CO- FOUNDERS ANGELO ELIADES AND STEVE COPPOLILLO CELEBRATE ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE'S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Local Fellas making Southlake Fabulous!
Have you ever paused to think about the impact fathers have on those that surround them? The role of a father is immeasurable. Fathers shape homes, nurture growth, and provide the foun dation upon which children can thrive. And as a dad, the level of impact you choose to have is entirely in your hands. A father’s gifts are unique and lasting—his strength, his words, his guidance— all create an impact that ripples through generations.
This month, let’s celebrate fathers everywhere. If you have a father or father figure in your life, let them know how much they matter to you. And if you are a dad, thank you. You are an invaluable part of your family, your community, and the world.
I look forward to spending Father's Day with my beautiful daughter Ava. Being a father to Ava is a role of a lifetime for me and I cherish it. I have enjoyed intro ducing Ava to the wonderful Southlake community and she has had a fabulous time meeting the partners of this publication at parties, grand openings, and at different city functions like the yearly Valentine's Day dance at The Marc.
It has come time for me to put more energy into the additional businesses that I am a part of, and I know this will take away from my involvement in the maga zine. To be fair to all, since I am unable to devote a sufficient amount of energy to the magazine at the capacity required for a quality publication, I have decided to relinquish my role as publisher of Southlake City Lifestyle effective April 24th. A fantastic Southlake resident, James Jackson, is taking over the role as Publisher of Southlake City Lifestyle. We are confident that James will be a wonderful pub lisher and a great fit for the publication having lived and worked in Southlake for many years with his family firmly rooted in the community as Southlake Dragons in the local schools.
In closing, we would like to say thank you, Southlake, for sharing your lives, time, community, and love with us over the last few years, it has been a blast! We know you are in good hands with James, he is looking forward to meeting everyone out in the community. Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers out there, we look forward to seeing everyone out and about the town celebrating the dads!
JON CALVIN @SOUTHLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
James Jackson | James.Jackson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Farris | samantha.farris@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Jay Grisham
INTERN
MaKayla Allen
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angelo Eliades, Samantha Farris
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Compton, Samantha Farris
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-3: Families celebrated Southlake’s 70th anniversary at the Fire and Police Open House, connecting with first responders through demonstrations, equipment, and hands-on safety activities. 4: Southlake Police and Fire led the Special Olympics parade at Carroll Middle School, celebrating athletes’ determination, resilience, and inspiring community support. 5-7: Southlake Police joined regional agencies for the Torch Run, carrying the Flame of Hope and raising over $100,000 for Special Olympics Texas. Photography by Southlake DPS
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Creative Elements
ELEGANT HOME REMODELING
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
2026
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ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES JUNE
$45M Children's Health StarCenter Multisport in Northlake celebrates grand opening
Northlake’s new $45 million, 225,000‑square‑foot Children’s Health StarCenter Multisport features two NHL‑size ice rinks and eight basketball courts con vertible to 16 volleyball courts. Each rink and gym is named after notable local athletes and leaders. The facility will host youth leagues, camps, public skating, and Texas Advantage Volleyball. A two‑story sports bar, Shark Club, is now open. Leaders say the center reflects booming demand for youth sports and will draw families to the growing community.
Pandora now sells jewelry, gifts at Tanger Outlets Fort Worth
Pandora is now open at the Tanger Outlets Fort Worth shopping center! A spokesperson with Tanger Outlets confirmed the jewelry store opened at the end of March. Pandora is known for its personalized charms to attach to brace lets and necklaces. Pandora also sells rings, earrings, lab grown diamonds and a variety of bracelets and necklaces.
Light the Trail, a cycling event, raises mental health awareness
Light the Trail, a suicide‑prevention cycling event created by the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, is shifting to a local one‑day ride at Benbrook Lake on April 11. Founded after the Harris family lost their daughter, the ride encourages open conversations about mental health and reduces stigma. Cyclists often spark meaningful exchanges with strangers, highlighting how many people carry untold stories. The event raises awareness, supports school programs, and invites riders of all levels to participate.
Photography by Community Impact
Photography by Community Impact
Photography by Fort Worth Report
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Fort Worth Jewish couple builds community through Passover Seder tradition
Kal and Karen Silverberg have hosted an open‑door Passover Seder in their Fort Worth home for nearly 40 years, welcoming guests of all backgrounds to share the Exodus story, ask questions, and build community. Their table is filled with family heirlooms and symbolic foods, creating a warm space for connection. Guests describe the evening as meaningful, conversational, and unifying, with everyone leaving feeling full, welcomed, and positively connected to Judaism.
Fire station turned pottery gallery ties Fort Worth neighborhood together
Firehouse Pottery & Gallery, a 1927 former fire station in Fort Worth’s West Meadowbrook neighborhood, has become a community art hub under owner and ceramicist Keith Thomson. Offering intimate pottery lessons, custom pieces, and a gallery of handmade ceramics, the space also partners with a local coffee truck to create a neighborhood “oasis.” Thomson’s patient teaching and decades of experience have turned the Firehouse into a creative anchor and gathering place for the community.
Fort Worth-based Airpower Foundation helps veterans and families overcome hurdles
Marine veteran Karalyn Martin returned home with severe hip injuries and com plex PTSD, leaving her afraid to go outside until a service dog funded by the Airpower Foundation transformed her daily life. The foundation also supported trauma therapy for her and her husband. Now an ambassador, Martin uses her story to encourage other veterans while pursuing advocacy, social work, and community service. The Airpower Foundation continues funding programs that support veterans’ healing and well‑being.
Photography by Fort Worth Report
Photography by Fort Worth Report
Photography by Fort Worth Report
St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development
Building Hope: 5 Visionary Designs for St. Jude
Nick Smith Kensington Homes Founder
Travis Franks & Jody Alumbaugh WillowTree Founders
Jon Atwood Atwood Custom Homes Founder
John Webb Founder Heritage Custom Homes
Paul Moss Founder & Kyle Moss Beckett Graham Luxury Homes Founders
WillowTree
Atwood
Heritage
Kensington
Beckett Graham
ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE
Southlake’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary
ARTICLE BY ANGELO ELIADES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FARRIS
There’s a moment that happens in every great neighborhood restaurant— the moment when you stop feeling like a newcomer and start feeling like you belong. At Rosebud Steakhouse in Southlake, that moment didn’t take long to arrive. Not because of a flashy grand opening or a big city attitude, but because Southlake did what it does best: it showed up, it leaned in, and it made room at the table.
From the very beginning, the reception was warm in the most meaningful way. Guests didn’t just try the new place once and move on. They came back. They brought friends, coworkers, and family. They asked servers’ names and remembered them the next time they walked in. They made recommenda tions with the kind of pride usually reserved for a hometown team.
In a community that values tradition, quality, and connection, Rosebud didn’t have to convince Southlake to care. It simply had to earn it. And night after night, table by table, it continues to do exactly that.
A
YEAR LATER, IT FEELS LIKE IT’S ALWAYS BEEN HERE
That sense of belonging doesn’t happen by accident.
In a place like Southlake, where there is no shortage of strong din ing options, becoming part of the neighborhood is not something you declare. It is something you earn over time through consistency, atten tion to detail, and the way guests feel when they walk through the door.
From day one, the goal at Rosebud Steakhouse has not been to exist solely as a special occasion destination. It has been something more meaningful: a place people can walk into on a Tuesday night, unwind,
and feel completely at home. The kind of place where you are greeted by name, where your preferences are remembered, and where coming back feels natural instead of planned.
Now, as the restaurant reflects on its first year, it is dif ficult to imagine the neighborhood without it. The past twelve months have been filled with first impressions, milestone celebrations, and even ordinary evenings that turned into something worth lingering over.
It has been the kind of year that reminds you what a steakhouse can be when it is done right. Not just in the way the room feels or how service unfolds, but in the con sistency behind it all—the quiet decisions guests may not always see but come to trust.
That includes a commitment to serving prime steaks sourced from Meats by Linz, where quality and consis tency are never left to chance. It is one of many details that ensure whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the experience feels familiar in the best possible way.
Because over time, those details begin to matter differ ently. It is not just about remembering a name. It is about remembering how a guest likes their steak prepared, what they ordered last time, and delivering that same level of care every single visit. CONTINUED
Co-Founders Angelo Eliades and Steve Coppolillo
THE SOUTHLAKE DRAGONS CONNECTION
In Southlake, community pride is not abstract. It is tangi ble. It is Friday nights under stadium lights, the energy of a crowd, and the shared belief that showing up for your team is simply what you do.
That is why sponsoring the Southlake Dragons has meant so much. It is about far more than visibility. It is about par ticipation. It is about being present where the community gathers and celebrates together.
Supporting the Dragons means cheering for the same teams, backing the same students, and contributing to the traditions that define the town. It reflects a shared identity that runs deeper than any single season.
When you sponsor a local team, you are making a simple but meaningful statement: we are here, and we are invested. Rosebud Steakhouse is proud to stand behind the Dragons, not just as a business, but as a neighbor that values what the community values.
REGULARS WHO FEEL LIKE FAMILY
Every restaurant has regulars. But not every restaurant has regulars who become part of its identity.
Over the past year, familiar faces have turned into famil iar stories. There is the couple who always splits a dessert just to taste, even though they never leave a bite behind. The group of friends who come in for a quick dinner and stay for hours, filling the room with conversation and laughter. The business diners who arrive discussing numbers and leave talking about life.
And then there are the guests who walk in alone and leave feeling connected. Because a great steakhouse is not just about food. It is about the atmosphere. It is about creating a space where people feel comfortable, recognized, and genuinely welcomed.
These regulars have become part of the fabric of Rosebud. It shows in the small details—the way staff remembers pref erences, the way guests greet each other, and the way the room feels alive but never overwhelming.
That kind of hospitality cannot be scripted. It is built through consistency, care, and a commitment to doing the small things well again and again.
LADIES’ NIGHT: TUESDAY’S BEST-KEPT TRADITION
If you want to see Southlake at its most effortlessly social, a Tuesday night at Rosebud Steakhouse is the place to be.
Ladies’ Night has quickly become a weekly ritual, equal parts celebration and reset. It is not about extravagance. It is about intention. It is about carving out time in the middle of a busy week to connect, unwind, and enjoy something just a little elevated.
Each Tuesday features drink specials and opportunities to win high end prizes, adding a sense of occasion with out overcomplicating the experience. What makes it work is the atmosphere—relaxed, energetic, and just refined enough to feel special.
Executive Chef, Mario Hernandez
That is the beauty of a true neighborhood restaurant. It does not just serve meals. It creates moments. It gives structure to the week and turns an ordinary evening into something people genuinely look forward to.
ONE YEAR DOWN AND JUST GETTING STARTED
If year one was about earning trust, year two is about building on it.
With the one year anniversary behind them, Rosebud Steakhouse is stepping into its next chapter with focus and momentum. New weekly promotions continue to enhance the experience while staying true to what made the first year meaningful: consistency, quality, and a genuine connection to the community.
Friday Night Lights will carry the energy of game nights for ward, giving guests a place to gather after the final whistle. Wine Down Wednesday offers a midweek reset with thoughtfully priced selections that encourage guests to slow down and stay awhile.
Cowboy Cut Thursdays bring a bold, classic offering to the table with a 22 ounce bone in ribeye designed to satisfy in the way only a true steakhouse can.
Each promotion is not just about the offer itself. It is about creating reasons to return, moments to share, and traditions that become part of everyday life.
WHAT MAKES A NEIGHBORHOOD STEAKHOUSE
It is not just the menu, though that certainly matters.
A true neighborhood steakhouse is about familiarity. It is where you go to celebrate without pressure, but just as
importantly, where you go when there is nothing to celebrate at all.
The best neighborhood spots are not reserved for big nights. They are part of the everyday rhythm. They become the place you default to, not just the place you plan for.
It is where you bring out of town guests and feel proud. It is where you can walk in after a long day and know you will be taken care of.
In Southlake, Rosebud Steakhouse continues to grow into that role by focusing on what matters most: great food, genuine hospi tality, and relationships that deepen over time.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
There is an understanding that comes with being part of a com munity like this. Trust is not given. It is earned.
Southlake has its favorites for a reason. Great restaurants are built on consistency, relationships, and showing up the same way every single night. Rosebud Steakhouse embraces that responsibility fully.
The past year has been built on connection, consistency, and shared experience. The next year is about continuing that momentum, strengthening traditions, and staying true to what made Rosebud feel like home.
Because if the first year proved anything, it is this: Rosebud Steakhouse is not just in Southlake.
It is earning its place within it, night after night.
Co-Founders Angelo Eliades and Steve Coppolillo
ART IN THE SQUARE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FARRIS
Where Art and Community Connect
Each spring, Art in the Square transforms Southlake Town Square into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and philanthropy. This nationally rec ognized fine art festival remains one of North Texas’ most anticipated annual events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors for a weekend filled with art, music, and family friendly experiences.
Produced by the Southlake Women's Club, Art in the Square is more than just an art show. Since its founding in 2000, the event has served as a major fundraiser supporting local charities that benefit women, children, and families throughout Northeast Tarrant County. Over the past two decades, the festival has generated more than $3 million in charitable donations, making it one of the most impactful community events in the region.
At its core, Art in the Square is a juried fine art festival, showcasing the work of more than 150 carefully selected artists from across the country. These artists represent a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Each year, hundreds of applicants compete for a limited number of exhibition spots, ensuring a high level of quality and diversity in the artwork on display.
Beyond the impressive art displays, the fes tival offers a full weekend of entertainment and activities designed for all ages. Two stages Please update: host continuous live perfor mances, featuring local and regional musicians, dancers, and community groups. Visitors also explore a variety of food and beverage options along the festival’s popular bistro walk, cre ating a lively atmosphere that blends culinary experiences with artistic discovery.
Families find plenty to enjoy as well. The event includes dedicated areas for children and teens, with interactive activities, games, and creative experiences tailored to younger attendees. From bounce houses and climbing walls to hands on art opportunities, these spaces ensure that Art in the Square remains a welcoming and engaging event for visitors of all ages.
One of the most appealing aspects of the festival is its accessibility. Admission to Art in the Square is completely free, allowing the community to experience high quality art and entertainment without barriers. While food, beverages, and certain activities require tick ets or purchases, simply attending and explor ing the event is open to everyone.
Over the years, Art in the Square has earned national recognition, consistently ranking among the top juried art festivals in the United States. Its combination of high caliber artwork, community involvement, and chari table impact has helped it stand out as a pre mier cultural event not only in Southlake but across the country.
As the festival continues to grow, its mission remains the same: to celebrate art while giving back to the community. Whether attendees are art enthusiasts, casual visitors, or families looking for a weekend outing, Art in the Square offers a unique opportunity to experience creativity in a lively, welcoming setting. With its blend of artistic excellence and community spirit, it remains a highlight of the Southlake calendar year after year.
Top: Paintings by Holly Glenn Arts
Bottom Left: Elissa Brown with The Freckled Army
Bottom Right: Jewelry by Edmond Bush
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achievedand a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom –because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
ARTICLE BY
SAMANTHA FARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER COMPTON
CLASSICAL Meets ELECTRIC
Violinist James Mahler Brings “Spicy Violin” to Life
James Mahler did not exactly fall in love with the violin right away. In fact, he laughs when he talks about his early years with the instrument, saying it felt more like an obligation than a passion. Today, however, he has transformed that childhood requirement into a bold, genre bending career as a performer known as Spicy Violin, blending classical technique with electronic energy in a way that is turning heads across Texas and beyond.
James began playing violin at just four years old, growing up with a mix of classical training and summer fiddle camps. One of the most pivotal moments in his early journey came when his teacher gave him a wake up call he still remembers clearly. “Either practice two hours a day at least, or I’m dropping you,” the teacher told him. That moment, while intense, marked the beginning of a long and complicated relationship with music that would eventually circle back into something entirely new.
He studied under respected instructors, including Dr. Misha Galaganov at TCU, who helped shape his technical foundation and encouraged him toward solo performance. Still, by his teen age years, James walked away from classical music altogether. The break did not last long.
Everything changed when a friend introduced him to a loop pedal. That simple device sparked curiosity and creativity he had
not felt in years. After experimenting with it for weeks, he saved up his allowance and bought one of his own. That decision would quietly set the stage for his future sound.
A turning point came unexpectedly when a canceled wedding gig left him frustrated and out of money. At just fifteen, he had invested in equipment he was unsure how to use professionally. That is when he tried something new: street performing in Southlake Town Square. With a violin, loop pedal, and borrowed speaker, he played for hours that night. He recalls making about $175 in tips, calling it a huge realization moment because it showed him music could actually become something real and self sustaining.
James credits much of his creative identity to unexpected influences and the biggest among them had to be Dance Dance Revolution. He would sometimes play up to 6 hours a day and since he was homeschooled at the time, his mom used to joke “well he’s getting exercise so I guess DDR will be his PE credit.” What began as a childhood game turned into a gateway to elec tronic music and rhythm driven thinking that now heavily influ ences his musical style.
Today, his music under Spicy Violin blends EDM, pop, and classical violin into instrumental performances built around layered loops and energetic drops. “My music has a lot of stylistic influences,”
he explains, noting that his background in both classical violin and fiddling camps gives him a rare crossover skill set. That combination allows him to move between genres in a way most violinists do not attempt.
His passion for this fusion is clear. “I’m super passionate about sharing my style because as of right now, Lindsey Stirling is the only well known violinist who does violin combined with electronic music,” he says. He sees room for expansion in the genre and hopes to be part of its growth.
One of his most memorable performances took place at the Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells, where he paired his music with a custom light show. Although he had to build the system from scratch, the challenge became part of the reward, helping him expand his vision for future live shows that combine sound, move ment, and visuals.
A standout milestone in his career came when a remix of One Piece music, Binks’ Sake, unexpectedly went viral. Shared by large fan pages, the track eventually sur passed five million streams on Spotify, proving to James that audience connection matters more than anything else.
Looking ahead, James is focused on growth. Through his platform spicyviolin.com and social media under @spicyviolin, he continues to book performances and share new work. He is also sharpening his skills in production, video editing, and live show design.
For James Mahler, the journey is still unfolding. And if his energy is any indication, the next chapter is going to be loud. As he puts it simply, “Get ready. The violin is coming in HOT this time.”
For James Mahler, the journey is still unfolding. And if his energy is any indication, the next chapter is going to be loud.
ARTICLE BY NICCI LAVINE
The bluegrass state of Kentucky with the Appalachian Mountains is indisputably known as the Mecca of bourbon and the location of America’s only Bourbon Trail.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries scattered throughout the regions of Louisville, Western Kentucky, Bardstown, Lexington and North Kentucky.
For bourbon aficionados and road trip lovers alike, the trail promises scenic country drives, historic architecture, and an abundance of restaurants and tasting rooms with some distilleries spanning more than 100 miles apart.
The most popular bourbon distillery locations one might expect to see along the trail are: Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Old Forester, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Bulleit, and Jim Beam.
Within each distillery and on its grounds, bourbon lovers can expect to find a variety of bourbon price points, flavor profiles, distilling and aging techniques, and historical points of interest. Each location offers a variety of tour options: some focusing on the chemistry of bourbon distillation, the art of tasting, the barrel charring process, or the rich (and checkered) history of bourbon’s origins.
A TOUR OF AMERICA'S ONLY BOURBON TRAIL
TOASTING
One constant seems to remain—most Kentucky distilleries cannot broach the topic of their favorite drink without also offering a glimpse of its history. The name “bourbon” hails from the original Bourbon County, which was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785. The county, which belonged to the then-brand-new state of Kentucky, was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon to show gratitude to King Louis XVI for his vital assistance during the American Revolutionary War.
Prior to its exodus from the region, loads of white oak barrels cut from the forests of Arkansas were first branded with the Bourbon County label. The county logo branded on the barrels soon gave way to its shorthand references: Bourbon. The rest is, quite literally, history.
THE
The oldest operational distillery in Kentucky is Maker’s Mark, which began distilling in 1805 and has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared bourbon to be an indigenous product of the United States. This distinction renders bourbon as the official American Spirit. To be recognized as a bourbon, a spirit must meet specific and strict requirements set forth by law. In fact, bourbon distillation marks one of America’s very first examples of a consumer protection law with the establishment of the “Bottled-in-Bond” Act in 1897 (The Bottled-in-Bond designation have bourbon standards which supersede those of single-malt Scotch).
All bourbon starts as what distillers refer to as White Lightning—an uncolored, unaged, and unflavored whiskey. During the distillation process, the liquid must not supersede a proof of 160, and must not supersede a proof of 125 at the time it’s poured into barrels to begin the aging process. All bourbon must be aged in new, charred, white oak barrels for a minimum of two years before it is finally bottled at 80 proof or higher. No other dyes or flavors may be introduced into the distilling or aging process if a bourbon is to retain its namesake.
Even though 95% of bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, bourbon does not need to be distilled in the state to be considered authentic. Most bourbon was historically made in Kentucky due to its geography. The rich source of limestone in Kentucky earth acts as a natural aquifer, purifying the water and removing the more peaty flavors one would find in spirits distilled with earthier water quality, such as Scotch. The varied temperatures, humidity levels, and weather patterns in the Kentucky region cause the white oak barrels to contrast and swell. This unique aging process gives bourbon its signature amber hue as well as its sweet and dynamic flavor.
While the tour itinerary is flexible enough to have many starting points, the official “start” of the trail can be found at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center located at the Frazier Museum on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The destinations along the trail can be planned a number of ways: by distillery, by region, or by organized tour itinerary. Some distillery locations are packed as tightly as an 8-mile radius, with the average tour lasting about 90 minutes.
For those who want to travel off the beaten path, several famous distilleries in the area do not appear on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail list. One of the more famous of these is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, responsible for distilling bourbon of that name as well as the more rare and sought-after bottles of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor. The Buffalo Trace distillery is located on a national landmark and offers free tastings, as well as Ghost tours for those who are interested in a different kind of spirit.
For a complete list of distilleries, tour schedules, tour booking details, and frequently asked questions, visit KYBourbonTrail.com
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
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GETAWAYS
GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
events
JUNE 4TH
“Cabinets & Cocktails” - Grand Opening at the Designery Southlake
525 S. Nolen Dr., Ste 200A, Southlake, TX 76092 | 4:30 PM
Celebrate with us as we introduce The Designery Southlake to the community—an evening of design, inspiration, and connection. En joy cocktails, explore our showroom, and experience firsthand how we design and deliver custom cabinetry and curated spaces—from kitchens and bathrooms to closets and home offices. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or developer, discover how we bring vision to life through a more seamless, thoughtfully guided design process.
JUNE 5TH - 7TH
FoodieLand Food Festival
Texas Motor Speedway
FoodieLand Food Festival returns to Texas Motor Speedway with more than 200 food vendors, live entertainment, artisan markets, games and fam ily friendly attractions throughout the weekend. Guests can enjoy international cuisine, desserts, shopping and interactive experiences during one of North Texas’ largest outdoor food festivals. For tickets, event schedules and additional information, visit FoodieLandnm.com/Fort-Worth
JUNE 5TH
Concerts In The Garden - Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden | 7:30 PM
Concerts In The Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a beloved summer concert series featuring live orchestral performances, tribute shows and themed musical evenings under the stars. Guests can bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy food, drinks and fire works on select nights. For schedules, tickets and additional information, visit FWBG.org
JUNE 5TH
Grapevine Main LIVE!
Peace Plaza in Historic Downtown Grapevine | 7:30 PM
Grapevine Main LIVE! is a free outdoor concert series held at Peace Plaza in Historic Downtown Grapevine featuring live tribute bands, local artists, food from chef inspired kitchens and craft cocktails. Guests can enjoy lively performances under the stars with a festive community atmosphere. For full schedules, lineup details and additional information, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com/Main-LIVE
JUNE 8TH
Lonestar Ladies Gun Club Monthly Meeting
Texas Gun Experience, 1901 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 | 5:30 PM
Lone Star Ladies Gun Club is a great way to meet and get to know other like minded women in the area while learning from each other and Texas Gun Experience’s instructors. We are on this journey of learning about shooting and self protection together. Learn a little, shoot a little, and socialize a little!
JUNE 12TH
2026 Annual Awards Banquet Presented by Fortitude Health Spa
The Westin Southlake, 1200 E State Hwy 114, Southlake, TX 76092 | 5:30 PM
The 2026 Annual Awards Banquet Presented by Fortitude Health Spa brings the community together for an evening celebrating local businesses, leadership and community impact. Guests will enjoy networking, dinner, awards presentations and special recognitions honoring outstanding professionals and organizations throughout the region. For event details, sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, visit SouthlakeChamber.com.
