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Austin, TX July 2026

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Jen Cohen, The Art of Asking for What You Want

TRAVEL

A SURPRISING WEEKEND IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

UNHURRIED SUMMER ON FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST

The Travel & Explore Issue

There’s something magical about travel that quietly rewrites our expectations. We set out with one idea of a place, only to discover layers we never anticipated—moments that linger long after the bags are unpacked.

In this travel issue, we lean into that spirit of discovery. We journey to Fredericksburg, where a Hill Country weekend unfolds in delightfully unexpected ways. What begins with intimate chocolate and wine pairings at Maple Haus evolves through antique-filled warehouses, a bubblegum-pink bus adventure, close encounters with majestic elephants, and golden-hour vineyard tastings. It’s a reminder that even beloved destinations still hold surprises for those willing to wander off the familiar path.

We also escape to the sugar-white shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast at Henderson Beach Resort. Here, thoughtful design and a gentle rhythm of days create space for families to reconnect—lazy river floats, private beach walks, and unhurried dinners that celebrate the simple joy of being present together.

Both stories celebrate a common truth: the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but how openly you experience what’s there. Whether chasing wonder in Texas or seeking restoration by the Gulf, travel at its finest invites us to slow down, stay curious, and return home a little more alive.

We hope these pages spark your own next adventure.

Best,

JOE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caroline Heiburg, Janie Henker, Kali Kasprzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janine Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee QUALITY

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inside the issue

Departments

Sun & Sophistication at Henderson Beach Resort

A family summer on Florida’s Emerald Coast, unfolding in calm, sun-drenched rhythm.

Fredericksburg Rediscovered

Antiques, elephants, and unexpected flavors transform a classic Fredericksburg weekend

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen On The Practice Of Asking For What You Want

Bigger, Better, Bolder Summer: Best-selling author Jen Cohen on movement, mindset, and the art of asking for what you want in life.

Photography: Janine Jones

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SUN & SOPHISTICATION: HENDERSON BEACH RESORT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENDERSON BEACH RESORT

ESCAPE TO HENDERSON BEACH RESORT, WHERE THOUGHTFUL PROGRAMMING, FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMENITIES, AND SLOW-PACED LUXURY CREATE EFFORTLESS SUMMER TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.

Nestled along Florida’s coveted Panhandle, Destin has earned its reputation as a premier coastal destination. With sugar-white sand stretching for miles and sparkling water that almost seems unreal (we’re talking the kind of emerald that inspired its nickname the “Emerald Coast”), it’s no wonder families flock here year after year. But finding the right resort can mean the difference between needing a ‘vacation after the vacation’ and one that truly rejuvenates.

For parents seeking respite without sacrificing family-friendly fun, the choice of where to stay is key. The ideal resort strikes the delicate balance of being engaging yet intimate enough to feel like a home away from home. It should offer fresh,

thoughtfully curated experiences, while maintaining an atmosphere of calm sophistication. Stop the stress, put down the planner… look no further than Henderson Beach Resort.

Stately yet approachable, Henderson Beach Resort sits among the dunes with its classic coastal design and signature shingle siding, overlooking a lush 200-acre nature preserve, dotted by palms and manicured lawns. Whether you’re seeking quiet mornings or full days of adventure, Henderson Beach Resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and engagement. Spend lazy afternoons by the pools and floating down the meandering lazy river, build

sandcastles on the resort’s pristine stretch of private beach, or let the on-site kids club handle the entertainment while you finally finish that book.

Here’s what awaits during your stay.

The resort’s pool areas are designed with intention including a family pool with a signature lazy river offering both activity and relaxation without ever feeling chaotic, set amongst the backdrop of Henderson Beach State Park. If you need to escape the splash zone, the adults-only pool provides a quieter refuge with cabanas lining the space for those seeking their own private

"ATHENDERSON

corner, while traditional loungers are scattered around for graba-spot spontaneity.

Just steps away sits the resort’s private stretch of beach providing access to lounge chair and umbrella rentals. Living up to its “Emerald Coast” nickname, the iconic green-blue waters here alone define the reason people keep returning. Head west and you’ll find another 1.3 miles of beach through Henderson Beach State Park’s nature preserve, practically untouched and all yours to explore.

Offering an oasis of wellbeing, The Henderson Spa occupies 10,000 square feet of pure sanctuary. Whether you’re booking a

massage, facial or manicure and pedicure, each service combines indigenous ingredients with the marine properties of the Gulf’s crystal waters and ancient quartz sands.

Available throughout the summer, Henderson Beach Resort is home to Poppy’s Kids Club, known for its creative programming including scavenger hunts, lawn games and more designed to keep kiddos genuinely engaged while giving parents peace of mind. Full-day and half-day options let you choose what works for your schedule, and everything’s covered from lunch to crafts to themed activities that keep things interesting. Just book 24 hours

A WEEK AT HENDERSON BEACH RESORT

MONDAY

Sip & Savor at Horizons 4–6 p.m.

Complimentary charcuterie with any glass of wine

TUESDAY

Happy Hour at Horizons 4-6 p.m.

Enjoy signature drinks and shareable bites

WEDNESDAY

Rhythm & Rolls at The Rooftop Bar 5-8 p.m.

Live music and hand-rolled sushi

THURSDAY

S’mores by the Firepit on the Grand Lawn FRIDAY

Flutes & Frites at Horizons,  4-6 p.m.

Veuve Clicquot poured alongside our fry bar

Patrón Fridays at the Adults-Only Pool 12-4 p.m.

A spirited poolside celebration

SATURDAY

Veuve Saturdays at the Adults-Only Pool 12-4 p.m.

Champagne and coastal vibes

SUNDAY

Rosé Sundays at the Adults-Only Pool 12-4 p.m.

DJ + Côtes de Femme Rosé

Minute to Win It Games on the Grand Lawn 2 p.m.

"THE PROGRAMMING HERE

LETS GUESTS STOP MANAGING THEIR VACATION AND START TRULY LIVING IT."

in advance and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for a few hours.

Beyond the pools and beach, the resort fills your days with endless options for every type of traveler. For a leisurely pace, enjoy complimentary bike, kayak, and paddleboard rentals which are included in your stay. Book morning yoga to start the day right or participate in pool activations for afternoon energy and gather around the firepit for s’mores as the sun sets. Throughout the week, special programming rolls out that keeps things fresh and gives your family natural touchpoints.

WHERE TO DINE

From casual poolside bites to elevated sunset dinners, Henderson Beach Resort’s five distinct dining venues celebrate fresh Gulf Coast flavors and thoughtful hospitality.

Primrose Coastal Italian

Inspired by sun-drenched Italian shores and Gulf abundance, Primrose showcases locally caught seafood paired with house-made pastas and Mediterranean ingredients. Executive Chef Scott Plumley has crafted a menu rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and authenticity.

Horizons Gastropub

One of Destin’s most inviting coastal spots where craft flavors meet laid-back beach vibes. Elevated gastropub favorites like fresh Gulf seafood, fish tacos, and wood-fired pizzas pair perfectly with creative cocktails and local brews.

Sea Level Poolside Bar & Grill

Delicious meals and refreshing treats crafted for maximum poolside enjoyment. Frozen cocktails, classic beverages, snacks, salads, and shareable plates keep everyone satisfied while the kids make a splash.

For the parent who’s used to spending months curating the perfect experience, Henderson Beach Resort allows you to finally step back and trust that the details are handled. What unfolds is the life luxury you can’t plan for, being together, unhurried and present.

For more information and to book your stay, visit hendersonbeachresort.com or follow along @TheHendersonFL.

DREW LANE

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTIN

A t T h e S a l v a t i o n A r m y , S e r v i c e i s m o r e t h a n w h a t

w e d o i t i s t h e h e a r t o f w h y w e e x i s t . E v e r y d a y ,

w e c a r e f o r f a m i l i e s f a c i n g h o u s i n g i n s e c u r i t i e s

b y p r o v i d i n g s h e l t e r , f o o d a n d h o m e l e s s n e s s

p r e v e n t i o n s e r v i c e s i n c l u d i n g r e n t a n d u t i l i t y

a s s i s t a n c e . W e h e l p t h o s e w e s e r v e b y f a c i l i t a t i n g

t h e i r j o b s e a r c h , p r o m o t i n g f i n a n c i a l l i t e r a c y , a n d

p r o v i d i n g c o u n s e l i n g t o s u p p o r t t h e i r m e n t a l ,

e m o t i o n a l , a n d s p i r i t u a l w e l l - b e i n g u n t i l t h e y

t r a n s i t i o n i n t o s t a b l e h o u s i n g . J o i n u s i n s e r v i n g

o u r n e i g h b o r s b y v o l u n t e e r i n g , d o n a t i n g , o r

s p o n s o r i n g a f a m i l y .

FREDERICKSBURG Rediscovered

WHERE ANTIQUES, ELEPHANTS, AND UNEXPECTED FLAVORS TRANSFORM A CLASSIC FREDERICKSBURG WEEKEND

It’s easy to think a Fredericksburg weekend follows a familiar pattern with wine tastings, shopping and a walk down Main Street. Over the course of a few days, exploring reveals something less predictable. The weekend begins in a house, a cozy space with wine and chocolate passed between guests. By the next morning, it shifts to a warehouse filled with antiques and oddities sourced from across the globe. Not long after, the setting turns pink, closer to Las Vegas than the Hill Country. When the yellow brick road leads to elephants, it stops feeling like Texas altogether. By late afternoon, the landscape softens into the vineyards of the Hill Country. The town has attracted business owners, chefs, sommeliers, animal conservationists, each dedicated to their craft. In turn, each offers their own atmosphere and experience to those who wander the roads of the Texas Hill Country.

NIGHT ONE

Small plates of chocolates arranged across the table, wine glasses set out; the first evening begins inside Maple Haus, a Gastehaus Schmidt property where owners Jessica and Travis Mittel opened their home for the stay. The experience brings together Turtle Creek Vineyard, Hill Country Chocolate and sommelier Andre Boada of Vino Cadre. The pairings start deeper, a dark chocolate and red wine pairing that leans rich and structured. A peach-infused chocolate paired with a bright white wine was described as tasting like “being in Hawaii.” Wines from Turtle Creek Vineyard in Kerrville are poured alongside each chocolate course, with Carl Schulse offering brief notes that keep the focus on how they interact rather than stand alone.

Hill Country Chocolate owner Dan McCoy speaks to both sides of the process: the technical precision behind the chocolate and the curiosity that drives it. His path into the craft wasn’t linear, leaving a previous career to learn from chocolatiers across the country before building something of his own. That willingness and passion to create something unique and decadent is a theme among local business owners. Whether chocolate, wine or something else entirely, Fredericksburg attracts craftsmen–individuals passionate about creating

something top-of-the-line, one-of-a-kind, that must be experienced to be understood. The local craftsman culture is woven into the fabric of the town and lies at the root of what makes exploration an immersive endeavor.

RETAIL

The next morning begins with shopping just off Main Street along Warehouse Row, where repurposed industrial buildings allow for scale that the historic storefronts can’t. Larger pieces, diverse inventory and slower browsing take shape outside the tighter footprint of downtown.

At Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques, the former mohair warehouse has become a distinct space filled with European antiques, iron beds and custom linens. Nothing feels mass produced. Rather, she curated her signature style through decades of global travel. The grand dame of Fredericksburg retail, Carol is a defining presence in the town’s design scene, with a following that extends well beyond Texas. Across her spaces, including Dish and Neighbor, the mix carries a European sensibility that would feel at home in a Parisian or Italian antique market.

MIDDAY

After a morning spent moving through showrooms, Brooke’s Bubble Bus pulls the day in a different direction. Inside, it’s difficult to believe it’s located in Texas. Pink epoxy floors,

bubble-esque tile, disco balls and sequins detail everything that feels closer to Miami or Las Vegas than the Hill Country. The pink buses and limousines, immediately recognizable anywhere in town, carry that same atmosphere and turn the drive itself into part of the day. Owner Brooke Rogan started with a single bus and built an empire from there. “I love bringing people together and making people happy,” she says.

By midday, lunch awaits at Covington Cellars, where the tasting room opens to the vineyard and the focus returns to the table. Owners Cindy and David Lawson bring a long background in winemaking to the pairings, building each course alongside the wine, keeping the two tied together. Labels carry their own stories. A wine called Josie Rose was named for a young visitor whose artwork now appears on the bottle. As chef Briana Fuchs walks visitors through each course, the thoughtful touches and airy atmosphere reflect something closer to a shared meal than a formal tasting.

From lunch, the group moves to The Preserve Fredericksburg, an animal sanctuary established in the Hill Country 2018. Owners Kari and Gary Johnson each bring more than fifty years of experience working with elephants. The elephants are already visible on arrival. As the group approaches, three Asian elephants raise their trunks in unison, welcoming guests with a wave in response to voice commands rather than leads. The reaction is audible. Hands to faces, a collective intake of breath; up close their size

becomes real in a way that is hard to anticipate. The Preserve is also home to giraffes, kangaroos, laughing kookaburra and other special animals, but the focus stays with the elephants. When they turn to leave, the three fall into a line, each holding the next’s tail with its trunk.

WINE TIME

By late afternoon, the day returns to wine. At Adega Vinho, owner Andrew Bilger speaks on everything from tasting to growing wine in Texas. After years in commercial real estate, he followed through on a dream he had been talking about for years and built the vineyard himself. Inside the tasting room, the wines range from estate-grown selections to an award-winning Chardonnay that has earned multiple gold medals, including recognition at the Houston Rodeo. As Bilger puts it, they have an “old school” methodology–they take what the grapes give them and work from there.

Although it’s just down the road, Slate Theory Winery could be a universe apart. The modern structure opens to wide views of the Hill Country through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the interiors lean stark with concrete, steel and themed artwork that draws as much attention as the wine itself. Below, the cellar is a cold and dim zone lined with barrels and living plant walls, reinforcing the other-worldly atmosphere of wine making. Production is happening on site. Large fermentation tanks line the back and the process is visible throughout the tour. Moving

“My path into the craft wasn’t linear, leaving a previous career to learn from chocolatiers across the country before building my own.” -Dan McCoy

from the open views above to the chilly enclosed cellar below, the design folds neatly into the concept the winery was built upon. Blank slate theory, associated with philosopher John Locke, suggests the mind begins as an empty page shaped by experience. And this winery is exactly that.

FINAL DAY

Preparing for a drive home, day three of a Fredericksburg adventure is best spent in relaxation. A late lunch at Calivence stretches easily over glasses of wine and French-inspired plates inside a historic building, tucked away from the pace of Main Street. From there, Six Twists Sparkling gives the weekend its celebratory toast, with champagne flights and caviar replacing the usual Hill Country tasting room routine. Before heading home, one last winery stop at Michael Ros Winery offers a peaceful retreat with Texas-grown wines and open views that let the weekend linger a little longer. Every Fredericksburg trip ends with the same feeling: a sense that there is still more to discover, and a reason to return.

JILL ELLIOT

Located in Warehouse Row, owner Jill Elliot works from a building with a different past–a former laundromat. Remnants remain, giving Blackchalk Home and Laundry a storied feel before even stepping inside. Jill was initially inspired by the lack of variety in home furnishings. At Blackchalk and its sister clothing boutique, The Haberdashery, pieces are sourced for how they feel and how they wear, not how they fit into a trend.

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The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

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

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

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.

STACK THE DECK

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.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

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.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

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.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

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.

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Birdwatching Made Simple

EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.

Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.

START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP

If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”

Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.

Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS

Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”

Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”

Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.

KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY

Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.

To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.

Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.

WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS

Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.

For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.

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Austin, TX July 2026 by City Lifestyle - Issuu