CO2 – carbon dioxide – laser resurfacing uses targeted beams of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. This type of laser treatment can remove skin cancer, address cosmetic skin issues, such as fine or keep lines, wrinkles and acne scars; and treat areas of skin discoloration, like sunspots or age spots.
July always feels like the sweet spot of the year. The days are longer, the schedules are lighter, and somehow a random Tuesday night ice cream run becomes a core memory.
This summer feels especially meaningful for our family because our daughter Averly graduated from Elon University. Watching her walk across that stage was one of those proud parent moments you wish you could bottle up forever. It also reminded me how quickly these seasons of life move. One minute you are teaching them to ride a bike, the next you are helping them move out of a dorm room with a car full of throw pillows, laundry bags, and emotional support snacks.
Instead of treating graduation like a quick in-and-out event, we turned it into a family vacation. We packed up the car, took a road trip to North Carolina to move Averly home for the summer, and made memories the entire way. We stopped to see friends in various states, visited landmarks and ballparks, found local restaurants, and probably consumed enough gas station snacks to qualify for sponsorship opportunities. Honestly, the trip itself became just as special as the graduation.
For many families, summer is the beginning of that college journey. Others are preparing for kids to come home after their first year away. Either way, this is the season to lean in and make memories together.
My advice: take the trip. Go camping, even if nobody remembers how to pitch the tent. Book the cruise. Personally, cruising is one of my favorite ways to reconnect as a family. No laundry, no schedules, and unlimited soft serve ice cream and pizza feels like excellent parenting to me. Say yes to the weekend getaway, the beach day, the backyard barbecue, and the long conversations that somehow only happen around a fire pit.
At the end of the day, our families will not remember every gift we bought them. They will remember the stories. They will remember getting lost on vacation, laughing until they cried, and singing badly in the car with the windows down.
One day, the greatest gift we leave our loved ones will not be material items or money. It will be the moments we shared and the memories they carry forward long after the suitcases are unpacked. I prefer to collect memories over things.
Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, adventure, and just enough chaos to make the stories worth telling later.
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Valerie Merrick, Deborah Dove
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Macy Alex Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Catherine Reese, Kali Kasprzyk, Olivia Barr, Kim Costa, Linda Ditch
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Catherine Reese, Janie Jones, Olivia Barr, Mike Lam, Kristol Kumar, Joseph RiversJay Sonata Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
1-14: The Big Z Bash is the annual golf tournament and fundraising event benefiting The Big Z Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling childhood cancer by helping ease financial burdens during treatment. Held at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club in Fairview, the event brings together community members, sponsors, and supporters for a day of golf, fundraising, and connection. The event concludes with a dinner, silent auction, and live band performance, with proceeds helping families cover expenses such as medical costs, travel, meals, and housing during their cancer journey.
Congratulations to Trujillo Gonzalez PC on the ribbon cutting of their newest location in Allen off Hwy 121! Serving communities across Texas, this trusted personal injury law firm is known for its outstanding client satisfaction and impressive 99.99% success rate. We’re excited to welcome their growing team to Allen and celebrate their continued commitment to serving Texans with excellence and care.
The Allen Chamber recently honored Gregory and Kim Casale of Elke’s Market Cafe for their incredible partnership and dedication to the community after serving as the home of Tuesday Morning Live for the past three years. The mayor’s office presented a special proclamation recognizing their hospitality. While Tuesday Morning Live has officially moved to Chicken N Pickle, Elke’s remains a valued part of Allen and a favorite spot for coffee meetings, breakfast gatherings, and local connection.
The City of Allen welcomed a new chapter in leadership as Chris Schulmeister was officially sworn in as mayor during the Allen City Council meeting. The ceremony celebrated a shared commitment to service, progress, and the future of the community. As Allen continues to grow and evolve, the city looks ahead with excitement and optimism for the leadership, vision, and collaboration Mayor Schulmeister will bring to the role.
When Impact100 North Texas founding president Anne Witherspoon first learned about the global nonprofit Impact100, she was so impressed by the model and the great work being done she decided to join the DFW chapter. As it turned out, there was no chapter to join. So, she decided to start one! She reached out to friends and colleagues to tell them all about the mission of Impact100 and encourage them to go on this journey with her. With a founding board of DFW-area women leaders, Impact100 North Texas is proud to be the first chapter in the DFW Metroplex.
As a designated 501(c)(3) organization, they will provide impactful grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations in Collin County. There are almost 1,000 nonprofit organizations based in Collin County and benefiting the DFW Metroplex.
Impact100 is a collective force for good, uniting and empowering women to give together, creating transformational impact locally and globally. Impact100 is a worldwide network of women’s collective giving. The model is simple but powerful.
In communities around the world, chapters gather at least 100 women who each donate $1,000, pool 100 percent of their donations into grants of at least $100,000, and award them to local nonprofits across five broad focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.
This innovative philanthropy model was created by Wendy Steele in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wendy recognized that the roles of women in philanthropy had not evolved with the times and required a fresh approach to be expanded and encouraged. Wendy thoughtfully designed Impact100 to engage women from across the community, grounded in the guiding principles of inclusivity, empowerment, transparency, and transformational impact.
Since its inception, the Impact100 generosity movement has grown organically and exponentially. To date, the efforts of Impact100 chapters has resulted in more than $178 million invested in local communities through grants by 80 chapters in 4 countries. Dozens of additional communities inspired by the model are actively working to launch chapters in their areas.
There are three signature events which each celebrate a milestone in the cycle:
The Big Reveal – At the conclusion of the membership drive, chapters announce the total membership and the number of grants to be awarded.
Meet the Finalists – At the conclusion of the grant review process, finalists in each of the five focus areas are announced and celebrated.
Annual Meeting and Grant Awards
– Finalists present their proposals, every member votes (one woman, one vote), and grants are awarded.
Every Impact100 chapter is encouraged to follow best practices for grant-making, including written grant agreements with project description, budget, milestones and reporting; funds dispersed only when needed, based on documented
invoices; periodic check-ins with the chapter liaison on progress; and grant project must be completed within an approximately 25-month performance period.
Impact100 North Texas is currently recruiting DFW-area women who want to be part of this collective effort to positively impact our local community. The sooner the goal of at least 100 members is reached, the sooner the goal of giving at least $100,000 to a deserving nonprofit in Collin County can be achieved.
Membership is not the only way to contribute. “Friends of Impact100” can donate any amount that will go toward the grant awards and toward creating a positive impact within the DFW community. Husbands, brothers, fathers, sons—even corporations—can play a role in this important initiative. All donations are tax deductible.
To learn more about Impact100, visit www.impact100global.org or email impact100ntx@gmail.com. Stay up-to-date on chapter events by following Impact100 North Texas on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
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No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
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Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
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The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
SMART WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING
For many, travel is a game changer. Whether your goal is relaxation, curiosity, or exploration, and whether you’re driving to the next town or flying to a country you’ve only dreamed about, travel has the unique ability to reset your nervous system.
However, travel can also wreak havoc on your routines. Vacationers often don’t prioritize dedicated gym time within their tightly planned itinerary, or ensure there’s healthy food on the breakfast buffet.
You may have spent months establishing a solid nutrition plan or building up a workout routine. Don’t let your efforts go to waste because you’re now embarking on a fun trip.
“People get very rigid with their workout routines. During travel, that's the first thing that usually goes out the door,” explains Rob Hines, head trainer and director of online training and education at Hidden Gym. “You don't have control over whether your flight is late, or whether the food that you ordered that you thought was healthy is now smothered in canola oil.”
Christina Peterson, regional fitness director for Hidden Gym, agrees. She says rather than striving to control external circumstances, adaptability and consistency are essential to longterm success. “As a mom of a four-yearold, I’m one of those people who works out on the go too,” she states.
CONTINUED >
Together, they have built a community-focused approach to fitness through online content, in-person training, and use of a proprietary app. The app allows clients to track and analyze their performance (amount of weight, sets, and reps) and build upon their last workout. It’s like having an invisible trainer at your side!
We asked Rob and Christina to put their years of experience into practice for us. Here are their top tips for staying fit on the go:
• Get your steps in. Whether that’s done during sightseeing tours or walking through the airport, hitting your daily 10K steps can be seamlessly integrated into travel.
• Perform body weight workouts in your hotel room if you don’t have access to equipment (for example: squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, deadlifts, pull-ups, and plyometrics), use travel-friendly resistance bands, or a combination of both. These exercises can be paired with app-based instruction or done on their own.
• Hydrating during travel can be tricky, but carrying a refillable water bottle will help. Aim for one ounce of water per kilogram of body weight, and consider adding electrolyte packets in warmer climates.
• Don’t forget that quality sleep is essential for recovery! Aim for six to eight hours a night of uninterrupted sleep.
They say when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. The key is to start where you’re at.
“Putting in even 30 minutes daily will help you to maintain your fitness goals during travel,” reflects Rob. “I think it's really important to understand the length of your trip. If you’re on a short two-day business trip, working out one day may be a more reasonable goal than two days. If you’re on a three-week trip and staying at an extended stay type of lodging, you might be able to get your usual three to four full body workouts a week in.”
“Putting in even 30 minutes daily will help you to maintain your fitness goals during travel.”
• Up your nutrition intentionally. Healthy eating is widely available; most restaurants can easily accommodate a request for a plate of steamed brown rice, veggies, and grilled chicken breasts— hold the oil or butter please.
• At the minimum, ready-to-drink protein shakes, protein bars, Greek yogurt, and beef jerky can act as reliable backups.
In other words, travel doesn’t have to be an excuse to give up your gains. Muscle memory helps us to retain our progress; thus, at the end of the day, it’s likely that we won’t lose all our hard-earned benefits in just one trip. So, enjoy your vacation, bring intention to your choices, and trust that even small efforts will compound.
Need more motivation? You can email christina@hiddengym.net or Rob@hiddengym.net, call 469.854.6414, or visit at 109 N Greenville, Allen, TX 75002.
Exploring with My Camera Taught Me That Art Begins When I Stop Looking and Start Feeling
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE REESE
Standing with my camera as horses ran across the open field, manes flying and dust rising behind them, I felt something shift inside me. Their movement carried freedom, wildness, and a reminder that life was meant to be fully lived.
Losing both of my parents close together changed everything for me. One day life felt normal, and the next, it didn’t. What I once thought was guaranteed suddenly wasn’t, and it brought a clarity I couldn’t ignore.
In the end, what matters most becomes very simple.
It’s not the things we collect, the titles we hold, or even the accomplishments we work so hard for. It’s how we live. It’s the moments we allow ourselves to experience, the way we treat people, and the grace we give along the way.
For a long time, I lived like so many of us do: busy, focused on the next task, believing I’d get to the meaningful things “someday.” There was always a list, always something that needed to be done first. Losing my parents brought a realization: there will always be a list.
I started asking myself a different question: If I knew I only had six months to live, would I still be doing this?
If the answer is no, I don’t do it. That question became the filter for how I live.
It led me to build a life centered around exploring. Beauty can be found from mountains and oceans to quiet backroads close to home. When I started
photographing the night sky, I realized how much magic had been there all along. Same place, completely different perspective.
Photography has been part of my life for over 30 years. This season gave it deeper meaning. It became a way of exploring more intentionally. Slowing down. Making time. Capturing beauty others might pass by.
I’ve become more purposeful with my time, choosing experiences over busyness and presence over pressure. I say yes to the things that bring me joy. Sometimes that looks like traveling somewhere new, and other times it’s as simple as stepping outside, going on a hike, or watching the sunset.
Beauty isn’t limited to extraordinary places. It’s all around us.
When we slow down enough to notice it, something changes. Life feels more peaceful and more connected. That’s what I hope others feel when they experience my photography.
You don’t have to travel far to begin living this way. Exploring isn’t reserved for big trips. It’s available to all of us, right where we are.
It can look like exploring a place close to home with fresh eyes, taking a different road, or simply stepping outside and appreciating the sunrise at the start of the day. It’s found in the quiet moments, the in-between spaces, and the choice to be present.
When you begin to live with that kind of awareness, something shifts. Life slows down. It feels richer, more meaningful, and more connected. You don’t have to wait for someday or for everything to line up perfectly. Start where you are. There’s so much to explore. Exploring doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.
Today is the perfect day to start exploring this big, beautiful world. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Go somewhere you’ve never been. I hope to see you out on the trail someday. You’ll find me with my camera in hand and my dog by my side. Your next adventure may be closer than you think.
Explore more at CatherineReese.com.
“If I only had six months to live, would I still be doing this today?”
AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGI BURNS
As native Texans, my husband and I have been to San Antonio more times than we can count. We have done the Alamo tour, walked the River Walk, eaten plenty of tacos, and checked off most of the classic tourist stops over the years. So when we planned a weekend getaway with our son Jaxx, we decided it was time to experience the city a little differently.
Thanks to Visit San Antonio and CityPASS, we quickly realized there is so much more to explore in one of our favorite Texas cities.
Let’s be honest. Entertaining a preteen is not exactly easy these days. They are somehow too old for little kid activities but still young enough to want nonstop fun. The challenge becomes finding things that actually hold their attention longer than a TikTok video.
For this trip, we chose the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, the DoSeum, and of course a River Walk boat ride because, honestly, you cannot go to San Antonio and skip the riverboats. It is basically a rule.
We stayed at the Westin Riverwalk, which could not have been more convenient. With easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and attractions, it made exploring the city simple and stress free. The hotel itself was beautiful, the service was excellent, and after long days walking around the city, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge.
The San Antonio Zoo ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Between feeding giraffes, exploring exhibits, and trying to spot every animal before we moved on, we stayed fully engaged the entire time. The zoo does a great job balancing fun experiences with interactive elements that keep older kids interested too.
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend became my personal favorite. Right outside the zoo, we visited the Japanese Tea Garden, and I honestly cannot believe we had never been before.
The historic garden felt peaceful, tucked away, and completely transportive. The koi ponds, waterfalls, stone bridges, and lush greenery made every corner feel like a postcard. It had a calm, almost storybook atmosphere that instantly slowed everything down. We spent way longer there than we planned because it was simply too beautiful to rush through.
The DoSeum was another standout stop for our family. Even for kids who think they are “too cool” for children’s museums, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. The hands-on exhibits, interactive activities, and creative spaces made it impossible not to get involved. Anything that gets a 12-year-old off a phone for a few hours is impressive in my book.
We also loved exploring the Witte Museum, which had a great mix of science, Texas history, nature, and interactive exhibits. The dinosaur displays were especially impressive and easily became one of the most talked about parts of the weekend.
And, of course, no family getaway is complete without incredible food.
One of our absolute favorite finds was Box St. All Day Brunch. Everything about it was exactly what you want in a brunch spot. The atmosphere was bright, stylish, and energetic without feeling overdone. Between the modern decor and beautiful presentation, it had that perfect brunch aesthetic people are always searching for. The pancakes were larger than the plate, the brunch cocktails and mimosas were fantastic, and the hospitality was impeccable. It quickly became one of those places we immediately started recommending to friends.
What I loved most about this trip was being reminded that even places you have visited many times can still surprise you. San Antonio has an incredible mix of history, family fun, hidden gems, amazing food, and culture that makes every visit feel different.
If you are looking for an easy weekend getaway with something for every age and interest, San Antonio truly delivers. Spend the weekend exploring the city, trying new experiences, and making memories together. Whether it is your first visit or your fifteenth, there is always something new waiting to be discovered.
CITYPASS made it easy for our family to experience some of San Antonio’s best attractions while saving both time and money. Here is our itinerary from the weekend
• San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212
• The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
• The DoSeum 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
• GO RIO River Cruises
809 E. River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
• Japanese Tea Garden
3853 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212
• Box St. All Day Brunch 623 Hemisfair Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit San Antonio CityPASS at citypass.com/san-antonio.
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Contact us today to start creating a financial strategy tailored to your specific needs.
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ARTICLE BY OLIVIA BARR
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OLIVIA BARR
There’s a moment that happens when you travel enough—not when you arrive, but when you slow down. When you stop seeing a destination as a backdrop and begin noticing how it functions. How people live. How they move through their days. How your presence fits into their world.
That’s when travel shifts from consumption to consideration.
The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.
On a recent trip to the Caribbean, I found myself doing what many American travelers do without thinking twice: paying in U.S. dollars. The USD is widely accepted across many islands and often preferred because of its strength. It feels easy. Familiar. Efficient.
But one afternoon, I asked my taxi driver a question I had never asked before: “Do you prefer being paid in U.S. dollars or local currency?”
He paused before answering, and what he shared stayed with me. While U.S. dollars are accepted, they aren’t always preferred. When locals receive USD, they often have to step away from work to exchange it into local currency. That means travel time, long lines, and exchange-rate fees that quietly reduce their earnings. What felt like convenience for me created extra labor for him.
That small exchange reshaped how I think about financial support while traveling. Supporting a destination isn’t just about spending money; it’s about how that money circulates. Using local currency keeps funds moving immediately within the community, respects people’s time, and preserves value where it matters most.
Sometimes, being a thoughtful traveler starts with asking better questions.
Respect for a destination also means understanding its rules, customs, and history, especially when they differ from home.
In several Caribbean countries, for example, civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing. This isn’t a fashion preference; it’s rooted in respect for the military and national security. Travelers unaware of this law can face fines or confiscation, but more importantly, they risk unintentionally signaling disregard for local norms.
Taking time to understand local etiquette—whether related to dress, public behavior, or photography—signals: I value where I am, and I took the time to learn.
Where travelers choose to stay has a lasting impact, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.
Many locally owned boutique hotels across the Caribbean function as more than accommodations; they serve as cultural gathering spaces. On one visit, I noticed original artwork displayed throughout a hotel’s lobby. Each piece was created by a local artist, accompanied by a description of the artist’s background and the story behind the work. I later learned that the hotel rotates these collections every six months, offering multiple artists a platform for visibility, income, and connection with travelers. Many of the pieces are even available for purchase, allowing guests to take home something far more meaningful than the typical souvenir.
These thoughtful details reflect a deeper commitment to community, one that goes beyond aesthetics and into economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
“The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.”
I’ve also experienced properties where the hotel itself isn’t a barrier but an invitation. In these spaces, locals and visitors gather naturally—to listen to live music, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company. The energy feels different. Less transactional. More communal.
While some larger brands, by design, separate guests from the surrounding community, many boutique properties intentionally blur that line. They create environments where connection is encouraged and culture is lived, not staged.
Choosing to stay in places like these doesn’t just support tourism; it supports artists, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs whose work gives the destination its soul. And for travelers, it offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to feel genuinely welcomed, not just accommodated.
Respect for a place also extends below the surface, sometimes quite literally.
Through partnerships and conversations with local experts in Barbados, I’ve learned about the devastating effects of stony coral tissue loss disease, a fast-spreading marine illness threatening Caribbean coral reefs. To many visitors, reefs are simply beautiful backdrops for snorkeling or boat excursions. For island communities, they are living ecosystems that protect shorelines, support fisheries, and sustain tourism itself.
Hearing directly from local marine professionals shifted how I approach oceanbased experiences, and how I educate travelers. Something as routine as sunscreen choice can have long-term consequences. Certain chemical sunscreens accelerate reef damage, while reef-safe alternatives help reduce harm. Even excursion choices matter, as eco-conscious operators follow practices designed to protect marine life rather than disrupt it.
When travelers understand what’s at stake, their behavior changes. Awareness leads to intention. And intention leads to preservation.
Sustainable travel isn’t about limitation. It’s about responsibility. It’s recognizing that these environments are not attractions. They are homes, livelihoods, and legacies.
The idea of “home” doesn’t disappear when we travel. If anything, it becomes more important.
“Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.”
Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.
It’s choosing local vendors. Understanding laws before arrival. Recognizing that what feels small to a visitor may carry weight for a resident.
True luxury isn’t excess. It’s care.
Island destinations give generously— through culture, beauty, music, and warmth. Traveling well means responding with equal consideration.
When we treat places like home, travel becomes less about escape and more about exchange. We return not only with memories, but with perspective and a deeper appreciation for how interconnected we truly are.
And that, perhaps, is the most meaningful souvenir of all.
Olivia Barr is the founder of Caribbean Island Festivals, a boutique travel concierge that curates immersive Caribbean experiences rooted in culture, community, and connection. To learn more visit www. caribbeanislandfestivals.com.
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACY ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY
From lakeside campsites to wooded parks tucked just outside the city, Dallas-Fort Worth families don’t have to travel far to find a memorable outdoor escape. Across North Texas, local campsites offer the perfect mix of adventure and convenience—whether
One of the coolest places to camp—and walk in the 113-million-year-old footprints of ancient dinosaurs—is just a 90-minute drive from Dallas. Located along the Paluxy River, park highlights include fossilized dinosaur tracks, life-size dinosaur statues, swimming or wading in the river, guided horseback rides, lots of wildlife, and 20 miles of scenic hiking trails. Camp at one of the park’s campsites (primitive or with electricity), or glamp in an Airstream at nearby Country Woods Inn.
Escape to the beaches and the shady trails of this serene lakeside state park. Venture out in the kayak, hop on your horse, or simply pack a beach towel to enjoy the best of camping near Ray Roberts Lake State Park. With peaceful water views, beach areas for swimming, a 20-mile multiuse trail, ranger programs, boat ramps with lake access, a full service marina, and a variety of campsites, this oasis is equipped with all you need for a relaxing nature getaway.
your crew is roasting marshmallows under the stars, hiking scenic trails, fishing at sunrise, or simply unplugging for a weekend together.
With busy schedules and packed calendars, many families are discovering that a quick camping trip can feel like a true getaway without the stress of long-distance travel. The DFW area is home to an impressive variety of camping experiences, from rustic state park retreats to family-friendly campgrounds packed with amenities like
Texas
Adventure awaits at this state park located on the shore of Lake Texoma just northwest of Denison. Explore trails along high bluffs, spot wildlife, swim or catch some sun at the sandy swimming cove, rent a kayak or canoe, or fish for striped bass, crappie, and catfish from one of two fishing piers or from the shoreline. Stay overnight at one of the park’s campsites (most include water, a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and nearby restrooms), screened shelters, or “Ike’s Cabin.”
Cedar Hill, Texas
Although Cedar Hill State Park is just 20 minutes southwest of Dallas on Joe Pool Lake, this secluded park makes it feel like you’re far from the city. In addition to being a quick escape from city life, it’s very family friendly, with excellent mountain biking trails, on-site kayak rentals, and great fishing. Visitors can camp at one of 350 campsites, swim in the lake at the gravel swimming beach, or tour Penn Farm, a working farm from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.
swimming beaches, playgrounds, kayak rentals, and nature programs for kids. Even first-time campers can find easy, comfortable options close to home. Below are four of the best family-friendly campsites around DFW, places where children can explore the outdoors, parents or couples can relax, and everyone can reconnect away from screens and routines. Whether you prefer pitching a tent beneath towering trees or parking an RV by the water, your next family adventure is just a short drive away.
CREATE A LIVELY, NUTRITIOUS, AND TASTY SENSATION AT YOUR NEXT COZY PICNIC
ARTICLE BY KIM COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips for preparation ideas.
Throw pillows are a must. Pull them from your couches or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly. A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains. Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.
A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare. As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accoutrements with the dressing in mind. A lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc.
Enjoy your perfect picnic!
You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!
JULY 2ND
Allen Public Library Civic Auditorium: 300 N Allen Dr., Allen, TX 75013 | 7:30 PM
In honor of America's 250th, the Dallas Banjo Band delivers a free concert woven with patriotic classics, jazz, and big band favorites. A presentation of colors, refreshments, and a display of vintage patriotic quilts round out this one-of-a-kind community celebration. Can't attend in person? It streams live on ACTV. For details, visit www.AllenLibrary.org.
JULY 4TH
Historic Downtown McKinney: 111 N Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069 | 10:00 AM
Downtown McKinney comes alive with a beloved hometown parade followed by the Yankee Doodle Block Party—a festive, family-friendly Independence Day tradition. Between the floats, the food, and the community energy, it's one of summer's most spirited celebrations. For the full schedule and details, visit www.McKinneyTexas.org/830/Red-White-and-BOOM.
JULY 5TH
Bella Bra Shop: 108 S Kentucky St., McKinney, TX 75069 | 12:00 PM
Bella Bra Shop opens its second location with complimentary drinks, light bites, local vendor pop-ups, raffle prizes, and giveaways for everyone who walks through the door. Expert bra fittings in an inclusive range of sizes make this more than a shopping trip. It's a celebration. For details, call 214-613-2787.
JULY 10TH
Ford Pool: 724 Whitman Dr., Allen, TX 75002 | 7:30 PM
A live DJ spinning your favorite decade's hits, a kid-free pool, and a laid-back summer evening—this exclusive 21+ swim night is exactly the grown-up escape you didn't know you needed. Memberships and non-member pricing both available. For registration and details, swim over to www.Events.AllenTX.gov/AllTX.
JULY 18TH
Center of Endodontics, Periodontics and Implantology: 915 W Exchange Pkwy. #280, Allen, TX 75013 | 11:00 AM
Hope's Door – New Beginning Center needs your closet cleanout for a cause. Gently used suits, dresses, shoes, and accessories help North Texas women rebuild confidence as they re-enter the workforce. Stop by, donate, and make a real difference in someone's story. To learn more, contact Center of Endodontics, Periodontics and Implantology at 214-509-9011 or visit www.Cepi-Allen.com.
JULY 19TH
Allen Heritage Village: 450 St Mary Dr., Allen, TX 75002 | 2:00 PM
Celebrate summer's sweetest holiday with an afternoon social packed with nostalgia, lawn games, live music, and a chance to meet your neighbors. Historic buildings will be open for tours, and, best of all, the whole thing is free. Bring the whole family. For registration and details, visit www.Events.AllenTX.gov/AllTX.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH |
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kid-friendly activity.
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
