Travel

5 Western National Parks

Time for an Outdoor Adventure! Article and Photography by Susan Lanier-Graham There are 40 national parks west of the Mississippi (not including Alaska and Hawaii). These beautiful settings offer great outdoor adventures! Consider getting an annual park pass and taking to the road! Here are five of our favorite Western national parks.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Grand Teton National Park is near the mountain resort town of Jackson, Wyoming. It covers about 310,000 acres and...

June 2024

Home + Design

Staying Cool

Maximize Your AC This Summer with Energy-Efficient Windows Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Nichole Eckman Arizona summers can be even hotter and more costly if your home’s precious cool air escapes. One of the fastest ways cool air can get outside is through poor window installation or worn-out windows. It is essential to ensure your windows are in good condition. Local business owners at Desert King Windows ( DesertKingWindows.com ) have great tips and advice on keeping you and...

June 2024

Travel

Western Weekend Getaways

Create Your Own Taste of the West as You Explore Arizona Article by Susan Lanier-Graham Arizona has some beautiful retreats, each offering a unique perspective on the Southwest. These weekend getaways offer a taste of the West: horseback rides at sunset, gourmet meals after a day of golfing, and a romantic respite in downtown Tucson. Enjoy your escape! Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Tucson's Westward Look began in 1912 as a private hacienda. Today, the 80-acre resort at the foot...

June 2024

Travel

Road-Trip Essentials

Essential Travel Items for Your Summer Explorations Article by Susan Lanier-Graham Whether your adventures take you across the state or around the world this summer, having the right travel gear can help make your trip successful. As a full-time travel writer for the past three decades, I've tried many products. Some helped, while others were mostly hype. Over the past year, I've sampled various items to select the best ones to help you as you plan your summer vacation. My favorites? The...

June 2024

Home + Design

5 Summer Decor Must-Haves

Check out the latest decorating trends for summer celebrations Article by Susan Lanier-Graham 1 - Old Time Swag Vintage-inspired swag.  GrandinRoad.com . $45.50 2 - Patriotic Fireworks Hooked Doormat 30" x 48" indoor/outdoor mat.  GrandinRoad.com . $129 3 - Outdoor Wall Art Corten steel sign is 15.75" in diameter.  LisaSarah.com  $105 4 - Citrus Fruit Dinner Candles 3D orange and yellow citrus non-scented candles. TalkingTables.com $24.25 5 - Ringo Counter Stool ...

June 2024

Auto + Marine

Jeep Compass Trailhawk

Compact SUV Designed for Fun Explorations Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Stellantis Media The compact Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4x4 is designed to confidently and comfortably take you across town or over the roughest terrain.  Brawn Under the Hood The Jeep Compass Trailhawk maneuvers smoothly over unpredictable terrain. Its 2.0L Turbo engine offers 200 horsepower and a 2000-lb towing capacity.  It comes standard with Falken® WILDPEAK® All-Terrain tires ideal for road, trail...

June 2024

Arts + Culture

Exploring Close to Home

Enjoy One of These Grand Adventures in Your Own Backyard! Article by Gretchen Pahia Lake Pleasant Scorpion Bay Marina offers floating cabins, pontoon/ski boats, hot tub boats, jet skis, and kayak rentals. Check out the inflatable on-water obstacle course at Paqua Park or rent one of the 40-person party boats with a captain.  ScorpionBayAZ.com Radford Racing School Radford Racing School is a racing and high-performance driving center in the East Valley. The 450-acre facility features...

June 2024

Shopping

Gifts for Dads & Grads

Our Favorite Gifts for the Men in Your Life Article by Susan Lanier-Graham Bark & Barware Elevate your whiskey experience with this unique cocktail smoking kit in an exquisite wooden box. Add a touch of sophistication and fun to every sip. Amazon $49.99 12 South Bajío Sunglasses  Inspired by North Carolina’s historic state highway linking the peninsulas and islands of the northern Outer Banks, 12 South glasses are ideal for fishing, boating, or hanging out. BajioSunglasses.com $209+...

May 2024

Fitness

Best West Valley Golf Courses

Check out Publisher Julie LaCroix's Recommendations for 4 Great West Valley Golf Courses Article by Susan Lanier-Graham Arizona is known for offering some of the world's best golfing. Our desert location creates extraordinary golf experiences, where vibrant desert landscapes meet lush green fairways. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking to improve your swing, the West Valley boasts some of the best golf courses in the country.  We asked North Peoria Lifestyle Publisher Julie...

May 2024

Life + Culture

Charity Starts at Home

West Valley Organization Aims to Support Local Residents in Need of Financial Support Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by West Valley Mavericks Foundation One West Valley organization is making it a mission to bring about positive transformations while supporting communities in need. The West Valley Mavericks Foundation ( WestValleyMavericksFoundation.org ) is a philanthropic group that aims to raise money for children and families in need. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit...

May 2024