LETTER
Wanderlust
I have wanderlust. I can’t tell you how many times my husband has come home from a day at the office and I start off his welcome home conversation with, “Um … I did something today.” That’s then followed by, “I booked a trip to X or Y or Z!” (Ask him about the time I booked a cruise to Europe—oops! But one of our best family memories now!) Or he wakes up in the morning and I’ve spent the night poring over itineraries and put a hold on “the perfect next trip!”
Lucky for me, he loves to travel as much as I do, as do our children. I just get this urge to explore and to have new experiences. To learn.
That’s one of the reasons I always love our yearly travel issue. We get to take you places, whether near or far, through our pages. While we often feature just one travel story in an issue, this edition is packed with them.
From a road trip to a museum to a nearby getaway, there’s plenty to explore. We also have summer wine recommendations, cocktail recipes, summer skin-care tips, and more.
So pack your imagination and let this issue be your guide. Wherever you're headed next—physically or through these pages—we hope you find something that inspires your next great adventure.
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Georgann Yara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsay Borg
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
BENEFITS OF OWNING A HOME:
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Lewis Nash and Wynton Marsalis after the LOUIS: A Silent Film with Live Musical Accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad event. 2: Attendees at the Amy Jones Group's Family Dinner worked together to fill handmade bags with essentials. 3: The Amy Jones Group hosted a Family Dinner volunteer event in collaboration with Kids Kindness. 4: The Frontline Workers Appreciation Month event celebrated the dedication of Chandler's healthcare workers. 5: Healthcare workers were gifted a variety of donated items during the Frontline Workers Appreciation Month event. 6: Attendees having fun at the Be Kind Golf Tournament at Lone Tree Golf Course. 7: Chandler CARE Center celebrated 32 families that completed the free Learning Together program.
CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS AMY JONES GROUP AMY JONES GROUP
8: The team at Myranda Fine Jewelry winning Small Business of the Year at the Chamber Community Awards. 9: Sarah Porian, Hayden Kennedy, and Denise McCreery playing games at the Chamber Community Awards. 10: Denise and Andrew McCreery, Mike and Tami Butcher, and Robin Swift at the Chamber Community Awards. 11: Blue State Electric won Micro Business of the Year at the Chamber Community Awards.
12: Congrats to client Myranda Fine Jewelry on winning Small Business of the Year at the Chamber Community Awards! 13: Carol Polcyn and Elena De Luz were ready to party at the 36th Annual Chamber Community Awards! 14: Emcee Denise McCreery, with CUSD winner Lisa Shore, on the red carpet at the Chamber Community Awards.
city scene CONTINUED
15: Congrats to Kathleen Bannister, Ambassador of the Year, Chamber Community Awards. 16: Chandler CARE Center celebrated 32 families that completed the free annual Learning Together program. 17: Chandler CARE Center celebrated 32 families that completed the free annual Learning Together program.
We work mainly with women who find themselves suddenly single.
Women who are scared.
Women who feel like they don’t know anything about finance.
Women who don’t want to be taken advantage of.
Women who don’t want to be judged.
Women who just need someone to help.
I work with women who come in heavy and leave my office lighter.
That’s the NOWFinancial way.
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Angry Crab Shack to Open in Spring 2026
Angry Crab Shack is opening a location at 3033 S. Gilbert Road in spring 2026. The location marks not only another milestone in the brand’s Arizona growth but also the first-ever Angry Crab Shack to be built entirely from the ground up. Franchise partners and Gilbert residents the Appiah family are leading the charge to bring Angry Crab Shack’s signature all-hands-on-deck casual dining experience, known for its seafood boil with bold Asian-Cajun flavors, to Chandler. AngryCrabShack.com
Wilde Wealth Insurance Services Opens Headquarters in Chandler
Wilde Wealth Insurance Services, a family-owned business launched by Southeast Valley business leader and resident Taylor Whatcott, recently opened its official headquarters at 3200 W. Ray Road. The move is to accommodate its team’s Southeast Valley roots, as well as its expansion since its founding just three years ago. Wilde was recently honored by being named to Forbes’ 2025 Best-InState Wealth Advisors list. Whatcott is an Arizona native and grew up in Gilbert. WildeWealthInsurance.com
Ryan Peters Selected to Flinn-Brown Fellowship for Civic Leadership
Chandler’s Strategic Initiatives Director Ryan Peters was selected as a 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellow by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation. This prestigious fellowship recognizes experienced Arizonans committed to civic leadership and public service. The Flinn-Brown Fellowship is a nonpartisan program designed to expand the knowledge, skills, and networks of Arizona's civic leaders. Peters is among 30 Fellows selected this year.
Animal Medical Center of Chandler
Dr. Joshua Russek , DVM
Dr. Nathan Goodwin, DVM
Andrea Stickland, DVM
Dr Adalis Montero, DVM
Photography Courtesy City of Chandler
MilkShake Factory Now Open
The MilkShake Factory, the beloved Pittsburgh-based dessert brand known for its hand-spun milkshakes, house-made chocolates, and premium ice cream, is now open at 4955 S. Alma School Road. It offers its signature handcrafted experience, featuring decadent milkshakes made from scratch from small-batch ice cream, artisanal chocolates, and sundaes—all crafted fresh in-house daily. The location marks the brand's first entrance into Arizona. MilkShakeFactory.com
Assistance League East Valley is now Valley Bloom. As a newly independent nonprofit, Valley Bloom will continue its decades-long commitment
Photography Courtesy MilkShake Factory
to serving East Valley families—now with full local control. This shift allows for quicker decisions, deeper community connections, and greater flexibility to grow. Though the name is changing, the heart remains the same: 100% volunteer-run, program-focused, and dedicated to making a direct impact through compassion, care, and action in the community it calls home.
SEV Laser Opens Desert Skin Defense HQ
In a desert climate where skin is on display nearly every day, SEV Laser is helping Arizonans feel confident in the heat—without the hassle of shaving or waxing. Trusted by celebs like Kim Kardashian, Lori Harvey, and Eva Longoria, SEV Laser has set up shop in Chandler. Founded in Los Angeles and known for blending high-touch service with cutting-edge, medically supervised treatments, SEV is thrilled to bring its cult-favorite, medically backed treatments to Chandler. SEVLaser.com
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Kohler
DRINKS UP ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT
Crafting Cocktails with Fresh Garden Ingredients
Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.
LIME MINT
OSE MOJITO
Ingredients:
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste)
• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent)
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional)
Instructions: Muddle:
Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime. Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals.
PEAR FIZZ
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Gin (or Vodka)
• 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice)
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 sprig of Rosemary
• Sparkling water
• Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice
Instructions:
Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.
Mini and Mighty
ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DWARF CAR MUSEUM
“
“They are pieces of art and people should be looking at them.”
When Ernie Adams was a kid in the 5-square mile town of Harvard, Nebraska, two brothers would drop off a batch of what they caught fishing that day. But what really caught his eye was the 1934 Ford two-door sedan they pulled up to the house in.
“They would drive up slowly and I saw those spokes in the wheel roll real slow,” Adams recalls. “I still see that in my mind today.”
Those images sparked the car creator’s lifelong passion for automobiles. And the results of what has been called “a hobby out of control” are on full display at the Dwarf Car Museum, the nonprofit destination that Adams runs with his family in Maricopa.
Adams is the originator of the Dwarf Car, which is about 11/16th in scale to a full-size car but flaunts all the bells and whistles found in the non-mini versions. Ever since he made his first Dwarf Car in 1965, Adams has carved a niche for himself and created a new class with a line of race cars and cruisers in this vein, each one handmade and truly one-of-a-kind.
Each one required 3,000 hours of work to craft the details in these miniature versions to replicate what would be found in a fullscale car. It’s estimated Adams built and sold hundreds of Dwarf Race Cars, as well as Dwarf Cruisers that can hit 100 miles per hour—most done as a side project during his 30-year career as a truck mechanic.
At any time, there are 13 cars in the museum.
When Adams’ son Kevin greets visitors, he offers a general introduction about the museum, its contents, and a bit of history. It doesn’t take long for guests to be amazed.
“When I tell them that these cars actually run and are street legal, their eyes get really big or they gasp,” Kevin says. “It’s kind of disbelief.”
Adams opens and closes the doors daily. Kevin’s wife Ginger, brother Richard, and mother Sheila all play key roles in running the museum, making it a true family business.
But that wasn’t the original purpose of the space, which began as Adams’ workshop where he’d build the cars. Curiosity brought in visitors who wanted to take a look at all the Dwarf Cars that were covered up. This meant uncovering the cars, and after they left, covering them up again. This pattern repeated itself often.
“The first thing they’d say is that it looks like a museum,” Kevin recalls. “More people would keep coming. I was sitting with my dad one day and said, ‘Why don’t we turn it into a museum?’”
And just like that, the Dwarf Car Museum was born.
“I watched Ernie build these cars for most of my life. They are pieces of art and people should be looking at them,” Kevin says. “The satisfaction for me is just being able to show them what we do as a family, having them meet Ernie and smile, and have a good time.”
Adams admits he misses the art of building cars. But he also relishes what the museum offers to those who appreciate his work.
“I really like to sit out there all day and visit with people who come in,” he says. “I don’t say a lot … I let the cars show themselves.”
DwarfCarMuseum.com
“I don’t say a lot … I let the cars show themselves.” “ ”
Arizona’s Probate, Trust & Estate Planning Law Firm
C O OL COCKTAILS
When we were thinking about creative cocktails that are perfect for summer, one destination immediately sprung to mind—The Mexicano, which recently opened its second Valley location in Chandler.
The locale not only has a build-your-own margarita bar but is also known for its inventive and tasty cocktail creations.
The team there was happy to share these recipes with us so that you can create them at home. Or stop by the popular locale, founded by The Maggiore Group, to raise a glass there, while also enjoying any of its Mexican dining creations. TheMexicano.com
THAT ARE PERFECT FOR A HOT SUMMER
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN |
Spicy Margarita
• 2 ounces Cascahuin Blanco
• 1 ounce House-Made Poblano Syrup
• 1 ounce Lime Juice
“This margarita highlights the vegetal notes of the Cascahuin Blanco, one of the best tequilas out there. The poblano syrup offers a mild and balanced heat,” says Abby Kate Larson, corporate mixologist at The Mexicano.
CONTINUED >
Prickly Pear Paloma
• 1.5 ounces Grapefruit-Infused Blanco Tequila
• 0.75 ounce Lime Juice
• 0.5 ounce Aperol
• 0.5 ounce Prickly Pear Syrup
• 1.5 ounces Grapefruit Soda
“As one of our most popular cocktails, Chandler can agree that it’s a highly crushable summer drink,” Larson says. “We infuse tequila with grapefruit zest and incorporate Aperol for a balanced, refreshing drink.”
Mole Old Fashioned
• 1 ounce Abasolo Mexican Whisky
• 1 ounce Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• 1 barspoon Demerara Sugar
• 5 dashes House-Made Mole Bitters
“This cocktail is inspired by Chef Joey’s mole negro, blending rich dark chocolate, toasted sesame, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves,” Larson says.
NEARBY GETAWAY
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Offers a Scenic Trip to a Simpler, Historic Time
ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAGUARO LAKE GUEST RANCH
Nestled in the Tonto National Forest, minutes from Saguaro Lake and all its natural attributes and unfettered access to the Salt River and its wildlife, the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is an idyllic oasis of peace and pristine beauty where nature fully flaunts all the assets of true Arizona desert living.
“When you are here, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere … in a whole other world.”
And with all of these assets, the destination manages to do the near impossible in a technology-dependent 21st century—persuade guests to leave their phones in their cabins while they explore.
“You’d be surprised at how many people really do unplug here,” says Holly Hamlin, guest experience coordinator for Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. “We want people to connect with nature and other people.”
Images that greet guests from the moment they arrive are very convincing. The rural environs, movie set-like nature scenery, and mélange of landscapes make a strong case for abandoning Wi-Fi and not obsessing over how many bars show up on the cellphone.
The sprawling property is centered around 20 uniquely rustic historic cabins. These are void of televisions and phones but boast no shortage of
stunning panoramic views and creature comforts like comfy king and queen beds, climate control, refrigerators, microwaves, and artwork and touches that ooze vintage Western charm.
The Tonto National Forest flaunts not only a diverse ecosystem but also the opportunity to indulge in your pick of outdoor recreational activities spanning kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, horseback riding, and more.
A variety of outdoor activities await. Sign up for a two-hour unguided kayaking trip or a guided rafting trip to explore the Lower Salt River. Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and saddle up with wranglers on a trail ride. If getting on a horse isn’t your thing, chow down at a seasonal cowboy cookout, offered October through April, with mesquite-grilled rib-eye steak, roasted chicken legs, traditional cowboy beans, and other "ranch-inspired" sides.
Guests who opt to hit the ranch during the summer can take advantage of the Bed & Breakfast special that offers fuel for the day with a hearty ranch breakfast. Also available are boxed lunches comprising the chef’s signature sandwiches that come with chips, veggies and dip, fresh fruit, and a homemade sweet treat. Totally portable, they are easy to tote for a picnic or outdoorsy adventure.
Bird watchers, fishing fans, or anyone who relishes quietly observing desert wildlife will be able to do it all along the lower stretch of the Salt River, which runs along the grounds, when they come lodge at the ranch.
Visitors hail from near and far. Travelers from Europe and Asia wishing to experience the Southwest they’ve seen and envied in movies or Western novels find what they’re looking for here. However, more Arizona residents have been steadily flocking to experience a different kind of staycation that’s just 45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 40 minutes from Chandler, and 25 minutes from Scottsdale.
“When you are here, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere … in a whole other world,” Hamlin says. “It’s really beautiful to have people come here and experience the wild Sonoran Desert.”
Originally established as a work camp in 1928 to support the workforce building the Stewart Mountain Dam, the ranch invites guests to relive true Arizona history, which is not all that common in a state known for recent construction.
The main lodge—which is the original building— functioned as the mess hall, ice house, and commissary for the construction crew, and workers called the cabins lining the roadway to the new dam home.
“You’d be surprised at how many people really do unplug here. We want people to connect with nature and other people.”
“There’s a lot of history here,” Hamlin says. “It’s almost 100 years old, so while it’s very clean and well-maintained, our main lodge still has that really rustic Southwest charm that you don’t see in buildings anymore.”
The Durand family has owned the ranch for more than 75 years, having purchased it in 1948. Today, the third-generation of the family helms one of the extremely rare mom-and-pop boutique hotels around.
“You get a real sense of family and inclusiveness when you’re here, something that you don’t really get at hotels these days,” Hamlin says.
And whether you’re coming out for an activity or staying overnight, a visit to Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch offers a welcoming world-away peaceful retreat just minutes from home.
“Here, it’s all about easy living,” Hamlin says. “We want you to feel like family and want you to take a step back into a simpler time.”
When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?
This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed.
you are Aging. miss taking Medications. Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation, errands, grocery, housecleaning, personal hygiene. Desire to stay at home. A spouse of someone you are caring for – in-home care as a respite for a loved one.
SUMMER skin care
DESERT EYESTHETICS OFFERS HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG
Denise Garcia, M.D., oculofacial plastic surgeon and founder of Desert Eyesthetics, knows firsthand how important it is to take great care of one’s skin.
“The medical side of my practice includes managing the aging-related issues that affect the eyelids and surrounding tissues, treating skin cancers, tearing, and thyroid eye disease, to name a few,” Garcia says of the boutique-style office that offers medical and aesthetic treatments in a relaxed and intimate setting. “The aesthetic side includes surgical management of the eyelids and surrounding tissues, injectables, and laser skin care. We also have comprehensive aesthetic services provided by my in-house aesthetician, Kylie Maas.”
While proper skin care is always important, Garcia says it’s especially crucial during the summer months, when the UV index is significantly higher.
To keep skin as healthy as possible, Garcia and Maas offer the following tips.
Protection from the sun and UV rays is key
“The best way to take care of your skin during summer is by avoiding UV damage in the first place,” Garcia says. “Wear a hat, wear sunglasses, use an umbrella if you are sitting outside for long periods, and wear SPF clothing to protect your arms and legs.”
Apply sunscreen every day
Apply sunscreen to the face and neck every day, Maas advises.
“Even if you aren’t going outside for any length of time, you will still get exposed to the sun in your car,” she says.
She suggests that people find a great sunscreen for the face that they like and won’t mind applying; she and Garcia recommend Alastin SilkShield or Alastin HydraTint ProMineral 36.
“Apply it every morning to your face, neck, and exposed décolleté. Remember to reapply frequently—every 90 minutes or so—if you are sweating, and don’t forget to get a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips,” Maas says.
Hydrate!
This tip sounds simple, but as Garcia notes, it’s easier said than done.
“Arizona is so hot and dry in the summer that we tend to dehydrate quickly. Keep your body hydrated and your skin will look and feel better,” she says.
Garcia advises trying to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, and even more if you are participating in outdoor activities.
“Make it easy on yourself—fill up your favorite 30-ounce insulated tumbler with ice water and make sure to refill at least twice throughout the day,” she says.
CONTINUED >
KYLIE MAAS & Dr. Denise Garcia
DESERT EYESTHETICS
Double cleanse
“At night, make sure to double cleanse your skin; it will help to get off all the SPF, debris, and sweat that accumulates throughout the day,” Maas says, adding that she suggests first using an oil cleanser, followed by a hydrating gentle cleanser.
Moisturize!
“Find a great moisturizer to apply in the morning and before bed,” Garcia advises. “You may want a lighter product for daytime use—we suggest Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer—and a thicker lotion or cream before bed like Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. Moisturizer is your best friend after a long day of sun!”
Limit exfoliants
“Be careful using exfoliants—both physical and chemical, like retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids—before sun exposure. These can make your skin more sensitive and increase your chance of burning,” Maas notes.
Modify your laser treatment schedule
People who get laser treatments on their skin may want to modify their treatments and/or schedule during
the summer. As Garcia notes, while some treatments like photofacials, IPL, or Forever Young BBL require strict sun avoidance for one to two weeks before and after treatment, others are safe to do year-round.
“Moxi laser and microneedling, both of which are great options for all skin types, can be safely done in the summer,” Garcia notes.
Special considerations
People with melasma and/or rosacea should take extra special care during the summer, Maas says.
“The higher UV index is a huge trigger for melasma. We recommend wearing wide-brimmed hats, strict adherence to wearing a facial sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, and avoiding high-heat activities like hot yoga or saunas,” she says, adding that Moxi laser is an excellent treatment for melasma that can be done year-round. These also apply to people with rosacea, but Maas adds that spicy foods and alcohol can also trigger increased flushing.
“So if you are attending a summer barbecue, wear a big hat and plenty of sunscreen, seek shade whenever possible, watch what you eat, and drink plenty of water!” Maas says.
EyePlasticsAZ.com
“Remember
M MER WINES 1
Wine has always been a part of Andrew McCreery’s life.
“I grew up in a formal household and every Sunday we would have a roast or leg of lamb with the wine to accompany it,” McCreery says.
McCreery, who co-owns d’Vine Gourmet (dVineGourmet.com) and Boutique on Boston with his wife, Denise, experienced his first grape harvest in Mainz, Germany, in 1985 when he was stationed there while in the Army.
“It was two unforgettable days of immersion into German wine culture,” he says.
After graduating from the University of Arizona with degrees in history and political science, McCreery began working in wine and spirit sales in 1996.
“Also that year, I passed the exam and became a certified sommelier from the Master Court of Sommeliers,” he shares.
When it comes to summer wines, McCreery says they are defined as easy to drink, crisp, affordable, and chillable—and that they go well with any appetizer or food fresh off the grill.
Here are some wines McCreery feels would be ideal choices this summer.
CERTIFIED SOMMELIER ANDREW MCCREERY SHARES HIS PICKS
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG
SQUEALING PIG ROSÉ JOSEPH MELLOT SINCÉRITÉ SAUVIGNON BLANC
As McCreery notes, the classic summer wine is rosé made in the style that comes from Provence in France, bursting with fresh fruits and crisp acidity.
“My current favorite is the Squealing Pig Rosé from Sonoma. This wine has flavors of ripe strawberry, raspberry, and pink grapefruit. Normally I avoid grapefruit flavors, but this is so very yum, yum, yummy,” he says. “This rosé is getting older, so we got a great deal that we have passed on to our customers and it still is extremely fresh and bright.”
Sauvignon blanc is one of the “classic grapes” that have found a home in almost every wine growing region across the world, McCreery says, adding that for him, the Loire River of France does this wine the best.
“We carry the Joseph Mellot Sincérité Sauvignon Blanc, which has off-the-chart flavors without the off-the-chart prices,” he says. “European wines are very controlled by the government and pricing is often reflective of lines on a map and not by the inherent quality of the wine. My goal in buying is not to find the most expensive wine, but to find someone who shares a fence with them. This is still a stunning wine but is 40% less in price.”
PINOT NOIR FROM SOKOL BLOSSER WINERY IN OREGON
“Just because it is summer doesn’t mean you have to give up red wine,” McCreery says, adding that he is especially fond of the pinots from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. “Sokol Blosser Winery is family-owned and -operated, and founded in 1971. The winery has a second label called Evolution that it started in 1998. Its pinots are off the chart yet still affordable,” he says.
The secret for enjoying pinot noir in the summer, McCreery notes, is to serve it at the right temperature—about 60 degrees.
“’Room temperature’ in Chandler is a bit too high for serving red wine,” he says. “Just place it in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes prior. For me, the difference is huge, and it really smooths out the finish.”
MERKIN VINEYARDS CHUPACABRA RED BLEND
For an Arizona wine, McCreery goes with an old favorite, Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Red Blend.
“For me, this is a great ‘Goldilocks’ wine—not too big, not too small, and with a flavor profile that has a wide appeal,” McCreery says.
The grapes are grown at the Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Willcox American Viticultural Area and is vinified in Cottonwood.
“The vineyard is at 4,300 feet in elevation, which places it higher than 99% of vineyards in America,” McCreery says.
“Flavors of violet, soft plum, and delightful rhubarb with an ultra-smooth finish make this a crowd favorite.”
CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER
Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Edible Flower Ice
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH NOVEMBER 2ND
Pony Up! Cowgirls of Chandler
Chandler Museum
This exhibition celebrates the women and girls who shaped Chandler’s identity as a modern Western town. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, spotlighting women’s roles on ranches, in rodeos, and along the desert trails of Chandler’s past. Explore Chandler’s early days through some of the community’s earliest photographs and memories of its pioneering residents. ChandlerMuseum.org
THROUGH AUGUST 2ND
Shifting to Joy
The Gallery at the Chandler Center of the Arts
Mike Margolis invites visitors to “step into a world where joy shifts, where colors pulse with life, and where art becomes an experience that speaks to the heart” in his newest art exhibition. View two of his collections that radiate a sense of happiness and lightness, expressed through playful gestures and creative use of scale. VisionGallery.org
JULY 4TH
Chandler’s
All-American Bash
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza 7:00 PM
Celebrate 4th with live music, yard games, food vendors, and more. This year, there will be a 15-minute pyrotechnic show as part of the concert. The featured performer is Outside the Line and the show begins at 8:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come early or stay late and visit their favorite downtown businesses, including ones offering Star-Spangled Specials. ChandlerAZ.gov
CONTINUED
JULY 11TH
School’s Out/Summer Close-Out Teen Pool Party
Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St. 7:00 PM
Dive into the ultimate summer celebration with this fun event. There will be food, games, prizes, music, and good vibes as the summer season is ushered in with a splash. This event is for kids ages 13-17 only. ChandlerAZ.gov
JULY 20TH
Back-to-School Bash: Haircuts, Photos & Supplies
Arizona Barber Academy | 11:00 AM
Join the Amy Jones Group to support 50 foster youth with free haircuts, school photos, backpacks, and supplies. Volunteer, donate, or host a supply drive! For information, contact info@amyjonesgroup.com.
JULY 20TH
Sixtiesmania—A Journey Through the Sixties Presented by AVA Productions, LLC
Chandler Center for the Arts | 5:00 PM
Step into the vibrant world of the 1960s with tribute band Sixtiesmania. Based in Las Vegas, they bring their electrifying performances to audiences nationwide, including for this performance in Chandler. Sixtiesmania recreates the iconic sounds of beloved artists, including The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors, The Monkees, The Beach Boys, The Kinks, Cream, and many more. ChandlerCenter.org events
