ARIZONA'S ALLURE: EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE
EDITOR'S PICKS FOR TRAVEL GEAR
BUILT FOR FRIENDS: FIRELIGHT AT SHOPE CREEK LET'S GO TO LEXINGTON (VIRGINIA)
Let’s Go!
When my youngest child abandoned me, I mean, started college, I took refuge in travel. He's now a college graduate, 20-weeks deep studying to become a Dekalb County Firefighter, and I continue to escape whenever possible.
Here's my list of favorite destinations, highly recommended for stunning locations, impeccable service, a laundry list of amenities and overall memorability.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora - because you never forget your first over-water bungalow.
2. Montage Palmetto Bluff - biking through a tunnel of oaks dripping with Spanish moss, experiencing the best guest service ever.
3. Bay View, Michigan - a historic Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Michigan, my family's summer place.
4. The Point - puttering in a Budsin electric boat through the fog on Upper Saranac Lake in upstate New York, retiring to my bathroom with a 2-sided wood fireplace, radiant heat and tub with a view. And, a formal dinner in front of a roaring fire getting to know other guests at a family-style table.
5. Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico - my first butler service, swim-out suite and oh, that spa.
6. Under Canvas - any of their 14 locations near national parks will satisfy your craving for camping. Rainy nights in a "tent" are dreamy.
7. Zermatt, Switzerland - skiing in the shadow of the Matterhorn, strolling the cobblestone streets (no cars allowed!), buying chocolate and listening to the chatter of international visitors.
8. Four Seasons Jackson Hole - slopeside, hot tubs and a heated pool deck with cabinets full of heated towels and robes, fabulous service.
9. La Ceiba, Honduras - tropical rainforests and a burgeoning adventure travel scene (stay at Villas Pico Bonito) and a puddle jumper to the island of Roatán, a diver's paradise with a stay at Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort.
10. Grayton Beach, 30a - because after all, a vacation with family is best.
Enjoy this EXPLORE issue and keep on traveling!
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Valerie Shepherd, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Valerie Shepherd, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
off her cover story in BuckHaven City Lifestyle, our sister magazine. 2:
Training Center will serve all 27 U.S. national teams. 3: Down and Derby benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
1: Amy Barbree proudly shows
Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National
JACK PARADA PHOTOGRAPHY
Top Students Honored
National Beta is honored to recognize Chattahoochee High School as one of five clubs to receive this year’s John W. Harris Leadership Award. Named in recognition of Beta’s founder, John Harris, this award celebrates clubs that exemplify Beta’s four pillars: achievement, character, leadership and service. The committee selected the top five clubs in each division based on their demonstrated impact within their schools and communities.
Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics Welcomes Tracy Deltac
Tracy Deltac has joined Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics Johns Creek, where she will bring her passion for patient care, aesthetics and helping patients feel confident in their skin. Tracy is dedicated to creating personalized treatment experiences while delivering natural, beautiful results. Patients will love her warm personality and commitment to excellence. Mention City Lifestyle Magazine and save $50 off your first aesthetic treatment with Tracy! CleaverDermatologyAndAesthetics.com
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kang is highly specialized in plastic surgery of the eyelids. As a true eyelid specialist, Dr. Kang is an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang is also an expert injector in Botox and fillers and aims for only the most natural appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.
New Italian in Town
Fiorenza Italian Restaurant is now open. Owned by Florence-raised restaurateur Jessi Qilafi, Fiorenza brings authentic Tuscan cuisine, house-made pastas, Italian wines and craft cocktails to the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a patio aperitivo, date night or a family dinner, Fiorenza was created to bring people together over unforgettable meals, warm hospitality and the traditions of Italian dining. Reservations on OpenTable or call 470.359-6558. Learn more at FiorenzaItalian.com or follow on @fiorenzaitalian.
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Small-town history, mountain backdrops and just enough to do and see to escape and recharge.
Lexington, Virginia: Your Next Quick Getaway
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY VALERIE SHEPHERD
Tucked into Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Lexington is the kind of destination that immediately slows your pace in the best way. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and filled with centuries of history, it blends scenic beauty, walkable charm and thoughtfully curated experiences that make for an easy long weekend.
And after a few days of exploring, I get it. I know exactly why Virginia is for lovers.
From historic campuses and preserved downtown streets to rolling countryside and mountain overlooks, Lexington delivers just enough to fill your days while still feeling refreshingly unhurried. You can spend the morning at a farmers market, the afternoon exploring trails, vineyards or lavender farms and the evening enjoying a relaxed but elevated dinner.
WHERE TO STAY
Inn at Brierly Hill offers a peaceful, tuckedaway retreat with sweeping views, private suites and outdoor experiences - just steps outside their wrap-around porch, making it feel like a true escape. My stay was heaven.
For a more central stay, The Georges puts you right in the heart of historical downtown with boutique-style accommodations and easy access to everything.
SEE | SHOP | SIP
• Downtown Lexington + local shops
• Virginia Military Institute & Washington and Lee University
• Blue Ridge Parkway + Glen Maury Park
• Natural Bridge State Park (and stargazing)
• Lexington Farmers Market
• Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery
• Halcyon Days Cider Company
• Virginia Gold Orchard
• Tantivy Lavender Farm
• Ecco Adesso Vineyards
WHERE TO EAT
Local favorites include Hardens, The Palms, Heliotrope Brewing, Legendary Eats and Pure Eats. Don’t miss Annie’s and Haywood’s at The Georges for easy, elevated dining experiences onsite.
For a quick getaway destination that blends history, nature and a relaxed sense of style, Lexington may just be Virginia’s most underrated (and lovely) getaway.
LexingtonVirginia.com
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Hit The Road
EDITOR'S PICKS FOR TRAVEL GEAR
Sun-Day Collapsible Tote
The Sun-Day Collapsible Tote is made for sandy towels, pool days, grocery hauls, road trips and spontaneous sunny detours. It folds flat when you don’t need it and pops open when you do. Owalalife.com
Handker Bandanas
Because bandanas! Every design from Handker Bandanas comes straight from founder Beth’s sketchbook and begins with ink or paint on paper. So soft. This one celebrates our national parks. HandkerBandanas.com
Women’s Bamboo Shade Hoodie
Women's Bamboo Shade Hoodie II from Free Fly Apparel is soft with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. Naturally odor-resistant and temperature-regulating, I wear it for gardening, fly fishing and chasing grandchildren. 10 cool colors. FreeFlyApparel.com
Carry-On from Monos
Outfitted with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, the Carry-On from Monos is dent-resistant, impact-friendly and virtually unbreakable. It features an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSAAccepted lock, whisper-quiet wheels, vegan leather details. Great customer service. Monos.com
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes feature a compression zipper design that removes air, allowing you to save up to 30% more space in your suitcase. So cute! 12 different styles for guys and gals. GoNexsport.com
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Heels to Horseshoes
Exploring Scottsdale, Arizona’s urban and rural highlights.
The adorable Teddy Bear Cholla is equal parts puff and prickles, a fine disposition for a Sonoran Desert cactus. While the coat of silvery spines looks soft, each spine wears a menacing backward-facing barb and can jump onto the skin of an admirer who gets too close. She stands, curvy branches among some 250 varieties of cacti and succulents in the Cactus Garden at The Phoenician Scottsdale. A magical paved trail skirts the resort, winding through Banana Yucca, Spineless Pricklypear, and our favorite, the Cow Tongue Pricklypear.
Large sculptures by Native American artist, Allan Houser dot the property, complementing the landscape and showcasing the history and native culture of the Southwest. Houser was awarded the National Medal of Arts from President Bush in 1992 and this wide collection of his work is a destination in itself.
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort in Scottsdale is spread across 254 acres, with 450 guest rooms, more than 100 elegant casitas, and a collection of luxury and presidential suites (all with Frette Italian linens). Eight pools, 18 holes of golf, an extensive athletic club (earning five stars from my super jock sister), pickleball, tennis and nine dining
options keep guests happily on campus. The Forbes Four-Star spa offers more than 30 wellness treatments, from head to toe. The pool, lounge, tubs, sauna and steam are just for spa guests (quiet, adultonly, meditative vibe). My 50-minute Restorative CBD Scrub provided nourishment and stress relief with an exfoliating and hydrating cranberry seed and hemp flower sugar scrub. A full-body application and massage follow using a blend of highly concentrated CBD Gold Oil. The ensuing bliss continued as we watched the sunset over the desert from the balcony of J&G Steakhouse. The meal was excellent but the service was the star of the show. Each member of the wait staff brought a unique story to the evening.
AAA Five Diamond Phoenician stands sentinel at the base of Camelback Mountain, wrapped in the lush Sonoran Desert.
The Phoenician is just 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale and the cultural center of the vibrant city, which celebrates a modern landscape and a funky salute to the Old West, with western-themed shops, art galleries, and enough margarita flavors to make your head spin.
The stand-outs though, are two museums on the same block. Our favorite is the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of
The
culture, shopping and resort life is a vibe that Scottsdale has polished.
the West with art and artifacts that bring the nation’s Western heritage to life. The front gallery is all about the cowboy, from saddles to stirrups with a deep exploration of knives, bags, and boots. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and it shows.
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is a compact collection of color, shapes and boundary-pushing pieces that are refreshing and thought-provoking.
Sit and gather your thoughts over lunch at the nearby Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean where house-made pita is baked fresh daily and an array of hummus and dips could make a meal, but save room for the salads and pasta.
The culture, shopping and resort life is a vibe that Scottsdale has polished.
But, we wanted to flip the record and explore ranch life in the country too, so we checked into The Saguaro Lake Ranch, less than an hour of town in the Tonto National Forest. The 20 rustic cabins are lined up along a wide green lawn with a sparkling pool and a fire pit for guests. Down the hill are the stables, along the shore of the Lower Salt River. Yes, there’s kayaking in Arizona with access from the Ranch. You can hop on a kayak or SUP board and paddle a few hours, passing thousand-foot cliffs and majestic Saguaro Cacti in the Sonoran Desert. You’ll likely pass wild horses crossing the river and a plethora of birds flying overhead.
Meals are served family style, with guests sharing their excursions and inspiring one another to try it all - hike, bike, wander, paddle, or ride horses. There are no TVs in the cabins, so bring a book or borrow a Louis L’Amour western from the Ranch’s library to help settle into the scene.
Scottsdale has many faces. Meet them all. Saguarolakeranch.com Pinyonrestaurant.com/ Virtuscottsdale.com Scottsdalemuseumwest.org Thephoenician.com
The Good Life
To celebrate Tony Bennett’s 100th birthday, Atlanta’s Joe Gransden has produced a musical tribute that will open at Lincoln Center in August. Lucky for us, the show comes to The Strand Theatre on Marietta Square on August 14. Joe and his big band will swing through the life and career of Tony Bennett. “One of the greatest performers ever of the American Songbook, Tony Bennett’s tone, phrasing and feel were second to none,” says Joe. “He can really sell a song and tells the story so well. It’s s such a pleasure to be influenced by his music.”
Songs such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Because of You,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “When Joanna Loved Me,” are just a few favorites on the program.
Joe has performed worldwide and released 19 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Joe’s voice is silky smooth.
“Music has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember,” reflects Joe. “I can remember practicing with my father, and eventually he took me along to sit in at jam sessions. Early on, I developed a respect for individuals like my father whose lives revolved around music. While still in high school, I knew that music was the life I would choose.”
Now, he celebrates one of his musical heroes, Tony Bennett. Lead trombone player Wes Funderburk wrote all the arrangements for this show, fresh new takes on classic songs. “Wes took into account all the nuances of my band and came up with a great show.”
The Joe Gransden Big Band stays booked and is one of the busiest groups on the jazz scene. Originally formed in 2009, Joe and the guys have continued to build momentum and are performing numerous shows around the country. “The Big Band truly has its own sound and really swings,” says Joe. “It’s such a pleasure to front a band of top musicians that can interpret Wes’s arrangements perfectly! These guys are the best!”
Save the date for the August 14 show in Marietta.
JoeGransden.com
It's Tony Bennett's 100th birthday and Joe Gransden is leading the celebration
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Philanthropy and Appreciation
SALUTING THE 21ST ANNUAL DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is pleased to announce that the 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family raised a record-breaking $4 million for children in need in Northwest Florida. The amount raised is a $550,000 increase over the previous year and the most ever raised at an auction in DCWAF history.
A sold-out crowd of more than 600 guests contributed, with proceeds from the auction to benefit DCWAF’s 16 partner children’s charities in Northwest Florida. This year’s auction marks 21 years of giving to children in need in Northwest Florida.
“This historic year for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is a powerful reflection of what happens when generosity and purpose come together. Surpassing $4 million is more than a record—it represents real, life-changing impact for children across Northwest Florida,” said DCWAF President Karah Young. “The energy in the room was undeniable, highlighted by our highest-ever single lot sale at an unprecedented $400,000—an extraordinary moment that speaks to the passion, generosity and unwavering commitment of our supporters. We are incredibly grateful to our patrons, vintners, sponsors and partners who continue to make this mission possible year after year.”
DCWAF.org
This year’s auction was comprised of 47 Live Lots, 17 Cellar Lots, 25 Super Silent Lots and 110 Silent Lots featuring rare wines, luxury travel experiences and many other one-of-a-kind items. The money raised at this year’s auction will be presented to DCWAF’s charity partners during a private check presentation ceremony scheduled for August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. THE 21ST ANNUAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIARA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
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.
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 low-mess 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.
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.
At Dentistry at Ivy Falls, Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Gene Chung believe that every smile tells a story—and they’re here to help yours shine. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience dental care that’s personal, comfortable, and genuinely caring.
Whether you’re here for a routine visit or exploring a full smile transformation, you’ll always be treated like family—with the time, attention, and expertise you deserve.
Real care. Real connection. Real results. Because your smile deserves more than just routine.
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JULY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD
America 250 – Independence Day Celebration
The Boardwalk at Town Center
11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097 | 6:00 PM
Celebrate our country’s independence at The Boardwalk at Town Center with live music, activities, food, and an exceptional fireworks display! Beer and wine will be available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. First come, first serve seating. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Concerts are rain or shine! In the case of rain, attendees are welcome to bring umbrellas. No pop-up tents, please. If we experience lightning or severe weather, we may delay the start of the concert or evacuate if necessary.
JULY 10TH
Movies at the Park
Mark Burkhalter AmphitheaterNewtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek | 7:00 PM
The movie will be Zootopia.
JULY 14TH
Technology Workshop
Park Place - 3125 Old Alabama Rd. | 2:00 PM
Tuesday, July 14th, will be a “handson help” session with one-on-one help for whatever tech/device help you need. Wednesday, July 29, will be a workshop covering Managing Storage, Updates and Battery Life. Each month, workshops are held on a different topic. The cost is free to attend.
