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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Savor the Summer Memories

July 2026 PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com

July always feels like the sweet spot of the year. The days are longer, the schedules are lighter, and somehow a random Tuesday night ice cream run becomes a core memory.

This summer feels especially meaningful for our family because our daughter Averly graduated from Elon University. Watching her walk across that stage was one of those proud parent moments you wish you could bottle up forever. It also reminded me how quickly these seasons of life move. One minute you are teaching them to ride a bike, the next you are helping them move out of a dorm room with a car full of throw pillows, laundry bags, and emotional support snacks.

Instead of treating graduation like a quick in-and-out event, we turned it into a family vacation. We packed up the car, took a road trip to North Carolina to move Averly home for the summer, and made memories the entire way. We stopped to see friends in various states, visited landmarks and ballparks, found local restaurants, and probably consumed enough gas station snacks to qualify for sponsorship opportunities. Honestly, the trip itself became just as special as the graduation.

For many families, summer is the beginning of that college journey. Others are preparing for kids to come home after their first year away. Either way, this is the season to lean in and make memories together.

My advice: take the trip. Go camping, even if nobody remembers how to pitch the tent. Book the cruise. Personally, cruising is one of my favorite ways to reconnect as a family. No laundry, no schedules, and unlimited soft serve ice cream and pizza feels like excellent parenting to me. Say yes to the weekend getaway, the beach day, the backyard barbecue, and the long conversations that somehow only happen around a fire pit.

At the end of the day, our families will not remember every gift we bought them.

They will remember the stories. They will remember getting lost on vacation, laughing until they cried, and singing badly in the car with the windows down.

One day, the greatest gift we leave our loved ones will not be material items or money. It will be the moments we shared and the memories they carry forward long after the suitcases are unpacked. I prefer to collect memories over things.

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, adventure, and just enough chaos to make the stories worth telling later.

ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @PLANOCITYLIFESTYLE

E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R S

Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com Ashton Ullrich Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Joseph Rivers: Jay Sonata Photography, Christopher Bigenho Photography, Macy Alex Photography STAF F W R I T E R S

Fatima Durrani, Deborah Dove, Travis Hager, Valerie Merrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Catherine Reese, Kali Kasprzyk C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Catherine Reese, 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 Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 Plano City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Plano area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/PLANO

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Plano City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JU LY 2 0 2 6 | EX P LO R E

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Featured

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A Life Built on Exploring

Exploring with My Camera Taught Me That Art Begins When I Stop Looking and Start Feeling

32 On the Cover

Departments

Summer fun doesn't have to be far away. Visit your local park and make some memories.

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

12

Business Monthly

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Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

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Travel Journal TRAVEL

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Our Town AUTO + MARINE

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Curb Appeal HOME SERVICES

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Road Trip TRAVEL

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Outdoor Adventure SPORTS + RECREATION

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Hometown Hero LIFE + CULTURE

A Better Way to Lake

Discover a Slower Pace at Lake Ray Roberts

The Root Cause

Unlock the Strategies That Keep Your Trees Strong and Resilient Year-Round

Rediscovering San Antonio Exploring Fresh Family Adventures in One of Texas’s Favorite Cities

Photography: Macy Alex Photography Schedule your own family session by visiting www.

MacyAlex Photography.com.

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Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

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Events

Your travel checklist is pretty easy.

Your legacy is a different story.

From Powers of Attorney to health care directives, estate planning is your real travel insurance. Because no matter how prepared you are, would your loved ones be protected if things do not go according to plan?

We know there’s no suitcase big enough for peace of mind.

Contact us today to secure your legacy before your next departure!

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J U LY 2 0 2 6

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-7: The Boss Women Bus Tour, a collaboration between Mom Brain Media and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, was an epic success that brought together female entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders from across North Texas for a day centered on connection and collaboration. Guests enjoyed curated experiences at multiple local business stops while building meaningful relationships in a fun, elevated atmosphere designed to encourage authentic networking and community support.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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8:-14 Throughout the day, attendees experienced engaging conversations, wellness activations, shopping opportunities, and memorable moments that celebrated women in business. The tour highlighted the power of collaboration between local brands and the growing impact of women-led communities throughout Collin County. From the private charter bus experience to the final happy hour gathering, the event created lasting connections and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Photography courtesy of Mom Brain Media and BreAnna Scalley

JULY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E .C O M / P L A N O

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Plano City lifestyle™

stay ConneCteD to yoUR CoMMUnity

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J U LY 2 0 2 6

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Bonser-Thomas Welcome and Enrollment Center Now Open Plano ISD district leaders recently dedicated Tammy Richards The Caring Place at the Bonser-Thomas Welcome and Enrollment Center, honoring former trustee and board president Tammy Richards for her compassion and service to local families. The dedicated free food pantry and clothes closet will continue her legacy by providing support and essential resources to families across the district, reflecting her lasting commitment to caring for students and the community.

Photography by Plano Independent School District

Celebrating the Ribbon Cutting of Anchor Wound Management Congratulations to Anchor Wound Management on their exciting new milestone! Located at 1200 Coit Rd, the practice is dedicated to advancing wound care through innovative treatments, advanced healing technologies, and compassionate patient-centered care. Their team creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, helping improve outcomes and quality of life while expanding possibilities in regenerative medicine for the community they proudly serve.

Photography by Plano Chamber of Commerce

QuickAid Urgent Care Is Now Open in Plano Please join us in welcoming QuickAid Urgent Care to the Plano community! This physician-owned clinic offers convenient evening and weekend hours, short wait times, and on-site X-rays to provide accessible care when it matters most.

Their experienced team treats a variety of non-life-threatening conditions while focusing on compassionate service, affordable care, and personalized follow-up support for every patient. 9613 Coit Rd Ste 104, Plano, TX 75024

Photography by Plano Chamber of Commerce

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

East Plano Martial Arts Celebrates Ribbon Cutting in Plano East Plano Martial Arts recently celebrated its ribbon cutting at 1506 Capital Ave, marking an exciting new addition to the community. Offering programs for all ages and skill levels, the studio creates opportunities for families to train together while building confidence, discipline, and connection. Guided by the Isshinryu philosophy of “One Heart Way,” East Plano Martial Arts is committed to helping students grow both physically and personally in a supportive environment.

Photography by Plano Chamber of Commerce

The Podcast You Can’t Afford to Pass Up Join Lorie Burch and the Burch Law Team each week as they demystify the world of estate planning and probate in Texas. With lighthearted expert insights, they shed light on the essentials you really need to know. Whether you're trying to navigate your next legal move or just enjoy unraveling mysteries, tune in and find out which one of us really knows that they're talking about (and spoiler: it might not be you)! burch-law.com/podcast

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Nonprofit of the Month Impact100 North Texas: Empowering Women. Transforming Communities.

When Impact100 North Texas founding president Anne Witherspoon first learned about the global nonprofit Impact100, she was so impressed by the model and the great work being done she decided to join the DFW chapter. As it turned out, there was no chapter to join. So, she decided to start one! She reached out to friends and colleagues to tell them all about the mission of Impact100 and encourage them to go on this journey with her. With a founding board of DFW-area women leaders, Impact100 North Texas is proud to be the first chapter in the DFW Metroplex.

As a designated 501(c)(3) organization, they will provide impactful grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations in Collin County.

There are almost 1,000 nonprofit organizations based in Collin County and benefiting the DFW Metroplex.

Impact100 is a collective force for good, uniting and empowering women to give together, creating transformational impact locally and globally. Impact100 is a worldwide network of women’s collective giving. The model is simple but powerful.

In communities around the world, chapters gather at least 100 women who each donate $1,000, pool 100 percent of their donations into grants of at least $100,000, and award them to local nonprofits across five broad focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IMPACT100 NORTH TEXAS

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G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

This innovative philanthropy model was created by Wendy Steele in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wendy recognized that the roles of women in philanthropy had not evolved with the times and required a fresh approach to be expanded and encouraged. Wendy thoughtfully designed Impact100 to engage women from across the community, grounded in the guiding principles of inclusivity, empowerment, transparency, and transformational impact.

Since its inception, the Impact100 generosity movement has grown organically and exponentially. To date, the efforts of Impact100 chapters has resulted in more than $178 million invested in local communities through grants by 80 chapters in 4 countries. Dozens of additional communities inspired by the model are actively working to launch chapters in their areas.

There are three signature events which each celebrate a milestone in the cycle:

The Big Reveal – At the conclusion of the membership drive, chapters announce the total membership and the number of grants to be awarded.

Meet the Finalists – At the conclusion of the grant review process, finalists in each of the five focus areas are announced and celebrated.

Annual Meeting and Grant Awards – Finalists present their proposals, every member votes (one woman, one vote), and grants are awarded.

Every Impact100 chapter is encouraged to follow best practices for grant-making, including written grant agreements with project description, budget, milestones and reporting; funds dispersed only when needed, based on documented

invoices; periodic check-ins with the chapter liaison on progress; and grant project must be completed within an approximately 25-month performance period.

Impact100 North Texas is currently recruiting DFW-area women who want to be part of this collective effort to positively impact our local community. The sooner the goal of at least 100 members is reached, the sooner the goal of giving at least $100,000 to a deserving nonprofit in Collin County can be achieved.

Membership is not the only way to contribute. “Friends of Impact100” can donate any amount that will go toward the grant awards and toward creating a positive impact within the DFW community. Husbands, brothers, fathers, sons—even corporations—can play a role in this important initiative. All donations are tax deductible.

To learn more about Impact100, visit www.impact100global.org or email impact100ntx@gmail.com. Stay up-to-date on chapter events by following Impact100 North Texas on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

JULY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E .C O M / P L A N O

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SUMMER CAMP IN PLANO July 2nd - Nosework Games July 7th or 9th - Mini Canvas Lick Art July 14th or 16th - Agility Course July 21st or 23rd - Relaxation & Wellness July 27th or 29th - Camp Photoshoot

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A LIFE BUILT ON EXPLORING Exploring with My Camera Taught Me That Art Begins When I Stop Looking and Start Feeling

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE REESE

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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Standing with my camera as horses ran across the open field, manes flying and dust rising behind them, I felt something shift inside me. Their movement carried freedom, wildness, and a reminder that life was meant to be fully lived.

Losing both of my parents close together changed everything for me. One day life felt normal, and the next, it didn’t. What I once thought was guaranteed suddenly wasn’t, and it brought a clarity I couldn’t ignore.

In the end, what matters most becomes very simple.

It’s not the things we collect, the titles we hold, or even the accomplishments we work so hard for. It’s how we live. It’s the moments we allow ourselves to experience, the way we treat people, and the grace we give along the way.

For a long time, I lived like so many of us do: busy, focused on the next task, believing I’d get to the meaningful things “someday.” There was always a list, always something that needed to be done first. Losing my parents brought a realization: there will always be a list.

I started asking myself a different question: If I knew I only had six months to live, would I still be doing this?

If the answer is no, I don’t do it. That question became the filter for how I live.

It led me to build a life centered around exploring.

Beauty can be found from mountains and oceans to quiet backroads close to home. When I started

photographing the night sky, I realized how much magic had been there all along. Same place, completely different perspective.

Photography has been part of my life for over 30 years. This season gave it deeper meaning. It became a way of exploring more intentionally. Slowing down.

Making time. Capturing beauty others might pass by.

I’ve become more purposeful with my time, choosing experiences over busyness and presence over pressure.

I say yes to the things that bring me joy. Sometimes that looks like traveling somewhere new, and other times it’s as simple as stepping outside, going on a hike, or watching the sunset.

Beauty isn’t limited to extraordinary places. It’s all around us.

When we slow down enough to notice it, something changes. Life feels more peaceful and more connected. That’s what I hope others feel when they experience my photography.

You don’t have to travel far to begin living this way.

Exploring isn’t reserved for big trips. It’s available to all of us, right where we are.

CONTINUED >

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It can look like exploring a place close to home with fresh eyes, taking a different road, or simply stepping outside and appreciating the sunrise at the start of the day. It’s found in the quiet moments, the in-between spaces, and the choice to be present.

When you begin to live with that kind of awareness, something shifts.

Life slows down. It feels richer, more meaningful, and more connected.

You don’t have to wait for someday or for everything to line up perfectly.

Start where you are. There’s so much to explore.

Exploring doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.

Today is the perfect day to start exploring this big, beautiful world.

Tomorrow isn’t promised. Go somewhere you’ve never been. I hope to see you out on the trail someday. You’ll find me with my camera in hand and my dog by my side. Your next adventure may be closer than you think.

Explore more at CatherineReese.com.

“If I only had six months to live, would I still be doing this today?”

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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

JULY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E .C O M / P L A N O

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D i s c ove r a S l owe r P a c e a t L a ke R ay Ro b e r t s ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER BIGENHO PHOTOGRAPHY

A BE T T E R

Way

TO L A K E

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O UR TOWN | AUTO + M ARIN E

By July, North Texans begin looking for water.

Not simply a pool, not another patio with misters working overtime, but real water: open sky, long coves, the low hum of a boat motor. For Plano families, Lake Ray Roberts sits just far enough north to feel like a departure, and close enough to become a summer habit.

For many, Ray Roberts is known first as a premier bass fishing lake, and rightly so. Anglers have long respected its structure, its quieter reaches, and the early morning stillness that rewards patience.

But to define the lake only by fishing is to miss its wider character. Ray Roberts is boating, sailing, RV weekends, family afternoons, shaded walks, open water, and the kind of summer day that feels increasingly rare in this fast-growing part of Texas.

It's also something else: uncrowded.

That may be its greatest luxury. Ray Roberts is not trying to be a party lake. It is not defined by raft-ups, crowded coves, or the noise that can overtake nearby waters. It offers a more composed version of lake life, one with room to breathe.

For those accustomed to the busier rhythms of Lewisville, Grapevine, or other heavily trafficked local lakes, Ray Roberts feels refreshingly different. It is close but not crowded. Active, but not frantic. Welcoming, but not overrun.

The center of that experience is Lake Ray Roberts Marina, which recently celebrated its grand reopening in June after a season of rebuilding. The marina, now under Resilient Marinas, is emerging from the damage left by two tornadoes in 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose. Marinas are not simply docks and slips. They are small waterfront communities, and resilience is measured in what returns after the storm.

CONTINUED >

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The marina’s new marketing line, “King of the Lake,” carries a little swagger, but the substance behind it is practical. Lake Ray Roberts Marina is the only marina on the lake offering 55-foot slips, perfect for owners of larger boats looking for space, access, and a proper home on the water.

The marina also offers covered and uncovered slip options ranging from 24’- 55’, overnight slip rentals, gated docks, restrooms, showers, and service support, making it less of a stopover and more of a true base camp for lake life.

There is also a smart invitation for newcomers: a riskfree month to try the marina and see if it fits. For boaters considering a new lake home, that removes some of the uncertainty. It says, "Come live with the lake for a while.

See the mornings. See the evenings. See what a quieter body of water can do for the rhythm of a summer."

The next chapter is already taking shape. New docks are part of the rebuilding effort, along with a new store and fuel dock, with a planned restaurant concept. A good marina is not only about where you keep the boat. It is

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O UR TOWN | AUTO + MARIN E

about the small rituals around it: coffee before launch, children wandering back from the dock with sun-warmed faces, and friends lingering a little longer.

Ray Roberts itself gives the marina its larger meaning.

The lake and surrounding state park offer boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and camping. It is a place where one visit can be built around a fishing rod, another around an RV weekend, and another around nothing more ambitious than watching the late-afternoon light settle over the water.

The appeal is simple. A proper lake day does not require a long road trip or a crowded destination. Sometimes the best summer escape is just north of the familiar, waiting with open water, steady docks, and enough peace to make the day feel like your own.

Visit Lake Ray Roberts and the Lake Ray Roberts Marina at 1399 Marina Cir, Sanger, Texas, or online at rayrobertsmarina.com.

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The Root C ause

Unlock the Strategies That Keep Your Trees Strong and Resilient Year-Round

They give us shade, oxygen, and fruit. They stand tall in our outdoor spaces and offer a welcome sight with their sweeping canopies of leaves. Protecting your trees isn’t just about routine maintenance—it’s about TLC. We sat down with Scott Smith, owner and general manager of Joshua Tree Experts, to learn more.

Scott’s approach to landscaping is reflected by his motto: love where you live. By pairing his passion for seamless customer experiences with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, he helps educate homeowners on some of the most common, yet preventable, tree care mistakes.

ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH RIVERS: JAY SONATA PHOTOGRAPHY

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C UR B A P P E A L | HO M E S ERVICE S

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PRUNE TREES?

“Professional tree pruning isn't cosmetic, it's structural. Untrained tree trimmers cut by appearance (topping, lion tailing), removing needed internal branches and creating large wounds that attract disease.

Professional pruners use different tactics.

We don’t prune more than 20% of the living tissue (that is, any limb that has green leaves, not dead wood). Some homeowners mistakenly prune from the inside out, which can reduce the tree’s ability to photosynthesize effectively. We prune from the outside in, allowing sunlight to filter through the canopy and shine on the grass below.”

Q: HOW MUCH WATER IS “ENOUGH”?

“Most people assume that "daily watering equals good care." In reality, compacted soil and poor drainage can cause hidden damage that only shows up later.

Younger trees benefit from more frequent watering, while established or native trees may receive sufficient water from rainfall during non-drought seasons.”

Q: HOW DO HOMEOWNERS KNOW IF THEIR TREES ARE “STRESSED OUT”?

“Research consistently shows that 80-90% of struggling urban tree's issues

“Scott’s approach to landscaping is reflected by his motto: love where you live.”

CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E .C O M / P L A N O

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are due to inadequate soil and root health. Soil compaction in our North Texas clay limits how roots absorb nutrients, water, and oxygen, which restricts growth and can even kill a tree. If you see the tips of limbs losing leaves, there are likely issues in the soil.

Compacted soil can also lead to girdling roots, which wrap around the base of the trunk and can gradually choke the tree. At this point, the tree is unable to distribute the nutrients from the soil into the canopy, and we need to step in to loosen the soil.”

Q: DOES ADDING NUTRIENTS TO THE BASE OF THE TREE HELP?

“Improving soil health through aeration and the addition of both beneficial micronutrients (such as various trace minerals), beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae), and macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) can help. A lack of any one of these nutrients can significantly impact the long-term health of a plant. Trees also exhaust energy reserves fighting heat stress, but deep root fertilization restocks nutrient reserves that have been depleted. Soil aeration reduces compaction and increases oxygen to roots too.”

Not only are trees majestic, but they may also serve to increase a homeowner’s property value.

Don’t wait till the summer heat strikes to reveal hidden issues. A tree health audit by a certified arborist can help you build a strategy now. Fewer than 100 arborists in Texas hold PPQ (prescription pruning qualification) credentials, and Joshua Tree Experts is one of them.

For more information, visit joshuatreeexperts.com, or call 972-640-9470.

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C UR B A P P E A L | HO M E S ERVICE S

JULY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E .C O M / P L A N O

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REDISCOVERING San Antonio Exploring Fresh Family Adventures in One of Texas’s Favorite Cities

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGI BURNS

As native Texans, my husband and I have been to San Antonio more times than we can count. We have done the Alamo tour, walked the River Walk, eaten plenty of tacos, and checked off most of the classic tourist stops over the years. So when we planned a weekend getaway with our son Jaxx, we decided it was time to experience the city a little differently.

Thanks to Visit San Antonio and CityPASS, we quickly realized there is so much more to explore in one of our favorite Texas cities.

Let’s be honest. Entertaining a preteen is not exactly easy these days. They are somehow too old for little kid activities but still young enough to want nonstop fun. The challenge becomes finding things that actually hold their attention longer than a TikTok video.

For this trip, we chose the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, the DoSeum, and of course a River Walk boat ride because, honestly, you cannot go to San Antonio and skip the riverboats. It is basically a rule.

We stayed at the Westin Riverwalk, which could not have been more convenient. With easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and attractions, it made exploring the city simple and stress free. The hotel itself was beautiful, the service was excellent, and after long days walking around the city, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge.

The San Antonio Zoo ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Between feeding giraffes, exploring exhibits, and trying to spot every animal before we moved on, we stayed fully engaged the entire time. The zoo does a great job balancing fun experiences with interactive elements that keep older kids interested too.

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R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

The Witte Museum

The DoSeum

San Antonio Zoo

Japanese Tea Garden Box St. All Day Brunch

One of the biggest surprises of the weekend became my personal favorite. Right outside the zoo, we visited the Japanese Tea Garden, and I honestly cannot believe we had never been before.

The historic garden felt peaceful, tucked away, and completely transportive. The koi ponds, waterfalls, stone bridges, and lush greenery made every corner feel like a postcard. It had a calm, almost storybook atmosphere that instantly slowed everything down. We spent way longer there than we planned because it was simply too beautiful to rush through.

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The DoSeum was another standout stop for our family. Even for kids who think they are “too cool” for children’s museums, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. The hands-on exhibits, interactive activities, and creative spaces made it impossible not to get involved. Anything that gets a 12-year-old off a phone for a few hours is impressive in my book.

We also loved exploring the Witte Museum, which had a great mix of science, Texas history, nature, and interactive exhibits. The dinosaur displays were especially impressive and easily became one of the most talked about parts of the weekend.

And, of course, no family getaway is complete without incredible food.

One of our absolute favorite finds was Box St. All Day Brunch. Everything about it was exactly what you want in a brunch spot. The atmosphere was bright, stylish, and energetic without feeling overdone.

Between the modern decor and beautiful presentation, it had that perfect brunch aesthetic people are always searching for. The pancakes were larger than the plate, the brunch cocktails and mimosas were fantastic, and the hospitality was impeccable. It quickly became one of those places we immediately started recommending to friends.

What I loved most about this trip was being reminded that even places you have visited many times can still surprise you. San Antonio has an incredible mix of history, family fun, hidden gems, amazing food, and culture that makes every visit feel different.

If you are looking for an easy weekend getaway with something for every age and interest, San Antonio truly delivers. Spend the weekend exploring the city, trying new experiences, and making memories together.

Whether it is your first visit or your fifteenth, there is always something new waiting to be discovered.

GO RIO River Cruises

CITYPASS made it easy for our family to experience some of San Antonio’s best attractions while saving both time and money.

Here is our itinerary from the weekend • San Antonio Zoo 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212 • The Witte Museum 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 • The DoSeum 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 • GO RIO River Cruises 809 E. River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205 • Japanese Tea Garden 3853 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212 • Box St. All Day Brunch 623 Hemisfair Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205 For more information or to purchase tickets, visit San Antonio CityPASS at citypass.com/san-antonio.

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Camp Around DFW Four Campgrounds Around DFW Provide the Perfect Outdoor Getaway ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACY ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY From lakeside campsites to wooded parks tucked just outside the city, Dallas-Fort Worth families don’t have to travel far to find a memorable outdoor escape. Across North Texas, local campsites offer the perfect mix of adventure and convenience—whether

Photo courtesy of Deborah Dove

Dinosaur Valley State Park Glen Rose, Texas One of the coolest places to camp—and walk in the 113-million-year-old footprints of ancient dinosaurs—is just a 90-minute drive from Dallas. Located along the Paluxy River, park highlights include fossilized dinosaur tracks, life-size dinosaur statues, swimming or wading in the river, guided horseback rides, lots of wildlife, and 20 miles of scenic hiking trails. Camp at one of the park’s campsites (primitive or with electricity), or glamp in an Airstream at nearby Country Woods Inn.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park Pilot Point, Texas Escape to the beaches and the shady trails of this serene lakeside state park. Venture out in the kayak, hop on your horse, or simply pack a beach towel to enjoy the best of camping near Ray Roberts Lake State Park. With peaceful water views, beach areas for swimming, a 20-mile multiuse trail, ranger programs, boat ramps with lake access, a full service marina, and a variety of campsites, this oasis is equipped with all you need for a relaxing nature getaway.

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O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | SPORTS + RE CRE AT ION

your crew is roasting marshmallows under the stars, hiking scenic trails, fishing at sunrise, or simply unplugging for a weekend together.

With busy schedules and packed calendars, many families are discovering that a quick camping trip can feel like a true getaway without the stress of long-distance travel. The DFW area is home to an impressive variety of camping experiences, from rustic state park retreats to family-friendly campgrounds packed with amenities like

swimming beaches, playgrounds, kayak rentals, and nature programs for kids. Even first-time campers can find easy, comfortable options close to home. Below are four of the best family-friendly campsites around DFW, places where children can explore the outdoors, parents or couples can relax, and everyone can reconnect away from screens and routines. Whether you prefer pitching a tent beneath towering trees or parking an RV by the water, your next family adventure is just a short drive away.

Eisenhower State Park Denison, Texas Adventure awaits at this state park located on the shore of Lake Texoma just northwest of Denison. Explore trails along high bluffs, spot wildlife, swim or catch some sun at the sandy swimming cove, rent a kayak or canoe, or fish for striped bass, crappie, and catfish from one of two fishing piers or from the shoreline. Stay overnight at one of the park’s campsites (most include water, a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and nearby restrooms), screened shelters, or “Ike’s Cabin.”

Cedar Hill State Park Cedar Hill, Texas Although Cedar Hill State Park is just 20 minutes southwest of Dallas on Joe Pool Lake, this secluded park makes it feel like you’re far from the city. In addition to being a quick escape from city life, it’s very family friendly, with excellent mountain biking trails, on-site kayak rentals, and great fishing. Visitors can camp at one of 350 campsites, swim in the lake at the gravel swimming beach, or tour Penn Farm, a working farm from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.

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G ood Hu ma n of the Month Jerry Gonzalez’s Art-Filled Life Was Jumpstarted by His Mom

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Do you know of a local person who is a good human? Nominate them by emailing the Editorial Coordinator at Valerie.Merrick@ CityLifestyle.com.

ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK

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to JumpStart. “It’s kind of crazy to think that I went from a camper to junior counselor to counselor to lead counselor to teacher. It makes me really happy because I'm able to be the influence now. I'm able to share the love that I have for these art forms with all of the campers.”

Jerry's love for the arts continues to grow. He’s currently taking dance classes, something his mother is especially proud of since she encouraged him to learn Latin dancing from a young age. He spends most of his time studying though; he’s working on a degree in neuroscience from UTD. If you want to see Jerry this summer, you just have to visit JumpStart for Arts's weekly Friday performance. “That's when a lot of parents come. You can see all the kids and what they've been working on.”

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JERRY GONZALEZ

Every April, parents around the metroplex start to stress about how to entertain their children during the long summer months. While there are countless camps caregivers can choose from, a local Plano camp stands out. JumpStart for Arts offers multiple free camps each summer, helping campers build confidence, self-expression, and gain exposure to the arts. Since its inception in 2003, over 5,000 campers have joined—including Jerry Gonzalez.

Jerry was six years old the first time his mom signed him up. His parents, both immigrants from Mexico, enjoyed the arts and wanted Jerry to develop a similar love. After his first week of camp, it became his favorite part of every summer.

“Some kids are like, ‘I can’t wait to play video games this summer!' And I couldn’t wait for camp. I came back every year, and I only loved it more. It was really special to me.”

Even though he grew too old to be a camper, Jerry wasn’t ready to say goodbye

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The 10% Target Mindset

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

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.”

F E AT U R I N G JEN COHEN Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

1 2 3 4

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word.

It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

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.

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J U LY 2 0 2 6

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S JU LY 4 T H

Slip Into Summer at the Marina Ray Roberts Marina: 1399 Marina Cir., Sanger, TX 76266 | 1:00 PM The season officially kicks off with refreshments, family-friendly activities, raffles, boating safety demos, and a mini marine expo showcasing local businesses. It's a festive, community-centered way to welcome summer on the water. For more details, call 940-458-7343 or visit rayrobertsmarina.com.

JU LY 4 T H

Fireworks, Family Fun, and Freedom Red Tail Pavilion: 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX 75074 | 6:00 PM Ring in Independence Day with free family fun—games, food, drinks, and a spectacular fireworks show. Make sure you arrive early to catch the Rotary Clubs of Plano parade at 7:30 and stick around until 9:30 for the fireworks. For event updates and vendor opportunities, visit www.Events.VisitPlano.com/Event/Planos-All-American-4th.

JU LY 1 7 T H - 1 9 T H

SpongeBob Saves Bikini Bottom Onstage Genesis Children’s Theatre: 3100 Independence Pkwy. #324b, Plano, TX 75075 When disaster strikes Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and friends rise to the occasion in this high-energy, humor-packed musical bursting with optimism and teamwork. Genesis Level 3 students deliver the color, heart, and laughs this beloved story deserves. For tickets and details, visit www.GenesisChildrensTheatre.org.

JU LY 1 7 T H - 1 9 T H

A Tropical Takeover in Downtown Plano McCall Plaza: 998 E 15th St., Plano, TX 75074 Three days of live music, DJs, shade, and summer drinks transform Historic Downtown Plano into an unexpected island escape. Grab your friends, pack your best beach energy, and let the good vibes take over. For lineup details and updates, visit www.Events.VisitPlano.com/Event/Tropics-on-the-Tracks-2026.

JU LY 2 6T H

Christmas Meets Summer at the Pool The Texas Pool: 901 Springbrook Dr., Plano, TX 75075 | 4:00 PM Sip on iced hot chocolate, take part in water balloon "snowball" fights, and grab a Santa photo. It's the most wonderfully unexpected summer afternoon you'll find all season. This annual swimming event is fun for the whole family. For details, visit www.TexasPool.org/Event/Christmas-in-July.

JU LY 3 0 T H

Downtown Plano's Most Creative Evening Yet Courtyard Theater: 1509 H Ave., Plano, TX 75074 Visual art, live performance, and community connection converge in a multidisciplinary showcase at the Courtyard Theater celebrating regional talent. The Plano Art Association's visual exhibit runs well beyond opening night, giving plenty of time to soak it in. Learn more about this celebratory event at www.PlanoArtAssociation.org.

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