Food + Beverage

West Valley Family Dining Fun

Family Favorites where Even Picky Eaters Leave Smiling Article by Susan Lanier-Graham In-N-Out Burger Burgers, fries, and shakes are served fresh in a spotless, retro-style setting. Great for families with quick service, friendly staff, and outdoor seating. Find it at 7870 W Bell Rd, Glendale, for a tasty meal. Portillo's Glendale Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and creamy milkshakes are served in a vibrant, 50s-themed diner. Kids love the fun atmosphere...

Auto + Marine

Turbocharged Rugged Luxury

Adventure-Ready Refinement with Power, Poise, and Premium Features Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Subaru of America Combining utility with a touch of luxury, the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT is the most refined version of Subaru’s beloved midsize SUV. It delivers rugged capability with standard all-wheel drive and a suite of advanced tech, including the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. Inside, ventilated Nappa leather seats offer both comfort and elegance. I recently test...

Food + Beverage

New West Valley Sweet Treats

Peoria Man Brings New Cinnabon and Carvel Desserts to North Peoria Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Go To Foods Peoria became a lot sweeter with the recent opening of Cinnabon Swirl ( CinnabonSwirl.com ), a bold new venture that combines the cinnamon roll chain with the legendary frozen sweets of Carvel.  The North Peoria location joins a handful of Cinnabon Swirl stores launched by Atlanta-based GoTo Foods. Franchise owner Nimit Mangat, who also oversees Moe's Southwest Grill...

Shopping

No More Hot Car Seats

Local Mom Creates a Fix for Scorching Hot Car Seats Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Cool Carats As an Arizona native, Julie Kang turned a troublesome summer problem into a successful business that helps keep people cool.  As the creator of Cool Carats ( CoolCarats.com ), Kang’s "aha" moment came after giving birth.  "I've burned my legs on hot car seats for years. But when it came time to place my baby in the same seat, I lost it," Kang explains. "I couldn't find...

Life + Culture

Help Your Pets Beat the Heat

Local dog groomer, Jeneh Young, shares tips for summer grooming and pet care Article by Sydnee Wilson | Photography by Nichole Eckman During the heat of a Peoria summer, keeping pets safe and comfortable requires more than just love and attention—it requires knowledge, experience, and a great deal of care. That’s exactly what local dog groomer and business owner Jeneh Young brings to the community through her unique grooming space, Doggy & Bark Co. ( DoggyandBark.com ), designed to provide...

Fitness

For the Love of the Game

Shott's Tots Keeps Youth Hockey Alive in the Valley Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Foundation When the Arizona Coyotes moved out of state, a local nonprofit set a goal to ensure that the sport of hockey didn't entirely depart from the Grand Canyon State—at least, not without a struggle—and it begins with the next generation. This is the purpose and mission of Shott's Tots, a youth Learn-to-Play program designed to introduce kids ages 5 to 11 to the game...

Auto + Marine

Rugged and Refined

2025 Land Rover Defender is Where Rugged Adventure Meets Refined Luxury Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Land Rover The 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 is a bold blend of off-road prowess and modern sophistication, redefining the midsize SUV experience. With multiple trims and customization options, it offers something for every driver, from urban commuters to off-road adventurers. I had the chance to test drive a Sedona Red model for 10 days, and it was an unforgettable experience. The...

Life + Culture

Southwest Adventures

Explore Adventures Close to Home Article and Photography by Susan Lanier-Graham Living in North Peoria means easy access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes, storied towns, and unforgettable experiences the Southwest has to offer. While it’s tempting to hop on a plane to distant destinations for adventures, you don’t have to go far to feed your wanderlust. Within a day's drive, you’ll find towering red rock formations, wildflower-filled alpine forests, and desert trails flanked by...

Travel

A Verde Valley Wine Weekend

Savoring a Northern Arizona Getaway at DA Ranch Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by DA Ranch Nestled in the heart of Arizona's Verde Valley, DA Ranch ( DARanch.com ) is more than a winery—it’s a story of family, land, and legacy dating back more than a century. This family-owned estate has blossomed into one of Arizona’s most beloved boutique vineyards. Surrounded by majestic cottonwoods and framed by wide-open skies, DA Ranch invites visitors to unwind and savor life, one sip at...

Travel

Santa Barbara Escape

Discover Santa Barbara's storied history and charms Article by Mimi Slawoff | Photography by Visit Santa Barbara On a sunny, breezy morning in early May, I was having coffee in downtown Santa Barbara with a friend who had moved to this Central California Coast city for college and never left. It’s understandable. With its Mediterranean climate, rich historical roots, distinctive architecture, stunning landscape, and burgeoning culinary scene, Santa Barbara is an upscale, desirable city.  We...