Sonoran Foothills, AZ February 2026

Love, in All the Ways That Matter

When I think about love and what it truly means to me, I think first of the people who support me and lift me up—my husband, my children, my family, and the close friends who feel more like family. Their encouragement, presence, and belief remind me daily that love is both grounding and powerful.

But love extends beyond people. It’s often woven into the places we call home, the careers we build, and the passions that give our lives purpose. When we pour our hearts into something meaningful, that passion has a way of spilling over—and often, it’s something we feel compelled to share with others.

In this issue, we’re introduced to a North Phoenix couple, Ben and Karie Duffey, who turned their shared love for fitness into a business with the opening of  Body Fit Training Dove Valley this past November. We also meet Shawn and Renee Davis, the owners of  Blind Bear, a window covering company rooted in a deep love for family and a true commitment to craftsmanship.

You’ll also find expert inspiration for celebrating love this Valentine’s Day, including local date destinations from travel advisor Doris Gilles of  High Access Travel, along with a thoughtfully curated gift guide from our very own editor and photographer, Ashley Hathaway—perfect for showing that special someone just how much they mean to you.

As you turn these pages, my hope is that this issue inspires love, hope, and pas sion—for your people, your dreams, and all the things that matter most in your life.

With gratitude,

CANDICE JOHNSON,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Candice Johnson | candice.johnson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Ashley Hathaway | ashley.hathaway@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chris Johnson | chris.johnson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Doris Gilles, Ashley Hathaway

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

The Social Edit Co. by Ashley Hathaway

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Welcome to The Smile Studio - where modern care meets real comfort. We’ve created a space that feels warm, relaxing, and family-friendly because we know the dentist shouldn’t be stressful. We provide soothing scents, cozy blankets, TVs in every room and a friendly team that truly cares. From general cleanings to Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, and implants, we’re here to help every smile feel confident, cared for, and right at home.

thesmilestudioaz.com | 623-335-9808 | 3134 W Carefree Hwy STE 9

city scene

WHERE

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Anthem Golf & Country Club presented checks to organizations supported through this year’s Charity Classic fundraiser. 2: Lily Photography by Dusty & Bloom Senior Experience gather to celebrate their annual Christmas party. 3: The Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Gala honored Tennessee Grill as its Business of the Year. 4: Anthem Rotary honored local hero Ray Norris during the inspiring “Ray of Hope Family Walk.” 5: Santa Brunch at the Anthem Golf & Country Club sparkled with magic and cheer! 6: Musical Theatre of Anthem’s Outreach Group delivered a magical holiday performance filled with joy. 7: Skin & Body Rx hosted an intimate Skin Strategy event with iS Clinical, focused on education.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Boulder Creek High School Forms New Tennis Booster Club

The Boulder Creek Tennis Booster Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit support ing student‑athletes, has launched to strengthen the boys’ and girls’ tennis programs at Boulder Creek High School. Led by President Sue Natale, the club drives fundrais ing, advocacy, and community engagement. Membership is open to all supporters. Learn more or donate at bchsjaguarstennis.com or email BCHStennisboosterclub@ gmail.com.

A Wild Hair Salon and Day Spa wel comes new stylists Ellie Foondle and Faith Wardell to the team. Anthem local Ellie Foondle is known for her passion for bold, creative color and fashion forward looks. Joining from Scottsdale, Faith Wardell brings 2.5 years of experience in color and cutting, and is excited to help clients achieve their ultimate style.

Pool Renovation & New Construction Experts

Doris Gilles Earns Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor Designation

Doris Gilles proudly announces her graduation from the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) program, an exclusive designation for advisors affiliated with Virtuoso member agencies such as High Access Travel. This six month certification reflects a commitment to profession alism and excellence in luxury travel advising, combining comprehensive, innovative, and interactive training. Guided by her purpose—crafting jour neys and creating memories—Doris looks forward to thoughtfully part nering with clients to design unfor gettable travel experiences.

Transform your backyard into a personal oasis with a custom pool designed and built by August Pools and Outdoor Living. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new pool or looking to breathe new life into your existing one, our expert team brings craftsmanship, creativity, and care to every project.

Request a quote today and experience the August Pools and Outdoor Living difference!

GET

A still LIFE IN bloom

An Artful Study in Florals, Romance, and Renewal

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SOCIAL EDIT CO. BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY

Florals don’t need instruction to be understood — they need intention. In this arrangement by Hive Interiors floral designer Lauren Miller, flowers are treated not as decoration, but as still life: observed, composed, and allowed to move naturally rather than forced into perfection. Soft blush blooms spill outward from a vin tage champagne vessel, nodding gently to celebration and romance.

The arrangement is deliberately restrained. Negative space is given room to breathe, allowing the eye to pause and return. Individual stems remain visible and expressive, imperfect by design. Nothing is overly polished, because beauty often lives in what’s left undone—in knowing when to stop rather than add.

Though the arrangement began without intention or symbolism, a heart subtly emerged in the final form. Not illustrated or obvious, but suggested through curve, movement, and balance. It’s a reminder that meaning doesn’t always need to be constructed—sometimes it reveals itself naturally when space is allowed for things to unfold.

In rethinking the bouquet, the gesture shifts from tradition to sentiment. As an early welcome to spring, blush, cream, and soft lavender feel optimistic and light, while the aged vessel grounds the composition with history and tactility. Styled this way, florals become less about symbolism and more about observation— thoughtful, layered, and quietly romantic.

THE ARTIST’S APPROACH

Styled through an editorial lens, the composition was intention ally layered to feel grounded and tactile. Pears were introduced as part of the still life styling, adding weight, texture, and an unex pected sense of balance. Their presence anchors the softness of the blooms, offering contrast and giving the eye a place to rest.

Natural movement guided placement, allowing stems to arc and settle organically within a timeworn vessel marked by patina. The photographs were captured at dawn, when soft morning light fil tered gently across the canvas backdrop. The diffused light allowed shadows to fall naturally, becoming part of the composition.

The goal was not perfection, but presence— shaped by light, shadow, and restraint.

Butterfly ranunculus, lisianthus, Japanese sweet pea, lavender scabiosa, and jasmine vine shape this floral arrangement.

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Reclaim Time & Body with Positive Energy Fitness

OHMFitness.com/HappyValley

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Our emPower EMS Suit helps you achieve your goals 3X Faster. 25 minute workout = 2.5 to 3 hours in the gym.

Skin and Body Rx is a luxury med spa dedicated to elevating your skin and overall well-being. Our approach blends advanced injectables, biostimulators, customized facials, microneedling, chemical peels, and wellness therapies to help you look and feel your best from the inside out. Step into a space designed with intention, expertise, and a passion for results.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BODY FIT DOVE VALLEY

LOVE IN MOTION

THE HEART, PARTNERSHIP, AND PURPOSE BEHIND BODY FIT’S DOVE VALLEY DEBUT

When Ben and Karie Duffey first met more than a decade ago, fit ness wasn’t a shared hobby — it was a shared language. Both were college athletes, Ben on the football field and Karie on the soccer pitch, and movement had always been part of how they showed up in the world. Years later, with five children deeply involved in sports and an unwavering commitment to health, that foundation would quietly evolve into something much bigger.

This winter, that evolution took physical form with the opening of Body Fit Training, a boutique fitness studio rooted not just in performance, but in people.

From the beginning, Ben and Karie understood how to function as a team. As a blended family juggling careers, children, sched ules, and constant adjustment, they learned early how to tag team life. That same dynamic naturally translated into business. Where Ben brings calm, patience, and operational leadership shaped by more than 20 years in executive roles, Karie contributes energy, organization, and a deep ability to connect — honed through two

decades as a nurse. They don’t overlap unnecessarily. They lead where it makes sense and trust each other to do the same.

Running a gym together has only sharpened that under standing. It has reinforced their strengths, exposed new ones, and deepened their respect for how differently — yet effectively — they operate. Most importantly, it has affirmed a shared pur pose: delivering exceptional care to every person who walks through their doors.

That purpose is felt immediately. Body Fit was intentionally designed to feel inviting, warm, modern, and energetic. While the space carries a polished, boutique aesthetic — crisp finishes, elevated apparel, a refined look — the heart of the studio goes far beyond appearances. The goal was never intimidation or exclu sivity. It was belonging.

Ben and Karie believe community isn’t a buzzword — it’s the backbone. While programming and coaching matter, it’s the culture created by members, coaches, and owners together that

individuals as individuals, even in a group setting. Fitness may bring people through the door, but relationships are what keep them coming back.

“LOVE, TO US, LOOKS LIKE UNWAVERING SUPPORT — PUSHING EACH OTHER TO BE BETTER WHILE FULLY ACCEPTING WHO WE ARE.”

defines success. Encouragement, accountability, support, and genuine connection are woven into the daily rhythm of the gym. The result is a space where people feel known, welcomed, and supported — whether they’re seasoned athletes or just beginning their fitness journey.

Their vision for inclusivity is deeply personal. It’s built through conversation, learning names, remembering stories, and treating

That relational energy flows directly from Ben and Karie’s partnership. They show up together, consistently, modeling respect, warmth, and care — not only for each other, but for every member. The studio feels less like a business and more like an extension of their family, a place where people are encour aged to bring their full selves.

For Karie, a North Valley native, opening Body Fit close to home was intentional. “Love Local” isn’t just a theme — it’s a commit ment. They live five miles from the studio. Their children attend school alongside members’ kids. This isn’t a destination gym; it’s a neighborhood one. A place built to strengthen not just bodies, but the fabric of the community itself.

The legacy they hope to leave is simple, yet powerful: showing their children — and everyone they serve — that hard work, kindness, support, and pushing one another to be better truly matter. That making a positive difference, no matter how small, ripples outward.

As Ben and Karie put it, “Love, to us, looks like unwavering support — pushing each other to be better while fully accepting who we are.”

And at Body Fit, that love is felt daily — in movement, in connec tion, and in community.

ROMANCE, EXPERTLY PLANNED

Six Romantic Valentine’s Day Experiences in The Valley, Thoughtfully Curated

ARTICLE BY DORIS GILLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SMHERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

As a luxury travel advisor at High Access Travel, I love helping clients discover unique ways to celebrate special moments. For Valentine’s Day, I have gathered a little list of favorite local expe riences that promise to create beautiful, romantic memories right here in Greater Phoenix.

For a tranquil and romantic outing, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix is a perfect choice. Stroll hand in hand through the beautiful 3.5 acre garden, with koi pond, waterfall, stone footbridges, tea garden, and tea house. This hidden gem, right in downtown, is a lovely way to share a quiet moment together.

Dobbins Point in South Mountain Park offers one of the most romantic sunset views in Phoenix, overlooking the entire Valley. Arrive early, as parking is limited. Capture a sunset selfie together, then continue the evening with a cozy dinner at one of downtown’s wonderful restaurants for a perfect romantic Valentine’s Day evening.

“The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum”, the MIM in North Phoenix is a unique and engaging Valentine’s Day date. Discover instruments from around the globe, enjoy live performances, and share a culturally enriching experience together. Afterwards, dine at one of the great restau rants at Desert Ridge, Kierland Commons, or Scottsdale Quarter.

CONTINUED >

Take a cooking class at Sur La Table at Scottsdale Quarter for a hands on, fun, and memorable Valentine’s Day, or anytime, date. Choose your favorite type of cuisine or focus on desserts. Cook together, learn new techniques, and enjoy a delicious meal you created yourselves. Book early, classes fill up!

Enjoy a romantic night out by attending a concert, play, or show. From live music to Broadway, sharing an evening of culture cre ates lasting memories. Popular venues include The Mesa Arts Center, ASU Gammage, Arizona Financial Theatre, and Candlelight Series events. Pair the show with dinner downtown for a wonderful Valentine’s celebration.

Finally, for something truly unforgettable, a hot air balloon ride makes for a magical Valentine’s Day experience. Choose a sunrise or sunset flight for breathtaking views and quiet romance. Flight options include breakfast or a champagne toast afterwards. This bucket list adventure is perfect for couples seeking some thing extraordinary to share together.

awildhairanthem.com (623) 551-5561

39510

Love, Thoughtfully Given

A curated local gift guide celebrating meaningful gestures, shared experiences, and intention this Valentine’s season.

Love doesn’t always arrive wrapped in a bow or tied to a single day on the calendar. More often, it shows up quietly — in shared moments, thoughtful gestures, and experiences chosen with intention. This Valentine’s sea son, we’re reimagining the idea of gifting through a local lens, one rooted in creativity, connection, and meaning rather than excess.

In a world of endless options, the most memorable gifts are often the ones that slow us down. They invite us to gather, to create, to celebrate the everyday moments that make life feel rich. Whether fleeting or lasting, tan gible or experiential, a thoughtful gift has the power to mark time — not just the moment it’s given, but the mem ories that follow.

This local gift guide high lights curated offerings from our community that feel personal and considered. From florals designed to be enjoyed in the present, to jewelry meant to become part of daily life, to creative expe riences and shared tables, each selection reflects a dif ferent expression of love. Not grand or performative, but intentional, meaningful, and rooted in connection.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY

Floral Arrangement Hive Interiors

“The most meaningful gifts aren’t about the exchange itself, but the moments they create — gathering, creating, slowing down, and choosing something with intention that lingers long after it’s been given.”

Flowers have long been a language of love, but their beauty lies in their imperma nence. A custom floral arrangement from Hive Interiors is less about decoration and more about emotion — a fleeting moment designed to be fully enjoyed. Soft move ment, seasonal tones, and artful compo sition transform florals into a gesture that feels personal, intentional, and quietly romantic. It’s a reminder that not every thing meaningful is meant to last forever.

Permanent Jewelry

Andrew Z Jewelers

Permanent jewelry offers a modern interpretation of sentimentality. Delicate chains are welded in place, creating a subtle piece meant to be worn daily — a quiet marker of time, connec tion, or intention. Minimal yet meaning ful, permanent jewelry feels less like an accessory and more like a ritual. It’s a gift chosen once, worn always, and designed to become part of everyday life rather than reserved for special occasions.

Art Classes

Sonoran Arts League

Some gifts aren’t objects at all. An art class at Sonoran Arts League invites cre ativity, curiosity, and time — the kind of gift that encourages exploration rather than perfection. Whether working with clay, paint, or pencil, these classes offer space to slow down and reconnect with the joy of making something by hand. It’s a thoughtful way to give inspira tion, growth, and a creative outlet that extends well beyond Valentine’s Day.

Facial Treatment

Bella Noelle Aesthetics

A facial treatment at Bella Noelle Aesthetics offers a gift rooted in care, restoration, and presence. More than a service, it’s an invitation to slow down — to step away from the noise and focus on feeling refreshed and renewed. Thoughtfully tailored and deeply relaxing, a facial becomes a quiet act of self love, making it a meaningful gift that prioritizes well being long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

A CLEAR VISION

How The Blind Bear blends family values, thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and local trust.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY

At its core, The Blind Bear is not simply a window cover ing company—it is a family story rooted in craftsmanship, integrity, and service. Owners Renee and Shawn Davis moved to Anthem thirteen years ago from Bear Lake,

a small town nestled along the Utah–Idaho border. Aside from a few acquaintances and family members, they arrived knowing almost no one, but they brought with them a shared work ethic, a deep respect for people’s homes, and a clear vision to build something meaningful together. In 2013, they launched The Blind Bear from their home, slowly earning trust through word of mouth and a recognizable wrapped Chevy Tahoe that became a familiar sight throughout the community. Growth came organically, fueled not by aggressive sales tactics, but by consistency, honesty, and follow through.

From the beginning, Renee and Shawn built their business on customer service and integrity. “If some thing isn’t right, we fix it. We make it right,” Renee says. That belief continues to guide every interac tion. For The Blind Bear, success starts with setting clear expectations—educating clients thoroughly so everyone understands what the process will look like from start to finish. When homeowners know what to expect, trust is established early, and the experience feels collaborative rather than transactional. If the

final result doesn’t align with what was promised, the responsibility never falls on the homeowner. The team holds manufacturers accountable for quality and uses their expertise to help clients make informed decisions rather than rushed ones. With a salaried team instead of commission based sales, there is no pressure to upsell. Whether a client chooses a simple solution or a fully custom design, the level of care remains the same. Every client is treated like a VIP.

What truly sets The Blind Bear apart is the depth of experience behind the installation itself. Shawn and son Jacob lead the installation team, bringing gener ations of trade knowledge to every project. They are fourth and fifth generation metal men. Shawn grew up in a sheet metal shop before working in demanding commercial heating and air conditioning environ ments, including large scale projects such as air traffic control towers. Jacob followed closely behind, earning certifications in welding and automotive repair and working alongside his father in commercial HVAC. Precision, structure, and problem solving are second nature to them—skills that translate seamlessly into

“This business was built by our family, for our community, with service guiding every decision.”

- Renee Davis

high quality, long lasting installations. Early on, the family attempted to out source installations, but Shawn often found himself returning to fix and refine the work. That experience made one thing clear. “Our kids know our standards,” Renee explains. “They know how we work, and they know how we treat people.”

Today, the company is a multi gen erational business in the truest sense. Daughter Abigail Davis serves as Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing marketing, sales, and operations. She interned with the Anthem Chamber of Commerce and PXG and has technically been operating her own business since she was sixteen. She also grew up working alongside her par ents—assisting with installations, building hundreds of shutter frames, and learning every part of the business from the ground

up. That hands on foundation gives her a unique understanding of how the company functions at every level. Today, she blends organization, efficiency, and creativity, leading marketing and social media while keeping the brand cohesive and intentional. Even the Anthem office reflects that family first spirit, home to Larry Blueberry—the team’s beloved office cat and unofficial morale booster.

The family dynamic extends beyond bloodlines. Chad, a lifelong family friend, joined the company during the pandemic, bringing customer service and manage ment experience from his previous career. What began as an opportunity quickly became a natural fit. Chad now serves as general manager and partner in the Anthem store, fully embracing the com pany’s mission to live a life of service with

honesty and integrity. His leadership helps ensure that the same standards and care are delivered consistently, regardless of which team member a client works with.

Designing for Arizona presents its own unique chal lenges and opportunities. The desert light is dramatic and beautiful, but also intense, requiring thoughtful solutions that balance aesthetics with performance. Blind Bear approaches window design with a focus on light control, energy efficiency, and comfort, while ensuring treatments complement a home’s existing style rather than overpower it. The goal is always bal ance—spaces that feel finished, livable, and timeless. The team values close collaboration with realtors, interior designers, contractors, remodelers, and small builders, choosing to work on projects where commu nication and customization matter most rather than large scale production builds.

The Blind Bear opened its first showroom in Anthem in 2018 before relocating to the North Valley Outlets in November 2022. In April 2023, a Sedona showroom

opened near the iconic teal McDonald’s arches, expanding service throughout Northern Arizona. Today, Shawn and Jacob focus primarily on Sedona installations, while Abby and Chad work full time in the Anthem location. Renee remains closely involved, spending time in the Anthem store weekly and staying connected to both the team and the clients they serve.

For Renee, the most meaningful part of the journey has been the relationships built along the way. Loyal clients, repeat customers, and trusted referrals have shaped the business as much as any milestone.

Looking ahead, success isn’t defined by numbers alone. Renee envisions a future where the next gener ation continues the work—if they choose to—carrying forward the same standards, values, and commitment to service. From Bear Lake to Anthem, from a home based business to multiple showrooms, The Blind Bear has been built on trust, craftsmanship, and relation ships—proof that when a business leads with integrity and heart, community follows.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SOCIAL EDIT CO. BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY

SUGAR!

A Valentine’s cookie collection inspired by connection, craft, and community.

Sugar cookies don’t have to whisper nostalgia. Sometimes, they speak in bold letter ing, graphic shapes, and playful motifs that feel closer to design than dessert. In this Valentine’s collection, the cookies read like messages — mailed, stamped, sealed, and signed — each one carrying its own tone of affection. Together, they form a visual conver sation, where color, shape, and wording do as much communicating as taste ever could.

Conversation hearts are reimagined with sharper edges and cleaner lines, trading novelty for clarity. Lip shaped cookies nod to romance with a knowing wink, while envelope silhouettes suggest handwritten notes and slower forms of correspondence. The phrases themselves — XOXO, Hello Love, Cutie Pie, True Love — feel familiar, but their presentation is anything but. Rendered in soft pinks, reds, and creams, the pal ette stays restrained, allowing message and form to take the lead without feeling overly sweet or predictable.

Arranged together, the cookies function almost like typography. Some are playful, others graphic, a few unmistakably romantic. Repetition creates rhythm across the composition, while subtle variations keep the eye moving. Smooth, deliberate icing favors clean edges and legibility over embellishment, reinforcing the idea that less can often say more.

Seen this way, the cookies move beyond treat status and into object territory — designed, styled, and considered. They celebrate Valentine’s Day not as a single senti ment, but as a collection of gestures: affection, friendship, humor, and connection. A reminder that love doesn’t always arrive the same way — sometimes it’s sealed in an enve lope, sometimes it’s written plainly, and sometimes it simply says exactly what it means.

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F.

7. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into hearts or Valentine shapes.

8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until edges are set (do not brown).

9. Cool completely before icing.

COOKIES:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but lovely)

• 2½ cups all purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 table spoons), corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Adjust consistency: Outline icing: thicker, slow rib bon when lifted. Flood icing: add a few drops of milk until it settles smoothly

1. Divide and tint with gel food coloring.

2. Pipe outlines first, then flood centers using a toothpick to smooth.

3. Let cookies set at room temperature for 2–4 hours (or overnight for stacking).

OPTIONAL FINISHING TOUCHES:

• Heart sprinkles or sanding sugar

• Edible gold dust for an romantic touch

• Write names or love notes with a fine piping tip

• Tip: These cookies stay soft for days and make beauti ful gifts wrapped in cellophane with ribbon.

SIMPLE VALENTINE

VANILLA ICING:

(Decorating Friendly) This icing sets beautifully but stays soft enough to bite—perfect if you don’t want full royal icing.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (for shine and smoothness)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Gel food coloring (pink, red, white)

Where Aesthetics Meets Medicine

What makes your life feel rich?

FEBRUARY 2026

EVERY SATURDAY AND MONDAY

Big Earls Greasy Eats: Burgers & Big Screen Under the Stars

Big Earls Greasy Eats | 6135 E Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | 6:00 PM

Make it a classic Saturday night under the stars at Big Earl’s Drive In. Arrive early to claim your perfect spot, stock up on nostalgic candy, and order up juicy burgers and diner favorites. Settle in and enjoy a feel good movie night that blends retro charm with modern local flavor.

FEBRUARY 2ND

The 2026 Waste Management Open

TPC Scottsdale | 17020 N Hayden Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | 7:00 AM

The 2026 Waste Management Open returns to TPC Scottsdale February 2–8. Monday and Tuesday offer free admission for all fans cour tesy of Ford Free Days. Monday features PGA TOUR practice rounds, the 8:30 a.m. Carlisle Pro Am, and the 3:30 p.m. Tesori Family Foun dation All Star Kids Clinic—a fun, family friendly start to tournament week.

FEBRUARY 6TH

First Friday at the Shops at Norterra

The Shops at Norterra | 2460 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085 | 5:00 PM

Start your engines—we’re bringing out the classics! Join us each month for a free auto show featuring happy hour deals, live music, and an incredible lineup of cars. All makes and models are welcome and will be parked together. Admission is free, and parking is first come, first served.

This Is What Better Feels Like

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HORMONES/PEPTIDES | WEIGHT LOSS | AESTHETICS | INJECTIONS

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FEBRUARY 27TH

Musical Theatre of Anthem Presents Newsies JR in Anthem!

Musical Theatre of Anthem | 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086 | 7:00 PM

Anthem’s Musical Theatre of Anthem presents Newsies JR, the inspiring sto ry of young newsboys uniting to fight injustice. Featuring an award winning cast ages 7–18 and creative team, per formances run February 27–March 8, 2025, at MTA’s Anthem performance space. Tickets are $30.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Anthem Gem and Mineral Show

North Phoenix Outlets | 4250 W Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086 | 10:00 AM

Discover over 30 vendors showcasing hand crafted jewelry, gems, minerals, beads, lapidary art, geodes, fossils, and meteorites. Enjoy a fluorescent display, watch faceting demonstra tions, or have your favorite rock iden tified. Enter raffles and door prizes throughout the event. With a fun, ed ucational Kid’s Corner, this show of fers something for every age and every level of rock enthusiast.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Foothills Food Bank Farmer's Market

Foothills Food Bank | 4250 E Carefree Hwy Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | 10:00 AM

Pinnacle Peak Farmers Market is a great place to come and buy fresh fruits and veggies, to support local farmers and small businesses. Come and visit us year round, rain or shine!

Take in sweeping alpine views

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.