Watkins

Watkins was once called Box Elder because of the creek that used to run through it. Technically, the creek bed is still there but when there is water in it, it isn't much. There are currently 653 people living here according to the last census. Watkins isn't a typical town, not even a typical small one. It is divided by I-70 and lies in both Arapahoe and Adams County. On the Adams side there is a gas station, and two smaller restaurants, Biscuits Cafe and Lulu's. Biscuits is popular with many of the truck drivers who stop to get gas at the Tomahawk Gas Station, which accommodates large semis. Lulu's is a bit more upscale and has some really good food, but the prices are a bit high for what you get. They also often have bands playing on the weekends.

Also located on the Adams County side is a post office and O'Malley's Merchantile which offers all kinds of things to outfit ranches and farms. You can find poultry for sale and all types of feed. There are a few houses scattered about, some looking a bit run down until you get away from I-70. There is also a small motel for travelers who may have gotten stuck with I-70 being closed during any of the winter storms out this way.

On the Arapahoe County side of Watkins there is a large subdivision with some very nice homes, a firing range, and a business where you can board your dog. The homes are all spread out on a couple of acres and it's overall a quiet area.

The reason I say Watkins isn't really like a town is because there is no real central place with small businesses or a community center or anything like that. I always just think of it as a place to stop for gas and not much else. The post office here does process passports, which is a convenient place to go for many people living on the Eastern corridor, especially since there is almost never a line there.

There are no schools in Watkins as it's too small, so kids are bussed to the Bennett School District. There are no real shopping options in Watkins either, so residents have to trek to the Bennett King Soopers for groceries or head into Aurora. Watkins is quiet and for those who don't mind living next to a major interstate, it is a quick trip into town while still maintaining a somewhat rural feel. It's close to DIA and also the Front Range Airport.