Over $20 million in recent closed transactions in Arvada
Meet Lori Abbey, a passionate and compassionate real estate broker with over 20 years of experience, who brings enthusiasm and top-level knowledge to every transaction. An expert in negotiation, problem-solving, diplomacy, and relationships, Lori is dedicated to protecting her clients’ priorities and financial interests, providing a fun, professional, full-service experience. Her clear communication and expertise in all stages of the process enable her to successfully close many deals in Denver’s fast-moving market.
Lori has earned recognition in Real Producers Magazine’s Top 200 Denver Agent list, ranking #3 in the metro area. Specializing in residential, investment property, new construction, and land, Lori ensures top-level service and peace of mind for her clients.
Explore, Discover, Connect, Repeat!
We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place here in Colorado, with access to trails near or far, where adventure can be found right here in our own state a bike, train or car ride away. Whether it is a quick afternoon hike on our trails in Arvada or heading to the mountains to find the best wildflower trails in full bloom, there is so much to explore right outside your door. Beyond Colorado, there are endless adventures and places to see that we all have a bucket list of destinations we can’t wait to explore. Our July Issue is all about that- Exploring! Our staff photographer, Rachel of The Turquoise Camera, shares her and her husband’s adventure of traveling to Africa and capturing the wild magic of African safaris, and we are in awe of the beauty of the animals they encountered. I recently had the opportunity to visit the sparkling turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos and can say I have never seen anything more beautiful myself. Even easier to get to and explore within the states, check out the welcoming and family-friendly beaches of Myrtle Beach, proof that exploration comes in many forms and places.
While I love traveling and exploring the world, there is something truly special about discovering the joys right here at home. Arvada is home to many parks, art galleries, museums and endless trails to explore. It also might be transforming your living space by adding smart tech and beautiful audio-visual experiences, making movie nights at home seem like you are in an imaginary world, or creating a backyard oasis where you can unwind and reconnect. Exploration does not always require a plane ticket; it can be as simple as stepping out your front door with curiosity and willingness to get lost in the beauty around you.
The truth is, when we explore, whether it is a new city, a new restaurant in our neighborhood, or even a new hobby, we expand our minds and maybe even learn something new about ourselves.
So, this summer, I encourage you to keep that spirit of adventure alive. Never stop exploring and share your adventures with us along the way. Call your friend, plan that picnic, get those paddle boards out and enjoy the summer trying new things in new places!
Happy exploring,
LYNN DAVIS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @ARVADALIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Randy Good | randy.good@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel Audette - The Turquoise Camera rachel@theturquoisecamera.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Valerie Bianculli, Michelle Parnell, Lynn Davis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
The Turquoise Camera, Duke's Landscaping, Gabby Fisher
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Colorado Markets Presents: Tangerine Sky Market
The Tangerine Sky Market takes place one Saturday a month at the Arvada Marketplace, in front of Sam’s Club near The UPS Store. Hosted by Colorado Markets, this lively event features 50+ local vendors, artisans, food trucks, live music, and a fun kids' station making it the perfect way to spend a day of shopping small and supporting local.
Late Night Pizza & Drinks at The Bluegrass Candelas
The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge Candelas has extended its evening hours, now offering pizza by the slice (cheese and pepperoni) and upcoming late-night drink specials. Stop by from 9–10 PM Sunday–Thursday and 10–11 PM Friday and Saturday to enjoy a cozy late-night bite and sip. Specials are only available during these times.
Photography by The Bluegrass Candelas
Sage Spade Presents Second Sunday Markets
Join the fun at Second Sunday Markets at Sage Spade, located at the Ralston Road shops near Olde Town Arvada. From 9 AM to 2 PM on the second Sunday of each month, June through September, enjoy local vendors, small businesses, food trucks, and soft serve ice cream. Bring the whole family for a relaxed day of shopping, great food, and community fun. There’s something for everyone at Second Sunday Markets.
Make Urban Exteriors your first call after a storm. Rest assured, we’re equipped to handle all aspects of your home exterior restoration project.
If you know anyone in Thornton, Northglenn, Commerce City, Central Park, Centennial, or Aurora, please let them know we are a local company, they can trust us to do the job right!
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
CHASING DREAMS ON NEW TERRAIN
MEGHAN DANIELS
Not everyone can say they’ve competed on the world’s biggest stage—twice. But for Meghan Daniels, a two-time Winter Olympian in snowboard cross, the adventure didn’t stop after the games.
confident I’m helping them find the right house, not just any house,” she says. “It’s the same way I’d want someone to approach it if they were helping me.”
“BEING AN OLYMPIAN IS MORE THAN TALENT, IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY, RESILIENCE, GRATITUDE.”
These days, you’re more likely to find her helping clients find their dream home in Arvada than carving down an icy course at breakneck speeds.
“I took a break from snowboarding to be a mom,” Meghan says, “and I just felt ready to try something new. I’d always been interested in real estate, and it felt like the right time to dive in.”
That transition—from elite athlete to local realtor—may sound like a leap, but for Meghan, it’s rooted in the same principles: hard work, determination, and a genuine connection with people. “The work ethic I developed as an athlete carries over completely. I approach real estate with the same mindset: set a goal, stay disciplined, and see it through.”
Meghan doesn’t measure success by volume or fast sales. “For me, it’s all about trust. I want people to feel
Balancing roles is nothing new for Meghan. As a mom, realtor, and Olympian, she credits her ability to juggle it all to a supportive husband and a healthy outlook. “I work hard toward my goals, but I’ve also learned not to put too much pressure on myself. I try to enjoy the process and be okay with whatever outcome comes.”
Her outlook is echoed in how she defines adventure, fitting for the magazine’s theme this month. “It doesn’t have to be something grand,” she says. “Adventure, for me, is anything that feels freeing. It might just be trying something new, or even just having time that feels like a vacation.”
Although she has taken a break from her Olympian days, that spirit hasn’t disappeared. “I’m still competitive,” she laughs. “In real estate, I want to get the best deal for my clients. That part
of me doesn’t just go away, it has just shifted toward serving others.”
It’s clear Meghan has settled into Arvada with intention and appreciation. “We moved here on a whim, honestly,” she says. “But it ended up being one of the best decisions. Arvada has this slower pace of life, but you’re still close to everything. People are friendly, there’s a real sense of community, and everything you need is nearby.”
When she’s not showing homes or closing deals, you’ll likely find Meghan outside. “I love the Ralston Creek Trail. We’ll go biking or take the kids walking there. And I’ve always had a soft spot for Golden and Lookout Mountain. I still have to shout out Vail too, it’s where I trained and raced for so long. It’ll always feel like home.”
Reflecting on her time as an Olympian, Meghan is quick to point out that it was never a solo journey. “People always think of the athlete, but it’s really a collective effort. I had so much support
“ADVENTURE, FOR ME, IS ANYTHING THAT
FEELS FREEING.”
from my family, my husband, my friends. Being an Olympian is about more than just talent, it’s about community, resilience, and gratitude.”
For younger readers dreaming of Olympic gold, Meghan offers honest advice: “Work hard. Put everything into it. And know that even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, you can be proud of the effort and take the lessons you have learned to improve. That’s what really matters.”
She also draws on lessons from a favorite book, Inner Excellence. “It helped me learn to let go a bit, to trust that things happen for a reason. Setbacks are just chances to reflect and grow.”
As Meghan continues to carve her path in Arvada, she remains grounded by the same qualities that brought her to the Olympic stage: drive, humility, and heart. Whether she’s walking a trail with her kids or helping a client open the door to their first home, she’s living proof that adventure takes many forms and sometimes, it starts right where you are.
THROUGH THE LENS
A South African Safari Adventure with The Turquoise Camera
ARTICLE BY LYNN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
Can you imagine spending your days visiting South Africa and being able to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife thriving in their natural habitat firsthand? Rachel Audette of The Turquoise Camera recently returned from an unforgettable trip through several wildlife reserves with her husband, an adventure that paired her love of photography with her husband Matt Audette’s work in conservation technology. Matt works with Wildlife Protection Solutions, a local nonprofit that uses AI tools to help protect wildlife and detect poaching activity around the globe.
The couple spent their days on safari game drives during peak activity times where they were lucky enough to witness breathtaking moments such as a male lion roaring so loudly you could feel it in your body, rhinos with full horns which is especially meaningful given that WPS focuses a lot on rhino protection, as well as a group of elephants with a tiny baby elephant in tow.
One morning, a ranger came to their tent to wake them early to follow the sound of lions, where they discovered two lionesses and three cubs playing in the trees. Other highlights from their
adventure included giraffes emerging from the trees, which was one of Rachel’s favorite experiences: “Giraffes might be my favorite; they appear out of nowhere and tower above you, so stately among the trees.” They also saw cheetah brothers attempting to hunt antelope that turned out to be unsuccessful. After the failed hunt, the cheetahs decided it was time to take a nap next to their vehicle which is something Rachel said she will never forget. Among the countless animal encounters, they even witnessed a baby zebra staying close to its mother.
Among their favorite stops were Amakhala, where they saw lions and rhinos guided by Marli, and Kariega, where they observed elephants and cheetahs guided by Kathleen. They also spent time at Little Mongena, a luxurious glamping camp where many of Rachel’s images were captured. There, they were able to fully experience the magic of the reserve with the help of their guide, Chris Liedenberg.
Throughout the trip, Rachel and Matt got to witness firsthand the efforts of his work with Wildlife Protection Solutions to help
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A lioness and her cubs
protect these wild animals from poachers which is what Matt’s work is all about. Rachel said, “It was such a beautiful experience seeing animals I have only seen in zoos and on TV in their natural environments, safe and happy. I’m very grateful to all the people who work around the world, many working around the clock, to keep these animals wild and safe.”
Want to learn more about WPS’s educational efforts? You can enjoy the free WildXR virtual reality experience at the Butterfly Pavilion and on Meta Quest, where Matt’s work continues to shine a light on awareness and action.
Rachel’s photographs from this trip celebrate both the beauty of African wildlife and the importance of keeping it safe for generations to come. To learn more about the work that Wildlife Protection Solutions does, visit wildlifeprotectionsolutions.org. To see more photos from Rachel and Matt’s trip, head to citylifestyle.com/arvada, where you can browse these incredible photos online and get a closer look.
When Jon LeDuc talks about landscaping, he’s not just talking about grass and stone, he’s talking about lifestyle.
As the owner of Duke's Landscaping, based in Arvada and Golden, LeDuc takes a hands-on, deeply personalized approach to designing outdoor spaces that invite people to explore and unwind. “We ask a lot of questions up front,” he says. “We want to understand how the client lives, what they enjoy and what they want to experience outside. It’s not just about a patio; it’s about the feeling they want when they walk outside their back door.”
For LeDuc and his team, no two backyards are the same. Projects range from cozy patios with vertical garden walls to fully equipped outdoor oases featuring water features, fire pits, and even wellness elements. “We just completed one that included a full sports field, an outdoor living space, a water feature, and a sauna with a cold plunge,” he shares. “It’s about creating a space that people can truly use and enjoy—year-round.”
Designing an outdoor space isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about function. In Colorado’s high desert climate, that often means balancing beauty with practicality. “We use a lot of drought-tolerant plants, and we’re intentional with space,” LeDuc says. “Sometimes it makes more sense to use artificial turf in shaded areas, or to size patios correctly so they’re comfortable without being oversized. We want our designs to work for the long term.”
He also sees outdoor spaces as extensions of the home, especially when they’re divided into what he calls “outdoor rooms.” “When you travel to a resort, you move through different environments, dining areas, lounges, water features. We try to bring that same layered experience to a backyard,” he explains.
As homeowners continue to invest more in their homes, outdoor upgrades are becoming a key part of that picture. “There’s definitely been a shift. People want to explore their own space more deeply,” LeDuc says. “Especially after the last few years, we’ve all learned the value of having a beautiful, functional space to come home to.”
Right now, LeDuc is seeing a return to earth tones and natural textures. “There was a time when modern, very linear designs with concrete and steel were big. That still has its place, but we’re seeing more people lean into organic shapes, warmer tones, and materials that feel more grounded,” he notes.
When it comes to budgeting, LeDuc advises homeowners not to let price drive the entire conversation. “Have a number in mind, but don’t let it limit your vision,” he says. “You can always phase a project—do part now, and more later. That approach often gives people better results in the long run.”
What sets Duke’s apart is its scale. “We’re not a massive company where the client never sees the owner,” LeDuc says. “We’re small and hands-on. I meet with every client, and we stay involved throughout the process.”
As summer heats up, now is actually the ideal time to start planning for next year’s yard. “We do a lot of our construction during the winter,” LeDuc explains. “So, if someone starts thinking about it in July, they’re ahead of the game.”
To explore what your outdoor space could become, visit dukeslandscapecompany.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook for more inspiration.
In the end, LeDuc says, it’s about helping people discover something new right outside their own back door. “We’re not just building backyards,” he says. “We’re creating places you want to explore, every day.”
“We want to understand how the client lives, what they enjoy, what they want to experience. It’s about the feeling they want when they walk outside their back door.”
EXPLORING Technology
BarryJennings,
Owner of
JenningsAV
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
With technology improving and changing at such a rapid pace, there are always new opportunities to explore how to use audio and visual technology in homes and businesses. Barry Jennings, owner of Jennings AV, continually builds on his 20+ years of experience by staying up to date with cutting-edge technology and making that technology easy for his clients to utilize and enjoy.
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One way is creating automation in homes and businesses tailored to specific needs. For example, Barry can program a morning scene which might include automated settings to raise window shades, turn on lights and alarms, and even start the coffee maker at a certain time. He can also create lighting scenes where at the touch of a button, specific lights turn on illuminating the path from the bedroom to an outside door, allowing homeowners to let pets out without searching for each light switch along the way.
“You can do a similar automation with a conference room so that when it is presentation time, one control dims the lights, puts shades down, turns the microphones on if needed, and sets the volume at a good level,” says Barry. “It is truly 100% customizable and easy to create automation specific for each client's needs.”
When it comes to home and business security, elevating a basic system is easy using new motion detection snapshots that can be sent directly to the client during specified hours. In addition to fire, motion, and glass break sensors, Barry installs water sensors that not only detect water when it shows up in places it should not, but he can connect the system so that when the sensor is activated, the main water valve shuts off, stopping a flooding disaster before it starts. These systems are perfect for people who travel a lot or have a second home/vacation property that may go unoccupied for weeks at a time.
Homeowners in larger homes and professionals with large office buildings often
“IT IS TRULY 100% CUSTOMIZABLE AND EASY TO CREATE automation SPECIFIC FOR EACH client’s needs .”
struggle with having consistently strong Wi-Fi signals throughout the building, which causes frustration. “Your network in your home or business functions like the spinal cord of the body. All the communication for the entire home or office goes through it,” he explains. “So if you have a poor network, you will have a poor experience.” Barry helps clients create a seamless network by utilizing updated technology specifically designed to make systems fast and more efficient.
Many home and business owners use voice control technology, but they may not realize how much of their personal information is being collected and stored by system hosts.
“All of those devices with microphones are recording all the time. The information gets uploaded to a server in the cloud, probably in several different spots because companies that offer those services rely on redundancy of your data,” says Barry. “So, it is likely that you could have your voice recorded 100% of the time and being stored in six different spots around the world. You don’t own that information, and they keep it forever. That's not private.”
In contrast, Jennings AV installs voice-controlled and video monitoring systems with hard drives that store all the data on-site at the home or business property. The only people with access to that information is the home or business owner and those they give permission to access the data. The systems also come with an overwrite, or erase, function, providing a heightened sense of privacy.
Automation, customization, and privacy control are key to using technology to enhance everyday life. To connect with Jennings AV and explore which technologies would work best for your home and business, visit jenningsav.com or call 303-578-8199.
Exploring the exciting adventures and beautiful views of Myrtle Beach, SC
Sun, Surf, & Sand
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABBY FISHER
SkyWheel on The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Looking for someplace sunny and warm to explore? Step out of Arvada and onto the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With long stretches of beautiful beaches nestled in the middle of a lively coastal town, Myrtle Beach provides an ideal backdrop for a fun and relaxing vacation. Part of South Carolina’s Grand Strand of uninterrupted light sand beaches, Myrtle Beach has earned a long-standing reputation as a tourist destination.
With its own international airport and year-round mild climate, Myrtle Beach also provides an easily accessible warm destination to escape snowy days even during fall, winter, and spring months. For these and countless other reasons, Gabby Fisher and her family chose to make Myrtle Beach their preferred vacation spot and invested in a condo at the Carolinian Resort that they also offer as an Airbnb rental.
“It feels like a special getaway when we go there,” shares Gabby. “If the water conditions are right, Myrtle Beach has water that can be as blue as the coast of Florida. The ocean is very calm there, so I feel like it's a safe place for kids to splash in the water. It's also a beach with plenty of soft sand if you're somebody who doesn't really like to swim in the ocean.”
In addition to the beautiful beaches, Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of activities and entertainment with limitless locally owned shops and restaurants to explore. Just a few miles inland from the beach is Broadway at the Beach, a large entertainment complex that boasts a water park, racetrack, miniature golf course, live theatre shows, an upside-down house, and enough shopping and food choices to please everyone in the group.
Bring the Joy has direct beach access
Shoreline view for miles from the balcony.
“If the water conditions are right, Myrtle Beach has water that can be as blue as the coast of Florida. The ocean is very calm there, so I feel like it’s a safe place for kids to splash in the water.”
“Our unit sits one mile from the big wheel and pier, so you can walk on the beach to get there or if you prefer not to walk on the beach, there are sidewalks that go the whole way there,” says Gabby. “But also, being a mile removed from the busyness of it is really, really nice because it's quieter.”
Although Gabby and her family enjoy all the fun activities and food the area has to offer, one thing they truly love is taking in the sights and sounds from their condo right on the beach.
For those who want to explore nature, Myrtle Beach State Park is home to a fishing pier, a nature center, and walking trails through its maritime forest. The park also offers multiple playgrounds and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a bustling hub of restaurants, shops, and activities, including the 187foot SkyWheel, right on the beach. With its large pier, colorful storefronts, and lots of photo opportunities, the Boardwalk is a feast for the senses.
“If you're standing in the living room looking at the ocean, almost the entire right wall is glass and there are views for miles,” she shares. “You can see the entire coast the whole way down in both directions. When we bought it a few years ago and I walked in, it literally took my breath away.”
For more information on exploring Myrtle Beach, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com Bring the Joy is a 2-bedroom, beach front condo with 2 balconies that sleeps up to 10 guests. The unit has direct beach access and many resort amenities such as pools, a lazy river, and free on-site parking. For availability, visit airbnb.com/h/bringthejoy .
SUMMER GLOW-UP STARTS HERE
USA.
