The Explore Issue
A New Chapter
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
There's a new Publisher in town! I'm extremely excited to announce that I've recently acquired the Queen Creek City Lifestyle Magazine. I was born and raised in Queen Creek. We lived here back when Queen Creek was just a small town surrounded by agricultural fields and livestock ranches. I grew up in the home located at Schnepf Road & Ranch Road which was surrounded by farmland and crops as we were a farming family. At that time, Queen Creek was a very small town largely made up of farmers and ranchers who held a very strong sense of community. While attending Combs Elementary School, and later Chandler High School, we spent most our time either working on the farm or attending church and community events. It was definitely a different time and place.
I moved away from Queen Creek as a young man to pursue my career in real estate development, first to Scottsdale and eventually to Las Vegas, NV, where we spent the last 30 years involved in business and charitable organizations. It was while in Las Vegas that I met and married my wife Wendy, who has always loved Queen Creek. It was in Las Vegas that I had the privilege of meeting and working with some amazing people and served as President of a large commercial real estate development company working on some of the most iconic projects around the Las Vegas area. Even though we resided and worked in Las Vegas, we remained very close to the Queen Creek community through both family connections and business ventures. As a result, we were able to witness the colossal growth that has occurred over the decades and continues to take place here.
So when it was time for me to wind down my career in Las Vegas, it was a natural choice for us to return to Queen Creek to be close to family and old friends all while being part of a vibrant community filled with new opportunities to meet new friends. What better way to accomplish that than to get involved with the Queen Creek City Lifestyle Magazine, which has a hyper-local approach with respect to content, articles and advertisements of local businesses. It is our goal and desire to help connect the community through businesses, events and, of course, the people of Queen Creek.
BRAD SCHNEPF, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kaeden Peterson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Opening day for Nordstrom Rack with fun events and festivities. 2: Shoppers checking out at Nordstrom Rack. 3: Shoppers at the new Nordstrom Rack. 4: The library hosted an event with Rick the Balloon Cowboy. 5: A girl is pleased with her balloon design. 6: Rick the Balloon Cowboy entertains children at the library. 7: Ribbon cutting ceremony for Seven Brothers in Queen Creek.
CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
K. PETERSON
K. PETERSON
K. PETERSON
K. PETERSON
business monthly
Queen Creek Medical Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Queen Creek Medical celebrated their grand opening at their new location. They offer high quality and affordable comprehensive and compassionate medical and chiropractic care. Their clinic provides a wide range of services including chiropractic care, massage therapy, and a naturopathic physician. www.queencreekmed.com
Valley Tap Room Opens
Valley Taproom is a local taproom featuring over 30 revolving beers on tap and an extensive wine collection. They also serve small bites with plans to expand to a larger menu. This is Valley Taproom’s second location in the valley, their first one is in Gilbert. They have weekly events such as live music, food trucks, trivia, and more! Follow them on social media for their upcoming events. www.valleytaproom.com
Queen Creek Olive Mill Wins Prestigious Award
The Queen Creek Olive Mill won the Silver award at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) for 2024. This marks the third time the world competition has recognized Queen Creek Olive Mill. Previously they won the Gold in 2017 and Silver in 2019 for its Balanced Extra Virgin Olive Oil, solidifying its reputation as a leading player in the olive oil industry. www.queencreekolivemill.com
Photography by K. Peterson
Photography by K. Peterson
Photography by Queen Creek Olive Mill
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
ISLAND ADVENTURES
Santa Catalina Island is an hour ferry ride away from Long Beach, California. The island of today was the vision of the industrialist William Wrigley Jr. He helped to improve and develop the island including the iconic Catalina Casino. The naturally occurring clay on the island was used to produce tiles which were also used in his home in Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix.
In addition to its rich history, Catalina has a variety of beaches including Two Harbors. There is parasailing, boat tours, scuba diving, and hiking for the adventurers. You can also relax with spas, golfing, shopping and an array of dining options. Whether you choose to sun by the shore with a good book or seek out thrills with a helicopter tour, the island life satisfies all tastes. www.lovecatalina.com
Catalina Casino
SUMMER TIKI TINI
ingredients:
• Roxx Vodka infused with Passion Hibiscus Tea - 1.50 ounces
• Cointreau - 0.50 ounces
• Passion Fruit puree - 0.50 ounces
• Liquid Alchemist Blood Orange Syrup - 0.50 ounces
• Fresh Lemon - 0.50 ounces
• Boiron Bergamot - 0.50 ounces
• 1 dash Tiki Bitters - 0.50 ounces
• Edible Pink Orchid to garnish
directions:
Step 1. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice into tiki mug or cocktail glass of your choice.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
LET’S MAKE A MOVE!
Whether you are first-time buyer, ready to search for your DREAM HOME or thinking of selling... CALL ME TODAY!
As your FULL-TIME Realtor®, I specialize in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley Real Estate! Put my experience, and commitment to work for you!
ASK ME ABOUT:
A Seller Concessions?
A Down Payment Assistance?
A FHA vs Conventional Loans?
A How much is my home worth?
A Is it a Seller’s Market?
Military shaped my life. Having been married to a Marine before, during, and now after his time in service, I know FIRST-HAND the emotions that can be involved with any relocation. So many factors play into relocating and no two moves are alike. Having the honor of working for others during this time, along with my own personal experiences, gives me the unique ability to look for concerns and address them before they cause a problem. I love providing guidance and information that wasn’t always available during my own personal moves. Helping families through wherever life moves them has become a true passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help you along your journey!
UTAH
Sitting exactly 700 miles north of Queen Creek is Salt Lake City, Utah. This little brother to Phoenix and Las Vegas provides the immediate gratification for all types of adventurers.
All accessible by one interstate or highway, you can be downtown exploring City Creek Mall and the historic districts of Salt Lake. Travel an hour West and be submerged in the Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats. Travel East through stunning Park City to be high on the mountain tops of the Wasatch Front. While Utah
is known for its ski resorts and Olympic caliber snow, those same resorts offer summer options including fine dining, gondola rides, and more.
Nestled just south of Salt Lake City is a once hidden gem of agritainment called Thanksgiving Pointe. Featuring a natural history museum, farm animal attractions, butterfly biosphere, and world class golf course. Springtime adds a unique flavor of beauty with the Tulip Festival. Over 750,000 spring flowers including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and poppies are featured in this walkthrough garden tour.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
A state of natural beauty with plenty of family fun.
While much of Utah’s popular main-stream sits in the center of the state, don’t underestimate the northern and southern borders. With Cache Valley and the mountain greens at the Idaho border and the world-famous “Red Rocks” that sit closer to us here in Arizona. National Parks are the crown jewel of the state. Zions, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and others, nature is preserved in a way that is meant for all walks of life.
Similar to Queen Creek, most of Utah’s cities and parks center their entertainment around family-friendly atmospheres. No matter the speed at which your family vacations, from thrill seekers to nature lovers, Utah offers something for everyone.
Tulip Festival
Salt Lake City
ARTICLE
AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Treasures National
DISCOVER THESE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SITES.
Lincoln Memorial
From the center of the National Mall, the Washington Monument stands proudly. Looking East, you see our nation’s capital. To the West, the Lincoln Memorial casts a shadow down its steps. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people wander the Mall. Standing among these great national markers fills each American with a new found appreciation for its legacy and achievements.
Washington, DC. sits at the center of our nation’s history. Just a stone's throw away is the state of Virginia. In Fairfax County, Virginia the National Air and Space Museum provides a glimpse into American masterpieces of engineering. There you can walk through and see the USS Discovery Shuttle, World War II planes, fighter jets, and more.
In the great state of Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and even Scranton, the setting of the series “The Office”. The magnitude of the Gettysburg Memorial cannot be felt without standing foot on this hallowed ground. A drivethrough tour goes on for miles across open fields and past monuments. Just the Military Park itself is nearly 10 square miles. Observing the proximity of the surrounding neighborhoods brings into focus the impact that a war can have on a homeland. This solemn and historical site is an experience that must be done in person at least once in a lifetime. Wherever you go in the eastern United States there is an abundance of history to soak up, and memories to last a lifetime.
The National Air and Space Museum
Gettysburg
Mountain Town
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
A quiet spot with a glamorous Hollywood past.
UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge
Lake Arrowhead in California is a world unto itself, high up in the San Bernardino Mountains. As the road snakes upwards to dizzying heights, you are instantly met by fresh mountain air. Nestled by the lake is the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge which was originally a getaway for Hollywood elites in the 1920's. UCLA acquired the building and grounds in 1982. The Lodge boasts restaurants, a swimming pool, tennis courts, an indoor hot tub, as well as hikes to beautiful vantage points.
Many of the homes built in the area were created by notable architects for their Hollywood clients. In the early years of development, many of the designs were required to take after the French Norman or English Tudor style. Some famous former residents included Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Temple, and Doris Day.
For some shopping and dining options there is the quaint Lake Arrowhead Village The buildings were designed in the Norman style and the effect is one of a Swiss mountain town. This commercial center hosts gatherings and events for every season, but their Summer Concert Series is the highlight of the year. For some authentic Belgian waffles try the Belgian Waffle Works. The Lakefront Tap Room is a family run eatery that comes with lake views, craft cocktails and beer, alongside a mouth-watering menu.
In keeping with the town's Hollywood past, many films were shot on location here, including parts of the 1961 film The Parent Trap starring Haley Mills. Just like the film stars of the 20's and 30's who sought to escape the smog and noise of Los Angeles, visitors today can unwind beside the beauty of the lake and mountains. A combination of old world Europe and Hollywood glamour, Lake Arrowhead is a one of a kind experience. www.lakearrowhead.com
The Lake
Lavender HAZE
CHATEAU DE VIE IS A LAVENDER HAVEN.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
LLavender is a flower that whips up images of purple rows in Provence, France. You can now add Chandler, Arizona to your list. The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie is founded by Shelly Goodman. The property itself was built in 1984 but looks as though it comes from the Victorian era with its brick facade, Queen Anne style architecture, and spires. The property requires quite a bit of love and its preservation and restoration is at the heart of what Goodman does.
In order to raise funds to protect this charming estate, they settled on growing lavender. It is the only lavender farm in all of Maricopa County and they grow French, Spanish, English, and hybrid varieties. The lavender oversees the lake, while citrus trees border the vast property. Inside their shop are products all made with lavender, citrus, rose, and more grown or produced on site. There are oils, soaps, seasonings, and even lavender infused sodas. There are classes as well including candle making, cookie decorating, and soap making. The farm was opened in Fall of 2023 and you can visit Thursdays through Saturdays
from 9am-3pm. Not only can you walk the grounds and shop for all things lavender, but you can learn about the history and tour the 15,000 square foot mansion. Day and night tours are available to walk you through a maze of lavishly decorated rooms with an incredible eye for detail from the murals to the wood carvings, and even a hidden door or two.
To catch sight of the blooms you can visit sometime in the Spring and Fall, right before harvest. However, there is enough here to visit any time of year for a great day out and a touch of lavender. www.thelavenderfarms.com
This brings moisture which is a breeding ground for those pesky mosquitos. If they bother you, you can image what they do to your pets. Mosquitos are also carriers of Heartworm Disease. This type of weather can also boost the flea and tick populations.
revelvet.com | 480.571.9564 | 24754 S
HEADING
North
FLAGSTAFF OFFERS NATURE AND COOLER TEMPERATURES THIS SUMMER.
If you are looking to escape triple digit heat you may want to consider heading north to Flagstaff for a reprieve. This mountain town has been growing with plenty of antique shops, coffee joints, and places to satisfy most foodies, but its greatest attraction will most likely be the nature on offer. For one, the Flagstaff Arboretum is a delightful walk among the trees with views of majestic mountains and pops of color from a
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Flagstaff arboretum
variety of flowers. The paths to choose from remain fairly flat throughout, so it is easy walking for young children. There are places to pause and take in the beauty and escape the noise of modern life.
While downtown Flagstaff has all the conveniences and amenities you need, you can still seek out a piece of history at the Riordan Mansion or the Museum of Northern Arizona. If the summer season means the ski resorts are out of bounds, think again. Snowbowl Ski Resort has scenic gondola rides all the way to the top where temperatures at 11,500 feet hover in the 60's while Phoenix sizzles in the baking sun.
Not only can you breathe fresh mountain air but enjoy summer tubing, a bungee trampoline, and more. The views of pines and mountainous terrain inspire comparisons to the Alps, with photo opportunities all around you. However, when you do come back down, consider grabbing a bite to eat and a beer at Lumberyard Brewing Co. Their in house brews and burgers, among many other menu items, are just the thing to satisfy your appetite.
“'The views of pines and mountainous terrain inspire comparisons to the Alps...'”
Snowbowl gondola ride.
YOUR PEACE GET LOST
AND FIND
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing,
kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE
JULY 4TH
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Downtown Mesa | 5:00 PM
This family friendly patriotic event is free and includes live music, a car show, fireworks, a stunt show, historical reenactments, beer gardens, and many more fun activities. www.visitmesa.com
Celebrate Independence Day at Schnepf Farms' Hometown 4th, where family fun meets patriotic festivities! Enjoy live music, delicious food, and water attractions culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Join us for an unforgettable 4th of July celebration under the stars! Admission fee in $40/car (includes admission for everyone in car). All American VIP is $125/ www.schnepffarms.com
Zen Life Center for Healing | 12:00 PM
This Junior Yogi Training is for ages 7-11 from 12:00-1:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting from July 8th through July 19th.
Kohler Bathroom Design
Partner with the KOHLER® Signature Store design consultants to find innovative products, colors, materials, and finishes to bring your design dreams to life.
2156 E Williams Field Rd Suite 114 Gilbert, AZ 85295 | 480-400-1008
JULY 12TH
Splash Pad Party
Mansel Carter Oasis Park | 6:00 PM
The Town of Queen Creek invites you to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month! Join us at the Splash Pad for a night of food, music and fun! All ages are welcome. You won't want to miss this! Admission is FREE, nominal charges for food. www.queencreekaz.gov
JULY 16TH
Hot Air Balloon Kids Craft and Movie Night
Queen Creek Library | 5:00 PM
Design your own hot Air Balloon that you can take home with you! Get inspired by also watching the movie Up© while designing your hot air balloon! This program is intended for ages 3-5 years old. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited and Registration is required for all children attending the event. www.queencreekaz.gov
JULY 17TH
'Over the Hump' Mountain Bike Ride
San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6:00 AM
A two hour ride with some moderate climbs and downhill descents, a few technical areas: advanced-beginner to Intermediate skill level. Our rides are No Drop. Bring mountain or gravel bike, helmet, lights (at least one 700 lumen), hydration and nutrition. Meet in parking lot near flagpole ten-minutes early for a meet and greet. Wheels down at top of hour. www.meetup.com/santan-shredders
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