Classic Car Rental for Special Occassions

Review: A

What do you buy for someone who has everything? How can you make an occasion like a 60th birthday, an anniversary, or the wedding day unique?

One way to stand out and have a good time is to rent an antique car. You don't have to go to Denver to find such a service, Rich's Auto Body in Castle Rock offers several classic cars for special occasions.

We used Rich's service a few years ago when we wanted to offer a unique drive and experience for a birthday dinner at Gabriel's in Sedalia. Talk about arriving in style. We rented the 1930 Model A Town Sedan (featured above). It was a lot of fun and made traveling down rural Highway 67 a memorable experience.

To make sure the riders have the best experience, Rich will ask questions about the event such as "Will there be any highway driving?" (if so, they recommend certain cars) or "Will it matter if your hair blows in the wind?" (if so, they recommend a sedan). Whether you want to look classic or racy, they have a car that can meet your fun needs.

Some of the cars they had available according to their website include: a 1914 Model T, a 1953 Chevy, or a racy 1964 Valiant.

Visit their classic antique car rental website for more information. RichsBody.com

Life in South West Douglas County, Colorado offers news, things to do, restaurant reviews, business directories, gossip, hiking information, and real estate information. If you are looking for something to do or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to move to, I hope you will love this FREE resource guide.

Road Construction Erupts

The extended Indian summer has encouraged road construction crews to come out in droves. I can't possibly relay all the construction interruptions that are slowing traffic so my best advice is to allow more time than usual to get to your destination.

In the last 36 hours I've run into crews at Wolfensberger and Park Street, Morningview and Foothills in The Meadows, the back entrance to Castle Pines North along Monarch (at least the view is enjoyable while you wait), and on Castle Pines Parkway.


I am sure there is much more, it is like the crews are multiplying like our infamous rabbits.

Good luck!

Life in South West Douglas County, Colorado offers news, things to do, restaurant reviews, business directories, gossip, hiking information, and real estate information. If you are looking for something to do or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to move to, I hope you will love this FREE resource guide.

Concerts in a Colorado Castle

(View from Cherokee Castle in Colorado. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the castle itself. I'll have to take one later. This view; however is still quite grand.)

In the 1950's a woman of refined European taste fell in love with the vistas and dusty buttes of south west Douglas County.

The open space and rugged individualism of Colorado ranchers must have nipped at her because Tweet Kimball soon called the Cherokee Ranch and Castle her home. While not every rancher can boast a full armoured knight, a Titian painting, or royal guests, this distinguished art collector became an award winning cattle rancher respected by many.

If a stoic ranch hand revealed his emotions, he'd probably smile at the woman donning a full length fur coat, giving the day's instructions on how to look after her Santa Gertrudis cattle.

Today Tweet is gone but her art, castle, cattle, and legacy survive.

This holiday season the Castle is hosting several classical concerts. The performance also includes wine tasting, a castle tour, and a dinner buffet. The Cherokee Castle, providing a magical "other world," complements an evening of fine music. While the tickets aren't inexpensive, they are fairly priced based on what is offered along with an experience unlike any to be had elsewhere in Colorado.

The Castle sits on a 3,100 acre wildlife preserve that Tweet entrusted when she passed away. It is located off an easy to miss road between Castle Pines and Sedalia. Be sure to get instructions from someone at the Castle.

By the way, if you are curious where the name "Tweet" came from then you will have to take a castle tour or rent the video about Tweet Kimball's life from a Douglas County Library.

Looking for more?

Tours of Cherokee Castle

Tickets for Concerts at Cherokee Castle

Documentary about Tweet Kimball's life, complete with an interview with the famous Douglas County resident herself. Called "A Jewel in the Rockies: The Story of Cherokee Ranch." Available at the Douglas County Libraries.

article: Englewood Author's Novel Inspired by Colorado Castle Owner

Life in South West Douglas County, Colorado offers news, things to do, restaurant reviews, business directories, gossip, hiking information, and real estate information.

If you are looking for something to do or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to move to, I hope you will love this FREE resource guide.

Annual Warren Miller Film at Douglas County High School

Each year Warren Miller Films energizes us all to look forward to playing in the snow. Their films feature the crazy antics of expert skiers and snowboarders who take leaps that most of us find insane but still fun to watch.

The stunts are set to modern rock music and funny commentary. Famous Olymian skiers and snowboards are often featured in these films. Johnny Mosely is one of the featured skiers and the narrator of this year's film "Children of Winter."

Because Colorado had such epic levels of snow in the mountains last year, several of it's ski resorts are featured in this year's film, including Steamboat Springs (where this photo was taken), Crested Butte, Silverton, and Leadville.

Warren Miller Films is giving away FREE lift ticket vouchers for Copper, Steamboat Springs, or Winter Park. Limit one voucher per ticket.

Show Dates:

November 14th, 15th, 2008

Showtimes at 6 and 9 PM

Douglas County High School, Castle Rock
(directions to Douglas County High School)

Buy tickets at: at the door or at: Christy's Sports, Sports Clips in Castle Rock, or Castle Cafe

Link to watch "Children of Winter" Warren Miller film clip on youtube.

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

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National Ballet Performance in Castle Rock

(Picture of The Grange in The Meadows in Castle Rock)

Kicking off (pun much intended) the holiday season with excerpts from the Nutcracker, is the National Ballet of Denver.

The Grange, a cultural arts and activities center located in the housing community, The Meadows, is an architectural award winning building. It's modern mission-style vaulted ceilings and painted concrete floors create a warm, yet modern feel.

Each year The Grange brings a variety of activities, everything from star gazing classes, kids storytime readings, dance classes, wine festivals, and art shows.

On November 23, 2008, The Grange will host the National Ballet of Denver. The ballet company will perform scenes from a holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.

Show Details

This is a FREE event but seating is limited.

The show is a short one so you can bring the kids and not worry about them getting too antsy.

It is only one hour, from 2 PM - 3 PM. Sunday, November 23rd, 2008.

Reserve your spot by calling 303-814-2358 or there may be a registration spot on the website but I couldn't find it. Their website is: http://meadowscastlerock.com/contactus.htm

The National Ballet Company has been operating in Denver since 2005 (previously under the name National Ballet Academy of Denver).

*****

Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado
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Best Deli in Douglas County: The Red Umbrella

The Red Umbrella Deli and Catering company is one of Douglas County's best kept secrets. It is hands down the best lunch spot in the county. It is located in Castle Pines North, just off Castle Pines Parkway, in the Safeway shopping center.

Even during a time when high food costs are leading most restaurants to increase their prices and buy lower quality ingredients, The Red Umbrella is committed to using high quality, healthy ingredients in all their food. Their all-natural meats are provided by Thurman's Meats.

For lunch you can chose from a Reuben sandwich, a mushroom burger, along with many other sandwiches, casseroles, and delicious soups. The sandwiches all have interesting breads - far beyond the usual kaiser roll. Some of these breads are provided by Denver's famous bakery, Bluepoint Bakery.

The dining atmosphere is definitely a deli atmosphere with patio type chairs. The walls remind me of a Van Gogh sunflower yellow in an Arles, French cafe. The bright red table clothes add to the cheery feel. Independently owned restuarants and shops often have surprising merchandise and The Red Umbrella is no different. They sell a nice assortment of Polish pottery. If you know a collector of this pottery, then this is the only location I've seen Polish pottery in Douglas County.

The Red Umbrella may best be known for their catering fare. Kalmata Broccoli Salad with Feta Cheese, Roasted Asparagus Lasagna, Sweet Corn Risotto, Creamy Polenta with Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Herb Crusted Loin of Pork, and Beef Tenderloin with Fresh Leeks are sure to please your guests. Again, their ingredients and the recipes give off a delicious home-made taste void of artificial flavors that usually scream "take out."

Unfortunately, The Red Umbrella does not have a website right now so it is hard to see for yourself ahead of time, but it is absolutely worth the drive. The Red Umbrella is at the end of the strip mall, just three doors down from Subway.

Eat a Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner without Having to Cook

Ask them to make your Thanksgiving Dinner. They have a turkey menu complete from soup through desert. The cost is $25 per adult and $12 per child. This is an excellent way to enjoy Thanksgiving without dirtying your own kitchen with numerous pots and pans.

The menu includes but is not limited to:

curried pumpkin soup or butternut squash soup;

cranberry pineapple gelatin;

roast turkey;

mash potatoes;

sweet potatoes;

white wine spinach;

pecan pie with Kahlua chocolate chips;

pumpkin pie;

and pumpkin pecan pie.

Call 303-663-5696 for more details.

They may be able to fax a menu to you. Their fax is: 303-663-5461.

Their hours are: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 7 pm
Saturday 8 am - 4 pm, closed on Sundays

Coupon Offer for The Red Umbrella Deli & Catering: 2 for 1, up to $7.00 value.

Directions to The Red Umbrella using Google Maps.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

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Affordable Country Homes in Castle Pines North

Beverly Hills Estates

Think you can't afford a home with a private country setting located within town? Think again.

Beverly Hills Estates, located in Castle Pines North, just west of Castle Pines Parkway (Exit 188), is a hidden, affordable gem.

Atmosphere
When driving through this quiet neighborhood, you'll see elongated Front Range mountain views, couples taking their afternoon stroll, deer, rabbits, and you may even catch a glimpse of Blakey, the very friendly neighborhood black cat.

This neighborhood is a mix of old and new with several remodeled homes. Several lots are an acre in size and scrub oak groves shelter houses from their neighbors. Also, since this community is a little older, residents benefit from mature landscaping.

Home Prices in Beverly Hills Estates
In spite of its name, home prices begin in the high $300,000; however there are few homes for sale so if you like this neighborhood then tell your realtor to keep a close eye on the area.

HOA and Covenants
The HOA is a voluntary $50 annually which pays for community hay ride event and the Christmas party. Home owners enjoy the freedom of few covenants. (at the time of this writing)

Instant Access to Amenities
Gas, banks, shopping, and dining are literally a mile or less away. The highway access is also about a mile away. Beverly Hills Estates is located at the northern tip of the Castle Rock area so commuting to Denver and the Denver Tech Center is easy, especially since the speed limit is 75 miles an hour on this stretch of highway. It is also close to a park and ride location, and about 5 miles from the light rail.

Drawbacks
Because the area is so close to the highway, some houses have highway noise. The amount varies but the mature landscaping helps buffer the sound.

Pictures above:
Scrub oak, native to South West Douglas County, provides ample privacy in summer and because the branches are so dense, they even offer privacy in winter.

Many homes offer expansive views of the Front Range mountains.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

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Yoga, Pilates, Exercise Teachers Can Expand in Castle Rock

Finding affordable retail space in Castle Rock can be a challenge. Finding something with the proper zoning and easy highway access as well as flexible rent that allows businesses to grow without too much overhead seems almost too much to ask for.

Yet, that is exactly what Castle Rock AIKIDO, a martial arts school for adults, is offering. After about 15 months in business, Castle Rock AIKIDO was able to purchase their own facility. They offer classes for adults during the weekday evenings (beginning at 7 PM) and the rest of the time the 2,500 square foot facility remains vacant.

With 2 changing rooms, 2 bathrooms, a Zen-like lobby, 2,000 square feet of high quality mats, and 14 foot ceilings, this facility is a perfect place for exercise businesses to expand into Castle Rock.

About Castle Rock, Colorado

Castle Rock is a growing community of 42,000 residents and businesses easily draw from south Denver metro to the north, northern Colorado Springs to the south, Parker to the east, and Sedalia and Highlands Ranch to the west.

Facility Features:
Nearly 2000 sq feet of unobstructed, matted floor space;
14 foot ceilings;
Rent based on hours and times usage;
Morning, day, evening and weekend times available;
Single event use available;
Quarterly "Business Growth" marketing meetings with landlord;
Easy highway access - I 25 at exit 181 (Castle Rock;
Plenty of parking;
Zoned B2 Retail;
Women's & men's changing rooms;
Clean, tranquil Japanese decor.

Sorry, NO KIDS CLASSES. The facility is not conducive to hold children's classes. Classes are exclusively for adults.

Visit: http://www.craikido.com/RentCastleRockRetailSpaceAffordable.html to view calendar of availability.

*****

Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado
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Free, Easy Way to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft: One Day Event

Do you have a lot of documents to shred? Are you dreading this shredding?

Shred-A-Thon event in Douglas County
Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Warning: Don't sleep in on Saturday, this event closes at Noon.

They are open from 7 AM to 12 PM

Do you have a large box of personal documents that need to be shred? Are you putting off hours in front of your shredder, afraid of jamming it up over and over?

Bring up to 3 boxes of private papers to the Shred-a-Thon at the Douglas County Justice Center parking lot of November 15th and they will take care of that dreaded job for you.

This event benefits the local Crime Stoppers program and is the county government's attempt to help Douglas County citizens protect themselves from identity theft. Donations are accepted for this service.

Many of you may have heard that Colorado is a leading state in identity theft crimes. In addition to keeping your car registration and proof of insurance with you in your wallet instead of in your car where thieves can easily break in an steal it; another way to help protect yourself against identity theft is to shred your personal documents. Check stubs, prescription labels, credit card offers, and old bills are loaded with personal information that thieves use to create a new identity for themselves - based on your identity.

It is easy to take advantage of this shred-a-thon. For more information, please visit: http://www.douglas.co.us/Shred-a-thon/

To get directions to the Douglas County Justice Center, click here.

SPECIAL REPORT: Douglas County Sheriff's Department put together a FREE 52 page online book about identity theft. This book covers how to protect yourself and what steps you should take if you think you are a victim of identity theft. Click here to access your free identity theft book. This booklet, entitled "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft" is a great resource.

The Shred-a-Thon is your chance to not only clean out your garage, basement, or study, but to also "Green" up your life by recycling these documents in a safe way.

They are also accepting small electronics such as computers, fax machines, and cell phones. Click here for a complete list of acceptable electronics.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest:
Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

Is South West Douglas County, Colorado Right for You? Take this 10 Question Quiz.

Picking the right place to live is a great challenge. How will the move impact your commute to work? Your children's education? Your access to fun activities? The conveniences of shopping?

Question 1:
Are you looking for quick access to the foothills?

Question 2:
Do you work in the southern Denver Tech Center area or Northern Colorado Springs or telecommute?

Question 3:
Do you want your kids to have easy access to sports activities?

Question 4:
Do you wish your kids could play safely in the neighborhood like you did when you were a kid?

Question 5:
Do you want quick, easy access to major shopping chains for your weekend shopping needs?

Question 6:
Are you looking for an area with a lot of affordable restaurants?

Question 7:
Do you dislike traffic jams?

Question 8:
Do you feel better when you can see the mountains and have quick access to numerous hikes and parks?

Question 9:
Do you enjoy having conversations with cashiers, waitresses, and other service people who are helping you?

Question 10:
Do you want to open a business in a community that is growing but is still small enough to become established?

If you answered "yes" to 6 or more of these questions then I think you will find South West Douglas County an excellent place to live.

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Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

Easy Traffic Makes Castle Rock a Great Place to Live

Denver, Houston, and Los Angeles are known for their sprawling suburbs. The downtown center blends almost seamlessly into the surrounding suburbs. While Denver's relatively mild climate, plethora of sporting events, and gorgeous mountains encourage people to move to the Denver metro area all the time, this flux of people leads to sprawling suburbs.

Denver has become one large city with the extension almost constant along the I-25 corridor from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. While many people still love Fort Collins and Colorado Springs and chose to settle there, they quickly find that the traffic is a complete hassle. The problem with both these cities is that there aren't quick by-pass roads that help alleviate congestion. Castle Rock residents; however, enjoy a great road system and less traffic congestion.

It is true, Castle Rock is smaller than Fort Collins and Colorado Springs but it is well positioned for growth. Currently there are three main exits for Castle Rock. The northern most exit, Founders and Meadows Parkway leads to housing subdivisions, the outlet shopping mall, and other shopping and dining. A helpful side note, gas is most expensive on this end of town. Gas prices can be as much as 12 cents higher on this north exit.

The center exit, Wolfensberger, is the portal to downtown Castle Rock with more homes, antique shopping, bars, and some of the best dining in Castle Rock including Sienna, Angies, and the new restaurant, Unisali. Gas prices are at the medium range in this center exit.

The southern most exit, Plum Creek Parkway boasts the cheapest gas in the south Denver metro area. Be sure to fill up if you are in the area; however, some of the gas stations nearest the exit are a bit strange. The gas station closest to the highway, which is very popular with the locals, does not have auto pay at the pump. You have to pay the old fashioned way and talk to the friendly clerk at the window. The gas station directly across the street has bio fuel and offers the same price, but driver beware. The station does not have enough space for cars to fuel up and pull out of the facility which can mean you end up getting trapped in the lot and can't move your car until someone in front of you has finished fueling up.

The Plum Creek exit also has some dining but it is mostly an entrance to doctors offices, more housing subdivisions, the Douglas County Event Center, and the southern entrance to downtown Castle Rock. One caution to note, this exit is undergoing nearby construction as they extend another by-pass road (Coachline) which originates in the housing community called The Meadows. This by-pass is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

Drivers in Castle Rock can easily travel from one end of the town to the other using the interstate, I-25 or two by-pass networks on the east and west side of the highway. I am very impressed with whomever was in charge of road development for Castle Rock because the town has been able to process its explosive growth and accommodate new driving residents without detracting from the quality of life.

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Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

Vote, Vote, Vote in Douglas County

Tuesday is the big day. The final release from negative ad campaigning and the chance to participate in the historic election.

Are you looking for voting locations in South West Douglas County, Colorado? If so, click here.

Did you lose your 2008 State Ballot handbook?

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest:
Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado