The Kids & Pets Issue
SPORTS + RECREATION
PEDAL KIDS TEACHES STOKE
FOOD + BEVERAGE
THE NICHE SANDWICH SHOP NAMED AFTER RESCUE DOG
The Heart of our Home and Lifeblood of our Community
Kids and pets…In our house, as with many, those words have become synonymous. A long-time, multi-pet household, my wife, Kayla, and I were veteran ‘pet parents’ before we had our son, Beckett. When we met, she had a yellow Lab named Andy—who didn’t much care for me—and a sweet Red Golden named Holly who could be won over by any suitor willing to throw a ball. With Kayla and Holly on my side, I figured two out of three ain’t bad, and started playing the long game with Andy. Things did not progress quickly between Andy and me. A year later, he would still assert his dominance by laying all 90 pounds of himself on top of me while relaxing on the couch. This was not an attempt to cuddle—if anything, it might have been a calculated attempt at suffocation. Even food was only [begrudgingly] accepted from me with a look as if to say, “This does not make us friends; I just don’t have thumbs, you dolt.” While Holly was the perfect lady, Andy was not to be swayed. Holidays came and went, an engagement, two moves, and a house purchase, Kayla and I married, and still, Andy remained aloof. Eventually, we became friends, but there was always a clear, “I was here first” air about him. In many ways, he taught me how to be the best person for Kayla–he had been doing the job for years. After all, he was there first.
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While August is our opportunity to celebrate ‘Kids and Pets,’ this issue comes at a somber time as we watch the tragedies following the July 4th flooding in Texas continue to unfold. I, like any parent, am horrified by the loss that has occurred; what families are going through is unimaginable.
At Bentonville City Lifestyle, we always want to be a positive voice in your mailbox, so where’s the positivity here? It’s our ability to help. In that spirit, I want to use this space to list a handful of organizations that offer secure and direct aid to those impacted. May this give us even more pause to celebrate the children in our community.
• The Walmart Match Fund
• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
• American Red Cross
• Kerrville Pets Alive
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER @BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Katriel Daniels | katriel.daniels@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Claire McFarland, Jared Mark Fincher, Ben Figueroa
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Pedal Kids Teaches Stoke
The
Dr. Kayla Hodges shares
Clank the Robot at Buddy Pegs. Created by NWA artist, Jason Jones.
Michelle Bazis
1-7: Dogs of Bentonville
Photography by Claire McFarland and Michelle Bazis
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DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT TAKE THEIRS!
“Loved working with Lily! She is definitely on her toes with every aspect of real estate as my buying agent and selling agent. We completed at least 12 transactions together in NWA before we moved back to Nebraska. Hire her!! “
-Jeremy and Amber
“Lily was literally the BEST realtor we’ve ever worked with. She was knowledgeable, professional and accommodating in everything regarding the sell of our home. She put us first in all decision making and made the process as stress free as possible. If you ’ re looking for a realtor PLEASE use Lily Dighero. She truly is the best in the game, I can’t recommend her enough. We are so blessed to have been connected with her!”
-Taylor and Paymon
Fly OZ Introduces Wing and Barrel Shooting League
Join Fly OZ monthly for shooting trips where club members will test their aim, sharpen their skills, and enjoy the great outdoors. Each outing is followed with a group meal. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with fellow members and build lasting memories. Email contact@ flyoz.com to learn more.
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OZ Trails Bike Park Names Gary Vernon GM
Runway Group's Director of Outdoor Recreation and Trail Innovation was the obvious choice for General Manager of Bella Vista's OZ Trails Bike Park, scheduled to open to the public in 2026. A resident of Bella Vista, Vernon's experience building inclusive programs and sustainable trail systems will guide the park's mission to serve riders of all abilities. The appointment underscores the Park's commitment to leadership that understands mountain biking culture and community.
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Pedal Kids Teaches STOKE
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE
BAZIS & BEN FIGUEROA
B is for Bentonville, and Bentonville is for biking.
When we started planning the Kids and Pets Issue, one story stood out right away — a Bentonville-based brand that’s helping the next generation of riders get rolling. Scott and Jannine Fitzgerald’s Buddy Pegs and Pedal Kids USA started out as a media solution for getting kids on bikes, but as their book “B is for Bicycles” reached more families across the country, they quickly discovered parents, like them, needed practical programming for raising riders. We connected with Scott to learn more about how Buddy Pegs and Pedal Kids USA came to be.
THE CHILDREN'S BOOK TURNED 360 BIKE PROGRAMMING BRAND IS RAISING NWA RIDERS WITH CONFIDENCE
“WE WROTE A CHILDREN’S BOOK CALLED, “B IS FOR BICYCLES,” AND STARTED A NEW COMPANY AROUND THAT BOOK CALLED BUDDY PEGS.”
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW BUDDY PEGS/PEDAL KIDS CAME TO BE.
My wife and I lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for many years, managing our full-service bike shop, Fitzgerald’s Bikes. As both a business owner and later mayor of Victor, Idaho, I was thinking a lot about developing healthy communities and realized bikes play a central role. We discovered there was a lack of media about getting kids on bikes, so my wife and I wrote a book called “B is for Bicycles” and created a new company around that book called Buddy Pegs. While traveling to sell the book, we met many parents who struggled with teaching their kids how to ride. So, we created curriculum as a companion piece to our “Raise Riders” book tour. This tour brought us to Bentonville, and what was meant to be a short stop turned into a decision to relocate. We recognized Bentonville as the perfect place to grow what is now Pedal Kids USA, which offers year-round bike classes in NWA. Today, Pedal Kids programs are also available in Kansas City and nationally through our touring residency programs.
HAVING EXPERIENCED LIFE IN OTHER OUTDOORSY AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, WHAT DO YOU FEEL MAKES BENTONVILLE STAND OUT?
Two things: Obviously, the investments in outdoor rec lifestyle. But more than money, it’s the vision. Money makes things happen faster, but without vision things won’t happen at all. There’s a clear vision about what type of community is going to create a healthy lifestyle for its residents. My hope is that Bentonville becomes a model that can be replicated elsewhere and then, collectively, we can become a healthy world.
TELL US HOW BIKING HAS IMPACTED YOUR OWN FAMILY DYNAMICS.
We are happier as a family when we’re outside. You can’t hold a phone when you’re holding handlebars. Bikes give us an opportunity to build community. It’s important for communities to get to know each other and engage as a broad community, developing humanity that makes us all tick.
Scott Fitzgerald
CEO, PEDAL KIDS USA & BUDDY PEGS NWA
Working to spark a new era of connection, wellness, and exploration through bicycles, Pedal Kids USA champions the joyful revolutions of bicycle pedals as a path to wellness, connection, and discovery. Through accessible bicycle programming and year round bike classes for kids in NWA, its mission is to transform families and communities, one pedal stroke at a time. www.PedalKids.com | @PedalKidsUSA
Buddy Pegs NWA is a family-friendly bike shop with equipment rentals for every skill level, plus safety gear and apparel for each member of the family at every phase of their cycling journey. Buddy Pegs NWA also functions as a home base for Pedal Kids' NWA bike classes. www.BuddyPegs.com 3605 NW Wishing Springs Rd. Bentonville, AR
WHY DO YOU THINK NWA FAMILIES ARE CHOOSING TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PEDAL KIDS VERSUS OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS?
We focus on bike skills plus life skills. We want kids to develop the fundamental tools they’ll need to be successful, happy adults. We train our coaches to focus on being present, being patient, and being stoked. We use that word - S.T.O.K.E. - as an acronym for social and emotional learning: Stewardship, Teamwork, Ownership, Kindness, Empathy.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY SURPRISES OR CHALLENGES WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDY PEGS AND PEDAL KIDS?
We did not expect a pandemic. That was a challenge. But it led to the physical location we have now. In 2020, we didn’t have a place to run our programs anymore, but parents were reaching out because we could still ride socially distant outdoors and they were looking for things for their kids to do. So we decided to rent our current location so parents could meet and ride from there. We decided to open the bike shop as a companion piece and offer 360 degrees of support.
THE INSTRUCTORS SEEM TO BE A PRICELESS INGREDIENT TO PEDAL KIDS MOJO - TELL US ABOUT YOUR SELECTION PROCESS.
Our team is amazing. We look for incredible human beings first, and bike skills second. It’s about hiring people who care about the future development of our children. Once our team is selected they go through our Pedal Kids certification process to become best-in-class professional bike coaches.
THE APP IS ALSO AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT - WHEN DID THIS LAUNCH, AND HOW HAS HAS IT IMPACTED THE FAMILY EXPERIENCE WITH PEDAL KIDS?
January of this year, we wanted to better support both the families in our programs and the families who aren’t. The app offers tips and advice on how to move kids through their journey, which is free to download on the Apple app store and Google Play, and coaches can communicate through the app so parents get direct feedback. We get to share what we do in Bentonville and export that around the world.
Yesi Dalton
Financial Advisor
5310 W Village Pkwy, Ste 3 Rogers, AR 72758
479-273-6049
yesi.dalton@edwardjones.com
Rafe Ann Du Bois, CRPC™ Financial Advisor
13020 N Hwy 71, Ste 104 Bentonville, AR 72712
479-273-9058
rafeann.dubois@edwardjones.com
David Jones
Financial Advisor
1100 Mallard Place Ste C Bentonville, AR 72712
479-271-0488
d.jones@edwardjones.com
Daniel A Paul
Financial Advisor
3401 SW 2nd St, Ste 101 Bentonville, AR 72712
479-925-7579
daniel.paul@edwardjones.com
A DOG'S DAY IN Bentonville
9yo Sheepadoodle
There's no denying that dogs are a big part of Bentonville lifestyle. Everywhere you go, whether it's a Greenway stroll or a coffee date with friends, there's bound to be pups around. It makes sense that Bentonville's pet population be represented in our magazine, which is where 'Sheep' comes in.
Max 'The Sheep' Shares His Favorite Dog-Friendly Activities and Hotspots
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS & CLAIRE MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE MCFARLAND
Meet Bentonville City Lifestyle [BCL] Ambassador Max, aka "Sheep". You might recognize Sheep's friendly face from local events and favored Bentonville watering holes like The HUB Bike Lounge. Nearly ten years old, Sheep was born and raised in Arkansas, but has visited 20 other states as an avid road tripper. Max is a Sheepadoodle - hence his nickname - and he loves going everywhere with his dog mom, BCL Social Media Coordinator, Claire McFarland. Here are some of Sheep's favorite NWA dog-friendly brands, activities, and hangouts for the perfect dog's day in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Max "Sheep" McFarland
FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
Sheep enjoys creek days on Little Sugar. As Claire's kayak companion, he loves watching wildlife as they float along and cooling off at swimming hole stops. A great put in location for a Little Sugar Creek float is behind Allen's Food Market in Bella Vista.
BEST 'PET FOOD'
A Pup Cup from Oh Snap! Ice Cream is one of Sheep's not-so-guilty pleasures, but Three Dog Bakery makes his birthday cake every year, "Plus cookies, for being a good boy." You can find Oh Snap! at Osage Park and Three Dog Bakery on Central Avenue just off the Bentonville Square.
PET FASHIONS
Sheep likes to get dressed in the mornings. His go-to brands for looking effortlessly cool are Mt. Oakley Threads and Wilderdog. For Sheep, it's also a must for his collar and leash to match, so every year, he picks out a new set from Rope Hounds. Both Mt. Oakley Threads and Rope Hounds are Northwest Arkansas-based brands. Support these local businesses by shopping online at MtOakleyThreads.com and RopeHounds.com.
PUPPY PAMPERING
"Spa days are always with Ms. Amy at Raising the Bark in Bentonville." Sheep loves baths but hates the hair dryer. Contact Raising the Bark to schedule a spa day for your pup: RaisingTheBark.com RaisingTheBarkNWA@gmail.com 479-553-7311
PUP-FRIENDLY HANGOUTS
Since Sheep likes to go everywhere with Claire, dog-friendly spaces are a must. You'll often find him at Airship Coffee, Bentonville Brewing, and the YT Mill. Airship Pumphouse, Airship on 5th, Bentonville Brewing, and Meteor Cafe all have great outdoor spaces where pets can mingle.
PUP-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sheep loves mingling at weekly events around town. First Fridays and Farmers Markets are perfect for meeting dog people. Other community events he loves are Thursdays at either The HUB's weekly bike social with live DJ or Neighbor Night with For the Love NWA. Sheep is also a big fan of Tuesday Wine Tasting at the Meteor - the perfect place to snag plenty of ear scratches.
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Dr. Kayla Hodges shares a few common summertime ailments our furry friends might encounter and what to do about them.
VET TIPS: SUMMER PET CARE
Each season brings its own challenges for pet owners. The bitter cold snaps of winter make walks unbearable for owners and dangerous for pups. The waves of green pollen each spring and the invisible molds of fall can have our pets feeling uncomfortable. According to Kayla Hodges, DVM at All Pets Animal Hospital on the Greenway, there may be no more challenging season for pet owners than the summer months. We sat down with Dr. Hodges to learn a little about the most common summertime ailments pets might encounter, how to identify them, and what to do to prevent or treat them.
DO YOU SEE AN INCREASE IN WALK-INS AND URGENT APPOINTMENTS DURING THE SUMMER?
Absolutely. It’s a combination of temperature and people being more active with their pets during these months. We see things from
heat strokes, to wounds from things like dog bites and fences, to burned paw pads from hot surfaces, to Swimmer’s Tail.
HOW SENSITIVE ARE OUR PETS’ PAWS, AND HOW DO WE KEEP THEM FROM BURNING THEIR PADS?
If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Anything above 125-degrees will burn paws in 60 seconds. That may sound like a high temperature for Arkansas, but asphalt can reach 130 degrees on an 85-degree day. An easy way to think of it is the seven-second rule; if you can’t hold your hand to the surface comfortably for seven seconds, then it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. The same risk applies to rocky outcrops on hikes and hot gravel
bars on floats. That’s not to say that the pets have to stay home, though. There are plenty of high-quality pet footwear options on the market to protect their paws.
WHAT SORT OF PLANTS SHOULD PET OWNERS LOOK TO KEEP THEIR PETS AWAY FROM?
Oftentimes it’s the plants in our homes that pose the greatest risk. Take lilies for example. There are five types of lilies that are toxic to cats. Day, Asiatic, Easter, Tiger, and Stargazer lilies can all cause complete kidney failure. All parts of the flowers are toxic—even the water they sit in. Prevention is key. Start by keeping lilies out of your home. Signs can take up to three days to present and, by that point,
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there’s usually irreversible kidney damage. Even pollen transfer from your dog’s face directly to a cat could be deadly.
YOU MENTIONED SWIMMER’S TAIL. WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT?
Swimmer’s tail occurs when a dog strains the muscles in their tail from swimming a lot. It is very painful and uncomfortable for the
“THE SEVEN-SECOND RULE: IF YOU CAN’T HOLD YOUR HAND TO THE SURFACE COMFORTABLY FOR SEVEN SECONDS, THEN IT’S TOO HOT FOR YOUR PET’S PAWS.”
dog, but as pitiful as they may look, with rest and some pain medication from your local vet, they’ll bounce back quickly. Just like we need to condition for activity, so do our dogs. Prevention looks like letting your pup work up to longer swimming days. And don’t forget the life vest!
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS A PET MIGHT BE DANGEROUSLY HOT?
Signs your dog might have heat stroke would be excessive panting, collapsing, and, in severe cases, bright red gums, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Certain dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than others—like short-nosed breeds, obese dogs, or dogs with known respiratory disease. Heat stroke could even occur on a 75-degree day. The key to prevention is knowing when to say ‘no’. That Lab will chase the ball as often as you throw it, so we have to tell our pets when it’s time to take a break. If you suspect heat stroke, cover your pet in cool, wet cloths and get them to a vet immediately.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOENIX LOVE
LOVE'S Balloon andtheMoon
LOCAL AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR, MADI LOVE, CREATES GENTLE ADVENTURES WITH MINDFUL MESSAGES
Balloon and the Moon is a gentle adventure with a mindful message. Perfect for families looking for meaningful children’s books, local author and illustrator, Madi Love, created this charming story to share a message of comfort and hope. Her characters, Mouse and Balloon, remind kids that love can span any distance.
What came first, the story or the art?
I had the idea for the book for about a year before publishing. My background is in creative writing and graphic design, and I love illustration. I had been making art inspired by my travels and the idea for Balloon and the Moon evolved from my art. I created a serene image of a hot air balloon, the moon, and clouds—pieces that felt like a natural part of my childhood. As I reflected on them through meditation, it became clear: my art was telling the story.
“Love's characters, Mouse and Balloon, remind kids that love can span any distance.”
What inspires your illustration style?
When I was traveling a lot, I would turn something I loved from my experience into pieces of art. I focus on creating art that is minimalist and reflective of those influences. Color theory plays a significant role in my work, and digital illustration offers a crisp, clean finish that allows me to communicate my messages clearly and with intention.
You do these sweet activations with your readings - tell us about that.
It’s this magical moment. In the book, Balloon has a wish to go to the moon. And so, at my readings, sometimes we’ll make these wish jars. You can fill it with crystals and stars, but then you’ll write down a wish on a piece of paper, roll it up, and place it in the jar. It’s a simple yet powerful way to invite everyone to reflect on their dreams and the importance of holding onto them.
Where can we find your book?
I’m in five independent bookstores. Locally, I’m involved with Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville and Two Friends Books in Bentonville. You can also get Balloon and the Moon online at www.madilove.co . Locals can join me for an upcoming activation at Crystal Bridges, August 31st, during their STREAM event, where the magic of the book will unfold in an unforgettable way.
Let's Eat! Archie's Sandwichery
“His name is Archer, but when he’s being a good pup, we call him Archie.” By the time this issue hits mailboxes, Bentonville's newest niche eatery will have celebrated a month of slangin' some seriously tasty sammies.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
Located on the corner of 3rd Street and N Walton Boulevard, in front of Coler Crossing, Archie's Sandwichery serves great food and pet-friendly vibes with dopamine-inducing decor and killer beverages.
There's nothing basic about the menu at Archie's - These sandwiches are thick and stacked with top-tier ingredients for a mouthwatering experience. Wash it all down with a Capri Sun - ya, they have those - or a glass of wine. Archies colorful outdoor patio is the perfect corner perch for watching your Bentonville neighbors cruise by in the company of your favorite people and pets.
Editor’s Choice: Small MILLHOUSE sandwich, no onion, on Ozark Natural Breads’ gluten free bread, and a Sanzo Yuzu with ginger mineral water to drink.
HOURS:
Open 10 am - 10 pm, every day except Tuesday. @MeetAtArchies
AUGUST 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 2ND
Brain Health Initiative
Mindful Triathlon
Thaden School Campus | 7:00 AM
Join us for a community-wide 5k experience with a unique twist focused on long-lasting brain health and wellness. Unlike a traditional triathlon, the BHI Mindful Tri will consist of a 5k walk/run/hop/skip/jump, followed by yoga and meditation sessions.
AUGUST 9TH
GOTCHU Lake Day
Beaver Lake: 22641 W War Eagle, Springdale | 10:00 AM
GOTCHU isn’t just an event nameit’s a message to the Helpers of NWA: GAP RELIEF has your back! This is a free event with BBQ, fun summer contests, swimming, a silent auction, and more. Proceeds benefit GAP RELIEF, a non-profit providing premier mental health services to the helping sectors of our community. Registration required. Visit gaprelief.com/ gotchu for info.
AUGUST 9TH
Bentonville Kids Club at the Farmers Market
Bentonville Square | 7:30 AM
Bring your kids (K-5th grade) to this fun hands-on learning experience. Each child will receive a voucher worth $2 to spend on local produce to promote healthy living and engaging in the community. No need to register, just come on over and have fun!
Beth S.
She
Your furry friend deserves a backyard that’s safe, fun, and tail-wagglingly perfect. With a Home Equity Loan, you can make it happen — from secure fencing and shade trees to custom dog runs or even a splash pool!
Use the equity in your home to create the outdoor space your pet dreams of — and your family will love too.
August 9 & November 8
CONTINUED
AUGUST 15TH
Soar NWA
Benton County Fairgrounds | 5:00 PM
Grab a ticket for this amazing outdoor festival! Hot air balloons, live entertainment, and food trucks are just a few of the things you’ll find here. All proceeds go towards Open Avenues, an employment support for those with disabilities.
AUGUST 16TH Anvil Fest
The Momentary - RØDE House | 6:00 PM
All your favorite local artists gather for two days of live music. The lineup is sure to impress! All ages welcome. Tickets are $22.
AUGUST 17TH
Back To School - Breakfast on the Square 10:00 AM
Let’s kick off the school year together. Sleep in then join your neighbors at the Bentonville Square for breakfast and family-friendly activities to celebrate a new school year.
A locally-owned specialty event rental company focused on trendsetting lounges, stylish guest seating, statement-making bars, elegant tableware and custom fabrication for weddings, corporate events, social gatherings and more in Northwest Arkansas.
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