A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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A PUBLICATION OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
Letter from the Publisher CURRENT HOUSING MARKET IN EDMOND
Edmond’s housing market in mid-2026 is best described as active, moderately competitive, and more balanced than the highly pressured market buyers faced in recent years. Prices remain elevated, but appreciation has slowed and, depending on the data source, some measures show slight year-over-year declines. Zillow reports a typical Edmond home value of about $358,374, up 0.6% over the past year, with homes going pending in about 19 days. Realtor.com places the June 2026 median listing price at $433,500 and the median sold price at $379,000, while Redfin reports a three-month median sale price near $391,766, down 3.9% year over year. Taken together, these figures suggest that Edmond remains a desirable and relatively strong market, but sellers no longer have unlimited pricing power. Your home in Edmond is a great investment. Inventory is one of the biggest changes shaping the market. Realtor.com reports roughly 1,955 active listings in Edmond, up nearly 8% from a year earlier and more than 40% higher than three years ago. Zillow’s count is lower, at 1,348 homes for sale, but it also points to a meaningful number of choices for buyers. More supply has helped cool the pace of the market. Realtor.com shows a median of 45 days on market, up sharply from last year, while Redfin reports that homes sell in about 28 to 29 days. Zillow’s pending metric is faster, at 19 days, likely reflecting stronger activity for well-priced homes. The takeaway is that desirable, correctly priced properties can still move quickly, but overpricing is more likely to lead to longer marketing times and price adjustments. For buyers, Edmond offers more leverage than during the peak seller’s markets. Redfin indicates that homes sell for about 98.5% of list price, and Zillow reports that 52.8% of sales close below list price, compared with 22.2% above list. This means negotiation is possible, especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks or need updates. However, Edmond is still not a weak market. Realtor.com characterizes it as a seller’s market, and sale-to-list ratios remain close to 100%, showing that demand is still healthy. Buyers should be prepared with financing and a clear sense of neighborhood value, but they may have room to negotiate repairs, closing costs, or price on less competitive listings. For sellers, the market rewards realistic pricing and strong presentation. Gone are the days of paying a premium for housing, at least for now. Edmond continues to benefit from good schools, suburban amenities, access to the Oklahoma City metro, and steady relocation interest. Still, rising inventory means sellers should avoid assuming that any listing will draw multiple offers. Homes that are updated, clean, well photographed, and priced near recent comparable sales are more likely to attract early activity. Homes priced above markets may sit longer, especially as mortgage rates remain a constraint for many buyers. Overall, Edmond’s 2026 housing market sits between a seller-favored market and a more balanced environment. Prices are holding relatively firm, inventory is expanding, and buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. The most likely near-term outlook is continued stability rather than rapid growth: well-priced homes should continue to sell, while overpriced listings may linger. For buyers, patience and comparison shopping can pay off. For sellers, strategy matters more than ever. Best Regards,
Ray Hibbard Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure At Home in Edmond
PUBLISHER
Ray Hibbard
EDITOR
Deanne Marcella
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erika Williams Rose Drebes
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Deanne Marcella
ADVERTISING
Alexx Reger Advertising Director
FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING IN At Home in Edmond, call 405-340-3311
READER SERVICES
107 South Broadway Edmond OK 73034 Phone 405-340-3311
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA edmondlifeandleisure. com @edmondlifeandleisure
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Contents
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4 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 7 PREPARE A YARD FOR EVENING ENTERTAINING
8 ALCHEMY COCKTAIL LOUNGE 12 KEY FEATURES FOR AN OUTDOOR TV ROOM
18 22
14 PELICAN BAY AQUATIC CENTER NOW OPEN
18 WELCOME TO THE BARLOR 22 MAKE SUMMERTIME
PRODUCE THE STARS OF THE SHOW
23 ADVERTISER‘S INDEX
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Prepare a yard
for evening entertaining
When the sun goes down, the opportunity to entertain outdoors is still possible. Transforming a backyard into an evening oasis does not necessarily require major renovations, but it should involve adjusting the atmosphere to facilitate comfort and visibility. The following tips can help hosts optimize outdoor spaces for nighttime events. Layered lighting Lighting is the main priority when hosting at night. Lighting establishes ambiance and creates safety in the space. Hosts should avoid floodlights which can be too harsh and create a clinical feeling. Instead, melding different lighting options together can set the scene. String lights provide a warm, even glow that can outline the perimeter and “ceiling” of an outdoor room. Low-voltage LEDs or solar lights can make walkways more visible and call attention to changes in elevation. Accent lighting, such as small spotlights uplighting trees or architectural features, will create depth and keep the yard from feeling like an abyss beyond the patio or deck.
Comfortable seating creates an outdoor room. Create focal points Individuals will gather around various focal points in the yard. These established zones will encourage conversation and other activities. A fire pit is a natural magnet for outdoor events. Arrange seating around the fire pit to keep conversation flowing. An outdoor bar also is a great place for people to gather, whether it’s stocked with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Mark off an area where people can mingle and dance. Set up an outdoor speaker in this area.
Outdoor comfort Contending with bugs and weather is a natural side effect of spending time outdoors, particularly in the evening. Citronella candles can keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. A simple electric floor fan also can be effective against mosquitoes, which are weak fliers that can’t fly against the breeze. A fire pit, propane patio heater and a basket of blankets can help tame the chills if the temperature drops. Keeping pop-up canopies at the ready will help if rain starts to fall. Accessibility to food and drink Beyond the bar, having self-service stations in various spots enables guests to grab food or drink as needed instead of having to trek indoors. Make sure these spots are well-lit. Space drinks away from the food to prevent traffic jams. Invest in some covered containers that will keep food safe from ants or flying insects and trays to easily transport glassware and other items back into the house. A yard can be a magical place to entertain with some extra steps to ready the space.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
Alchemy Sarah Myrick Photography
Cocktail Lounge
By Erika Williams Summer is normally a season for travel, but thanks to a new bar, you can feel like you’ve been transported to a different place just by visiting Downtown Edmond. Alchemy Cocktail Lounge, located at 2 S Broadway, is offering customers a unique experience through experimental cocktails and memorable environment. Alchemy Cocktail Lounge held its grand opening on June 16, and owner Mical George and his partner and collaborator Liz Warren say their goal was to create a space that felt like no other. “Everybody’s been saying, ‘I feel like
I’m in New York and not in Oklahoma’ when they step through the door. We wanted to create something unique where people would come in and feel like there is like nothing else like this anywhere nearby, and I think we did that,” said Mical. The décor is a major part of Alchemy’s moody ambiance, and Mical and Liz were involved in every step of the renovation and design. They chose the paint color and wallpaper and sourced every piece of furniture and artwork. The atmosphere of Alchemy is like no other bar in the metro, and this is something that Mical and Liz were intentional in creating.
“All of our furniture is older, vintage, and antique. We’ve asked ourselves if the style is Victorian or Gothic, but then we also have like modern touches, so I feel like we just have this eclectic kind of mix,” said Liz. “We’ve had one person describe it as if Edgar Allan Po opened a speakeasy,” Mical added. The uniqueness doesn’t only apply to the space, Mical and Liz aim to offer customers a one-of-a-kind experience through their cocktails as well. The cocktails on Alchemy’s menu include ingredients like lemongrass, Continues through page 10
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
Sarah Myrick Photography Sarah Myrick Photography
Sarah Myrick Photography
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Sarah Myrick Photography
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aloe, chili liqueur, and passionfruit. One fan favorite cocktail is the White Roses, which is Alchemy’s take on an espresso martini. “We love espresso martinis. We go all over, and we try them everywhere we go, so we wanted to create an amazing one. Our general manager kept making different ones, and he came up with the one we have,” said Mical. “It’s a little less traditional. It’s not shaken, and you have like a thick cream on top. It has a really interesting flavor profile that sort of feels wholesome,” added Liz The Rubus, which is a blackberry old fashion, has been another popular menu item among customers. Said Mical, “I’m a big bourbon fan that’s why there’s so many bourbons on the wall. I love a good old fashioned. I wanted a blackberry old fashioned on the menu. I think we killed it. It’s my favorite old fashioned anywhere in the city, and it just happens to be that it’s here.” Using the bar’s name as an inspiration, the experimental nature of the cocktails is closely related to the medieval practice of alchemy.
“If you look up alchemy, it is the original concept of what chemistry was before it became a real science. So, ultimately with alchemy, they were trying to turn metals into gold, and I feel like there’s this whole aesthetic of apothecary, wizardry, and magic that goes along with that. And so, we did want to play up that a little bit with the menu,” said Liz. In addition to drinks, Alchemy also has a small bites menu featuring deviled eggs, artichoke dip, a grilled cheese, and more. Many menu items at Alchemy contain local ingredients. In addition to using Clarity coffee for their espresso martini, they also source their sourdough from Twisted Tree Baking Company and stock local beer. Mical and Liz wanted to prioritize customer satisfaction beyond food and drink by placing a special focus on customer service and hospitality, and they say, so far, the reception has been positive. Said Liz, “The feedback has been great. People’s responses have been phenomenal. It’s really exciting to hear the things that people comment on and say about the space and service. The vibes are like exactly what we
were trying to execute so it’s just really cool to hear.” Although they have only recently opened, Mical and Liz have enjoyed being part of the downtown Edmond community and look forward to embracing their location even more. “We’re fortunate and really happy to be able to be a part of what downtown Edmond is going to become,” said Mical. Said Liz, “We’re part of the Downtown Edmond Business Association, and we’ve already talked to them about how we can get more involved with some of the local events that they’re hosting. It’s cool to be a part of a lot of the stuff that’s already happening and be able to contribute to it. ”While there are many interesting things to try at Alchemy, Mical mostly hopes that it can be a place for people to have fun and connect. “We wanted a space where there’s good music right level, like you can sit have a conversation from across the table and not have to yell at each other,” said Mical. “We’re just trying to bring people together with good conversation, drinks, food, and good music.”
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
Key features for an outdoor TV room An outdoor living area can provide a welcome space for residents and guests to gather on beautiful days and nights. The appeal of outdoor living is undeniable, and homeowners working with a blank canvas in their backyards, or working with an aging area in need of a complete overhaul, can tailor their spaces to meet their own unique wants. Many homeowners are building outdoor living spaces around a TV room where they can host movie nights and game watches under the stars. Data from the National Association of Realtors® indicates that such spaces are worth homeowners’ investment, as a new patio can recoup as much as 95 percent at resale. When planning an outdoor TV room, homeowners can look to these features to make the space as enjoyable as possible. • Outdoor TV enclosure: The cost of an outdoor TV enclosure will depend on the size of the television, but it likely won’t break the bank regardless of how large a television is. Many enclosures for televisions up
to 65 inches can be had for less than $500. Enclosures are important because most are weather-resistant and some are shatterproof. In addition, an enclosure protects the television when no one is home or outside, ensuring windy or stormy afternoons when debris or branches might be flying near the television won’t damage the device. • Sound capability: An outdoor TV room likely won’t be used as frequently as indoor spaces, so a sizable investment in a sound system to accommodate outdoor viewing may not be necessary. But you may want to enhance the sound for outdoor movie nights or game watches. If you’re mounting the television on an exterior wall, a pair of speakers can flank the TV on each side. If the television is going to be placed on an outdoor TV stand, a soundbar built for outdoor use should suffice. • Lighting: It’s easy to overlook lighting when planning an outdoor TV room. However, once the sun goes down, it may feel odd and a little
uncomfortable if the only light is coming from the television itself. Some ambient lighting that’s attached to a pergola or built into a pavillion can help illuminate the space where you’ll be watching TV. • Comfortable seating: It’s unlikely you would feel comfortable watching a movie or game indoors if you spent the whole time sitting in your dining room chairs. And it’s equally important to prioritize comfortable seating in an outdoor TV space rather than just dragging patio dining table chairs or even adirondack chairs over to the TV area when you’re about to watch something. Some cushioned outdoor furniture will enhance the viewing experience for everyone. • Fan: A ceiling fan attached to a pavillion or a wall-mounted fan or two directing air toward the seating area can keep pesky bugs at bay and provide a little cooling relief on warm nights. Outdoor TV rooms are wildly popular. A few creature comforts can make these spaces even more inviting.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
Pelican Bay Aquatic Center now open! By Rose Drebes Following a $7 million renovation, Edmond’s Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is open again for people of all ages and abilities to dive into fun. “Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is one of the most valuable public amenities the City of Edmond provides,” Frank Hale, interim Parks and Recreation director, said. “It brings people together, promotes health and water safety, supports recreation for all ages and strengthens the sense of community that makes the City of Edmond a great place to live.” The renovation began in September 2025, Emily Harmon, marketing and special events coordinator and farmer’s market manager for the City of
Edmond, said. The improvements include a new concrete pool deck, Myrtha RenovAction System pool liner, ADA-compliant lifts and stairs, new play structures, refinished slide supports, plumbing repairs, new drains and LED in-pool lighting. The project was funded through the 2017 CIP Tax. First inviting people to have a good time in the water in June 2002, Pelican Bay replaced the old Edmond Aquatic Center which was operational 1978-2001, Harmon said. The center features two 150-foot slides, a current channel, splash pool, playground with automated sprays, water playground, and vortex — all designed for fun across all ages and
abilities. Amenities include bathhouses and the Pelican Bay Cafe Snack Bar. “Pelican Bay is more than a pool — it’s where Edmond families and friends create lasting memories and learn water safety. This renovation ensures it remains a vibrant, inclusive space,” said Maggie Murdock Nichols, Ward 1 Edmond city councilor. Pelican Bay Aquatic Center remains open through Aug. 9, Monday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; with twilight hours, 7-9 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend only hours are Aug. 15 through Sept. 7, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., with no twilight hours. Continues on page 16
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Continued from page 14 Due to the delayed opening, 2026 season passes are 50 percent off at $37.50 per person, plus an $8 application fee. Family passes for up to four are $137.50, with $15 for each additional member and a $25 application fee. Passes are available online at pelicanbayaquatics. com/seasondailypasses/. Daily admissions are: adult (18+), $10; youth (417), $7; youth (0-3), free; non-swimmer, free; groups (10+), $7; and twilight (Tuesday through Thursday, 7-9 p.m.), $6. Guthrie residents receive complimentary access through a paid partnership by showing proof of residency at Guthrie City Hall for a day pass wristband; children three and under do not require a wristband. For questions and more information visit pelicanbayaquatics.com or call (405) 282-2489.
Swimming Lessons • Fitness Birthday Parties • Lap Swim Water Walking
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2026
Welcome to
The Barlor
By Erika Williams There is no better time than summer to get out, relax, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a nice glass of wine. The Barlor, located at 26 W Hurd St., is a new wine bar offering customers a cozy and fun experience. Owner, Maggie Sermersheim, describes the atmosphere as happiness personified. The Barlor only opened earlier this summer, but what many may not know, is that this concept has been a decade in the making. Maggie, an Edmond native and former teacher, first had the idea of starting a bar in 2016, and that was when she and a friend came up with the name for The Barlor. “We were sitting on a plane, and I was telling him this idea of what I wanted to do. I wanted a bar that happens to sell desserts, kind of like a European dessert parlor, but with a bar, and he goes, ‘Perfect, it’s called The Barlor,’ and it just stuck,” said Maggie.
She worked to open The Barlor that same year, but after facing complications, she shifted to offering catering services. During the Covid-19 pandemic when catering jobs became scarce, she used her catering kitchen to open a bakery. After closing the bakery, Maggie was looking for a change of pace when she found a new location for The Barlor and decided to move forward with the plan. The Barlor offers wine, cocktails, charcuterie, desserts and more. The array of offerings stem from Maggie’s passion for good food and drinks along with her previous professional experience. With a vast collection of wine, one of Maggie’s goals is to serve those who are knowledgeable about wine and appeal to those who are interested in learning more. “We have a really big selection of wine, and then a great option for most varietals, but each one is probably the
most approachable version of it. We wanted to make sure that people who come in here and don’t have a huge wine background can find something,” said Maggie. “Some people just know they like red or white, but they don’t know what they like about red or white, so, we like to be able to give you a bunch of different options and try to find something they really like.” While The Barlor is a wine bar, Maggie’s creativity has allowed her to expand offerings to appeal to almost any customer, and some cocktails and menu items have been added based on customers’ requests. One customer favorite is ice cream topped margaritas which are served every Friday during the summer. “We were looking into doing softserve margaritas, but you need a soft serve machine for that, so instead, we went to Braums, got sherbet ice cream and made our own. Let me tell you continues through page 20
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Continued from page 19 they were delicious,” said Maggie. Some menu offerings change weekly and monthly, but a permanent feature at The Barlor is their various charcuterie options. “We have what we were calling just like our average charcuterie, and I named it after my best friend Bruce because that’s what he wants. He just wants cheddar, summer sausage, crackers, so our basic charcuterie is named Bruce’s Way, and it has been the most popular menu item,” said Maggie. In addition to the prepared charcuterie boards, The Barlor has a “build your own” option where customers can choose from a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, nuts, fruits, and olives to create a charcuterie board that’s just right for them. Maggie also plans to rotate her dessert offerings each week. Some customers have already started placing weekly cookie orders and pairing desserts with drink options from the bar. Aside from the food and beverage options, Maggie is also focused on the overall guest experience at The Barlor. Said Maggie, “I like that we have all this room for activities. I know that sounds silly, but that’s the sort of thing that gets people out. We’re going to get bocce ball and other yard
games, and I can’t wait to put a fire pit in the back in the courtyard. ”The Barlor is also family-friendly allowing patrons to bring their kids until 5 p.m. Maggie even has events that serve kids and parents alike. “During the summer, we have someone that comes and does circle time and she reads a book,” said Maggie. “We call it Brunch and Books. We have juice boxes for the kids and mimosas for the moms and dads.” Maggie has enjoyed having a business downtown, and she prioritizes in participating in events like Heard on Hurd as well as hosting events for the Edmond community. Maggie regularly partners with liquor distributors to host tastings. The Barlor also hosts singles’ nights on the third Wednesday of every month and teachers’ nights every week. Maggie views these events as a fun reminder of the benefits of being in downtown Edmond. “ I do love being in the heart of it. It feels like we all know each other, and everyone is friendly. I just think this is what community should be. I think that that’s the best thing I’ve run into so far is that everyone in downtown Edmond wants it to be a community,” said Maggie. To learn more about The Barlor’s menu offerings and weekly events visit their Instagram or Facebook pages.
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Make summertime produce the stars of the show
Bruschetta Topped With Avocado and Tomatoes Makes 4 to 6 servings 2 large Hass avocados, ripe, pitted, peeled, and cubed 4 vine tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced 1 shallot, finely chopped 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, drained and diced 2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 1 large baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices 1 small bunch basil, leaves only, finely sliced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1. Combine the cubed avocado with the tomato, shallot, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and plenty of seasoning in a mixing bowl. 2. Stir and toss to combine, adding more vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil as needed. Set aside until needed. 3. Preheat the broiler to hot. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. 4. Remove bread slices and leave to cool briefly. Carefully spoon the avocado bruschetta mix on top and serve with a garnish of sliced basil on top.
For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn. No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream Serves 10 200 450 397 1 1⁄2
grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup) milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups) grams condensed milk (14 ounces) teaspoon almond extract teaspoon pink food coloring (optional) Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve
Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside. Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks. Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container, like a large loaf tin. Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture. Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.
Cherry-almond ice cream is a scoop above the rest
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Happiness is...eating ice cream on a hot day.”day.”-Unknown
Advertiser‘s Index Brent Gibson Classic Home Design...................................5 Citizens Bank of Edmond................................................21 City of Edmond Beach Bash............................................17 City of Edmond Water Conservation..............................13 Downtown Edmond Business Association.......................23 Edmond Electric..............................................................24
Edmond Optical..............................................................15 Garage Innovations......................................................... 11 Reid Printing...................................................................23 Fillmore and Chambers Design Group............................ 11 Touchmark at Coffee Creek..............................................2 Visit Edmond.................................................................... 3
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