At the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains a community flourishes, anchored by progress, innovation, and diversity. Welcome to Aurora, Colorado, The Gateway to the Rockies. Here, you’ll find a bustling community of cultural leaders, culinary prodigies, and technological marvels. A place where natural beauty merges with innovation, inclusion, and responsible growth. Connecting the spirit of the western frontier to the vision of tomorrow, here are the stories of our neighbors.
September is Hispanic Heritage Month! Aurora is home to a thriving community led by courageous entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. For more Hispanic businesses, please visit our blog.
Cecilia Salazar owns Mexicana Gallery and Decor, a store specializing in handmade décor, art, clothing, and accessories from Mexico. She personally travels to Mexico each year to source items that capture the essence of different regions. Salazar's greatest satisfaction comes from customers who find items that evoke cherished memories. Visit her in Aurora at 651 Potomac St. Unit C, Aurora, CO 80011
More than a toy store, MindCraft Makerspace offers STEM kits, arts & crafts, & fidget toys and is also a creative space where all can gather, learn, and invent. Led by owner & CEO Cristina Hartman, Ph.D., Makerspace employs the latest technologies, like 3D printers, laser cutters, crafting tools, and much more. Visit them inside Stanley Marketplace at 2501 N. Dallas St. Aurora, CO 80010.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Aurora is home to an array of thriving Asian American and Pacific Islander businesses led by courageous entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. For more AAPI businesses, please visit our blog.
The only independently owned Korean grocery store in Colorado, M Mart has been serving the Aurora community for 40 years, specializing in Korean and Japanese goods. Jubong Lee and his son, Julian, bring the dynamic flavors of home to our burgeoning Korean community and beyond. Visit them at 2000 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80012.
Aurora native Sean Guerrero spent 12 years in China, a cultural immersion that gave birth to Jade Mountain Brewery in 2021. The blending of beer and culture is something that drives Sean and his team in every beer they brew. Visit Jade Mountain Brewery at 4233 S. Buckley Road.
It's all about delicious food and spreading Filipino culture at Manila Bay, a highly-rated eatery in Aurora. Benny Panklang and his family offer classic and non-traditional Filipino fare with the goal to give a taste of home to the Filipino community while introducing the culture throughout Colorado and beyond. Visit them at 13800 E. Mississippi in Aurora.
March is Women's History Month! We're shining a light on some of the fearless women paving their own way. For more women-owned businesses, please visit our blog.
Lucy's Flowers & Design is a charming shop in Aurora's flourishing Havana Business Improvement District. Co-owner Jasmine Khachatryan helps to craft distinctive, unforgettable floral and decor designs. Visit them at 1930 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80014.
Entrepreneur & visionary Skye Barker Maa's various endeavors allow artists & creators to flourish. She owns Factory Fashion at Stanley Marketplace, an inclusive, artistic community hub with classes that enables students to advance their skills. She is also a co-owner of Sky Bar at Stanley, a cozy lounge highlighting the art of creating signature cocktails. Find both of these businesses at 2501 N. Dallas St in Aurora inside of Stanley Marketplace.
Born out of her own dietary necessities, Gina Di Tullio has brought creativity & artistry to the science of gluten-free & vegan cuisine in Aurora. Visit Gina's Kitchen at Parkside Eatery at 14515 E Alameda Ave Suite E, Aurora, CO 80012.
Aurora is home to a flourishing community of Black-owned businesses. Below are some of the businesses making history today. For more Black-owned businesses, please visit our blog.
Family-owned, infused with culture, community, and freshly ground fair-trade coffee, Frewyni Beyene & her daughter, Hewan Kassa, bring a rich Ethiopian coffee tradition to Aurora. Visit them at 17070 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80015.
Glenn Goodson started A1 Boxing as a way to motivate and encourage Aurora's youth while helping build their confidence. Visit them at 14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012.
For more than 15 years, Cora Faye’s Cafe has been the authority in the Aurora/Denver metro area for "home cookn' & soul food." Through her infectious charisma & by honoring family recipes traced back to the 19th century, Priscilla Smith is at the helm of an Aurora institution that has garnered national buzz & a loyal local fanbase. Located at 15395 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora, CO 80011.
Filmed by Brende. For more episodes, check out Visit Aurora's YouTube Channel