The Time
We’re
Given
Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we planned. Seasons change, opportunities shift, doors open and close, and sometimes the path forward looks nothing like the one we imagined. But I have learned there is still purpose in showing up fully, even when the outcome is uncertain. Some of the most meaningful moments in life are not found in perfection, but in the effort, heart, and resilience.
This issue reminded me how important it is to stay engaged in the life we are living right now. To stop waiting for the perfect timing, the perfect situation, or the perfect version of ourselves before we pursue what makes us feel alive. Whether in competition, business, health, travel, family, or community, there is something powerful about people who continue to give their best despite the fear of the unknown.
On the cover, Humble ISD soccer reminds us what it looks like to leave everything on the field in pursuit of something greater. Inside the issue, Regal Luxury Travel encourages readers to stop postponing adventure, Old Humble Distilling reflects hometown craftsmanship with a twist of adventure, Heartstrings highlights the journey of compassion, Dynamic Pain Care shows us a map for movement and possibility, and our Fredericksburg story invites readers to explore the beauty down the road.
Adventure does not always begin with confidence. Exploration sometimes begins with uncertainty. The people and stories in this issue remind us that life becomes richer when we stop sitting on the sidelines. Discovery is not always about distance traveled. Sometimes it is simply about saying yes to opportunity, however it presents itself. Whether it is stepping onto a field, boarding a plane, chasing a new goal, or allowing yourself to experience the world around you, the greatest adventures often begin the moment we decide to fully live the life in front of us.
Too often, we convince ourselves that there will always be more time. But the truth is that life moves quickly, and every moment shapes us. Sometimes the greatest thing we can do is simply say okay, allow the experience, face the challenge, welcome the unknown, and trust that something meaningful awaits on the other side.
To the wanderers, the dreamers, and those still searching for what’s next,
RORI ORTIZ, EDITOR @LAKEHOUSTONCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Nicole Cook | nicole.cook@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rori Ortiz | rori.ortiz@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
Mike Cook | mike.cook@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kelsey Connell | kelsey.connell@citylifestyle.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
Kelly Richard | kelly.richard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rori Ortiz | rori.ortiz@citylifestyle.com
Laura SanchezQuan | laura.sanchezquan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hung L. Truong | Hung L. Truong Photography
Breezy Pettit | Breezy Pettit Photography
Christa McCourt | Houston Studio
Danielle Lochte | Danielle Lochte Photography
Jonathan Frey | Humble ISD
Yanet Lar | Yanjo Studio: Photography & Video
Le Family Dental | @lefamilydentaltx
Sprouts Farmers Market | @sprouts @lakehoustoncitylifestyle & @eastmontgomerycitylifestyle July 2026
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn
From anywhere in Houston, at any time of the day or night, you can access your account, move money, or open a new account.
To open a new account online, you will need the following:
• Driver’s License – you will be asked to take a photo of both the front and back with your cell phone
• You will be asked to take a selfie with your cell phone to show proof of life
• Routing number of the source bank (bank your initial deposit is coming from)
• Account number at the source bank
• Username and password for your online banking account at the source bank.
NOTE: you will be prompted for a multi-factor verification code from your source bank for security purposes.
Explore What Makes You Feel Like YOU
This summer, explore what makes you feel like you. From hair color that feels authentic to your style, to skin treatments that support healthy, glowing skin, to massage therapy that helps you slow down and reset — every experience at The Spa at Salon M is designed to help you feel confident, refreshed, and connected to yourself. And that’s only the beginning.
Scan the QR code to explore our services, learn more about The Spa at Salon M, and make your reservation online anytime.
We can’t wait to welcome you
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
The Social Scene Around Lake Houston 1: Owner of Apricot Lane Kingwood, Katie Woodard, and Diane Heinricks enjoying KBW White Linen Night. 2: Bear Paw Medical's Dr. Dawn Harrell, Acton Academy's Cameo Van Duker, Martha Turner Sotheby's Realtor Elsy Matz, and City Lifestyle's Nicole Cook 3: Fox Family Pools owner Lisa Holbrook, Joey Killingsworth and Jeremy Richard helping a customer with his pool equipment. 4: Fox Family Pools celebrated their annual Fox Family Fun Day with food, family activities, kids’ truck exploration, and special sales. 5: The Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Fashion Show combined fashion, philanthropy, entertainment, and community fellowship beautifully. 6: Colorful, whimsical hats filled the luncheon as guests embraced creativity during the Mad Hatter’s Fashion Show. 7: A playful red-and-white statement ensemble brought glamour, personality, and dramatic flair to the fashionable luncheon.
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HOUSTON STUDIO
LAKE HOUSTON CITY LIFESTYLE
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Photography by Houston Studio
Shop fresh and healthy at Sprouts Kingwood opening now!
Sprouts Farmers Market has officially opened in Kingwood, bringing fresh produce, natural groceries, vitamins, and wholesome meal options to the community. Known for healthy living and affordable specialty products, Sprouts offers a convenient shopping experience for families focused on wellness. The new location adds another exciting option for fresh, everyday essentials close to home.
Photography by Sprouts Farmers Market
From Lake Houston ALL-STARS
As the world turns its eyes to the FIFA World Cup in Greater Houston from June 11 to July 19, soccer is stepping into a brighter spotlight locally. In Lake Houston, that excitement for soccer is not just arriving; it has already been growing and cultivated here at Humble Independent School District, where, in 2026, soccer teams built state-level seasons, claimed titles, reached championship games, and showed that all-stars already live among us.
For Coach Parker O'Quinn and the Summer Creek boys soccer program, this season marked a first in program history. The team played in District 23-6A, a district he described as highly competitive. The program had never previously advanced past the second round of playoffs, but this year the team reached the state championship before falling short. The goal was not simply to win games. O'Quinn reflected that soccer demands something different. It's emotionally and physically taxing on athletes. Players must think quickly, solve problems in real time, and continue pushing forward even when exhausted. He compared soccer to life itself: sometimes a team can dominate and still come up short, but the lesson is to keep going.
Coach Jed Garner viewed Atascocita boys soccer as untapped potential. The team wanted to put Atascocita soccer on the map and prove the program belonged at the state level. Garner shared that the group became a family and that toughness, intensity, and unbreakable will defined the players who helped lead the program into new territory. The athletes helped establish a new standard for Eagles soccer while building a culture rooted in accountability and pride. Garner also reflected on how Houston and the Lake Houston area are evolving into a soccer hotbed, where talent and competition continue to rise.
For Coach Francisco Bernal and the Summer Creek girls soccer program, determination became the heartbeat of the season. Bernal explained that many people did not expect the team to be as strong after losing talented players from the year before and welcoming a new coach, but the girls remained determined to prove they belonged. His own upbringing and connection to soccer mirror the stories of many athletes who use sports as a pathway toward opportunity. Bernal grew up watching his mother work three jobs, while soccer became a dream and a motivator for something bigger. That sort of passion shaped the season as the team used every game not only to pursue success but to understand what the sport can offer when athletes fully apply themselves.
At Kingwood High School, Coach Adam Bell guided the girls' soccer team to an undefeated season and a state championship. Bell reflected on how the work truly began in the heat of August and September, when players were grinding through preparation without fully seeing the reward ahead. The team grew up together and remained connected through trust, friendship, and belief in one another. Bell framed his program around two controllable standards: attitude and effort. Those values carried Kingwood through the season and into championship history, cementing a legacy forever tied to the girls who brought home the title.
Concepcion Maya & Tyler Weaver| Kingwood High School
Kingwood High School | State Champions
Victor Garcia | Atascocita High School
WHILE
THE WORLD WATCHES SOCCER IN GREATER HOUSTON, HUMBLE ISD CULTIVATES LOCAL ATHLETES CAPABLE OF GREATNESS
Across all four programs, the coaches described soccer as more than a scoreboard. O'Quinn conveyed that the game reflects life because a team can play well, even be the better team, and still come up short. Bell described everything in his program as a classroom, whether players are on the field, in film, or inside school walls. Garner focuses on developing young men into people who understand responsibility and accountability. Bernal hopes players remember that he cared about them not only as athletes, but as human beings. Every coaching style is different, but they all center on growth, discipline, and character-building through the game.
The World Cup coming to Houston creates moments of impact, especially for children and families who may fall in love with the game for the first time. It places a bright spotlight on a sport that continues to gain visibility in the United States and in the Lake Houston area. Each coach acknowledged that soccer's growth here locally is impossible to ignore. More schools in Humble ISD are producing elite-level teams capable of competing on a state level in Texas’s toughest division.
Legacy sits underneath the entire story. Kingwood's championship connects to past state titles in 1995 and 1999, with former coaches and players still present in the community. Bell reflected on Coach Pres Holcomb, who passed away and who was instrumental in him receiving the Kingwood job. The team dedicated the season to Holcomb and later presented one of the state championship medals to his widow because, as Bell expressed, “it's just the right thing to do.” At Summer Creek, O'Quinn pointed toward the game's generational impact through player Caden Baba, whose father and uncle, Imad and Nidal Baba, were among the pioneers of Houston soccer and among the first players from the area to reach the professional MLS level. Bernal shared that the Summer Creek girls placed the first soccer ball on the school wall after reaching the regional final, and now the next goal is to place a ball at the very top for a state championship. Garner reflected that Atascocita
players are leaving the jersey in a better place, so the next athlete who wears it has something greater to strive toward, instilling pride in the program because of the people who came before them.
This July, while the world watches soccer, Lake Houston has its own reason to get excited as these teams look ahead toward next season. The World Cup may bring international stars to Houston, but Humble ISD has already proven that greatness can be developed locally, carried on by coaches who pour everything into their programs, lifted up by families who support their athletes, and led by students who continue leaving the game stronger than they found it.
to International SUPER STARS
Chase Vontoure | Summer Creek High School
Hazel Rutherford | Kingwood High School
HUMBLE ISD ATHLETES SELECTED FOR THE 2026 TEXAS UIL SOCCER STATE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAMS
(As selected by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches)
*Indicates championship game MVP, selected by media
1. Brooke Atkins | No. 20, Forward | Summer Creek High School, Senior
2. Caden Baba | No. 22, Midfielder | Summer Creek High School, Junior
3. Javier Barahona | No. 16, Defender | Summer Creek High School, Senior
4. Wyatt Bodily | No. 27, Defender | Atascocita High School, Junior
5. Aubrey Carlucci | No. 25, Forward | Kingwood High School, Sophomore
6. Kainoa Carlsward | No. 4, Defender | Summer Creek High School, Junior
7. Victor Garcia | No. 10, Midfielder | Atascocita High School, Senior
8. Concepcion Maya | No. 22, Midfielder | Kingwood High School, Senior
9. Hazel Rutherford | No. 1, Goalkeeper | Kingwood High School, Junior
10. Julian Sanchez | No. 9, Forward | Atascocita High School, Junior
11. Chase Vontoure | No. 0, Goalkeeper | Summer Creek High School, Junior
12. *Tyler Weaver | No. 14, Midfielder | Kingwood High School, Senior
From Submarines to Suitcases
The World Is Smaller Than You Think, Regal Luxury Travel Helps you to Go Out and Explore It!
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTA MCCOURT
Raymond Giles, owner of Regal Luxury Travel, does not simply plan vacations. His work helps people hold on to time by creating memories before they slip away, like items never checked off the bucket list. He understands that moments are fleeting and that waiting for “next time” can lead to missed opportunities. That perspective is what shaped Regal Luxury Travel.
Raymond began aboard a fast-attack submarine in the U.S. Navy, and that experience changed the way he viewed the world. He went on to spend years traveling internationally, and Raymond jokingly describes himself as a former college failure before he eventually joined the Navy to enter the nuclear power program. The experience quickly humbled him, but it also became one of the most defining chapters of his life. Military service brought perspective and travel abroad. He remembers taking a train into Paris for the first time and standing beneath the Eiffel Tower after walking through streets layered with history, sparking a fascination with travel within him.
Over time, his work enabled him to live in three countries and visit more than 40 countries. Raymond found himself drawn to experiences that reshaped his worldview and taught him how connected people truly are despite distance, language, or geography. That understanding grew in 2024 after his father suffered a severe accident that required emergency brain surgery.
While balancing everything from work to helping manage his father’s recovery, Raymond found himself reflecting on years of conversations about taking another trip. His father, who also loved traveling from his own Navy years, always believed there would be another opportunity for the two of them to travel to Europe together. The accident forced Raymond to confront how fragile time really is and how easily meaningful experiences can be postponed indefinitely, leading to memories never getting the chance to be made.
Out of that realization came Regal Luxury Travel. Raymond created his business to help people stop waiting for the perfect moment. His approach is a turnkey service. He focuses on reducing stress
for his travelers. He handles the complex details so clients can remain present in the happenings all around them. Adventure is out there, and he emphasizes that his duty is to remain in service and care for his clients throughout their trips.
Regal Luxury Travel, in Raymond’s view, is not about being over-the-top extravagant; it is about comfort and a sense of peace of mind when stepping into a place that broadens one’s perspective. Some of his most meaningful moments have come from wandering with his wife, Catrina, whether that’s enjoying a Christmas market in Europe, sitting quietly in cafés, or discovering vibrant neighborhoods beyond the tourist stops. His own lived experiences shape how he books travel, and how he helps others experience the world is exactly how he would walk through those sites himself.
Raymond has a passion for encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to travel and make memories because it is not about escaping life; it’s about fully participating in it. Just imagine yourself being ten toes in somewhere fantastic, all thanks to Regal Luxury Travel.
Because somewhere between submarines and suitcases, Raymond figured out the secret to life. It’s that we have the unique opportunity to experience the world, all while choosing to live in it.
Texas-made from Grains to Rains
The Old Humble Distilling Company a True Texas-made Whiskey Story
The story of Old Humble Distilling Company is one of community adventure. Owner Joe Breda went from homebrewing beer in college to building a distillery he hopes can last for generations and become a true Texas staple. They are a heritage-focused business that takes pride in their flavor range. Joe became captivated by the idea that whiskey could carry the fingerprint of the place where it was made. What began with humble beginnings has turned into a whiskey that provides a hyperlocal exploration of particularly crafted bourbon with dramatic flavor capable of capturing the spirit of Texas.
Joe describes whiskey as a product of geography as much as process, with the Gulf Coast climate shaping flavor through heat, humidity, and, of course, time. That philosophy now defines the business process. While Texas aging conditions differ from those in Kentucky or colder regions, our area allows whiskey to mature differently than whiskey in other regions. The Texas heat creates a stronger flavor
intensity in a shorter time span. It is a Texas product through and through, from the grains sourced from local farmers and grown in Texas soil to the eco-friendly rainwater collection and conservation-conscious production methods. The distillery embraces every part of its environment. The result is a whiskey that is deeply tied to the place it calls home, one that reflects not only Gulf Coast craftsmanship but also the atmosphere of the entire state.
The company has evolved over the years. It was originally founded in Conroe as Big Thicket Distilling Company but later relocated to Humble and reemerged as Old Humble Distilling Company. The name might have changed, but its original recipes have remained intact, ensuring it remains a Texas-focused brand. The distillery shifted from a tasting-room model to building a retail footprint. Joe juggled the business part-time for years before eventually taking the leap to pursue it full-time. Trying to build a retail footprint presents a host of challenges,
including facility expansion, which is already a lot to manage, and then having a pandemic hit. They worked to recover from that speed bump, and then Texas was hit with a record-breaking freeze, requiring every pivot from the company’s playbook to rethink operations. Rather than letting those setbacks stall momentum, Joe adapted and even created a limited-edition “72 Hour Blackout Bourbon” inspired by the winter freeze and power outages.
Beyond simply selling bottles, the distillery has used ingenuity to grow. It is a gathering place where people can experience First Fridays, which bring musicians into the tasting room for open mic nights. They even have a scavenger hunt challenge that encourages locals and visitors to travel across Lake Houston, visiting other local bars and restaurants carrying Old Humble spirits. If the hunt is completed, participants exchange their card for a collectible challenge coin. Joe has always known that partnerships with other local establishments are collaborative efforts that help elevate every business. If they can grow nightlife and reinvigorate the use of third spaces, business stops
“Texas grains and Texas rains, baby .” – Joe Breda Owner of the Old Humble Distilling Company
feeling transactional. It creates relationships that make people want to leave their homes and explore their community.
For Joe, Old Humble Distilling Company represents community identity. As the company expands beyond Texas into Louisiana retail locations, the goal remains rooted in Humble and the state of Texas. The distillery may be expanding into other states, but its foundation remains local. It will always be a place where strangers become friends over cocktails, where stories are shared over aged whiskey, and where people discover that whiskey carries the flavor of the place it calls home. It does not matter where you drink the whiskey because it will forever share a piece of the story of the people who make it.
A Last Act of Love
Exploring the Compassion of Giving a Furever Friend a Peaceful Goodbye at Home
Dr. Kristey Reed helps families by giving local pets the comfort and familiarity of spending their final moments at home. Heartstrings In-Home Euthanasia Service’s mission is to provide veterinary medicine, through end-oflife care, that puts quality of life and compassion at the forefront of decision-making for those tough moments.
Dr. Reed is a pet owner and a mother herself. She took the chance to start her own business for her daughter and to provide care during one of the hardest experiences a family can face. After serving nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, she found herself emotionally burned out by the pace and structure of traditional clinic work. She realized helping a pet pass at home, after working for a mobile veterinary company, was calmer, not only for the animal but also for the family left behind. In clinics, she often watched owners make the painful drive home without their fur friend and constant companion by their side. At home, families are allowed to grieve in private, surrounded by familiar comforts rather than traffic, waiting rooms, and other stresses that traveling can bring. She discovered a different side of the profession, one that allowed her and the families to slow
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BREEZY PETTIT
down, to find a more peaceful environment for everyone involved, and of course, the pets nearing the end of their precious lives.
Heartstrings was intentionally built to feel personal. Dr. Reed avoided creating a business that felt corporate or distant. That even reflects in the small details, like when someone calls Heartstrings, they are speaking directly to her, not an automated service or AI robot. They get a real person. She knows how families feel lost navigating these sorts of moments, and the simplest thing of getting a real person to talk to is what sets her business apart for so many families. She serves the Lake Houston area and the surrounding communities within reason. Her business thrives through word of mouth and neighborhood referrals.
Some experiences are tougher than others. She saw family pets curling beside the pet receiving care as they drifted to sleep. Or pets sensing what is happening and moving closer to comfort their families. After years of witnessing these moments, Dr. Reed believes
animals understand far more than people realize. This is why the entire process centers around peace. Her business isn’t just about showing up on the worst day; it’s about having a conversation and being a confidant to families who need an experienced ear and advice. She helps families navigate quality-of-life decisions, often suggesting tracking good and bad days on a calendar to better understand how their pet is doing and whether they can still enjoy the things they once loved.
Running Heartstrings has also changed her life. Families range from those who want to share stories about their pets during appointments to those who need silence. Dr. Reed reads each room differently,
understanding that grief doesn’t arrive the same way. She owns her own practice, which allows her to be present for her daughter. As a single mother, she has found that her work has given her an enormous capacity for understanding. Her daughter has gained that same capacity and understands her mother’s work. She even creates small clay animal figurines for grieving families as a kind gesture of remembrance. The work is heavy, but Dr. Reed continues to believe that providing comfort matters. To us, our pets are only a part of our lives, but to them, we are their whole life. Heartstrings exists to be the one final act of love between families and their pets.
YOUR BODY IS THE MAP
MOVEMENT FREEDOM SOLUTIONS HELPING PEOPLE GO FROM PAIN TO POSSIBILITIES
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY BREEZY PETTIT
For Albert Carey, MD, owner of Dynamic Pain Care, the journey into pain medicine began during medical school while rotating through anesthesiology. Pain care management wasn’t what he envisioned as a career path, but just as he eventually discovered the field, many patients end up discovering it that way. They do not realize it exists until they are referred. During his training, he developed a philosophy centered on understanding the body
as an interconnected system rather than as parts to a whole. After moving to Houston and working in The Woodlands, Dr. Carey recognized the rapid growth happening across Lake Houston and saw a need for specialized pain care closer to where those families lived. Dynamic Pain Care started small, just a room in a family practice, and then eventually expanded to its current location near Fall Creek.
Dr. Carey measures progress not by the growth of his clinic, but by what patients can do again after treatment. Pain often takes things away from you, and sometimes the best parts of our lives are lost. The biggest loss pain inflicts is the loss of independence and confidence in completing simple, everyday tasks that most people carry out without a second thought. He helps patients reimagine the map of their bodies, of what can and can’t be done. Dr. Carey encourages patients to always explore the opportunities that come with starting a pain care journey early rather than putting off discomfort until it becomes impossible to ignore or, worse, catastrophic.
Pain rarely stays contained to one place. It can spread to affect other parts of the body, and you may unconsciously compensate for a problem area. What feels like shoulder pain may have actually originated in the neck. Hip pain may stem from the spine, the knee, or foot instability. Dr. Carey sees patients every day who believe one area of the body is failing them, only to discover the source is somewhere else entirely. The body compensates constantly, and our brain accepts the new normal without recognition, creating a chain reaction across muscles, joints, and nerves. It’s not about pills or shots. He works with
people to restore movement, which means PT with weekly visits or other treatment plans based on the patient’s needs.
For Dr. Carey, quality of life tells the real story. The joy that is returned when things that were once considered impossible suddenly become possible again. One patient struggled to explain whether a procedure had worked until Dr. Carey asked what he could do now that he could not do before. The patient realized he had resumed walking his dog every morning after months of avoiding it. Other patients have returned to golfing, traveling, and even dancing after years of avoiding activities they once loved. Those moments, according to Dr. Carey, are the real milestones.
Dr. Carey cautions against normalizing pain; don’t let it reach the point where limited mobility becomes your everyday baseline. By then, muscles weaken, and compensation patterns have been created throughout the body. At Dynamic Pain Care, the focus is not reducing pain. The focus is on restoring possibility and allowing patients to explore movement again.
ATTORNEY AT LAW
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.
Stephanie & Kevin Marquard OWNERS
Fredericksburg Uncorked
Exploring Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, and local makers
Fredericksburg is best experienced slowly, blending small-town charm with wineries, boutiques, historic spaces, and memorable experiences worth lingering over. In this curated guide, standout destinations reflect the heart of Fredericksburg, each offering its own expression of Hill Country hospitality. Whether planning a weekend escape or revisiting a familiar favorite, these places capture the craftsmanship and welcoming spirit that continue drawing visitors back to Texas Wine Country.
Stay a While
Gästehaus Schmidt
Gästehaus Schmidt offers a welcoming collection of vacation rentals throughout Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country. Guests can choose from charming cottages, romantic cabins, and spacious homes located near Main Street or tucked into peaceful countryside settings. Whether visiting for a celebration, couples getaway, or relaxed weekend, every stay feels comfortable and personal. Since 1985, the company has also provided trusted vacation rental management services for homeowners. fbglodging.com
Shop the Region
Just off Main Street, Warehouse Row adds a modern layer to Fredericksburg’s traditional Hill Country atmosphere. The walkable district brings together curated boutiques, artisan goods, fashion, home décor, and local craftsmanship.
Blackchalk Home + Laundry
Blackchalk Home + Laundry stands out inside a restored historic laundry building. The shop features furniture, lighting, rugs, artwork, and curated gifts that feel collected over time rather than mass produced. The design-forward space blends historic character with modern style, creating an inspiring shopping experience for visitors seeking distinctive pieces and custom design services. blackchalkhome.com
Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités
Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités remains one of Fredericksburg’s most beloved design destinations. Housed inside a sprawling historic warehouse, the space feels more like a layered home than a retail store. European antiques, vintage finds, statement furniture, and collected curiosities
Six Twists Sparkling
Hill Country Chocolate and Wine Pairing
fill every room, encouraging visitors to wander slowly and discover something unexpected around every corner. carolhicksbolton.com
Getting Around
Brooke's Bubble Bar & Bus
Brooke’s Bubble Bus & Bar offers one of Fredericksburg’s most playful ways to explore wine country. Known for its signature pink bus and champagne-forward atmosphere, the experience combines lively music, bubbly cocktails, and curated private tours through Texas Hill Country. Guests can visit vineyards, scenic tasting rooms, and nightlife destinations while enjoying a relaxed social atmosphere. Popular for girls’ trips, celebrations, and weekend getaways, the experience transforms transportation into part of the adventure. brookesbubblebus.com
Something Sweet
Hill Country Chocolate
Hill Country Chocolate delivers a memorable stop for anyone craving something indulgent. Part chocolate shop and part tasting room, the experience highlights handcrafted bonbons, truffles, and smallbatch treats paired alongside curated wine experiences. Visitors can explore guided tastings, classes, and behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the chocolate-making process. hillcountrychocolate.com
Wine Wisdom
Advanced sommelier Andre Boada, founder of Vino Cadre, brings an elevated and education-driven approach to wine experiences throughout Fredericksburg. Drawing from a background rooted in Napa Valley wine culture and global consulting, he creates personalized tastings, winery tours, and immersive educational experiences.
Vino Cadre
Vino Cadre serves as a gateway to exploring Texas Hill Country wine country with insider access and thoughtfully curated itineraries. From guided tastings to connections with standout vineyards, chefs, and hospitality partners, every experience feels intentional and approachable. Whether visitors are planning a quick weekend escape or a deeper dive into regional wine culture, Vino Cadre creates seamless experiences that make exploring Fredericksburg feel effortless. vinocadre.com
Best Vineyards & Tasting Rooms
Covington Cellars
Covington Cellars offers a relaxed approach to Texas Hill Country wine country just off the 290 Wine Trail near Fredericksburg. Located on a scenic estate in Hye, the tasting room pairs thoughtfully crafted Texas and Washington wines, with seasonal small bites best enjoyed on a spacious patio overlooking the vineyard. covingtoncellars.com
Adega Vinho Winery
Adega Vinho Winery blends Portuguese inspiration with Texas Hill Country hospitality. Family-owned and deeply connected to the land, the winery produces estate wines crafted with care and regional character. Guests can enjoy vineyard views, relaxed tastings, and a welcoming atmosphere centered around sustainability and memorable moments. adegavinho.com
Slate Theory
Slate Theory Winery delivers a modern, immersive tasting experience where art, science, and storytelling intersect. The sleek yet inviting environment guides guests through curated tastings in strikingly designed spaces that encourage curiosity and conversation. Its innovative approach creates one of the most memorable wine experiences along the Fredericksburg wine trail. slatetheory.com
Michael Ros
Michael Ros Winery offers a warm, approachable tasting room experience focused on estate-grown grapes and small-lot production. Rooted in both the Hill Country and Texas High Plains, the winery emphasizes wines that reflect the character of the land while maintaining an easygoing atmosphere where guests can slow down and sip thoughtfully. michaelroswinery.com
Turtle Creek Vineyard
Turtle Creek Vineyard brings a laid-back, Tuscan-inspired atmosphere to Texas Hill Country. The family-owned estate focuses on small-batch wines best enjoyed through relaxed guided tastings overlooking scenic creekside views. Guests can learn more about the winemaking process while experiencing the vineyard’s sustainable approach and welcoming hospitality. turtlecreekvineyard.com
Blackchalk Home + Laundry
Into the Wild
The Preserve
The Preserve offers one of Fredericksburg’s most unique experiences through immersive wildlife encounters with elephants and other exotic animals. Visitors can feed, groom,
and learn about animal care while exploring thoughtfully designed habitats centered around conservation and stewardship. From giraffes and kangaroos to majestic elephants, the experience feels personal and memorable for visitors of all ages. visitthepreserve.com
Where to Dine
Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro
Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro invites guests into a beautifully restored historic space in downtown Fredericksburg where old-world charm meets modern Hill Country hospitality. The menu pairs thoughtfully crafted wines with seasonal, farm-to-table dishes designed for relaxed conversation and lingering meals. Whether visiting for a tasting flight, shared dinner, or special evening out, Calivence balances French-inspired elegance with Texas warmth. calivencefbg.com
Texas Sunrise
Texas Sunrise, formerly Squeeze In, remains a longtime Fredericksburg
breakfast favorite known for its lively diner atmosphere and oversized omelettes. Located downtown, the restaurant draws crowds with fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfast plates, and more than 50 omelette variations. Signed dollar bills covering the walls and ceiling add to the restaurant’s energetic personality and longstanding local charm. texassunrisefbg.com
Six Twists Sparkling
Six Twists Sparkling brings a lively addition to Fredericksburg as Texas’s first dedicated sparkling wine lounge. Located on Main Street, the stylish tasting space offers sparkling wines from around the world alongside tasting flights, light bites, and educational experiences in a relaxed setting. The name references the muselet, the wire cage traditionally removed from a sparkling wine bottle with six twists before opening, a playful detail reflecting the lounge’s celebratory spirit. sixtwistssparkling.com
The Preserve
Grape flower cluster before blooming
Helping You Feel At Home
JULY 4TH 32nd Annual 4th
Of July Festival
Town Center Park | Kingwood, TX | 3:00 PM
This year we are doing something BIGGER than ever before… introducing KINGWOOD’S FIRST EVER DRONE SHOW! Live Music, competitions and more! Thousands are expected to attend this annual community tradition as we celebrate America’s birthday in a whole new way. Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
JULY 5TH
5th of July Patriotic Fireworks Celebration
Kings Harbor | Kingwood, TX | 7:00 PM
Don't miss our big 5th of July Patriotic Fireworks Celebration, packed with music, games, and more! This event is free and open to the public! If you're hungry, grab delicious takeout from our fantastic on-site restaurants. Time: Check the Kings Harbor website or social media for event start time.
JULY 18TH
Experience electrifying Texas blues with legendary guitarists live in Humble!
Charles Bender Performing Arts Center | Humble, TX | 7:00 PM
Don't miss The Texas Headhunters on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at Charles Bender Performing Arts Center. Featuring Ian Moore, Jesse Dayton, and Johnny Moeller, this powerhouse trio delivers a high-energy blend of authentic Texas blues and rock. Gather your friends for an unforgettable night of incredible musicianship and soul-stirring performances in downtown Humble.
