Topeka, KS June 2023

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY. WE'RE HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED CARE!

YOUR WAIT IS OVER!

Topeka ER & Hospital cares for all injuries and illnesses, from grilling accidents to handy work mishaps. We have your back, Dad!

Open 24/7, 365 days a year including holidays!

* INSURANCE ACCEPTED *

Gentlemen’s Issue - The Publisher's Thoughts

Hello, cherished readers. My wife (and editor) Kathy usually writes these letters, but she “allowed” me the privilege this month since it is our gentlemen’s issue. We’ve loaded this issue with great stories the men will enjoy.

Ever wondered how you could tell the difference between a $20 bottle and a $200 bottle of whiskey?  If so, you’ll enjoy our story about Distilled Tastings, a Topeka-based business that brings the whiskey experience and education to you.

Now that summer is here, one task that men usually do is mowing the lawn. We’ve got a story about the Husqvarna robotic lawn mower. It mows your lawn automatically and you can program it from your phone. It’s like a Roomba for your lawn!

I have developed a love for hats over the years. It really took shape in 2020 when I binge-watched the White Collar TV series. I liked the way Matt Bomer’s character looked in hats. It inspired me to try some different hats. I had been wearing Panama Jack fedoras. Recently it’s evolved into fedoras like the Rat Pack styles of the 50s & 60s. I think hats are a great way to elevate a man’s style and I wanted our writers to dig a little deeper into this fashion for men. I hope this inspires many men to start wearing hats. Since it's our June “Gents” issue, I have to mention Father’s Day. I’m so proud of my daughter, Jenna. She is graduating early from college, but more importantly, she is a kind, intelligent, young lady.  Parenting can be hard, yet the most rewarding job on the planet.

I must also mention my three bonus sons (my wife Kathy’s boys) who bring me tremendous amounts of joy as well. It is a privilege to watch these young men succeed in life. Kathy and I wish all four of you the best.

Finally, I’d like to say that no artificial intelligence was used to write the stories in our magazine. Real live humans wrote these stories…and you guessed it – about real live humans. The goal of Topeka City Lifestyle is to connect people and businesses within our community to make it stronger, safer, more vibrant, and exciting. We encourage you to go out and make some connections with some real live humans in our Golden City. Happy Father’s Day and happy summer all!

BRIAN RODEHORST, PUBLISHER @TOPEKALIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com

Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com

Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com

STAFF WRITERS

Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com

Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com

Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nadine Bubeck, Casey Weber, Lisa Van Horn

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer

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 Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

We Are Family

What We Do

Adoption is all we do, and my dedicated adoption services law firm guides expectant mothers and adoptive parents in giving the gift of family to a child

Who We Are

At Adoption Services & Law Group, we serve prospective adoptive parents throughout Kansas and around the country, including matching with expectant mothers We have over 60 years of experience in all types of adoptions

"Lisa Williams exceeded my expectations by far. When other attorneys were telling me it couldn't be done, she said it absolutely could! She was right! I will forever be grateful for what she has done for myself and my family"

Somerset Lavender Hosts First Annual Festival

Teryl and Joe Studebaker have been quietly building a dream, and are ready to introduce it to the Topeka community. Somerset Lavender will open to the public on June 17th . The first annual ‘Red, White & Lavender’ festival will be held on location at 9900 SW K4 Highway, in Topeka. Pick your own lavender, enjoy local vendor booths and live music. Be a part of Somerset history - where traditions begin! Visit FB: @ SomersetLavenderKS

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Distilled Tastings

It all started during the pandemic. Keaton Vander Hart, a high school business teacher, found himself with extra time on his hands. He convinced his wife to allow him to start diligently “researching” whiskey. “She basically allowed me to drink as many different kinds of whiskey that I could get my hands on,” he laughed. The couple had recently moved into a historic home in Topeka built in 1948. “It had great bones and this really cool stone fireplace in the basement,” he said. “We decided to create a speakeasy down there.”

With the help of his dad and brother, they added a bar with lots of shelves (to hold over 200 bottles of whiskey), painted the walls a deep green, installed amber lighting, and added some comfy couches. Even the gold ceiling harkens back to the ornamental tin ceilings that were popular in the early 1900s. “My wife and I love hosting friends, but we also have date nights in the basement - no babysitter required!”

Over the last few years, Vander Hart’s love of all things whiskey has only grown. “It’s a never ending journey, learning about whiskey,” he said. For his 30th birthday, he and his dad and brothers visited the Bourbon Trail - a road trip-style experience to visit Kentucky’s signature distilleries. Last year, it was his father-in-law and his brothers. This year he has a trip planned with his dad, brothers, and some cousins. “It’s a great time and I learn a little more each trip,” he said.

Maybe it’s the teacher in him, but he wanted to share his knowledge with others. That’s when the idea for Distilled Tastings was born. “I realized that I could bring the whiskey and the knowledge to others,” Vander Hart said. “I love sharing what I learn.” So now he creates whiskey experiences in peoples’ homes. He also has access to an event space for larger groups. “I pride myself on customizing experiences that will fit anyone’s needs, whether that’s for three or 300 people.”

“Whiskey is a sipping drink. It’s different from chugging some beers with your buds,” Vander Hart explained. “We all live such busy lives today. A glass of whiskey invites a slowing down. You can have really deep conversations with people over a glass of whiskey.”

Sitting and sipping provides an opportunity for your mind to actually think instead of simply reacting to outside stimuli. It allows time itself to take a back seat to the long lost art of introspection, reflection, and most importantly, when shared with others - conversation.

Vander Hart said Distilled Tastings purpose is to create experiences that deepen relationships. When something is distilled it is “shortened so only the most important aspects remain.” He believes this principle is true for whiskey, and also defines what life is all about - slowing down and savoring the moments.

WHISKEY EXPERIENCES

1) Blind Whiskey Tasting - Think you know the difference between a $20 bottle and a $200 bottle of whiskey? This two-hour whiskey education experience involves a hands-on approach to tasting and includes sensory training in which you are blindfolded to train your nose to guide your tastebuds. It includes four to eight tasting pours with an optional cocktail add on and is the most popular package.

2) History of Whiskey - Learn about whiskeys across the world through this two-hour whiskey education experience. Enjoy one premium cocktail and eight tasting pours.

3) Create Your Own Whiskey Experience - If you’ve got an idea, share it with Vander Hart and he can create a custom experience for you and your friends.

Distilled Tastings is perfect for a variety of social get-togethers from date nights and work events to birthdays and bachelor parties. If you’re looking for a unique experience, book a whiskey tasting with Distilled Tastings. Learn more at distilledtastings.com

A life-limiting illness is hard to deal with alone. You need support, comfort and care. You deserve to live each day with quality of life and focus on the things that matter to you.

Hospice can help people of all ages with a life-limiting illness. Hospice includes a care team of providers, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers to help you through your journey. The care team will come to your home and help with:

• Pain and symptom management

• Digni ed personal care

• Education & support

• Emotional and spiritual counseling

You don't need a doctors referral to call Midland Care to inquire about how hospice can help support you during this time. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.

Beyond Q is delicious BBQ and is located inside the Happy Basset Barrel House at 510 SW 49th St. It is a perfect complement to the highest quality in-house brewed beers. Stop in for lunch or bring the whole clan for dinner, including your pup.  Come see us for our weekly and daily BBQ specials and amazing beers on tap. Our BBQ is first come first serve and when it’s gone it's gone, no call-ahead orders.  happybassetbrewing.com

SIP 'N SAVOR

The Golden City's Food & Drink Guide

OLD HAT OR FASHION FORWARD?

ARE MEN’S HATS A COMEBACK?

Churchill wouldn’t be Churchill without his iconic Homburg hat. Bond immortalized the trilby. And it’s impossible to imagine Indiana Jones without his famous fedora. Hats are one of the few fashion pieces that have the impact to become part of a persona. There was a time when hats were all the rage. A man wouldn’t leave the house without his hat. They were an integral part of a man’s wardrobe. They came with funny names like homburg, fedora, trilby, porkpie, derby, and apple jack to name a few. But, somewhere in the middle of the 20th century, hats simply waned in popularity. So what happened to hats?

There are many theories as to why hats went out of style. One cites practical reasons. Because people used to travel by horse or horse and buggy, they were exposed to the elements much more often. Once vehicles became popular, people spent less time in cold environments, so outerwear slowly became less important.

Another theory proposes that men shunned hats when they returned from World War II because they had to wear them while in the service. You may have heard the theory that John F. Kennedy single-handedly killed the hat industry by being the first president to deliver his inauguration speech without a hat. But this isn’t true because several presidents before him also delivered their inauguration speeches hatless. Lastly, some surmise that because hats were traditional attire in the 60s that the youth rebelled and refused to wear them because “hats were what old men wore.”

Regardless of the reason, hat wearing definitely declined, but now that 60 plus years have passed, could hats finally be making a comeback? We asked some current hat-wearing Topekans, including Topeka City Lifestyle’s publisher, why they wear hats, which styles they prefer, and whether they think hats might be a future fashion favorite.

KEVIN COOK

ATTORNEY AT COOK LAW OFFICE AND COUNTY COMMISSIONER

I’ve been a hat wearer for about eight years. It started one hot summer when I wore a fedora and it really kept me cooler. My father always wore ball caps. I wear straw Panama hats in the summer and wool hats in the winter. I’m not sure how long I’ll wear hats, but for now, I’m enjoying it.

FAVORITE HAT - fedora

Owns 10 or more hats - wears fedora on weekdays, ball cap or cowboy hat on weekends

QUOTE - “I think hats are a stylistic choice. They’re not everybody’s style, but I like them.”

My father always wore hats, although it may have been for more practical reasons like keeping the sun off his head or for warmth in winter. My older brother always wore apple hats. Being a banker for 37 years, I think hats add another level of dress. They complement suits and help men accessorize their wardrobes.

FAVORITE HAT - straw hats in summer and Stetson is his favorite brand

Owns 10 hats - including ball caps, Panama hats, and stingy brims (any kind of fedora with a brim shorter than 2 inches).

QUOTE - “My favorite hat is the one I have on.” and “Hair is overrated.”

I started wearing hats about 20 years ago. I’ve always liked the look of hats on men. It all started when I came across a fedora in a second-hand shop made by a hatmaker from Eureka, KS, which is where my grandmother was born. I had to get it.

FAVORITE HAT - scally cap for bartending, fedora or trilby for dressing up

Owns 6 dress hats, several scally caps and newsboy caps, a trilby, and one wide flat brim hat

QUOTE - “Men don’t have a lot of options when it comes to accessorizing. Hats provide an opportunity to express one’s own style.”

BILL PERSINGER ROGER MONTGOMERY

TRACK

I’ve worn cowboy hats from the time I was a little boy. We had horses, so the cowboy hat was my hat of choice. I have fair skin and I like spending a lot of time outdoors. The hats keep my ears from burning. I also walk my dogs and I can take my cowboy hat off, fill it with water and it doubles as a dog bowl. I let it dry and it’s good as new.

FAVORITE HAT - cowboy hat

Owns 5 or 6 cowboy hats

QUOTE - “The way you look in a hat can change your perceived personality. They can even become your trademark.”

I’ve always worn a hat. All of the men in my family wore hats. My dad was a highway patrolman and he was in the Navy, so hats were always a part of his persona. My grandpa worked on the roads in the 60s. I can still see that tan leather hat hanging on the rack. My other grandpa was a farmer and always wore a straw hat.

FAVORITE HAT - fedora

Owns 20 or more hats - 3-4 fedoras, a dozen baseball caps, cowboy hats for dancin’

QUOTE - “I get a lot of positive comments on the fedoras and I’ve noticed more and more of them.”

BRIAN RODEHORST GARY PILAND

PRESIDENT

I wore a derby hat right after high school. I was a rock-nroller with long hair and I just liked the look. My wife and I were in Hatman Jack’s in Wichita and she said I had to get the derby.  A 90-year-old woman told me, “A man isn’t dressed until he puts on his hat.”

FAVORITE HAT - derby hat. It’s very versatile.

Owns 10 derby hats and a straw hat for summer

QUOTE - “Wearing a hat is a statement that you’re willing to go another step on your style. It’s one more thing men can do to set themselves apart.”

I bought a Panama Jack straw hat after getting inspiration from the show White Collar. I loved the hats that the main character wore. Since then, I’ve bought many other fedoras as well. I think hats give off a positive vibe and make men more approachable.

FAVORITE HAT - fedora - I like the Indiana Jones look currently Owns 7 hats

QUOTE - “I think there are a lot of positive aspects that go along with wearing a hat. They symbolize class, chivalry, and the art of being a gentleman.”

"The insight that I gained from my sessions was certainly helpful, but the dramatic shift in my life the weeks and months that followed I could have never predicted. IPT has truly been a game changer for me in a very positive way."

-CATHERINE, CLIENT

"I was introduced to Monica and IPT in January of 2021. She has helped me implement many changes in my life. These changes have brought a true peace to my life. I have learned it is okay to love myself."

-VICKI, CLIENT

"IPT has been an absolute life changer. I communicate in a healthier way, I actually love myself and accept myself."

What

-ABBY, CLIENT

Building a Better Community

SHOWCASING THE BEST IN CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND VOLUNTEERISM

Founded in 1978 as Everywoman’s Resource Center, Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas in Topeka not only assists parents with finding quality child care, but also helps child care providers make their centers the best they can be.

As a nonprofit, raising funds is critical, and one of its biggest fundraisers is the annual Designers’ Showhouse. When it first took place over 40 years ago, homeowners would offer up their homes and take on part of the expense of renovation. “They would move out for six months, let us do our thing and then they would move back in, but that model changed for the last four houses,” says Gina Nellis, chairperson of the Designers’ Showhouse for the last five years. Child Care Aware now purchases the homes, and proceeds from the flip and ticket sales help fund its programs.

“We closed on this home at 8338 Southwest 37th Street on April 14th, 2022, exactly one year to the day that we opened for our VIP Patron Party.” The home tour opened to the public on April 21 and ran for three weekends through May 7. Prior to Covid, 4,000 to 6,000 people would tour the featured home.  This year’s house was built in 1995, and it was very dated and closed in. The basement was unfinished as well. “We created a partnership with the Topeka Area Building Association and formed a construction team that was tasked with designing an updated floor plan,” says Gina. “One thing we ended up doing was flipping the kitchen and the formal dining room and taking down the wall in between the two. We put the dining table where the kitchen was, which created one long open room overlooking the great room.”

It was a huge project with lots of participants and the Topeka Area Building Association adopted it as a project. “Many of their members worked on it, and all of that was donated labor - the plumbing, the electrical, the HVAC work, all of the framing and the drywall, the laying of the carpet, and painting.” Most of the products are either donated or discounted. “People know that every dollar we save on the renovation goes to the programs and services that Child Care Aware offers.”

Once the construction was finished, it was time for the interior designers to work their magic, and they were pretty much given free rein to use their talents and creativity. “We had 13 design spaces and they all had their own designers, but some of those spaces, like outdoor living, had multiple designers,” she says.

The home was also staged with furnishings that perfectly complemented the rooms. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase these items each year, sometimes at a discounted price.

Although there were many designers, the rooms flow together nicely.  “Every year it looks like they all worked together, but they didn’t,” says Gina.

She adds, “The main floor is very warm with lots of earth tones. One designer put beautiful wallpaper on one wall and then a beautiful green patterned tile on another. That same designer also put a fun tile on the floor of the mudroom.”

The lower level is an entertainment hub. “It has a cyberpunk feel with a big neon heart that says ‘Love.’ It’s got a big theater

room and a wet bar. A sliding glass door leads out to a brand new pool.”

Normally, the home would go up for sale sometime in April, but this year, the home was sold before it was even fully completed. “A couple with four kids was moving into town and they looked at it based on the design boards that the designers presented to us,” says Gina. “They were looking for a house that had land [the property has 3.8 acres] and a pool, which is hard to find in Topeka. It was the perfect fit for them and the perfect timing since they were looking to move in May.”

East.KS.ChildCareAware.org

Switch in Time

BE PREPARED TO BE BLOWN AWAY

When Tim Owen and his buddies get together to entertain a crowd, it’s not your typical band sound. Switch in Time is a rock-n-roll band, to be sure, but the horn section is what really gives them their fun party vibe. The band consists of eight members - three of whom (including Owen) play horns. “You get the full sound, not just guitars,” Owen said. “It’s almost like a second voice, a melodic voice, weaving through the music.”

Featuring great rock songs from the 70s and 80s, Switch in Time plays amazing renditions of hits from Chicago, Santana, Doobie Brothers, Huey Lewis, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan,

Phil Collins and many, many more. “It’s a very good cross section of great music, but it’s not what everybody else is playing,” Owen shared. “Having the horn section gives us a lot of flexibility.”

Another thing that sets Switch in Time apart from the ordinary rock band is that the members are true musical masters. Most are current or retired music educators with master’s degrees or above. “Most of us have known each other for decades,” Owen said. “That familiarity makes it easier because we all have to talk to each other musically and we’ve developed that communication over time. We all love playing together”

MEET THE BAND

MATT FUHRMANN - Lead vocals, percussion

RYAN SIMPSON - Guitar and vocals

RUSSELL CLARK - Bass and vocals

JASON DEGENHARDT - Drums and percussion

MONTY SMITH - Keyboards and vocals

TIM OWEN - Trombone

DR. BOB BALL - Trumpet

JERRY BOSTER - Saxophones (alto, tenor, baritone) and flute

DEBERA OWEN - Logo design, graphic design and layout, promotion coordinator

SOUND AND PRODUCTION TEAM: White Sound

A CPA by trade, Owen says the band provides the perfect outlet to express his creative side. Although he says math and music are closely related. “It’s amazing, this connection that there is

“We love playing Topeka. This city is changing a lot.

There's a lot of focus on quality life improvements and it’s exciting!

The crowds here really respond to us.”

between the math and the creativity of music,” he said. “You’ve got the basics of counting off different known values and the numbers assigned to them, but it gets more analytical because you’re working through patterns and you have to subdivide the counts into the smaller units to make sure the timing is right. So, how you process those concepts is really mathematical.”

The time changes and the mathematical nature of music is partially where the band got its name. “Switch in Time refers to the time changes in music,” Owen explained, “plus the fact that our music takes you back to the 70s and 80s which was an incredible place in time for great music.” The name also pays homage to an old Count Basie tune called Switch in Time with a horn section that will make anyone swoon.

If you’re looking for family-friendly, feel-good music with great energy and a little something unexpected, Switch in Time is just what the doctor ordered. “It’s always a party atmosphere when we play,” said Owen.

More dates are in the works, so check out their Facebook page at Switch in Time Topeka or their website at switchintimetopeka.com

JUNE 3: Topeka Public Library Concert Series - 11:00-1:00

JUNE 22: Evergy Plaza Eats & Beats - Topeka 6:30-8:30

SEP 2: Happy Basset Barrel House - Topeka 7:30-10:30

SEP 30: Carbondale Rocks Fall Festival - Carbondale, KS 5:00-9:00

“It’s amazing, this connection that there is between the math and the creativity of music.”

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO FIND SWITCH IN TIME, HERE IS A PARTIAL 2023 SCHEDULE.

EXPRESSIONS IN WOOD

HOW A BOULDER WOODWORKER IS REDEFINING FURNITURE DESIGN

Woodworking is a deeply personal venture for Nick Ridings, owner of Boulder’s Rooted Furniture. In both his process for creating his custom furniture pieces and in the story of how his company came to be, Nick’s passion for helping people, and for creating and for bringing his clients’ design dreams to tangible life, are constants.

“Furniture is an expression of you,” says Nick. “You choose the clothes you wear, the way you do your hair, how you paint your room. So why shouldn’t you be able to customize every aspect of your furniture in the same way?”

Rooted Furniture provides clients with the opportunity to be more invested and involved in the design of their furniture. Drawing on his background in psychology and various means of communication, Nick created a system to simplify the furniture design process, making it a fun, fulfilling journey in which clients are able to understand their choices and create an accurate vision for their piece. The result is high-quality furniture that truly speaks to their style and needs.

“The average person cycles through furniture every three to seven years,” says Nick. “So wood, chemicals and plastic are just filling up landfills. Rooted was created to give customers truly custom, heirloom-quality pieces that represent their style and that will last for generations.”

Rooted Furniture specializes in creating dining and coffee tables but also offers benches, accessories and many other types of wood furnishings. With White

“Woodworking had become more than a hobby, it was all that I wanted to do.”

Oak as his material of choice given its strength, durability and rich history, Nick also prides his company on the fact that there are no screws or nails in his woodshop. He only builds with traditional joinery so that each piece of wood fits perfectly together—like a puzzle that never comes apart.

Rooted Furniture also offers clients the opportunity to request commissioned pieces, a process that involves collaborating even more closely to discover the client’s hopes for the specific piece. This results in a creative process that, as Nick says, is very meditative. He keeps the future life of the piece top-of-mind throughout the build—whether it’s a rocking chair for a new parent or a dining table for families to eat at every day—and builds each piece knowing that it will be deeply rooted in many future memories.

Moving ahead, Nick looks forward to continuing to create distinct furniture pieces of increasing complexity and beauty for his clients, from cutting boards and simple benches to elaborate dining tables and more.

“My favorite pieces to make are ones that elicit a response,” says Nick. “Our clients will live with and cherish our creations for the rest of their lives. My intention is to imprint their thoughts and energy into each piece and make their connection to their design dream all that much more potent.”

RootedFurniture.com

“My favorite pieces to make are ones that elicit a response.”

Three UltraUnique Getaways for Families

A TRIO OF FUN-FILLED ESCAPES THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEGGING FOR MORE

Introducing Vermejo...

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.”

Bienvenidos to Raton, New Mexico, home to Vermejo Ted Turner Reserves. Flaunting over 550,000 acres of picturesque terrain, Vermejo will welcome your family to a crown jewel of natural beauty.

This destination invites you to custom plan a swoon-worthy experience; choose between kid-friendly fishing expeditions, hiking tours, horseback rides, archery, and more. Indulge in your choice of luxe accommodations and take your taste pallet on a culinary adventure thanks to delectable dining options.

Notably, the property values conservation efforts including the protection of wildlife like bison and wolves.

Rates inclusive of meals and two daily activities.

Introducing Glenwood Springs...

“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.”

Happy memories await in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Known for its hot springs, the Rocky Mountain resort city is rich with wildlife and sheer beauty. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, the area is home to the esteemed Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, a must-do with amusement rides and subterranean caverns—a magical geological excursion.

Surely, you’ll want to take a dip in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Invigorating and rejuvenating for adults and super fun for kids, there’s a vast splash zone, water slide, diving board, and lap lanes.

Glenwood Springs is primed with pristine river spots; the white water is mild and ideal for guided rafting adventures. You can also rent duckies (inflatable kayaks) or paddleboards.

If you’re going to check one hike off your list, opt for the Doc Holliday memorial, and for older kids, explore mountain biking paths for every skill on the paved Rio Grande Trail. In addition, Bair Ranch, located in Glenwood Canyon, offers several activities like horseback riding, ATV & Jeep tours, and sport clay shooting.

Family accommodations include Hotel Glenwood Springs, located at the Glenwood Gondola base that goes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The property also flaunts a small indoor water facility. For included admission to the hot springs pool, families can also book the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The exciting city has over 80 restaurant choices as well.

Introducing Snow Mountain Ranch...

“Never underestimate the importance of having fun.”

Consider Snow Mountain Ranch a fun hub for families; a camp-like atmosphere for those seeking a genuine back-tothe-basics escape. Located in Grand Country Colorado, the YMCA of the Rockies destination is what vacation is meant to be... packed with frivolous play. Awake to breathtaking mountain views and the sound of songbirds, and after an actionpacked day, witness a dreamy sunset from your personal porch.

Accommodations vary; choose between private cabins, spacious lodge rooms, scenic campgrounds, or yurts. Cabins can sleep up to 12, and are equipped with full kitchens, a fireplace, and a deck. You’ll likely spot some deer outside your front door.

Included in all stays: roller skating, swimming, mini-golf, sports, hiking/biking trails, nature walks, and more. But

what makes Snow Mountain extra special are the entertaining “extras.” To make the most out of your stay, partake in archery, axe throwing, horseback riding, arts/crafting, knot-tying, geocaching, and beyond. Plus, there are tons of educational programs that teach guests about local wildlife like bears and wolves. And here’s a tip; if you’re craving some adult-only time, choose to register your child (ages 3+) for summer day camp. Grown-ups can do some adventuring of their own while the kids get a taste of what summer’s supposed to be. And as for food, there’s an array of on-site dining options available.

Everyone will feel like a kid at Snow Mountain Ranch, and the secret’s out; cabins book far in advance, so be sure to secure your spot well ahead of time.

The Perfect Steak

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

GO ON A BIKE RIDE

Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, nature-filled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

MAKE A TIME CAPSULE

Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

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