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Opening Spring 2026:

The Reserve

At The Reserve at Marty B’s, our mission is to provide a refined and timeless setting where both life’s most meaningful celebrations and professional milestones are honored with excellence, hospitality, and grace.

Rooted in Christian values, we are committed to creating memorable experiences— whether for a couple saying “I do” or a company gathering in purpose—through intentional service, integrity, and heartfelt care.

We strive to be a place where beauty meets purpose and every guest feels valued, celebrated, and supported.

Exploring, exploring...

Hello neighbors!

We live in a world that values productivity and efficiency, where every moment seems to be mapped out and planned. I’ll admit, I fall into this mindset sometimes too, thinking that the only worthwhile activities are those that can be measured, calculated, and optimized. But the truth is, a life that is too structured is missing something vital—space for exploration.

We need room for discovery, for trying new things, for being a beginner. Sometimes, it’s in those unplanned moments where connections are made, memories are created, and trust is built.

In recent months, I’ve been reflecting on how my family spends our time together. We’ve realized that our happiest moments often come when we step away from screens and routines. Our "adventures" don’t always involve grand trips—they could be as simple as playing a board game on the patio, trying out a new trail, or exploring a new part of town to find a quirky little café.

This issue is all about giving yourself permission to explore—whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a new hobby, or simply making time for those unstructured moments with the people you love.

Let’s make space for the unexpected and the unexplored, and remember that it’s often in these moments that the richest connections are formed.

Happy exploring!

Love,

RACHAEL FENTON AND THE CROSS TIMBERS LIFESTYLE TEAM @CROSSTIMBERSLIFESTYLE

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Rachael Fenton | rachael.fenton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mallory Newell | mallory.mckeever@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Sophie Betzhold, Isabella Van Trease, Amy Young

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Pixel Perfect Rose | rose@pixelperfectrose.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

1-3: Thank you to everyone who attended our Women on a Mission Style Show! We so appreciate all of the volunteers, sponsors, boutiques and hosts that made this incredible event happen. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Photography by Pixel Perfect Rose

ARTICLE BY AMY YOUNG

BOOKS THAT TAKE YOU AWAY

Avoid the crowds and long lines by traveling through words and pictures

Summer is the best time to take a vacation. Or is it? The airports and highways are swarming with weary travelers and the hotels and restaurants are overflowing with guests. Living out of a suitcase has become tedious and your child has complained of boredom yet again. What if you did not pack, but instead curled up in your favorite spot with a book that takes you to a whole new place? Let the vacation begin.

The

Paris Novel

by Ruth Reichl Adult Fiction

Cautious Stella is bequeathed a oneway plane ticket and a last wish from her mother to “Go to Paris.” After encouragement from her boss to take some time, she finds herself on a plane heading towards a distressing adventure far from home and her rigid routines. One vintage Dior dress and briny oyster later, Stella embarks on a Parisian journey through art, food and culture with a side of self-discovery.

How to Get Away: Cabins, Cottages, Hideouts and the Design of Retreat

by Laura May Todd Coffee Table Book

Through lavish photography and practical advice, creating the perfect escape is possible and can help make your own home a calming retreat. From forest cabins to colorful cottages, reimagined farmhouses to jungle hideouts, explore these ideas of design and comfort in a variety of unique dwellings to make your own home a tranquil getaway at the end of each day.

Cultures and Flavors: Around the World in 193 Dishes

by Vera Saudade Cookbook

From the June solstice to the September equinox, summer lasts for 93.6 days. This cookbook offers enough recipes to allow you to experience a flavorful meal from another culture each day of the summer and continue into the fall. Expand your culinary journey with not only savory recipes, but also with information on each country’s background that will enhance the dining experiences. With a recipe from each country in the world, your global appreciation will certainly broaden.

Throw Your Tooth on the Roof

by Selby Beeler Nonfiction, 5-8 years

Leave our bubble and take your child on a trip around the world visiting faraway places such as Botswana, Egypt and Korea. The tooth fairy may be overworked in our neck of the woods, but in other places children are throwing their lost teeth on roofs and dropping them in mouseholes. What a fun way to teach customs and geography and it all begins with a missing tooth.

Kisses From Space

by Astronaut Anna Menon Picture Book, ages 3-8

If you really want to get away you leave the planet. This mom did just that. To relieve her anxiety about the distance her space travel would put between her and her children, Menon shares her love and connection through colorful illustrations and lyrical rhymes. The dragon mama and her dragon babies will tell the story of love and family bonding that is possible even from so far away.

The Longing in Between Sacred Poetry From Around the World

by Roger Housden Poetry Anthology

For a deeper vacation within the heart and soul, travel through a collection of poems from around the globe. Included in Housden’s collection of spiritual and moving poetry selections are his own reflections and contemplations which further the reader’s understanding and depth of this lyrical and timeless writing style. This anthology takes readers on a journey through time and traditions throughout the world.

Memorializing Maps

Ditch the extra clothes and save suitcase room by bringing back these memorable souvenirs.

PLAYLIST

A free and easy way to make a memorable keepsake from your travels could be to ask each new person you meet for their favorite song. Add each to a playlist and title it where you went.

PAINTINGS

Buy a painting from a street artist at each new city you visit. Bring them home for a gorgeous photo wall that keeps track of your travels.

PHOTOBOOK

Instead of leaving hundreds of photos on your phone, put them together and order a photobook that you can share with your fellow travelers including all the locations you visited.

TRAVEL JOURNAL

Grab a small journal for your trip and document each day’s activities and fun moments at night. Feel like you’re back on the vacation when you read it back at home.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BETZHOLD

Summertime Studies

Four interactive and family-friendly experiences that make learning a blast

School may be out of session, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Though it may not be in the classroom or through a structured lesson plan, there are plenty of ways to teach children about the world during the summer and can be done by having fun. Education doesn’t have to be boring and all of us, no matter the age, could benefit from the new experiences. Pack up the car and take your family to any of these four interactive experiences nearby for a guaranteed great day that the kids won’t even realize is educational!

SPARKING CREATIVITY

Let your creativity run wild in the unique, immersive environment at SPARK! Dallas. The historic South Side Building is filled with vibrant colors and a large, indoor jungle gym that sparks imagination by expanding the creative mind and engaging the body. Take your family down for an unforgettable day and participate in any of the countless workshops and activities like crafting a butterfly out of recycled materials and more!

DAYTIME STARGAZING

Explore the night sky, locate constellations, and gaze at the moon all indoors at the UTA Planetarium. Learn new facts about the universe, immersed under the sky duringin any of the shows throughwith unique experiences like an amusement style ride, an informative deep dive into the galaxy narrated by the Sesame Street cast, or simply enjoy live music under the stars.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BETZHOLD

JURASSIC EXPEDITION

Journey through a prehistoric landscape and go dinosaur sighting at Dinosaur World in Glen Rose. Hop onto the Dino Express that will take you and your family on an expedition through breathtaking scenery and life-size replicas of the world’s largest and most feared predators at this outdoor museum. Afterwards, go gem mining or dig for fossils while learning about the prehistoric period.

OUTSIDE SCIENCE

Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and endless adventures at the Dallas Arboretum’s Children’s Garden whichthat promotes education through by having fun. With an open space, children can run free to explore what interests them - learning about the plant life cycle, gazing through a 6-foot kaleidoscope, investigating how food grows and more. Cool off inside the OmniGlobe center that features innovative exhibits and technology to teach all aspects of science.

UTA Planetarium Dallas Arboretum’s Children’s Garden

Dallas Arboretum’s Children’s Garden

UTA Planetarium

SPARK! Dallas

DESERT HAIKU

Capture the ethereal beauty of the Texas desert with this captivating abstract painting, inspired by the unique landscape surrounding Marfa. The artwork features a harmonious blend of soft blues, warm creams, and vibrant red accents, evoking the serene yet dramatic essence of the region.

This piece is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking a modern and evocative representation of the American Southwest. It would be a striking addition to any home or office, sparking conversation and contemplation.

As a local artist, my original work is readily available and can be delivered anywhere in the DFW area!

ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL

INTO THE OPEN AIR

A weekend guide to Broken Bow, OK

The Sky Deck Cabin on Airbnb | Jason Ward

At the unique transition point between the sandstone slopes of the Ouachita Mountains and the fertile land of the Red River basin, rests the city of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, with a steady and vibrant beat. This land was originally owned by the Choctaw Nation before it was purchased by two brothers in 1911 who established a lumber company that quickly exploded. Today, the appeal of this land is found in the paths around the Kiamichi and Ouachita Mountains through the Beavers Bend State Park and the still waters of Broken Bow Lake off the Mountain Fork River. Only a mile west of the lake lies Hochatown, a neighboring city that operates in sync with the wild lands and tourist appeals of Broken Bow.

We invite you to make your way to Broken Bow this Fall. Autumn in Broken Bow is resplendent with vast lands of forests changing to fall colors, and the Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show will kick off in mid-November. Here is our guide to this journey, from eats to activities.

The Sky Deck Cabin on Airbnb | Jason Ward

Loblolly Chocolates

Pressa Italia

Loblolly Chocolates

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

SKY DECK CABIN

The Sky Deck cabin is perched at a vantage point in the mountains. With two master suites, one private queen suite, one triple queen bedroom and 5.5 bathrooms, the cabin comfortably accommodates 12 people. The details such as the oversized showers, patio fire pit, cornhole, hot tub, coffee bar and air hockey table just add to the comfort and completeness of this location.

The cabin is only a few minutes from Hochatown and Broken Bow and less than half an hour from Broken Bow Lake.

But the star of the cabin is its namesake, the deck that leads to the sky. An elevated platform deck extends into the open air, a place to view sunsets and stars, right on top of the world. Resting in its large 2.5-acre lot, the cabin possesses a wild sense of peace and quiet with unadulterated views and pure night skies.

LOBLOLLY CHOCOLATES

Handcrafted in small batches, Loblolly is a chocolate connoisseur’s dream. This sweet shop (there’s a double meaning in that) offers everything from cookies, macarons, cake pops and brownies to caramel apples, fudge, brownies and truffles.

PRESSA ITALIA

At their elegant farmhouse style location in Hochatown, restaurant and wine bar Pressa Italia serves authentic Italian cuisine. Chef Mike Owens’ menu offers daily-made wood-fired pizzas, fresh antipasti and incredible entrees.

The Sky Deck Cabin on Airbnb | Jason Ward

NAAMAN’S BBQ

At Naaman’s, customers can choose from an assortment of cleverly named sandwiches (such as the Redheaded step child or Butt on a Bun), a meat plate, brisket tacos, smoked salmon, sausage wrap, chicken fried steak, the list goes on. Their homestyle sides and desserts add another layer to the relaxed atmosphere. Naaman’s hits the mark with premium quality ingredients and cuts of meat and years of experience smoking, grilling and frying.

BEAVERS BEND SAFARI PARK

This drive-thru animal park is home to 55+ species and 300+ animals. Their nearly two-mile-long roadway winds through the trees, streams and natural terrain where such animals as rhinos, bison, ostriches, zebras – and so many more – graze and watch the cars go by.

Next to the gift store and coffee shop are the homes of smaller friends such as lemurs, spider monkeys, otters, porcupines and kangaroos! This unique park also offers up-close interactions with the rhino, tortoises, kangaroos, or eland. Check out their Instagram for day-in-the-life videos at the park, the up-close photos of the new baby kudu will be sure to see you on traveling here if you’re on the fence.

Beavers Bend Safari Park

BARTONVILLE’S HEARTBEAT

In the heart of Bartonville, Texas, stands a place woven in time, memory and music

ARTICLE BY ISABELLA VAN TREASE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE

Sitting on the edge of the 6.2 square miles that make up the tiny town of Bartonville, lies The Bartonville Store – a 143-year-old landmark.

Originally built in 1882 by the Barton family, it served as a general store mostly for farmers. Strategically located at the

“Building community and seeing a smile spread across a patron’s face when they realized what they’ve stumbled into – that’s his payoff.”

crossroads bridging Denton, Grapevine and Lewisville, it provided a meeting place to create community and saved locals from time-consuming supply trips.

Over the decades, the building lived through several iterations. At one point, it served as a two-story hub, where folks would gather to dance upstairs. It functioned as a town hall, where residents would debate items like the possibility of incorporating Bartonville into the larger surrounding areas. Legend has it that even Bonnie and Clyde once stopped by for a fill up, when it acted as a gas station.

The store passed through family hands for generations, with the Price family operating it from the 1950s until 2013. It closed its doors—briefly—before the town took ownership. Then came Tim House.

In 2018, Tim bid on the building not to turn a profit, but to preserve a piece of Bartonville’s history. He poured a year into renovations and reopened in 2019 — unfortunately just before the pandemic.

Still, he had a vision, one he refused to give up on.

Having grown up in the 50s and 60s, Tim is a wellrounded music lover. He played and sang in bands in the late 60s and early 70s, and still occasionally plays a few instruments, but considers himself more of a music appreciator than performer.

When he and his late wife, Kathleen, moved to Double Oak just up the street from the Store in 1994, their weekend adventures consisted of driving to Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Denton to catch some quality CONTINUED >

Opposite middle: Painting of Tim and Kathleen coming down the steps on their wedding day on June 1, 1969, painted by Kathleen House

live music. Tim dreamed of one day bringing talented live acts closer to home.

The Bartonville Store became that reality. Tim transformed it into a uniquely intimate restaurant and music venue, keeping its country, old town charm while showcasing heavyweight musicians of various genres, including country, blues, soul, and Americana.

The list of artists who have performed on the Store stage includes Stony Larue, Pat Green, Cody Jinks, Butch Hancock, Dean Dillon, Wanda King, Zack Harmon... and of course, the Store’s neighbor and friend, George Dunham with his band the Bird Dogs.

For Tim the motivation isn’t profit, it’s connection. Building community and seeing a smile spread across a patrons face when they realize what they’ve stumbled into – that’s his payoff.

He thanks his General Manager Hannah Barrera and Bar Manager Perry Serna for ensuring the place runs with heart. Whether it’s Hannah fine tuning a customer’s dining experience or Perry slinging jalapeño margaritas and bourbon, they all share a love for this “true country place.”

Tim’s only wish for the future is simple: that the Bartonville Store stays the same, even after he’s gone. His daughters Jenny and Kayli help maintain the store, and he hopes to make it a family legacy.

Nearly a century and a half after The Bartonville Store’s establishment, Tim hopes to keep the lights on, the music playing and the community smiling.

Go Tell the World

ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL

1. Bright Light Volunteers

Offers short-term global studies to introduce students to the business, cultural, social and political environments of the host community.

2. Globe Aware

Develops short-term volunteer programs in international environments to encourage people to immerse themselves in a unique way of giving back.

3. Camp Firewalker

An organization of mentors that partners with local non-profits to provide outdoor adventures and activities to make a difference in the lives of kids living in poverty.

4. Cara Mia Theatre

Offers multicultural youth arts experiences and local projects to inspire and engage their community.

5. Junior Players

Provides arts programming to kids at no cost to empower them in growth and creativity.

6. Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Arranges international youth trips and exchanges to give students multicultural experiences and service opportunities.

THE LEGACY OF TRIPLE A

GREAT SERVICE REALLY DOES RUN IN THE FAMILY

ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE

The heartbeat of Triple A is the family unit. Triple A is owned by Keith Neff, operated by Keith’s son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Adrianne, as GM and CFO. Dustin began working for his father in 8th grade, riding along with the technicians and installers on weekends and summer breaks. Eventually, he was working full-time, and in 2020, transitioned to his managerial role. Alongside Dustin is his wife, Adrianne, “I couldn’t do a lot of this without her. She’s the guiding light.” With Adrianne on the numbers side and Dustin on the operational side, the two make a team that lives and breathes helping others .

The Neffs are now 3 generations in the line of servicing homes. In the 60s, Keith’s father worked in industrial refrigeration and taught his son everything he knew. In 1989, Keith bought Triple A and began to teach Dustin.

Service has been passed down in the Neff family not just in the physical acts of the trade but deep in the heart of the business. “My dad is a servant leader. He always says the most important thing is making sure we help somebody,” Dustin says. “He is one of the most generous people that I’ve ever met.”

Dustin, Adrianne, and their 3-year-old daughter, Taytum

For more than 50 years, the Neff family has been taking care of your HVAC needs, now they can also help with your plumbing.

As Keith is taking a step back from the business and letting Dustin and Adrianne take the reins, Dustin reflects on how his father has shaped the business and himself. “Typically, you don’t see the owners of a business getting out there, turning wrenches and running calls. I’ve watched him, over the years, do whatever it took to help the team.”

The values Keith has instilled in the heart of Triple A have worn off on his son. “I’m the same way. I’m ready to jump in the trenches with them, whatever they need, whenever they need it, to ultimately give the best experience possible to our clients.”

The ultimate goal, Dustin says, is to keep growing so as to have the capacity to serve even more customers—and his employees. “I love helping my employees and their families. I find it fulfilling helping my team hit their goals, maybe it’s buying a house, maybe it’s getting their wife a new car, whatever it is.”

As a small family business, the Neff family may have a habit of bringing their work home with them everyday, but their heart is in it to make each interaction the best it can.

ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MARTY BRYAN

The Reserve

It’s more than a venue—it’s a blessing

Coming in Spring 2026 is Marty Bryan’s newest endeavor, The Reserve, a wedding and event venue unlike any other.

The space accommodates up to 350 guests and offers a premium modern-element wedding and event center, chapel, outdoor ceremony space, luxury bridal and groom suite and much more. This all-inclusive, one-stop shop venue also promises amazing and delicious food from Marty B’s, catered to fit your culinary needs.

With a knack for knowing and crafting the best experiences possible for a client, Marty Bryan and his daughter, McKaley, have created a space that does what not many other venues do, truly blesses their customers in every aspect of their special day. Celebrate love, elegance, and excellence and learn more at thereserveatmartybs.com/

Good times,

Good times, great food

From breakfast to burgers, merlot to margaritas, from Asian & Argentine to American & Texan. New: A chocolate shop and a Thai restaurant have been added to the mix. Come join the fun!