Garbett Homes invites you to explore our two furnished model homes or one of our completed designer homes now available at Axis. These two and three bedroom townhomes are sure to become the perfect home base for your adventurous heart. Come by today!
Dear Neighbors,
There’s something magical about July in Millcreek. The long, sun-drenched days invite us to explore—whether that’s a mountain trail, a sparkling lake, or simply a new perspective on wellness and joy.
This month, we dive into the art of adventure and the soul of summer. We’re thrilled to feature Emilie Drinkwater, a world-class mountain guide whose life on the ridgelines reminds us that the best views come after the hardest climbs. Her story is one of grit, grace, and unapologetic curiosity—everything summer should inspire in us.
To help you fuel your own adventures, we’ve teamed up with Millcreek Mercantile and sommelier Jimmy Santangelo to bring you the ultimate “ Pack and Go” refreshment guide—think elevated, mobile picnic vibes perfect for hikes, bikes, and park nights. And because staying well is essential to living well, our spotlight on Water Wellness dives into the benefits of hydrotherapy and hydration from the inside out.
We’re also taking you on a little escape with our Travel Journal—this time to the crystal-clear waters and pine-framed charm of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. From lakeside strolls to cozy cafés, it’s the kind of destination that resets your pace and stirs your sense of wonder.
Finally, meet the team at Madsen Cycles, where family, fun, and functionality ride in tandem. Their thoughtfully designed bikes invite you to experience your neighborhood—and your summer—in a whole new way.
So here’s to venturing out, soaking up sunshine, and remembering that adventure doesn’t always require a passport—just a little curiosity and a good pair of wheels.
Explore and recharge your soul this summer, until next month...
JULIE JANKE, PUBLISHER @MILLCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Julie Janke | julie.janke@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Valerie Bianculli | valerie.bianculli@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Valerie Bianculli, Lisa Madsen, Nate Gibby, Greg Gewalt
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Stacy M Chamberlain, CFP®
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Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is launching its 2025 Summer Camps, now partnering with Clark Planetarium for the first time. These hands-on, STEAM-focused camps run June–August for ages 5–10, offering themes like Cosmic Contraptions, Prehistoric Explorers, and Artful Antics. Full- and half-day options are available, with scholarships for qualifying families. The camps aim to spark creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. Spots are limited—register soon at discoverygateway.org/summercamps Scan to read more
Want to be featured? GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MILLCREEK
INSIDE EMILIE DRINKWATER’S LIFE AS A MOUNTAIN GUIDE
ARTICLE BY VALERIE
BIANCULLI
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY EMILIE DRINKWATER
“You need passion, patience, and willingness to work with people.”
When Emilie Drinkwater graduated from college in the early 2000s, she didn’t yet know she’d become one of the most accomplished mountain guides in the country. “I just did not know what to do with myself,” she laughs. “I grew up skiing, and in college I learned to rock climb—I got really into it. So I thought, maybe I could become a rock climbing guide.”
At the time, she had no formal training. “Looking back, I had no business doing that—just because I liked climbing didn’t mean I knew how to teach it. But I basically begged my way into a guiding job,” she admits. That persistence launched a career that would eventually take her from the rugged Adirondacks to the high peaks of the Karakoram and the icy expanses of Iceland and Alaska. She would go on
to become the ninth American woman to earn the prestigious IFMGA certification, the highest international standard for professional mountain guiding.
Originally from New Hampshire, Emilie credits her New England upbringing with shaping her love for wild places. “The Northeast is this cold, rugged place where a lot of people spend time outdoors—it’s part of the culture. I grew up skiing and exploring the woods. I just always loved being outside.”
After years guiding in the East, Emilie and her husband moved west when he accepted a job in West Valley City. “We’d been on the East Coast a long time, and I was already spending a lot of time guiding in the West. Utah has great skiing and climbing—it’s a good base.”
“That’s really what guiding is about—helping people live their dreams, even when it’s tough.”
Emilie guides year-round—rock climbing in the warmer months, skiing and alpine mountaineering in winter. Her home base in Salt Lake City allows easy access to the Wasatch Range, but her work has taken her all over the world. “Being able to operate in a wide variety of terrain really makes you a better, more well-rounded guide. Every environment teaches you something new— weather patterns, mountain types, technical challenges. You have to be adaptable.”
That adaptability extends to her work as a member of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Instructor Team, where she helps mentor the next generation of guides—especially women entering a male-dominated field. “Part of my job is just to be visible, to show people—women and men—that this career path is possible,” she says. “There aren’t a lot of women in this field, so I look for opportunities to be a role model and a mentor.”
But Emilie is quick to clarify that guiding isn’t just about athleticism or chasing summits. “To do this work, you really have to love climbing or skiing for yourself first. But once you become a guide, it’s not about you anymore,” she says. “We always say, ‘you’re living someone else’s dream every day.’ You’re out there to help people reach their goals.”
That philosophy came to life on one unforgettable day in the Tetons. Emilie was assigned a client—a man in his early 70s—who had been passed off by another guide who deemed him “too slow.” But Emilie was undeterred. “He told me it had been his childhood dream to climb this peak. He said, ‘I don’t expect I’ll ever do this again.’ So we talked a lot about expectations and turnaround times.”
The two set off at 4 a.m. and reached the summit within the timeframe Emilie had outlined. “It was amazing—he did it. But descending is often the hardest part. His knees were hurting, and it became a really long, painful walk out. We didn’t get back to the trailhead until 1 a.m.”
Still, Emilie sees it as one of the most rewarding days of her career. “All I could do was encourage him—positivity, little breaks, one foot in front of the other. That’s really what guiding is about—helping people live their dreams, even when it’s tough. I stayed in touch with him for years afterward.”
Despite the allure of adventure, Emilie emphasizes that mountain guiding is not glamorous. “You’re not going to get rich doing this,” she says frankly. “It can be a hard lifestyle if you want to support a family or find a consistent work-life balance. But it’s a great lifestyle if you love being outside and staying physically active.”
Her “typical day” varies—some start at 2 a.m. and stretch into the evening, especially for big alpine objectives. “I’m usually in the field all day, away from phones and emails. Afterward, I reflect on the day, take notes, think about how I can do better. It’s mentally and physically demanding.”
Still, for Emilie, the reward lies in the connection—to people and to place. “Every day is different. Every client is different. And I love that I get to be a part of helping people experience the outdoors in a meaningful way.”
For those inspired by her path, she offers this advice: “You need passion, patience, and the willingness to work with people. And you have to be okay with the fact that this isn’t about your dream—it’s about theirs.”
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
This July, we teamed up with Millcreek Mercantile and Jim Santangelo of the Wine Academy of Utah to craft the perfect picnic pairings for your next mountain adventure. Think of it as your graband-go guide to local flavor—compact, crave-worthy snacks and sips designed for trailside toasts and alpine lounging.
Start with Beehive Cheese’s Apple Walnut Smoked, a smooth Uintah-based cheese kissed with subtle sweetness and a toasty edge. Jim suggests pairing it with Sugarhouse Distilling’s Pineapple Coconut ready-to-drink cocktail. At 10% ABV and packed in a 12 oz can, it’s both breezy and bold—just like your favorite summit trail.
Next, Creminelli’s cured meats from Salt Lake City practically demand a luxurious pour. Enter Field Recordings’ Boxie Orange Wine, a 3-liter box of sunshine. “Orange wine works beautifully with charcuterie,” says Jim. “It’s aromatic, textured, and travels better than glass.” With a sturdy pour and citrusy brightness, it can elevate any impromptu grazing board on the go.
Laziz’s Mediterranean offerings (think hummus, dolmas, and bright salads) find their match in Elemental Pinot Noir, packaged in shatterproof, chill-friendly aluminum bottles. It’s red wine made for motion: sharable, smooth, and perfect at elevation. Bonus: it chills quickly in a cold creek or snowmelt stream, making it ideal for hot summer days. And finally, bring the heat with Salsa Del Diablo, a Salt Lake City staple known for its smoky, spicy depth. Jim pairs it with Simplicity Cocktails’ Mango & Passion Fruit Margarita,
a tangy, tropical blend in a 12 oz can that’s gluten-free and a friendly 7% ABV. The spicemeets-fruit combo? Unforgettable. “It’s fun, refreshing, and it stands up to the bold flavors in the salsa,” Jim notes. The contrast makes every bite and sip more vibrant.
So whether you’re hiking, hammocking, or just sneaking away to your favorite canyon picnic table, these local pairings are a taste of Utah at its adventurous best.
Easy to pack. Easy to love. Cheers to snacks with soul and drinks with a view—because food tastes better under open skies, and wine always pairs well with a little elevation.
ARTICLE BY LISA MADSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MADSEN BIKES
Meet MADSEN Cycles, a Utah-based, family-owned bicycle manufacturer on a mission to help families make memories and explore the world together.
Since 2007, MADSEN Cycles has been designing and assembling its iconic bucket bikes right here in Utah, blending a love of cycling, family, and adventure. Inspired by a trip to the Netherlands, founder Jared Madsen set out to create something original—a cargo bike designed specifically for U.S. families, blending European inspiration, classic and beautiful lines, and thoughtful engineering.
Every MADSEN bike is a product of intentional design. It rides like a regular bike, but with room to carry up to four kids (or 600 lbs of cargo) safely behind you. With optional electric assist, it’s easy to cover more ground, tackle hills, or set off on spontaneous weekend adventures. Built for stability, ease of use, and lasting durability, MADSEN bikes make it possible for families, friends, and even pets to hop in and enjoy the journey.
What began as a small family passion project has grown into a vibrant community of riders across the
U.S., Canada, and Europe. Jared and Lisa Madsen are proud to live right here in Millcreek, surrounded by the beautiful mountains and people they love. Over the years, they’ve seen parents, grandparents, kids, and pups pile into the bucket — making everyday outings more joyful and meaningful. The ultra-tough bucket features two removable bench seats and four seat belts to secure little ones. It has been spotted hauling everything from groceries and beach gear to gardening soil, lumber, and so much more.
At MADSEN Cycles, we believe adventure is always better when shared — and we’re honored to help families slow down, get outside, and make memories, one pedal stroke at a time.
• Choose Electric or Non-Electric
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• Choose from 7 Gorgeous Colors: True Navy, Mustard Yellow, Sunset Orange, Classic Black, Vintage Blue, White or Candy Apple Red
• Additional Accessories are also available on madsencycles.com
• Option to test ride
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
We often assume all water is created equal—but Water & Wellness challenges that idea with systems that prove otherwise. Based in Utah, the company specializes in custom in-home water systems that go far beyond basic filtration. Their mission? To transform the water you use every day—whether for drinking, cooking, showering, or laundry—into something ultrapure, balanced, and body-supportive.
At the heart of their systems is Type 3 water—lab-grade, re-mineralized, and finetuned for safe, healthy hydration. It’s the same quality you'd find in a high-end bottled water, now available right from your tap. Their in-home reverse osmosis systems rival anything you could pick up at the store, with added peace of mind and personalized engineering for every household.
But Water & Wellness doesn’t stop at the kitchen sink. Their mini whole-home systems extend benefits to your showers, dishwashers, and appliances. Think better-tasting water, softer skin, and longer-lasting fixtures. Cleaner water even helps preserve clothing and reduces buildup in plumbing systems.
Every system begins with a certified water analysis, followed by a detailed home evaluation and custom build. With components like anti-scale TAC treatment, self-cleaning filtration, UV-C and ozone sanitizing tanks, and smart pressure systems, their setups are as advanced as they are effective.
Add-ons like hydrogen infusion and alkaline mineral systems give homeowners even more control over how their water supports their lifestyle—boosting hydration, energy, and wellness in every sip. Every system is modular, meaning it can grow and evolve with your home’s changing needs.
With a 10-year included maintenance program, homeowners enjoy hassle-free performance, annual on-site service, and maximum value for years to come.
Because at Water & Wellness, water isn’t just something you use. It’s something that should support how you live—clean, balanced. It's source.
ARTICLE BY MCKENZIE JOYNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MCKENZIE JOYNER + PROVIDED
There’s a particular moment—just after the last turn off I-90, when the lake first comes into view—when everything starts to slow down. That’s what happened as I arrived in Coeur d’Alene on a crisp September afternoon. The light had softened, the trees were turning gold at the tips, and the air carried that faint scent of pine and woodsmoke that only autumn seems to get right.
I didn’t come for an itinerary. I came to pause.
From my room, I watched fog drift over the lake in the early morning. I wandered forest trails alive with color, sipped tea in a café that didn’t rush, and breathed deeper during lakeside yoga than I had in months. It was the kind of trip where the unplanned moments stay with you most: the hush of the shoreline, the warmth of a fireplace, the way everyone seemed to speak a little more softly.
By fall, Coeur d’Alene has changed tempo. The boats are fewer. The trails are quieter. There’s room to breathe.
“I didn’t come for an itinerary. I came to pause.”
It’s easy to settle into a slower pace here. A walk down Sherman Avenue leads to indie bookstores, cozy coffee shops, and galleries filled with art from nearby towns. The farmers market runs through the season, with apples stacked high and jars of honey catching late sun. Evenings are best spent outside—watching the lake catch fire in the light, or taking a sweatered stroll along the Centennial Trail as leaves crunch underfoot.
A short drive out of town brings you to the CDA National Reserve, a 1,000-acre stretch of protected wilderness where the pine canopy opens to views of the surrounding mountains. It’s private land, but visitors can arrange access through the new members-only club that’s quickly drawing attention for its thoughtful approach to land stewardship.
During my visit, I spent a weekend participating in a Live Well Retreat hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Resort—an experience framed more by space than structure. My days moved between warm drinks, forest hikes, long soaks, and conversations with people who seemed equally content doing nothing at all.
This fall, the resort will host a special September retreat led by longtime yoga and Pilates teacher Kristin McGee, offering guided movement, breathwork, and space to reconnect. But even for those not joining in, the rhythm of the place lends itself to quiet restoration. No pressure, no performance. Just permission to slow down.
In Coeur d’Alene, the shift from summer to fall isn’t just seasonal—it’s sensory. It’s the way the light pools over the lake, the smell of the trails after rain, the taste of something warm and spiced at a sidewalk café. It’s a small town that doesn’t ask for much—and in return offers everything you didn’t realize you needed: space, color, stillness, and the strange magic of feeling at home somewhere you’ve just arrived.
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
There’s something about hearing live music in the mountains—cool air, tall pines, and the kind of acoustics only open skies can provide. Luckily, July in Utah is packed with opportunities to experience it all.
Every Monday, locals gather for the Millcreek Music Festival, a relaxed neighborhood series with mountain views and a rotating lineup of local talent. On Sundays, Solitude Mountain Resort and Snowbasin each host their own traditions. Solitude offers mellow afternoon sets on the Moonbeam Lawn, while Snowbasin’s Blues and Brews brings big sound and local craft beer to the base.
Deer Valley’s long-running music series includes crowd favorites like patriotic tributes and film scores under the stars. Park City Mountain Resort joins in with summer concerts ranging from orchestral strings to headlining acts. Over at Sundance, the intimate Bluebird Cafe series gives audiences a taste of Nashville without ever leaving the Wasatch.
Whether it’s your first summer here or your fiftieth, these concerts offer more than just entertainment—they're a reminder of what community, creativity, and open-air adventure look like when they come together.
Pack a blanket, grab a friend, and let the mountains carry the music.
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
EVERY MONDAY
Canyon Rim Park Amphitheater | 3100 S Grace Street Millcreek, UT 84109
Enjoy free live music under the summer sky at the 2025 Summer Jam Monday Night Concert Series! Held at Canyon Rim Park Amphitheater in Millcreek, this weekly event brings the community together with great bands, food trucks, and family fun.
WEDNESDAYS, JULY 2ND - SEPTEMBER 24TH
Millcreek Farmers Market
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT 84106 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fresh and local at the Common returns to the Plaza. Millcreek’s midweek market is full of produce, farm goods, artisan food, and handmade crafts. Grab your reusable bags and make the market part of your weekly dinner and grocery routine. SNAP benefits accepted.
JULY 3RD
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT 84106 | 6:00 PM
A community celebration featuring the Flying Aces’ aerial acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts. Enjoy the antics of Lucha Libre Utah and games on the Plaza. At dusk, watch the summer sky come alive with illuminated DRONES from Open Sky. Food Trucks and Beer Gardens will be available. Tickets available online.
JULY 4TH - 5TH
RICE-ECCLES STADIUM | 451 S. 1400 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Monster Jam World Finals roars into Salt Lake City for the first time July 4–5, 2025! See the most trucks in one place, epic stunts, and championship racing. Admission includes access to the Pit Party—meet drivers, snap photos, and get close to fan-favorite trucks like Grave Digger® and Megalodon®. A thrilling holiday weekend for the whole family!
JULY 5TH
Salt Lake City’s Independence Day Drone
1060 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 | 8:00 PM
Join an extraordinary celebration of our nation’s Independence Day with a mesmerizing drone show! Experience the sky come alive as drones create a breathtaking spectacle, with dazzling lights and choreographed formations. Arrive early to secure your spot on the lawn, enjoy bites from local food trucks, and groove to live music. This event is open and friendly to all ages.
JULY 26TH
Brighton Resort Brighton, UT US 84121 | 8:00 AM
Challenge yourself with a 10K loop at Brighton Resort featuring 2,000+ feet of vertical gain to the top of the Great Western Trail, then descend through pine forests and wildflowers. Hike, jog, or run—this course is for all adventure-seeking women. Finish strong and celebrate with pancakes and fun at the vendor village after party!
With one of the state’s largest collections of high-end furniture, Helm can help you find your style and design a home that’s uniquely you. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional designer, we can help you select, ship, store, and place the perfect pieces from the world’s leading manufacturers, including Baker, Century, Bernhardt, Hickory Chair, Lexington, Massoud, and more.
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Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with this fun and refreshing infused ice recipe Not only is it a great way to stay cool, but it also adds a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
NOW, through July 31st, earn 3% cash back on EVERY purchase with Granite Credit Union’s Signature Cashback Visa card—whether you’re fueling up for a road trip, shopping for new gear, or grabbing a bite at your favorite spot. Big adventures deserve bigger rewards, and this deal is here to make every moment count. Don’t miss out— maximize your summer fun and let your spending work for you with 3% cash back on everything! Granite Credit Union is always there... so you can make life happen
