












































Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better time to get out, explore and make memories that last long past sunset. July is all about fun, freedom and a little bit of adventure—and this issue is packed with all that and more.
Whether you're hopping aboard the brandnew pedal wagon in Hamilton or exploring the growing network of scenic paths offered by Cincitucky Trails, there's fun to be had close to home. Planning something bigger? A road trip to Dollywood offers thrills, charm and a dose of Southern magic just a short drive away.
A few years ago, my family took a road trip to St. Louis and Kansas City, and for the first time ever for this “Type A” planner, we had no schedule. We decided to throw caution to the wind and let the road guide us. Before we left, I joked with my family, “If we see a sign for the world’s largest ball of twine and want to stop, we’ll stop and see it.” Just a few hours into the drive, we spotted a sign for the world’s largest golf tee, and my kids immediately called my bluff. So off the freeway we went, pulling into the small town of Casey, Illinois. To our surprise, that single stop turned into a delightful detour: the town was also home to the world’s largest wind chime and rocking chair. Since then, Casey has added a dozen “world’s largest” objects to its quirky charm. It was a spontaneous moment that reminded me—sometimes the best memories come from the plans you didn’t make.
So grab your shades, charge your phone to take lots of photos and hit the road. Your next favorite memory might be just a short ride away.
Happy exploring,
MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM
PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anglea Broockerd, Mike Burcham, Rob Pasquinucci
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amanda Lippert Photography, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Bonnie Phillips, Twin Spire Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: NFL star Jordan Hicks + guests at his True Strength Foundation’s inaugural Golfing for Awareness event, supporting ability awareness. TrueStrengthAwareness.org 2: Power of the Purse held an expo to meet local nonprofits hoping to receive their $10,000 grant. 3: Liberty Center celebrated six new businesses: Hall Jewelers, Firebirds, Symphony Grill, T-Shirt Place, Waffle Land + Zaanwood Furniture.
Start and end your day in style at the new West Chester coffee and wine bar, Chowdown Cafe. Serving artisan coffee by morning, curated wines by night and light bites throughout the day, it’s your new favorite spot to sip, relax and connect. Join their Social Club for the latest updates and news. Open Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 6:30a.m.-10 p.m. ChowdownCafe. com, 8095 Beckett Center Drive, West Chester
The largest of its kind in the state of Ohio, West Chester Township’s Splash Park at Beckett Park is the newest spot to enjoy some summer fun. The water spot features a tipping bucket, water slides and sprays at varying heights for all ages and abilities with plenty of shaded seating nearby. The free summer experience is open daily through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. WestChesterOH.org/ our-community/west-chester-splash-park, 8545 Beckett Road, West Chester
The City of Fairfield and Travel Butler County are calling all foodies for the Flavors of Fairfield dining program, now in its second year. Explore the diverse global cuisine that Fairfield has to offer with this guide to locally owned international eateries. Check in at participating restaurants before August 10 to earn an insulated foodie tote and a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Jungle Jim’s International Market. Details are available online. TravelButlerCounty.com/ things-to-do/flavors-fairfield
Celebrating 40 Years of Thrills, Music + Mountain Magic at Dolly Parton’s Theme Park
Nestled in the foothills of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is more than just a theme park—it’s a celebration of Southern charm, mountain heritage and the enduring spirit of Dolly Parton. From the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon bread wafting through the air to the rush of wind on each of its ten roller coasters, every corner of the park offers a blend of thrills and genuine hospitality.
Dollywood is strikingly beautiful, with rides and attractions thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, blending with the environment in a truly breathtaking way. The setting offers unique features, such as a 30,000-square-foot outdoor aviary, home to 26 bald eagles. The Wings of America is an educational and engaging live bird of prey show featuring eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures. Dollywood is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dolly Parton’s influence can be felt throughout the park, but especially in the area called “The Dolly Parton Experience.” Here visitors can watch shows celebrating the music of Dolly, hear a performance from some of her relatives, walk through her tour bus and see examples of her most iconic outfits, including dozens of pairs of Dolly’s iconic sky-high heels. This section is much more than a museum, it is an immersive Dolly Parton experience.
Left page—Bottom: Entrance to Wild Eagle winged coaster, one of the most thrilling rides at the park, featuring four inversions.
This page—Top: Big Bear Mountain won the 2023 Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster.
Middle: Dollywood Express takes visitors on a 20-minute, five-mile adventure.
Bottom: Frogs & Fireflies is one of more than a dozen family-friendly rides.
Middle & Bottom photos by Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
“Dollywood is more than just a theme park—it’s a celebration of Southern charm, mountain heritage and the enduring spirit of Dolly Parton.”
Thrill seekers will not be disappointed. With more than 50 rides throughout the park, there is plenty of adventure to be had, including two fan favorites: Wild Eagle and Thunderhead. Wild Eagle was the country’s first wing coaster and features a 135-foot drop on the first hill as it reaches a thrilling speed of 61 mph. Thunderhead is a high-speed wooden coaster considered to be one of the top in the country, twice earning the Golden Ticket Award for Top Wooden Rollercoaster. It weaves through a majestic mountain landscape and even makes a flyby through the loading station.
Dollywood is a place for the whole family to enjoy. The Country Fair and Wildwood Grove sections of the park have a dozen family-friendly rides that are perfect for kids. The entire family can hop on board a steam locomotive on a scenic thirty-minute tour of the property. Big Bear Mountain is a long, smooth coaster with three quick launches that is suitable for younger family members (39 inches and taller), but still fun enough for older adventure-seekers. It even passes under a waterfall!
Throughout the property, visitors can step back in time as they pan for gold, dip a candle, visit the blacksmith or watch glass blowers craft works of art. And if you’re craving authentic Southern food, you’ll find it around every corner. Download the park’s app to pre-order and skip the lines.
Dollywood is open from mid-March through early January and offers a rotating series of festivals and musical acts throughout the year. This summer, visitors can enjoy Dollywood’s 40th anniversary at the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, continuing through August 3.
Whether you're chasing adrenaline or a slice of Appalachian culture, Dollywood delivers a travel experience as heartfelt as the songs that inspired it. Dollywood.com
Smokey Mountain Summer Celebration
June 14-August 3
Enjoy extended summer hours filled with vibrant decor and special entertainment like the Gazillion Bubble Show and a nightly, dazzling fireworks and drone display. Harvest Festival
September 12-October 27
Celebrate fall with thousands of carved pumpkins and lively performances, then watch the Smokies glow each night during the beloved Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Smokey Mountain Christmas
November 1-January 4
Experience a winter wonderland of millions of lights, festive shows, holiday flavors, seasonal shopping and award-winning rides, aglow with seasonal magic.
SATURDAY, JULY 19 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
SUNDAY, JULY 20 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 25 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN
The wait is over! MidPointe Library Liberty opened in June with much excitement and fanfare at its new facility at 6716 Yankee Road in Liberty Township. After enjoying six and a half years at Liberty Center mall, the branch has expanded into the third largest in the MidPointe System. The curved front of the modern structure welcomes the community with outstretched arms, a warm invitation into the long-awaited branch and all it has to offer. This state-of-the-art facility presents something for everyone.
“This is a space for everyone in the community, all ages and stages,” says MidPointe Community Engagement Director Cari Hillman. “We want everyone to find something that will benefit them here, whether it be a place to work or study, find something in this vast collection or enjoy a program.”
The carefully considered design, as carried out by LWC Incorporated, provides for every member of our busy and growing community. Its high ceilings and walls of windows allow a flood of natural light that
Find Your Fit at the New MidPointe Library Liberty
greets visitors at the central entrance, then curves into surprising nooks and cozy play and work areas. Follow the color patterns of the carpet, designed to help patrons find their way—a yellow-brick-road experience that defines areas of the library: green for youth, purple for teens and orange for adults.
“We wanted something very functional, for all different ages,” explains MidPointe Executive Director Travis Bautz. “We really put a lot of thought into the layout.”
The new 21,000-square-foot facility allows space that doubles its programming. There’s a dramatic play area with monthly rotating themes, kid-sized seating, minicarts for browsing the books and adult-sized chairs for parents. The Children’s Programming Room, a flexible space equipped with stacks of floor cushions and
Experience the newest branch of the MidPointe Library System:
• 30,000 Items in circulation
• 21,000 Square feet
• 24 hours per day + 7 days per week access to SmartLockers for pickups
• 7 Study Rooms
• 3 Reservable spaces for community meetings
• 2 EV Chargers
• 2 Copiers
• 2 Universal changing tables for adults with special needs
• 1 Automatic Handling Machine for quick returns
MidPointe Library Liberty is open Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
As one of the nation’s leading mental health centers, we understand each person’s journey is deeply personal. Bringing together unparalleled expertise, profound insights, and a people-first approach, we provide life-changing care and support, infusing every interaction with the underlying belief that lasting well-being is possible. We see beyond diagnoses — we see you.
vision of “Connecting a curious community,” and mission of “Enriching our community through access and experiences.”
“I love the bustle of lots of people in here,” reflects Bautz.
“When you put this much thought and effort into a building, you want people to come and use it,” agrees Kraus.
“This project is a fulfilled promise to the community,” Bautz adds. “It took a while to get here. We're just so excited!”
You are invited to experience the welcoming hub of MidPointe Library Liberty—find your fit in its new location. MidPointeLibrary.org
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
Published by Michelle Loved by West Chester + Liberty
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Rafael and Toni Salem are driven by positivity and opportunity. While vacationing in Florida in 2022, the couple spotted a self-service bar concept that sparked inspiration. Just nine months later, they brought that vision to life in Hamilton with the opening of The Pour House—a self-pour drinking establishment offering 42 taps of beer, seltzers, ciders, wine and mixed drinks. It was an immediate hit.
As word spread and the crowds grew, the Salems doubled down. Earlier this year, they expanded The Pour House to include a full-service bar and more seating, all within the heart of Hamilton’s revitalized Entertainment District. But the couple wasn’t content to stop there.
“What drove us the most was to bring innovation to Hamilton that no one else has done,” Rafael says. “There are enough landmarks, bars, restaurants and shopping. What can we bring that no one else has done?”
The answer: Pour House Pedal—a 14-passenger, pedal-powered party-mobile that’s now touring around Hamilton and turning heads in safety orange.
“It is an experience,” Toni says. “It is a totally entertaining experience.”
The custom pedal wagon features 10 cycle seats for the energetic and four bench seats for those who would rather cruise. A licensed driver is included (so no steering is required by riders), and the Pedal can even move on its own without pedal power, though pumping the pedals adds to the fun.
Best of all, it’s BYOB. Riders can either bring their own drinks or purchase them at The Pour House before boarding. Just be sure to check with staff about what’s allowed because there are a few restrictions.
The wagon is loaded with extras like a TV, phone charging ports, LED lights, front and rear cameras, seatbelts and handy storage compartments for purses, backpacks and coolers. The Pedal rolls through Hamilton’s Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing passengers to sip drinks and stop at bars, restaurants and shops within the district.
“We want to help make Hamilton a destination,” Rafael says. “The growth in Hamilton, the positivity and all the support from the city has been great. It drove us to want to do more in the community.”
“Everything we put in blooms right in front of us. The people outside of Hamilton need to know what is going on here and see all of the beautiful things Hamilton has to offer,” he says.
With Pour House Pedal, there’s more than one way to roll. Riders can choose from a variety of themed tours:
· HISTORY TOUR
Showcasing downtown landmarks and stories from the Great Flood of 1913.
· SCULPTURE TOUR
A tribute to Hamilton’s “City of Sculpture” nickname, highlighting public art pieces throughout DORA.
· SHOPPING TOUR
Stop at a variety of boutiques and locally owned shops.
· BAR AND RESTAURANT TOUR
The classic crowd-pleaser for food and drink lovers.
“It’s not just pub crawls,” Toni says. “We didn’t want it to just be a night or evening thing. Our drivers can suggest routes. Hamilton is known as the City of Sculpture, and we wanted to highlight that. If you aren’t interested in art, there is the history tour, which talks about the old paper mill and the historic German Village.”
Booking is easy with online reservations, and the Pour House team is happy to answer questions by phone. Pedal tours typically launch every two hours and are ideal for corporate team building, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, birthdays or just a spontaneous night out.
“This is something you can come to Hamilton for,” Toni says. “Come for the whole package. Start at the Pour House, take a Pedal tour to explore Hamilton without having to drive yourself. Hop on and off and experience everything in Hamilton.”
Smoothly pedaling under a canopy of trees along the Little Miami River. A bumpy descent over rocks and tree roots on the Tower Park off-road trail. A bike-friendly stop for a post-ride coffee or beer. Outdoor trails and gathering spots are an underrated asset in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky—but Brian Bozeman, founder of Cincitucky Trails, wants to change that.
“We’ve got hundreds of miles of trails, how do we tell that story?” Bozeman says.
Bozeman began engaging with area business leaders, tourism organizations and bike trail advocates to create a unified voice for the region's outdoor scene.
“We wanted to get the local riding community excited about this, so we linked arms with Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY, who partnered with us to create the Cincitucky Trails brand,” Bozeman says.
Founder
ARTICLE BY ROB PASQUINUCCI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE PHILLIPS
“Cincitucky will change the way we think of ourselves as an outdoor destination and will change the way the world sees us.”
— BRIAN BOZEMAN
After multiple design iterations with local firm Dewhaus, the brand emerged with a vibrant bright blue and orange logo to accompany its name, making trail components easy to identify.
“Our goal is to get this colorway and signage across the community to identify this place,” Bozeman says. “We wanted it to be a bit edgy and unique to us. We want this to stick and be memorable.”
Bozeman likens the branding effort to Kentucky's Bourbon Trail.
“The Bourbon Trail is not an actual trail. It is an ethereal thing that links up disparate amenities and tells a bigger story,” he explains. “In a similar way, Cincitucky Trails is not rebranding any specific trail, it’s amplifying the voice of all those things, bringing it under one brand to promote the region as an outdoor destination. The outdoor culture of our region has always needed a name and a voice, and now it has one.”
The idea for the brand first came to Bozeman during a mountain biking trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. Bentonville sits within Oz Trails, a vast network of 550 miles of soft-surface, shared-use trails that earned the region the title of Mountain Biking Capital of the World.
“It was really cool to see the connectivity of the trails down there,” he says. “They wanted Bentonville to be a place you wanted to live, not a place you had to live.”
"As we start to consider how we attract talent to the region, we have been more thoughtful about the quality-of-life attributes that we have that helps talent 'stick,'" Kirkpatrick says. "The same stickiness that brings visitors to check us out is the same stickiness that gets someone thinking about moving and putting down roots here."
Recognizing a similar challenge in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Bozeman, whose day job is VP
of business development at construction company Skanska, saw an opportunity.
“I feel like everywhere I go, the conversation is about how to get more talent here. How do we prevent brain drain?” he asks.
On a more personal level, he hopes this work will make the region a place his five children choose to stay when they grow up.
Years of effort from Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA), Tri-State Trails and other organizations have made replicating Oz Trails’ success more feasible, as much of the network is already established. Bozeman likens the process to an amusement park, explaining that these groups are building the rides, while Cincitucky Trails is creating the experience. He adds that the region has another distinct advantage—its proximity to the urban core, offering easy access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.
“People move to places like Denver and Asheville and other ‘outdoor destinations’ only to find when they get there that they need to drive 30 minutes to get outdoors,” Bozeman says. “Here, you can take a lunch break from your corporate job downtown and go shred or run on a trail.”
With the brand now launched, Bozeman is focused on building momentum through partnerships and growing grassroots energy. He envisions transformational projects in the region that Cincitucky Trails will promote.
“Cincitucky is a place that many of us have lived our entire lives and have never really seen–a place that we all believe in but have hidden from the outside world,” Bozeman says. “Cincitucky will change the way we think of ourselves as an outdoor destination and will change the way the world sees us.” CincituckyTrails.com
THURSDAYS
Live after Five Summer Concert Series
Liberty Center, The Square, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township | 6:00 PM
Wind down your July Thursdays with a free summer concert at Liberty Center. Sip on a DORA drink and enjoy tunes from a different live band each week, 6-9 p.m. This month brings The SunBurners, Stranger, Naked Karate Girls, Bourbon Road Band and Michelle Robinson Band. Concerts are weather permitting. Liberty-Center.com
SATURDAYS
West Chester Market
MidPointe Library, West Chester, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester | 9:00 AM
Shop the booths of local growers and artisans at the West Chester Market, every summer Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parking lot of MidPointe Library, West Chester Branch. The one-of-a-kind market features fresh eats, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. WestChesterOH.org
JULY 4TH
Liberty Township Fourth of July Parade
Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township | 9:00 AM
Happy Independence Day! The Liberty Township Fourth of July Parade begins at 9 a.m. on July 4. The annual red, white and blue celebration starts at Lakota East High School and winds its way to Liberty Junior School. Find a spot along the parade route to enjoy floats, fire trucks and patriotic tunes from the Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks. Liberty-Township.com
JULY 4TH + 5TH
Kemba Credit Union All American Bash
National VOA Museum of Broadcasting, 8070 Tylersville Road, Crosley Boulevard, West Chester | 12:00 PM
The Kemba Credit Union All American Bash is a two-day celebration including live music, food, beer and fun, 12-11 p.m. It concludes with fireworks presented by West Chester Township, July 5, 10 p.m. The ColdIron Productions, LLC event is in cooperation with MetroParks of Butler County and benefits the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Admission is free. Instagram.com/allamericanbash
JULY 12TH, 19TH + 26TH
Keehner Park Concert Series
Keehner Park Amphitheater, 7211 Barret Road, West Chester | 7:00 PM
The July lineup for the Keehner Park Concert Series offers a variety of shows. Pack a picnic and a chair to sit back and relax at the Amphitheater, 7 p.m. On July 12, enjoy the Strings Attached Band. July 19 hosts the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Hear Monday Night Big Band on July 26. WestChesterOH.org
JULY 18TH
Voice of America MetroPark, The Lodge, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester | 10:00 AM
Join MetroParks and MidPointe Library in the beautiful grassy meadow in front of The Lodge for family yoga. Enjoy fun and simple yoga poses, stories and breathing exercises for the whole family. Bring your own towels or mats for this free, all ages event. No registration is required. For more information call 513.867.5835. MidPointeLibrary.org, YourMetroParks.net
JULY 19TH + 20TH
Bliss Home Market Cincinnati
Bliss Home Market Cincinnati, 9415 Meridian Way, West Chester | 8:00 AM
Shop at Bliss Home Market Cincinnati’s once-a-month weekend sale for affordable prices on elevated furnishings. Style your home with pieces from Bliss, restocked with quality, brand-name furniture and home décor for each sale. Open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Follow Bliss on Instagram to get a sneak peek. Cincy.BlissHomeMarket.com
AUGUST 6TH
Glenview Golf Course, 10965 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati | 9:00 AM
Golf to honor and remember the legacies of loved ones at the annual Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing, sponsored by Companions on a Journey (COJ). It’s a tee time to support the hope, strength and healing that comes with COJ grief support programs in our community. This fundraising event includes food, drinks, music and contests with prizes. Register online. CompanionsOnAJourney.org
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Excellent condition, located on a cul-de-sac. Stunning great room featuring a wall of windows and gas fireplace. Main level with hardwood floors in the foyer and kitchen, along with a remodeled laundry room and half bath. Expansive backyard, complete with an in-ground pool and a brand-new deck. The finished, walkout lower level includes a full bath and fireplace. Spacious bedrooms. Primary suite with remodeled bathroom and a large walk-in closet.
Immaculate, remodeled home in desirable Hughes Woods. Located on cul-de-sac street. Remodeled first floor includes white cabinets with quartz counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. Spacious family room with built-in cabinets. Newly finished lower level. Gorgeous, park like back yard with covered deck overlooking the wooded, fenced yard.
“Tiffany showed extensive knowledge with the homes on the market in our area that we would be competing against. Her marketing strategy blew me away. She is committed to selling quickly. She was excellent with communication and dealing with offers which enabled us to sell our home so quickly.”
~ Yvonne G.