Things to do in Southeast Aurora!

Real estate in the Denver Metro area is booming!  One area that has become very popular is Southeast Aurora.  Here are a few amazing amenities you can take advantage of if you live in the area - in no particular order!

Southlands Mall 

Southlands is a regional shopping mall located in Aurora, Colorado. The shopping center is located at the intersection of Smoky Hill Road and the E-470 tollway.  Based on retail floor space, Southlands is the largest non-enclosed mall in the United States. It opened in 2005, featuring a unique design incorporating a "Main Street" of shops and smaller eateries, surrounded by larger stores near the perimeter of the center.  The mall features and eat-in movie theater, countless popular restaurants, it hosts a farmer’s market in the summer as well as concerts and community events throughout the year. Don’t miss the annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street and pictures with Santa each December!

Aurora Reservoir

Aurora’s best kept secret - that’s not so secret anymore!  Located just east of the Quincy road and Gun club road intersection, the reservoir features a swim beach open seasonally, boat dock, 8.5 mile jogging/biking trail, designated SCUBA diving beach/area in water, and many opportunities for fishermen.  The reservoir also hosts a number of community events throughout the year including triathalons, sailing camps, and other local functions.   

Plains Conservation Center

Take a trip back in time to Colorado’s high plains and pioneer life in the mid-1800s. The Plains Conservation Center is a true-to-life homestead stretching across 1,100 acres of dedicated open space located at 21901 E Hampden Ave. Visit the nature center to pick up a map before you head out on the trails and learn the history of the site. Visitors can hike along rolling trails and may see rattle snakes, prairie dogs, pronghorn, coyotes and red-tailed hawks. Those who are especially lucky may catch a glimpse of the resident bald eagle family.  The Plains Conservation Center is also home to a variety of farm animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and turkeys. In addition, you can choose to enjoy a prairie wagon tour or the cultural history tour, for a small fee.  

Great Plains Park

Located at 20100 E. Jewell Ave, Great Plains Park features an outdoor water spray-ground, as well as a playground, picnic shelters with tables, softball diamond, sports field, half court basketball court, fitness stations, and walking paths. A concrete trail connects the park to the Powerline Trail and the Conservatory West Trail.  A GREAT, fun place to stay cool in the summer!

Movie Tavern

Located on the northeast corner of Hampden and Tower roads, Movie Tavern is a Southeast Aurora favorite!  The Tavern features comfy leather recliners and serves your meal at your theater seat, while you enjoy your movie!   They offer a variety of menu items, appetizers, desserts and adult beverages - reasonably priced.  Movie tickets are also less expensive then most of its bigger competitors (AMC and Regal).  A fun experience for the whole family! 

Grandview Dog Park 

A visit to the Grandview Dog Park is a special treat for everyone, not just your dog. With more than five acres to run and play, taking your best friend along for fresh air and exercise is a joy. Grandview Dog Park is located next to Quincy Reservoir at 17500 E. Quincy Ave. The dog park is open dawn to dusk.

Features

•Drinking water for dogs (seasonally)

•Separate small dog area

•Bag stations and trash collection cans

•Entry and exit gates

Blackstone Country Club

The championship golf course at Blackstone Country Club boasts 7,313 yards of breathtaking play framed by the distinguished Rocky Mountains to the West. An impressive structure of 35,000 square-feet, the Clubhouse at Blackstone Country Club provides its Members a social gathering place for family and friends. The English Tudor inspired building is home to an elegantly-styled restaurant, The Coventry, pro shop and locker rooms, as well as banquet and meeting facilities. At Blackstone, Members will experience a new standard of exceptional club design and attentive personal service as they enjoy tennis, swimming, dining, working out and an abundance of Member activities.

Of course these are just a few highlights - being on the edge of the metro area comes with a lot of perks - the views from certain points can be amazing - especially at sunset!  The area is included in the award winning Chery Creek School District, the traffic isn’t as busy - most of the time… and the neighbors are pretty great!  

If you have a suggestion for my next highlighted city, or for any blog post,  please add a comment below!