Professional Services

Pop-Tops, Flat Tires, and Fine Print

Why You Still Need Travel Insurance Article by Travis Hager | Photography by Courtesy of Cherie Jones You’ve mapped the route to Rosemary Beach, loaded up the Tahoe, and stocked the cooler with Topo Chico. The playlist is heavy on Buffett and the only thing left to do is coast until your toes hit sand. Before you slide on those shades and embrace your inner beachcomber, it’s worth asking: what happens if something goes wrong?  We Texans pride ourselves on being prepared—from roadside kits to...

Travel

A Cure for the Overwhelmed Itinerary Builder

The Traveling TORO Gives Expert Advice for Your Next Trip Article by Travis Hager | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Ask anyone who’s spent a weekend scrolling through an endless parade of TripAdvisor reviews or comparing hotel photos across six browser tabs: travel planning has become a part-time job. And frankly, it’s not always a pleasant one. The volume of options in today’s digital world is often paralyzing.  But a good travel advisor—much like a trusted tailor or a...

Life + Culture

Rockwall County Helping Hands

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite Article by Melody L. Hail Since 1976, Rockwall County Helping Hands has been a vital support system for residents facing hardship. With a mission to ensure that no one in Rockwall County goes to bed hungry, without shelter, or deprived of essential medical care, the nonprofit serves as a beacon of hope for the community. A Legacy of Service For nearly 50 years, Helping Hands has worked to alleviate financial crises and provide a...

Home + Design

Wander Well: Where Travel Meets Design

Ariel Merk of Aeroview Designs Takes Your Hangar to New Heights Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Gracelyn Baggett: Sun Kissed Imagery When Ariel Merk first set foot in an airpark, she wasn’t looking for inspiration—she was helping build an office with her husband. But something unexpected happened: she fell in love with the aviation lifestyle. That spark of passion would eventually lead to the creation of Aeroview Design, a trailblazing interior design firm redefining what it means to...

Sports + Recreation

Go Outside and Play

The Best of Rockwall's Parks Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Whether you’re a lifelong Rockwall resident or just passing through, one thing’s for sure—this city knows how to do parks right. With a mission “to provide a variety of safe, attractive, outdoor recreation facilities, municipal grounds, quality leisure activities, non-transportation routes, and the preservation of our community greenbelt to exceed our customers’ expectations,” Rockwall...

Arts + Culture

Good Human Doing Great Things

Meet Pearl Russell Article by Angi Burns Pearl Russell is a true connector in the Rockwall community, known for her generous spirit and infectious energy. As the owner of Pearl Acupuncture in both Rockwall and Richardson, she follows in the footsteps of her maternal grandmother, combining healing with heritage. Pearl has a natural gift for bringing people together—particularly women—for joyful, meaningful connection. One of her latest endeavors, the Rockwall Mahjong Club, brings 8 to 20 women...

Entertainment

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Gracelyn Baggett: Sun Kissed Imagery Frontiers of Flight Museum - 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX  Experience the stories and artifacts of aviation and space flight—from Leonardo da Vinci, to the Wright Brothers, to the spacecraft of the twenty-first century—all in one museum.   Sail with Scott -2055 Summer Lee Dr, Rockwall, TX Cruise Lake Ray Hubbard aboard a sailing...

Health + Wellness

A Journey of Self-Awareness

Fighting Cancer with Strength and Confidence from Within Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Ty Harper Photography There are really no words to describe the quiet heroes living amongst us.  And there are many of them, although their paths may be different. Some have risked helping others while endangering themselves. Others, like Ty Harper, have endured a chronic illness but emerged stronger and more resilient on the other side of it.  Ty’s life turned upside down in February 2024...

Health + Wellness

Blue Tie Guy Ambassadors

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Courtesy of Blue Tie Guys The Blue Tie Guy Ambassadors for Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County (CACRC) are a group of businessmen and leaders committed to supporting the CACRC’s goals and mission. Each Blue Tie Guy Ambassador serves a minimum of a one-year term, with a fundraising goal of $2,500. They also commit to coordinating at least one community training session for child...

Home + Design

Artisan Masonry: Leading with Heart

Craftmanship, Community, and Commitment Come Together Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Behind every successful businessman lies the tale of his journey. For over three decades, Bobby Gladu, owner of Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC, has been building not only structures made of brick and stone but also a life built on solid family values and a hard-working ethic.  As a dedicated entrepreneur and advocate for Rockwall, Texas, Bobby has combined the...