Bentonville, AR December 2025

CARMELITA

R e s e r v e y o u r

d a t e a n d l e t u s

d e l i g h t y o u r

g u e s t s w i t h

e v e r y b i t e .

C A T E R I N G C O

C r e a t e a h o l i d a y

c e l e b r a t i o n t h a t w i l l b e r e m e m b e r e d f o r e v e r

First and Next

Someone asked me recently what my favorite season of the year is. It was a harder question to answer than I thought, but I landed on winter. It was almost a default because we absolutely love Christmas in my house and really everything about the holiday season, so it had to be winter. Don’t get me wrong—a healthy addiction to skiing and upland hunting weighed into the decision as well, but mostly it’s Christmas.

I grew up loving Christmas-time. I was a fortunate kid and looked forward to receiving presents and all the excitement of Christmas morning. The older I get, the more I look forward to being on the giving side of that exchange, whether it’s to a loved one or a favorite cause.

Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, Inc., tells a story in his famed “Let My People Go Surfing” about his early exposure to charitable giving. His family had packed up and moved from Maine to California when he was eight years old. At one point along the way, his mother gave all of the preserved corn she had packed to a Hopi woman and her children who were in need. He calls it his “first lesson in philanthropy.”

It made me think of my own childhood lesson in philanthropy. I was maybe ten years old when my family stopped at a restaurant somewhere in Alabama on our way to see my grandparents in Florida. We were just about to walk in the door when a man approached us and asked my dad for some cash to get something to eat. My father obliged, and I questioned my dad about the exchange. My father responded simply, “Son, it’s never the wrong choice to be charitable.”

It’s a lesson that has stuck with me and one I aim to pass on to my own son. Yvon Chouinard’s prompting of thinking back to my first lesson in philanthropy was so meaningful to me that I wanted to share it with you. I’d love to hear your story of your first lesson—please feel free to write to me: wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com.

Now that I’ve shared my first lesson in philanthropy, it begs the timely question this holiday season: What will be next?

From mine to yours, Happy Holidays

WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amber Crabtree, Andi Darling

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Claire McFarland, Teagan Kenny, Madison Vazquez

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Just 10 minutes to Downtown Rogers this charming lakehouse features a sauna, 2 boat slips, all new HVAC,

Enjoy the lake without the drive. This home was gutted to the studs in 2023 and seemlessly blends indoor and outdoor with large picture windows. The luxury bathrooms create a spa retreat environment that you won't want to leave.

Stephanie Funk, REALTOR

During the holidays, our homes become more than wa they become places of warmth, kindness, and gene where laughter echoes, memories are made, and f planned

If you’re thinking of buying, refinancing, or helping s love to begin anew, I’m here to help bring the comfo together with the generosity of the season

Let’s make this holiday one where home truly refle Because the greatest gift isn’t just a house, it’s the p your life happens. Home. Heart. And the Beginning

Charity Cummings Area Manager | NMLS #404245 1401 SE Walton Blvd, Suite 101 Bentonville, AR 72712 D:417 894 4193

ccummings@guildmortgage net guildmortgage com/charitycummings I

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Bentonville City Lifestyle Launches Gnargo "Paper" Route

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Corrin Ellis Named Executive Chef of Sestina in Bentonville

Chef Corrin Ellis has been named Executive Chef of Sestina, a wood-fired Tuscan steakhouse set to open later this year inside The Compton, Downtown Bentonville’s new boutique hotel. Ellis joins the project following a celebrated run as Executive Chef at Wicked Butcher in Fort Worth. Before that, she led the kitchen at Dallas’s Tango Room, earning a nomination for Rising Star Chef of the Year by CultureMap Dallas in 2023. For more information, visit sestinabentonville.com.

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Alice L. Walton School of Medicine Celebrates Grand Opening

This fall, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) celebrated its grand opening on the Crystal Bridges Campus. “I founded AWSOM with a vision for a new kind of medical school," said Founder, Alice Walton. "That vision is now a reality on the Crystal Bridges Campus, where students and visitors alike can experience a truly unique environment that blends stunning architecture, art, and nature to inspire both learning and wellness.”

"Read all about it!" Bentonville City Lifestyle has launched an old-school "paper" route in collaboration with Gnargo Bikes. Be on the lookout each month for Paper Boy, Ben Holman [aka @energizer_benny], touring Downtown Bentonville businesses, delivering magazines from our custom Bentonville City Lifestyle x Gnargo Schoolie. Email wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com to add your business to the route. Scan to read more

TRADITION: THE NUTCRACKER

HOW THIS ICONIC BALLET STOKES GRATITUDE FOR THE ARTS

ARTICLE BY ANDI DARLING

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

TEAGAN KENNY

“You’re watching the dancers grow in so many ways,” says Jennifer Davis, school principal at the NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet. “You’re watching them grow as human beings. They’re coming up and maturing. They’re learning life skills that are going to serve them no matter what they do in life. The Nutcracker is a way we can invest in bettering the kids we work with and providing a really fun holiday tradition for our community.”

My first role in The NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet’s The Nutcracker was as a baby angel. I got to carry a candle and shuffle my tiny feet around the stage floor as people in the audience watched and my mother recorded; I’ll never forget that experience. There was so much excitement and bubbling joy in those few minutes of my life, so when I was asked to write about something under the theme of gratitude, the only thing I could think about was The Nutcracker. I share this feeling of gratitude with many other girls who grew their passions underneath the Conservatory’s wing.

The Conservatory of Classical Ballet isn’t just a place to dance, it’s a place to grow, expand your vision, and fall in love with art. It’s a place to make mistakes and be a part of something special. Every year, the cast for The Nutcracker grows. Davis explains why, saying that she wants “to give as many kids an opportunity to perform as possible.” The Conservatory takes youth from all over the state of Arkansas and even as far as Oklahoma.

I remember as a dancer, sitting backstage with students who went to other schools, taking classes I had never heard of. For me, participating in The Nutcracker opened my eyes to how big NWA is while also making me feel incredibly special and unique. Every single student has a part in the show that they have been working on for months, and each role pulls the show together. The Conservatory works very hard to give each child a place to belong and a home away from home they can consider their safe place. My family goes to The Nutcracker annually, and every year, we are reminded of how grateful we are for the production. Maybe this year, your family can be too.

“The Conservatory helps me strive, not for perfection, but improvement.”

L I V ING W ITH T 1 D

Type 1 Diabetes [T1D] is a dynamic and often misunderstood condition. While many are familiar with Type 2 Diabetes – typically associated with lifestyle choices – T1D is an autoimmune disease, commonly linked to genetic markers and environmental triggers. Individuals living with T1D are unable to produce insulin on their own and rely on injections or a pump to manage blood sugar. For some, including the ambassadors in this article, the diagnosis experience can be sudden and scary; something Breakthrough T1D is working to rectify through early detection and increased awareness, in addition to its primary mission to find a cure for those living with T1D.

According to Breakthrough T1D, common symptoms include: Frequent urination, extreme thirst, fruity odor on the breath, increased appetite, fatigue, sudden vision changes, and unexplained weight loss.

TYPE ONE DIABETES "LOOKS LIKE ME"

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS

SUTTON HOBBS, 9 YO JACKSON GRABOW, 14 YO

Sutton loves cheerleading and golf, though cheer is her favorite. She was diagnosed at five years old and remembers the day saying, “My stomach hurt really bad. Now, when I’m low [glucose], some things taste really sour.” For Sutton, one of the most difficult things about living with T1D is explaining her devices. She wears her continuous glucose monitor [CGM] and a watch, which sends her and her caregivers alerts when needed. “People are always concerned about me,” she says. “When little kids ask me about it [CGM], I say it’s a special bandaid, but when older kids ask me, I’ll actually explain it.”

Jackson is ahead of the game in T1D advocacy. The high school freshman recently represented Arkansas at Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. “I wrote a one-page essay about my experiences, and they selected 170 kids to go and speak to Congress.” While in D.C., he had the opportunity to meet with representatives to talk about T1D and funding for the Special Diabetes Program. “It’s cool to see our highest officials are still looking to the people for insight,” he said. Jackson was in fifth grade when he received his T1D diagnosis, and remembers a classmate’s experience being a huge help when navigating the change. “He had been diagnosed the year before. We were good friends, so I knew what it was like for him, and we could talk to each other about it.”

ROXANA HUTCHCRAFT SANDY RAINEY

Unlike the others in this article, Roxana was diagnosed with T1D as an adult. “I hadn’t been feeling well for a while, and I remember being really thirsty all the time,” she said. “I was later diagnosed with endocarditis, which is likely what led to the diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA].” When Roxanna was unresponsive to messages from friends who knew she was ill, they contacted police to conduct a welfare check, which likely saved her life. Today, she helps others like her as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Springdale. Roxana also serves on the Board of Directors for Breakthrough T1D - Arkansas

Diagnosed at eight years old, Sandy grew up without the modern tools benefiting those with T1D today. She recalls her mom being her greatest asset. “My mom was pretty aware and kept on it. She boiled syringes, tested my pee, and regulated what I ate, drank, my exercise, and my insulin.” When she was young, doctors said she wouldn’t have kids, but Sandy ended up having three sons, including twins. “When my sugar was low, my kids would say, ‘She’s going banana sandwich!’” Now, with her CGM and a pump, she feels more freedom with her T1D management, but still does what she can to spread awareness.

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

BOURBON VANILLA BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate. Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

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Elegant Expeditionsfor YourWinter Escape

LUXURY TRAVEL SPECIALIST, AMBER CRABTREE’S TOP 5 HOLIDAY SEASON ESCAPES

Lapland, Finland

Families with Children

“Lapland is where the storybook version of Christmas comes to life. Imagine reindeer rides through pine forests, glass igloos under the northern lights, and cozy cabins where hot cocoa is a nightly ritual. From Santa’s Village to dog sledding, it’s luxury blended with wonder.”

Stay: Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Dine: Restaurant Nili (Rovaniemi)

Insider Tip: For Aurora Borealis, Visit Ounasjoki River

*Elegant Expeditions Perks: Private Airport Transfer, Personalized Welcome Gifts, Early Access to Santa Claus Village Experience, and more.

CONTINUED >

St. Lucia Snowbirds

“The ultimate reset button. Think emerald mountains, turquoise seas, and sunsets so golden they look painted. It’s the perfect tropical escape for those craving warmth and barefoot luxury. From rainforest hikes to champagne catamaran cruises, it’s indulgence wrapped in ease.”

Stay: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Dine: Dasheene at Ladera Resort

Insider Tip: Serene Swimming at Ansee Mamin Beach

*Elegant Expeditions Perks: Daily Breakfast For Two, $100 USD Resort & Hotel Credit During Stay, and more.

BOOK WITH AMBER:

Elegant Expeditions www.elegant-expeditions.com IG: @ElegantExpeditions

*Subject to availability. Limitations may apply.

Vienna, Austria

Culture Seekers

“For those who love music, art, and a sense of old-world grandeur, Vienna is pure enchantment. Picture sipping mulled wine under palace lights, touring grand museums, and listening to live Mozart in candlelit halls. Street corners glow with festive charm, and every moment feels steeped in history and elegance.”

Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien

Dine: Steirereck im Sadtpark

Insider Tip: Visit in Jan-Feb for Vienna’s Ball Season

*Elegant Expeditions Perks: Daily Breakfast (Two/Room), $100 USD Resort & Hotel Credit During Stay, and more.

Tulum, Mexico

Spa & Relaxation Seekers

“Tulum offers a blend of bohemian serenity and holistic luxury in one sun-soaked package. It’s an effortless mix of beachfront yoga, spa retreats, and eco-chic dining, surrounded by Mayan jungle and turquoise Caribbean waters. A destination for slowing down, Tulum is paradise with purpose, where wellness and style go hand-in-hand.”

Stay: Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Dine: Hartwood

Insider Tip: Book the Ceiba Tropical View Suite for Additional Resort Credit*

*Elegant Expeditions Perks: Upgrade on Arrival, Every Third Night Free, Early Check-In/Late Check-Out, and more.

Québec City, Canada

Culture Seekers

“Every December, Québec City transforms into a winter wonderland with markets, music, and carriage rides that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie. Filled with twinkling lights, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés serving hot chocolate as the snow falls outside, Québec City is both accessible and enchanting.”

Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Dine: Restaurant Initiale

Insider Tip: Reservations–Christmas Market’s Private Tasting Tent

*Elegant Expeditions Perks: Upgrade on Arrival, Daily Breakfast (Two/Room), $100 Food and Beverage Credit, Fourth Night Free in Luxury Suite, and more.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS AND MADISON VAZQUEZ

“We're gentle but effective. Our goal is to train service dogs that exceed the ADA guidelines for assistance animals.”

Mission: Service Dog

How One Woman Uses Dog Training To Offer Life-Changing Support For Families Like Hers

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHY YOU GOT INTO TRAINING SERVICE DOGS.

“I’ve been pet training for almost 25 years and service dog training for 17 years. Pet training was something I started in college, but I learned to train my own service dog around 2004 when I started experiencing seizures. In 2008, when my daughter, Cassidy, was diagnosed in utero with spina bifida, I knew I would eventually train one for her. That was when I started training service dogs for other people. My [now] husband is a permanently disabled combat veteran. He hired me to train his service dog in 2012, and by that time, I had trained 20-30 service dogs. Now, we’re training 50-100 service dogs a year.”

EXPLAIN THE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL AND A SERVICE ANIMAL.

“There's a misconception that emotional support animals are service animals, and they’re not. An emotional support animal is only required to provide comfort to its owner at home; they do not have public access rights. Service dogs are required to

be task-trained to mitigate a disability, and the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] specifically states that comfort is not a task. Sirius [pictured] is trained to alert to oncoming seizures. Among other things, he also does blocking techniques - something I typically train for people with PTSD.”

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A DOG HAS THE TEMPERAMENT FOR SERVICE TRAINING?

“There are temperament tests you can do as early as ten weeks. There are also more successful breeds; there’s the ‘Fab Four,’ but the fourth breed changes depending on who you ask. The top three are: Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Labrador. You can also find a service dog puppy from a breeder with a history of producing service dogs. One breeder I work with has trained dogs for the federal government. She’s what we consider an “ethical breeder,” meaning she has multiple generations of health testing. It’s important to note that Embark testing is not health testing; that’s testing for rare genetic disorders. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and PennHIP are the two accepted health testing agencies.”

WHAT KIND OF TASKS DO YOU TRAIN SERVICE DOGS FOR?

“The service dogs for military and first responders, or individuals with PTSD, are trained to recognize things like increased anxiety, disassociation, or nightmares; they can do pressure therapy and blocking techniques, false alerts, ‘get help,’ or pre-checking a space for intruders. We also train for things like seizures and physical limitations. I’ve trained diabetic alert dogs and service dogs for life-threatening allergies. One dog I’m training right now, Katie, her handler is a four-year-old boy who is so anaphylactic to dairy that, even if you’ve washed your hands after touching dairy, you can cause a reaction by touching him. His service dog can pick up on microns of dairy protein; there is no medical device that can do that.”

WHAT SETS MISSION: SERVICE DOG APART FROM OTHER TRAINING OPERATIONS?

“Our goal is to train service dogs that exceed the ADA guidelines for assistance animals. We serve all cases, but prioritize for combat-wounded veterans and children with disabilities; a lot of organizations won’t work with pediatric cases. I also sit on the committee for the International Association of Canine Professionals: Service Dog; we provide educational opportunities for other trainers who want to learn more about service dog training.”

CONTACT: Lola Carter, President and Founder www.MissionSD.org missionservicedog@gmail.com

Days of Deals

1 2 3 4

DECEMBER 2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 5TH

Christmas at the Peel Museum

Peel Museum & Botanical Garden

The cherished tradition of Christmas at the Peel Museum returns to spread holiday cheer throughout the season and complete the yearlong celebration of the 150th Anniversary. This celebration transforms the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland, creating magical memories.

DECEMBER 6TH

SantaCon NWA

Bentonville, AR | 1:00 PM

Dress up in your best Holiday frock and enjoy exclusive specials from select bars, restaurants, and retail shops from 1-7 p.m. in Downtown Bentonville and Rogers. Tickets for SantaCon NWA 2025 are $10. All proceeds are donated to Sharing and Caring of Benton County. Participating venues will be listed on SanaCon’s social media pages.

DECEMBER 13TH

Bentonville

Christmas Parade

Downtown Bentonville | 6:00 PM

Gather around Downtown Bentonville for a festive evening filled with holiday music, crafty floats, and your favorite Christmas characters! The Bentonville Christmas Parade is a local tradition perfect for families and friend groups in the mood for memory-making. Bundle up in your warmest holiday garb, pack a thermos of your favorite hot beverage, and celebrate the season with neighbors.