Issuu

The ‘Explore’ Issue

EFFORTLESS VACATION STYLE

EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD

JEN COHEN SHARES THE 10% TARGET MINDSET

ARTICLES EXPLORING GOLF, TENNIS AND BIRDWATCHING

Dear Explorer and Adventurer

Dear Reader,

“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.” -Jane Austen It is officially summer and living is supposed to be easy. Isn’t this the time of year we dreamt about sitting in our classrooms as youth. The rising mercury can feel a little (or a lot) too much. Despite these challenges, a lovely hot summer can be a special time of year.

To give you a little inspiration through your perspiration we have collected articles to help us get out and explore the beauty of Southern Utah. So grab a cold drink, put your hair up and enjoy exploring this Issue of St. George City Lifestyle.

If Staycations are all your busy summer will permit, “Discovering St. George from the Inside, Out” will excite you to explore Southern Utah. With the help of the AAA Mountain West group you can have a fun filled summer others only dream of.

If you want to learn more about Tennis or just test your knowledge, try the article and quiz created by Taffy Lewis. Alright, my score on the quiz was low, but I enjoyed the review. If you tested well, let us know on our Instagram page @stgeorgecitylifestyle.

I have recently started at Symmetry Pilates and found muscles that I didn’t know that I had. If you like to golf, read the article “The Hidden Reason Golfers Develop Back Pain”. Being informed can save you from injury in the future and help recover from those flare ups.

Enjoy those summer vibes and take a chance to explore the nature and culture of St. George. I will be right there next to you, just not too close. We have to have space for a hint of a breeze to circulate.

See you on the Trails,

RACHEL KIDMAN, EDITOR @STGEORGECITYLIFESTYLE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Joe Morris | joe.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rachel Kidman | rachel.kidman@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Holly Morris | holly.morris@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AAA Mountain West Group, Kali Kasprzyk, Taffy Lewis, Sara Otto, Sheridan St Claire, Courtney Stone Smith, Marshall Zweig, Rachel Kidman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kathy Beckman, Bailey Fillmore, Janie Jones, Rachel Kidman, LDS Media Relations, Joe Morris, Open Sky/ Black Sage, Utah Tech University

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

scene

UTAH TECH

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF

SouthWest Vision Branch in Hurricane Grand Opening

SouthWest Vision celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Hurricane location! The beautiful new office can be found at 85 S. 2600 W., Suite 101, Hurricane. They are also the recipients of the 2026 Best of State awards for Eye Care and Optical Care! "We strive to provide our patients with the most advanced treatments for their eye care needs." - SouthWest Vision

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@Home Best Western

A welcoming, modern atmosphere is the key to @Home Best Western's design with fully equipped kitchens, thoughtful designed spaces and an environment where people can settle in and relax. Committed to excellent service and genuine hospitality, @Home's goal is to make every guest feel comfortable, valued and truly at home. Located at 333 South 1470 East Street reservations can be obtained through bestwestern.com. Come meet Kayson and Diana from their friendly staff.

Swedish Moose Candy Co. Grand Opening

Authentic Swedish candy in Utah, curated by Swedes! Established in 2024 in Provo, woman-owned Swedish Moose Candy Co. has expanded and is now open in St. George, Orem and American Fork. Their mission is simple: to share the joy of authentic Swedish candy with Utah. Their hours are 12-8 pm Monday through Thursday, 12-9 pm Friday and 10 am -9 pm Saturday. Find them at 863 E. St. George Blvd.

Photography by Joe Morris

Photography by Rachel Kidman

Photography by Joe Morris

Discovering St. George from Inside , Out

AAA HELPS YOU PLAN THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN/AROUND ST. GEORGE

As residents of St. George we don’t let the heat slow us down. We still work, play and continue to visit the amazing vistas here and in the surrounding area. Enriching our lives with the artistic culture including various local theater productions, Shakespeare Festival plays, and even movies and concerts in the park. Rugged red rocks and a flourishing vibrant city are hallmarks of the St. George lifestyle. Shedding the identity of a retirement town for an activity-filled, booming cultural hub we love to explore.

Strolling through the streets of historic downtown we enjoy the familiar association with the pioneer heritage, visiting museums, shops and local one-of-a-kind restaurants. Stop by Wood Ash Rye for a flaky biscuit inside a pioneer-esque hotel, or pop-in to one of the many classic shopping spots like Urban Renewal. Delicious dining options and parks are around every corner, blending in with the city’s majestic desert landscape.

Be sure to visit the Kayenta Art Village. You’ll find a cluster of galleries, Navajo pottery, and the beautiful Desert Rose Labyrinth. Catch a show at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, an outdoor amphitheater set against stunning red rock cliffs. Don’t miss Cliffside Restaurant with incredible views of the city and distant red hills. Washington County is home to miles of trails, incredible rock formations carved by time and erosion with unique evidence of the past; including petroglyphs and the historic routes the pioneers took on their trek across the West.

Historic Downtown St. George

Overlooking downtown, Red Hills Desert Garden includes 5-acres of cultivated plant varieties, dinosaur tracks, and an artificial slot canyon. Snow Canyon State Park boasts a breathtaking scene of ancient lava flows, 600 foot high striped monoliths that served as the backdrop for Hollywood’s classic 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane has remarkable sandstone landscapes where people enjoy desert thrills and water sports.

On the outskirts of town, discover Silver Reef, the city’s first microbrewery and restaurant. Venturing a bit further, a fresh morning cup of coffee on the rooftop deck of Deep Creek Coffee Co. in Springdale, or stop by King’s Landing Bistro for a pre-excursion meal before heading into Zion National Park.

Looking for a bigger adventure? Explore the impressive parks of Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. All within the city’s backyard. A perfect outdoor getaway for the whole family or the active explorer.

Planning your trip can be daunting so before kicking off your adventure, let the new AAA St. George Branch serve as your home base for travel resources and services. One of the most trusted organizations nationwide while proudly serving over 6.8 million members, AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with travel, insurance, auto repair, financial and home security services.

We’ll help you save time and money, and worry less about all the little details of planning your trip. Experience all that St. George and Southern Utah have to offer stress-free, with AAA on your side.

Find AAA St. George at 250 Red Cliffs Drive #39, or call us to learn more at 435-652-6920.

Unlock the boundless wonder of Southern Utah by tapping into the vast knowledge of AAA travel experts for personalized advice, recommendations and discounts on local attractions, activities, and hotels.

Jenny's Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

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

STACK THE DECK

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

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.

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.

GOLF’S UNIQUE PAINS

And Why Pilates May Be Your New Secret Weapon on the Course

ARTICLE BY SHERIDAN ST CLAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAILEY FILLMORE

Golf has a perception problem. From the outside, it looks low-impact, relaxed, and leisurely. But the golf swing is actually one of the most rotationally demanding movements in sports. Every swing requires the body to rapidly transfer force through the hips, pelvis, spine, shoulders, and core while

maintaining balance, stability, and precision. Over time, the body keeps score.

Research consistently shows that low back pain is one of the most common injuries among golfers, affecting both professionals and recreational players alike. Studies estimate that anywhere from 25–55% of golfers experience recurring back pain. But they shouldn’t have to. Most golfers assume the solution is simple: stretch more, rest for a few days, maybe buy a massage gun and call it a day. Yet despite constantly trying to “loosen up,” the pain often returns after the next round.

The issue is usually not just tight muscles. It has to do with years of repetitive daily movement patterns. A golf swing creates a huge amount of rotation and happens repeatedly throughout a session. When those areas are stiff or weak, the lower back starts taking on more pressure than it should. Over time, that leads to soreness, reduced mobility, less power, and inconsistent swings.

Modern lifestyles make it even worse. Most people spend hours sitting every day, which tightens the hips, weakens the core, and limits mobility. Then suddenly, the body is expected to rotate explosively for an entire round of golf. And let’s be honest, if simply buying another $700 driver actually fixed your golf game, half the guys at the country club would already be on the PGA Tour.

That is exactly why more men are starting Pilates. They’re done looking for band aid fixes and want something that actually works. For years, Pilates was seen as something mostly women did, but that perception is quickly changing. Professional athletes including golfers, basketball players, football players, and soccer players have quietly used Pilates training for years as their secret weapon. Why? Because they’re finally feeling better, getting stronger, and recovering faster. Now, men all over the globe are starting to realize the same thing.

“Professional athletes including golfers, basketball players, football players, and soccer players have quietly used Pilates training for years as their secret weapon. Why? Because they’re finally feeling better, getting stronger, and recovering faster.”

At Symmetry Pilates, we approach movement differently. Rather than simply giving clients a workout, we focus on teaching your body how to move correctly and efficiently for performance and longevity. Our instructors focus on rotational strength, spinal support, and controlled movement patterns that directly translate to the golf course.

Pilates also helps improve one of the most overlooked parts of golf: the short game. Putting and chipping require far more control than most golfers realize. When the body feels tense, unstable, or locked up, small compensations start showing up in the stroke. Better core stability and body awareness help golfers feel smoother, steadier, and more controlled on the green.

Unlike large fitness classes where members are left guessing their form, Symmetry offers a personalized experience. Our highly trained instructors constantly watch movement quality, correct alignment, and help golfers build strength where they need it most.

Most golfers spend thousands on clubs, lessons, and technology while overlooking the one thing controlling every swing: their body.

If you are tired of feeling stiff after a round, dealing with recurring back pain, or feeling like your body is limiting your game, Pilates is the missing piece.

Your next advantage on the course may be easier to access than you think.

FARM-TOGRILL GRILL

Celebrate the 250 anniversary of America’s independence with a special limited time offer from Mountain States Cattle. th American Wagyu brats and hamburger patties are now available for order through the month of July. All of your barbeque essentials, locally-raised and locally-delivered.

OWN BACKYARD

We live and work where others vacation. But that doesn’t mean we can’t explore the offerings that occupy the itineraries of our area visitors.

Personally, Greater Zion has become a destination for my friends and family from my native Minnesota, but from elsewhere too. And, they keep coming back, not always to see just me. Professionally, working at Open Sky, a luxury camping resort just outside of Zion National Park, I get a firsthand look at the most desirable adventures and must-do experiences of our worldwide vacation destination.

“Visitor feedback” from my house guests and more official feedback from our resort guests has me believing we’ve discovered some explorations that create a pretty wellrounded, intentional, and immersive itinerary.

As a local, there’s no need to build a spreadsheet of minute-by-minute fun, but this array of unique experiences can dot your calendar, be crafted into a day date, or assembled with the whole family or a friend group in mind.

Use any of these tried-and-true experiences to explore this magnificent destination. Make it part of your lifestyle, be refreshed by the new perspective, and soak in all the marvels visitors clamor to embrace.

And, like me, you’re allowed to do these things over and over and enjoy them each and every time. Live life as an explorer.

“WE LIVE IN A RED-ROCK PARADISE, ONE THAT OFFERS CALM AND RELAXATION, AND A CONNECTION TO THE SOUL.”

Comfortable amenities

Shower privately outdoors

GO (LUXURY) CAMPING AT OPEN SKY (PICTURED IN THIS ARTICLE)

This off-the-grid, luxury camping resort gives you the opportunity to feel worlds away without going too far. A Desert Rose Luxury Camp offers air conditioning (and heating), king-size bed with lavish linens, private ensuite bathroom with heated floors, plush bath robes, patio with firepit and lounge chairs, s’mores kits, and more. Other camp types feature stargazing alcoves and hot tubs, beyond the resort amenities. The Experiences Team, who is in touch once you book, can serve as your complimentary concierge, arranging any of the experiences mentioned below, and beyond.

HAVE A CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Slow down, savor, and reconnect through food that tells a story inspired by Southern Utah’s rugged beauty and local bounty. This true farm-to-table restaurant, located up Dalton Wash Road out of Virgin, showcases dishes highlighted by ingredients from local farms and ranches, so the menu changes frequently. Alongside seasonal cuisine is a thoughtfully curated menu of local brews, wines, ciders, and mocktails. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a local (or visitor’s) secret. Reservations needed.

SOAK IN THE HOT SPRINGS

Pro tip: wrap up a day of hiking with a rejuvenating soak at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. More than 50 bodies of water, including natural mineral waters or pools inspired by worldwide bodies of water, offer invigorating relaxation and refreshment. Cold plunges and barrel saunas are also available; food and bar service on-site too.

BE GUIDED FOR A TOUR – HIKING, CLIMBING, CANYONEERING

If you’ve wanted a Zion experience like The Narrows or Angels Landing, but haven’t wanted the hassles of buying or renting the equipment, getting the permits, and even getting to the park, there’s a guide for that. If you’ve wanted to try rock climbing or canyoneering, but don’t have the equipment or expertise, there’s a guide for that. With expert guidance, premium gear, and every detail handled from pickup to dropoff, these journeys can be designed entirely around you and your experience level. No rush. No pressure. Just the sound of the river, the quiet of the canyon, and the freedom to move at your own pace.

TRAVERSE THE UTAH WINE TRAIL

This sometimes takes some convincing, as no one believes Utah produces good wines. But never have my guests been disappointed by the wine-tasting experience, the first-hand encounters with the winemakers, and the grapevine settings of these emerging wineries. As time allows, hit multiple stops along the Utah Wine Trail.

HIKE TAYLOR CREEK TRAIL

This always feels like a little secret, the lesser known side of Zion National Park. The Taylor Creek Trail with its multiple creek crossings and the payoff of a stellar double-arch or the Timber Creek Trail featuring easy hiking and views for days are both fabulous, easy options.

YOGA ON THE ROCKS

We live in a red-rock paradise, one that offers calm and relaxation, and a connection to the soul. Take your yoga routine out of the studio. Immerse yourself in the magic of the desert with Cosmic Flow Yoga, a private and fully customizable yoga and meditation session set against the red rock cliffs of Zion, beneath the sun (or moon and stars). Pair it with a sound bath or stargazing experience. Perfect for couples or even a larger group.

E-BIKE TOURS

Enjoy a little wind in your hair while letting the freedom and fun of an E-bike provide a zero-stress tour of the area’s jaw-dropping beauty. Stop where you want, go places autos can’t, and cover lots of ground. Take an E-bike through Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, or on lesser known routes. Numerous rental companies will outfit you and put you close to your intended path.

“AND, LIKE ME, YOU’RE ALLOWED TO DO THESE THINGS OVER AND OVER AND ENJOY THEM EACH AND EVERY TIME. LIVE LIFE AS AN EXPLORER.”

EMBRACE OUR DARK SKIES ON A STARGAZING TOUR

These guided adventures by several local companies take you beyond this Earth. One offers a guided walk through a to-scale solar system to the “sun,” where you’ll lay back and watch the night sky above. The knowledgeable guides walk you through what you’re seeing above, direct you to the discoveries of their high-tech telescopes, and capture you and your crew in an epic photo with the night sky background. My too-cool 13-year-old nephew said “I’ll never look at the sky the same again.” Neither will I, buddy.

VENTURE OFF-ROAD

You don’t have to be a motorhead to embrace the adrenaline of cruising the red sand of Sand Mountain. Even if you’ve never driven an offroad vehicle, a guided adventure can put you in the driver’s seat of a four-wheeler or side-by-side for a sunset tour (my favorite) or another expedition. The experienced guides bring you all the equipment, instruct you on the operation of your temporary toy, and take you through this Mars-like playground of ours.

Don’t let this be the end of your list. Find your own adventures, craft your own itineraries, and love this place that you live in that begs to be explored.

Sleep under the stars in comfort

TENNIS

Through The Ages TENNIS

Brief History and an Etiquette Quiz to test your knowledge

Contributor Taffy Lewis

Did you know that the first tennis ball was stuffed with feathers and wrapped in animal and human hair? Around the 12th century, France was playing a form of handball called "jeu de paume," or "game of the palm," which later allowed the option of playing with a bat or paddle. France is also credited (or discredited) with inventing the scoring system, including the score of "deuce" from the French translation "deux," "advantage" from "avant," and "love" from "l'oeuf." Known as the "sport of kings," King Charles V set up a court in his Louvre Palace and, across the pond in England, Henry VIII's tennis game was once rudely interrupted when receiving confirmation that his wife, Anne Boleyn, had been successfully beheaded.

Tennis evolved from playing against outdoor walls to playing indoors, and, at one point in time, it had evolved into hitting over nets five feet high. In 1874, a Welsh Major in the British Army, Sir Walter Clopton Wingfield, ambitiously patented the rules and equipment of "lawn" tennis, and they have withstood the test of time quite well. It was only in the 1980's that wooden racquets changed to lightweight, more powerful racquets made of graphite, titanium, carbon, or steel. White tennis balls didn't change to optic yellow, for better visibility, until the 1990's.

The first Wimbledon tournament was held in 1877, with the hourglass shaped tennis court being changed to rectangular. Several years later, women were competing at Wimbledon in their long dresses, corsets and hats, and Wimbledon's requirement for all players to wear white continues to this day.

Tennis came to America in 1873 when the vacationing New Yorker, Mary Ewing Outerbridge, saw tennis being played in Bermuda by some British Army friends of Sir Windfield. Determined to carry a net, racquets, and balls home, despite U.S. Customs confiscating the "contraband" at first, she finally succeeded and laid out the first U.S. tennis court at her cricket club on Staten Island. The first U.S. Open tournament was held four years after the first Wimbledon, in 1881, in Newport, Rhode Island, at what is now the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, which still annually hosts the only "grass" professional tournament held in North America.

By 1900, clay court surfaces were introduced, followed by hardwood flooring, and then by "hard" courts that started as cement or asphalt.

TENNIS QUIZ

Tennis has always been a game played politely. Starting with the royals and gentry of England and France, tennis is steeped in a history of manners and etiquette. "Politesse," coupled with the knowledge of the rules of tennis, will keep players calling you back for another game. The following is an opportunity to assess your knowledge of some unusual rules and important etiquette:

1. Can your shot be good if the ball touches part of your body?

a. No.

b. Yes, if it touches your finger(s).

c. Yes, if it touches any part of your hand.

2. When spinning a racquet or flipping a coin at the beginning of a match, how many choices has the winner of the spin?

a. Two: the choice to serve or receive first and the choice of preference as to which side to start the match.

b. Three: the choice to serve or receive first, choice of preferred sides to begin the match, and the choice to defer to the opponent to choose from the choices above.

Vintage photo of a female tennis player

3. Do you win a point if you hit a ball that goes around the net post, not over the net, and lands fair on the opponent's side?

a. Yes.

b. Yes, if the ball is hit at least as high as the net's height.

c. No.

4. May you reach over the net to hit a ball if you do not touch the net with your body or clothing?

a. No.

b. Yes.

c. Yes, but only if the ball has gone over the net to your side first.

5. In doubles, what happens if the served ball touches the net and then, before the bounce, hits the receiver's partner who's standing outside the proper service court?

a. The serving side wins the point.

b. The receiving side wins the point.

c. It is a "let," so the server repeats the serve.

6. In doubles, during a point, when may a player say something to his/her partner?

a. Never.

b. Only after the opponent hits a ball.

c. Anytime.

7. If there's uncertainty about a ball landing fair or out, may either side make the call?

a. No, only the side receiving the ball.

b. Yes.

c. Whoever had the best view.

8. Under what circumstances is the server allowed to repeat a faulted first serve (there may or may not be more than one correct answer)?

a. A ball from another court enters your court between serves.

b. The receiver needs to re-tie a shoe between serves.

c. A bird nearby starts squawking between serves.

d. The receiver calls "out" and hits the faulted first serve softly into the net, but because it rolls back from the net, needs to clear the ball before the second serve.

e. The server needs to re-tie a shoe between serves.

"Having grown up socially struggling herself, Taffy Lewis loves to build self confidence in girls ages 5--18 through her free, private tennis and pickleball lessons. Change fears to smiles!" Call or text Taffy: 858 722-7258, or email: taffy@sbcglobal.net Retired Tennis Teaching Professional, Master's in Counseling"

Vintage tennis ball and raquette

Early tennis players in Italy

Antique photo of tennis players

Birdwatching Made Simple

EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.

START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP

If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”

Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.

Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS

Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”

Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”

Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.

KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY

Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.

To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.

Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.

WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS

Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.

For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.

TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR

YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.

Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:

1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET

A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offers effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.

2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE

A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.

3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL

Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.

4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE

Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.

5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.

6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL

A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.

7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE

Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.

8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY

A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).

JULY 4TH

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

4th of July Celebration featuring Russell Dickerson

Greater Zion Stadium - 700 E. & 500 S. - St. George | 5:30 PM

Sincere, endearing, energetic, and always smiling: All words used to describe multi-instrumentalist, and successful songwriter, emerging country music star and Nashville native, Russell Dickerson, by his fans and peers alike. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the fans. I want them to leave my shows feeling changed. I live to make them smile.”

JULY 4TH

Red Rock Blue Sky Benefit Concert featuring Luke Grimes

O. C. Tanner Amphitheater - 144 Lion Blvd. - Springdale | 8:00 PM

The Zion Forever Project will host its inaugural Red Rock Blue Sky Zion National Park Benefit Concert headlined by country artist and Yellowstone star Luke Grimes, with opening act, Eli Shay and the Slouchers, the event will bring live music to one of Southern Utah’s most iconic settings in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. (435) 652-7994

JULY 4TH

2026 Uncle Sam 4k

Washington County School District Parking Lot - 121 Tabernacle St. - St. George | 6:30 AM

Start your 4th of July Celebration early with the Uncle Sam 4k! This fun 4k will take runners through the streets of Historic Downtown St. George, starting and ending in the Town Square Parking Lot. After the race, be sure to stick around for the City of St. George 4th of July Celebration and parade!