Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center
Where aging is OPTIONAL
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Over 1,300 students
Preschool-12 Grade th
College Preparatory Academics
Award-winning Fine Arts & Athletics
Inspiring students to discover and achieve their God-given potential
Explore More, Experience More
One of the things I love most about living in Lee’s Summit is that adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, or even a long drive. Some of the best experiences can be found right here in our own backyard.
Summer is the perfect time to explore everything our community has to offer, and each year it seems there are even more reasons to get outside and enjoy it. The recently opened Green Street Market has quickly become a destination all its own. The 17,140-square-foot facility features an open-air indoor market, a covered outdoor lawn, public art installations, and a large children’s playground, creating a gathering place where neighbors can connect, shop, and spend time together.
Legacy Park continues to bring the community together through its popular outdoor concert series. This month, Jamaican Jam will transform the amphitheater into an island-inspired celebration with reggae music, food, and fun—all without ever leaving Lee’s Summit.
For those looking for outdoor recreation, Longview Lake remains one of our region’s greatest treasures. Whether you enjoy boating, jet skiing, pontoon rentals, swimming at the beach, golfing at Fred Arbanas Golf Course, biking, hiking, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water, there is something for everyone. The surrounding parkland, sports complex, and Missouri Town Living History Museum provide even more opportunities to explore.
Downtown Lee’s Summit continues to be a vibrant hub of activity throughout the summer. From discovering new locally owned shops and restaurants to attending community events, there is always something happening. This summer’s Futbol Fridays will bring residents together to celebrate the excitement of the World Cup while enjoying live music, family activities, food trucks, and community spirit. One special event will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, celebrating a century of road trips, nostalgia, and classic Americana.
As I reflect on this issue, I am reminded that sometimes the best vacations aren’t measured by miles traveled but by memories created. Whether you’re spending the day at the lake, attending a concert, exploring a new business, cheering on your favorite soccer team, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, I hope this summer provides plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
Wishing you a safe, fun, and memorable summer filled with exploration, connection, and all the reasons we are proud to call Lee’s Summit home.
Warmly,
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Lauren Powers, Jamie Segall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Q39 -
Lee’s
Summit Grand Opening!
Q39 just announced it’s newest Lee’s Summit will open this summer. The restaurant will be located in part of the 50-acre Oldham Village development near Missouri Route 291 and U.S. Highway 50. This will be Q39’s fourth location. It just opened a restaurant in Lawrence in March. Q39 is proud to be a woman Q39 is chef driven pit to plate championship BBQ.
Fotona
“
— Chuck F.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
CONFIDENCE, INSIDE AND OUT
HOW ACCURSO AESTHETICS IS HELPING LEE’S SUMMIT RESIDENTS LOOK, FEEL AND LIVE THEIR BEST THIS SUMMER
Summer often brings a renewed focus on confidence. Whether it’s stepping onto the beach, attending weddings and family gatherings, or simply spending more time outdoors, many people want to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Accurso Aesthetics in Lee’s Summit, confidence is about far more than appearance. It’s about helping clients feel like the best version of themselves from the inside out.
Founded by medical professionals who recognized gaps in traditional healthcare, Accurso Aesthetics was built on the belief that wellness and aesthetics should work hand in hand. The practice was created by providers who saw firsthand how difficult it can be for patients to access treatments such as hormone therapy, medical weight loss programs and other wellness services that can dramatically improve quality of life. Over time, the clinic expanded into aesthetics while maintaining its strong medical foundation and physician-led approach.
That philosophy continues to shape everything the team does today.
“Confidence, to me, is feeling like yourself at your best,” says co-owner Gina Accurso APRN. “Most clients aren’t looking to become someone else. They want to look like they feel on the inside.”
As summer approaches, many clients seek treatments that help them look refreshed and energized. Popular services include chemical peels, microneedling and laser resurfacing, along with neurotoxins such as Botox and Daxxify. Lip and cheek filler treatments also see increased demand as clients prepare for vacations, weddings and summer events. Medical weight loss programs remain one of the practice’s most requested services as well.
What makes Accurso Aesthetics unique is its holistic approach. Rather than focusing solely on cosmetic concerns, the team looks at the whole person.
“When someone walks in depleted, exhausted or running on empty, no aesthetic treatment is going to deliver its full potential,” Accurso explains. “Beauty and wellness are two sides of the same coin.”
“LEE’S SUMMIT IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE INVEST IN THEMSELVES AND IN EACH OTHER,” ACCURSO SAYS.
That means combining services such as IV therapy, peptides and hormone optimization with aesthetic treatments to help clients achieve longer-lasting results while improving their overall well-being.
The clinic also works hard to challenge common misconceptions about aesthetic medicine. Accurso says many first-time clients worry they will look unnatural or feel pressured into treatments. Instead, they discover a welcoming environment centered on education, honesty and personalized care.
“We create a space that is warm, informative and completely pressure-free,” she says. “There’s never an expectation to commit to anything that day.”
The practice emphasizes subtle enhancements that preserve each client’s natural features. Treatments are guided by facial balance and proportionality rather than trends, and the team believes that sometimes the best recommendation is simply doing less.
Accurso Aesthetics is also seeing growing interest from male clients. Services such as hormone replacement therapy, peptide treatments, neurotoxins and skin rejuvenation procedures continue to gain popularity as more men embrace proactive wellness and self-care. NightLase, a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea symptoms, has become one of the clinic’s most requested services for men and women alike.
One patient’s experience stands out. After years of severe sleep apnea and increasing dependence on a CPAP machine, she underwent four NightLase treatments and was eventually able to stop using her CPAP altogether. Even her pulmonologist was surprised by the results.
Looking ahead, Accurso and her team are excited about continuing to expand wellness-focused services while strengthening relationships within the Lee’s Summit community.
“Lee’s Summit is a place where people invest in themselves and in each other,” Accurso says. “Our goal has always been to create something lasting—a practice where people feel cared for not just as clients, but as individuals.”
For more information visit www.accursoaesthetics.com
MADISON SOCIAL
ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
WHERE THE PARTY STARTS AT THE GRAZING TABLE
When it comes to bringing people together, co-founders Alli Kisner and Emily Begnaud have found a recipe that goes far beyond food. Through their downtown Lee’s Summit business, Madison Social, the longtime friends are creating beautiful charcuterie experiences and intimate events designed to spark conversation and connection.
The story behind Madison Social began with an unexpected friendship. Kisner and Begnaud met through Great Beginnings while raising children with disabilities. As they got to know one another, they discovered they had grown up just minutes apart in Iowa and now live only a block from each other in downtown Lee’s Summit.
“What started as a shared passion soon became a business dedicated to creating beautiful, thoughtful food experiences that make gatherings feel special, welcoming, and memorable,” says Kisner.
While Madison Social is not a traditional walk-in storefront, its historic downtown space has become a sought-after setting for private events and curated experiences.
“The space truly comes alive through private rentals and curated pop-up events,” Kisner says. “It’s a place meant for gathering, celebrating, and creating memorable moments.”
At the center of the business is charcuterie, a trend that continues to resonate with hosts and guests alike because it transforms food into part of the event itself.
“Charcuterie feels both beautiful and effortless,” Kisner says. “It naturally invites people to slow down, gather around, and engage with each other while they graze, talk, and explore different flavors.”
Every Madison Social board begins with carefully selected meats, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments. The team thoughtfully balances flavor, texture, color, and presentation to create displays that are as eye-catching as they are delicious.
“Presentation is always just as important as taste,” Kisner says. “We focus on contrast, flow, and little details that make the board feel alive and artful.”
The intimate venue is especially popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate gatherings, client appreciation events, workshops, and styled dinners. No matter the occasion, the focus remains on creating meaningful experiences.
“WEFOCUSON CONTRAST
One memorable event featured a class reunion where the grazing table quickly became the center of the evening. Guests gathered around, shared stories, and lingered long after the event began. Another favorite was a bachelorette celebration paired with a hands-on charcuterie workshop that sparked laughter and creativity.
Those moments reflect what sets Madison Social apart. Kisner describes the company’s approach as highly intentional, with every ingredient carefully chosen.
“We often say our charcuterie is ‘eatable, not just edible,’ because we’re selective about everything that goes on our boards,” she says. “Each experience is designed as a journey through flavor, texture, and balance.”
As entertaining trends continue to evolve, Madison Social is seeing growing demand for interactive experiences, from draped grazing tables to mobile charcuterie bars. Hosts are increasingly looking for thoughtful details and design-forward experiences that feel personal and memorable.
For Kisner and Begnaud, that trend aligns perfectly with the vision they built Madison Social around from the beginning, creating beautiful spaces, unforgettable food, and opportunities for people to connect. Whether celebrating a major milestone or gathering for a simple night with friends, Madison Social brings a thoughtful touch to every occasion and creates experiences that are uniquely special to you.
To learn more, visit www.madisonsocialkc.com
HEY DUDE!
Revel in the family summer camp charm of an authentic guest ranch in Quincy
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREENHORN RANCH
Western television may be responsible for the rise of cowboy core themed travel. Whether you fell in love with Rip Wheeler on “Yellowstone,” got sucked into its spinoff “1923,” or found
yourself a fan of the book-to-screen adaptation of the Walt Longmire stories, it’s impossible to ignore that western culture has influenced modern travel. And what better way to dive into your own occidental fantasy land than to visit a dude ranch?
Set in California’s “Lost Sierras,” Greenhorn Ranch in Quincy is perhaps the best place to make your cowboy dreams come true. Welcoming families since 1962, the authentic dude ranch is one of few experiences of its kind, and the closest to our hometown. With 608 sprawling acres, the premier guest ranch feels like family summer camp, championing activities such as archery, fly fishing, horseback riding, and more.
The property leans into ranch life where cell phone service is sparse but the good times aren’t. Packages include both payas-you-go stays and all-inclusive options that feature lodging,
“...what better way to dive into your own occidental fantasy land than to visit a dude ranch?”
“Trust us when we say it’s some of the best food we’ve ever had.”
meals, and activities so you can spend your days booking back to back trail rides of various difficulty levels, learning how to fly fish in the property’s pond or further out on the Feather River, and perfecting your archery skills as you take aim at animal-shaped targets in the woods. Other adventure activities include skeet shooting, hatchet throwing, mountain biking, and leatherworking workshops.
Many of the premiere activities start with instruction from a knowledgeable
and experienced guide while other activities, like lawn games, traditional fishing, and karaoke, are more guest-led. When you’re not booked into a specific event, you can spend your afternoon on the lawn playing volleyball, football, soccer, cornhole, or even doing arts and crafts. The centerpiece catch-and-release pond is open with provided poles and lures. Perhaps the most majestic pastime is watching the daily running of the horses as they gallop from the main ranch to their nighttime accommodations.
Because the property is small, and much of the staff lives onsite or nearby often just for the season, even a weekend at Greenhorn Ranch will have you feeling like family. Every evening has its own scheduled activity such as karaoke, fireside stories, movie nights, or paint and sip, plus the saloon stays open for drinks and mingling. The fact that the staff participates and socializes with guests truly makes the experience. And if you don’t want to join in, there’s always pool tables, table tennis, and shuffleboard in the adjacent room, or board games in the main lodge.
Guests can choose between one of 12 main lodge rooms, 16 rustic cabins, or a refurbished airstream for their home away from home. The bucolic accommodations open up to the expansive scenery, with miles
upon miles of green hiking trails and a short wooden bridge extended over a babbling creek.
While food may seem like an afterthought on a vacation like this, the truth is it’s truly a highlight. Three times a day the dinner bell chimes and meals are spread out buffet style. The on-site chef makes gourmet burgers, tasty BBQ, grilled hot dogs, perfect pasta salad, and more. Every day the menu changes and each meal is better than the last. Trust us when we say it’s some of the best food we’ve ever had.
While newcomers discover the ranch, which once operated as a humble goat farm during the Gold Rush, every year, there’s also a slew of regulars that return time and time again to spend their summers in nostalgia with family and friends.
WORTH THE DRIVE
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“IT IS DEFINITELY BOTH ECLECTIC AND UNIQUE.”
Vivilore combines exceptional food, lush garden spaces, local art, antiques, and a sense of discovery that keeps guests returning to the historic Englewood Arts District from across the metro. From the moment guests approach the ivy-covered entrance in Independence, it's clear that Vivilore is anything but ordinary. Inside, discover an eclectic collection of spaces, each with its own personality, from the elegant dining room and inviting bar to the charming courtyard and multi-level retail spaces filled with home décor and treasures.
"It is definitely both eclectic and unique," says owner Jollene Hastings. "There is so much to see in every room you turn. The dining room, bar, retail space, courtyard, and event space all carry a different feel.”
That sense of discovery is intentional. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal, browse for a one-of-a-kind gift, celebrate a special occasion, or simply spend an evening exploring the property. Every corner offers something unexpected.
“AT EACH TURN, WITH EVERY LEVEL OF THE RESTAURANT, AND A NEW DOOR TO OPEN, I HOPE GUESTS FEEL TRANSPORTED TO SOMEWHERE NEW.”
The name Vivilore itself reflects the spirit of the space. Derived from Latin words meaning "life story," the restaurant has become a gathering place where people come to celebrate life's most meaningful moments.
“Everyone's story deserves to be celebrated, and I feel that Vivilore resonates with that. We have become a celebration destination from weddings, graduations, birthdays, and celebrations of life. There is always someone here for a special occasion.”
Perhaps the most memorable feature, especially during the summer months, is the enchanting courtyard garden. Surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, fountains, and twinkling lights, the outdoor dining space feels worlds away from the everyday.
“At each turn, with every level of the restaurant, and a new door to open, I hope guests feel transported to somewhere new. We have heard many times that walking up to the ivy entrance and opening the doors feels like entering a castle.
We have also heard that stepping into the courtyard feels like a European secret garden.”
For Lee's Summit residents looking to venture beyond their usual dining spots, Vivilore offers the kind of experience that transforms a simple dinner reservation into an evening destination. This American boutique restaurant has a menu that changes with the seasons, blending elevated comfort food with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation.
Start with favorites like the smoked salmon bruschetta and crab cakes before moving on to house made pastas such as the tagliatelle bolognese or lobster agnolotti. Entrées range from a roasted lamb rack with harissa and date glaze to a roasted salmon served alongside citrus and herb-forward accompaniments. Lighter offerings include seasonal salads like the strawberry and avocado salad made with toasted pistachios and pickled shallots with a citrus honey vinaigrette.
For those planning their first visit, Hastings says to arrive at dusk and savor the atmosphere.
“We pride ourselves on being a hidden gem that is an unforgettable experience from the food to the sights. A summer night out on the courtyard with a glass of chilled wine is truly unbeatable. Time it about dusk, when our string lights are on and enjoy the calming sounds of our running fountains. Make sure to order our seasonal salad with a house made pasta or juicy steak. This makes for a top tier summer night.”
Steaks can be either a traditional filet or ribeye served with whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, and bordelaise sauce. Or, try their cauliflower steak that’s marinated and grilled in peanut tahini sauce and served with salsa matcha with a fresh herb salad.
As the sun sets and the courtyard begins to glow, it's easy to understand why so many consider Vivilore worth the drive. It's not just dinner, but an experience that invites guests to slow down, celebrate, and create new memories. Vivilore is located at 10815 Winner Road in Independence and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for lunch, and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner. For more information, visit vivilore.com.
“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING A HIDDEN GEM THAT IS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FROM THE FOOD TO THE SIGHTS.”
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.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from March 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.
A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS
A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE
THE SOUTH
escape to France of
There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.
Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.
WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?
Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout
Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.
One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,
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dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.
THE BARGING EXPERIENCE
The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.
Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.
EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.
You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.
During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.
There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.
European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.
What does it mean to be rich?
Having
Lauren
Laura Hudson AAMS™