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What Kids and Dogs Already Know
Hello, Fayetteville,
Welcome to our kids and pets issue! I don't have kids, though I still feel like one myself most days. My 94-year-old grandma swears she still feels 40, and I've started to think she's onto something: maybe staying young has less to do with age and more to do with how much wonder you're willing to hold onto. Even Raider, my parents' dog, seems to have figured that out before I did. She still runs at the sight of a tennis ball like it's the first one she's ever seen, still barks at the mailman like it's brand new information every single day. There's a lesson in there somewhere about not letting the good stuff go stale.
As I sit writing this letter while visiting my family in Texas, watching Raider curled up in her favorite spot on the couch, I've realized that Fayetteville has been quietly teaching me the same thing. This town rewards a little bit of childlike wonder, whether that's chasing the perfect sunset from Mount Sequoyah, geeking out over a new café, or lingering a little too long at the splash pad even though you're clearly not the target audience. There's something about staying curious, staying a little silly, that makes the whole place feel more joyful.
Inside this issue, you'll find The Kid's Club, our roundup of the standout kidfriendly activities around town, along with a first look at The Overland, the new boutique hotel bringing fresh energy to N College Avenue. We stop by Smiles Are Wild, the dentist office making every kid's dental visit feel like a dream instead of a dread, and we hand the mic over to the pups themselves for The Dogs of Fayetteville, a local favorite written entirely from a dog's point of view. We also sit down with sisters Diana and Meredith, whose work at Lexicon Speech, Language & Reading is changing lives one voice at a time, and we make the case for why your family needs a getaway from NWA to Big Cedar Lodge before summer's out.
Maybe you've got a kid of your own, or a dog waiting by the door. Or maybe, like me, you're just chasing a little bit of that childlike joy wherever you can find it.
Here's to never outgrowing your sense of wonder,
SYDNEY SULLIVAN, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Sydney Sullivan | sydney.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Gavin Magee | gavin.magee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Hailey Smith | hailey.smith@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kate Gryder | kategryder@outlook.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Will Newton, Meredith Pinkston, Sydney Sullivan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emma Nelson, Meredith Mashburn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
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Kids Love Us And Parents Trust Us
Your kids are going to love it here. A great dental experience for anxious children (and parents)
At PDAO, we know that feeling of dread parents get when they think about taking their child to the dentist. The last thing you want is a bad experience that follows your kid through life. That’s why, over the last 25+ years, our team has helped thousands of kids (along with their nervous parents) have awesome dental visits. No matter where a child is coming from, or how special their needs, we believe each one deserves a great experience at the dentist.
From our playground waiting room to our fun and friendly staff, we make sure that every kid from every background feels loved and welcomed. We’d love to do the same for your child. We offer pediatric preventative & restorative services as well as orthodontics for children, teens, and adults.
“Our mission is to provide exceptional pediatric dental and orthodontic care in a gentle and fun environment where kids feel safe and parents can relax.By building a foundation of trust, we strive to ensure that each child has the most positive experience possible.”
city scene
1: Cheers to Fayetteville's newest sweet treat: Handels! 2: Paws & Pizzeria Ruby. 3: The Greenway is better with friends. 4: Have you tried Zenith Coffee yet? 5: Natural State Aesthetics team serving at Apple Seeds Teaching Farm. 6: Nothing beats a summer night at City Park. 7: Cats like reading too!
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@MACKENZIEGSMITH
@PIZZERIARUBY
@TIMBERTROUTCO
Leader in All Things Skin
At Premier Dermatology | Aesthetics & Wellness, we believe exceptional care goes beyond treating skin — it helps you feel your best at every stage of life. From expert medical dermatology to advanced aesthetic treatments and personalized wellness services, our team delivers comprehensive care with experience, innovation, and compassion.
As Northwest Arkansas’ leader in dermatology, aesthetics, and wellness, we’re proud to care for our community from our Bentonville and Walmart Campus locations.
LOCATIONS IN BENTONVILLE & THE WALMART CAMPUS
Schedule your consultation or appointment.
Celebrating 10 Years of Healing
This summer, Dr. Kathleen Wong celebrates 10 years of providing ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety in Northwest Arkansas. Over the past decade, she has supported more than 700 individuals and their families on their journeys toward healing, resilience, and renewed hope. It's a milestone that reflects her continued commitment to compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
Making a Splash at Cross Therapy
Cross Therapy kicked off the season with a fun-filled Summer Kickoff and Water Week, bringing smiles, laughter, and plenty of splashes to clients and staff alike. From water games to summertime activities, the week was a joyful way to celebrate the season while creating meaningful moments together.
Photography by Cross Therapy Services
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH PINKSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
THE KID’S CLUB
FUN, CREATIVE, AND EXCITING DESTINATIONS TO TAKE YOUR KIDS BEFORE THE SUMMER COMES TO A CLOSE!
As August arrives, and school fast approaches, families looking to make the most of the season, Northwest Arkansas offers a lineup of playful, quirky, and creative destinations that turn an ordinary weekend into a memory-making outing. Before backpacks are packed away for another school year, take advantage of the final weeks of summer by exploring somewhere new. These local destinations remind us that quality family time doesn’t have to be complicated, and don’t require a long vacation or tedious time planning. From hands-on museums to retro arcades and whimsical art parks, here are five standout spots worth adding to your August calendar.
Arkadia Retrocade
Arkadia Retrocade
“Play Street Museum is an interactive children’s museum purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration, and creativity,” said Play Street Museum.
Play Street Museum
Inside Play Street Museum, the energy is bright, curious, and wonderfully contagious. Designed with younger kids in mind, the Play Street Museum strikes that rare balance parents dream about: contained enough to feel calm, yet rich enough to keep little explorers fully engaged. Whether they’re running a pretend grocery store, building a block masterpiece, or diving into a rotating themed setup, kids get the freedom to lead the adventure while grown-ups enjoy a moment to breathe.
Play Street Museum takes a hands- on approach to learning, with immersive exhibits, like pretend town with a bakery, or vet school, a construction company, or a smile or crafts lab.
Admissions is $14 per child (ages 1-8). Adults and infants under 12 months are free with a paying sibling.
“Children are able to engage with dynamic curriculum components and exhibits that develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills through open-ended play and exploration,” Play Street Museum states on their website.
What makes Play Street Museum shine is its simplicity. There are no flashing screens or overwhelming crowds—just thoughtful, tactile experiences that spark curiosity and confidence. It’s the perfect morning outing before the heat sets in, and a go-to spot for families craving something playful, purposeful, and easy.
Play Street Museum
“Arkansas’ first and largest retro arcade.” Statement from Arkadia.
Arkadia Retrocade
Step inside a time capsule, and be transported to a neon-lit retro arcade, where one entry fee unlocks unlimited gameplay. For families looking to escape the August heat, or shake up a weekend routine, this retro blast to the past offers something rare: a place where kids and parents play on equal footing. For all the Gen X and Millenial parents out there be prepared to take on your kid in your favorite childhood games.
This uncommon one entry fee unlocks unlimited play, giving families the freedom to wander from cabinet to cabinet without counting tokens or rationing quarters. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure playground, whether you’re introducing your kids to Pac‑Man , chasing a high score on Galaga , or rediscovering the games you grew up with.
It’s easy to see why Arkadia has earned such a loyal following. With a thousand reviews, one Google reviewer said, “Arkadia Retrocade is a staple of Fayetteville. It’s a great place for a date, group of friends, or to bring your kids… Plus it’s only a $5 entry per person to play however long you want.”
Arkadia is a true step into the past, built with all ages in mind, where every machine has a story and every corner invites a new round of friendly competition. For families, it’s an easy, low-stress outing that sparks connection and laughter across generations.
Arkadia Retrocade
“Lokomotion is Northwest Arkansas’ favorite fun destination for every occasion!”
Lokomotion
August may be winding down, but Lokomotion Family Fun Park is still buzzing with the exciting energy, offering children tons of thrilling options for play. If you are looking for a busy day, Lokomotion offers go -karts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf, and a lively arcade.
The moment you arrive, you can feel the energy as your kids race toward the go-kart track, or the bumper boats. Everyone knows they’re in for a full afternoon of memory-making. The beauty of Lokomotion is its variety for both young and older children. The younger kids can take the wheel on gentler tracks while older ones can dive into laser tag battles, and the whole family can regroup over a round of mini golf.
“Lokomotion is Northwest Arkansas’ favorite fun destination for every occasion!” Lokomotion Family Fun Parks states. “Enjoy the only go karts and bumper boats in the area. With two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Spin Zone bumper cars, laser tag, an amazing arcade, plus our all new Virtual Reality Experience! Did we mention we serve some mouth-watering pizza, wings, and more? Something fun for everyone!”
Lokomotion provides an outlet for excitement, offering different fun activities to keep your children entertained, and yourself. They offer multiple different party packs and room rentals, along with various packages for a group ranging from 10 to 300+ guests. You’re free to bounce from one thrill to the next, letting the day unfold at its own pace. It’s the perfect antidote to late-summer boredom and a perfect way to end the summer on an exciting note.
Lokomotion
“This spot is a staple in Fayetteville and a mustvisit for everyone,” said reviewer. "It’s perfect for competitive friends and couples looking for a fun outing. They also have fun novelty golf balls for purchase.”
Tucked along College Avenue, this beloved mini-golf course has been a go-to family tradition for years, offering a playful break or alternative activity as a chance to slow down without ever feeling bored.
The course winds through bright obstacles, gator-themed décor, beautiful water features, and both easy and challenging courses, perfect for family competitions. Kids love the surprises on each course, while adults appreciate the nostalgia of a classic mini- golf outing. It’s simple, affordable, and refreshingly low-pressure with no long lines, no complicated rules, just a putter, a ball, and a chance to enjoy being together.
With more than five hundred reviews, families alike rave about the quality of the courses, the personable staff, and the overall experience, one reviewer stating, “This is a fun place to play mini golf for a great price. The 36 hole course is definitely worth it, especially if you’re playing with friends. Beautiful views over the city at sunset. Uniquely designed course with multiple ways to navigate and attempt different elements. Would definitely come back again!”
Gator Golf is a perfect place for families, where siblings cheer each other on when competing with their parents, and everyone discovers their competitive streak. This place aims to create a time where everyone ends up with a story to tell—whether it’s a lucky hole-in-one or a spectacularly missed shot that becomes the highlight of the day.
Gator Golf
Arkadia Retrocade
“Terra Studios is a 501(c)3 non profit organization devoting all resources, profits, energies and donations to a dream of a brighter future through using art to create a better world. Our purpose is to promote art and inspire creativity. We hope you will visit and join us in our quest,” said Terra Studios.
Terra Studios
Tucked into the quiet woods just east of Fayetteville, Terra Studios feels like stepping into a storybook. Filled with winding paths, curious sculptures, and pockets of creativity waiting to be discovered. It is a place where art and nature blend seamlessly, offering families a peaceful, screen-free, imagination-first environment.
The moment you arrive, the world slows down. It is a place to take a step back and take a deep breath. Kids wander through the sculpture gardens spotting trolls, dragons, and whimsical creatures tucked between trees. You can watch artists shape molten glass into the iconic Bluebird of Happiness, a Northwest Arkansas treasure that has been gifted, collected, and cherished for generations.
What makes Terra Studios truly special is its sense of wonder. It’s not a rushed outing rather it is an experience built around curiosity and art to inspire your children’s creativity. Families can stroll the art-lined trails, explore the gallery, enjoy a picnic, or join hands- on activities that spark creativity in kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect August adventure for families craving something meaningful, beautiful, and a little bit magical.
Whether your family is exploring imaginative worlds at Play Street Museum, chasing high scores at Arkadia Retrocade, racing at Lokomotion, competing at Gator Golf, or wandering the trails of Terra Studios, each destination offers something a little different, but all of them offer an exciting last hoorah for the family before the school year start back.
Terra Studios
The Dogs of Fayetteville
An up-close-and-personal account of several canines around the city.
ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA NELSON
GOOSE MCCARVER
Sheepadoodle
Age: 5
Cheez-Its lovers and shoe wearers beware! I’m obsessed with chewing on footwear fashion and cheese crackers. When I’m not living lavishly as a couch potato, I’m an avid fan of exploring the world with my owner, Hannah, who I’ve lived with for my entire life. I’ve already seen so much of my hometown in my first year of living. Alongside routine walks around the University of Arkansas campus or Baum-Walker stadium (where some of my best friends chase after balls – just like me!), I often ride around Fayetteville with my mom while she works. I’m always excited to do anything, but nothing will ever beat the day my owner and I ran around the University of Arkansas Hog Pen, did a photoshoot and shared Chick-Fil-A together (but cuddling on the couch with my mom everyday is just as fun).
BOGEY AND BIRDIE GUIOT
Pembroke
Welsh Corgis
Age 3
Although our owners, Payton and Shelby, brought us home from two different litters, the Guiot corgi sisters couldn’t be closer! We do almost everything together. After we help our parents get ready for work each morning, we both love to lounge around at home and watch our favorite television show, Bluey, or play tug-of-war until our parents get home to take us
Goose McCarver
on our daily walks around our neighborhood. We also look forward to the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market each weekend so we can people watch and sniff every freshly-cut flower we can find as our parents shop around. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to visit a coffee shop after and lick a pup cup clean! After a long day, there’s nothing better than settling down on our pillows and watching a movie with our parents.
Although these sisters are incredibly close, they still have theirdifferences. While Birdie is more sweet and cuddly, she gets easily agitated when Bogey tries to steal her food; however, if she’s really good, her parents will give her some pumpkin puree as a treat. Bogey is the more spirited of the two and has a braver taste pallet –there’s nothing she loves more than eating June bugs!
MAVYN HOPKINS
Hybrid
Age: 7
Not everyone deserves to own a dog like me, but I’m very thankful to have been adopted by my owners, Maddie and Nick. My previous owners didn’t know how to love the blend of 20 different breeds that I’m made up of and decided they no longer wanted me. Thankfully, my parents took me in and, although it took a few days to trust them and their showers of treats, I couldn’t be a happier dog! My owners were so inspired by our story that they spread it on TikTok, eventually leading to a profile on The Dodo, which my family hopes has inspired others to adopt a rescue like me.
“Even when I forget to bring my toys back inside from a long day of playing, I never doubt my parents’ love for me … even after they leave me at home all day to go work.” “
Even when I forget to bring my toys back inside from a long day of playing, I never doubt my parents’ love for me … even after they leave me at home all day to go work. When I’m not spending a day at Gulley Park or exploring the Fayetteville Farmers Market, I’m at home hanging with my fellow cat and dog siblings or waiting on the couch for my owners to get home to play.
Mavyn Hopkins
SHELBY TANNER
Pit Bull
Age: 2
If you know me, then you know I adore a good handshake – I was raised to be respectful, after all! I was first introduced to the world at Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Northwest Arkansas, where I was adopted by my owners, Jack and Kasey. I live a comfortable life alongside my sister, Saylor, where I love to play in the backyard, chase frogs, or, when I’m feeling lazy, watch The Secret Life of Pets and receive stomach kisses. While I know my owners love me, I’m far from perfect. Jack and Kasey’s slippers are my favorite thing to destroy. Thankfully, they always buy new ones for me to shred! Although I’m pretty shy, I always enjoy going to coffee shops to receive pets and pup cups (one of the few treats I’m not allergic to!). And, if I believe my family is in danger, I’ll bark as LOUD as I can until the threat is gone … unless that threat is trash in the road. If I see that blowing around, I’m running away with my tail between my legs.
BENNY MOLINA
Goldendoodle
Age: 2
I’ve always believed where you’re born becomes part of who you are. I was born near the Mulberry River, and I like to think that’s where I got my adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. When my mom, Azalia, brought me home, I realized I needed to learn two languages. After all, how else was I supposed to ask for treats, belly rubs and adventures in both English and Spanish? Now my favorite word is ”¡Vámonos!” because I know we’re about to explore places like the Fayetteville Square, Gulley Park, The Ramble or, my favorite of all, the Fayetteville Farmers Market, where I proudly help pick out fresh flowers (I have excellent taste).
I do get in trouble for barking at delivery drivers every now and then, but I still end every day with apple slices, belly rubs and lots of love.
Benny Molina
HANK LANDRY
White Labrador Retriever
Age: 3
My parents, Hailey and Drew, always refer to me as spunky, but I’m not really sure why – my name is Hank! I do know why they call me handsome, though. I mean, have you seen me?
My face is all I can look at when I see a bowl of water…even if it’s the toilet (sorry, Mom and Dad!). When I’m not snout deep
in a water bowl, I’m guarding the house until my parents get home so we can be safe for my favorite time of day: playtime. I especially like it when they take me out into the city. I love to hang out at The Meteor and to pick out toys and bones at the pet store; if I’m lucky, I’ll get to play outside with my friends and show them what I chose … unless I see a squirrel. No toy will ever satisfy me the way that chasing down a squirrel does. If only I could catch one.
Bogey and Birdie Guiot
The Overland: A Boutique Hotel
ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA NELSON
The dirt below our feet is riddled with memories from the days before us. Every second that passes is history being made. The city of Fayetteville wouldn’t be the tight-knit and evergrowing community that it is today without the days of its past, and, along College Avenue, a plot of land holds its own eclectic history of its own. With past lives as an apple orchard and a dance hall, the Motel 6 at 2980 N. College Avenue has been a staple of Fayetteville for the last several decades. Now, it’s shifting into the next phase of its evolution.
Dwellist, a real estate development firm based in Los Angeles, California, has acquired the former motel and is in the process of revitalizing the property into The Overland, an upscale, boutique hotel.
The development firm, co-led by Arkansas native Charlie Mackey and business partner Polly Watts, typically handles residential and commercial remodels and renovations across California, but when Mackey came across the development in the town of his alma mater, the partners made an out-of-state exception. With Mackey’s personal connection to the city and his observance of limited independent hotels and short-term rentals becoming more regulated, he and Watts felt this was a unique project they couldn’t pass up.
“Not a lot of people see a Motel 6 and think, ‘We can make an upscale hotel out of this,’” said Mackey. “With this area growing into the new urban corridor, we thought this was such a great opportunity to create something cool outside of the square or Dickson. We’re big believers in localized hospitality re-emerging, and we’re excited to aid in this revival.”
Mackey and Watts were particularly excited about this project due to its location within the city. With Fayetteville’s population and city amenities growing, several new hotels and motels have been erected near the University of Arkansas campus. Meanwhile College Avenue was receiving less hospitality-focused attention.
With updated city rezoning laws and street beautification on the horizon, the real estate developers felt that an elevated hotel was exactly what North Fayetteville needed.
“We saw this as an interesting transition into what will be the urban corridor of Fayetteville,” said Mackey. “This zoning change is happening at the same time that we were in discussion with the seller to purchase the property, and we’re very excited to see that the city’s in line with our thought processes of improving College.”
The beautification of College Avenue is not the only goal the Dwellist team has for The Overland. Mackey and Watts also foresee the hotel inspiring local business back to North Fayetteville.
“One of the biggest complaints I heard from local businesses was how expensive rent has gotten near downtown Fayetteville,“ said Mackey. “With tourists having a place to stay on this side of town, we want those businesses to see this as an opportunity to expand in this direction.”
CONTINUED >
Not a lot of people see a Motel 6 and think, ‘We can make an upscale hotel out of this.’
Although Dwellist is tearing down a few walls and adding amenities to the property, the structure of the motel will, for the most part, remain the same as it transitions into The Overland. Mackey and Watts said they appreciated the juxtaposition of the buildings and mid-century modern design potential in the vein of Fayetteville-based architect, E. Fay Jones, against the ruggedness of the Ozarks and wanted to utilize this in their finishes. The hotel will be filled with natural stone and colored in earth tones.
Mackey and Watts had a very clear vision for The Overland. The almost 40,000 squarefoot hotel will feature 85 hotel rooms, 14 of which will be large suites equipped with kitchenettes and a six-sleeper capacity, each featuring custom-designed furniture and decor from local artists. The hotel will surround a courtyard furnished with native plants and trees, lawn games, lounge areas and fire pits. Additionally, The Overland will feature a pool, a spa, a fitness center and a newly-constructed lobby. The lobby will contain Oxbow Coffee and Cocktails, a cocktail and snack bar with pool service in the summer months. A merchandise shop sourced with products and goods from local vendors will also be embedded into the lobby. The hotel will be completely pet-friendly.
The hotel will feature several amenities, but exclusivity is not in The Overland’s DNA. Mackey and Watts fully intend for the hotel to be a social hub for Fayetteville locals to enjoy.
In fact, keeping the hotel localized was the mission for The Overland since day one of its conception. The hotel raised most of its equity through local investors and secured its debt through Sterling Bank. For support in the hotel's construction and development, the Dwellist team collaborated with several Northwest Arkansas-based organizations and contractors including Meet West Studio, Reform Contracting, Blue Ribbon Industries, engineer Gavin Smith and architect Will Pendleton.
“We wanted folks that were familiar with Fayetteville and the lifestyle that lives here,” said Watts.
Hotel Equities, which has a regional office in Little Rock, will manage the hotel with a team of locally-based employees.
"Projects like these take a village to complete, and a real passion amongst everyone involved," Mackey said.
"We are grateful to each and every trade and vendor who played a part and may not be mentioned here today."
The hotel has been under construction since April 2025, and Mackey and Watts are confident it is on the
tail end of the process. The Overland is set to have a “two-phase opening,” with the first phase of the hotel expected to be ready by October for the football season rush. Phase two, which consists of the lobby and bar, is projected to be completed by January 2027 for the official grand opening.
Whether you’re checking into a room or are a local checking out the lengthy list of lavish amenities, The Overland is sure to be the next hot spot on North College Avenue.
The Overland
There’s a story behind the names “The Overland” and “Oxbow.” Mackey and Watts chose these names in respect to a former stagecoach trail that connected Arkansas to California named Butterfield Overland Historic Trail. This trail was also nicknamed “The Oxbow Route.”
“Once the word ‘Overland’ came into the picture with its origins and as a means of travel we realized it fit in more ways than one, with the building also being a road side motor lodge,” said Mackey.
Polly Watts (left), Charlie Mackey (right)
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Smiles Are
at Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH PINKSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
For many children a trip to the dentist can be extremely intimidating. The unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, and fear of the unknown can turn a routine appointment into a stressful experience.
But at Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, the team has spent more than two decades working to change that narrative.
Known to many Northwest Arkansas families through its Smiles Are Wild brand, the practice was founded on the belief that dental care should be approachable, engaging, and most of all, fun. From the moment you walk into the office, your child will be welcomed with themed décor and colorful spaces, interactive play areas. Every detail in their office is designed to help children feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
The story begins in 1999, when pediatric dentist Dr. Tonya Triplet opened her own pediatric dental practice. Having experienced dental anxiety as a child herself, she wanted to create a different kind of environment. One where children could develop positive associations with dental care, to look forward to appointments rather than fearing them.
What started as a small office quickly grew. As the practice expanded and additional partners joined the team, the mission remained the same: create an environment that helps children feel safe while receiving high-quality dental care.
To bring that vision to life, the practice worked with a design company known for creating themed environments, transforming the office into a space that feels more like an adventure than a medical appointment. Today, the same philosophy continues to guide every aspect of the patient experience.
“We really focus on eliminating the future fear of the dentist,” says Amy Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics. “We want children to feel comfortable coming here, and we want them to build positive memories around taking care of their teeth.”
“What children eat is just as important as their brushing routine.”
That focus begins long before a child sits in the dental chair.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents should bring their child to the dentist by their first birthday. This recommendation allows dentists to monitor early development, identify potential concerns, and help families establish healthy habits from the beginning.
For younger children, those first appointments are often less about treatment and more about creating familiarity. Depending on the child’s age and comfort level, the team may perform an exam, attempt a cleaning, or take X-rays.
Every appointment is tailored to the individual child.
“We really meet children where they are,” Morgan says. “Some kids want to know every single thing that’s happening. Others just want to watch their movie and get through the appointment. We adapt to what each child needs.”
PDAO’s personalized approach is one reason many families continue returning to the practice throughout their child’s entire childhood. While patients typically age out around 18, the goal is to establish healthy routines and positive experiences that last far beyond pediatric years.
The office environment plays a significant role in that experience. Children can enjoy games and activities in the lobby before their appointment. The walls are decorated with large, smiling animals, and in the center of the office sits a blue aquarium alongside a game room. First-time patients are also welcomed with a special “First Visit” button, helping make the experience feel exciting from the moment they arrive.
Once in the treatment area, many chairs are equipped with televisions mounted on the ceiling, allowing patients to watch movies during cleanings and procedures.
At the end of the visit, patients receive a token to use in the office’s popular toy tower, a tradition that has become a favorite among children of all ages.
“It’s funny because sometimes a child might not love every part of their cleaning, but they still don’t want to leave,” Morgan says. “They want to go back and play or get their prize from the toy tower.”
While creating a welcoming environment is vital, the practice also places a strong emphasis on education. Helping parents understand how daily habits affect oral health is a critical part of every visit.
One of the most common misconceptions, according to Morgan, involves snacks.
Many parents are aware of the effects candy can have on teeth, but other seemingly harmless foods can also contribute to cavities. Sticky fruit snacks, crackers, chips, and other carbohydrate-heavy foods often cling to teeth long after a snack is finished.
“Anything that sticks in your teeth is something you need to pay attention to,” Morgan explains. “Children aren’t always aware that food is still there, and if it isn’t removed through brushing or flossing, it can contribute to decay.”
But, it doesn’t mean children can never enjoy their favorite treats. Instead, Morgan encourages moderation and consistency. She recommends limiting grazing throughout the day, offering water regularly, and maintaining strong brushing and flossing routines- all factors that make a significant difference in your child’s oral health.
“What children eat is just as important as their brushing routine,” she says.
For many families, brushing itself can become a challenge. Parents sometimes assume children can independently brush their teeth at a young age, but Morgan says most children still need assistance longer than many realize.
“Children generally need help brushing until around eight or nine years old,” she explains. “They simply don’t have the dexterity to clean effectively on their own.”
Flossing should begin as soon as teeth begin touching, particularly in the back of the mouth where food and plaque can become trapped. Establishing those habits early can help children carry them into adulthood.
The practice also encourages parents to think carefully about how they talk about dental care at home. Children are highly observant and often absorb the attitudes of the adults around them.
“If parents are talking about negative dental experiences, children can internalize that before they’ve even had their own appointment,” Morgan says. “We encourage families to use positive language and avoid creating unnecessary anxiety.”
For children who require extensive treatment or have difficulty tolerating procedures in the office, Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics also provides access to hospital-based dental care under general anesthesia. Pediatric dentists receive additional specialized training that allows them to safely perform these procedures in hospital settings when necessary.
While some parents may initially feel nervous about that option, Morgan says it can be beneficial in certain situations, particularly when it helps prevent traumatic experiences that could create long-term dental anxiety.
The underlying philosophy remains the same: prioritize the child’s well-being while helping build a healthy relationship with dental care.
For Morgan and the rest of the team, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching children grow more comfortable over time.
A child who arrives nervous during a first visit may return six months later feeling more confident. Eventually, those same patients walk into appointments with ease, understanding that dental care is simply part of staying healthy.
“That transformation is one of the reasons we do what we do,” Morgan says. “We love seeing kids gain confidence and realize that the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.”
As the practice continues to grow, the team remains committed to welcoming new patients and helping more families discover that dental care can be a positive experience.
At Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, every themed wall, movie screen, toy prize, and educational conversation serves the same purpose: helping children feel safe, supported, and excited about caring for their smiles.
Because when children learn early that dental visits can be positive experiences, they gain something much more valuable than a clean set of teeth—they gain habits and confidence that can last a lifetime.
Healthy dental habits begin early. Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age one, brush together until they’re around 8 or 9 years old, floss once teeth begin touching, choose water between meals, and use positive language about the dentist to help build confidence that lasts a lifetime. Smile Tip for Parents!
THE PERFECT NWA GETAWAY
INSIDE THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY MAGIC OF BIG CEDAR LODGE
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG CEDAR LODGE
There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a family trades the everyday for the wide open Ozarks, and Big Cedar Lodge has built 4,600 acres around that feeling. Tucked into the hills above Table Rock Lake, just under three hours from Northwest Arkansas, this resort has quietly become one of the Midwest’s most beloved family escapes.
The drive alone sets the tone, and for NWA families, it could not be more convenient. There is no flight to book and no long itinerary to plan, just a straight shot north through the same rolling Ozark landscape we call home, which makes Big Cedar feel less like a far flung vacation and more like a natural extension of our own backyard. By the time you arrive, the pace has already slowed, and the lake stretching out below the lodges feels like an invitation rather than a view. Founded by Bass Pro Shops visionary Johnny Morris, the resort was built as a place for families to reconnect with nature, and that shows in every corner, from the cabin style architecture to the trails winding through the woods.
For families with kids in tow, Fun Mountain alone is worth the trip. This 50,000 square foot adventure center includes underwater themed bowling, a climbing wall, laser tag, and a multi story ropes course, plus go karts at Thunder Alley. Parents looking for a quiet evening can drop younger kids at the Nature Discovery Center, where supervised activities and a treehouse with a rope bridge keep the littlest guests entertained.
Outside, the options multiply. Table Rock Lake offers swimming, fishing, and complimentary kayaks and canoes, while nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park lets families spot bison and elk on a scenic tram tour. With five pools, a playground, mini golf, and paved trails on property, there is rarely a dull moment, and pet owners will appreciate that Camp Long Creek includes its own dog park.
I happened to visit while the resort was deep into its America250 celebration, and traces of that patriotic spirit still linger. Thousands of American flags lined the hills and lakeshore, and the resort’s commitment to honoring service members felt woven into the experience rather than tacked on for a holiday. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena’s twelve story Veteran’s Tower, dedicated to Johnny Morris’s father, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, stands as a powerful reminder of that mission. Families visiting this August can still book a sunset cruise aboard the Lady Liberty yacht or send the kids off on a guided fishing experience by the marina.
What makes Big Cedar Lodge special is not any single attraction but how it all fits together. One day blends into the next without much effort, a morning on the water, an afternoon on the trails, an evening that ends with everyone a little more relaxed than they started. That is really what a few days away with family should feel like. And for those of us in Northwest Arkansas, it does not take a flight, just a tank of gas and a little willingness to slow down.
Fun Mountain
Bent Hook Marina
Cliffhangers Golf Course
Mojitos invites you to explore their exciting menu created from a collection of recipes featuring founder, John Montes' Mexican and American roots. You will taste it in their food that is freshly prepared every single day with many local ingredients. They offer specialties that reflect the culinary diversity of Mexico with a local flair.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
LEXICON SPEECH, LANGUAGE & reading
DIANA PLATTNER AND MEREDITH HENSON ARE AIDING IN SPEECH AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT.
ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA NELSON
“Meredith Henson (left), Diana Plattner (right)”
Almost every child looks forward to graduation.
Whether it's moving from kindergarten to first grade, middle school to high school, or crossing the stage to receive a diploma, graduation represents growth, perseverance, and the excitement of what's next. For many students, reaching these milestones comes naturally. For about 20% of the population, speech, language, and reading challenges can make the journey far more difficult.
For sisters Diana Plattner and Meredith Henson, helping those students succeed is deeply personal and something they’ve invested their entire beings in.
In 2016, they founded Lexicon Speech, Language & Reading, a family-owned clinic in Fayetteville dedicated to helping children and young adults overcome speech, language, literacy, and dyslexia-related challenges. Every day, they witness the determination of students who work tirelessly to develop skills many of their peers acquire with ease - and they celebrate every victory along the way.
Lexicon provides diagnostic evaluations, therapy, and specialized literacy intervention for students ages 5 through 21. Each year, the clinic serves hundreds of families, helping children build not only stronger reading and communication skills, but also greater confidence in themselves.
"If a student is struggling with literacy, language, or speech-sound development, we want families to know there is help available,” said Plattner.
“The research and resources exist - you just have to know what you’re looking for and how to weed through the excess. Our goal is to meet each child where they are and give them the tools they need to succeed."
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What sets Lexicon apart is its commitment to individualized care. Every student receives oneon-one instruction from highly trained SpeechLanguage Pathologists, Certified Academic Language Therapists, and graduate school-level tutors who use evidence-based practices grounded in neuroscience and the science of reading.
"We are incredibly intentional about who we bring onto our team," said Henson. "Families trust us with their children’s literacy and communication skills, and we take that responsibility seriously. Since day one, we have maintained high standards which are reflected in our training, methods, and operations. That consistency helps our students make meaningful progress."
That progress can be life-changing.
Statistics surrounding poor literacy and communication skills in adulthood are bleak at best, which is why early identification and intervention are so critical.
Many students remain in therapy or intervention programs for months or even years, depending on their needs. Along the way, families often notice improvements that extend far beyond report cards and test scores.
"We've had parents tell us their child no longer dreads homework,” said Plattner. “Coaches have shared that students seem more confident on the field. Teachers notice increased participation in the classroom." When communication and literacy improve, it creates positive changes throughout a child's life."
Perhaps the most meaningful tradition at Lexicon happens when a student completes their program.
After a final reevaluation confirms that a child has achieved their goals, the clinic celebrates with a graduation ceremony of its own. Students are recognized for the countless hours of hard work, persistence and determination that brought them there.
A measure of success for us is when something that once took a child two hours now takes twenty minutes.
"A measure of success for us is when something that once took a child two hours now takes twenty minutes," said Henson. "But even more meaningful is watching a child gain confidence, participate more in class, raise their hand, or try something new.”
The sisters say those moments are what drive their work.
"It's bittersweet but it’s hands-down one of our favorite days," said Henson. "These students have worked incredibly hard. Watching them leave with confidence and knowing they have the skills they need for the future is why we do what we do. We can confidently say to the parent on the last day - if you need us, you know where to find us. But we hope you never do. And make sure to send us an invitation to your child’s high school graduation."
For the team at Lexicon, every graduationwhether it’s from kindergarten, high school, or even therapy - is a reminder that the right support can change the trajectory of a child's life. Lexicon’s 10-year anniversary is this year, and, along with their student’s achievements and milestones, they are excited to be celebrating.
