Finest Hidden Gems of Aurora
Meghan Swanzy#1. Nickel-A-Play (arcade)
(303) 306-6035 15201 E Mississippi Ave
This place is the cheapest way to have some good old fashion fun. It's an arcade that on most nights costs $2.25 for admission, except on Tuesdays when it's BOGO. Once you are in the door, it costs just a nickel to play the games! The prizes are horrible as they are at any arcade, but it's still quite rewarding to cash in those hard earned tickets.
#2. Cinema Grill (movie theatre/restaurant)
(303) 344-3456 13682 E Alameda Ave
Unique movie experience. Tickets are $4, with $2 tickets on Tuesday nights. Relatively current movies are played in theatres that have tables and waiters (wearing tuxedos!). There is a full menu, in addition to alcoholic beverages. Many times if you go on weeknights you will think you are the only one that knows of this hidden gem, but on weekends it gets crazy!
#3. Northfield Multiplex 18 (movie theatre)
(303) 375-5464 1-70/1-270
This brand new theatre has yet to be discovered. It will soon be the next big thing with the building plans intended for the area, but for now you can go at any time and catch any show without the hassle of lines and packed theatres. The theatre has a child play center for kids age 3-8 that will babysit during the movie for the cost of an adult ticket.
#4: Hobby Lobby
(303) 360-9269 441 Sable Blvd
The sales that go on at this particular location can not be beat. They will often have ½ off on all home furnishing items/lamps/custom framing/artwork/etc. If you are looking for anything along these lines, go check them out, and if you find something you like, give it a few days and they will have a HUGE sale.
#5: Lollicup Tea Zone (coffee and tea shop)
(303) 504-6022 1589 S Colorado Blvd
This is not your typical Starbucks. There is free wireless internet, and very interesting drinks. You can order your usual beverage of choice, or step into the exciting world of drinks such as boba tea.
Sweet Tooth
Derek PetersenThe next time you are invited to a potluck, try this recipe out. It tastes much better than it looks.
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CAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 box of white cake mix
1 package white sandwich cookies
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix
A few drops green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Rolls or equivalent
SERVING "DISHES AND UTENSILS"
1 NEW cat-litter box
1 NEW cat-litter box liner
1 NEW pooper scooper
1) Prepare and bake cake mixes, according to directions, in any size pan. Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or food processor. Add a few drops of green food coloring to 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.
2) When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the mixture moist but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.
3) Unwrap 3 Tootsie Rolls and heat in a microwave until soft and pliable. Shape the blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three more rolls. Bury the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle remaining white cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over top.
4) Heat 5 more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box. Place box on a sheet of newspaper and serve with scooper. Enjoy!
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