WEE KEND ESCAPES, LOCAL FINDS, AND FRESH INSPIRATION
LIFE + CULTURE
SMOKEHOUSE CYCLES IS A COMMUNITY SPACE
ARTS + CULTURE
ART OF WINE GOES WEST
TRAVEL
DISCOVER YOUR BACKYARD
In 1996, Jeff Martin founded Martin Building Group with a clear mission: to pursue craftsmanship and fine homebuilding across Northwest Arkansas. Over the past 30 years, the company has built a reputation for thoughtful design, quality construction, and a commitment to creating lasting homes, communities, and relationships.
Building on that legacy, Martin Development Group was formed as the dedicated development arm of the business. Launched in partnership between Jeff and his son, McKane, the company brings a complete, end-to-end approach to development, ranging from land acquisition and planning, to design and vertical construction, to seamless and well-executed finished product.
Together, Martin Building Group and Martin Development Group reflect two generations of experience and vision with a single purpose: to develop enclave communities that cultivate relationships, build value, and serve people well.
Holistic healing and wellness looks different for everyone. Here at Day By Day, we offer a myriad of services that cater to your healing journey! At Day By Day, we offer yoga classes with no prior experience needed! For those who aren't the yoga type, immerse yourself in reiki and energy work. Or just book an appointment with our massage therapist! We have so much more than just therapy. Try out the many options we have here at Day By Day!
Through all of these services, we strive to provide a healing experience full of community, belonging, and care.
See our website for more details on how to join in on any of these services! We would be thrilled to have you join our Day By Day community!
Discover Your Home Style
What's on Your Summer Bucket List?
The first time I spent a summer in Fayetteville was during my junior year of college. I remember telling someone where I'd be for those months, and they looked at me and said, "There's something in the air during a Fayetteville summer." I had no idea what they meant at the time, but I can say without hesitation that every single summer since has proven them completely right. There is something here that feels whimsical and adventurous and nostalgic all at once, and I fall a little more in love with this place every year when the season rolls around.
Part of what makes it so easy to love is that there is always something worth doing. I have always loved a good bucket list, and even now in my twenties, I still sit down and write one out when summer arrives, because living in a place this full of life makes it genuinely hard to narrow things down. This year, mine includes cooking homemade hibachi on our Blackstone, trying out a new café in town, watching the sunrise from Mount Sequoyah, and playing a round of pickleball followed by a cold scoop of ice cream. If any of those spark something for you, please steal them freely and start your own list!
This issue is packed with exactly the kind of inspiration that belongs on a summer bucket list. We take you inside Smokehouse Cycles, home of repairs, rentals, and refreshments, and a spot that deserves a visit before the season is over. Art of Wine goes west, and trust us, it is an event you will not want to miss. Dr. Hayden Henningsen of ActiveLife walks us through the world of Chinese medicine and what it might mean for the way you feel and move. We explore some of the most beautiful places right in your own backyard, because sometimes the best adventure is closer than you think. And of course, we celebrate Northwest Arkansas's favorite summer pastime with a feature on baseball at Arvest Ballpark. So, what is on your summer bucket list? Maybe this issue gives you a place to start.
Cheers to a Fayetteville summer,
SYDNEY SULLIVAN, PUBLISHER
July 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
Meredith Pinkston, Will Newton, Sydney Sullivan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Sirin, Emma Nelson, Meredith Mashburn, Henry Head
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to
Summer can be both exciting and overwhelming for children and teens with sensory needs. With a little planning, you can create a season full of fun, comfort and growth.
SENSORY SAFE SUMMER IDEAS
• Keep a loose daily schedule to provide predictability while allowing room for fun and spontaneity.
• Plan regular downtime with calming activities like quiet reading, swings or sensory bins.
• Pack a Sensory Kit for unexpected needs. (Headphones, fidgets, snacks, comfort items, etc)
• Outdoor Play: Water play, shaded playgrounds, nature walks, backyard obstacle courses, Sidewalk chalk, barefoot walks in the grass, flashlight tag at dusk, bike rides, bubble blowing.
• Indoor Play: Sensory bins, crafts, puzzles, building toys, music time, dance party, ice cube painting.
• Limit screen time.
• Encourage movement activities: jumping, climbing, swimming, etc.
SENSORY SAFE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Crystal Bridges has “Sensory Friendly Bags” at guest services.
AMC Fiesta Square in Fayetteville has “sensory safe” movies. (Lights up/sound down)
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks has a sensory garden and “Sensory Friendly Bags”
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Muriel Fahrion, Illustrator of Strawberry
poses with pups. 2: Fayetteville City Lifestyle took a trip to Wild Brush Revival for a team outing.
3: Can you find Sleet City Creative’s new mural around town? 4: Dodo Coffee’s new nest is almost complete! 5: Presley Paige has officially unveiled their new location! 6: Summer strolls through the Farmer’s Market with fresh blooms. 7: Treat yourself to a Feltner Brothers trip this summer.
Shortcake,
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ROUNDUP
BITE @ the Ramble
Celebrate summer at BITE @ the Ramble on Friday, July 3, with an evening of local restaurants, breweries, live music, and community celebration in downtown Fayetteville. The event will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the NWA Championship and America250 in partnership with Downtown Fayetteville Coalition and Experience Fayetteville.
Summer at Chemical Fitness
A go-to for Fayetteville locals looking for more than just a workout. Blending strength training, conditioning, and a strong sense of community, the gym creates an environment that feels both motivating and approachable. The energy is high, the coaching is intentional, and the atmosphere keeps people coming back. Try out a class this summer!
Scan to read more
College Shoe Shop celebrates 50 years!
College Shoe Shop is celebrating 50 years in business with a community celebration on July 18 from 11 AM–2 PM inside Fiesta Square. The longtime Fayetteville favorite will celebrate its new location with food, ice cream, music, giveaways, kids activities, and more at 3007 N. College Ave.
Photography by @bitenwa
Photography by @drinkyume
Photography by @collegeshoeshop
Fayetteville Restaurant Week 2026
Fayetteville Restaurant Week returns this month, celebrating the city’s vibrant food scene with special menus, limited-time dishes, and exclusive offers from local restaurants across town. It’s the perfect excuse to revisit favorite spots or discover somewhere new while supporting Fayetteville’s local dining community.
Congrats to Dayton King with Day By Day Healing
Day By Day Healing is celebrating a new chapter at its Fayetteville location as longtime team member Dayton King steps into a management role. After nearly three years with the company, Dayton brings a fun energy and hardworking spirit to the growing Fayetteville team.
Scan to read more
The George Now Open in Fayetteville
The George is now open in Fayetteville, introducing a thoughtfully designed community years in the making. Centered around wellness-driven living, the new development brings elevated amenities, intentional design, and a fresh residential experience to Northwest Arkansas.
Photography by @bordinos
Photography by Day By Day Healing
Photography by @thegeorgear
Smokehouse CYCLES
Smokehouse Cycles is a community space for mountain bikers.
ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
Jake Lee is working on his own terms. The Springdale native and mountain bike enthusiast has spent over a decade of his life immersed in the world of mountain bike shops across the country. In 2020, he returned to his roots and, in 2025, opened the doors to his own bike-focused shop in Fayetteville: Smokehouse Cycles.
Smokehouse Cycles is a bicycle repair, retail and rental shop located in the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse building at the trailhead of the Mount Kessler trail. The building previously operated as a meat smokehouse and restaurant before local outdoor brand, Fayettechill, transformed the building into its headquarters. Although Fayettechill no longer operate in the building, the “Old Smokehouse” serves as the home for several local tenants alongside Smokehouse Cycles.Lee said the building was a great location to root his bike shop in due to its proximity to several trails such as Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain and Kessler Mountain Regional Park.
“The Ozark Mountain Smokehouse has been used as a centerpoint or trailhead for the mountain biking community for decades,” Lee said. “This was an obvious place for a bike shop. There’s nowhere west of the interstate where you can get bicycle service, and this is a landmark for locals.”
Lee launched the shop with the hope to provide the thriving mountain biking community in the Northwest Arkansas region a space that serves as a one-stop shop for bike repair while encouraging community gatherings. Alongside typical bicycle services, Smokehouse Cycles provides a selection of alcohol and snacks for patrons to enjoy while they wait for repairs, prepare for their next outing or enjoy while spending an afternoon at the space.
“I’ve always envisioned Smokehouse Cycles to be a kind of community hub and a community space where people can come to receive trusted service by people who they know by name and that they can trust will communicate clearly what is wrong with their bikes,” Lee said. “I just really wanted to open a shop that was focused on the customer experience and helping grow the mountain bike community in Fayetteville.”
Lee operates the store alongside the shop’s staff members Luke Baureis and Gibby (whose last name remains a well-kept secret).
CONTINUED >
Jake Lee, Owner
Lee also wanted to ensure that mountain biking was accessible to people who are interested in testing the Ozark trails by launching a mountain bike rental program at the shop.
“If you’re travelling to Fayetteville or have friends and family in the city that want to take you out, we are a great option to find a bicycle that can do that for you,” Lee said.
Smokehouse Cycles has only been in operation for a little over a year, but the shop has received a warm welcome from community members, according to Lee.
“I’ve always wanted to be a business owner in Fayetteville because the community definitely supports businesses here. I knew if there was any community that might support a grassroots bike shop, it would be the bike culture of Fayetteville,” Lee said.
The bike shop regularly hosts events throughout the year to emphasize its mission to be a hub for community gathering and engagement and connect local bikers, such as its “Free Coffee Saturday.”
“We regularly throw public events, and our goal is to do one non-riding event a month. It can be a speaker or a demo or a class, but we just want people to feel like they can come in and engage with others without having to be a serious rider,” Lee said.
Additionally, twice a year, the shop hosts a community bike swap, where people can sell or trade their old bikes and accessories. The shop also offers a selection of bike-repair educational classes throughout the year.
The bike shop’s evolution has brought in retail sales, as well. Smokehouse Cycles now offers new bikes from Marin Bikes and Santa Cruz Bicycles. Lee hopes to continue growing his retail offering at affordable prices.
“We’re trying to have bicycles here that are at an attainable price for people who are interested in the sport. We have so much access to trails where we live, so anyone should be able to enjoy them,” Lee said.
Keep up with Smokehouse Cycles on Instagram at @Smokehouse.Cycles.
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CHEERS Y’ALL!
ART OF WINE GOES WEST
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WILSON & SYDNEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TORCHES TOGETHER, BRIAN SIRIN
There’s something about a Friday night in July that just feels made for a little adventure, and this year, Art of Wine is delivering exactly that.
On July 24 from 7 to 9:30 p.m., Walton Arts Center’s beloved annual fundraiser is saddling up and heading West. Sun-soaked vineyards, wide-open hospitality, and a frontier spirit are setting the tone for one of Northwest Arkansas’s favorite nights out.
It’s hard to believe it all started with a single table.
Years ago, at a Walton Arts Center event called the Garden Party, someone set up eight or ten wines almost as an afterthought. Patrons wandered over, sampled a pour or two, and something clicked. That quiet little table became the seed of what is now one of Northwest Arkansas’ most anticipated evenings of the year, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support arts education for school-aged children across the region.
CONTINUED >
Everything that’s made Art of Wine a local tradition is still very much intact. More than 75 wine and beverage vendors, bites from over 25 local restaurants, and that electric energy that comes from a room full of people who showed up ready to celebrate. The Western theme just gives it all a fresh, unexpected edge. Guests can wander through “Old Main Street,” a curated shopping experience featuring western-inspired accessories from Moon Ridge Hats and Heritage, something sparkling from Underwoods Fine Jewelers, and the most talked-about addition of the year: the chance to walk away with a flash tattoo. A permanent memento of the evening feels perfectly on-brand for a night that already tends to leave a mark.
Art of Wine Community Dinner
For Walton Arts Center’s team, the annual theme change is more than a design decision. Special events manager Whitlee Douthitt says it keeps the creative spark alive for both staff and guests, giving vendors a fresh canvas and opening the door to new artists and brand collaborations each year.
Before the public got wind of the Western reveal, a group of 34 community leaders and influencers were treated to a preview dinner at the Guisinger, complete with local food, HotVine wines and the kind of conversation that sets the tone for what Art of Wine is really about.Community. Collaboration. Showing up for each other.
First-timers should come prepared to mingle, move, and have the time of their lives. Douthitt recommends comfortable shoes and taking full advantage of the Uber vouchers for a Safe Ride Home provided by McClarty Daniel, or the hotel discounts
available nearby. The logistics are handled so guests can focus entirely on enjoying the best of NWA under one roof. General admission tickets are $110, with an Express Pass available for an additional $25 that gets you through the doors at 6:30 p.m., a full half hour before general admission. For the full experience, Reserve Room tickets are $260 and include premium wines, exclusive lounge access, and a dedicated entrance that makes the whole evening feel elevated from start to finish.
Every ticket sold goes directly toward Walton Arts Center’s arts education programs, bringing free live performances to local students, helping teachers weave creativity into their classrooms and giving young people space to discover what lights them up. For a nonprofit that depends on community support to keep those programs alive and growing, a night this good doing this much good is about as NWA as it gets.
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.
DISCOVER YOUR
BACKYARD
Finding a New Adventure Only Minutes Away
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH PINKSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN AND ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
This summer is the perfect time to be outside and begin exploring the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel far. Fayetteville and the greater Northwest Arkansas area are the perfect places to discover new scenic trails, local parks, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon hike or a full day of exploring, these local spots offer something for every outdoor lover. Below are a few standout destinations to inspire your next summer outing.
Photo: Jeff Rose
Devil’s Den is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in NWA, known for its dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and historic structures. In the beautiful Ozarks, this spot has multiple options for varying distance trails, with standalone bluffs and flowing creeks. One of the standout trails is Fossil Flats, especially for both hikers and mountain bikers.
The trail winds through thick woods, with small bridges, and follows the creek in a peaceful loop. It is perfect for a morning or late-afternoon adventure. It’s also one of the best trails in the region for spotting wildlife, with deer, turtles, and, on rare occasions, foxes.
The trail ranges from 2.4 to 6 miles, at a moderate difficulty, typically taking around one to two hours to complete. Trail access is located in Camping Area A of Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 W Arkansas Hwy 74, West Fork, AR 72774.
1. DEVILS DEN (SPECIFICALLY FOSSIL FLATS TRAILHEAD)
Photo: @heyarkansas
Lake Fayetteville is one of the most versatile outdoor spaces in the region. The 4.5-mile loop trail circles the lake with a mix of paved and natural-surface paths, making it perfect for
walkers, runners, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Along the way, there are various stretches, some quiet coves, open fields, and tree tunnels that offer a refreshing break from the loop.
The lake itself is a hub for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Fayetteville Boat and Bike is on the trail with availability to rent out kayaks, canoes, aqua cycles, pontoon boats, fishing boats, trail bikes, mountain bikes, trikes, elliptical bicycles, pedal go karts, tandem bikes, and other outdoor equipment. Picnic areas and playgrounds make it a great family destination at Veteran Park, while the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, located on the southeast side, adds a peaceful, educational stop to your day.
2. LAKE FAYETTEVILLE
Tucked along the West Fork of the White River, Riverside Park is a quiet, refreshing retreat. The park has easy river access, shaded picnic tables, and plenty of open space. If you are looking for a less crowded and peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors, Riverside Park might be your next spot. The river itself offers a little something for everyone, with deeper pools for swimming, rocky ledges perfect for taking a small jump into the water, and shallow stretches where children can safely splash and play. Bring a hammock to relax in the shade, or pack a picnic, because the park also has a
large pavilion with lights and multiple grills for use. It is the perfect spot for families, with a nearby playground and field for all sorts of activities. If you prefer a low-key outdoor day, Riverside Park delivers exactly that.
3. RIVERSIDE PARK
Photo: @waterfallsinar
Photo: @waterfallsinar
Photo: @waterfallsinar
If you’ve ever seen photos of Devil’s Den, chances are you have seen Yellow Rock Overlook. This 3-mile loop trail is one of the most popular hikes in the region, and for good reason.
The trail gradually climbs through the forest before opening up to a sweeping view of the Lee Creek Valley. The overlook is a massive limestone bluff that juts out over the treetops, offering one of the best lookout spots in Northwest Arkansas in every season. The hike is of moderate difficulty, making it accessible for most adventurers seeking a new place to explore.
4. YELLOW ROCK TRAIL
Photo: Jeff Rose
Photo: Jeff Rose
Photo: Jeff Rose
Beaver Lake is the ultimate summer playground. With more than 480 miles of shoreline, the lake offers endless opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring hidden coves. The water is clear and cool, perfect for escaping the heat, and the surrounding cliffs and forests create a peaceful backdrop for any kind of adventure. It also offers many different selections of trails around the lake, like the Lake Loop Trail, Deep Woods Trail, Woodland Trail, Bog Trail, and others. Whether you want to rent a pontoon for the day at one of the many marinas, paddle into a quiet inlet, or simply relax on a lakeside beach, Beaver Lake has a spot for you. It is the perfect place to start and end your summer exploration.
Northwest Arkansas is full of outdoor gems, and summer is the perfect time to discover them. From forested trails to sweeping lakes, each destination offers its own unique way to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature, all without leaving our own backyard.
5. BEAVER LAKE
Photo: @jasonspearsofficial
About us
Kids Love Us And Parents Trust Us
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.
From our playground waiting room to our friendly staff, we make sure that every kid from every background feels loved and welcomed We offer pediatric preventative & restorative services as well as orthodontics for children, teens, and adults
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We are a female-owned
Veterinary medicine may be our profession, but enhancing the human/animal bond through life-long compassionate care is our calling. As the first and only Fear Free® certified practice in Arkansas, we hope to set a new standard in individual patient care.
ActiveLife Acupuncture & Wellness Center
THE THERAPY OF CHINESE MEDICINE
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH PINKSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA NELSON
In a world of endless wellness trends, new supplement routines, and constant social media advice, taking care of your health can begin to feel less empowering and rewarding and more overwhelming. Between conflicting advice on nutrition, productivity culture and the pressure to optimize every second of daily life, wellness has become complicated.
But, Active Life Acupuncture and Wellness Center in Fayetteville takes a different philosophy: slow down, simplify and pay attention to what your body is already telling you.
Dr. Hayden began Active Life with perspective developed over years of study, travel and reflection, which started long before opening a clinic twelve years ago in Northwest Arkansas.
After completing pre-med coursework at the University of Central Arkansas, he knew he wanted to pursue medicine but wasn’t certain what path fit. Raised by a mother who worked as a nurse, he was able to see the impact of medicine. He had a growing interest in nutrition, movement, and broader ideas of health, he found himself drawn less to disease-focused treatment and more to understanding how people build and maintain well-being.
The search eventually led him to Chinese medicine.
“I discovered acupuncture as a curiosity and spent a year reading about it.” He said.
He completed doctoral-level education in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, studying in Seattle and San Diego before practicing in cities including Denver and Seattle.
After living and practicing away for years, Dr. Hayden said returning to Northwest Arkansas changed his perspective. Coming back to his home state of Fayetteville (from Conway originally), he began to see it as one of the country’s hidden gems because of its sense of community, natural surroundings, and a place where he wanted to build both his life and his practice.
In his practice, many people associate Chinese medicine primarily with acupuncture, but he describes it as a much broader system of care.
“It’s really about the person first,” he said. “The symptom itself isn’t the most important thing. We want to know what is causing someone to suffer.”
That patient-centered approach begins with conversation.
The first visit at Active Life looks different for everyone. Dr. Hayden explained that treatment plans are individualized and often evolve over time.
Depending on the person’s goals, the visit may include discussing health history, daily routines, lifestyle factors and the patient’s own goals for feeling better.
He said part of the process is helping patients notice patterns they may not have previously connected to their health. Rather than focusing immediately on symptom relief alone, appointments are designed to understand the broader context surrounding someone’s health.
Instead of asking only what hurts, the questions become: What does feeling healthy actually mean to you? What’s helping your recovery? What’s getting in the way?
For people unfamiliar with acupuncture or Chinese medicine altogether, the clinic also spends time making the experience feel approachable.
One of the most common concerns, Dr. Hayden said, is the needles.
But he explains acupuncture pins are significantly thinner than the needles most people associate with injections or blood draws, and many first-time patients are surprised by how gentle treatment feels.
“After the first needle, people usually say, ‘That’s it?’” Dr. Hayden said.
Beyond acupuncture, treatments may incorporate other practices commonly associated with Chinese medicine, including cupping, QiGong (rehabilitative and longevity exercises), infra-red heat therapies and custom-compounded herbal prescriptions.
Another misconception, he said, is that Chinese medicine is religious, mystical or disconnected from modern understandings of the body.
But, instead it is a system focused on neurological therapy, focused on improving neurological, vascular, and immune function, while observing patterns like sleep, movement, stress, nutrition, and daily habits that influence your health. He explained these everyday habits have a massive impact on physical well-being.
Dr. Hayden said modern wellness culture often encourages people to search for complicated solutions while overlooking foundational behaviors.
His advice focuses on simple foundations to life: prioritizing food, rest, movement and relationships.
No fad diets, or overly expensive routine, but rather consistently sticking to healthy habits.
“We’re not the alternative. We’re the original medicine.”
“For more than 3,000 years, Chinese medicine has focused on understanding the individual, not just treating a symptom.” - Dr. Hayden Henningsen
One of those habits being rest. Rest is not only sleep but intentional time away from any stimulation, which is often difficult in our always-on, content-driven world. But, Dr. Hayden explains exhaustion can stem from more than physical busyness, but from never fully disengaging and taking time to relax.
Another factor is movement. Although exercise is good, he encourages people to think more about how their bodies function throughout the day. For example, how they sit, move, reach, bend and maintain mobility over time.
“We think of exercise as going to the gym or following a workout plan,” Dr. Hayden said. “But movement is really about how we use our bodies throughout the day. How do we sit? How do we rest? Can we still squat, reach, bend, and move comfortably? Those everyday things matter more long term than chasing the perfect routine.”
Underlying all of it is the idea that health should support life, not become another source of pressure.
People don’t just pursue health simply for the sake of being healthy, he said. They pursue it because they want to play with their grandchildren, stay independent, feel strong at work or enjoy everyday life.
For ActiveLife, the goal of care is helping people build habits and resilience that support them long-term, so they can play with their grandchildren, feel strong at work, and enjoy everyday life.
In a world constantly searching for the next solution, ActiveLife’s approach is rooted in more than 3,000 years of practice, using Chinese medicine that focuses on understanding the individual rather than a quick fix.
Health doesn’t have to begin with another trend, another product or another complicated routine, Dr. Hayden explained. Sometimes it starts by slowing down and paying attention.
LEARN MORE: Founded in Fayetteville, Active Life Acupuncture and Wellness Center provides individualized care through acupuncture, Chinese medicine, movement-based rehabilitation, cupping, herbal recommendations and lifestyle guidance, with a focus on helping patients build long-term health, resilience and well-being.
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• Speech & Language Therapy
• Dyslexia/Reading Tutoring & Therapy
• Writing/Spelling Tutoring & Therapy
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS’ PASTIME
INSIDE THE COMMUNITY AND TRADITIONS OF NATURALS BASEBALL
To step into a baseball stadium is to participate in a timeless American ritual. All the senses are activated. The crack of the bat, the murmur of the crowd, the nostalgic ballpark smell. The mythology of the game—stats, stories, and superstitions—turns the atmosphere into an entire ecosystem of experience.
ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
In Northwest Arkansas, a Naturals game blends small-town Americana with the energy of one of the country’s fastest growing regions. Every summer, families gather under stadium lights for hot dogs, fireworks, and good, old-fashioned ballgames.
As a Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the Naturals offer fans an opportunity to watch future major league talent before the rest of the country gets the chance. Alumni include Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Eric Hosmer.
The Naturals bring to Arvest Ballpark an intimate atmosphere without losing any of the liveliness of ballpark tradition. Sightlines are good from anywhere in the stadium, which is easy to navigate, and the tickets are affordable. What’s more, the overall vibe is intentionally family-oriented and community-centered.
A unique culture has formed around the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. People from all over the region gather for the experience. Little league kids run around in team jerseys, cheering on their favorite players, and many sport Naturals jerseys and merchandise. Meanwhile, longtime fans and former baseballers reminisce in the stands.
Locals are invited to participate in the rituals alongside game day staff. A student choir may sing the national anthem to kick off the game, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear a young kid announce, “Play ball!” with fans of all ages leading stadium cheers.
A number of traditions can be regularly anticipated as well. Postgames on Friday nights light up the sky with fireworks. On Sundays, kids run around the bases. At every game, kids will gather around the dugouts for autographs, baseballs, and interactions with the coaches and players.
Conversations here flow as naturally as the innings themselves. Families catch up between pitches, kids lean over the railings hoping for a foul ball, and longtime fans keep scorecards or debate players and prospects from seasons past. Even people who rarely follow baseball find themselves pulled into the rhythms of the evening. The pace of the game invites people to settle in, slow down, and stay present for a few hours under the stadium lights.
The ritual of America’s Pastime brings together many of the things people crave most: community, tradition, competition, and entertainment. Here, the baseball players are heroes, the flow of the game structures the evening, and ballpark fun becomes an embedded memory that families carry home with them.
Naturals games are Northwest Arkansas’ Pastime. Year after year, families return to Arvest Ballpark for the traditions, the atmosphere, and the simple enjoyment of a summer evening at the ballpark. The players change, the seasons pass, and the standings reset, but the ritual remains much the same.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SULLIVAN
Around Town
Happenings of Fayetteville in July
Women of All Generations
Connect, collaborate, and celebrate at the Fayetteville Chamber’s Women of All Generations event this July. The gathering brings together women across industries and life stages for meaningful conversations centered on leadership, mentorship, and community connection.
America 250 Fayetteville Celebration
Fayetteville joins communities nationwide in honoring America’s upcoming semiquincentennial with a citywide celebration. Expect live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local history highlights, and community programming that reflects both national pride and Fayetteville’s unique identity.
Post Malone & Jelly Roll at Razorback Stadium
One of the summer’s biggest concerts lands July 11 as Post Malone and Jelly Roll take the stage at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The stadium show is expected to draw fans from across the region for a high-energy night of chart-topping hits and live performance.
Dickson Street Mile
Downtown Fayetteville transforms into a fast-paced racecourse for the annual Dickson Street Mile. Known for its energetic atmosphere, the event welcomes runners of all ages and abilities for a spirited community race through the heart of the city.
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series Fayetteville
A Fayetteville summer staple, the Gulley Park Concert Series brings free outdoor music to the heart of the community. Families and friends gather throughout the season for live performances, local food vendors, and relaxed evenings in one of the city’s most beloved parks.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball at Arvest Ballpark
Summer nights come alive just up the road in Springdale with Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark. July games feature fireworks nights, themed promotions, and a classic family-friendly atmosphere perfect for an easy summer outing.
Movement, wellness, and community come together at the Fayetteville Movement Festival 2026. The event features fitness classes, workshops, recovery experiences, and wellness vendors, inviting attendees to explore health and movement in an engaging, interactive setting.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Independence Day brings fireworks, live music, and community gatherings across Fayetteville and nearby areas like Lake Fayetteville. It remains one of the most widely attended summer traditions, drawing families and friends together for a festive holiday outdoors.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
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MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
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DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
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SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
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NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
