The Explore Edition
There is magic to exploring a place you think you already know.
Looking for the next adventure, we buy plane tickets ignoring the fact that our own backyards hold stories just as rich, messy and beautiful as any destination on a map. It seems so incredibly easy to fall into routines and see our streets merely as paths to a destination, rather than destinations in themselves.
This month, we veered a bit off the typical meaning of “explore” and we challenge you to switch off that mental autopilot...look up and notice that Frederick isn’t just a backdrop to your daily commute; it is a living, breathing canvas, a town where a single afternoon walk can take you past quiet, reflective monuments of heritage, straight into a vibrant alleyway actively making history, “tattooed” with fresh art and community expression.
Consider this edition your formal invitation to put down the routine, step slightly off the beaten path and become a tourist in your own town.
Sometimes, the greatest journey isn’t about discovering new lands, but finally seeing the home you love with entirely fresh eyes.
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Stults | Sierra.Stults@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sierra Stults, Susan Lanier-Graham, Marshall Zweig, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Susan Lanier-Graham, Illustrator Matt Long, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
- Kerry Reisinger
Celebrate the Legacy: 30 Years of Brewer’s Alley
For 30 years, Brewer’s Alley has invited Frederick to explore what a great local restaurant can be. Housed in a historic 150-year-old building, this iconic brewpub pioneered Maryland’s craft beer scene in 1996 and continues to evolve. Today, Brewer’s Alley pairs its founding spirit with a reimagined menu, service and a modern atmosphere. Join their team to celebrate 30 years on Wed, July 29, and honor this destination for great food, fresh brews and community legacy. Brewers-Alley.com
ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS
The Colorful Route Through Frederick
Awareness of Being
22 S. Market St.
Created by artist Karen Pollard, this peaceful mural portrays a woman surrounded by flowing color and natural imagery. Painted on the Federated Charities building, the artwork encourages reflection, mindfulness and a deeper connection to both nature and self.
Lester Bowie Mural
69 S. Market St. Artist Rafael Blanco honors Frederickborn jazz legend Lester Bowie with this striking portrait celebrating creativity and musical innovation. Known for co-founding the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Bowie’s influence on experimental jazz continues to inspire artists around the world.
Lord Nickens Mural
629 N. Market St.
Created by muralist Jack Pabis, this mosaic tribute celebrates Civil Rights leader Lord Nickens. Installed beside the Bernard W. Brown Community Center, the piece features symbolic birds and a meaningful quote honoring Nickens’ lasting impact on Frederick’s community and history.
Splash of Color Mural
Corner of S. Market St. & E. South St. Muralist Gera Lozano transformed this towering brick wall into a vibrant celebration of nature. Featuring flowers, Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan and soaring blue herons, the mural reflects movement, growth and the beauty found throughout Maryland.
45 N. Market St. (north side wall)
Created by William Cochran in 1988 as part of the “Angels in the Architecture” series, this mural blends fantasy and realism. An aging angel and resting pheasant appear woven into the architecture, playing with space, time and imagination.
RED ISCOVERING FREDERICK’S WILD FRONTIER ON THE TRAILS AND WATER
ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS
THE WILD INTO
You don’t need a passport to find a total escape. While the heart of Frederick beats in its historic streets, a different world lies just beyond the city limits. By trading pavement for river currents and mountain paths, residents can rediscover their home through the lens of a traveler. From the Monocacy’s hidden bends to the Potomac’s rugged banks, adventure is calling.
THE GREAT ESCAPE: FINDING STILLNESS ON THE MONOCACY
It is easy to get caught in the gravity of downtown, but the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail offers a nearby “staycation” that feels worlds away. Known as the “river with many bends,” this 40-mile waterway invites residents to swap the hum of the city for the swift dip of a paddle. Gentle currents and accessible entry points at Pinecliff Park and Devilbiss Bridge make it the perfect destination for a first-time voyage or a slow-motion tubing expedition.
As you navigate the quiet stretches, the landscape shifts from rolling farmland to dense forest. Here, the “locals” are bald eagles and blue herons rather than commuters. For the resident looking to disconnect, the river offers a rare commodity: silence. Whether you’re casting for smallmouth bass or simply letting the current dictate your pace, the Monocacy proves that the best travel experiences aren’t measured in miles, but in the stillness you find along the way.
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME ON THE C&O CANAL
For those who prefer travel by land, the C&O Canal National Historical Park serves as a gateway to Frederick’s wilder side. Following the Potomac River, the flat, shaded towpath is a corridor of history and high-energy recreation. It’s a place where you can cycle for miles without ever seeing a stoplight, passing stone aqueducts and historic lockhouses that tell stories of the 19th century.
Traveling south leads to “canal towns” like Brunswick and Point of Rocks, where the culture revolves around the river. These spots are perfect for a mid-journey pit stop at a local brewery or cafe. For you dare-devils out there... the Potomac’s faster waters near Brunswick offer rafting and tubing.
NEW HEIGHTS AND LOCAL HORIZONS
Sometimes, the best way to see your home is from 1,000 feet above it. Gambrill State
Park offers a rugged departure from the valley floor, with technical trails that challenge mountain bikers and hikers alike. Reaching the stone overlooks at sunrise, you’ll find a breathtaking view of the Frederick Valley. It’s a high-altitude escape that requires nothing more than a pair of boots and a free afternoon. Further north, the journey continues at Cunningham Falls State Park, home to Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfall. It’s a natural landmark offering swimming and lakeside picnicking. For those looking to check a major item off their bucket list, the legendary Appalachian Trail carves a path through our backyard, connecting Frederick to a hiking tradition that spans the entire East Coast.
BECOMING AN EXPLORER IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
The true beauty of Frederick is that here, we can do a bit of both. We have the cityscape, but we also have outdoor spaces that allow us to simply detach for a bit. One thing to remember is that, as we travel these trails, we also become their guardians. Practicing environmental stewardship ensures that these “hidden gems” remain pristine for the next generation. This starts with the “Leave No Trace” mindset...a commitment to leaving the trail exactly as you found it.
Many explorers mistakenly believe that organic waste, like a banana peel or an apple core, is “natural” trash. In reality, these items can take years to decompose in our local climate and often attract wildlife to trailheads, habituating animals to human food and disrupting ecosystems. If you pack it in, pack it out. Every. Single. Scrap.
Beyond waste, best practices include staying on marked paths to prevent soil erosion and respecting the quiet of the wilderness so others can enjoy the peace. Whether you’re walking the paths of Baker Park or paddling beneath a historic bridge, remember that the greatest adventures don’t always require a long flight...sometimes, they just require a turn off a main road and a walk toward the water.
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
IT’S REMAINED PART OF THEIR LIVES: ONE COUPLE TOLD BOB THEY STILL START EVERY MORNING ON THE PORCH WITH COFFEE AND BIRDSONG. “IT BECAME A RITUAL THAT
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work—birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access.
Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders— compressed seed—are a great lowmess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
SPOT BIRD BEHAVIOR (AND BACKYARD DRAMA)
Once your feeder’s up, the show begins.
“Different species act differently,” Bob explains. “Cardinals are typically the first and last birds of the day to the feeder. Male hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend ‘their’ feeder. Chickadees come to the feeder in a flash; they have a grab-and-go strategy. “In our backyard, orioles and bluebirds battle over live mealworms,” he adds. “The female bluebird often holds her ground.”
Quick Tip: You don’t need to track every species. “Just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch,” Bob says. “You’ll start noticing more than you’d expect.”
SEASONAL CHANGES TO EXPECT
Feeder activity increases in summer, thanks to fledglings. “By July, your bird population has basically doubled,” Bob says. At the same time, some favorites—like male orioles—start their fall migration as early as July.
One common myth? That goldfinches leave in winter. “They stay put,” Bob says. “But the males molt into drab-colored feathers, so people often don’t recognize them.”
Quick Tip: Keep feeding in winter. “Some of the best bird watching happens in the colder months—different species of birds visit us in the winter.”
HOW TO ATTRACT SPECIFIC BIRDS
Want cardinals? Use tray feeders or tube feeders with U-shaped perches. “They’re heavier birds,” Bob says. “Standard tube feeders are hard for them to use.”
Hoping for bluebirds? They prefer park-like settings. If your yard fits, try a nesting box with a 1.5-inch entrance, and offer live mealworms far away from the nest box.
Hummingbirds? Stick to sugar water—no red dye needed. “And expect a show,” Bob adds. “Males are fiercely territorial at the feeder.”
Wild Birds Unlimited carries feeders tailored to specific birds, but Bob and his team focus on fit. “We ask about your yard, your goals, and guide you from there.”
Quick Tip: Not sure what birds are in your area? Ask your local Wild Birds Unlimited shop.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
THE DAWN’S
EARLY LIGHT
Revisiting the Frederick Roots of a National Anthem
ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS | ILLUSTRATION BY MATT LONG
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the spotlight often falls on the cobblestones of Philadelphia. Yet, for those willing to explore their own backyard, the echoes of our nation’s birth are much closer than many think. Woven into our skyline and etched into the names of our schools and shopping centers. To understand the American story is to understand Frederick’s role in it—a region shaped by the complex intersection of early American politics, agriculture, trade and the fierce conflicts that birthed a nation.
Key’s lyrics were a local reaction to a global chaos—a messy, human attempt to find rhythm in the noise.
Francis Scott Key is often remembered through a singular, cinematic lens: a man standing on a boat in Baltimore harbor, peering through the smoke of British cannons. But Key was first a son of Frederick County, Maryland where his identity was forged. Key wasn’t a professional icon; he was a man of restless curiosities. Between the rigid world of law and the high-stakes chess of diplomacy, he made room for the messy, unpolished work of a poet—an ordinary person who found a melody of unity to hum back to a fractured nation.
Honoring the past means engaging with its contradictions. Key’s legacy is inseparable from a time when the soul of the nation was still under construction—a period where the local prosperity of Frederick existed alongside the heavy reality of slavery and the brewing storm of civil debate. As we approach America’s birthday, we are invited to see our history not as a finished story, but as a living landscape of progress and pain. It is by acknowledging this full, honest picture that we truly celebrate Frederick: a city built on hard work and the restless pursuit of a more perfect union.
The poem Key penned in 1814 was originally titled “Defense of Fort M’Henry.” It wasn’t intended to be a national anthem; it was a local reaction to a local victory. Set to music and spread rapidly through newspapers and public gatherings, it spoke to a young nation’s desperate need for unity. While it wasn’t until 1931 that it became the official national anthem, in Frederick, the spirit of the song has always felt like a neighborhood story.
Today, Key’s legacy is woven into everyday life in Frederick— often so familiar that residents hardly notice it. We see it in the Francis Scott Key Memorial and the quiet grounds of Mount Olivet Cemetery. We hear it in the crack of the bat at a Frederick Keys game and see it in the bustle of the Francis Scott Key Mall or the peace of Key Memorial Park.
These landmarks are anchors. They remind us that the American flag flying at dawn was a symbol of unity over all—a promise that, despite our differences, the experiment of democracy continues. As we look toward the future, we realize this national story doesn’t just belong to the textbooks; it belongs, deeply and irrevocably, to Frederick too.
Frederick has never just been a backdrop; it has been a frontrow participant in the making of America. Long before the first notes of the anthem were hummed, this city was a defiant crossroads. In 1765, local judges famously “repudiated” the British Stamp Act—an early, dangerous spark of rebellion a full decade before the Revolution began.
Decades later, our soil became a landscape of survival during the Civil War. At the Battle of Monocacy, Frederick was the “Battlefield that Saved Washington,” where Union forces held the line just long enough to shield the nation’s capital. From the hospitality offered to a young George Washington to the legendary defiance of Barbara Fritchie waving her flag from an uptown window, Frederick has never been a mere spectator to the American story; it has always been a primary architect. This isn’t just a place where history was recorded—it is the place that helped decide what the future would look like.
LOCAL VANTAGE
Put down the history books and hit the pavement. Rediscover the landmarks you pass every day and engage with the city’s future. How many of these can you check off?
• Frederick is famous for its “Clustered Spires,” but they look different from every angle. Head to the top level of the Carroll Creek parking deck. From this high-point perspective, see how many of the historic spires you can name.
• “Write Frederick’s Next Chapter” at City Hall. History isn’t just about the past; it’s about what we build next. Visit the City Hall courtyard to witness a massive public art installation. Composed of thousands of postcards, this exhibit features the aspirational hopes and “next chapter” dreams of your neighbors. Add your own voice to the mosaic of Frederick’s next 250 years.
• Experience the anthem in the place that cheers the loudest. Catch a Frederick Keys home game during their special commemorative series. Keep an eye out for the limited-edition America 250 jerseys on the field and stay for the post-game fireworks that keep the neighborhood spirit of Key’s legacy alive, loud and vibrant.
• Often called one of the most beautiful resting places in Maryland, this isn’t just a cemetery—it’s a walk through Frederick’s genealogy. Take a quiet morning stroll through the monument rows to find the Francis Scott Key Memorial. It’s a powerful place for reflection, offering a moment of silence away from the bustle of downtown to consider the “shadows and light” of our shared heritage.
“KEY’S LYRICS WERE A local reaction TO A GLOBAL CHAOS—A MESSY, HUMAN ATTEMPT TO FIND rhythm in the noise.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born on the Fourth of July at our local hospital just before the fireworks began, Matt Long felt a natural kismet with this project, drawing inspiration from his own patriotic birthday to craft this vibrant cover and editorial artwork. A Frederick-based multimedia artist and Shepherd University alum, Matt’s whimsical, high-energy style can be found across the Mid-Atlantic on everything from murals and sculptures to brand identities for the Frederick Keys and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. His style is fun, flexible and can be tailored to any brand, event, color palette, destination and creative direction. Follow, engage or reach out on Instagram @artistmattlong or Facebook @mattlong for your own memorable collaboration.
escape to France
A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE
THE SOUTH
of
There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.
Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.
WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?
Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout
Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.
One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,
CONTINUED >
dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.
THE BARGING EXPERIENCE
The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.
Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.
EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.
You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.
During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.
There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.
European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
AN ELEVATED CLASSIC RECIPE PACKED WITH A NEW TWIST ON NOSTALGIC FLAVOR
STARS, STRIPES & HOTDOGS
ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS
The 4th of July is often a whirlwind of heat and backyard cookouts. This year, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, we may have the move for you. Enter... The retro carnival hot dog with an elevated twist. Inspired by my grandma’s eclectic cooking style, it’s the kind of dish that instantly feels nostalgic while still bringing something unexpected to the table.
THE GARLIC BRIOCHE HOT DOG
While the classic hot dog will always have its place, the 2026 version is all about quality ingredients and customizable flavor. By trading standard condiments for bold toppings like pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, artisanal sauerkraut and a smoky-sweet Miso-Caramel BBQ glaze, you transform a simple summer staple into the highlight of the cookout.
The secret is all in the details, especially the bun and toppings. Instead of a basic dry roll, use buttery brioche buns brushed with garlic butter and lightly toasted on the grill. The rich, savory flavor pairs with a premium all-beef frankfurter and balances the sweet heat of the glaze. With just a few elevated ingredients,
the average hot dog becomes the kind of summer recipe friends and family will ask for year after year.
Ingredients:
• 6 Premium All-Beef Frankfurters
• 6 Brioche Hot Dog Buns
• 3 tbsp Salted Butter
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• Artisanal Sauerkraut
• Pickled Jalapeños
Special Sauce: Miso-Caramel Glaze
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
1. Combine softened butter with minced garlic and spread onto the insides of the brioche buns.
2. Mix all ingredients for the MisoCaramel Glaze and set aside.
3. Grill the frankfurters over medium-high heat until charred and heated through.
4. Lightly toast the garlic-buttered buns on the grill for about 30 seconds, until golden.
5. Place each frankfurter into a bun and top with a generous pile of sauerkraut, two pickled jalapeño rounds and a heavy drizzle of the MisoCaramel Glaze.
The toppings on this gourmet hot dog bring more than bold flavor. Fermented sauerkraut contains probiotics that support gut health, while jalapeños provide vitamin C and metabolism-boosting capsaicin. Garlic offers natural antioxidant properties and white miso adds depth and flavor. Together, these elevated ingredients create a summer cookout favorite with a surprisingly appetizing and health-conscious twist... From my family to yours.
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.
1 2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
UNSTOPPABLE IN HER OWN STRENGTH
At her heaviest, Melissa could barely lift 10 pounds and struggled with constant fatigue— but she chose change over comfort.
When she first walked into The X in Frederick, she knew she needed something different. What she didn’t know was how powerful that decision would become.
With supportive coaches and a community behind her, Melissa built strength step by step. She didn’t just lose weight — she gained confidence and momentum.
Today, she’s down 110 pounds and can lift 145% of her body weight.
Melissa’s story isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about what’s possible when you commit. If you’re ready to feel stronger and take control of your life, your starting point is here.
JULY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
VARIOUS DATES
Frederick Keys
Baseball Games
Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium | 7:00 PM
Spend a summer evening cheering on the Frederick Keys with family-friendly baseball, themed nights, local food and fireworks on weekend evenings. The Keys remain a classic Frederick summertime tradition for residents and visitors alike. MLB.com/MILB/Frederick
WEDNESDAYS
Bluegrass Jam Night
Steinhardt Brewing Co. | 7:00 PM
Local musicians gather weekly for an informal bluegrass jam session that fills the brewery with traditional Appalachian sound. Guests can enjoy live music, local beer and a welcoming community atmosphere throughout the evening. SteinhardtBrewing.com
THURSDAYS
Alive @ Five Summer Concert Series
Carroll Creek Amphitheater | 5:00 PM
Frederick’s favorite outdoor happy hour concert series continues all summer long with live music, local food vendors and craft beverages along Carroll Creek. Each Thursday features a different band and vibrant downtown energy. Ages 21+ only. DowntownFrederick.org
Find Your Community
When you join Homewood Living Frederick, you will find a warm, welcoming community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Here, connection and community are in the heart of everything we do. Whether taking an art class, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or participating in social events, each day will offer opportunities for you to enjoy.
SUNDAYS
Summer Concert Series
Baker Park | 7:00 PM
Bring a blanket and enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Baker Park Bandshell. From bluegrass and jazz to tribute bands and funk, this long-running Frederick tradition blends summer evenings, live music and community gathering in one of the city’s most scenic parks. CelebrateFrederick.com
JULY 4TH
First Saturday
Downtown Frederick | 12:00 PM
Downtown Frederick transforms into a lively street festival with gallery openings, live music, outdoor dining and extended shopping hours. July’s First Saturday carries a patriotic atmosphere, making it the perfect way to celebrate community, creativity and summer in the heart of the city. DowntownFrederick.org
JULY 4TH
Frederick’s 4th
Baker Park | 12:00 PM
Frederick’s annual Independence Day celebration returns with food vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment and a fireworks finale over Baker Park. The event blends hometown charm with patriotic tradition and draws families from across Frederick County each year. VisitFrederick.org
