Plano, TX July 2023

Bring on the Summer Fun!

I hope this letter finds you lying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, fall has my favorite flavors and scents, winter has its cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of spring, but when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Plano. And even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore because we're, you know, adults, we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read.

My family loves to watch the fireworks at Plano’s All American 4th each year. Whether we are hanging out listening to our favorite cover band at Legacy Hall or enjoying the plethora of activities at the Plano Public Library, the summer is full of fun and excitement.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will encourage you to gather your friends and family to explore exciting events and experiences in Plano this summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katelyn Reed | katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Rivers, Jay Sonata Photography, Kristin Jewell

STAFF WRITER

Alisa Hauser

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ron Taylor, Certified Sommelier, CMS

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Don’t Sweat It, Beat the heat wIth BIg D MechanIcal toDay!

We are the premier comfort experts; our team specializes in high efficiency solutions for your business and home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning. No matter the weather―if it’s too hot or too cold― we have you covered. We have a solution for all your needs with 40 plus years of experience in the industry. We combine our superior service with top of the line products to offer our customers the first class experience and peace of mind that everyone deserves. Investing in your comfort is our top priority.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Congratulations to Plano ISD on the historic grand opening of the Robinson Fine Arts Center! The Robinson Fine Arts Center is designed to showcase music, dance, theater and the visual arts. The building is approximately 82,200 square feet spread across two levels. The main theater has 1,500 seats and one balcony level. The building also has a flexible 200-seat studio theater, large rehearsal room and gallery component for exhibitions. Look for public Open House tour opportunities this summer! Photo credit Plano Independent School District.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Plano Chamber presents The State of Plano Business

Mayor John B. Muns, City of Plano’s Economic Development Department's Doug McDonald, Senior Manager of Boeing Global Engagement, Michael Lawson, and Vice President of Human Resources at Toyota North America, Terri Von Lehmden, were the featured speakers at this year's The State of Plano Business conference held at Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center.

Athletico Physical Therapy Opens Third Location in Plano!

Athletico offers a variety of physical therapy, rehabilitation and work comp services to help patients get back to doing what they love to do.

Athletico Plano West is conveniently located in the Windhaven Shopping Plaza near Massage Heights. Athletico Plano (Parker & Custer) is located in Custer Park Shopping Center. The Newest Plano clinic is one of three Anytime Fitness partnerships for Athletico.

Activate Games Now Open!

Activate offers high-tech games that test your team’s physical and mental agility across a wide variety of real-life challenges. Once inside, you and your team choose from hundreds of combinations of games and difficulty levels, each lasting one to three minutes. Your electronic wristband tracks your score and progress throughout your experience, making Activate perfect for a casual night out or intense competition.

5013 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093 (469) 209-6545

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Plano

14

local experiences

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

SUNSET MOVIE SERIES AT LEGACY HALL : Warm summer evenings are back, and Legacy Hall is taking full advantage with a  FREE Sunset Movie Series on Wednesdays in their outdoor Box Garden!  7800 Windrose Ave., Plano, TX 75024

HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM: Heritage Farmstead Museum is the premiere living history site interpreting the Texas Blackland Prairie region in North Texas.   1900 West 15th St., Plano, TX 75075

KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARDING AT OAK POINT PARK AND NATURE

PRESERVE: The pond is open for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding from dawn to dusk. The general public is welcome to use their own watercraft.  5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074

ARBOR HILLS TOWER TRAIL: Check out this 2.5-mile loop trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.  6701 West Parker Road, Plano, TX 75093

THE BOARDWALK AT GRANITE PARK: Stylish development featuring casual eateries & bars with outdoor seating on a waterside boardwalk. 5880 Texas 121, Plano, TX 75024

Scan for more photos and the full list. LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Want to recommend a local experience?

SUMMER SWIMMING is for

THE BEST SWIMMING HOLES IN TEXAS

Growing up, summer was a new swimsuit from the Lands’ End catalog, swimming lessons at the natatorium, and a family trip to Neal’s Lodges on the Frio River.

On an early July morning, my brother and I would sit in blearyeyed silence in the backseat, forbidden to open the special bag of car toys until we were “on the road.”

I’m still not exactly sure what that means.

Texas topography is unlike any other state in that it seems to borrow from every other state. East Texas is green and lush with trees that look like trees ought to—tall and strong and shady like those in Arkansas. Houston is swampy, the air thick and wet like New Orleans. West Texas is flatter and hotter than a cast iron skillet and resembles desolate stretches of New Mexico, but makes up for its lack of elevation in sunsets.

The Hill Country is a wonder.

As we neared Neal’s each summer, flat, straight highway melted into rolling roads that edged around hills and dipped to cross low bridges. Depth gauges yards ahead of these narrow bridges let us know what the year’s vacation was likely to bring.

Water running over the bridges meant we’d sail down the Frio on our float trip the next day. In drier years, my dad would slow and point at the river through the trees—drawing our attention to the feet between last year’s banks and this year’s levels. Low years meant walking as much as we floated, gathering our inner tubes like ladies hoisting up black rubber skirts to wade further downstream until the water deepened, then dropping our tubes and settling in to float to our favorite swimming hole.

There’s no doubt about it, summer is for swimming. And in Texas, there’s nothing better than a swimming hole. Here are four of the best our state has to offer.

KRAUSE SPRINGS

Located in Spicewood, TX, about 30 miles west of Austin, this beloved camping and swimming site boasts countless natural wonders to explore and enjoy. The 115 acre property, which has been privately owned by the Krause Family for over 50 years, is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites and is home to 32 springs. Several of these refreshing springs feed the man made pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis. During hot Texas summers there’s nothing as revitalizing as a dip in the springs. Additionally, the property offers tent sites and RV sites if you plan to stay the night. For more information, visit krausesprings.net

NEAL’S LODGES

Located in Concan, TX on the Frio River, this cool, blue, spring fed pool is available exclusively for guests of Neal’s Lodges. Guests can pick out a tube and catch a ride to a drop off point miles upstream, then spend the day floating back to the welcome waters of the swimming hole. River rapids punctuate the trip, and stretches of tranquil waters float troubles away. Back at Neal’s swimming hole, magnificent bald cypress trees shade the banks and proffer rope swings for adventurous, acrobatic swimmers. An enormous 83 foot slide beckons the daring. And, at the end of the day, nothing beats chicken fried steak from Neal’s Cafe. For more information, visit nealslodges.com

2

JACOB’S WELL

Located in Wimberley, TX, this artesian spring is fed by the Trinity aquifer which is over 140 feet below the pool’s surface. The pool is also the entrance to an elaborate underground cave system, but only professionals are allowed to explore it. Due to a lack of rain, Jacob’s Well is currently closed to swimmers, but the park remains open for hiking and viewing the spring. For more information, go to visit wimberley.com/jacobswell/.

3 BARTON SPRINGS POOL

Located in the heart of Austin’s 358 acre Zilker Park, this three acre pool is fed a frigiddiet of icy water from underground springs and maintains an average temperature between 68-70 degrees. Its depths range from zero to 18 feet deep and it’s surrounded by sun-dappled grassy areas for lunching, lounging, and laughing. The pool attracts crowds as diverse as Austin and has welcomed more than a few celebrity swimmers over the years. Guests can expect to pay an admission fee for the day or season before enjoying the cool waters. For more information, visit austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool.

Food, Drinks & Fun!

Legacy Hall Has it All

Since its opening in 2017, Legacy Hall in Legacy West has unfailingly delighted the senses of all who visit. The hall boasts dozens of artisanal restaurants and bars, titillating taste buds with everything from sushi to shawarma to shaved ice.

If you'd rather take to the stage than stand in the crowd, Legacy Hall is offering up the microphone at Monday Night Karaoke in the Lexus Box Garden every Monday beginning at 6 p.m.

"T" is for "Theme"...and "Thursdays." Enjoy live DJ nights every Thursday in Tonic Bar & Lounge. The 1st and 3rd Thursdays are all about the 80s. 2nd and 4th Thursdays are dedicated to Classic Hip Hop.

This summer, delicious food and drinks aren't the only items on the menu, though. Legacy Hall is entertaining guests nearly every night of the week.

The fun kicks off on July 1 at 7 p.m. with The Guns 'N Roses experience, a tribute to the band famous for singing about the girl with "eyes of the bluest skies."

If you know who said, "They don't know that we know that they know," then Sitcom Trivia Night on July 18 was made for you. It's your lobster! The fun starts at 7 p.m. and costs just $30 a team. The best teams can win $50, $75, and $100. Plus, there's a costume contest at the end of the night!

Country music fans will be happy to hear Texas country star Cory Morrow with special guest Jaret Ray Reddick on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. To elevate your experience, consider reserving a Balcony VIP Lounge where you'll enjoy dedicated cocktail service, soft seating, and a premium view.

Into obscure holidays and liquor? Legacy Hall has you covered there, too. July 19 is National Daiquiri Day. To celebrate, Bacardi and daiquiris are just $6 all day. July 24 is National Tequila Day, so tequila shots and margaritas are a mere seis dólares.

JOURNEY OF HOPE

Nonprofit of the Month

Journey of Hope Grief Support Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing group grief support to children, teens, and their parents or adult caregivers.

“This year we’re celebrating 25 years of healing hearts and renewing hope,” says Executive Director Patrick Bricker.

The Mission: To renew hope, foster healing, and develop resilience in the hearts of children and families grieving the death of a loved one.

The Vision: To keep lives whole for grieving children and their families.

HOW IT WORKS

At Journey of Hope, kids and teens are not alone. When families arrive for their intake session, the kids receive a special bear. It’s very common to hear that this bear has a treasured place in kids’ hearts for years after the loss of their loved one.

When families arrive at support group meetings, they eat first. Volunteers provide and serve a meal, as well as assist parents with getting their families fed. Words cannot express what a welcome support this is for grieving families. There are times it feels impossible to get through the day, but there are always group nights to look forward to with the knowledge that you do not have to think about cooking or cleaning up.

After the meal, children are placed in groups with other kids their own age going through similar circumstances. Kids and teens share special memories and talk about their loved ones in a nonjudgmental, confidential, and caring setting. While the kids meet in their rooms, adults and caregivers gather to express their own grief, discuss coping skills, and brainstorm ways to help their children navigate their journey of loss.

HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY

From weekly meetings to special events like the annual 5K Walk of Remembrance and the Christmas Candlelight Ceremony, Journey of Hope offers completely free services to families in a warm, caring, and nurturing environment. Journey of Hope uses a peer group model for facilitation. Trained volunteer group facilitators lead participants in their personal journeys toward healing and healthy grief reconciliation. Facilitators pass a background check and participate in extensive training about bereavement, typical grief emotions and concerns for all ages, and strategies to lead peer grief support groups.

Licensed mental health professionals oversee all facilitators. Facilitators have diverse backgrounds and include mental health professionals, educators, and bachelors or masters level students. Most importantly, these facilitators have experienced the death of a loved one themselves. Using their own personal experiences, facilitators help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms in a supportive setting that allows children to understand loss and grief as natural parts life and focus on finding a “new normal." Groups are open-ended, so families can join at any point in their grief process. They may stay as long as they deem necessary. There’s no timeline for grief.

How can you help?

Donate:

There are many ways to give including donating supplies directly from the organization’s Amazon wish list. In honor of their 25th anniversary, JoH is selling commemorative bears that will be given to children entering the program.

Participate:

Journey of Hope relies on kind, caring, and nurturing people like you to make a difference in the lives of the families they serve. By volunteering, you make this program possible.

Advocate:

Like, Follow, and Share this information with others. You could be the necessary change in someone else’s family. Don’t hesitate — it makes a world of difference.

To learn more about the program and ways to get involved, visit johgriefsupport.org.

OUTDOOR LIVING DESIGNED TO INSPIRE THE WHOLE FAMILY

BACKYARD BLISS

Nestled amidst nature's embrace lies a breathtaking backyard oasis, a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. The landscape seamlessly blends artistry and serenity, perfect for joyous gatherings while also offering a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The centerpiece of this magnificent oasis is a crystal-clear, shimmering pool, its surface reflecting the azure sky above. Surrounded by lush, verdant foliage and vibrant bursts of flowers, the pool exudes a sense of calm and invites you to dip your toes into its refreshing waters. As you step onto the smooth flagstone patio, you are greeted by an array of comfortable lounge chairs and plush, inviting daybeds. These spaces beckon you to unwind, bask in the warm sunlight, and lose yourself in the pages of a captivating book or the melodies of your favorite tunes. The backdrop of the pool is a spacious covered entertaining space perfect for celebrations. Beneath its sheltering canopy, a stylish outdoor kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances awaits, providing the perfect space for culinary adventures and al fresco dining experiences.

A gentle, meandering pathway leads you through a meticulously manicured garden, alive with a symphony of colors and fragrances. Trees sway gracefully in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the emerald-green lawn. Cascading waterfalls provide a soothing soundtrack as they cascade into vast, stone-lined pond, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's grace. The oasis is adorned with an assortment of flowering plants that frame the space with bursts of pinks, purples, yellows, and whites.

Nestled in one corner of this idyllic oasis, a cozy fire pit beckons with

flickering flames, inviting you to gather around its warmth on cool evenings. The crackling fire dances in harmony with the dulcet sounds of nature, creating an intimate setting for storytelling and cherished conversations under the starlit sky. As you explore every nook and cranny of this backyard sanctuary, you stumble upon a charming pergola perfectly placed along a quaint path to the middle of the pond. A second fire-pit surrounded by luxurious swinging benches allows you to take in a 360 degree view of the backyard paradise.   In this backyard oasis, nature's wonders blend harmoniously with human

creativity, offering a space of respite and rejuvenation. With its enchanting aesthetics, soothing sounds, and captivating scents, this oasis is a sanctuary where time stands still, and one can reconnect with the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

The backyard play area is a fun and inviting space designed for outdoor activities and adventure. It is a vibrant and engaging environment where children and even adults can enjoy various recreational pursuits. The space features a lush, well-maintained lawn that provides a soft and comfortable surface for running, jumping, and frolicking. Surrounding the lawn are vibrant flowerbeds filled with colorful blossoms, adding a touch of natural beauty to the space. At the center, there is a sturdy and safe playground structure featuring climbing frames, ropes, and ladders, encouraging physical activity and fostering excitement for all ages. The playground also includes a towering fort and adrenaline-pumping zipline! A trampoline is another exciting feature of the backyard play area which is located in its own artistically painted concrete corner.

Adjacent to the playground, there is a putting green. This meticulously maintained section of the yard dedicated to the art of putting is constructed using high-quality artificial turf specifically designed for golfing purposes. To add an element of friendly competition, a pickleball court has recently been added.  The family can practice their skills, engage in friendly matches, and experience the joy of the fastest growing sport in America. These elements provide further opportunities for active play, imagination, and

skill development. Overall, the backyard play area is a vibrant, safe, and engaging space that offers a variety of activities to keep children entertained and active. It encourages outdoor play, creativity, and social interaction while providing a pleasant and enjoyable environment for both kids and adults alike.

This glorious backyard spans nearly two and a half acres and took almost two years to complete. Garden Design was responsible for the original landscaping, although it has been substantially updated over

LOVE

OF

EVEN THOUGH WE’RE ONLY A FEW MILES FROM THE CITY.”

the years by the homeowners and their landscaper Joe Cummings. Southernwind Pools designed and installed the gorgeous pool. Patterned Concrete by Rey contributed the majority of the concrete work and installed the pickleball court, and Synthetic GreenScapes installed all of the artificial turf. This suburban backyard oasis is a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and serene relaxation. It is a sanctuary where one can escape the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in a haven of tranquility. From lush green lawns and vibrant flowerbeds to captivating play areas and inviting seating spaces, every element is thoughtfully designed to create an oasis of joy and rejuvenation. Whether engaging in outdoor activities, hosting gatherings with loved ones, or simply unwinding in the embrace of nature, this perfect backyard is a cherished extension of the home, inspiring endless moments of happiness, connection, and contentment.

“WE

HEARING THE SOUNDS

THE COUNTRY

A sample of recently sold properties in Plano.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

BACKYARD BOOT SCOOTIN’

LEXUS BOX GARDEN AT LEGACY HALL, 7800 WINDROSE AVE., PLANO, TX 75024 | 7:00 PM

Warm summer nights call for country music and boot scootin’ in the best backyard in Texas!

Every Thursday night, the Lexus Box Garden transforms into a honky tonk for a boot-scooting, knee-slapping, beer-slinging good time!

Starting at 7 p.m., Big As Texas country band and Arthur Murray will switch off between live country music and two-stepping and line dancing lessons.

ALL AMERICAN 4TH

2800 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY, PLANO, TX 75074 | 6:00 PM

Celebrate Independence Day at Plano’s All American 4th on Tuesday, July 4! The festival is open from 6 to 10 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Collin College (2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway). This is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.

MÖTLEY CRÜE TRIBUTE: THE CRÜE

LEXUS BOX GARDEN AT LEGACY HALL, 7800 WINDROSE AVE., PLANO, TX 75024 | 7:00 PM

Kickstart your heart with this tribute to Mötley Crüe: The Crüe! Formed in 2019, The Crüe consists of four lifelong fans of Mötley Crüe and 80s heavy metal. Inspired by the Netflix biopic The Dirt, the band was founded with one singular goal in mind – to bring to life early 1980’s Mötley Crüe, with a stunning attention to detail.

CORY MORROW

LEXUS BOX GARDEN AT LEGACY HALL, 7800 WINDROSE AVE., PLANO, TX 75024 | 6:30 PM Texas country star Cory Morrow with special guest Jaret Ray Reddick. Cory Morrow is beautifully and uncomfortably transparent. From the days of his early career, to today’s more sober and spiritual leg of the journey, one thing has never changed: the connection between Cory’s life and music.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY MARKET

PLANO EVENT CENTER, 2000 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY, PLANO, TX 75074 | 10:00 AM Dallas Nutcracker Market – Christmas in July Market will be held at the beautiful Plano Event Center. There will be over 100 local vendors selling women’s and children’s boutique clothing, home, holiday and garden decor, gourmet food items, handmade and fashion jewelry, and so much more. Come out and help support local small business owners.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK 2023

HAGGARD PARK, 901 E. 15TH ST., PLANO, TX 75074 | 7:00 PM

Join the annual Summer Concerts in the Haggard Park with the Plano Community Band. Bring your own blanket or folding chairs. Leashed dogs welcome. Free and open to the public

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Plano

It’s Not Pink. It’s Salmon!

A PERFECT SUMMER COCKTAIL TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS

As temperatures rise, the cool refreshment of a delicious beverage beckons, promising a reprieve from the sweltering heat. While there is a seemingly endless bevy of sugary and carbonated drinks in convenient cans, with a little extra effort you can elevate your poolside cocktail experience to delicious heights. How refreshing!

ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka – neutral corn or potato vodkas, such as Tito’s or Luksusowa, are optimal

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur – Florente or St-Germain are excellent

• 1 oz fresh squeezed Texas ruby red grapefruit juice

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

method:

Combine all of the ingredients over ice in shaker tin and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe or ice filled wine glass and garnish with dehydrated grapefruit slice and fresh mint.