the dot. I sat at the bar, ate and got the full tour of all three floors.
The owner is Rick Good, who also owns Border Burger Bar down in Manitou Springs and has been in the restaurant business for over 40 years. It's locally owned, not a franchise. The building still says Trifecta on at least one side, but a temporary "Now Open" banner is up out front, with permanent signs to come.
Someone on social media told me I need a social media manager because my photos and videos are so bad, so don't judge the food by my camera work. Other people seem to agree it's good: someone on our Facebook post said their daughter went the night before "and said the mozzarella sticks and pickle chips were amazing," and a reader on TikTok added, "Their Manitou Springs location is always packed. Food, service, and prices are great." That location has a 4.4 rating on more than 3,000 Google reviews.
What I ate
I started with the Red Bird chicken strips (homemade batter, chicken from RedBird Farms in Englewood), then went with the Miami, which is their hangover burger: homemade queso, a fried egg and caramelized onions. I upgraded to sweet potato fries and they brought out a side of marshmallow fluff for dipping. Had never heard of it, but it may be my standard dipping sauce from here on out. The Border Burger is their most popular one, so that's next time. Everything is made to order, and nothing is prepackaged or microwaved. They've got plenty of gluten-free options. They told me every appetizer except the pretzels (which weren't available yet) is gluten-free or can be made that way. Plus, you can get gluten-free buns.
Floor by floor
The first floor is mostly how you remember it from Trifecta: big bar, booths and a lot of TVs.
The second floor is the biggest change. The pool tables are gone and it's all tables now, plus a kids' area that they'll continue to build out, a private room for about 14 and a balcony. Eventually the plan is a 21-plus first floor and an all-ages second floor, so you can sit with the kids or away from them (no judgment). The bar on the second floor is hidden behind a wall with TVs on it, but the plan is to blow that out and build a real bar at some point (next year most likely).
The third floor was my first time up there, and it's the best part of the building: a smaller bar with views, its own balcony and a half-inside, half-outside cigar lounge. It's made for Broncos games, which is why that's where we'll be on Sunday. They're booking it for holiday and Christmas parties too, if you're hunting for a spot.
Good to know
NFL Sunday Ticket is now live, along with channels and streaming for college football. Happy hour and a grand opening with a ribbon cutting are still to come. Kids' entrees are $9.95 with fries and a fountain drink, and the kids' menu doubles as a coloring book with options like "I Don't Know" (chicken strips), "I Don't Care" (a burger) and "I Just Want a Hot Dog."
810 New Memphis Ct, just off I-25 near the Outlets, with a free lot. Open every day from 11am until at least 9pm. Walk-in for now; call ahead if you're bringing 15 or more.
Wednesday, October 14. North Castle Rock and Castle Pines.
We had our largest Dinner Club to date last week in Lone Tree. Hoping to continue to build on that! If you haven't joined yet, you just show up at 6:30pm and sit down with five neighbors you've never met. We do the matching and book the restaurant. You order off the menu and pay for your own food and drinks. After dinner, every table heads to the after-party at a bar nearby.
Grab a seat here and use code PINES for $5 off. Signups close Monday, October 12 at 6:30pm.
Pet Adoptions
Since sweater weather is here, I figured we'd feature Bella, who apparently loves wearing shirts and sweaters. This firecracker is looking for a family that loves adventures.
Sports
Broncos — Too little, too late. A bit afraid that that may be a recurring theme here if we don't tighten things up. Not sure we can rely on the defense to stay healthy and win us all of our games. We've got so many weapons on the offensive side that it's getting really frustrating to see us incapable of moving the ball. Oh, and fumbling punt returns doesn't help. That definitely turned the tide in what was a 3-3 game against the 49ers which ended in a 24-14 loss. We face the 0-4 Chargers, who played the Seahawks tight this week and their loss to the Bills the week before came down to the wire. It'd be great to get a solid win against them. The Chiefs edged out the Raiders in what was a really exciting game to watch. The Chiefs are 4-0 and the Raiders are 3-1. We go to LA to play the Chargers on Sunday at 2:05pm.
Nuggets — Preseason is officially here. We lost the opener to Utah (109-97) up in Boulder. Jokić played 15 minutes and had 7 assists, and Julian Strawther led us with 14. We head @ Utah Tue, Oct 6, then host the Bulls Sun, Oct 11.
Avalanche — Now it counts, and we're 2-0-0 (4 pts). We beat the Kings in the opener (8-4), with two goals apiece from MacKinnon and Lehkonen, then beat the Blues (6-1) behind two from Martin Necas. Jared Bednar also signed a four-year extension that runs through the 2030-31 season. We head @ Winnipeg Wed, Oct 7 and @ Calgary Thu, Oct 8, then host Toronto Sat, Oct 10.
MLB Playoffs — Our season's over, but two division rivals are still alive. The Padres swept the Cubs in the Wild Card round (8-0, 4-1), then dropped the first two to the Brewers (3-2, 4-3) and need three straight starting Tuesday in San Diego. The Dodgers and Braves are tied 1-1 heading to Atlanta for Game 3 on Tuesday.
Rapids — No match last week. We're 11-13-3 with 36 points through 27 matches, 8th in the West. Next up, we host San Jose Sat, Oct 10 at 7:30pm.
Summit FC — Bounced back with a win at Chicago (3-0). Janine Sonis scored early and Lindsey Heaps added two. We're 10-9-8 with 38 points through 27 matches, 10th in the NWSL. No match this week. Next up, we host Angel City Sat, Oct 17 at 6:45pm at Centennial Stadium.
Sabercats Football — The Sabercats lost a close one at Fountain-Fort Carson (24-17) and are 3-3. They head to Legend Thu, Oct 8 at 7pm. Check out their schedule.
Huskies Football — The Huskies won at Smoky Hill (41-12) to stay perfect at 6-0. They host Chaparral Fri, Oct 9 at 7pm. Check out their schedule.
Want your business in front of 6,000 locals? Reach out if you're interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Noteworthy
Lost Canyon just got bigger: 716 acres
The Town has closed on the 35-acre Guardian Angel property, the private inholding on Lost Canyon Ranch's southeast edge near Horse Thief Cave. It's now part of Lost Canyon, bringing the open space to 716 acres and ending the private access that ran through the canyon. Council approved the purchase back in January (up to $1.1 million, including its water rights), and the Town confirmed the closing in its third-quarter projects update. With Rustler's Ridge Loop done, all 15 miles of trail are open, and Parks & Rec says it's one of the best fall foliage hikes in town right now. No dogs, though — it's a full ban, not a leash rule.
Also tonight: council takes first votes on a water rate increase (about $76 a year for a typical home) and the 2027 budget. Water rates · Budget
Castle Rock Jobs
Looking for more? Every open job we track across the county lives at dougcosocial.com/jobs.
Best of Douglas County
Don't forget to get your vote in. You can always change it or add more as you try new places.
Tons of categories. Best burger, best green chile, best cinnamon roll, etc. Takes a minute or two. No wrong answers.
Events
Top Events This Week
Tue 10/6 - Make & Mingle at Sinners & Saints, Sinners & Saints - 5pm–7pm - Free
Thu 10/8 - Plant Bingo at The Exchange Coffee House, The Exchange Coffee House - 6pm–8pm - $35
Fri 10/9 - Josh Blackburn: Live In Castle Rock, Honnibrook Craft Meadery - 6pm–9pm - Free
Sat 10/10 - PumpkinFest at The Grange, The Grange - 12pm–3pm - Free
Sat 10/10 - Glow Dance Party: Therapeutic Recreation Fundraiser, Miller Park Amphitheater - 7pm–9:30pm - $10 ages 5-14, $20 ages 15+ (register by Fri 10/9)
Sun 10/11 - Happy Dog Ranch Fall Festival, Happy Dog Ranch - 11am–3pm - Free
Tuesday, 10/6:
Downtown Castle Rock - Restaurant Week - through 10/11
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Tue-Sat this week, 10am–11:30am - $21–$24
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–8pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Pints & Pours at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–8:30pm - $35 ($37.84 with fees)
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder - 7pm–9pm - Free
Wednesday, 10/7:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 at Cherokee Ranch - 8:30am–12:30pm - $39
Craft Coworking Castle Rock - Castle Rock Networking with Women's Networking Alliance - 9:30am–11am - $7.18
Douglas County Libraries - Castle Pines - Brain Health Fitness - 1:30pm–2:30pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West - 6pm–7pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Vinyl Night at 105 West Brewing - 6pm–9pm - Free (bring a record to spin, BOGO drinks)
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo at Alidade - 6pm–8pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Weekly Bingo at Sinners & Saints - 6:30pm–9pm - Free
Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking Tour - 7pm–8pm - Free
Thursday, 10/8:
Lone Creek Farms (Franktown) - Lone Creek Farms Fall Festival - Thu 10am–5pm, Fri–Sun 10am–9pm, through 11/1 - $23.95–$27.95
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3pm - $74.95
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6pm–10pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6pm–8:30pm - Free
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6pm–8pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night - 6pm–9pm - Free
Douglas County Libraries - Philip & Jerry Miller Library - Castle Rock Mining & Milling Company History Talk - 7pm–8pm - Free
Friday, 10/9:
Gilly's Pumpkin Patch - Gilly's Pumpkin Patch - Fri 10/9 + Sat 10/10, 9am–dark (open again Fri 10/16 + Sat 10/17) - $5 a person / $20 a family
Wide Open Saloon - Walker Williams Band at Wide Open Saloon - Free
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Castle Rock Fall Home Show - 12pm–6pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm - Free
The Stagecoach Saloon - Justus Band at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Scott Uhl — Live at the Altar - 8pm–10pm - Free
Saturday, 10/10:
Wide Open Saloon - Aftershock at Wide Open Saloon - Free
Alidade Brewing - Cash Bingo Night at Alidade Brewing - 6pm–10pm - Free
The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Off Ramp at 105 West - 6:30pm–9:30pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Saturday Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with 'DJ Marvin' - 9pm–12am - Free
Sunday, 10/11:
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9am–2pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Viva la Vida! Flamenco & Mexican Music and Dance Celebration - 1pm–3pm - $76.50
Sunday Salmon - Sunday Salmon Community Dinner - 5pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6pm - Free
Monday, 10/12:
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Run Club at 105 West - 6pm–7pm - Free
Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events.
Heads up on events that are further out:
The Emporium - Cocktails & Cauldrons — An After-Hours Event at The Emporium - Thu 10/15, 6pm–8pm - $20 (Halloween-themed)
Wide Open Saloon - Brian Brooks' Sundown Rising at Wide Open Saloon - Fri 10/16 - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show Live at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Fri 10/16, 6pm–9:30pm - $86.80
The Stagecoach Saloon - Sarah P and the Hay Pullers at The Stagecoach Saloon - Fri 10/16, 6:30pm–10:30pm - Free
Wellspring Community - Club 21 Halloween Dance Party at Wellspring Community - Fri 10/16, 7pm–9pm - $15 (Halloween-themed)
Sinners & Saints - Mike Maurer — Live at the Altar - Fri 10/16, 8pm–10pm - Free
Wide Open Saloon - Off Ramp at Wide Open Saloon - Sat 10/17 - Free
Miller Park - Spooktacular - Sat 10/17, 1pm–4pm - Free (Halloween-themed)
Indian Creek Campground - 13th Annual Indian Creek Trail Runs - Sat 10/17, 6am–8pm - $64.60–$181.20
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder & Mystery at the Castle: Midnight at the Masquerade - Sat 10/17, 6pm–9:30pm - $84.95 (Halloween-themed)
Update from two weeks ago: the Sinners & Saints Halloween party is on. Sat 10/31, doors at 8pm, dueling DJs Max and Marvin from 9pm till late, no cover, 21+, costumes encouraged. Want a warm-up? EXTREME BINGO: The Haunted Party Edition is Wed 10/21, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, $30.
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.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
If someone forwarded this to you, join the crew and subscribe here! And/or subscribe to our sister newsletter at the county level.
Local partners and occasional affiliate links help support Castle Rock Crew and keep it free for readers.
