Summer Bucket List Bingo
Join our Summer Bucket List Bingo for a fun way to explore local spots, try new activities, and make the most of the season with family and friends. It’s completely free to join, and participants can complete bingo squares all summer long for a chance to win fun prizes and discover new favorite places around town.
Exploring Beyond Arizona
Some issues come together naturally, and this one felt especially fitting for this season.
As summer settles into Arizona and many of us start looking for a break from the heat, we found ourselves drawn to places that invite us to slow down, get outside, and experience a different side of the country. This month, we’re heading to the mountains and exploring destinations that deserve a spot on every travel bucket list.
Inside these pages, you’ll find escapes that each offer something completely unique. From the crystal-blue water and alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe to the rolling peaks and charming mountain towns surrounding Haywood County in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, these destinations remind us that some of the most memorable getaways happen when we trade busy schedules for fresh air and open views.
We’re also highlighting some of America’s incredible National Parks, places that continue to inspire visitors generation after generation and showcase the landscapes that make this country unforgettable.
This year feels like an especially meaningful time to explore.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it feels like the perfect reminder to appreciate the places that exist right here at home. There’s something special about experiencing different corners of the country and creating memories in places that feel completely different from everyday life.
As you flip through this issue, we hope you discover somewhere new to add to your travel list.
And if you’ve already made memories at Lake Tahoe, wandered the Smoky Mountains, discovered Haywood County, checked a National Park off your list, or explored anywhere else worth talking about, we want to hear from you. Find us on social media or drop us an email. Show us where you’ve been, share your favorite moment, and tell us which destination is already calling you back.
Here’s to celebrating 250 years of exploring, discovering, and finding new places to love!
Happy travels!
KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Robin Belley | robin.belley@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kylie Strawn-Badger, Kristy Belley, City Lifestyle Team, Gretchen Pahia
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
National Parks Service, Jacob W. Frank, Neal Herbert, Diane Renkin, Jim Peaco, GP Walsh Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn
Roams
Spending
Explore National Parks
From
Escape To South Lake Tahoe
Experience
Discover
Where Modern Smiles Meet Western Hospitality
At Bronco Family Dental, we believe exceptional dentistry begins with genuine relationships. Our practice blends modern technology with warm, personalized care to create an experience that feels comfortable, elevated, and welcoming from the moment you walk through our doors. We are proudly serving the Gilbert community & committed helping families feel confident in their smiles through honest care, hospitality, and attention to every detail.
Nova Psychotherapy Services opens a new location in Gilbert
Nova Psychotherapy Services is a culmination of a decade-long dream and a commitment to fostering deep, authentic healing. Founded by Ginka S. Conrey, LCSW, PMH-C, Nova embodies a visionary approach to mental wellness, built on a foundation of extensive experience and a profound dedication to both clients and clinicians. Nova believes clients deserve a space where their story is honored, and their growth is supported. The new office is located at 690 E. Warner Road, STE. 153, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
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Photography by Ginka Conrey
A Taste of Paris Arrives to Gilbert
New to Downtown Gilbert, SABLÉ BOULANGERIE is bringing a taste of France to the East Valley. Created by Gilbert native and pastry chef Will Porter after training abroad, the bakery focuses on handcrafted pastries, buttery laminated dough, fresh bread, and elevated café favorites made with traditional technique and premium ingredients. Find them at 228 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234.
The Wait Is Finally Over
Years in the making, Ted’s Hot Dogs is officially open and bringing its iconic charcoal-grilled favorites to the East Valley. Originally founded in Buffalo and long loved in Tempe, the new location marks a major milestone for fans who’ve been waiting years for the expansion. Visit them at 2700 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, AZ 85286.
SPENDING
SOME
TIME
IN JACKSON HOLE
WHERE ADVENTURE ROAMS
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA
Looking for a destination to take in the picturesque landscape of the American West, add Jackson Hole, Wyoming to your list. Surrounded by mountains, winding rivers, and blue skies all around, Jackson Hole gives tourists a chance for some unique adventures that come with breathtaking scenery and a variety of outdoor adventures.
One spot that you must visit is the Grand Teton National Park. This national park is filled with activities that will create the perfect experience for visitors. These include kayaking across the serene waters of Jenny Lake and enjoying breathtaking scenes of the surrounding mountains. Another option for visitors is floating on the Snake River, taking in the panoramic views of mountains and wildlife.
If you are seeking a bit more adventure, why not take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride at dawn. This unforgettable experience is where you can literally float over the world. And for those nature lovers, Jackson Hole is widely regarded as one of the best places for hiking. Everything from leisurely walks lakeside to rigorous mountain climbs, there are beautiful spots all around the region that are just waiting for you to take in.
WHETHER YOU’RE HIKING MOUNTAIN TRAILS, FLOATING THE RIVER, OR UNWIND-
ING FIRESIDE, JACKSON HOLE TURNS EVERY MOMENT INTO AN ESCAPE.
Jackson Hole offers a lot more than just amazing views. You can engage in other entertainment in its downtown district. Visiting the world-renowned antler arches in the town square is highly recommended, along with shopping around for various shops, art galleries, clothing shops, and even coffee shops. There will be a lot to explore in the evenings at the downtown area, which include live music venues, food outlets, and places to meet friends and relatives.
Now that you’ve had a long day of outdoor activities, you’re going to need a place where you can relax. One of those places would be the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, which is located in one of the most beautiful valleys surrounded by mountains and offering fantastic views. The Five-Star resort has more than 150 guest rooms, suites, and private residences. Additionally, there are luxury Villa & Residence rentals should you come here for a longer vacation just to unwind.
You can choose between casual and upscale restaurants. Some options available include having a cocktail in the Ascent Lounge, enjoying gastropub food at The Handle Bar, experimenting with
cocktails at the speakeasy-style 80 Proof bar, or indulging in steak and regional favorites at the signature Steadfire Chophouse restaurant. Guests also have access to year-round heated pools with hot spring-style bubblers, full-service spa and salon, 24-hour gym, and complimentary resort events including yoga, whiskey tastings, and more.
If you are seeking a little different stay, check out the Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole, which provides a warm and welcoming spot to get away just minutes from Town Square. The property offers western style decor and cozy gathering spots designed for relaxing after a long day of adventures outdoors. Dining at this spot includes The Whistling Grizzly restaurant or if you’d prefer to dine off-site, there is a complementary shuttle from the property to nearby establishments.
Whether you are seeking to take excursions in the great outdoors, visiting lakeside hot spots, or simply looking to get away from the heat of the Arizona sun for a while, Jackson Hole is definitely a spot that should be on your must-visit list. Here, adventure meets the western charm of the old frontier in one of the most spectacular landscapes of America.
Photo credit: Riddle, Don
“LUXURY
MEETS ADVENTURE IN JACKSON HOLE, WHERE SCENIC LANDSCAPES AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES CREATE THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN RETREAT.”
EXPLORE
NATIONAL PARKS
From dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear lakes to soaring mountain peaks, these three national parks offer unforgettable escapes into some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
Yellowstone National Park is the kind of destination that feels impossible to fully experience in one visit. Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, America’s first national park delivers dramatic landscapes, unforgettable wildlife sightings, and outdoor adventures. Start with the iconic Old Faithful geyser before exploring colorful geothermal areas like Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife lovers can spot bison, elk, bears, and wolves throughout the park, while scenic drives reveal waterfalls, canyons, and mountain views. Visitors can hike scenic trails, enjoy guided tours, kayak nearby lakes, or simply take in one of the country’s most unique landscapes.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Glacier National Park feels like stepping into a postcard, with towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic mountain roads around every turn. Located in Montana, this breathtaking destination is known for its rugged beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. Drive the famous Going-to-theSun Road for unforgettable views, hike trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, or take a guided boat tour across the park’s pristine waters. Wildlife sightings often include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears, making every visit feel connected to the surrounding wilderness.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a perfect blend of mountain adventure and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit destination in Colorado. Known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wide-open landscapes, the park invites visitors to explore at every pace. Drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road for panoramic views, hike trails that lead to waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows, or enjoy wildlife spotting with chances to see elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Whether spending the day outdoors or simply taking in the mountain air, every visit feels unforgettable.
As America celebrates 250 years, there’s no better time to hit the road, explore iconic landscapes, and experience the places that make this country unforgettable.
Photo Credit: NPS/ Neal Herbert
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ESCAPE TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Experience lakefront luxury, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable moments surrounded by mountain beauty.
Some destinations ask you to choose between adventure and relaxation. South Lake Tahoe quietly reminds you that you can have both.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and centered around one of the most
recognizable alpine lakes in the country, South Lake Tahoe has become known as a destination that feels equally suited for active days and unhurried evenings. While many associate Tahoe with winter escapes, the warmer months reveal an entirely different experience filled with lake days, scenic trails, elevated dining, and stays that transform a weekend getaway into something far more memorable.
From the moment visitors arrive, the landscape immediately sets the tone. The mountains feel larger, the air feels cooler, and Lake Tahoe itself becomes impossible to ignore. Its famously clear water shifts between shades of sapphire and turquoise depending on the time of day, creating a setting that feels almost unreal.
One of the best ways to experience South Lake Tahoe is by getting out onto the water. Early mornings are ideal for paddleboarding, when the lake is calm and reflective and the surrounding mountains mirror across the surface. Kayaking offers another way to experience the shoreline while discovering quiet coves and scenic stretches that feel hidden from the busier parts of town. For visitors wanting to elevate the experience even further, private boat charters and sunset
cruises create an unforgettable way to spend an evening while watching the colors change across the lake.
Back on land, South Lake Tahoe continues to deliver experiences that invite visitors to explore at their own pace.
The area’s hiking trails range from leisurely scenic walks to more ambitious routes with rewarding lake overlooks. One of the most popular experiences is hiking to Emerald Bay, where panoramic views, granite cliffs, and crystal waters create one of Tahoe’s most photographed landscapes. Visitors can also spend the day exploring nearby beaches, renting bikes to cruise along scenic routes, or simply finding a quiet place along the shoreline to unwind.
For those wanting a mix of activity and entertainment, Heavenly Village becomes a natural gathering point. Located near the lake, the village combines shopping, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment into a walkable destination that works equally well for an afternoon outing or an evening stroll. During summer, visitors often find live music performances, seasonal events, and outdoor activities happening throughout the village, creating energy without taking away from Tahoe’s relaxed atmosphere.
Some places are meant to be explored slowly, and South Lake Tahoe invites exactly that pace.
Another must-do experience is taking the scenic gondola at Heavenly. Floating above the landscape offers sweeping views across Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountain peaks, giving visitors a perspective of the destination that feels completely different from ground level. Whether experienced during golden hour or beneath a clear blue sky, it becomes one of those moments that tends to stay with travelers long after they leave.
After full days outdoors, South Lake Tahoe offers accommodations and dining experiences designed to help visitors settle into the slower pace of mountain living.
For travelers seeking a polished and refined retreat, Edgewood Tahoe Resort creates an experience that feels synonymous with lakefront luxury.
Situated directly along the shoreline, the resort pairs sophisticated design with uninterrupted lake and mountain views that become part of the stay itself. Guests can spend the day enjoying the property or use it as a luxurious home base while exploring everything South Lake Tahoe has to offer.
One of the resort’s standout experiences is The Edge Restaurant and Lounge. Designed to balance seasonal flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, The Edge transforms dinner into a destination of its own. The experience includes thoughtfully curated tasting menus, tableside presentations, and handcrafted cocktails that encourage guests to linger well beyond dessert.
For wine enthusiasts, the restaurant’s collection becomes a highlight in itself.
Featuring more than 1,000 labels from around the world, including rare estate vintages and boutique California wineries selected by sommeliers, the program reflects the same attention to detail found throughout the resort.
For visitors wanting something more boutique and relaxed while still maintaining elevated design and comfort, Coachman Hotel offers a different interpretation of the Tahoe experience.
Coachman positions itself as a modern home base for experiencing South Lake Tahoe and combines boutique hospitality with wellness, outdoor adventure, and welcoming communal spaces.
The design reflects the surrounding Sierra environment with clean architecture, warm details, and inviting common areas that naturally encourage guests to slow down.
Guests can unwind with on-site massage services or spend time enjoying the year-round heated pool and hot tub after days spent hiking, biking, or exploring the lake.
Its central location places visitors within walking distance of both the shoreline and Heavenly Village,
making it easy to move from morning coffee to paddleboarding, afternoon shopping, and evening entertainment without needing to overplan the day.
Communal s’mores nights, happy hours, seasonal wine tastings, paint-and-sip events, tap takeovers, and local markets invite guests to experience Tahoe in a way that feels relaxed and social.
Room offerings also reflect the flexibility modern travelers want. The Sierra Summit Studio Suite blends comfort and functionality with thoughtful details inspired by mountain living. Families often gravitate toward the One Bedroom Suite with Bunk Beds, while larger groups appreciate the spacious Three Bedroom Suite for extended getaways and celebratory weekends.
Whether the trip includes sunrise paddleboarding, afternoons exploring scenic trails, evenings spent over tasting menus and wine pairings, or quiet moments taking in the lake from a hotel deck, South Lake Tahoe delivers the kind of escape that stays with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Into The Heart Of Smokies
DISCOVER SCENIC DRIVES, MOUNTAIN VIEWS, WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, AND UNFORGETTABLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON FRYE
Some places feel larger than life the moment you arrive, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them. Stretching across North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smokies continue to draw travelers year after year with mist-covered peaks, scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and outdoor experiences that feel both adventurous and peaceful.
One of the most memorable ways to experience the park is by slowing down and exploring beyond the overlooks. Hiking
remains one of the biggest draws, with trails ranging from easy walks to full-day adventures. Along the way, visitors cross iconic footlogs, discover rushing streams, and find waterfalls tucked throughout the landscape.
For those looking to see one of the park’s most celebrated wildlife experiences, head toward Cataloochee Valley or the Oconaluftee area during sunrise or sunset. Elk, reintroduced to the region in the 1990s, can often be spotted gathering in
The Smokies invite you to slow down, chase the views, and rediscover how breathtaking the outdoors can be.
open fields during cooler parts of the day, creating unforgettable moments for visitors.
The Smokies are equally rewarding for scenic drives. Routes throughout the park reveal layers of mountain views, quiet forests, and changing landscapes around every bend. For panoramic scenery, make time for Kuwohi, the park’s highest peak, where the observation tower delivers sweeping views that stretch for miles.
History also has a strong presence throughout the park. Preserved structures, including historic homes, churches, mills, and schoolhouses, offer a glimpse into life in the mountains generations ago and add another layer to the experience.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching across North Carolina and Tennessee, anchors much of what makes this region special. For sweeping panoramic views, Kuwohi, the park’s highest peak, rewards visitors with an observation tower overlooking miles of mountain layers. Add in preserved historic homes, churches, and mills scattered throughout the park, and there’s a sense of stepping back in time woven into every adventure.
Whether your ideal trip includes backpacking, wildlife watching, waterfall chasing, fishing, horseback riding, or simply taking in a sunrise above the clouds, the Smokies offer the kind of escape that keeps visitors planning their return before they even leave.
Jason Frye @beardedwriter
For travelers who want more than just the typical highlights and tourist stops, travel writer Jason Frye has built a career helping people experience destinations in a deeper and more meaningful way. Through his work with Teakettle Junction Productions, Jason combines storytelling, firsthand exploration, and practical travel insight to create guides that inspire people to get outside and discover new places.
Specializing in outdoor travel, road trips, and destination writing, Jason’s work highlights everything from national parks and mountain escapes to scenic routes and hidden gems that travelers may otherwise miss. His approach encourages readers to slow down, explore intentionally, and create experiences that go beyond checking places off a list.
Jason is also actively involved in the travel and writing community as Membership Officer for the Society of American Travel Writers and maintains memberships with the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Travelers can continue following along with Jason’s adventures and inspiration on Instagram at @beardedwriter.
• One- two- and three-bedroom detached single-level homes and two-story townhomes
• Beautifully landscaped walking paths
• Onsite dog park
• Onsite children’s playground
• Private yards* with landscape maintenance included
• Energy Star certified for lower utility costs
*on single-level homes.
THIS SALMON QUICHE RECIPE BRINGS THE CATCH HOME TO GILBERT, NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED
HOOKED ON THE HIGH COUNTRY
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA SHEPULOVA
There’s something about summer that sends my mind straight to the mountains. When it’s so hot outside that the pavement is shimmering, I’m daydreaming about cool pine air and standing knee-deep in a cold stream, line in the water, waiting for a fish to bite. But the closest I get to a fresh catch is the salmon section at Costco.
This quiche has become one of my go-to favorites, the kind of dish I pull out for a lazy weekend breakfast, a quick weeknight dinner, or anything in between. It’s forgiving, it’s fresh, and it tastes like you tried a lot harder than you did. The fresh salmon brings a tender, buttery richness that feels right at home with a mountain theme, while the broccoli and spinach keep things bright and green. Whip it up once and I promise it earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
FRESH SALMON, BROCCOLI & SPINACH QUICHE
Serves 6
Ingredients
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 5 large eggs
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 oz fresh salmon fillet, cubed
• 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (Swiss or Cheddar, optional substitutes)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
Make It a Meal
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Fit the crust into a 9-inch pie or tart pan and set aside.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli for about 3 minutes until just tender, then drain well. Wilt the spinach alongside or stir in raw.
3. Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Scatter the salmon, broccoli, spinach, green onions, and cheese
Grab a bagged salad with a great mix of lettuces. My summer favorite has swiss chard and arugula. Toss in a handful of fresh berries, feta, some nuts or seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic. Chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect bright, easy companion to a slice of warm quiche on a busy day.
evenly across the crust. Pour the egg custard over the top.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips: Swap the fresh fillet for 4 oz of smoked salmon, flaked into the custard. It trades the tender bite for a deeper, campfire-kissed flavor that leans right into the mountain theme. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next morning.
From custom dirty soda creations to nostalgic favorites with a twist, our dirty soda bars are quickly becoming one of the most requested summer experiences
• Custom combinations + flavor addins
• Creams, purees & fun garnishes
• Styled setups perfect for corporate events, weddings & parties
• Refreshing, family-friendly and surprisingly addictive
Not just a drink station… a conversation starter your guests will keep coming back to. Scan to design your custom dirty soda bar This summer, make it dirty.
Erin Kloster
Starts Here Your Next Mountain Adventure
DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS, CHARMING MOUNTAIN TOWNS, SCENIC ADVENTURES, AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WAITING THROUGHOUT BEAUTIFUL HAYWOOD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.
There’s something special about discovering a destination that feels like it has quietly been waiting for you.
Not because it’s hidden, but because it hasn’t lost what makes it special. The pace feels slower. The scenery feels bigger. Experiences feel more personal. In Haywood County, North Carolina, visitors find all of that wrapped into one mountain escape that feels both elevated and inviting.
Located in the heart of Western North Carolina just west of Asheville, Haywood County is made up of several distinct mountain communities, each offering its own personality while sharing the same breathtaking backdrop of rolling peaks, fresh mountain air, and landscapes that invite visitors to stay a little longer.
What makes Haywood stand apart isn’t just one attraction. It’s how much there is to experience within one destination.
For visitors arriving for a long weekend or planning an extended stay, the beauty of Haywood County is that every day can feel completely different.
One morning may begin driving stretches of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway while watching mountain layers unfold in every direction. Haywood County is home to 46 miles of the Parkway, creating endless opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks, enjoy peaceful walks, and experience some of the most photographed landscapes in North Carolina.
One of the area’s most memorable stops is Waterrock Knob, often considered one of Haywood’s best-kept secrets. Located at one of the highest visitor centers along the Parkway, Waterrock offers incredible panoramic views with relatively easy access, making it ideal for visitors wanting a rewarding mountain experience without committing to an extensive hike.
Those wanting more time outdoors will quickly discover that Haywood County was built for exploration.
The region offers hundreds of miles of hiking opportunities ranging from relaxed nature walks to challenging summit trails. Areas throughout the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park provide access to mountain scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters that feel untouched and authentic.
Cataloochee Valley remains one of Haywood County’s standout experiences.
Tucked inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this scenic valley has become known for its thriving elk population and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. Early mornings and evenings often create unforgettable moments as visitors watch elk move through open fields against a mountain backdrop. The valley also offers hiking, historic buildings, and scenic drives that make it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
Beyond the trails and mountain views, Haywood County’s towns each offer something unique.
Waynesville serves as the cultural heart of the county and immediately draws visitors in with its walkable downtown and welcoming atmosphere. Main Street is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, local restaurants, cafés, and historic architecture that creates an experience designed for wandering.
Visitors can spend an afternoon shopping local, discovering regional artists, and enjoying mountain-inspired cuisine before ending the evening with outdoor dining and cooler temperatures.
Nearby, Maggie Valley delivers a more classic mountain getaway experience.
Surrounded by mountain scenery, Maggie Valley has long been known as a destination for outdoor recreation and relaxed adventure. Throughout the year, visitors enjoy hiking, scenic drives, festivals, and access to mountain activities that make it easy to unplug and enjoy the natural surroundings.
For those wanting a peaceful change of pace, Lake Junaluska offers one of the most scenic and serene settings in Haywood County.
The lake’s walking paths, waterfront views, gardens, and mountain backdrop create an atmosphere that feels restorative from the moment visitors arrive. It’s equally suited for a morning walk, an afternoon picnic, or simply finding a quiet bench and taking in the scenery.
From scenic overlooks to charming small towns, Haywood County invites visitors to experience the mountains differently.
Visitors looking to dive deeper into the region’s character can also explore Haywood’s creative side.
Local artisans, galleries, and makers throughout the county showcase Appalachian craftsmanship and mountain culture in ways that feel authentic and rooted in place. Seasonal festivals, live music, farmers markets, and community events create even more opportunities to connect with the destination beyond its scenery.
Of course, no visit would feel complete without experiencing Haywood County through food.
From elevated dining experiences and chef-driven menus to cozy cafés and mountain comfort food, the region’s culinary scene reflects the same balance found throughout the county: approachable while still feeling thoughtful and memorable. Visitors will find everything from locally roasted coffee and fresh bakeries to intimate restaurants that turn dinner into part of the experience.
What ultimately makes Haywood County memorable isn’t one activity or one view.
It’s waking up to cooler mornings, spending days outdoors, discovering a favorite small town, and realizing there’s still more left to explore.
Haywood County doesn’t ask visitors to choose between relaxation and adventure. It offers both and invites guests to experience the mountains at their own pace.
Whether planning a long weekend, a seasonal escape, or simply looking for somewhere that feels different from the usual mountain destination, Haywood County offers an experience that blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and elevated adventure in a way that feels effortless. It’s the kind of place visitors leave already talking about returning.
To begin planning your stay, explore itineraries, seasonal events, lodging, dining, and local experiences at visithaywood.com and start creating your own mountain escape.
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.
The Difference Is in the Details. And the People.
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events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Gilbert Farmers Market
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler | 7:00 AM
With over 150 vendors year-round, the market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from Arizona farmers, farm-fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee, tea, sauces, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products. With so many delicious options, it’s no wonder they call the GFM “The Foodie Market”!
EVERY SATURDAY
Heritage District Farmers Market
92 W Vaughn Ave, Gilbert | 7:00 AM
Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation is hosting a weekly Saturday Market in the heritage district of downtown Gilbert! Come visit your local farmers, ranchers and producers!
JULY 1ST
Blood Drive at HD South
HD SOUTH | 10 S Gilbert Road, Gilbert | 9:30 AM
HD SOUTH has partnered with the American Red Cross for an important live-saving summer blood drive. This summer, the American Red Cross has teamed up with Looney Tunes™ to celebrate the red, white and YOU! Donors can join the squad to honor our country’s 250th anniversary and America’s spirit of service by giving blood.
JULY 1ST – 20TH
Summer Reading Program
HD SOUTH | 10 S Gilbert Road, Gilbert
Be sure to look for the secret code displayed at HD SOUTH when visiting the museum to earn points towards prizes. The Summer Reading Program encourages adults and children to build a daily reading habit and to promote literacy for all ages!
JULY 2ND Estate Planning
Red Mountain Multigenerational Center | 7550 East Adobe Street, Mesa | 11:00 AM
Accrue Wealth Designs estate planning event including guest speakers and special activities, as well as takehome materials. The Accrue Wealth Designs team strives to keep you up-to-date on issues that matter to you, your family and your financial well-being.
JULY 3RD – AUGUST 15TH
The Little Mermaid
Hale Centre Theatre | 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert
Dive into a magical underwater adventure! This timeless musical tells the story of Ariel, a headstrong mermaid who longs to be human. In a fateful bargain, she trades her voice for a pair of legs and a chance at true love.
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JULY 4TH
Gilbert 4th of July Celebration
Gilbert Regional Park | 3005 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert | 5:00 PM
Join us for the 2026 Gilbert 4th of July Celebration sponsored by Earnhardt Hyundai San Tan and Haydon Companies, LLC! Experience live performances, a drone show, and a fireworks finale!
JULY 7TH – 11TH
TOBY – The Experience
Hale Centre Theatre | 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert
Get ready for a wild ride through the heart and soul of country music with TOBY, the ultimate tribute to the bad boy of country music, Toby Keith!
JULY 8TH
Sip & Explore our July Issue Happy Hour
Kiln | 2162 East Williams Field Road Suite #111, Gilbert | 4:00 PM
In celebration of our July Explore Issue, we’re adding a pop-up element featuring a curated group of local vendors. Join us for drinks, connection, and a chance to discover some amazing businesses in our community.
