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Hosted by award winning Deanna Radulescu, Label Free is a powerful platform created to inspire, empower, and uplift.

At Label Free, we believe true freedom comes from breaking the labels society puts on us—both personally and professionally.

We sit down for candid, eye-opening conversations with extraordinary individuals — entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, creators, executives, health and wellness leaders, and humanitarians who are making a meaningful impact.

Through their stories, we uncover valuable insights, practical wisdom, actionable takeaways, and real transformations that resonate deeply with our listeners.

This is your invitation to join us on a journey of selfdiscovery, empowerment, and living life label free.

FEATURED GUEST :

‘The Hydrogen Man’

Tune In. Be Inspired.

Explore Issue

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

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

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

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

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

Happy exploring!

DEANNA KUEMPEL, PUBLISHER @GOLDCOASTCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Deanna Kuempel

deanna.kuempel@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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.

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.

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.

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.

Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most.

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Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most.

What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

Markets available nationwide

Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com

INVESTING IN THE STAGE

BUILDING THE CENTER’S NEXT ACT

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES

For nearly 30 years, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts has stood as both a cultural beacon and an economic engine in Skokie. From touring musicians and nationally known speakers to school matinees and community dance recitals, the Center’s two theatres have long reflected the village itself: diverse, dynamic and deeply invested in the arts.

This spring marks a meaningful transition. Northlight Theatre, the Center’s resident theatre company since 1997, is completing its move to Evanston. The change closes a significant chapter, but it also opens the door to what leadership describes as a strategic investment in the Center’s future.

“We’ve had a long and fruitful partnership with Northlight, and we wish them the very best in this next chapter,” said Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes. “At

the same time, this creates a tremendous opportunity to bring new and different programming to the North Theatre and expand what we offer our community.”

A SPACE REIMAGINED

The North Shore Center operates as a two-theatre complex owned by the Village of Skokie. The 867-seat Center Theatre, also known as the George Van Dusen Theatre, remains heavily booked. Along with touring performers, community groups and presenters, resident organizations such as Music Theatre Works and Music of the Baroque help keep the calendar full most of the year.

That makes the newly available North Theatre, a flexible 318-seat space, especially valuable. According to Marketing Manager Sophie Woolley, the Center plans to present shows directly in the North Theatre, allowing greater freedom in booking and scheduling.

“It gives us more opportunity to bring in smaller acts and try things we haven’t really done before,” Woolley said. Concerts and comedy are high on that list. Manager of Concerts Merrill Miller said the size of the space is ideal for performers who might sell 250 to 300 tickets, a number that would feel lost in a larger hall but perfectly matched to the North Theatre.

“A 250-seat show in the small room feels really good,” Miller said. “It creates an intimate experience for the audience and the artist.”

Upcoming bookings reflect that shift. Among them are genre-blending bluegrass group Nefesh Mountain, pop-rock favorites Deep Blue Something and indie-folk duo The Watson Twins. Miller also sees potential for folk, rock and roots concerts that take advantage of the theatre’s acoustics, which have long supported live musicians in musical theatre productions.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

While programming may be evolving, the Center’s broader impact remains consistent. Mayor Tennes, who spent 25 years overseeing Skokie’s communications and community engagement before taking office, points to the Center’s economic ripple effect as one of its most important contributions.

Using conservative metrics from a study conducted roughly a decade ago, Tennes noted that dining alone generated nearly $2 million annually for local businesses. That estimate assumed only 60 percent of patrons ate out in Skokie before or after a show, spending an average of $20 per person. It did not include hotel stays, retail shopping or other spending by out-of-town visitors.

“People come from every state in the union,” Tennes said. “They’re booking hotel rooms, shopping across the street, and making a day or weekend of it. The Center is a major driver of activity in the surrounding business district.”

More recent reporting reinforces that role. The Center’s latest annual report highlights continued recovery and growth following the pandemic, steady audience demand and the increasing importance of philanthropic support in sustaining operations and programming.

THE FOUNDATION’S ROLE

A key piece of that investment strategy is the North Shore Center Foundation. Chaired by Al Rigoni, the foundation focuses on fundraising to support capital improvements and long-term vitality.

“With the North Theatre becoming available, it’s the right time to make updates,” Rigoni said. “Things like seating and carpeting may sound mundane, but they make a real difference in how audiences experience the space and how easy it is to book acts.”

The building, now approaching its 30th year, has aged well, but leadership sees the moment as a chance to plan for the next two decades. Renovations would enhance comfort for patrons while helping presenters attract a wider range of performers.

Mayor Tennes credits the foundation’s growth over the past decade as one of the Center’s most significant developments. “The foundation is stronger than it’s ever been,” she said. “That strength allows us to think proactively about the future, not just reactively.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As anniversary branding rolls out across shows this year, the Center is embracing both reflection and momentum. The celebration will culminate in a major anniversary concert in November, but the theme will be present throughout the season.

The programming slate reflects broader trends in the performing arts. Alongside concerts and comedy, the Center is exploring nontraditional events such as film screenings with live music, podcast-style talks and moderated conversations. Recent and upcoming speakers include Stewart Copeland of The Police, with appearances by cultural figures like Fran Lebowitz also in the works.

For Miller, who grew up attending school shows at the Center, shaping its future feels personal. “Artists come in and say, ‘This is a beautiful theatre. We love playing here,’” he said. “It’s about continuing to build on that and making sure people know this is the spot.”

As one resident company departs and new possibilities take shape, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts remains what it has always been: a place where creative investment pays dividends for artists, audiences and the village it calls home.

A New Way to Roam

One of the things I appreciate about travel is the opportunity to experience a destination beyond its landmarks. While iconic sights have their place, it’s often the neighborhood cafés, markets, family-run restaurants and everyday interactions that leave the strongest impression. Over two decades in the travel industry, I’ve seen growing interest in journeys that offer deeper connection to a place and its people. That’s what caught my attention about Roam by Tauck, a new collection of small-group itineraries for travelers in their 40s and 50s.

Launching in 2026, Roam takes a different approach than traditional touring. Groups average just 16 guests, creating more opportunities for meaningful cultural experiences while benefiting from Tauck’s planning and expertise. The itineraries combine guided activities with free time, allowing travelers to explore independently with the convenience of a well-organized journey.

The inaugural collection includes Portugal’s Douro Valley, Spain’s Basque Country, France’s Bordeaux region, a Danube River itinerary and a journey through Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, travelers can expect experiences that reflect the destination’s character, from regional food and wine to local art, history and outdoor exploration.

What also stands out is the emphasis on experiences that encourage genuine interaction. Depending on the itinerary, that might mean time with local guides, opportunities to explore lesser-known neighborhoods, culinary experiences that go beyond restaurant dining or outdoor activities that showcase the landscape from a different perspective. The goal is not simply to see a place, but to engage with it.

Accommodations are primarily boutique properties chosen to complement the destination, and the focus throughout is on smaller-scale experiences that encourage engagement with local culture. Roam is designed for travelers who enjoy sharing the journey with like-minded people while maintaining the flexibility to pursue their own interests.

For travelers who enjoy discovering a destination through its food, traditions and people, Roam offers a contemporary take on guided travel. The itineraries are thoughtfully designed for those who value both structure and flexibility, with an emphasis on cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

To learn more about Roam by Tauck, including a complimentary hotel night before or after select journeys, contact a Tauck-Certified Travel Advisor at The Travel 100 Group. t100g.com

Authentic, immersive journeys created for travelers in their 40s and 50s

ARTICLE BY ROBYN COHEN | PHOTOGRAPHY

The lush vineyards of Rioja in Spain.

GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

FINDING H IS ROOTS

A NEW DOCUMENTARY CAPTURES CHICAGO ENTREPRENEUR BILLY DEC'S FILIPINO HERITAGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOOD ROOTS AND COACT AGENCY

ARTICLE

AMELIA LEVIN

“It’s a story of family, loss, heritage, pride and understanding identity”

Billy Dec knows how to throw an epic party. His restaurant and nightlife empire, which began with iconic Chicago venues like Circus, Le Passage, Rockit Bar & Grill and Sunda and also included the long-running club Underground, attracted celebrities like Jeremy Piven, Chance the Rapper and Katy Perry. The party hasn’t slowed: Underground moved to Nashville last year and reopened as The Blueprint Underground. And, Sunda remains as popular as ever, with the original location in Chicago’s River North, a new location in the Fulton Market neighborhood, and locations in Nashville and Tampa. A Detroit Sunda will open later this year.

So it was a major shift when Dec decided to slow down, turn inward, and travel to the Philippines—literally going off the beaten path—to connect with relatives and explore his Filipino heritage. What started as an effort to document time-honored

recipes from his lolas (Filipino for grandmother or female elder) evolved into a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and reconnection.

“I didn’t mean to make a documentary,” Dec says. “I just wanted to record recipes for a possible cookbook. I didn’t want to be writing everything down—I was moving so fast.” Instead, that footage became the foundation for “Food Roots,” a documentary due out later this year.

Growing up, Dec learned about home cooking and hospitality from his Lola Caring, who immigrated to the U.S. to help his mother raise the family. “She was known for being an amazing cook and for sharing food generously,” he says.

But as a kid, Dec was bullied for bringing Filipino food to school. “People were like, ‘That’s gross, it smells bad,’” he recalls. “Back then I pushed it away. Now, people are exploring world cuisines. But when I went to college, I missed it.”

“There were times I was off the grid without phone signal or internet for days”

As a restaurateur, Dec added Filipino dishes like lumpia to Sunda’s menu, but always felt the approach was limited. “I realized I was really disconnected from my family… and I wasn’t learning these recipes the way my cousins were. That always made me feel guilty.”

Then came a turning point: “Two of my last three elders passed away on the same day. I thought I had all this time to learn more about my past, but then, suddenly, I didn’t. That’s when I dropped everything and left the country to learn the recipes of my ancestors.”

A RAW, REMOTE TREK

Finding family members across the Philippines—home to more than 7,000 islands—was no easy feat. “There were times I was off the grid for days,” he says. Staying with one cousin often led to the next connection. “It wasn’t like I could FaceTime someone or drop a Google pin.”

One memorable trek involved hiking up a storm-ravaged mountain to meet a 103-year-old mambabatok (tattoo master). “Some of the team couldn’t even make it up. But she blessed me with a tattoo once she understood my heritage. It was spiritual—like going back in time to understand who I am,” he says.

FOOD STORIES, FAMILY REVELATIONS

“Each dish had a story,” Dec says. For example, his Lola Caring’s lumpia differed from Lola Pilar’s version—because Lola Pilar [Dec’s grandaunt] had been raised by a neighbor in a different province, separated from her siblings. That early experience shaped her palate and the recipes she passed down.

Another poignant moment came in his grandfather’s village in Ilocos Sur. “My grandfather, Lolo Monico, would cook whatever people brought him—goat, chicken, vegetables—and serve them food, including kalderetang kambing, a goat stew.” Dec, whose middle name is Monico, felt deeply connected to a man he never really knew, but who, like him, put himself through law school and supported

his family. In the documentary, Dec talks about the tragic passing of both his father and brother.

“I kind of broke down. It was just this crazy emotional and spiritual moment.”

FROM HOMELAND TO MENU

After returning, Dec and his Sunda team began integrating dishes from the trip. “We’re doing oxtail kare-kare and sisig dishes I was embarrassed about as a kid,” he says. “Now chefs love it, and food writers flip out when we serve it.”

One particularly nostalgic dish was ginataang kuhol, a snail-based stew that was his mother’s favorite as a child. “My cousins’ kids would pick snails from the rice fields and lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chilies from within 20 feet of the front door.”

Dec reimagined the dish with mussels and clams at Sunda alongside his chef-partner Mike Morales. “We just tried to reinvent it and elevate it in a creative way.”

A DOCUMENTED LEGACY

Though he hadn’t set out to make a film, the power of what he captured lingered. But, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project and his focus shifted to survival. “I had to furlough 400 employees in one day. I was just trying to keep Sunda and our team alive,” Dec says.

A year later, Dec met Emmy-winning Filipina-American director Michele Josue on a film festival panel, and Oscarwinning producer Doug Blush through a friend. “They loved the story—culture, identity, bullying, confidence—and turned it into something meaningful.”

“Food Roots,” he says, isn’t just for the Filipino community. “Theaters at our film festival screenings have been filled with people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a story of family, loss, heritage, pride and understanding identity—one that so many of us can relate to.”

The film helped Dec find clarity and healing. Now, he hopes it does the same for others.

“I hope it inspires people to find their own journey—to reconnect with their heritage, or just with themselves.”

FOOD ROOTS

Produced by three-time, Oscar-winning executive producer Doug Blush, Emmy-winning director Michele Josue, and scored by Grammy-winning Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.De.Ap, Billy Dec’s inaugural, award-winning documentary, “Food Roots,” explores themes of self-discovery, multicultural influence, and family heritage. After receiving devastating news of family loss on the other side of the world, Dec leaves Nashville to journey through his mother’s native 7,641 Islands of the Philippines to find his last remaining elders, and himself. He travels by motorcycle, boat, plane and on foot to find and preserve the lost recipes of his ancestors, discover culinary and cultural treasures, and learn family stories that forever change his life. To watch the trailer and check out the schedule of screenings, visit billydec.com/documentary.

TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR

YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.

Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:

1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET

A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offer effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.

2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE

A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.

3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL

Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.

4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE

Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.

5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.

6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL

A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.

7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE

Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.

8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY

A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

ARTICLE

A REFRESHING,

CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

Ingredients:

(yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com

Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

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Three UltraUnique Getaways for Families

A TRIO OF FUN-FILLED ESCAPES THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEGGING FOR MORE

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK

Introducing Vermejo...

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.”

Bienvenidos to Raton, New Mexico, home to Vermejo Ted Turner Reserves. Flaunting over 550,000 acres of picturesque terrain, Vermejo will welcome your family to a crown jewel of natural beauty.

This destination invites you to custom plan a swoon-worthy experience; choose between kid-friendly fishing expeditions, hiking tours, horseback rides, archery, and more. Indulge in your choice of luxe accommodations and take your taste pallet on a culinary adventure thanks to delectable dining options.

Notably, the property values conservation efforts including the protection of wildlife like bison and wolves.

Rates inclusive of meals and two daily activities.

Introducing Glenwood Springs...

“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.”

Happy memories await in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Known for its hot springs, the Rocky Mountain resort city is rich with wildlife and sheer beauty. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, the area is home to the esteemed Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, a must-do with amusement rides and subterranean caverns—a magical geological excursion.

Surely, you’ll want to take a dip in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Invigorating and rejuvenating for adults and super fun for kids, there’s a vast splash zone, water slide, diving board, and lap lanes.

Glenwood Springs is primed with pristine river spots; the white water is mild and ideal for guided rafting adventures. You can also rent duckies (inflatable kayaks) or paddleboards.

If you’re going to check one hike off your list, opt for the Doc Holliday memorial, and for older kids, explore mountain biking paths for every skill on the paved Rio Grande Trail. In addition, Bair Ranch, located in Glenwood Canyon, offers several activities like horseback riding, ATV & Jeep tours, and sport clay shooting.

Family accommodations include Hotel Glenwood Springs, located at the Glenwood Gondola base that goes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The property also flaunts a small indoor water facility. For included admission to the hot springs pool, families can also book the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The exciting city has over 80 restaurant choices as well.

Glenwood Springs

Vermejo Ted Turner

Introducing Snow Mountain Ranch...

“Never underestimate the importance of having fun.”

Consider Snow Mountain Ranch a fun hub for families; a camp-like atmosphere for those seeking a genuine back-tothe-basics escape. Located in Grand Country Colorado, the YMCA of the Rockies destination is what vacation is meant to be... packed with frivolous play. Awake to breathtaking mountain views and the sound of songbirds, and after an actionpacked day, witness a dreamy sunset from your personal porch.

Accommodations vary; choose between private cabins, spacious lodge rooms, scenic campgrounds, or yurts. Cabins can sleep up to 12, and are equipped with full kitchens, a fireplace, and a deck. You’ll likely spot some deer outside your front door.

Included in all stays: roller skating, swimming, mini-golf, sports, hiking/biking trails, nature walks, and more. But

what makes Snow Mountain extra special are the entertaining “extras.” To make the most out of your stay, partake in archery, axe throwing, horseback riding, arts/crafting, knot-tying, geocaching, and beyond. Plus, there are tons of educational programs that teach guests about local wildlife like bears and wolves. And here’s a tip; if you’re craving some adult-only time, choose to register your child (ages 3+) for summer day camp. Grown-ups can do some adventuring of their own while the kids get a taste of what summer’s supposed to be. And as for food, there’s an array of on-site dining options available.

Everyone will feel like a kid at Snow Mountain Ranch, and the secret’s out; cabins book far in advance, so be sure to secure your spot well ahead of time.

Snow Mountain Ranch

RO A D CHOW

FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACKS GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERY TASTE PALATE IN THE FAMILY.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? These easy-to-pack and satisfying snacks are a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare them together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!

DIRECTIONS:

1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/3 cup apple butter

• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/2 cup raisins

2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.

3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)

4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.