SW Denton County, TX July 2026 by City Lifestyle

Savor the Summer Memories

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

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

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

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

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

At the end of the day, our families will not remember every gift we bought them. They will remember the stories. They will remember getting lost on vacation, laughing until they cried, and singing badly in the car with the windows down.

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

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

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Britt Barber | britt.barber@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Valerie Merrick, Deborah Dove

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Savanna Romano, Macy Alex Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Olivia Barr, Catherine Reese, Kali Kasprzyk, Kim Costa

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Oliva Barr, Catherine Reese, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

brought together luxury, Western charm, and real estate industry insight for a memorable day at Trio Texas Ranch in

Real Estate on May 6th, the event combined exotic cars, fine bourbon, and the unique backdrop of the ranch property for an elevated and engaging experience.

1-7: Boots, Bourbon & Bugattis

Sanger, Texas. Hosted

Christi Beca

NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH

Some journeys begin with a destination in mind. Others begin with a heartbeat—or the terrifying absence of one.

ARTICLE COURTESY OF CARDIAC CRUSADE PHOTOGRAPHY BY

GREG COON

In 2018, Julie Coon was volunteering for the drill team at Plano Senior High School when her heart suddenly stopped. Without warning, she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). What saved her life wasn't luck alone. It was the swift, heroic actions of bystanders who called 911, started CPR, and retrieved a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED) within two minutes. That device shocked her heart back to life. For Julie's family, that day changed everything. Not just because she survived, but because of what her survival revealed about a critical, life-or-death gap hiding in plain sight across America.

"I am here today because someone knew where the AED was and didn't hesitate to use it," said Julie. "But for too many families, the story ends differently because an AED was hidden in a back office or unknown to the 911 dispatcher. We are fighting to change that."

The Mission That Became Cardiac Crusade

Julie and her husband Greg, rooted in Plano, founded Cardiac Crusade, the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission as urgent as it is clear: make every AED visible, accessible, and actionable. The problem they discovered was startling. Thousands of life-saving AED devices sit "hidden in plain sight" inside schools, gyms, and businesses, their locations unknown to 911 dispatchers and the public when emergencies strike.

Nationally, few out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive. But in communities where AEDs are mapped and accessible, survival rates can soar. That gap between those two numbers represents thousands of lives that could be saved every year.

Anyone Can Map AEDs

The solution Cardiac Crusade is charting is powerful. Phase 1 mobilizes an army of volunteers to physically locate, verify, and map AED devices into a national database that EMS dispatchers can access at no cost. When someone calls 911 and says, "Someone collapsed and isn’t breathing," a dispatcher can immediately respond. For example: "There is an AED 50 feet away at the gym, behind the reception desk." Phase 2 aims to get those locations natively searchable on Google and Apple Maps, making life-saving information as easy to find as a nearby restaurant.

Greg and Julie are already in active conversations with those global mapping companies to make that vision a reality.

Successes So Far

The map they're drawing is already saving lives. Cardiac Crusade volunteers have verified over 12,000 AEDs nationwide, a number that statistically saves 18 lives every single year. Partnering with Google, 7.5 million emails were sent to U.S. businesses, resulting in 4,000+ new AED registrations. Campaigns in Buffalo, New York, and Massachusetts have already mapped more than 2,700 AEDs.

Cardiac Crusade is also collaborating with communities across the country to achieve HEARTSafe designations—a recognized standard ensuring communities are truly prepared when cardiac emergencies strike.

The journey that began on a school campus in Plano has now traveled far. But it's far from over, with countless thousands of AEDs that still need to be mapped.

To donate, watch Julie's TED Talk, or to help map AEDs and save lives in your community, visit cardiaccrusade.org.

A LIFE BUILT ON EXPLORING

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

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE REESE

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

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

In the end, what matters most becomes very simple.

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

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

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

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

It led me to build a life centered around exploring. Beauty can be found from mountains and oceans to quiet backroads close to home. When I started

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

Photography has been part of my life for over 30 years. This season gave it deeper meaning. It became a way of exploring more intentionally. Slowing down. Making time. Capturing beauty others might pass by.

I’ve become more purposeful with my time, choosing experiences over busyness and presence over pressure. I say yes to the things that bring me joy. Sometimes that looks like traveling somewhere new, and other times it’s as simple as stepping outside, going on a hike, or watching the sunset.

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

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

You don’t have to travel far to begin living this way. Exploring isn’t reserved for big trips. It’s available to all of us, right where we are.

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

When you begin to live with that kind of awareness, something shifts. Life slows down. It feels richer, more meaningful, and more connected. You don’t have to wait for someday or for everything to line up perfectly. Start where you are. There’s so much to explore. Exploring doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.

Today is the perfect day to start exploring this big, beautiful world. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Go somewhere you’ve never been. I hope to see you out on the trail someday. You’ll find me with my camera in hand and my dog by my side. Your next adventure may be closer than you think.

Explore more at CatherineReese.com.

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

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.

REDISCOVERING San Antonio

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

ARTICLE

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGI BURNS

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

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

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

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

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

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

The DoSeum

The Witte Museum

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

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

San Antonio Zoo Japanese Tea Garden

Box St. All Day Brunch

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

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

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

One of our absolute favorite finds was Box St. All Day Brunch. Everything about it was exactly what you want in a brunch spot. The atmosphere was bright, stylish, and energetic without feeling overdone. Between the modern decor and beautiful presentation, it had that perfect brunch aesthetic people are always searching for. The pancakes were larger than the plate, the brunch cocktails and mimosas were fantastic, and the hospitality was impeccable. It quickly became one of those places we immediately started recommending to friends.

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

If you are looking for an easy weekend getaway with something for every age and interest, San Antonio truly delivers. Spend the weekend exploring the city, trying new experiences, and making memories together. Whether it is your first visit or your fifteenth, there is always something new waiting to be discovered.

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

• San Antonio Zoo

3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

• The Witte Museum

3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

• The DoSeum 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

• GO RIO River Cruises

809 E. River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205

• Japanese Tea Garden

3853 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

• Box St. All Day Brunch 623 Hemisfair Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit San Antonio CityPASS at citypass.com/san-antonio.

GO RIO River Cruises

Camp Around DFW

Four Campgrounds Around DFW Provide the Perfect Outdoor Getaway

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACY ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY

From lakeside campsites to wooded parks tucked just outside the city, Dallas-Fort Worth families don’t have to travel far to find a memorable outdoor escape. Across North Texas, local campsites offer the perfect mix of adventure and convenience—whether

Glen Rose, Texas Dinosaur Valley State Park

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

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Pilot Point, Texas

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

Photo courtesy of Deborah Dove

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

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

Eisenhower State Park

Denison,

Texas

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

Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill, Texas

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

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

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KIM CROISANT

TRAVELING TEXAS'S Small Towns

LOCAL AUTHOR'S NEW RELEASE, SMALL TOWN TEXAS, EXPLORES THE LEGENDS, LORE, ATTRACTIONS, AND CHARM OF FIFTY SMALL TEXAS TOWNS

Bluebonnets. Texas Longhorns. Cowboy boots. These are the images people instantly associate with Texas. Texas also brings to mind the state’s big-city attractions: the Texas Capitol in Austin, the Alamo in San Antonio, the Space Center in Houston, and the Fort Worth Stockyards and iconic Dallas skyline in DFW. But it’s the hundreds of small towns in between—the courthouse squares, roadside cafés, hidden dance halls, and backroads steeped in history—that truly capture the heart and soul of Texas and its culture, history, and people. It’s these small Texas towns that local author and Texas native Kim Byars Croisant explores in her book, Small Town Texas, available October 1, 2026.

Whether you’re a native Texan or a recent transplant, Kim’s book is an invitation to embark on a new adventure and explore what the Lone Star State has to offer.

From Alpine, the gateway to Big Bend National Park and the McDonald Observatory, to Round Top, the epicenter of the Texas antiques world, to everything in between, Small Town Texas is the definitive guide to traveling Texas, packaged in a beautiful, colorful, soft-bound coffee table book. Or a porch side book, as Kim calls it, perfect for travelers who enjoy a slower pace of life, authenticity, and meaningful local experiences.

Although some readers may plan a stop or two at one of these small towns along the way to somewhere else, as Kim says, “If you adore the historic downtown squares, the boutiques, the tea shops, and the history, you’ll go straight to the small towns.”

Organized alphabetically, each entry features a two or four-page spread, the town’s founding story, local legends, attractions, lore, and special events. To qualify, towns must have a population of less than 10,000 people and be rich with history and charm. Many host unique events, like Blanco’s Lavender Festival.

Most of the towns Kim had been to before writing the book. A longtime traveler, Kim has written for online travel magazines and owned My Traveling Roads, a website chronicling her travels, before buying texastraveltalk.com three and a half years ago. Her passion centers on small towns, scenic backroads, and bucket-list-worthy destinations that invite families to explore, connect, and make lasting memories. In fact, it was her Texas Travel Talk website that prompted Reedy Press, the publisher of Small Town Texas, to encourage Kim to write the book since she specializes in small towns.

Other towns she visited for the sole purpose of writing the book. Her favorite of the fifty? “Dripping Springs,” she says without hesitation. “I love the openness, the smell, the nature trails, the wineries…”

Whether you’re a native Texan or a recent transplant, Kim’s book is an invitation to embark on a new adventure and explore what the Lone Star State has to offer. Whether well-known or a hidden gem, each one has helped shape the soul of Texas. So dive into the book, pick a town or two for a day trip or long weekend, and set out to experience the wonder and charm of small-town Texas.

To learn more, visit texastraveltalk.com.

So go ahead—light the grill, watch the fireworks, and soak in the moments that matter. We’ve got the books handled. At By The Books, we help small business owners reclaim their time by handling the financial back end—accurately, professionally, and stress-free.

Virtual Bookkeepers Based In Arlington, TX 682.220.9288 | ByTheBooks.Biz | Info@ByTheBooks.biz

Family Review

My grandmother has been a resident at Teresa's House for about 2 months now. They are kind, attentive and informative. We have had some special circumstances with my grandmother, and they have worked with us and been so patient. Grandma LOVES her new home and her new neighbors. Thank you, Teresa's House, for allowing my grandmother to navigate her new diagnoses with dignity.

Jennifer M.

One Summer, Countless Memories

An Interview With Linda Paulk, CEO of Sky Ranch Camps

I recently sat down with Linda Paulk, CEO of Sky Ranch Camps, to talk about the impact and lasting value of summer camp experiences for kids and families. Here are a few highlights from our podcast conversation.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH SKY RANCH, WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

We are 71 years of a mission of leading youth and families to know and follow Christ. We do that through programming, activities, and providing opportunities for people to have the best time of their lives, and while they're doing that, to learn and grow in their faith.

WHEN A CAMPER COMES, WHAT CAN THE KIDS EXPECT FROM SUN UP TO LIGHTS OUT?

Well, the kids can expect to wake up and have a great breakfast, and we have all kinds of activities from the blob to the crazy pool. They love to play kickball, the triple swing, the ropes courses, the zip lines... Everything we do is very intentional. We practice intentional teachings as they're going to activities, and then of course, we have structured Bible studies. They're being introduced to God and who God is. They can just expect to have a the a time of their life.

ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SKY RANCH CHRISTIAN CAMPS

BESIDES JUST HAVING FUN AT SUMMER CAMP, WHAT KIND OF TRANSFORMATIONS HAVE YOU SEEN IN THESE KIDS OVER THE YEARS?

Our goal is to build resilience in kids and help equip these kids for life's challenges. We see kids who've had no independence at all who'll come to camp all anxious and maybe the first two days don't even do an activity because they're so anxious and so fearful about it. Through coaching and just being away from home and unplugged, they open up. They build confidence and accomplish overcoming some of these fears. You don't even recognize the person.

WHY DO YOU THINK THESE EXPERIENCES ARE SO IMPORTANT NOWADAYS?

We feel very, very strongly that's it’s more important than ever before to get kids unplugged from technology, unplugged from

the day-to-day life and the stresses that they're experiencing in life and just get out into nature. There's a disconnect with nature today. There's a disconnect with real relationships. You know, there's a screen addiction that is really doing a lot of damage to not just our kids but our families, all of us. And they need to get unplugged and into God's creation… and being still. We don't get to do that anymore, and things are changing so quickly nowadays.

WHY SHOULD FAMILIES MAKE SKY RANCH A TRADITION IN THEIR HOMES?

Because of what's taking place in our world and in our children today. It takes a village. It truly does. You've heard that expression forever, but it takes a village today. It starts in the home, but there are kids that don't have it in their home. But their parents will send them to camp with a friend and their life's transformed. And guess what happens? They come back home and their whole family is transformed as a result of it. We're talking about impacting the next generation. This is our future. And if our kids are not growing up with strong values, strong morals, we'll continue to see the erosion of the moral fabric of our families and of our kids today. They need camp now more than ever before. There's power in what takes place in camp.

To hear my full interview with Linda, check out City Lifestyle with Angi Burns on YouTube.

First Responder of the Month

Fire Chief James Longbrake Keeps our Community Safe

First responder, veteran, or overall good human? It’s hard to determine exactly what category best fits Fire Chief James Longbrake. After all, he’s served his country as a member of the Air Force, he’s served his community in various EMS and firefighting roles, and he continues to make an impact every day in the lives of those he helps. And yet, he wasn’t one of those kids who grew up wanting to be a firefighter. Instead, he spent his early years studying computer science. But thanks to a chance encounter in his early twenties, his life course was altered forever.

James and his wife, Barbi, had recently bought their first home in Ponder back in the early 2000s, and his neighbor, Scott, walked over to welcome them to the neighborhood. Scott asked James if he would consider joining the local volunteer fire department, and within a few weeks, James was hooked. It wasn’t just the excitement of firefighting that appealed to James.

He recalls, “I joined because I had a desire to give back to my community. So this was an opportunity for me to do just that.”

Over his two decades as a first responder, James has served multiple communities. From his early days as a paramedic for both Justin and Ponder, to his days as the captain of Grapevine’s fire department, to now serving as Chief for Ponder’s volunteer fire department, each role has been an opportunity for James to help those around him. The biggest lesson he's learned from all of this? Perspective.

“As a first responder you see plenty of terrible things, and it reminds you that there is plenty to be thankful for. I try to take that gratitude mindset and apply it personally with my family.”

Know a great first responder who should be featured? Email the Editorial Coordinator at Valerie.Merrick@CityLifestyle.com to nominate them.

ARTICLE BY OLIVIA BARR

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OLIVIA BARR

HOME IS Where YOU ARE

Treating Places Like Home, Even When Traveling

There’s a moment that happens when you travel enough—not when you arrive, but when you slow down. When you stop seeing a destination as a backdrop and begin noticing how it functions. How people live. How they move through their days. How your presence fits into their world.

That’s when travel shifts from consumption to consideration.

The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.

A Simple Question That Changed How I Travel

On a recent trip to the Caribbean, I found myself doing what many American travelers do without thinking twice: paying in U.S. dollars. The USD is widely accepted across many islands and often preferred because of its strength. It feels easy. Familiar. Efficient.

But one afternoon, I asked my taxi driver a question I had never asked before: “Do you prefer being paid in U.S. dollars or local currency?”

He paused before answering, and what he shared stayed with me. While U.S. dollars are accepted, they aren’t always preferred. When locals receive USD, they often have to step away from work to exchange it into local currency. That means travel time, long lines, and exchange-rate fees that quietly reduce their earnings. What felt like convenience for me created extra labor for him.

That small exchange reshaped how I think about financial support while traveling. Supporting a destination isn’t just about spending money; it’s about how that money circulates. Using local currency keeps funds moving immediately within the community, respects people’s time, and preserves value where it matters most.

Sometimes, being a thoughtful traveler starts with asking better questions.

Cultural Awareness Is More Than Courtesy

Respect for a destination also means understanding its rules, customs, and history, especially when they differ from home.

In several Caribbean countries, for example, civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing. This isn’t a fashion preference; it’s rooted in respect for the military and national security. Travelers unaware of this law can face fines or confiscation, but more importantly, they risk unintentionally signaling disregard for local norms.

Taking time to understand local etiquette—whether related to dress, public behavior, or photography—signals: I value where I am, and I took the time to learn.

Supporting the Places That Welcome Us

Where travelers choose to stay has a lasting impact, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.

Many locally owned boutique hotels across the Caribbean function as more than accommodations; they serve as cultural gathering spaces. On one visit, I noticed original artwork displayed throughout a hotel’s lobby. Each piece was created by a local artist, accompanied by a description of the artist’s background and the story behind the work. I later learned that the hotel rotates these collections every six months, offering multiple artists a platform for visibility, income, and connection with travelers. Many of the pieces are even available for purchase, allowing guests to take home something far more meaningful than the typical souvenir.

These thoughtful details reflect a deeper commitment to community, one that goes beyond aesthetics and into economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

“The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.”

I’ve also experienced properties where the hotel itself isn’t a barrier but an invitation. In these spaces, locals and visitors gather naturally—to listen to live music, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company. The energy feels different. Less transactional. More communal.

While some larger brands, by design, separate guests from the surrounding community, many boutique properties intentionally blur that line. They create environments where connection is encouraged and culture is lived, not staged.

Choosing to stay in places like these doesn’t just support tourism; it supports artists, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs whose work gives the destination its soul. And for travelers, it offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to feel genuinely welcomed, not just accommodated.

Respecting What Lies Beneath the Surface

Respect for a place also extends below the surface, sometimes quite literally.

Through partnerships and conversations with local experts in Barbados, I’ve learned about the devastating effects of stony coral tissue loss disease, a fast-spreading marine illness threatening Caribbean coral reefs. To many visitors, reefs are simply beautiful backdrops for snorkeling or boat excursions. For island communities, they are living ecosystems that protect shorelines, support fisheries, and sustain tourism itself.

Hearing directly from local marine professionals shifted how I approach oceanbased experiences, and how I educate travelers. Something as routine as sunscreen choice can have long-term consequences. Certain chemical sunscreens accelerate reef damage, while reef-safe alternatives help reduce harm. Even excursion choices matter, as eco-conscious operators follow practices designed to protect marine life rather than disrupt it.

When travelers understand what’s at stake, their behavior changes. Awareness leads to intention. And intention leads to preservation.

Sustainable travel isn’t about limitation. It’s about responsibility. It’s recognizing that these environments are not attractions. They are homes, livelihoods, and legacies.

Treating Places Like Home

The idea of “home” doesn’t disappear when we travel. If anything, it becomes more important.

“Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.”

Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.

It’s choosing local vendors. Understanding laws before arrival. Recognizing that what feels small to a visitor may carry weight for a resident.

True luxury isn’t excess. It’s care.

Leaving Changed, and Leaving Something Good Behind

Island destinations give generously— through culture, beauty, music, and warmth. Traveling well means responding with equal consideration.

When we treat places like home, travel becomes less about escape and more about exchange. We return not only with memories, but with perspective and a deeper appreciation for how interconnected we truly are.

And that, perhaps, is the most meaningful souvenir of all.

Olivia Barr is the founder of Caribbean Island Festivals, a boutique travel concierge that curates immersive Caribbean experiences rooted in culture, community, and connection. To learn more visit www. caribbeanislandfestivals.com.

JULY 4TH

Denton Goes Red, White, and Festive

Denton Square: 110 W Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201 | 9:00 AM

America's 250th calls for a proper celebration, and Denton is showing up in style. The Yankee Doodle Parade winds through the heart of the historic Denton Square in the morning, with a festive, community-wide display of patriotic pride. Grab your best red, white, and blue and find your spot. For details, visit www.DiscoverDenton.com.

JULY 4TH

Country, Cold Drinks, and Texas Heart

The Bartonville Store: 96 McMakin Rd., Bartonville, TX 76226 | 3:00 PM

Mattie Rose brings a full-band hometown concert packed with live country music, Texas energy, and featured guests Jordan Harazin, Brett Penington, and Cole Tolle. It's loud, it's fun, and it's exactly how a Texas Fourth of July should feel. For details, visit www.TheBartonvilleStore.com.

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JULY 11TH

Get Your Hands in the Clay

Wildflower Art Studio: 715 N Locust St., Denton, TX 76201 | 3:00 PM

This beginner-friendly, two-hour workshop walks you through hand-building techniques as you create and glaze your very own slabbuilt pitcher—all supplies, snacks, and coffee included. A take-home kit is available for those ready to keep creating. Finished pieces are kiln-fired and ready for pickup within weeks. For details, visit www.WildflowerArtStudio.ne.

JULY 17TH

The Dance Floor Does Not Stop Here

Marty B's: 2664 FM 407, Bartonville, TX 76226 | 7:00 PM

Downtown Fever brings the full production—lighting, choreography, multiple lead vocalists, and a song list spanning Frank Sinatra to today's biggest hits. Built from the legacy of the legendary Emerald City Band, this high-energy group knows exactly how to keep a crowd moving all night long. For booking and details, visit www.MartyBsPlace.com.

JULY 31ST

Classic Rock Energy, Decades in the Making

Marty B's: 2664 FM 407, Bartonville, TX 76226 | 7:00 PM

Since 1989, Incognito has built a fiercely loyal Metroplex following on the strength of powerful performances and a setlist that spans classic rock favorites to modern dance hits. Founding members Kevin Davis and Jeff Gilpin know how to fill a room and keep it on its feet. For show dates and details, visit www.MartyBsPlace.com.