Cranelli’s: Bringing Italian Hospitality and Scratch Cooking to Lone Tree

May 30, 2025

The weather is cooperating, and this truly feels like the official start of summer! First up, Kilwins in Parker absolutely dominated the Best Ice Cream Poll, so we’ll definitely have to check it out with the kids this summer. In this issue, we highlight a popular recommendation from new members for the best restaurant: Cranelli’s in Lone Tree. We also take a fascinating look back at old-time Parker and the first railroad to come through Douglas County. Plus, we share a roundup of weekend activities across DougCo and beyond to keep you busy!

In today’s DougCo Download:

• Discover Cranelli’s: Authentic Italian Hospitality in Lone Tree

• The “Pollywog” and Douglas County’s First Railroad

• Gift Card Giveaway ends Sunday!

• Music, Markets, and more this weekend!

Let’s get into it.

Foodie Friday

Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant: A Taste of Family in Lone Tree

Cranelli’s has been a common “favorite restaurant” answer from new members to the newsletter. Owned and operated by Jimmy and Lasinda Crane since 2013, this cozy eatery embodies the essence of Italian hospitality. Jimmy, originally from Chicago, brings his Italian heritage to the forefront, crafting dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. Lasinda, with her German roots, complements the team with her dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The menu boasts a variety of traditional Italian dishes, many of which are gluten-free (which I truly appreciate having Celiac!). Notable offerings include the Tomato Basil Pasta, Chicken Marsala with prosciutto and asparagus, and the ever-popular lasagna layered with ricotta, beef, pork, and a house-made béchamel sauce. Guests are greeted with complimentary garlic knots on their first visit, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.

Cranelli’s commitment to quality is evident in their 98% scratch-made kitchen, sourcing locally whenever possible. The restaurant features a 54-seat dining room and a covered patio that accommodates up to 30 guests, depending on the weather. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity. For those preferring to dine at home, Cranelli’s offers takeout, delivery, and catering services.

Beyond the food, it's the genuine care and community spirit that make Cranelli’s a beloved local gem. As Lasinda aptly puts it, “You know we take care of you here.” Truly awesome dining experience right in the middle of Douglas County!

📍 10047 Park Meadows Dr Unit F, Lone Tree | cranellis.com

DougCo Through the Years

Denver & New Orleans Railroad: Douglas County’s First Standard Gauge Line

The Denver and New Orleans Railroad holds the distinction of being the first standard gauge railroad to cross Douglas County, originally running between Denver and Pueblo. Its inaugural train was affectionately nicknamed the “Pollywog.”

At its peak, the line operated 10 locomotives, 13 passenger cars, and 200 freight cars. Over time, it became part of the Colorado and Southern Railroad through a series of reorganizations and financial setbacks. Service began to decline after 1913, with dismantling starting in 1917. By 1935, operations had ceased entirely following a major flood that destroyed many of the trestles.

Before the railroad era, the Parker area was served by the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stage line, with notable stops at Sulphur Creek Station (near present-day Hilltop Road) and the historic 20 Mile House. More cool historical facts at Parker.org.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

This Giveaway ends Sunday, June 1 at noon MST.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

• Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues

• Connect with our social accounts and submit your newsletter subscriber email to a a form I have posted on our instagram and facebook account!

All of these will count as individual submissions. And make sure the emails you submit on Facebook and Instagram forms are the same that are signed up here because this giveaway is just meant as a benefit to subscribers, not social media treasure hunters so any non subscriber emails submissions will not count.

Our Social Accounts: Instagram I Facebook

@DougCoDownload

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Tag @DougCoDownload to get your photos in the Download!

Local Events This Weekend

This section includes only the major events happening soon. We will feature the events for next week in the Monday Issue. But first, let’s do the weekend right.

Family Fun

Rock the Mountain at the Outlets at Castle Rock
📅 Friday, May 23 | 🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Family Fun Fridays)
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock – East 4th Street Courtyard (next to H&M)

Enjoy free kid-friendly activities from 12–2 PM. Fun for all ages!

SUMMER KICKOFF
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕗 8:30–11:00 AM I $10 Tickets
📍 Backcountry Base Camp, Littleton

Pancakes, pony rides, bounce house, live animals & more! Fun for the whole family—benefits the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

PETER PAN THE BALLET
📅 Sat–Sun, May 31–June 1 | 🕑 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM I $24-$39 Tickets
📍 PACE Center, Parker

Colorado School of Dance brings Peter Pan to life in a magical ballet filled with flying, pixie dust, and adventure.

🎶 D’Lovelies
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock
💲 Free

Live music, shopping, and summer vibes! Part of the Rock the Mountain series.
👉 More info

Parker Sunday Market
📅 Sun, June 1 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 19565 Mainstreet, Parker, CO

Start your Sunday at Parker’s busiest market with 100+ vendors offering local produce, meats, dairy, food trucks, art, and more. Open weekly from Mother’s Day through Halloween.

YOGA IN THE PARK
📅 Sun, Jun 1 | 🕣 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock

Enjoy a free outdoor yoga class that connects you with nature and your breath. No registration required, but recommended for weather updates.

Festival Park Farmers Market
📅 Sun, June 1 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock, CO
💲 Free Admission

Browse local fare with nearly 40 vendors offering fresh produce, locally raised meats, farm eggs, baked goods, and artisan products. Support local farmers and enjoy community vibes every Sunday through mid-October.

Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market
📅 Sun, June 1 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Town Center

Celebrate Colorado’s harvest with fresh produce, local goods, and farm-to-table flavors. Meet local farmers and enjoy food and community every Sunday through October 26.

🎶 Rya Peck
📅 Sun, June 1 | 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock
💲 Free

Live music, shopping, and summer vibes! Part of the Rock the Mountain series.
👉 More info

Adult Events

Parker Wine Walk
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕟 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 Downtown Parker | 💵 $25

Sip, stroll, and shop during the first Wine Walk of the season! Enjoy wine tastings while supporting local businesses. Tickets: ParkerWineWalk.com 🍷🛍️

🎶 Lucky Catch
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

Kick off your weekend with live tunes, cold bier, and great vibes!

Murder Mystery: Till Death Do Us Part
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Cherokee Ranch & Castle, Sedalia
💵 $84.95 (includes fees)

A wedding goes wildly off script when murder crashes the party! Help solve the mystery in this hilarious whodunnit. Costumes encouraged—wedding dresses and outrageous attire welcome!

🎶 Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Fri, May 30 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Rock, CO

Catch Kenny Perkins live every Friday at 6 PM!

🎶 Funk It Up Band
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕖 7:00–10:30 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia
💵 $5 Cover

Get ready to dance! This high-energy 7-piece band brings the funk with hits from Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, and more.

🎶 MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Giant Zero
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Sinners & Saints, Castle Rock

Join us for Giant Zero’s live show at The Altar — an intimate Friday night music experience.

HIGHLANDS RANCH BEER FESTIVAL
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕑 2:00–5:00 PM I GA $40 | VIP $55 | 21+ only (ID required)
📍 Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch

Sample craft beer, cider & seltzers, enjoy live music, food trucks, and support local student scholarships!

🎶 Blue 88's
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕓 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

Kick back with cold brews and live blues-rock from the Blue 88’s on the patio!

🎶 Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Sat, May 31 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Rock, CO

Catch Kenny Perkins live every Saturday at 6 PM!

🎶 Sarah P and the Dirty Logger
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕡 6:30–10:30 PM
📍 105 West Brewing Co., Castle Rock

Enjoy a lively evening of brews and tunes with Sarah P and the Dirty Logger!

MUSIC BINGO at Lone Tree Brewing (Parker)
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Join Lone Tree Brewing and Good Thomas' Entertainment for a fun night of music bingo—listen, mark your card, and win prizes!

🎶 Van Zeppelin – LED ZEPPELIN & VAN HALEN TRIBUTE
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕖 7:00–10:30 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

$10 Cover — Rock out to classic hits from two legendary bands!

FREE COMEDY SHOW (21+ ONLY)
📅 Sat, May 31 | 🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Max Taps Co., Highlands Ranch

Laugh out loud with a night of adult-only stand-up comedy — no cover!

🎶 Emelise
📅 Sun, Jun 1 | 🕚 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Catch Denver’s rising folk-rock/Americana star Emelise—an old soul with a powerful voice and inspiring story!

🎶 Zak Lombard
📅 Sun, Jun 1 | 🕝 2:30–5:30 PM
📍 105 West Brewing Co., Castle Rock

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with Zak Lombard’s live tunes and great brews!

🏙️Outside DougCo🏔️

🎶 OUTPOST at Larimer Square
📅 Fri, May 30 | 🕓 4:00–9:00 PM
📍 Larimer Square, Denver

Kick off your weekend outdoors with live music from The Reverend Shawn Amos, Strange Americans, and Martin Gilmore Trio. Enjoy craft drinks, pop-up bars, shops, bites, and family-friendly fun—all free!

Bars: Corridor 44, Emerald Eye, Garage Sale Vintage & more
Food: NADC Burger, Rioja, Send Flours Baking Co
Extras: Face painting by Favorite Face Paints

16TH STREET SUMMER KICKOFF
📅 Sat–Sun, May 31–Jun 1 | 🕚 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
📍 16th Street (between Market & Tremont), Downtown Denver

Downtown-wide free fun featuring:

• IFSC World Cup Speed Climbing competition

• Kids Adventure Zone with games & face painting

• 16th Street Grand Bazaar with local artisans

• Beer Garden with local brews & live music

• Watch USWNT vs. China at Skyline Beer Garden (May 31, 3:30 PM)

• Bonsai workshop (Jun 1, 12 PM)

Experience Olympic-style climbing, shop local, enjoy family fun, and sip brews all weekend long!

🎶 Blessing Bled Chimanga
📅 Sun, Jun 1 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 City Park Jazz, Denver

Experience the vibrant rhythms of Zimbabwe with internationally acclaimed marimba player, singer, and percussionist Blessing Chimanga. Known for his electrifying performances and cultural ambassadorship, Blessing blends African beats with captivating live energy. Don’t miss this soulful world music event!

Weather 

Friday, May 30: 78° / 48° 🌤 | 0% chance of precipitation | 💨 S 10–15 mph
Saturday, May 31: 76° / 50° 🌤 | 0% chance of precipitation | 💨 W 5–10 mph
Sunday, June 1: 84° / 54° 🌤 | 0% chance of precipitation | 💨 S 5–10 mph

Got a tip, event, or story? Share it with us!
We’re on the hunt for local favorites, upcoming events, and community stories to highlight. Whether it’s a hidden trail, a fun neighborhood gathering, or an adorable pet snap, we want to see it!

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