Hi Highlands Ranch,
We’re set to get a little more rain this week — and honestly, we need it.
Big picture, this week feels a little bit like of preview of what comes next in the Ranch.
In this week’s Scoop:
🗓 New: May Free Days Guide — worth bookmarking
🧭 Core Four resource guide — 7 local links worth having
🌳 Scoop Brief — parks + the Mansion’s next chapter with 197 acres
🎁 $500 giveaway from Onus IV
In 2012, the Highlands Ranch Mansion became publicly owned. Now what feels like a second chapter may be taking shape, with 197 acres expected to be added to the historic park — and the Highlands Ranch Metro District wants residents’ input on what that could become.
One more thing: we heard Onus IV was reopening and decided to try it. Full honesty — at first I thought “IV” was Roman numeral four.
Turns out there’s a lot more to it. To celebrate the reopening, we’re teaming up on a $500 gift card giveaway. Reply to this email, and we’ll add your name—or enter through our Instagram or Facebook post.
Let’s do this thing.
Highlands Ranch Mansion Photo by Melissa Greenberg Cannon (@canonbycannon)
🌿Weekend Outing Ideas
Community Garage Sale – Highlands Ranch Community Association
🗓️ Saturday, May 2 (All day)
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More than 100 participating households are expected, with a virtual map to help plan your stops. Part practical errand, part treasure hunt.
Free Concert with Highlands Ranch Concert Band – Rock Canyon High School
🗓️ Sunday, May 3 (3pm)
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Celebrate 25 years of the Highlands Ranch Concert Band with a free community concert featuring favorites from past performances plus special guest musicians. A unique local outing for a Sunday afternoon.
20th Anniversary Geek Elite Trivia Meet – Max Taps
🗓️ Saturday, May 2 (6pm)
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Max Taps is hosting a special 20th anniversary trivia showdown — cash prizes, teams up to six, and spots are limited. Great one for the competitive friend group. Sign up through link on Facebook.
Free Sheep to Shawl – Littleton Museum
🗓️ Saturday, May 2 (10-3pm)
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See wool transformed from fleece to finished goods through sheep shearing and hands-on demonstrations, plus a wool-themed obstacle course for kids. Free and a fun all-ages pick with a little old-school charm.
An Evening with Bestselling Author Alka Joshi – Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Friday, May 1 (7–9pm)
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Spend an evening with New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi discussing her new novel Six Days in Bombay. Includes a book signing plus coffee, tea and light bites.
🌳Park of the Week
Kistler Park (7/26)
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A classic neighborhood park—playground, sports fields, mature shade and an easy go-to for getting outside.
If you caught this week’s clue on the park name—Kistler was the answer: He helped shape the Ranch. Built a fortune. Lost much of it in the Great Depression.
➜Curious about the full story? We linked a quick history note from the Mansion.
🌲26 Park Challenge: Visit all 26 with us over the next 26 weeks—join anytime. You don’t even have to go in any particular order. It’s not that strict.
☁️🤔Park Giveaway: Guess the park correctly on Instagram, Facebook or email. Increase your chances of winning a Colorado getaway.
🍽️Restaurants — Cinco de Mayo Picks
Los Dos Potrillos
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A Highlands Ranch staple for Cinco weekend. Family-owned by founder Jose Ramirez, who opened the first location in 2002 with just $5.18 left in his bank account. Come for the margaritas and real Mexican food, stay for one of the better local origin stories around.
Sazón – Lone Tree
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A little east of the Ranch, Sazón does elevated modern Mexican with standout margaritas and chef-driven plates. Bonus: $2 Taco Tuesdays on a specific taco. Kids meals are $7 daily kids meals, and we spotted a promo on their site. Worth the short drive.
📰Early Next Week & Looking Ahead
Mat Movement Pilates – Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Monday, May 4 (2-3pm)
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A 55-minute mat Pilates class blending mindful movement, breathwork and core work, led by A Fine Balance Pilates. Good intro class if you’ve been curious about Pilates—no equipment needed. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Guided Rox Ride Tours Return Soon– Roxborough State Park
🗓️ Mid May - September
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Want to see Roxborough State Park’s red-rock formations but not up for the trails? These naturalist-led electric golf cart tours offer a scenic, accessible way to experience the park. Mondays and Fridays with registration required. Free with the purchase of park pass.
📬 Before You Go
Thank you for being part of this growing community! It has been a blast connecting with you through this newsletter.
Thankful for recent rain. Final Reminders:
🔥Stage 1 fire + 💧Stage 1 drought restrictions in effect
🧺Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday
If you’re enjoying this, share it with a friend or neighbor—it helps more than you know. If I missed something or you have a suggestion, just reply—I’d love to hear from you.
For now, that’s the Scoop, y’all. Have a great weekend!
— Grace
Editor, The Ranch Scoop