Tail Feathers

If dogs are man's best friend, your pet will appreciate that friendship even more when you take him for some time outdoors at Grandview Dog Park. It's a great way for your dog to get some fresh air and exercise at this 5-acre park that offers plenty of "off-leash" fun. There is even a separate section for smaller dogs, a fun agility course and lots of shady areas for you to rest for awhile with your four-legged friend.

Get a feel of what it was like to attend class in a two-room schoolhouse when you visit Aurora's Melvin School. The structure, built in 1922 and named a landmark in 1986, originally served the outlying community of Melvin. In 1949, the structure was carefully moved to make room for the Cherry Creek Reservoir. After being used as a tavern for 17 years, the Cherry Creek Historical Society moved the school to its current location on the grounds of Smoky Hill High School where it continues to be owned and maintained by the Cherry Hill School District.

The Centennial House is one of Aurora's most significant pieces of history for various reasons. The structure is a Queen Anne Victorian-styled home and is the oldest of the nine houses Donald Fletcher built to begin developing a new community east of Denver. The community's original name, Fletcher, was later changed to Aurora. The home was one of the first in the area to feature plumbing and has had both its interior and exterior restored to reflect its original 1890s appearance. Tours are available, but you must call to reserve your time.