It’s fall, and if you’re dreaming of flannel shirts, crisp mornings, and cozy fires, we have a few fall decor ideas to help you celebrate this season in style. From autumn interior design tips to Do-It-Yourself projects fit for adults and kids, you’ll want to save this post for years to come.
Introduce Colors and Texture to Spruce Up Your Spaces
It’s time to break out the warm, earthy color palettes. Think rustic oranges, deep reds, and the various hues of brown brought by the falling leaves. These colors are perfect for a cozy fall aesthetic to welcome neighbors, friends, and family as we kick off the holidays (and football season).
Invest in textures this fall. Textural contrasts, like a heavy woolen throw against a smooth leather couch, can add warmth and depth to your interiors. Mix in cozy fabrics like velvet and fleece, perfect for those cool autumn nights. Feeling a little crafty? Check out HGTV’s 50 DIY Fall Wreath Ideas for inspiration.
Fall Holiday Decor – For Adults & Kids
Whether you like it or not, October can be called the official start of the holiday season. From Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, and Oktoberfest celebrations there’s always something being celebrated in October. If you have kids, you know it’s hard to keep little hands busy as the days get shorter. Try one of these fun (yet classy) fall decor crafts the next time your little get the bug for a craft project.
Pressed leaves: A classic fall craft that can be used to make homemade paint stamps. Take a walk through our many parks at Painted Prairie and pick up a few leaves to make a framed picture you can use every year.
Painted pinecones: A fun craft project that can be made with materials found anywhere in Colorado. They also are great for the winter holidays!
Repurposed containers: Fill old mason jars, glass vases, or wooden crates with small pumpkins, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or fall-colored flowers for an amazing centerpiece.
Want more ideas? Check out this article we found at Good Housekeeping. Lots of great ideas for pumpkin-themed crafts for kids.
Remember, the ideal home is not only about following the latest design trends. It’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and meets your lifestyle needs. We wish you all the best this season.
Get into the Prairie Harvest Fest spirit with our exclusive new Painted Prairie-only mocktails! Perfect for celebrating during Prairie Harvest Fest and all season long.
Our mocktail classes will run every 30 minutes from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on October 5th at High Prairie Park.
Here’s what you’ll be crafting in the class:
Midnight Mocktail Recipe
Feeling a little spooky? Then you’ll love the Midnight Mocktail, inspired by My Sweet Apetite’s recipe. This refreshingly dark drink uses blackberries for a sweet, tart blend that instantly puts you in a hauntingly good mood.
Equipment:
Cocktail Shaker with strainer
Jigger
Highball Glass
Ingredients:
5 blackberries
½ oz simple syrup
¾ oz lime juice
4 oz lemon-lime soda
Instructions:
Combine roughly 5 blackberries, simple syrup, lime juice, and ice in your cocktail shaker.
Shake thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
Top it off with chilled lemon-lime soda. If desired, garnish with blackberries or a lime wedge.
This recipe isn’t just convenient (you can use fresh or frozen berries), it’s also flexible. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of vodka or rum to your shaker, and adjust the lemon-lime soda accordingly to your cup size!
Apple Ginger Fizz Recipe
Looking for something with an apple-orchard-picking vibe? You’ll love our Apple Ginger Fizz, inspired by My Bartender’s recipe, and perfect for sipping under a cozy fall blanket.
Equipment:
Cocktail Shaker with strainer
Jigger
Highball Glass
Bar Spoon
Ingredients:
3 oz apple cider
1 oz lime juice
6 mint leaves
Pinch of powdered cinnamon
3 oz ginger ale
Instructions:
Combine the apple cider, lime juice, a pinch of cinnamon, and ice in a cocktail shaker.
Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma before adding them to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
Strain it into an ice-filled highball glass and top it up with ginger ale. Garnish with mint leaves, a dried cinnamon stick, or an apple slice, if desired.
With this drink, you can adjust the sweetness by choosing different types of apple cider – unfiltered or fresh-pressed cider will give you a richer flavor. If you like your spices, add a pinch of ground cloves. For those wanting an alcoholic kick in their drink, you can easily transform this into a cocktail. Simply add 1.5 oz of bourbon, rum, or caramel-flavored vodka to your shaker, and adjust the ginger ale accordingly to your cup size!
We’re super excited for you to join us at Prairie Harvest Fest and fall in love with the flavors of the season. Cheers!
This fall, Painted Prairie is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion with the addition of new model homes from world-class builders McStain Neighborhoods, Pulte Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, and Toll Brothers.
Where Will These New Models Be?
We’re so glad you asked! The new models will be located near the future intersection of 56th Ave. and N. Lisbon St., within the new Ruby and Violet Park Neighborhoods. Here, you can explore the stunning single-family and townhome collections showcased by Tri Pointe Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and Pulte Homes. Toll Brothers’ new models will be located in the future Town Center.
McStain Neighborhoods
McStain Neighborhoods is currently accepting pre-sale offers on its Parkway Collection. These solar-ready two-story townhomes offer energy savings, comfort, peace of mind, and stunning exteriors, and modern finishes for active lifestyles. To stay up-to-date on the latest from McStain at Painted Prairie, visit the website.As the fall season approaches, keep your eyes peeled for more updates regarding these new models and builders at Painted Prairie. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective homeowners to find their dream home in one of the best master-planned communities in Colorado! Sign up for our emails to be one of the first to know when these new models open.
Tri Pointe Homes
Tri Pointe Homes’ newest models are currently under construction at Painted Prairie just in time for the holidays. This collection promises to deliver modern and innovative housing designs that cater to the lifestyles of today’s homeowners. Information on pricing and floorplans coming soon. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated.
Pulte Homes
Pulte Homes’ new single-family homes at Painted Prairie will offer modern architecture with quality features already built in. This builder prides itself on ensuring new homes are pre-wired for connectivity and come with several smart home products and features. From doorbell cameras to convenient electric car charging stations, you have plenty of options for simple living. To learn more about Pulte Homes, visit the website.
Toll Brothers
Toll Brothers will begin building homes in the future Painted Prairie Town Center in late winter/early spring of 2025. For anyone wanting a more urban feel, these townhomes and rowhomes are the perfect fit for walkability and easy access to convenient amenities within the Town Center. To learn more about Toll Brothers, visit the website.
As the air gets a wee bit crisp and the autumn season approaches, Aurora is gearing up for a series of exciting events that will bring the community together to celebrate culture, food, fun, and creativity. Here’s a summary of the must-attend happenings for September and October 2024.
Nestled in the European-inspired town of Vail and taking place over two weekends in Lionshead Village and Vail Village, the Vail Oktoberfest brings an international audience together to celebrate an authentic Bavarian festival. Clad in dirndls and lederhosen, Vail Oktoberfest attendees prost, polka dance and eat all weekend long.
Open-Air Market at Painted Prairie • September 7 • High Prairie Park
Discover some of Denver’s best crafters at our Saturday market in High Prairie Park. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, crafts, and much more. Grab breakfast at our on-site food and coffee trucks, browse the market for unique finds, and enjoy a relaxing summer morning at Painted Prairie. (Food trucks available 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Indulge in a delightful evening featuring local wineries showcasing their best selections. Stroll through Southlands as you sip and savor exquisite wines paired with delicious bites from nearby restaurants.
Movie in the Park at Painted Prairie • September 13 • High Prairie Park
Bring your chairs and blankets to High Prairie Park and catch a two-fer featuring a couple of our favorite empowering icons. Encanto will start after sunset at 7 p.m., and Barbie will follow immediately after at 9 p.m. Come early starting at 6 p.m., and grab something to eat and drink from K’s Concessions and Mac ‘N Noodles food trucks!
The 28th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest, presented by Breckenridge Brewery, will blend cherished traditions with exclusive collectible steins and the distinct flavors of Breckenridge Brewery.
Celebrate Aurora’s rich agricultural heritage at the Agricultural Festival. Families can enjoy educational activities, live demonstrations, farm animals, and local produce, making it a perfect day out for everyone.
Explore creative expressions at Colfax Canvas, where local artists showcase their talent through murals and street art. This festival celebrates the arts with interactive installations and performances highlighting Aurora’s cultural diversity.
Join us in our kitchens (and all of the other rooms) for a tasty tour of Painted Prairie’s 11 delectable models. Sample free bites at each builder, explore all they have to offer, and experience the true flavor of our discovery meets diversity community.
A must for comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts! Aurora Mini-Con offers panels, vendors, cosplay contests, and guest appearances. Join fellow fans for a fantastic day filled with all things geeky.
Dive into the flavors of the world at the Havana Street Global Night Market! This lively event features a variety of international food stalls, local artisans, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect way to experience global cultures without leaving Aurora.
It’s our fifth year of celebrating all things fall at Painted Prairie. This year’s Prairie Harvest Fest is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet! Join in the fun with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, an open-air market, a ton of kids’ activities, and plenty of fun for adults and pets too!
Enter to win our Costume Contest and see if you will land some sweet prizes from the Gaylord of the Rockies. Don’t forget the food trucks are back bringing local favorite flavors from in and around Aurora. Prairie Harvest Fest is a perfect family outing to get you in the mood for fall family fun.
The 2nd annual Bluegrass Fest is a two-day family-friendly free event in the streets of Vail Village with food, drinks, kid activities, and all-day bluegrass music.
Treat Street • October 19 – 20 • Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
This family-friendly event is all about candy and fun! Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe environment, with a variety of booths and activities.
Combine the best of fall and Halloween in this fun-filled event packed with activities, games, and seasonal treats. Dress up in your favorite costume and join the celebration!
Families will love the wide array of activities at Fall Into Fun Festival, from arts and crafts to live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your autumn days!
Get ready for a spooktacular evening filled with costume contests, trick-or-treating, and festive activities. This event is perfect for family fun and getting into the Halloween spirit!
Missed it in September? Here’s another chance! The Havana Street Global Night Market returns for another round of global cuisine and cultural experiences.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the fun throughout Colorado this September and October! Whether you love food and culture or just want to enjoy a beautiful fall day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
While we continue to make progress on the future Town Center at Painted Prairie, we are excited to see the growth and addition of services, retail, businesses, and restaurants popping up nearby. Take a look at our ultimate guide to “What’s Around Painted Prairie?” below.
Groceries and More!
From large grocery store chains to small specialty markets, there’s no one-size-fits-all-way to shop for food and sundries near Painted Prairie. Here you will find independently-owned international markets like Lagos International Market and Sisters Mart, and bigger stores like Natural Grocers, King Soopers, and Costco. Check out our interactive Google Map for more information on grocery stores nearby.
International (and Domestic) Cuisine is Never Far Away
Aurora is well known for its diverse population. With this amazing blend of cultures comes an array of international cuisines unmatched in other parts of Colorado. With easy access to Downtown Aurora, Downtown Denver, and all the places in between, you don’t have to go far to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Head over to Danico Brewing for a beer with neighbors, dive into some delicious Chinese cuisine at Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings on Havana Street, or grab some dessert at Sweet Cow Ice Cream on Dallas Street. More restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill, breweries, and locally owned eateries are popping up all over Aurora. Take a look at this map to find everything from fast food to authentic Vietnamese pho around Painted Prairie.
Shop Til You Drop
Looking for a unique gift for someone special? Or is a caffeine-fueled Target run on your to-do list? Whatever type of retail therapy you’re looking for, Aurora has it. Take a stroll through The The Shops at Northfield for places like Bass Pro Shops, H&M, Lane Bryant, P.F. Chang’s, and Starbucks. For a unique shopping and dining experience, head over to Stanley Marketplace, where an eclectic collection of small shops and boutiques offers a unique shopping experience. A short drive to Havana Street offers a mix of dining, and retail stores like Monkey Paw Toys, Epic Mountain Gear, and K-Town Imports. Search for more retail options on our Google Map.
There’s a lot to do (and more coming) as our corner of Aurora grows. To learn more about the job growth and what the future holds for the Platinum Triangle, click here to read our blog post about what’s in store for Painted Prairie and our community.
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, our community came together for a day full of delicious food trucks, vibrant world music, and talented artists like face painters and caricature artists. Residents engaged in fun, crafty activities that highlighted the diversity and inclusivity of our neighborhood.
Take a peek at a few of our most cherished memories from our first-ever Painted Prairie Spirit Day. We’re thankful for the overwhelming support and participation from our community. See you all next year!
Did you know that Colorado boasts the second-largest aerospace economy in the United States, home to over 300 aerospace companies?
According to the Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC), the aerospace and defense sectors are pivotal drivers of our local and state economies. With five military commands and three Air Force bases—highlighted by Buckley Air Force Base—these facilities attract top talent and foster ancillary industries within Aurora.
Private companies specializing in aerospace, cybersecurity, and space missions have positioned our city as a premier destination for industry leaders nationwide, solidifying Colorado’s status as a leader in aerospace employment. With an easy commute (in some cases – less than 20 minutes) to the Buckley Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Port, and many local aerospace and defense companies, Painted Prairie is the perfect location for civilians and military personnel to make a home in our community.
From Air Defense to Space Tourism
Located approximately 10 miles from Painted Prairie, the U.S. Space Port is a key aerospace facility aiming to establish Colorado as a central hub for commercial space activities. Its mission includes supporting both government and private sector space missions, from satellite launches to potential space tourism ventures.
This initiative leverages Colorado’s robust aerospace infrastructure and expertise, complementing the state’s existing network of aerospace companies and research institutions.
Buckley Air Force Base and National Security
Buckley Air Force Base plays a crucial role in national defense as home to the 460th Space Wing, which oversees global missile warning and space surveillance systems. The base supports over 93,000 active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired personnel, along with their families. Its strategic location in Aurora and Colorado’s thriving aerospace community makes it a cornerstone for critical operations.
Economic Impact
Buckley Air Force Base alone employs over 12,000 personnel, stimulating local industries like healthcare, retail, housing, and education. The base’s contracts with local businesses further bolster the regional economy, extending its impact beyond direct employment.
Collaboration and Innovation
The Denver Metro area benefits from a highly educated workforce from local universities, specializing in aerospace, engineering, and technology. These institutions collaborate with aerospace and defense contractors on research projects, offering students real-world training. This synergy between public, private, and academic sectors drives innovation, contributes billions to Colorado’s economy, and supports tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
Colorado leads the nation with a concentration in private-sector aerospace employment, five times the national average (AEDC).
Endless Opportunities
Painted Prairie’s location within Aurora’s Platinum Triangle offers numerous benefits, including proximity to many of the high-paying jobs and employers in engineering, administration, research, manufacturing, and bioscience. The area boasts top-tier educational institutions like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, providing students with opportunities to learn alongside industry experts.
Whether you’re part of the aerospace and defense industries or not, Aurora’s robust economic landscape makes it an ideal place to settle down and thrive. With the region poised for growth, Painted Prairie stands at the heart of this emerging community.
To discover more about the area and Painted Prairie, reach out to our Relocation Expert, Michelle Tripp, at info@lifeatpaintedprairie.com.
Before a shovel was turned, the developers of Painted Prairie stood at its highest natural point and began to take in the view that the early pioneers had when they first settled on the very same prairie. At that point, the vision came into focus for a spectacular park (later aptly named High Prairie Park) and a connected system of green spaces, outdoor living places, and natural playscapes that would weave its way throughout our community.
Our Parks Come First – Literally
At Painted Prairie, our parks and gardens are our number one amenity – we even won a national Best Landscape Award! The park system was (and is) so important that before any houses were built, we ensured our very first residents were able to access and take advantage of our parks instead of waiting after they moved in. To this day, we’re continually adding and evolving our parks to create new experiences and new places to plant, play, and ponder throughout the day as the community grows.
Back in 2020, our first park – High Prairie Park – was planted. This 22-acre park stretches across the heart of Painted Prairie and is an open-air masterpiece filled with gathering spots, playgrounds, art installations, gardens, and green expanses that flow across the natural rise and fall of the prairie. Providing great play places such as our Lincoln Logs, The Outpost, our whimsical Fort, Adventure Run, and gathering places like the Crimson Pavilions and BBQs, and the Beach – High Prairie Park inspires adventure, exploration, and connection for residents and visitors.
Places to Set Down Roots
Painted Prairie’s community garden system was thoughtfully designed to create connections with the land and the neighbors that call our community home. Sprinkled along linear parks such as The Greenway and tucked into sunny corners just outside front doors, our community gardens give residents a place to gather and literally set down roots each growing season.
Rooted in Prairie Traditions
While designing our parks, we set out to create places that honored not only the land, but the people who first settled the landscape. Drawing inspiration from Harvey Dunn’s, The Prairie is My Garden, a stunning painting of an early homesteading woman standing proud, strong and mighty with her children on the prairie backdrop. She reminds us of the fortitude required to live here before the great industrial revolution tamed the land and its waters. The colors and textures of the plants, the breeze, and the electric sky are all elements we have tried to capture and enhance for people to discover in the neighborhood park.
Pocketful of Parks
Wherever you are in our community, chances are you’re never too far away from an adventure. Nine engaging pocket parks are woven through our community offering respite and gathering spots for neighbors and friends. Our park system is interconnected by a series of open space tracts, garden courts, and tree-lined walks. This ribbon of trails provides accessible paths large enough for bikes, skates, and wheelchairs for easy access to everything Painted Prairie has to offer.
More Parks on the Horizon
The Park at Town Center will be the heart of an urban landscape – a town square surrounded by residential and commercial spaces. Indulge in tasty fare, get your caffeine fix at the local coffee shop, enjoy live music and movies in the open space, or bring a picnic basket to settle in for a leisurely snack – the Park at Town Center will have everything you need to enjoy the Urban Prairie. The Park at Town Center and Rose and Violet Parks – two new neighborhood parks – are currently under construction and are expected to be completed later this year.
In the future, Pioneer Park will be your go-to place for sports fields, a potential public school site, and more than 17 acres of room to gather and play. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, and school events, the park will be located within an easy bike or walk off Picadilly Trail. The park is slated for future development.
History will come alive at the future Prairie Retreat Park. Bigger than High Prairie Park and packed with history, this new park will be located on the final headgate of the historic 71-mile Highline Canal. The park will offer multiple recreational and educational spaces for residents and visitors and serve as the gateway to local regional trails, the Cottonwood Grove Picnic Area, and historical points of interest throughout its 35 acres. Prairie Retreat Park is also slated for future development as our community grows.
Want to learn more about our parks? Check out our parks brochure here. Want to stay in the loop on all things Painted Prairie? Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly updates delivered to your inbox.
