We continue to be spoiled with new openings here in Douglas County, but Parker especially has taken the crown with all of the recent openings, plus they have more in the works. I’m excited to get into one coming up this weekend in today’s issue.

Oh, and Highlands Ranch Farmers Market starts up this Sunday. Runs 10am-2pm.

Ladies’ Night Out is filling up — our DougCo Social Ladies' Night Out on April 10 at COFF33 is out of early bird tickets, so if you want to make sure you reserve your spot, do so before they’re gone!

Grab your tickets here.

If you've ever made the drive to Legends Coffee in Aurora, you know. It's one of those neighborhood spots that just gets it — great coffee, great food, and owners who actually want to know your name. And the results show — they've built quite the following over there.

Now they're opening a second location on Mainstreet in Parker.

I stopped by earlier this week to meet the owners, Jake and Tabitha, and check out the space before they open.

They've been waiting for this moment for a while. They used to live in Parker, and when they started thinking about a second location, they wanted to stay within 10 miles of Aurora. They've been looking for the right spot for six or seven years.

They found it in 2023 — a space on Mainstreet in a new building where they got to design the interior from scratch. They worked with an architect to build it out exactly how they wanted. It's been a labor of love ever since.

The Space

Their Aurora location is darker. This one is brighter with a ton of natural light. They described the vibe as "beach boho" or "desert boho" — I had no idea what either of those meant, but it sounded really cool and modern, and it looked great. There's this incredible mural of an African Willow tree on the wall. When I asked about it, Jake explained that the tree represents shelter — and even though its roots grow out wild and mangled in every direction, that's exactly how they imagine loving people and planting roots in the community.

Open floor plan. And there's this one couch area they told me to try now, because "there's no way it's ever going to be open again."

The Story

Legends started at the Southlands Farmers Market in 2014. They went brick-and-mortar in 2016 — and they're actually celebrating their 10-year anniversary at the Aurora location in the next week or so.

The name wasn't always Legends. They started as Boomtown, but changed it after about a year. The name stuck because, as they put it, the greatest stories are told over coffee. The name is a nod to the people who come in, grab a cup, and share their stories. They are the legends.

Since they basically just told me I could become one, I asked if they could pour me a latte. Officially the first unofficial latte they've ever made there. My self-importance is still fully intact…

What to Order

I also asked them what some of the best sellers were, food-wise. Jake instantly said "Jake's Special" — then claimed he was being unbiased. After I gave him a hard time, he admitted the cooks named it after him because he ordered it so much. It wasn't his idea. It's ciabatta, sausage, seasoned egg, pepper jack, chipotle aioli, jalapeño coins, and greens.

The other must-order: the Loaded Avocado Toast.

They're changing up the seasonal drink menu, but one thing that'll be a staple at this location is the Honey Coast — a honey coconut drink. Pastries are made in house. Breakfast runs until noon, other food until 6pm.

Running It Together

The conversation was going great...until I asked how running the business as a couple works. There was an extended silence. Then a laugh. Then the gloves came off. (Just kidding.)

"It's mostly good."

They're two completely different people — one's the dreamer, one's the realist. (I'll let you guess who's who.)

They've got four kids and a farm they're running too. Tabitha said it's actually great working with someone who knows everything going on outside of the business — they're there to lift each other up when they need it. Coffee is their platform to love on people — and doing it together makes it that much better.

What to Expect

Their goal is simple: be a great neighborhood coffee shop. That's why they love this location and this building. Their favorite thing is hearing people's stories — and they'll be in here a lot. These are not sideline owners.

Grand opening is Saturday, 6am–6pm. They've got plenty of die-hards and Parker locals who already make the drive to Southlands — now they don't have to. I'd get there early. Race you to the couch…

The Details

Grand opening: Saturday, April 4
Hours: Mon–Sat, 6am–6pm
Address: 17124 Mainstreet, Parker, CO 80134
Website: legendscoffeeco.com
Instagram: @legendscoffee

They also have a mobile coffee cart for private events — weddings, work events, fundraisers, you name it. Reach out through their site if you're interested.

Check out more photos on our Instagram here.

Most people don't think of home care and immediately think "great benefits." Comfort Keepers might change your mind.

They match your charitable donations dollar for dollar. They help cover part of your gym membership. They'll pay up to $1,500 toward your CNA certification. And once a year, they take a team to Mexico to build homes through Mission Ministries — grab your passport, expenses are covered.

That's on top of 50% employer-paid health insurance (30+ hrs/wk), a 401(k) with employer match after meeting eligibility requirements, and free counseling sessions.

If you're looking for work that gives back as much as you put in — this is it.

See what it’s like to work with Comfort Keepers

Local jobs and opportunities across Douglas County.

If you’re hiring, reach out at [email protected] for a free posting.

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.

DCD readers can use code CREW10 for 10% off tickets.

Learn more

Music & Concerts
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - Jeffrey Alan Band Live - Thu 4/2, 6pm
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - Jason Wulf Band Live - Thu 4/2, 7:30pm
PACE Center (Parker) - Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock 'n Roll - Thu 4/2, 7:30pm
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Rowdy Brass Band Live - Fri 4/3, 3pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Friday Vibes Live Music - Fri 4/3, 5:30pm
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - Tripping Griswolds Live - Fri 4/3, 6pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery (Castle Rock) - Josh Blackburn Live - Fri 4/3, 6pm
Wide Open Saloon (Sedalia) - Walker Williams Live - Fri 4/3, 7pm
Max Taps (Highlands Ranch) - Dueling Pianos Official Road Show - Fri 4/3, 7:30pm
PACE Center (Parker) - Friday Night Jazz: Django Jingles - Fri 4/3, 7:30pm
Takoda Tavern (Parker) - Orchard Road Live - Fri 4/3, 7:30pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Wags and the Boys - Fri 4/3, 7:30pm
Sinners and Saints (Castle Rock) - Jordan Yewey Live at the Altar - Fri 4/3, 8pm
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - The Grind 5280 Live - Fri 4/3, 8:30pm
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Giant Zero Live - Sat 4/4, 6:30pm
Wide Open Saloon (Sedalia) - Missconduct Live - Sat 4/4, 7pm
Takoda Tavern (Parker) - Jim Hyatt Band Live - Sat 4/4, 7:30pm
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - The Grind 5280 Live - Sat 4/4, 8:30pm

Family
PACE Center (Parker) - Family Discovery Series: Denver Kid Magic - Sat 4/4, 10am
PACE Center (Parker) - Relaxed Atmosphere Performance: Denver Kid Magic - Sat 4/4, 12pm (sensory-friendly)

Food & Drink
Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Sedalia) - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - Thu 4/2, Fri 4/3, Sat 4/4, 1pm
COFF33 (Castle Rock) - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - Fri 4/3 & Sat 4/4, 5pm
COFF33 (Castle Rock) - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - Fri 4/3 & Sat 4/4, 7pm
Lone Tree Arts Center - Steel Magnolias Southern Decadence Luncheon - Tue 4/7, 11am

Arts & Culture
Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Sedalia) - Castle Tour - Thu 4/2, Fri 4/3, Sat 4/4, 10am
PACE Center (Parker) - Member Event: Birds and Brushes - Thu 4/2, 6pm (members only)
Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Sedalia) - A 1950's Sock Hop Gone Sour - Murder Mystery - Sat 4/4, 6pm
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Pints & Pours Paint Night - Tue 4/7, 6:30pm

Nightlife & Entertainment
Crowfoot Valley Coffee (Castle Rock) - Trivia Night - Thu 4/2, 6pm
Wide Awake Eatery (Castle Rock) - Dueling Pianos - Thu 4/2, 6pm
Wide Open Saloon (Sedalia) - Country Line Dancing - Thu 4/2, 6pm
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Trivia Night - Thu 4/2, 6pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Studio Trivia & Music Bingo - Thu 4/2, 6pm
Max Taps (Highlands Ranch) - Poker Night - Thu 4/2, 7pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Optimus Karaoke - Thu 4/2, 8pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill (Castle Rock) - Karaoke - Thu 4/2, 9pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Extreme Bar Bingo - Sat 4/4, 12pm
The Studio @ Mainstreet (Parker) - Rion Evans Presents Game Show - Sat 4/4, 5pm
PACE Center (Parker) - The Comedy Zone April - Sat 4/4, 7:30pm (18+)
Sinners and Saints (Castle Rock) - DJ Max in the Lounge - Sat 4/4, 9pm
Alidade Brewing (Castle Rock) - 80's Trivia Night - Tue 4/7, 6pm
Takoda Tavern (Parker) - Trivia Night - Tue 4/7, 6pm
Max Taps (Highlands Ranch) - Trivia Night - Tue 4/7, 7pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing (Castle Rock) - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - Tue 4/7, 7pm
Alidade Brewing (Castle Rock) - Music Bingo - Wed 4/8, 6pm
Max Taps (Highlands Ranch) - Dart League - Wed 4/8, 6:30pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill (Castle Rock) - DJ Trivia - Wed 4/8, 7pm
Tailgate Tavern (Parker) - Karaoke with Avery - Wed 4/8, 7pm

Community
Takoda Tavern (Parker) - Thursday Bike Night - Thu 4/2, 6pm
Teaology Tea Cafe (Castle Rock) - Yoga with Karen - Sat 4/4, 9:30am
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Trails n' Ales Run Club - Mon 4/6, 6pm
105 West Brewing (Castle Rock) - Trails n' Ales Mountain Bike Club - Wed 4/8, 6pm

On the horizon
PACE Center (Parker) - Los Lonely Boys - Wed 4/15, 7:30pm
PACE Center (Parker) - Peter Antoniou (Mind Reader + Comedy) - Sun 4/12, 2pm
DougCo Social Dinner Club - Parker Dinner Club - Wed 4/15, 6:30pm

Need more events? Check out https://dougcoevents.com

Douglas County Commissioners Approve KT Development Contract for Zebulon Sports Complex
TLDR: Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the development contract with KT Development for the already-approved Zebulon Regional Sports Complex. Phase one includes three NHL-sized ice rinks, eight multi-sport courts, a turf dome with removable roof, a 15,000 sq ft fitness center, restaurants, and baseball/softball fields. KT Development will build and operate it — designed to pay for itself through revenue, no tax increase.

Free Rideshare Service 'Link On Demand' Expands to Parker
TLDR: Starting April 8, Parker residents can use the free Link On Demand rideshare to travel between Parker, Lone Tree, and Highlands Ranch. The service area includes downtown Parker, Crown Point, and AdventHealth Parker. Book rides through the Via app or by phone — great for medical appointments, work, or getting around without a car.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir Opens for Water Recreation
TLDR: Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are back on the water at Rueter-Hess. Open Fridays through Mondays, 8am–6pm through October. Parking reservations required. Rentals available starting late May. Note: Some trails are closed March 30–April 1 for maintenance.

Highlands Ranch Wants Your Input on New Civic Green Playground
TLDR: The Metro District is planning a new playground at Civic Green Park and wants community feedback. Take the online survey to share your ideas on what features you'd like to see.

Wildfire Mitigation Cost-Share Program Returns
TLDR: Douglas County will split the cost of wildfire mitigation work on your property in 2026. With how dry it's been, now's the time to clear defensible space around your home. Apply through the County's program.

Older Adult Health & Resource Expo in Highlands Ranch
TLDR: Adults 55+ and care partners can check out 40+ vendors at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center on Thursday, April 9 from 1-4pm. Free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, balance, oral cancer), plus resources for legal, financial, Medicare, moving services, and more. Free admission, no registration required.

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