Are you ready for the summer heat wave? Before you know it, our temperatures will be sweltering and we’ll be scrambling to get out of the heat and into a pool. It’s that time of year when we must trade our morning hikes for something a little less sunny (and a lot less heat-stroke inducing). Swimming and water aerobics are a great way for people of all ages to stay in shape, providing low-impact ways to exercise and even rehabilitate injuries. Whatever the case, there are a multitude of great benefits that can come from spending time in a well-balanced, healthy body of water.
Even though swimming is a great way to exercise, the exposure to an abundance of different chemicals used to treat most pools isn’t all that healthy. Our skin — being the largest organ on our bodies — is capable of absorbing whatever chemicals we encounter, and repeated exposure can cause numerous health issues.
At Exceptional Water Systems we specialize in treating water naturally. For us, well-balanced water starts by achieving the proper levels of calcium, alkalinity, pH, and total dissolved solids. But at EWS, we go beyond simply balancing these levels and strive to create a truly healthy aquatic environment. We utilize natural gasses like oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide to treat and sanitize your water — leaving no chemical byproducts — thus providing one of the healthiest swimming experiences you’ll ever have. Our highly oxygenated water, created by our Ultra-Fine Bubble Technology, treats swimmers to an experience that leaves their skin feeling hydrated and super soft.
Exceptional Water Systems is determined to provide the healthiest possible swimming experience for all of our clients. If you would like to experience the wonderful benefits of swimming in an oxygen-filled pool, we will be more than happy to assist you. Experience the Exceptional Water Systems difference in water quality and you’ll find there is just no other substitute!
For more information about how we can help you with your pool system please visit our website at www.exwsystems.com or call (480) 694-4709
SAVOR
Talking sustainability with the host of PBS Passport’s “Fly Brother”
52 Healing Hot Springs
A look at some of the U.S.’s most acclaimed ancient locales
Travel is one of my most favorite passions. Whether traveling abroad or getting lost on a new street while trying a different route to the office, all forms of exploration can indulge our sense of adventure.
My love for travel started when I was a young girl, having the opportunity to travel to Switzerland with my dad. It was a truly magical experience and I often reminisce about our train ride up the mountain, playing in the snow and drinking delicious lemonade topped with white flowers.
In high school, I was blessed to be a foreign exchange student in a small town called Espelette in the Basque region of France. Known for its piment d'Espelette pepper, I spent my time in this rural community on a farm, learning to milk goats and cows while my best girlfriend was drinking wine and boating in Bordeaux. I wouldn’t change it for the world. This is where I learned to connect with nature. When I wasn’t honing my skills as a farmhand, I indulged in the best cafe au laits and ate delicious vegetable soups and wonderful cheeses that came from the region. I learned to appreciate a culture and way of life that was completely foreign to what I knew back home.
My dad, being the seasoned traveler that he was, paid a visit to my exchange family a number of years after I graduated, as he wanted to see where I lived. While he was there, my host family let him know that I could come back anytime. Flash forward a number of years later, I paid them a visit once more - this time with my husband and sons in tow. We had an incredible time with them on the farm and visiting a little store in the village where I was introduced to Le Plein Natural, a French magazine focused on sustainable living. Not only was this experience maybe one of the greatest of my life, it is also one of the reasons why Green Living magazine exists today.
Even if you don’t have the travel bug like I do, we can all benefit from the exploration of territories unknown to us and inviting in new experiences unlike those already written in our personal storybooks. In this issue, I invite you to explore the many exciting destinations right in our own backyard. Whether discovering the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon or the quirkiness of Bisbee’s smallest bar; tantalizing wines from the lush Verde Valley wine country; or a mind-blowing list of award-winning restaurants that will keep your tastebuds dancing for days — our great state has some truly remarkable experiences to offer.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and explore Arizona! And be sure to tag us in your travels on your favorite social channels.
Eco-consciously yours,
Please connect with us on social media:
/greenlivingazmag @greenlivingmag
@greenlivingaz @greenlivingmag
Alison Bailin Batz, writer
Alison Bailin Batz, better known as @ABSeesItAll online, is a veteran public relations executive who began freelance writing as a hobby in 2007. Today, she is a contributor on all things luxury travel, events, wine, food, and spirits for outlets across the Southwest. Alison’s aim in life is best summed up by her social handle, as “AB” truly does want to “see it all” and share it all with you.
Dr. Karan Lal, writer
Dr. Karan Lal specializes in adult and pediatric dermatology and serves as the Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology. A doubleboard certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Lal has served as a trusted source for several national news outlets and has a passion for treating the medical and cosmetic needs of patients from all different backgrounds.
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Green Living magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group, LLC. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for contributed manuscripts, editorial content, claims, reviews, photographs, artwork or advertisements. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the company or official policies. Entire contents © 2022 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. One print subscription is $25 per year or digital subscription is $12 per year. Canadian orders please add $13 per year for shipping and handling. International orders add $22 per year for shipping and handling. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.
Discover the legacy of Cesar Chavez, a champion of social and environmental justice, on his special day. Organizations like Adelante Healthcare honor Chavez’s legacy by advocating for social justice and healthcare access for all. As part of its commitment to continuing Chavez’s legacy, they campaigned throughout March to support farm workers in need.
Last month, Fountain Hills Cares held a community-wide event to discuss the psychological effects of social media use in teens and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with technology. According to Pew Research Center, 81% of teens in the U.S. are at an increased risk of feeling anxious, depressed, or ill from social media use.
WalletHub has released its report on 2023's Greenest States comparing all 50 states based on 25 key metrics, ranging from renewable energy usage to green buildings per capita. Vermont, New York, and California were ranked as the greenest, while West Virginia came in last. Arizona ranked 39th.
The Honorable Mayor Kate Gallego presented Gensler with a proclamation declaring March 30 as Gensler Architecture and Design Day. We were thrilled to see Gensler recognized for its dedication to supporting education and the community at large.
LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! The Green Living staff captured the auditions for our Earth Day Extravaganza ecoconscious kid’s fashion show produced in partnership with @morethanmodeling. Head over to Green Living ’s FB page for the full video!
Virginia has given the go-ahead for a 2.6 GW wind farm plan, which is the largest U.S. offshore wind array. Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind array will become the nation's second offshore wind project and the first owned by an electric utility company, generating zerocarbon energy for up to 660,000 customers at peak output.
The new EPA rules will cut down on soot and smog created by heavy-duty trucks, vans, and buses by requiring these vehicles to reduce emissions by nearly 50% by 2045. According to the EPA, this change is more than 80% stronger than the current standard which hasn’t changed since 2001.
An innovative way to produce hydrogen from biomass was just developed by a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science. Being able to create clean hydrogen from biomass rather than from fossil fuels is a complete game-changing technology.
The potential of MycoHAB blocks are impressive — they could be stronger than concrete blocks, they are insulating, and they are made from waste two-times over. If that’s not enough, they also sequester carbon. Wood dust waste is used as a base to grow oyster mushrooms, which are harvested and sold for food. Then, the waste left behind from the mushroom harvesting is pressed and fired into blocks that can be used to construct affordable housing.
HempWool, made by Hempitecture, is made from 90% hemp fibers for acoustic and thermal insulation. It is the only insulation on the market that is carbon negative, as the fibers actually sequester carbon and reduce the carbon footprint of a building.
What’s in Your Furniture?
Did you know that most mass-produced furniture contains harmful chemicals that can slowly make their way into your home?
Travel Back to a Simpler Time with Furniture by Buffalo Collection.
Our luxurious, heirloom quality buffalo leather furniture is handmade in America by skilled craftsmen using renewable materials and responsible tanning methods. Each piece is fully customizable, built to last, and made with clean, wholesome goodness. Just pure, simple furniture.
Hair ties to the rescue! Any long-haired person who has contended with the wind or a bad hair day in general knows the joy that a good hair tie can bring. But they’re also a commonly lost item, oftentimes ending up outside and causing harm to the environment. Terra Ties changes that with its biodegradable hair ties made from organic cotton and natural rubber. Commercial hair ties are made from synthetic rubber and polyester that take years to break down or don’t decompose at all. Terra Ties also uses color derived from natural dyes. And bonus: they’re thicker, sturdier and softer than your old hair ties. Packaging is plastic-free and made with 100% recycled materials. www.terraties.com
Heading to a tropical destination? If the mosquitos love you, try this instead of anti-itch and anti-bite creams. Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that uses no chemicals to take away the itch and irritation left by a mosquito bite, painful bee sting or even a sliver. Created by a Florida mom whose daughter doesn’t do well with bug bites, she researched solutions in other countries and found an innovative product unknown to U.S. consumers. She struck a partnership agreement with the owner of the tool to distribute it in the United States, and within a short time, received backing from Shark Tank producer Lori Greiner. www.bugbitething.com
Overpackers and organization gurus unite! This product is for you. Everyone knows before a trip, you can pack your suitcase perfectly, fitting every item together in a Tetrislike manner – but it's a hot mess by the time you're ready to go home. Solgaard will change your packing game for good. The Carry-On Closet is exactly what it says, and it’s TSA ready. A patented six-shelf closet keeps your clothes in order and down to carry-on size with space-saving compression cubes. The company works with local teams in Indonesia, the Philippines, and China to collect oceanbound plastic that can be upcycled into useful goods. For every product purchased, six pounds of ocean-bound plastic are diverted from coastal communities. www.solgaard.co
Put the wind back in your sails with this stylish and eco-friendly tote bag. Sea Bags give sails a life beyond the sea. Sails are donated to the company through a network of boaters, then upcycled into tote bags, duffle bags, travel bags, diaper bags, pillows, and more, with around 8,000 sails traded annually. Sails are cleaned before production, then manufactured into thread at Sea Bag’s facility in Portland, Maine. World-class sewers, artists and designers work on different style collections. They even have home decor such as throw pillows, door mats, beach chairs, wine bags, and more. Since 1999, the company has saved 1.5 million pounds of material from going into landfills. Sea Bags even has its own women’s sailing team and a sailing school. www.seabags.com
It always happens. You forgot silverware at the picnic. You didn’t grab a fork at the food truck. The drive-thru window didn’t supply you with silverware and you already drove off. Instead of using your fingers or opting for single-use plastic silverware, try Outlery’s portable cutlery set. Plastic-free, reusable and “forking awesome,” Outlery’s sets come with a fork, spoon and butter knife that come in pieces. Accessories like a spork head, ice cream scoop, straw and chopsticks are also available. The pieces are made with SS304 stainless steel and come with a carrying case smaller than an Altoids tin. Packaging is made from recycled cardboard and clean up is a cinch — just wash and wipe clean. www.outlery.com
OOn April 22, a host of eco-minded sustainability superstars descended on Heritage and Science Park in Downtown Phoenix to celebrate Earth Day.
In partnership with the City of Phoenix, Shape Up US and the Arizona Science Center, Green Living was proud to host this Earth Day celebration to honor our planet and bring awareness of the importance of conservation to our community.
The morning began with live music from a DJ and a variety of bands including WildeP'lay, 24th Street Jazz Band, and Jonah Littlesunday — a Diné Native American flutist who has performed around the country. Throughout the day, visitors to the event were able to test drive and register to win a Lectric Bike and indulge in incredible vegan bites from the likes of Maya’s Cajun Kitchen, Trash Panda Vegan, Hot Sauce and Pepper, Jasper’s and Witnessing Nature in Food. Chef Jason Wyerick from The Vegan Taste wowed the crowd with a spectacular live cooking demonstration. Event goers were also able to enjoy live drumming circles and exhibitions of yoga and QiGong; test drive EV models from Polestar and Volkswagen and engage with a variety of like-minded, eco-friendly vendors.
Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari unveiled an art installation created by well-known Phoenix artist and owner of DreamBox Art, Krista Hill, and shared about her goals to build a more sustainable and equitable city.
The day wrapped up with an exciting kids eco-fashion show presented by More Than Models that showcased designs from 18-year-old ASU student Lena Mars.
Thank you for having WildeP'lay at the Green Living Earth Day Celebration. We loved playing music for such a special event. You and the crew put on an AMAZING festival. Our people who attended were really impressed.
— Donna Wilde & Richard Palalay
Golf courses have long suffered from a reputation of being harmful to the environment. While this perception is not entirely unfounded, golf courses have made great strides in becoming more environmentally responsible in recent years. While some focus strictly on minimizing fresh water usage and planting drought-tolerant grasses, others are working outside the norm to implement sustainability practices that extend beyond the status quo.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a proud member of Beyond Green, a global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges leading the way in sustainable tourism, and the resort’s nine-hole course is a GEO-certified facility. This certification from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf recognizes facilities that demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Carved into the naturally dramatic and lush walls of Aliso and Wood Canyons, The Ranch at Laguna Beach Golf Course provides an ultra-private playing experience that offers stunning views and elevation
changes on every fairway. Keeping sustainability at the forefront, the bunkers are filled with sand created by crushed glass bottles offered to guests during their stay. The on-site bottle crusher not only reduces 90% of waste volume, but the sand is then also used to repair pavement and filter the pool. As a result, the resort produces an estimated 70 U.S. tons of sand annually, reducing the property’s waste volume by 90% and reducing the need to transport, dispose of, and process glass waste.
Of course, the resort also implements the triedand-true standard to reduce its water usage, as well.
To help maintain the 87 acres of land the property sits on, only reclaimed water is used through a partnership with the local water district. This ensures the golf course stays green in the most water-wise way possible and saves 20 million gallons of potable water each year.
Experientially, the course provides a unique and secluded opportunity to play a round truly immersed in nature due to its off-the-beaten-path location. Golfers are offered a quiet playing experience in a rare opportunity to observe and connect with local fauna, along with the convenience of speedy greens (due to a commitment to proper tee boxes and hole placements) to keep the game fast, fun, and inviting. The short course invites a laid-back atmosphere for novices, families, and avid golfers alike.
habitatcaz.org
Together we can build, repair, renovate and revitalize homes for those in Arizona who need an affordable place to call home.
As a steward of its natural landscape, The Ranch at Laguna Beach launched the OC Tree Collective, a tree-planting initiative designed to reduce carbon emissions, capture water resources, and cool the temperatures in local communities. In partnership with The Ecology Center, a 28-acre regenerative organic farm in San Juan Capistrano, the resort’s new sustainability program invites guests to purchase and plant trees at these environmentally forward locations. A single tree is available for $50 and can be purchased at www.basecamplagunabeach.com, with 100% of donations directed to buying, planting, and caring for each planted tree. To learn more about The Ranch at Laguna Beach and its many sustainability initiatives, visit www.theranchlb.com.
If you’re looking to make longlasting, sustainable community impact, you can shop, donate or volunteer at habitatcaz.org
Let’s give Arizona a hand up!
When we think of vacationing, many of us ensure we have our phone and charger so that we can capture every moment to share on social media. We’ll consider the technology that we must bring to keep ourselves and our families occupied during flights or long drives. But many experts share that unplugging during your travels may be beneficial for your emotional, mental, and physical health.
According to the 2023 Travel Trends Report from Hopper, a popular travel app, 54% of Americans plan to take more trips this year than last year. And, per the Allianz Partners USA's 14th Annual Vacation Confidence Index, 74% of Americans consider an annual vacation important—a huge leap from 60% in 2019. Sixty five percent of Americans expressed intentions to vacation this year.
With so many more people opting to travel now with restrictions easing post-pandemic, there are many worthwhile reasons to consider unplugging for all or part of your vacation.
Sharon Unterreiner is the Director of Behavioral Health and Special Programs at Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Arizona. She shares that it is important to unplug and take a break while traveling.
“It can be difficult to fully unplug during a vacation; however, it is so important to find that time and allow your brain to take a break and reset,” she explains. “Disconnecting allows you to intentionally connect with those you are traveling with and can make you feel refreshed and relaxed when you return from your vacation.”
“By unplugging, you are giving yourself the opportunity to de-stress and recharge your batteries, so you do not feel burnt out. Traveling can also promote physical activity as many vacationers hike a new trail, take a swim, or walk around exploring a new city,” she continues. “People
who travel regularly experience positive effects for longer. After traveling, you’re more likely to feel clearheaded and ready to take on whatever is waiting for you when you return home. This is why people are more productive after a break. Try to visit a new place every once in a while to help your mental health.”
When it comes to family travel, per an Alamo Rent A Car Family Vacation Survey, 91% of those surveyed find the idea of an unplugged family vacation appealing.
According to the same survey, “Fifty-six percent of social media users say they use family vacations as a time to take a break from social media. More than a third of families (37%) have gone a step further and committed to unplugging from computers and mobile devices altogether while on vacation; of that group, 92% were successful.” Furthermore, of those that chose to unplug, “Forty one percent enjoyed themselves more, 40% had better conversations, 38% felt more relaxed, and 36% felt closer as a family.”
“Planning and having something to look forward to will start the path that creates happiness and excitement around travel,” Unterreiner says. “You wonder why some people get the travel bug – it is because travel brings happiness and joy and contributes to your overall health and well-being. It can provide clarity, boost creativity, reduce stress, lower your risk of depression, and give the opportunity to see and experience different
Confused on how to go about unplugging? Here are some helpful hints to consider before going on vacation:
• Be sure to let work know you are truly out of the office. This includes setting up out-of-office emails, giving a heads up to anyone who may have any issues while you’re gone, and leaving work-related devices at home.
• Of course, keep safety in mind. Do take your cell phone with you for emergencies or let your loved ones know how to contact you if you’re leaving it at home.
perspectives. You can make your travel big or small, local or abroad, for a day or a month, and you will still get a benefit from it.”
Whether you choose to unplug or not on your travels, the benefits of just traveling are many.
Unterreiner shares some tips for keeping those positive post-travel feelings from disappearing when you’re back at work:
• Set boundaries so you can take control of your time.
• Ensure you are prioritizing what makes you happy and make time for it.
• Incorporate a lunchtime walk or take a stretch break during your workday.
• Keep travel photos or mementos that are visible to you daily to remind you of your travel experiences.
• Plan another road trip or vacation!
“The positive impact of travel can last for about one month,” Unterreiner explains. “Work-life balance is crucial for maintaining happiness and overall well being.”
With some pre-planning, you can benefit from unplugging during your next trip. Safe travels!
• Decide what “unplugging” looks like to you and your family. Do you plan to only use devices for set times? Does it mean all electronics, or are group activities like watching movies together okay? Write down expectations.
• If you’re on a family trip, warn the kids ahead of time and plan to pack extra things to do in case of boredom. Consider hearing their thoughts and tailor your plan to what works best for your family.
• Be kind to yourself. If you check your phone or don’t follow your rules to a T, be gentle with yourself and loved ones – it’s a new skill!
Airplanes are a most convenient way to travel, but being squished into a pressurized metal tube with over 100 strangers on a flight leaves germs free to fly around, too. Not to mention turbulence that has the potential to churn any iron-clad stomach.
The risk of contracting a respiratory illness on a flight is low, but here are some tips to avoid bringing home more than memories from your vacation.
• Wash your hands often and bring hand sanitizer, especially if you plan on eating or drinking on the flight.
• Bring wipes to wipe down your seat and hard surfaces. Since the pandemic, airlines have stepped up cleaning procedures, but it’s still a quick turnaround time in between flights.
• Wear a mask if you want to be extra cautious. Airlines have retired pandemic guidelines, but passengers can still wear a mask if they choose. Of course, if you feel like you’re coming down with something yourself, opt to postpone your trip or mask up to prevent spreading your germs to others.
• Choose a window seat over an aisle seat. A study by Emory University biostatistician Vicki Hertzberg found that passengers who choose window seats leave their seat less often, which reduces contact with other passengers.
Traveling by plane isn’t the most natural thing in the world for humans, and for some of us, the motion is just too much. Try these tips to make your next airline trip easier.
• Choose your seat with care. Seats closer to the front of the plane or between the plane's wings tend to be less bumpy.
• Recline your seat back slightly and try shutting your eyes or sleeping.
• Stay hydrated with water and limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
• Eat small amounts of food frequently.
• Don’t smoke before a flight. Holding off on smoking for a short period of time before your flight helps.
• Distract yourself. Most flights have personal movie screens, and often come with movies, TV shows, and games, and some airlines even provide new ear buds.
• Try flavored lozenges like ginger, or take ginger tablets or a ginger beverage before flying. Ginger calms an upset stomach.
• According to several studies, CBD has been proven effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with air and motion sickness.
Sun City Farmers Market - Seasonal
Thursdays, Oct 6 - May 25 | 9 am - 1 pm
16820 N 99th Ave, Sun City 85351
Carefree Farmers Market - Year round
Fridays, Oct - May | 9 am-1 pm;
Jun - Sep | 8 am - 11 am
1 Sundial Cir, Carefree 85377
Downtown Chandler
Farmers Market - Now year round
Saturdays, May - Sep | 7 am - 10 am
Oct - Apr | 9 am - 1 pm
3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler 85225
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market - Seasonal
Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27 | 8 am - 1 pm
Jun 3 - Jun 24 | 7 am - 10 am
3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale 85251
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market - Year round
Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27 | 8 am - noon
Jun - Sep | 7 am - 10 am
3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix 85032
Ahwatukee Farmers Market - Year round
Sundays, Oct 2 - May 28 | 9 am - 1 pm
Jun 4 - Sep 24 | 8 am - 11 am
4700 E Warner Rd, Phoenix 85044
Farmers Market on High Street - Seasonal
Sundays, Oct 2 - May 14 | 10 am - 1 pm
5415 E High St, Phoenix 85054
Ocotillo Farmers Market - Now year round
Sundays, May - Sep | 8 am to 11 am
Oct 30 - May 28 | 9 am - 1:30 pm
2577 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler 85248
Verrado Farmers Market - Seasonal
Sundays, Nov 6 - Jun 25 | 9 am to 1 pm
N. Market Pl & W. Main St, Buckeye 85396
arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com
Arizona Community Farmers Markets has been creating and coordinating farmers markets in Metro Phoenix and across the Valley for more than 33 years. Many of our farmers markets serve as local hubs for their communities, bringing together neighbors to shop and meet up on a weekly basis. Our Roadrunner Park Farmers Market has served the communities of Northeast Phoenix for over three decades.
Our mission has always been to provide local farmers, growers and other agricultural producers with stable venues that offer them the opportunity to engage directly with customers and grow their business. We support local micro-businesses from valueadded food producers and products, to local artisans and crafters.
WWhether hiking Camelback, floating down the Salt River, or settling into your best warrior pose while watching the sunrise, being outdoors in the sunniest of all states requires some protection. A Phoenix-based recycled sunwear clothing company protects people from the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays, allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about damage to their skin.
Somewhere Sunny protects skin while also helping the environment — a result of owner Shea Beck’s small business know-how and passion for the planet. Currently, the company has a line of men’s swimwear, along with joggers, tees, hoodies, and hats. Men’s swim trunks come in various prints, colors, and lengths, including six-, seven- and eight-inch inseams.
The best part? All of the clothing items are made with recycled plastic. It takes about 12 plastic water bottles to make a pair of swim trunks and about 19 to make a pair of lightweight joggers. For the clothing, empty plastic water bottles are melted down into fibers and sent to a fabric mill, then spun together with either virgin polyester or spandex and pieced together.
According to Beck, the primary goal is to employ some sort of recycled material in each design. When that’s not possible, he and his team strive to use
material that is organic or sustainably grown. For them, this means being able to harvest a plant without using water or pesticides, or using a plant that’s abundantly grown.
Beck and his team spent about a year and half working with several manufacturers who helped find the best materials to use. The first step was finding factories and manufacturers that fit the company’s social code of conduct and supply chain code of conduct, especially ones that met human rights and ethical audits. Then the team met with each factory to develop a sustainable product, whether it was using organic cotton and hemp for the five-panel hats or using recycled polyester for the swimming trunks. Although they use a lot of different factories, they share shipping containers between each factory and bundle all of their products together.
“You can reduce waste by making garments that last a long time out of the recycled material. I’m passionate just because of the Earth,” he said.
There’s a lot of science that goes into one pair of swimming trunks, but for Beck and his family, it’s worth it. Once he understood the amount of waste that goes into apparel and fast fashion, and then learned that it was possible to create non-throwaway garments from recycled materials, he was on a mission to change the industry.
He learned everything about manufacturing from his first business, Foldies, a sunglasses company. Throughout that process, he also learned how much impact the manufacturing of consumer goods has on the Earth. After he sold his sunglasses business in 2021, he knew he wanted to make a premium sustainable product with a smaller environmental footprint.
Beyond manufacturing recycled plastic fibers, Somewhere Sunny ensures its supply chain is sustainable and held to a high standard. Each factory has to abide by and be certified through an approved audit association. Somewhere Sunny also attained certification from nonprofit company "1% For the Planet," which means they support environmental solutions through annual memberships and everyday actions.
“I have a daughter that's two years old, so I'm trying to make a good path forward for her,” Beck said. Small business know-how is in their DNA, he added. “We like to take on challenges and make things better.”
There’s more to the name of the company than imagining a bright sunny day or area. It pays homage to Beck’s struggles with depression and anxiety, but
despite that, he enjoys sunshine and it makes him happy, he said.
“So we kind of spread [the message] that finding your sun is finding what makes you happy,” he said. “Everybody needs to find their happiness because it’s not just going to come to them.”
That’s the overall goal of the company. Beck wants to create a platform to speak about mental health, specifically about how anxiety and depression affects everybody differently.
Looking ahead to a bright future, Somewhere Sunny is developing its womens swimwear line, to be available this summer. Those items will be made with recycled polyester.
The company's biggest goal is to create and fund its own team to recycle plastic found floating in the ocean. Beck is open to creating a cooperative network with other brands that have the same goal of reducing ocean-bound plastic.
He has two full-time employees, and a large network of freelancers in Phoenix who help with everything from researching and creating new fabrics and designing prints to bringing new prototypes to life.
The shop is currently online only, but Beck notes that he’d like to expand to pop-up boutiques and existing retail stores. One day, he’d like Somewhere Sunny to be known as the premiere swimwear and sun protection brand in Phoenix, and when people visit, they’ll know the brand because it’s Phoenix homegrown.
Check out their website at www.somewheresunny.com.
SSpring cleaning is a great way to eliminate clutter, but often we neglect cleaning out our skin care products or switching products based on the season. Dermatologists suggest transitioning your skin care routine as the weather heats up.
In Arizona, the temperatures are rising and will continue to rise quicker than in other states, making now the perfect time to switch up your routine. Read on to learn more about best practices for transitioning to a spring and summer skincare lineup.
As summer approaches, if you are looking for an excuse to buy new skincare or beauty products, now could be your chance. Begin by going through your products and throwing out anything that is expired. Expired skincare products are not as potent, and they can irritate your skin and potentially lead to infection.
In winter, it’s common to use products like creams and foundations that are heavier in order to compensate for the dryness of the season, but you’ll want to make sure your face doesn’t “melt” when summer hits.
As such, it’s a great time to purchase lighter products that will give your skin what it needs during the hotter, sweatier months. Try switching your oil or cream cleanser for a lighter foam or gel formula and consider a brightening moisturizer with a lower molecular weight. When it comes to retinol, this product is useful year-round. However, it can make
your skin more sensitive to UV damage and, as such, it’s recommended to use it only as part of your evening skin care routine.
You’ll want to test out all your new products before it gets too hot. If you’re not used to switching out products and generally use the same items, speak with your dermatologist about what may work best for you this summer.
Dry skin is a common issue around Arizona because of the dry heat in the desert, but there are tried and true solutions to hydrating your skin - the most obvious and beneficial solutions being to drink plenty of water and use a good quality moisturizer.
And while using sunscreen is essential year round, it is even more important as the UV index rises during the summer. In the hotter months, you should be using at least SPF 50. Look for one that also contains Vitamin E and other antioxidants.
It is also very common for skin irritation to occur from excessive sweat due to the summer heat. You can help reduce irritation by exfoliating your skin regularly.
BY KIRSTEN HOLMSTEDT
TThere is something magical about traveling. Whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, a foreign country, or a small town here in Arizona, just getting away from the day-to-day can make you feel brand new. And it’s not just in your head! Research has found that those who take more frequent vacations reported less stress and depression, a boost in happiness and satisfaction, and enhanced creativity.
But what if I told you that these benefits are available even when you’re unable to travel? Our everyday environments affect our mental and physical wellbeing – that’s partially why traveling is so beneficial. There are easy ways to turn your home into an oasis and replicate those feelings of vacation. Read on for seven tips to help you create your own retreat so you can reap the same benefits you experience when traveling while staying at home.
Our homes should be a retreat from the busy world around us. I like to create different calm zones in various rooms when possible, to invoke meditation and relaxation as a means to decompress. Calm zones can be whole rooms or a quiet corner, and there are a few different ways to create this space. First, make sure that the chosen space is clear of clutter. Remove any distractions — this is a laptop, tablet, and phone
free zone. Next comes the decoration — I like to choose calming colors such as neutrals, shades of blue and green, utilize natural elements like plants and wood, and find ways to increase natural light.
To me, the bedroom is one of the most important rooms, since it is where we both start and end our day. I may not have a way to guarantee a chocolate on the pillow, but there are plenty of ways to turn the bedroom into a retreat. The easiest way is to upgrade the bedding with comfortable textiles. I love adding plush elements to the bedroom like fluffy pillows and a cozy, neutral chair.
When I was a teen, I remember feeling so accomplished after rearranging my room. There was something energizing about creating something new in my everyday space. Dr. Nicole Villegas, an occupational therapist, agrees. She points out that rearranging the layout of a room offers people the ability to take control of their environment, which sends a signal to our nervous system that allows us to feel
safer and more relaxed. Try moving your furniture to different rooms or locations, changing out your pillows and rugs, or moving around your décor. It’s a creative exercise and might even help you declutter.
Have you heard of biophilic design? It is a way to connect to nature and has a ton of proven benefits like supporting cognitive function, mental and physical restoration, decreased stress, and more. My favorite thing about biophilic design is that there are so many ways to incorporate it while still getting all of the benefits. The easiest way is to bring natural elements into your space through the use of plants, water features, natural light, and natural finishes. But you can also incorporate things that represent nature like pictures of nature, patterns that mimic nature, or
it in a box for six months. If you don’t use it during that time, chances are you won’t need it in the future. Finally, I love to create an aesthetically pleasing organization system using baskets, bins, and trays. Everything should have a home!
Your sense of smell is an incredible thing. Information from what you’re smelling is sent to several different parts of the brain and can impact your mood, emotions and even your memory. I like to use candles that remind me of my different travels. Not only do they smell amazing, but they bring back those happy memories. Different smells can also have a variety of effects on your mood. A few of my favorites are ylangylang for feeling calm, lemongrass to increase my energy, frankincense to help me focus, and bergamot to reduce stress. It’s these small things that can ultimately make a big impact to make you feel good.
natural colors. I like to hang photos of the different places I’ve traveled, in addition to adding house plants to living areas.
One of the fastest ways to create a Zen space is by getting organized. It’s a medical fact: organization has been found to improve sleep; reduce stress, depression, and anxiety; and even improve your relationships. If you don’t know where to start, here are the steps that I follow. First, I pull everything out and clean the area. Then I sort all of the items into one of these categories: trash, things to donate, things to sell, and things to keep. If you’re undecided on an item, put
Color theory is powerful and you can completely change the energy of space with a new coat of paint. If you want a more relaxing environment, use cooler colors like blue, green, gray, and purple. If you want to energize a space, use warmer colors like orange, red, and yellow. I design using mostly a neutral palette that includes creams, grays, and natural wood tones. To me, this keeps a space fresh and calm.
We can’t travel all the time, but we can turn our living spaces into our own oasis. Using any one of these tips will help you create a home that helps you to recharge every day.
Kirsten Holmstedt is the founder of Treasure in the Detail, a Gilbert-based interior design firm. For more information visit www.treasureinthedetail.com.
TThe state of Arizona is enjoyed by more than 40 million visitors each year, who come to the Grand Canyon State seeking outdoor recreation, culinary delights, and curated wellness experiences. Fortunately, the state delivers on all these adventures and offers many, many more.
But Arizona’s amazing experiences certainly aren’t just reserved for tourists! The largest group of visitors to Arizona destinations are, in fact, Arizonans! So, just in time to kick off the summer road-trip planning season, here are a few quick suggestions on how to explore Arizona like an expert! These ideas and more are available at www.VisitArizona.com/explore.
Arizona is famous for beautiful sunsets, which bathe the landscape in brilliant, colorful hues. But as the sun dips below the horizon, another show is just beginning. With the Four Corners region offering more Dark Sky communities than anywhere else in the world, Arizona is a premier destination for stargazing, with nearly 20 Dark Sky places. The clear night skies offer an exceptional chance to view many of the stars, planets, and celestial bodies which inhabit the Milky Way.
Arizona’s own wonder of the world, Grand Canyon National Park, is one of the largest official International Dark Sky Parks, with lodges on the park's South and West Rims providing great opportunities to appreciate the stars above while relaxing closer to Earth. The 2023 annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held June 10-17 and offers
a week of events including free nightly astronomy talks, constellation tours, and telescope viewing. Lodging options include the elegant and historic El Tovar Hotel, the cozy cabins of Bright Angel Lodge, and the more contemporary Kachina and Thunderbird lodges.
Wander among the bright, blinking lights and neon signs of Tucson’s Ignite Sign Art Museum, an illuminating look at the history of Southern Arizona and beyond through signage. High-"lights" include a spinning orange 76 Gas Station ball and a towering Arby's cowboy hat. Check out the imagery-based scavenger hunt, which encourages visitors to look at some of the smaller details around the museum. While there, don’t miss the 30-foot-tall neon "Gateway Saguaro" on North Oracle Road near West Drachman Street, which
was designed by local artist Dirk J. Arnold and was a centerpiece of Tucson's "Miracle Mile Strip" in the 1950s and 1960s.
Revel in the beautifully colored and vibrant lights of the outdoor Neon Sign Park on Casa Grande’s Main Street. This four-acre park in the Arizona Plaza opened April 2019 in the heart of the Historic Downtown District, with 14 lovingly restored and salvaged signs mostly from the 1950s.
Ignite Sign Art Museum in Tucson.
Photo by An Pham
Neon Sign Park in historic downtown Casa Grande.
Bisbee, a once raucous, 1880s mining camp, has embraced its rich historic identity and built a reputation as an eclectic enclave that's the envy of small towns everywhere. In addition to a welcoming, free-spirited arts and culture community, the
wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, while there’s much information to be explored through the Arizona Wine Growers Association’s visitor’s guide. The grandeur of Arizona’s 50+ parks, monuments, and recreation areas is now even easier to explore with the Arizona Parks Digital Passport. From iconic cacti-studded landscapes to sandstone canyon walls, thick pine-tree forests to the Sky Islands of southern Arizona, there is always an adventure awaiting. For a fun twist, the passport can also divide the parks by their prominent features, such as “colorful canyons,” “dark sky wonders,” “lush landscapes,” and several more.
Route 66 has long held a place in the hearts of travelers near and far, its legendary status catering to lovers of Americana, nostalgia, and the feel
Southern Arizona town also offers unconventional experiences. Visitors in-the-know will head up the stairs at the Silver King Hotel to crowd into Arizona's smallest bar. Room 4 Bar is an eccentric watering hole that offers two barstools and two seats at a table, but patrons are welcome to stand and order a drink. The quirky setting, personable bartender, and robust alcohol selection keep Room 4 Bar packed. Of course, "packed" means something different when the bar is only 100 square-feet.
Arizona is defined by a dizzying array of natural beauty and inviting terrain, all of which beg to be explored. Many Arizonans who are frequent travelers enjoy the ability to discover something new, plan a quick escape, or add stops to an existing adventure.
The Arizona Digital Wine Trail Passport uses geolocation to deliver easy access to the state’s 120+
of the open road. Discovering the undeniably Instagrammable landmarks and one-of-a-kind experiences that can only be found along Arizona’s Mother Road is easier than ever with the Rock the Route 66 Digital Passport. From Topock 66 on the Colorado River in the west to The Painted Desert Trading Post in the east — plus miles of famous sights, shops, eats, and towns in between — the free digital passport makes planning a Route 66-centric road trip easier than ever.
As Arizonans, we’re lucky to reside in an amazing state that attracts millions of national and international visitors each year. Everyone who enjoys the places and experiences Arizona provides also shares a responsibility to maintain and protect this beauty for the travelers of today and tomorrow.
As such, it’s up to all who traverse Arizona’s beautiful terrain to apply responsible and sustainable tourism principles to every trip. The Arizona Office of Tourism is dedicated to making it easy with its AppreciateAZ program, offering simple ideas on how to “Plan Ahead & Prepare,” “Stick to Trails,” and “Be Careful with Fire.” With certification taking only about 10 minutes on average, it’s a no-brainer when it comes to protecting our natural lands.
The Milky Way seen in the dark skies of the Grand Canyon.
WWhile Southern Arizona has boasted two nationally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Sonoita and Willcox for years, it was only in 2021 that Verde Valley was named the first-ever AVA in Northern Arizona. The designation affirms what locals and travelers alike have known for years: Verde Valley is a wine country on the rise.
Here is a look at where to sniff, swirl, and sip across the vineyard-kissed region this spring.
Essentially halfway between Prescott and Sedona, Cottonwood is a walkable wonderland and the perfect respite from the daily grind, especially for those who love culinary delights along with their wine. The perfect weekend away in Cottonwood starts with brunch on the patio at Crema Craft Kitchen. Once fueled up, it is time to get to wine tasting.
There are nearly a dozen tasting rooms (and a few breweries) along and just off of Cottonwood’s cozy Main Street. The first is Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, which — while located in northern Arizona — uses many grapes sourced from the Southern Arizona AVAs. The folks at Arizona Stronghold are particularly adept at Grenache and Syrah, but the best bet is to try a flight of reds and whites to sample a little of everything. When visiting, take time to enjoy the garden patio, as well as a glass of Stronghold’s sister brand, Provisioner, which is also available at the tasting room.
Next there is Carlson Creek Vineyards, which is approximately 30 steps from Stronghold. The name may already be familiar, as the family-owned winemaking operation also has a tasting room in Scottsdale. However, the barrel-covered space up north is something out of an adult storybook. The family’s story of success is as delicious as the wines
themselves: the family released just four varietals in 2009 and has since grown to 320 contiguous acres producing 13 grape varieties. Carlson Creek now produces 20 types of wine.
Nearly next door is Tantrum Wines – a slightly lesserknown label for those who aren’t regular visitors to the region. From the outside, Tantrum seems small and unassuming. However, it is the most photogenic of the tasting rooms in the area. If you or your tasting mates love to chronicle your adventures on social media, definitely carve out time for this one. Inside, expect a bright, quirky space with flamingos, art installations, a faux fireplace, and plush living room furniture that is intentionally feminine — a characteristic that is front and center in everything winemaker Brighid McLoughlin does. Here, opt to pay the optional fee to pair chocolates with several of the wines.
Hungry again? Have no fear. Just across the street from Carlson and Tantrum is both a pasta paradise and tasting room in Merkin Vineyards Osteria. Founded by Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman of the band Tool but becoming recognized for his skill at winemaking in more recent years, he uses fruit exclusively from his 110 acres of estate vineyards in both the Verde Valley and Willcox.
Joining them along Main Street is Burning Tree Cellars, where you can sample bottles from boutique, small batch vineyards you’d never find in a grocery or liquor store. Then there is also Winery 101, which features wines from husband-and-wife winemaker
owners, and Pillsbury Wine Company, which was on Main Street for years, but recently moved to a larger refurbished home about a mile away. The new locale allows the brand to offer food and wine pairings.
After a day of drinks and games, a luxury stay on Main Street is possible thanks to the Tavern Hotel. Nearly 100 years ago, the building where the Tavern sits was the town’s grocery store and main gathering place. Today it remains the centerpiece of the town, only now as a fully realized European-style boutique hotel with 41 rooms and suites, a fitness center, and pool pavilion.
Located about six miles from Cottonwood and accessible via a paved road up Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is at an elevation of just over 5,000 feet, offering not only cooler weather but sweeping views of the surrounding Verde Valley and Sedona Red Rocks. Several historic buildings are still standing, many of which have been modernized and refurbished. Among them is The Clinkscale, which was first built as a mercantile in the 1800s and gained notoriety in the 1900s as the first store to sell Levi’s west of the Mississippi. Lovingly restored and reopened in 2020 as a hotel and restaurant of the same name, the property gives a nod to the past with exposed brick, hardwood floors, and brown leather and steel accents, yet is ultra-modern in its furnishings, technology, and creature comforts.
History is on proud display throughout the entire city thanks to a multitude of other attractions, notably the Jerome State Historic Park, Audrey Headframe Park, and the Mine Museum. Another way in which history comes to life in Jerome is through its wineries. While not the rough-and-tumble saloons of yesteryear, those who wish to imbibe may do so at one or more of the area’s many tasting rooms, including Cabal Cellars, Passion Cellars, and Caduceus Cellars.
Like Merkin, Caduceus is also the brainchild of Keenan, and each of the five blocks of vineyards where it sources its fruit are located in Northern Arizona, some directly in Jerome.
Approximately 20 minutes from Cottonwood and Jerome sits a region called Cornville, though as its popularity as a wine drinking destination grows, it is more commonly called Page Springs. This region has a bevy of full-scale vineyard operations that are a short drive from each other. Alcantara Vineyards is a
good first stop. This family-owned vineyard focused on sustainable farming offers nearly 20 varietals for tasting and purchase, along with antipasto, cheese, and sweets. The gorgeous property not only boasts a massive deck overlooking the Verde River and its vines, but also features kayak tours before tasting. About 10 minutes from Alcantara is one of the vineyards that helped put Arizona on the viticulture map – Page Springs Cellars. This winery and vineyard tucked into the volcanic landscape overlooking pristine Oak Creek Canyon produces Rhone-style wines, working primarily with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre grapes. At certain times of the year, they also offer massages in the vineyard, along with yoga programs and more.
Just half a mile from Page Springs is Javelina Leap, which makes about 3,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year and is across the street from both a bird sanctuary (tip: bring your binoculars) and the State Fish Hatchery. They also have a true Frenchstyle traditional Methode Champenoise rosé, the first of its kind in Arizona thanks to second generation winemaker and estate enologist Lucas Reed. Hidden behind the main tasting room space is an insanely good bistro, so getting small bites to pair with your tasting is a must here, along with the chocolate truffles.
Other spots not to be missed: D.A. Ranch, which has ample land and offers full-day itineraries of idyllic tastings, and Oak Creek Vineyards, a dog-friendly, rustic vineyard with welcoming picnic tables and a big, bold interior tasting room.
Finally, less than 30 minutes west of Javelina Leap is the Southwest Wine Center, which is home to Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology program. A full-scale winery and farm, the Southwest Wine Center features a 13-acre teaching vineyard where students of all ages take part in the ultimate hands-on approach to learning. Nestled into the vineyard is an opulent tasting room and patio, where wine tastings are available Saturday and Sunday by reservation.
While not within walking distance, there are three primary tasting rooms very close to the Wine Center in Clarkdale, as well: Cove Mesa, Bodega Pierce, and Chateau Tumbleweed.
For more information on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, visit www.vvwinetrail.com.
WWhile not quite considered a culinary mecca just yet, our great state is home to numerous award-winning restaurants and the chefs who helm them. Earlier this year, a combination of 12 Arizona restaurants and chefs were named as semifinalists for a James Beard Award — the equivalent of an Oscar in the food world.
Whether you reside in the farthest reaches or the most populated parts of our state, a culinary journey can sometimes be just the ticket to indulging your itch for adventure. Read on for a delicious teaser of just some of the past and present Arizona James Beard nominees worth making a road trip for.
A 2022 Best Chef: Southwest finalist, Giovanni Scorzo opened Andreoli Italian Grocer in 2007 with a handful of recipes that he made growing up as a child in Italy. And for a while, the small, unassuming space located in the corner of a strip mall off Via Linda in North Scottsdale flew under the radar with the masses. A dining room, market, and deli all in one, Andreoli serves up some of the best pastas, salumi, and house-made burrata you’ll find
in Arizona. www.andreoli-grocer.com
EL CHORRO LODGE
Originally built as a school for girls in 1934 by John C. Lincoln, just three years later it was converted into a restaurant that quickly became a Paradise Valley hotspot visited by celebrities like Clark Gable and Milton Berle. The historic haunt is known for its Southwest take on exquisite preparations of various meats and fish, but may be most famous for its coveted Sticky Buns, served with every entrée before the meal. Its historical and cultural significance to Valley residents earned the venue a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2005. This award is presented to locally owned restaurants
at least 10 years old that have “timeless appeal and are cherished for quality food that reflects the character of their community.” www.elchorro.com
FnB
Named a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest five times before taking home the win in 2019, FnB’s Charleen Badman is recognized among Valley culinary circles as “the veggie whisperer” for her unforgettably flavorful and vegetable-forward menu that beautifully highlights Arizona’s growing cycles. Additional nods from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal , Food & Wine, and the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame prove this chef and her prowess are not to be missed. www.fnbrestaurant.com
This upscale modern omakase hotspot was named a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2012, followed by semifinalist nods for chef and owner Shinji Kurita for Best Chef: Southwest in 2013, and most recently for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022. The restaurant offers two exclusive seatings each evening for diners to enjoy multiple, exceptionally prepared small courses of seafood, sashimi, and nigiri, along with a sizable selection of Japanese wines, beers, and sakes. www.shin-bay.com
magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America and Thrillist’s Top 21 Best New Restaurants in America, in addition to garnering consideration as a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant from the James Beard Foundation the same year. It has since earned praise from Food & Wine and was named to Open Table’s list of 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants and 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. Osso’s signature polpo — grilled octopus with lemon chickpeas, arugula fennel, and Calabrian chile butter — has earned mentions in nearly every review written on the restaurant in the last 10 years and was also featured as Chef Monti Carlo’s favorite small plate dish on the Cooking Channel’s Best Thing I Ever Ate. Osso has since expanded further into Old Town Scottsdale with two spinoff concepts, Pizzeria Virtù and most recently, Piccolo Virtù. www.virtuhonestcraft.com
BACANORA
Dubbed “the most electric Mexican food in Arizona” by Condé Nast Traveler, this small Grand Avenue locale keeps guests coming back with a mix of firegrilled Sonoran specialties and top-notch artisanal cocktails. A small number of menu staples make up the bones of Bacanora’s menu, with a list of daily specials rounding out a series of substantial selections that invite restaurant-goers to keep coming back for more. Since its opening, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Sunset, and Esquire magazines have all cast a very bright spotlight on this shiny Phoenix gem. In 2022, the restaurant was named as a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, and this year, chefs Rene Andrade, Roberto Centeno, and Derek Christensen were semifinalists in the race for Best Chef: Southwest. www.bacanoraphx.com
Under the leadership of chef Gio Osso, this Mediterranean-inspired gem is nestled away in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale’s Arts District as part of the Bespoke Inn. Opening to major acclaim in 2014, the restaurant was quickly named one of Esquire
This small 16th Street eatery in Phoenix is the first concept born from culinary mastermind and chef Silvana Salcido Esparza. Long-regarded as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Arizona and the region, the food served at Barrio Café is modern and elevated. Diners won’t find items like chips and salsa or beans and rice on the menu, nor will they find yellow cheese melted atop any of their dishes. Instead, Esparza opts for a menu of carefully perfected recipes built on layers of complex, robust flavors to create dishes that honor the culinary
traditions of the Mexican regions she traveled postgraduation from culinary school. Esparza is a seventime James Beard Best Chef: Southwest semifinalist and was most recently named a 2023 finalist for Outstanding Chef. www.barriocafe.com
A list of must-visit Arizona restaurants would not be complete without mentioning chef Kevin Binkley. Since 2008, the renowned chef has been named a semifinalist or finalist for Best Chef: Southwest 11 times. His restaurant namesake, Binkley’s, was a 2022 semifinalist in the category of Outstanding Hospitality. Known for precisely executed tasting menus that change with the availability of the best meats, seafood, and local produce, Binkley’s is an experience every selfproclaimed foodie must experience at least once. With just one seating for 20 lucky guests four nights a week, weekend reservations for this culinary event can be hard to come by. www.binkleysrestaurant.com
Chef Christopher Gross rose to culinary prominence in 1995 when he garnered his first-ever James Beard Award. His restaurant, then located at the Biltmore Fashion Park, now shares a hilltop location with the Wrigley Mansion — a move that made diners and local culinary circles take notice. Gross took up residence as the executive chef of the mansion while he waited out the four-year construction process (notably due to pandemic delays) of his new eponymous project for which he most recently earned a nod as a 2022 James Beard semifinalist in the Outstanding Chef category. At the new locale, diners can take in a panoramic view of Phoenix through floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying traditional French classics like foie gras terrine, duck two ways, and classic country pate. Pay a visit to Christopher’s on the weekend to indulge in an elaborate eight-course tasting menu.
www.wrigleymansion.com/christophers
Tucked into a small parking lot off 7th Ave in Phoenix’s Melrose District, Fry Bread house has been serving up Native American staples since 1992. A family-run business started by Cecelia Miller of the Tohono O'odham Nation, the restaurant’s fry bread is served topped with a bevy of flavorful options like ground beef, beans, cheese, chorizo, and chilies.
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe.A delectable dessert version is served with sweet chocolate. In 2012, the James Beard Foundation honored the humble eatery with an America’s Classics award, pointing to the significance of Indigenous recipes and food in our state. When tribes were moved to reservations long ago, a forced reliance on food provided by the federal government meant creating dishes from basic pantry staples. These basics — flour, lard, salt, and baking powder — were turned into the delicious, pillowy fried dough we know as fry bread today. www.frybreadhouseaz.com
Within just one year of opening their quaint Thai restaurant on Roosevelt Row, co-chefs and owners Yokata and Alex Martin have received prestigious recognition from the James Beard Foundation as a 2023 semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest. The couple met in Thailand and aim to share with visitors to Lom Wong the dishes they perfected with close friends and family. The menu’s Arai Kodai option takes diners on a customized culinary adventure through the various — and delicious — cuisines of Thailand. www.lomwongaz.com
Superstar chef Chris Bianco received his first James Beard win as Best Chef: Southwest at the helm of Pizzeria Bianco in 2003. In addition to being lauded by the fine folks at the Beard Foundation, his pizza has earned praise from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Condé Nast Traveler, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal , USA Today, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit and more. His culinary pursuits have included the production of his own line of highly soughtafter canned tomatoes, while the expansion of his restaurant empire — to include three Pizzeria Bianco locations (two in Phoenix and one in Los Angeles) and DTPHX restaurants Tratto and Pane Bianco — earned him the James Beard win for Outstanding Restaurateur in 2022. www.pizzeriabianco.com
In 1993, Chef Vincent Guerithault won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, which was preceded by being recognized as a finalist in the same category in 1992. He was a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in 2008 and 2009, and his namesake Southwest-influenced French restaurant was a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant from 2010-2013. It also received a nomination for Outstanding Service in 2000. A Valley favorite since 1986, Vincent on Camelback’s notoriety for exceptional cuisine and attentive service make this a must-visit for Arizona residents and tourists alike. www.vincentsoncamelback.com
A significant force in bringing Southern food to the forefront of the Valley’s culinary scene, The Larder + The Delta has been serving up delicious dishes since its first inception as The Yardbird + The Larder inside DeSoto Central Market. In his current home located at the base of Portland On The Park, chef Stephen Jones turns out dishes that dispel the notion that Southern food must be heavy, fried, or greasy. Inside these walls, Jones focuses on the use of local agriculture and produce to inform the menu items for the week. His unofficial motto, “vegetables are sexy,” is ever-present in his signature cauliflower dish. Crispy, airy, and lightly tossed with smoked blue cheese, pickled celery, and Cutino’s hot sauce, it’s sexy, indeed. Jones’s cooking has garnered attention from the likes of Travel + Leisure, which named his restaurant the “Best Farm to Table Restaurant in Arizona” in 2016, in addition to the coveted James Beard Foundation who named him a semifinalist in 2020 for Best Chef: Southwest and Outstanding Chef in 2022. www.thelarderandthedelta.com
El Guero Canelo specializes in a unique Mexican specialty: Sonoran hotdogs. With three locations in Tucson and one in West Phoenix, chef and owner Daniel Contreras has been treating Tusconians to his bacon-wrapped dogs since 1993. Contreras owns the bakery that his traditional bolillo rolls come from to ensure quality control down to the last detail. His recipe for the perfect Sonoran dog is topped with mayo, mustard, onions, beans, and a jalapeño sauce not for the faint of heart. In 2018, El Guelo Canelo was recognized by the James Beard Foundation with an America’s Classics award. www.elguerocanelo.com
A competitor on Top Chef Season 18, chef Maria Mazon of Boca Tacos y Tequila is no stranger to the limelight. She is a two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest and her food has been featured on the Travel Channel , Food Network , and Cooking Channel . The menu at BOCA is straightforward, consisting of — you guessed it — tacos! (A small handful of entrees and appetizers round out the menu). Mazon regularly rotates in a new selection of truly inventive and unique salsas to delight and tease the palate. Past flavors have included mint and
peanut butter, pickled jalapeño and honey, and fresh garlic and chai tea. www.bocatacos.com
This Broadway Village hole-in-thewall may reside in an inconspicuous location, but its popularity has made it a stand out among bakeries across the U.S. Owner and baker Don Guerra has been the recipient of much media attention, including a powerful 2021 feature in The New York Times highlighting the use of ancient grains and the importance of the locavore movement within his industry. His baking prowess earned him semifinalist nods for the Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Baker award in 2010 and 2020, while he most recently took home the win in the same category in 2022. Depending on the day of the week, Guerra and his staff produce between 11 and 20 varieties of bread daily. Get there early to ensure your favorite doesn’t sell out. www.barriobread.com
Midtown’s Tito & Pep is the real-life dream of chef and owner John Martinez, highlighting ingredients native to his hometown. Serving up mesquite-fired cuisine in a neighborhood bistro setting, Martinez opened in late 2018 and quickly caught the attention of the James Beard Foundation. His great culinary skill and attention to detail earned Martinez a semifinalist spot for Best Chef: Southwest in 2022. www.titoandpep.com
2022 JBF Outstanding Baker Don Guerra. Photo by Cassidy AraizaServing up Latin-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes in the Sam Hughes neighborhood of Tucson, chef Wendy Garcia prides herself on using locally sourced, organic, fresh ingredients to craft her food. Originally started in 2013 as a table at the farmers market, she reached an audience hungry for Latin flavors but who didn’t need — or want — the meat. Garcia worked to modify her family’s generations-old recipes to satisfy this segment of the market and eventually opened her own brick-and-mortar shop where her signature butternut squash tamales are always on the menu. Garcia was recently listed as a 2023 semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest by the James Beard Foundation. www.tumerico.com
dedication to his craft earned him a 2017 semifinalist spot for Best Chef: Southwest and a second nomination in 2020. www.elotecafe.com
From the imaginative minds of chefs Brett Vibber and Jaren Bates comes The Table at Junipine. This unassuming space at the Junipine Resort on the banks of Oak Creek treats diners to an exclusive menu that highlights the very best of not only Arizona, but Sedona ingredients. Chefs Vibber and Bates regularly forage the surrounding woods to create the restaurant’s ever-changing menu and combine those ingredients with produce grown on property, as well as ethically sourced meats and seafood. Their creativity is on full display with every dish, earning the chefs a 2023 semifinalist spot for Best Chef: Southwest.
www.junipine.com
Chef Jeff Smedstad has been a fixture on the Sedona culinary scene for over 15 years and has earned a reputation for high quality, creative Mexican cuisine. Through his travels to Mexico and time spent studying in Oaxaca, Smedstad discovered his love for the culture and flavors of the region. In 2007, he poured this love into the opening of Elote Café, which has earned national praise from Fodor’s, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Gayot, and more. His
Opened in December 2021, Atria’s reputation for farm-fresh, thoughtful, modern American fare quickly caught fire. The restaurant’s executive chef, Rochelle Daniel, was named a semifinalist in the category of Emerging Chef for the 2022 James Beard Awards. Daniel is a culinary whiz who has competed on Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters,” and whose culinary talents earned her the title of “Best Sous Chef” from The Arizona Republic earlier in her career. At Atria, Daniel’s focus is to create a menu rooted in local ingredients whenever possible. www.atriarestaurant.com
This all-in-one butcher shop and deli prides itself on being the first local, whole-animal butcher shop in Arizona. Each of the meats offered here are humanely and sustainably raised, and the shop partners with other local and regional producers to procure various types of produce, cheeses, and breads to create the mouth-watering menu of sandwiches and other
items offered on its extensive menu. Last summer, The Arizona Republic raved that the best pastrami in Arizona can only be found at Proper Meats + Provisions, and just a few months later, the restaurant received a notable semifinalist spot on the 2023 James Beard list for Outstanding Restaurant. www.propermeats.com
A former executive sous chef for the prestigious Amangiri Resort in Utah, chef Christian Lowe leads the kitchen at Shift Kitchen & Bar on Flagstaff’s familiar San Francisco Street. From an open kitchen inside the modest and cheerful space, Lowe crafts family-style plates to make the dining experience a shared one, relying on local ingredients to create elevated yet unpretentious food. This year, the James Beard Foundation named Lowe as a semifinalist for Emerging Chef. www.shiftflg.com
Celebrating Western Apache cuisine, Café Gozhóó lies just off State Route 73 in Eastern Arizona at the site of a former gas station. Since late 2021, this small diner has served Native American specialities such as nada’ban, squash stew, red chili, and acorn stew. And while the preservation of these historic recipes and traditions is paramount to the Indigenous community and beyond, equally important is the restaurant’s community-based vocational training program. Café Gozhóó partners with the Rainbow Treatment Center’s Working 2 Wellness program to create jobs, promote professional development, and equip individuals in recovery with job skills while helping to revitalize the Western Apache food system. This year, executive chef Nephi Craig was named as a semifinalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Southwest award. www.cafegozhoo.com
Butter wine poached halibut with piquillo pepper sauce at Shift. Chef Rochelle Daniel prepares roasted bone marrow at Atria.We are looking for experienced newspaper, magazine, and digital media Advertising Sales Representatives. We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated skills in the following areas:
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Ingredients
1 cup drained well-cooked or canned chickpeas (keep some for garnish)
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 garlic clove, peeled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
¼ cup water
Juice of 1 lemon
Diced tomatoes for garnish
Pita bread or veggies for dipping
Directions
Add all ingredients to a food processor. Emulsify together for 1-2 minutes. An additional ¼ cup of water can be added if needed (hummus should have the consistency of a spread).
To Serve
Scoop a few tablespoons in the middle of a plate and swirl into a hummus crater. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some of the cooked garbanzo beans or diced tomatoes. Serve with your choice of pita bread or veggies.
2 tablespoons cooking oil of your choice
(5) 13/15 raw shrimp
5 slices of bread (French, baguette, or sourdough)
4-6 pats of butter
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped shallot
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
5 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
4 teaspoons white cooking wine
2 teaspoons chopped cilantro or microgreens (garnish)
Clean and remove the tails of your shrimp. Bring a medium size pan with two tablespoons of oil to medium heat. Add shrimp to the pan with salt and pepper and sear on both sides. While shrimp is cooking, use enough butter to coat bread slices and toast until golden brown and set aside. Add garlic, shallots, and tomato halves to shrimp and cook for 30-45 seconds. Add cooking wine and let wine cook down until shrimp are thoroughly cooked through. Remove pan from heat and add remaining butter to the pan. Tilt the pan in a circular motion to let wine and butter combine into a creamy sauce. Add shrimp and tomato to bread slices and coat with sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or microgreens.
BY REBECCA L. RHOADES
“I’m a sustainability failure.”
EErnest White II is reminiscing about a recent trip, during which he forgot to bring his metal water bottle with him. As a result, he ended up buying two single-use plastic bottles at the airport and ordering more through a delivery service once he got to his hotel room — which, in turn, resulted in a driver going to the supermarket, purchasing more plastic, and using more gasoline.
“Just by forgetting my water bottle, all of a sudden, I’m creating more trash, spending more money, and polluting more,” he says. “Every little thing we do matters. Every little thing we can change matters. So don’t forget your water bottles.”
As a longtime travel journalist and host of PBS Passport’s travel series Fly Brother, Ernest White has been around the globe numerous times. He’s visited 71 countries and shared his experiences in untouched
exotic destinations and bustling urban centers. His goal: connecting people and places, building friendships, and showing his audience that the whole world is one tribe.
I recently sat down with White in New York City to talk about the growing awareness of sustainability in the travel industry, and how we can do our part to transform travel’s impact on nature and people.
Green Living: What does the term “sustainable travel” mean to you?
Ernest White II: I’ve had so many different experiences over and over during which I’ve seen that people just want to be cared for. Well, so does our environment. Some of the beautiful places we film at are endangered simply because of climate change — because we’re not taking care of our environment, and we’re not taking care of each other. Sustainable travel to me means traveling with a greater awareness of the environmental and societal impacts that we make on the world. And it’s not just ecological or environmental sustainability, although that’s a big part of it. It’s also societal sustainability. Are we making choices that do the least damage and the greatest good for all beings on the planet? It’s not hard to do, but the messaging sometimes gets mixed up.
Green Living: You mention the societal impacts. What does that mean?
White: The United Nations came up with a list of 17 sustainable development goals to be met by 2030. The first five are about people. So even though you may hear that carbon offset is a way to be sustainable, or planting trees is a way to be sustainable — or even recycling, which we’ve been doing since the ’90s, is a part of it — it’s the people that we have to start with. And that's an important thing to remember when we're looking at sustainability. How are we treating people when we travel? How are we treating each other when we travel? That's it.
Green Living: What countries that you’ve visited are leading the way in sustainability?
White: You’ll find more awareness about sustainability in Northern
Europe, Scandinavia, and parts of Western Europe. You’ll also find an infrastructure that makes it easy to do so — taking the train, taking public transportation, walking. Taking public transportation is always more sustainable because you've got less fuel usage and emissions. Taking the train is always more sustainable than flying to a location. Rwanda is doing a great job of sustainability. They’ve banned single-use plastics. Everybody is paying attention to not littering and proper waste disposal. In Costa Rica, there are more wildlife conservation areas and protected areas than in any other country.
Green Living: What can we as travelers do?
White: Travel is magical. It’s transformative. But the fact that we can do it at speeds that we’ve never seen before — you can change planes in Dubai or Istanbul and be in Perth or Paris or Portland in two flights — we’re able to get around more, so we have to be more responsible as we do it. There are locations that are seeing so many people that the infrastructure is not doing well. Venice has limited the number of cruise ships that can enter. I would love to go to
Antarctica, but I’m also like, do I really need to go to Antarctica? Is my presence there more harmful than helpful? Do I really need to go to Machu Picchu if my being there is going to create more problems? I’m not saying don’t go to Antarctica or Machu Picchu, I’m just saying to think about how you’re going.
Green Living: What are some simple steps travelers can do to help the environment?
White: First of all, take your reusable water bottle with you. I know it’s basic, but honestly, it does start with us. So, reduce your single-use plastics. Buy recycled products. Patagonia [and other companies] make recycled clothing. You can also find companies that are investing in renewable materials, and that’s also important because it means less pollution, it reduces plastic waste, and it saves money. When planning a trip, try to find green lodging.
Green Living: So much of our travel planning is done on the web these days. Do you have any sites you recommend?
White: There also are a lot of websites that can help. Bookdifferent.com takes the guesswork out of sustainable travel planning. They let you know which
hotels are registered with certain organizations or have seals of approval, so you know if they’re caring about their employees or about the environment. There’s also alight.travel, which is a booking platform that allows you to find sustainable places, from eco-lodges to resorts and everything in between. www.localpurse.com connects you with local businesses and lets you purchase things from them. You’re making sure that money is going into the local community, which is exactly what sustainability is about in terms of that societal impact. Three more resources are www.impacttravelalliance.org, www.sustainabletravel.org, and the United Nations with their sustainable development goals at sdgs.un.org.
Green Living: How do you travel when you’re shooting your show?
White: We’re not fully sustainable by any means, but we’re trying. We have a small camera crew of four people, so we try to minimize the number of people who travel with us. We also recycle our equipment, and we hire locally when possible. At this stage, I’m committed to being more sustainable. We are all learning. We’re all trying to do better and better every day. I feel like I got the societal sustainability down because that is what I do. But some of us who are very societally sustainable are not environmentally sustainable. So we all have a lot to learn, and I’m here to learn along with you. It’s about progress, not perfection.
FFor centuries, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have been conscientious keepers of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, located in what is now downtown Palm Springs, Calif. Considered a living being, the sacred spring was the heart of the tribe’s existence, providing irrigation, potable water, warm baths, and healing powers.
According to tribal legend, hundreds of years ago, one head man named Tu-to-meet arrived sick and lame to the area now known as Palm Springs. There was no water, so he took his staff and jammed it into the ground — and out of that came a flowing spring. He named it Séc-he, meaning the sound of boiling water.
“Then he went into the water and cured himself, and his people followed,” says Tribal Council Secretary Vincent Gonzales III.
By the late 1880s, the spring’s reputation for
restorative properties had become so renowned that the tribe erected a succession of bathhouses that would continue through 2014. By 1938, the city of Palm Springs, which took its name from the presence of Séc-he, had grown up around the spring. And generations of travelers have enjoyed the therapeutic powers of the hot silky waters’ unique mineral composition. A soak in the slightly sulfuric water is said to relieve stress, ease muscle aches and joint inflammation, and help treat skin conditions such as dryness, eczema, and acne.
A dip in natural mineral hot springs is not only relaxing but also can provide healing benefits for body and soul
Following an almost 10-year closure and redevelopment plan, the tribe re-opened the hot springs in April as part of the new luxurious Spa at Séc-he. The 73,000-square-foot spa and bathhouse celebrates the waters that flow from a cavern 8,000 feet below the ground. The centerpiece is 22 individual mineral baths in which guests can enjoy 15-minute private soaks in the 105-degree water.
“This very special water has had special meaning to our tribal community for such a long time,” says tribal chairman Reid Milanovich. “It is a place where our tribal members and visitors can come to once again soak in hot mineral water and take part in cultural traditions of wellness like no other place in the world.”
The Spa at Séc-he is just one of a growing number of wellness-focused properties around the country — and the world — that are harnessing the healing powers of Earth’s natural mineral hot springs.
There are at least 1,664 known geothermal springs in the U.S., ranging from “primitive” or undeveloped pools, to day spas and public bathhouses, and luxurious resorts that are destinations unto themselves. According to Vicky Nash, executive director of the Hot Springs Association, an organization that represents the owners and operators of hot springs properties, there are about 250 commercial spas and wellness centers across the country that offer hot springs as part of their therapeutic program.
“There’s so much growth in the industry right now,” she says. “There are a lot of ownership changes, largescale redevelopments and brand-new projects. There’s been a big resurgence in interest in hot springs over the past three years. People want to do activities that boost their immune systems, and they’re much more aware of their overall wellness on a daily basis.”
The practice of bathing in mineral hot springs for health benefits gained in
popularity in the late 1800s in the U.S.
“Going to a health resort was the thing to do,” Nash notes. “These places would offer 12-day treatments that included soaks in hot springs.” By the early 1900s, though, many properties became recreation-oriented and stopped touting the wellness component.
Located in Morristown, Ariz., about an hour northwest of downtown Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs is considered the nation’s most luxurious hot springs resort. Appearing like an oasis cradled within the rocky foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, the landmark resort has captivated presidents, celebrities, and business tycoons for more than 100 years.
Here, more than 200,000 gallons of steaming 120-degree water flow out of the rocks daily from an underground cistern into a series of rejuvenating pools.
At the turn of the century, patients would travel to the property to receive mineral cures. They would stay for two or three months and spend their days golfing, playing tennis, exploring the landscape, and soaking in the steaming waters. During World War II, the property was transformed into a rehabilitation center for injured soldiers, one of whom was future president John F. Kennedy.
The therapeutic qualities of the water at Castle Hot Springs are attributed to a naturally occurring mix of minerals that includes potassium, which is said to Quapaw Bathhouse.
reduce high blood pressure and improve heart health; magnesium, which helps regulate the body’s energy and nervous system; and lithium, which offers a calming and mood-stabilizing effect.
“Natural thermal mineral waters are used all over the world to rehabilitate health in people with a variety of conditions, from skin and metabolic issues to digestive complaints, arthritic aches and pains, and even stroke,” says Marcus Coplin, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and director of hydrothermal medicine for the Balneology Association of North America.
Derived from the Latin word “balneo,” which means “to bathe,” balneology is the science of therapeutic bathing in natural mineral waters.
According to Dr. Coplin, there are four ways to reap the benefits of mineral waters: bathing in it, inhaling the steams and vapors, drinking it, and peloid therapy, or the application of mud that has been soaked in the mineral-rich liquid. This latter treatment is common throughout Europe. At Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, bathers are encouraged to slather their face and body with a milkywhite mud, pulled from the bottom of the geothermal pool, that’s rich in silica and sulfur.
“Peloid mud shows a lot of anti-inflammatory properties and traditionally has been used for joint pain and skin issues,” he explains. “But in the U.S., 99% of what people are going to experience when they go to a hot spring is soaking in the water.”
The therapeutic qualities associated with hot springs are thermal, physical, and mineral. Heat from the water is transferred into the body, creating a thermal effect that reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and stimulates metabolism. The pressure of the water on the body produces an anti-gravity effect, relaxing the muscles and improving circulation. Then there are the mineral effects. Studies that have compared the effects of hot tubs versus mineral hot springs have found that the mineral component of hot springs does cause biochemical responses in the body that reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and synchronize hormonal responses.
The mix of minerals varies from place to place, depending on the geology of the area. Common minerals include sulfur, sodium chloride, potassium, and even silica boron.
“Sometimes you’ll see arsenic or lithium in the water, but these are at levels that
Hot Springs National Park thermal pool.Nash concurs. “You’re going to get some benefit out of it,” she says. “Just soaking in warm mineral-rich water is going to make you feel better.”
For Gonzales and the folks at the Spa at Séc-he, a soak in the soothing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Springs allows you to leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in traditions that have been practiced for centuries.
“When you experience our medical waters, I want you to think of the story of Tu-to-meet,” he says. “I want you to take a moment and really take in the essence of Séc-he and what it means to our people and what it can do for you and your body. Use it for what our people intended it for, and that’s for healing.”
The Polestar 6 Roadster is coming, but between now and then, the sustainably visioned Swedish EV carmaker will also offer two SUVs — Polestars 3 and 4 — and the Polestar 5, the four-door version of the retractable hardtop revealed last month at Scottsdale Fashion Square. All have sustainability and sleek design at the forefront.
Sleek and beautiful at rest. Fun, fast and aerodynamic in motion. The Polestar 6 will be built on the company’s bonded-aluminum platform, ensuring structural rigidity. Your road trips will be five stars all the way.
Inspired by Polestar’s racing heritage, the car will feature 800-volt electric architecture and a highoutput dual-motor powertrain generating 884 horsepower: it will sprint from 0-to-60 mph in about three seconds. For your future travels, that ensures
quick passing times, assured highway entrances, and accident avoidance. Similar to the range of the company’s current model, the Polestar 2, the Polestar 6 will maintain a charge for 300-plus miles.
While this convertible will not be available for three years, Polestar began selling 500 units of its Polestar 6 LA Concept Edition in August 2022; that limited-production car will closely resemble the production model. The cars, which quickly sold out, were invoiced at $200,000 — about the same as
what the production Polestar 6 will be stickered at in 2026, says John Quinn, head of Polestar Product & Launch North America.
The Polestar 1 was a plug-in hybrid. Now in its fourth year, the 476-horsepower Polestar 2 ($48,400 MSRP) has been cleared by the IRS for the $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit, if it is leased. In 2024, the Polestar 3 SUV will be offered; in 2025 the Polestar 4, a larger SUV; and in 2025, the sedan Polestar 5, similar to the P6 roadster.
In Arizona, the cars are sold through the Polestar space in Scottsdale Fashion Square near Nordstrom. Courtesy Automotive Group — led by principals Scott Gruwell and Jason Church — owns the store, which opened a year ago. Beginning in Phoenix as Courtesy Chevrolet in 1955, the familyowned company has expanded to seven dealerships in Arizona and California.
“With all of the concern about global warming, Polestar came to us a while back and told us they had an opening in Scottsdale for a Polestar space, and we welcomed the opportunity,” recalls Church, chief operating officer for Courtesy.
“Typically, these vehicles make the rounds at the main auto shows in New York, Los Angeles, London, so normally you only get to see the beauty and style of these cars on PC screens or cell phones,” he adds. “With the insights on how we are making this a beautiful car, and a racing heritage with an innovative bonded aluminum frame, we cannot wait to experience the car in three years.”
Sustainability, Quinn explains, is one of Polestar’s three tenants, along with car architecture and design, so the company carefully tracks materials through its supply chain such as the cobalt and mica for the batteries.
“Blockchain technology allows us to trace risk minerals from material
source to finished product to ensure ethical mining and manufacturing processes are employed,” he says.
The bonded aluminum unibody technology eliminates mixed metal structures and the 3,500–4,000 rivets normally used in traditional manufacturing, making the car lighter, more rigid, and recyclable. These factors increase range and responsiveness while maintaining the highest safety standards.
“Additionally, this innovation allows for a high degree of design flexibility, as adjustments for factors like different wheelbases can be achieved with comparative ease,” Quinn explains.
In 2022, Polestar had reduced relative CO2 e-emissions per car sold by 8% compared to 2021 levels. Relative emissions on a per-unit-basis have been reduced by 13% since 2020.
He adds, “This is the second consecutive year the company has combined rapid growth with carbon cuts.”
Design is one of the top three reasons people choose a car, Quinn explains. Much of the time, he’s driving a Polestar 2 from his Bucks County, Pa., home to the company headquarters in Mahwah, N.J., across the river from New York City.
He loves the car, as well as the diverse reactions from other drivers. Car enthusiasts and children are taken by the styling, asking, “What kind of car is that?” A girl rolls down her window and offers an emphatic thumbs up, and a car-savvy man repeats that approval from his BMW M3.
Company CEO Thomas Ingenlath is a former designer, and he ensures design is a core element of the brand. And the director of design, Max Missoni, oversaw the P2 concept from vision to execution and now is working on transforming those efforts into a P6 production vehicle.
“The Polestar Concept 6 is immediately identifiable as Scandinavian design, pure, elegant, confident. It’s also symmetrical, logical, iconic,” Quinn says. “It has EV era design features such as a long wheelbase and short overhangs, thoughtfully integrated aero features, and beautiful crisp and decisive lines.”
While much of the Polestar 6 interior will be in design for the next two years, it is expected to include an infotainment system that adapts to the driver's movements, woven flax composite panels, and other sustainable material innovations.
Efforts will be made to create all layers of certain components from the same base material. This will allow them to be recycled more efficiently by eliminating the need to separate incompatible materials — like foam, adhesive, the 3D knit upholstery, and the nonwoven lamination — before recycling.
He adds, “We are always telling people, especially those particularly concerned about living green, that you don’t have to sacrifice anything — design, performance, or roadability — to be sustainable.”
For more information or to place an order for the Polestar 2, 3, and 6, visit www.polestar.com.
Sound healing allows soothing vibrations to transfix all sensations of being and provides an opportunity for human existence to realign into perfect function.
Kim Balzan SOUND produces endless vibrational frequencies using various instruments and high-quality Crystal Sound Bowls. Kim carries the finest Alchemy Crystal Bowls on the planet, each infused with pure quartz crystals, gemstones, or precious metals.
Her Crystal Singing Bowls send healing vibrations to expand health; introduce peace; provide relaxation; reduce anxiety; increase concentration; assist through grief; bring love; reduce pain; balance the nervous system; and so much more. From playing on television to selling out sound events, you can count on Kim to provide an extraordinary experience with each mallet stroke.
Explore her Crystal Bowl Showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona, and purchase your favorite vibrational frequency. Because she believes in her healing practice through Crystal Sound Bowls, she sells only the best to the public.
By appointment only.
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kimbalzansound@gmail.com www.KimBalzan.com
*Please mention this ad when contacting Kim creates experiences with SOUND for all occasions on location or in her extraordinary private space.
She Said: I had so many logistical questions going into this. Are the goats arriving at the yoga studio via truck? Will we be in a field in the rain? How many goats are we talking? I'm a yoga rookie, can I do this? In short, yes, anyone can do this. I did more socializing with goats than I did downward dog, and that was A-OK with the instructor. It was part yoga, part animal therapy. We set up in the barn, with yoga mats atop a layer of hay, and a small pile of goat food placed on each mat. Then, the stampede! A small herd of happy goats bounded in the barn with us, greedily snarfing up all the food pellets. Such a fun moment! We began a few poses while the goats wandered around for pets and surfaces to jump on. One moment you're in a tabletop pose, and the next thing you know, you're a goat's next summit challenge. It was a little startling, but gratefully, my goat was only medium-sized, so it didn't hurt, and actually induced plenty of giggles. Laughing at the goat antics along with 30 other people was the best part. That barn had such a positive vibe – everyone was happy! I'd say the class was definitely more goat therapy than working out, but I'd still recommend it for the uniqueness and entertainment. I left there with a smile on my face, and a true realization of what the hype was all about. And really, how could you not smile after holding two-week-old baby goats?
Is your workout routine getting a little boring? Or maybe you're looking for a unique experience to give Mom this year? Farm animals to the rescue! No, really! You can strengthen your core and visit hilarious, hoofed creatures with “goat yoga.” We'd heard about it for a long time and finally tried a class. It was an adventure for sure!
HeHe Said: I booked this and then sat and pondered how people come up with these ideas. Somewhere, someone had just finished a yoga class and thought, “That was really nice, but it would be so much better if I had a goat standing on my back.” But kudos to whoever dreamed this up because it was surprisingly fun and hilarious. The class took place in a barn, full of fresh dry hay and surrounded by pine trees. I knew this wasn't going to be a normal yoga class when the instructor introduced herself and explained that we didn't have to do yoga, we could just snuggle goats if we wanted. Next came an adorable, Pamplona-style running of the goats. Twenty to 25 full grown goats came charging into the yoga room from across the barn, eager to get food strategically placed on our mats. We did 30 minutes of the easiest yoga poses you can think of while the goats wandered around eating, snuggling, and climbing on people's backs. We spent the entire hour-long class laughing, petting goats, and in between, holding a few yoga poses. Anyone who is a fan of farms, the outdoors, cute animals, and lastly, yoga, will enjoy this class. Plus, the photos will look great on your Instagram.
The bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures of Rotraut will enliven the Garden t rails at Desert Botanical Garden while a selection of her paintings and small sculptures fill the Ottosen Gallery. Known around the world, and based in Arizona, Rotraut’s artwork explores the energy of the seasons and the relationship of nature with the sky, sun and universe. Visit www.dbg.org/explore/events for more information.
Learn how to soak up the benefits of rainwater harvesting techniques at the Glendale Public Library with Clint Culberson and Michael Gettens with Galaxy Gardens. They’lll share how to direct rainwater to your plants by creating a series of berms, basins, and swales for a more eco-friendly way to water. Visit the library’s Facebook events page for more at www.facebook.com/ GlendaleAzGarden/events.
Treat your mom to a special day out at Vintage & Vino's Mother's Day Spring Market! This unique event features a curated collection of vintage and handmade items, as well as live music, food, and drinks. Browse through an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, home decor, and fashion, and find the perfect gift for your mom or yourself. With a charming atmosphere and beautiful outdoor setting, the Mother's Day Spring Market is the perfect way to spend a lovely spring day with your mom. Visit www.eventbrite.com and search "Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre" for more info.
The Arizona Restaurant Association announces the return of Arizona Restaurant Week this spring. For 10 days, diners can indulge in dishes from a wide range of restaurants — from the finest five-star attractions to locally owned and chef-driven “hidden gems.” Participating restaurants will offer culinary adventurers the ability to explore three-course prix-fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person. Menus are available for dinein as well as to-go. Visit www.arizonarestaurantweek.com for information on participating restaurants and menus.
For a calendar of more green events in AZ, visit www.greenlivingmag.com/events
The Flagstaff Biking Organization is celebrating 20 years of Flagstaff Bike Month running through the entire month of May. Riders will have numerous opportunities throughout the month to win fabulous raffle prizes in the Biking Challenge. Participants simply need to log their daily commute, mountain bike ride, dirt park shred, or peddle downtown at www.flagstaffbiking.org for a chance to win. Mountain bike rides, road rides, commutes, school trips, bike park shreds — all can be logged to gain additional chances to win one of the fabulous raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
The Master Gardener Plant Sale is an annual event organized by local gardening experts and enthusiasts to provide a wide variety of plants and gardening supplies to the public. The event features plants that are specially selected and grown for the local area, including native plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees. The Master Gardener Plant Sale offers an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts of all levels to purchase high-quality plants, get advice from knowledgeable experts, and learn about sustainable gardening practices. Visit www.musnaz.org/event/mastergardener-plant-sale for more information on the event.
Nature Photography combines the beauty of nature with the art of photography. It is an opportunity for amateur and professional photographers alike to capture stunning images of the natural world in a tranquil garden setting. The event takes place in botanical gardens and other natural areas, providing photographers with a diverse range of flora and fauna to capture with their cameras. Participants can learn tips and techniques from experienced photographers, connect with other photography enthusiasts, and enjoy the serenity of nature. Visit www.tucsonbotanical.org/event/nature-photography-in-thegardens for more info on the event.
Get ready for a weekend of funky fun at the Bisbee Funky Finds Fling Festival Weekend II! This unique festival showcases the best of Bisbee's eccentric and off-beat culture, with live music, local art, and delicious cuisine. Browse through the funky and eclectic vendors, enjoy live performances from talented musicians and artists, and soak in the vibrant and laid-back atmosphere of this charming Arizona town. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the freespirited nature of Bisbee. Find out more about this event on www.visitarizona.com/events/funky-finds-fling-festivalweekend-ii.
May 11
Get connected with the sustainability community at the USGBC Arizona Morning Mingles! Hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council, this event provides an opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in sustainable building and design. Enjoy coffee and pastries while connecting with likeminded individuals who share your passion for sustainability. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/usgbc-arizona-morning-mingles-maytickets-468853532537 for more info on the event.
The Arizona Cannabis Business Networking Event is a gathering of professionals and entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry in Arizona. The event provides a platform for individuals and businesses to connect, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities in the fast-growing cannabis market. Attendees can learn about the latest trends, innovations, and regulations in the industry while networking with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. The Arizona Cannabis Business Networking Event is an inclusive and supportive environment for anyone interested in the cannabis industry, from growers to retailers and everything in between. Visit www.mita-az.org/may-31-arizona-cannabisbusiness-networking-copy for more info.
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Plan your perfect event, conference, or business meeting at Avondale’s Visitor and Conference Center. Be treated to beautiful views of the Estrella Mountains and enjoy the site’s many sustainability features. Conveniently located near 500+ hotel rooms, several delicious dining options, and a variety of sports and entertainment venues.
Experience the 100% electric Polestar 2. Accelerating from 0-60 in less than 4.2 seconds, this is sustainable design meets superior performance.
Now Open in Scottsdale Fashion Square
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