BEAUTY
and function to the eyes and face
Making Local Decisions - From Self, To Neighbor, to Community.
Welcome to February, Fayetteville!
We’re deep into the frigid months, but I hope you’re still energized by your New Year’s goals and fresh start to 2025. February is a perfect time to reflect on those new habits we set in January and make adjustments where needed.
Speaking of adjustments, one practice I aim to maintain is loving locally. In a world dominated by technology and remote work, it’s easy to become distanced from our neighbors, coworkers, and communities. So how does one really love locally?
I’ve thought about it and was able to determine three basic steps:
1. Make intentional decisions
Every day, we make countless choices about where to spend our time, energy, and money. Loving locally starts with deliberately directing those resources toward local businesses, services, and initiatives. It’s about prioritizing what benefits our community over convenience.
2. Build personal connections
When we choose local, we naturally foster relationships with the people around us. These connections become invaluable, enriching our lives in ways no app or delivery service can. Relationships are the cornerstone of any thriving community.
3. Strengthen community
Once relationships are established, we experience the power of community. Together, we can create something greater than ourselves—a stronger, more vibrant Fayetteville. Collective efforts make our city a better place, both now and for future generations that will occupy this city.
This framework isn’t perfect, but it’s a starting point. By reading this, you’ve already taken a step toward engaging with a local publication, and for that I thank you! Here’s to a month of thoughtful choices and deeper connections.
Best,
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Gavin Magee | gavin.magee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Anna VanHorn | anna.vanhorn@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Clay Ridgeway | clay.ridgeway@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kate Gryder | kategryder@outlook.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Will Newton, Sydney Johnson, Hailey Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Meredith Mashburn, Emily Hendrick, Andrea Pruitt
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN FEBRUARY 2025
city scene
1: Black and white moments heading into 2025 2: The infamous Crisis Brewing Co “NYE Party for Old People” was grooving! 3: Locals rang in the New Year at Guisinger Cocktail Club 4: Reflecting on 2024 and the new film creation of “Leonard Heck” 5: There were some cozy family holiday moments 6: Happy New Year from the Blonde Fayetteville team! 7: The Countdown and Celebration of New Marriages into the New Year @DEESTA_FIESTA
Beem Light Sauna Launches with Local Wellness Crawl 2025!
Beem Light Sauna has officially opened its doors while also launching the first of its kind collaborative local business 'Wellness Crawl'. An awesome lineup of 13 local businesses have put together a "wellness passport", where contestants have the chance to win up to $2,500 in Giveaway prizes from the participating businesses. It's an exciting opportunity to experience local wellness businesses while staying on track with 2025 health goals!
by @beem.fayetteville.ar
The Ramble is Rambling!
Fayetteville celebrated the newly opened Cultural Arts Corridor known as The Ramble, kicking off the new year. The Ramble is a nod to Arkansasborn musician and actor Levon Helm, and was named during a campaign where the public was invited to submit ideas, The Ramble is characterized as: "a full embrace of the journey ... not in a hurry to get from point A to point B ... but rather, open to possibility.
Romance Diamond's 2025 Vision Board Party is Back!
Get clear on your visions for the year as Romance Diamond Co. is hosting their annual Vision Board Party February 12th at their Rogers location! This immersive vision board workshop is also a perfect time to celebrate a Valentines day with your friends. Join Romance Diamond Co. February 12th from 3-7pm in our Rogers Showroom! When: Wednesday, February 12th Time: 3-7pm
Where: 3712 S Pinnacle Hills Pkwy Unit 203, Rogers, AR 72758
ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
The Folk School of Fayetteville is creating a space for Arkansas musicians of all skill levels.
‘Folk’ Means
People
The interior of the historic Walker-Stone House in downtown Fayetteville is a uniquely decorated space which contrasts the building’s colonial brick exterior. When you step through the building’s doors onto its creaky floors, vibrant colors field your vision. The walls are covered in bold murals, a bright red-carpeted staircase ascends to the second floor, and a painted tribute to Dolly Parton welcomes visitors. This quirky interior perfectly complements the building’s inhabitants: the Folk School of Fayetteville.
Bryan and Bernice Hembree, co-founders of the folk school, launched the current location in 2023 with a clear mission. “The school is, in its form, a community gathering space for music,” said Bernice Hembree.
Although the school is a recent addition to the community, the Hembree’s mission of celebrating music in Fayetteville has been present since 2010 with their nonprofit, Folk School of Fayetteville, popularly known as Fayetteville Roots. The organization hosted the Fayetteville Roots Festival, a yearly food and music festival which showcased local artists and nationally-recognized headliners. The festival went on hiatus in 2022, and the nonprofit’s headquarters closed its doors; however, the Hembree’s mission found a new way to flourish with the folk school. “This is a place where music happens on a daily basis. It’s learning, jamming, collaborating – an incubator for musicians and organizations, a place where music remains alive in the community.” said Bryan Hembree.
The Folk School of Fayetteville offers many different opportunities and services for the school’s students, including individual music lessons, group music lessons, songwriting circles, open mic nights, a music
book library, instrument rentals and a variety of monthly jam sessions. “It’s pretty tight knit here, especially the jams, they each have their own tight-knit groups,” said Bernice Hembree. The lessons are taught by local musicians and teachers, each with individual rates and specialties. Jam session selections include dad jams, Irish jams, bluegrass jams.
Additionally, the Folk School of Fayetteville has a curated selection of beginner instruments for students as well as professional and vintage backline equipment all available for rent. “We want to provide both students and masters of their craft with the tools they need,” said Bryan Hembree.
CONTINUED >
“THIS IS A PLACE WHERE MUSIC HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS. IT’S LEARNING, JAMMING, COLLABORATING –AN INCUBATOR FOR MUSICIANS AND ORGANIZATIONS, A PLACE WHERE MUSIC REMAINS ALIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.”
The folk school is a unique addition to Fayetteville, but it is rooted in a tradition celebrated globally.
After the Hembree’s visited a folk school with their former band, 3 Penny Acre, they were inspired to plant one in Fayetteville. “We are not called ‘The Northwest Arkansas School of Folk,’” said Bernice Hembree. “We have committed to Fayetteville for a reason. It gave us a lot of great joy playing music here, we’ve met so many great musicians here, we’ve heard great music touring through in this town. There is a special energy in Fayetteville, and this is our chance to continue giving back to it.” The folk school welcomes any musician that chooses to enter the establishment.
Although “folk” is in the school’s name, the school considers itself to be genreless. While traditional folk music is taught and played at the school, the folk school celebrates many different music styles. “What’s been really hard for us is that the first thing people think of when they hear the word ‘folk’ is ‘white Appalachian music,’” said the Hembree’s. “We knew it would be hard, but it’s been hard to twist that perception for people to think of it as a very wide genre of music of the people, including hip-hop, jazz, rap...The folk school is not a genre. ‘Folk’ means people.”
The nonprofit has a specific focus on achieving its mission by finding creative ways to use local spaces. Although most workshops and lessons happen within the school’s walls, the Hembree’s do not actually
own the building. Instead, they rent it for one dollar a year from Experience Fayetteville. “We do not want to build our own space,” said Bernice Hembree. “Our core is using space that can hold a gathering instead of creating a vacuum of funding to build your own thing and not let everyone use it.” With this community focus, the Hembree’s strive to inspire others to showcase concerts and events in local homes, businesses and spaces. “We try to embody this idea of finding a space where you don’t usually see music, put music there and get the community to see that music can happen anywhere,” said Bryan Hembree.
There are many opportunities to grow and learn at the Folk School of Fayetteville, whether it be from learning a new instrument, finding a new community or experiencing a new culture. The Hembree’s have a major hope for its students when they walk out of their doors: to carry the tradition with them in their next venture. “If we had a folk school in every region, I think we would be better off,” said Bryan Hembree.
Heartfelt Stories from Our Community
Local Love Stories
Love is in the air this month, and we’re sharing some endearing love stories of Fayetteville to celebrate the many connections that make this town feel like home! Whether through shared passions, college classes, or crazy connections, each couple’s journey reflects the spirit of Fayetteville—where love, adventure, and growth go hand in hand.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PRUITT
THE BRAY FAMILY
We met in Fayetteville in 2018—me working at a local startup post-grad, and her interning while finishing her senior year at the U of A. I had an instant crush and asked for her number at a Halloween party I hosted with my roommates. Our first date was at Hugo’s, and our first kiss was outside the post office on Dickson. I proposed there, in the rain, with honking cars celebrating. After living in Dallas, we moved back to Fayetteville, bought our first home, and got married a few weeks ago!
THE HANNAH FAMILY
We met at the University of Arkansas, where we instantly bonded over athletics and our love for the Razorbacks. He played football, and I swam. After 3 years of dating, we got engaged, knowing we wanted to marry at our special place—where our relationship began. In June 2023, we were married in front of Old Main and celebrated at Carnall Hall, calling the Hogs. Fayetteville will always be home, where our family’s story started.
THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY
It all began in August 2009 in Mr. Emerson’s chemistry class. From the moment the bell rang, signaling the start of junior year, time seemed to stand still for Alejandro and Alejandra. We were the only two in the room, and our story was just beginning. We became best friends, and by December 9, 2010, he asked me to be his girlfriend. After dating through high school and college, we married in 2016 at St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville. Now, with three kids—Carolina, Santiago, and Angela—we continue to build on that bond.
THE HALL FAMILY
In April 2021, Riley invited me to play in a men’s slow-pitch softball game, unaware he’d also invited a friend, who was initially annoyed by my presence. Riley reassured him, saying I was good (I played at UNC). We chatted in the dugout and realized we went to the same CrossFit gym. The next day, we worked out in the same class, and I tried to “flirt” by almost beating him. Though I hesitated when I learned he was 5 years younger, I eventually embraced my “Cougar” status. We started dating and married in August 2024, 6 months into the best adventure yet!
THE EASON FAMILY
Our story began unexpectedly at the NWA Mall while job hunting. We stopped by Foot Locker because a friend knew the manager, but I wasn’t interested. After visiting several stores, I was ready to leave. A salesman, persistent with a big smile, tried to help me, and I, admittedly rude, told him I’d wait in the car. Later, my friend returned and said, “I got the job, and he wants your number.” I thought she meant my other friend, but she clarified, “No, ‘the one with the attitude.” 23 years later, we’re still in Fayetteville, grateful for the journey we’ve shared.
THE BIETZ FAMILY
We officially met as New Student Orientation Mentors the summer before junior year, and our friendship slowly grew into something deeper during long hours working with incoming freshmen. Just before fall, we started dating. Over the next five years, our relationship deepened, and Tim proposed at Whitaker’s Point in Devil’s Den in 2020. We were married in July 2021. Now, our children attend the daycare center on campus, just minutes from where we fell in love. The U of A remains a cornerstone of our story—it’s where we met, and now it’s the playground for our children.
WILD BRUSH REVIVAL
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
Where Art, Wine, and Community Come Together in Perfect Harmony
Tucked away in the heart of Fayetteville at 106 N. Block St. lies the one-of-a-kind wine bar and art studio, Wild Brush Revival. With something for everyone, this cozy gem brings the community together through art classes, open studio sessions, and a creative wine menu. Whether you’re here to unwind with a glass of red or gather with friends for a painting session, you’re always welcome to join the creative spirit.
Leslie, the heart of Wild Brush Revival, spent thirty years in McKinney, Texas, raising her family and inspiring students as a middle school art teacher. She also ran a part-time art studio, Wild Brush, where she shared her passion for creativity. Her love for Fayetteville blossomed in 2012 when her daughter visited the University of Arkansas. Captivated by the town’s natural beauty and vibrant mix of lifestyles, interests, and culinary delights, Leslie felt an instant connection to the community. Over time, both of Leslie’s children graduated from the U of A, and her daughter settled in Fayetteville. Inspired by her growing connection to the area, Leslie decided to make the move herself. With a natural gift for teaching art, a penchant for tasty wines, and a deep passion for connecting with people, Leslie’s dream of sharing her talents with this special city came to life in the form of Wild Brush Revival.
“It’s truly amazing when your secret wishes start to come true,” Leslie reflects with a smile, speaking about her dream of opening the studio. Inspired by Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson, Leslie felt called to pray circles around her future. Before moving to Fayetteville, she physically drew a circle around the city, walking the square daily and praying over it. Though the path was unclear at first, her faithful prayers eventually brought clarity.
As Leslie envisioned blending an art studio with a wine bar, she discovered the perfect space. She purchased the building and spent the next 10 months tirelessly transforming it into the dream she had long held. With great care, she set out to honor the building’s rich history and character, all while crafting something fresh, beautiful, and uniquely her own. Through hard work, a great team, and unwavering faith, she brought her vision to life. When it was all done, Leslie found the original map with Fayetteville circled— and there, right at the center, was the location of Wild Brush Revival, the bullseye of her prayer circle.
One day, Leslie spotted a resume resting atop the wine bar’s counter. Little did she know, this resume belonged to native Fayetteville resident, Alister Wednesday Boen, who Leslie lovingly calls her “angel.” Alister, an artist herself, immediately connected with the heart behind Leslie’s vision and felt compelled to join the journey. Together, they’ve created a space where the community is embraced in a way that makes everyone feel truly seen. “When I first walked in, I felt like I got a hug!” says one customer, describing the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has become the magic of Wild Brush Revival.
Leslie offers a welcoming space for all, where creativity can flow freely, regardless of experience. With dedicated children’s tables for painting and play, Wild Brush Revival buzzes with fresh ideas, live music, wine and food pairings, and hands-on art experiences like clay sculpting, friendship bracelets, and origami. It’s a place to embrace authentic artistic expression and let creativity thrive in every form.
We have wine. We have paint. Indulge in either or both!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E
A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH
PEAR, PROSCIUTTO,
Burrata Salad
INGREDIENTS
• Ripe Pear
• Prosciutto
• Burrata
• Lemon Zest
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Dried Figs
• Red Pepper Flakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.
2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.
3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.
4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.
5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.
6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.
7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.
ARTICLE AND
BY TYLER SHANE
A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:
Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months
As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.
This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.
HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Italian bread loaf
• 1 cup butter
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.
3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.
4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.
6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.
7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.
8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE
4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs
• ½ cup carrots, diced small
• ½ cup celery, diced small
• 1 cup onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.
3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.
5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.
6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.
8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
LOVE POTION #9
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ANNA BARNES
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST Frost Fest 2025 is Upon Us!
Washington County Fairgrounds 1:00 PM
Fossil Cove presents Frost Fest 2025 taking place the first Saturday of February! Frost Fest attendees will have the opportunity to sample from and interact with 60+ breweries, vendors, food trucks while enjoying live art, musical performances. Get your Frost on!
FEBRUARY 3RD, 13TH, 23RD, & 27TH Arkansas Razorback Women's Basketball Home Games
Bud Walton Arena | 6:00 PM
February 3rd - Florida - 6:00PM
February 13th - Ole Miss - 6:30PM
February 23rd - Oklahoma - 2:00PM
February 27th - Missouri - 6:30PM
FEBRUARY 8TH, 12TH, 22ND, & 26TH Arkansas Razorback Men's Basketball Home Games
Bud Walton Arena | 7:00 PM
February 8th - Alabama - 7:00PM
February 12th - LSU - 8:00PM
February 22nd - Missouri - 7:00PM
February 26th - Texas - 8:00PM
Flavors of Forever
A DATE NIGHT IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS IS ONE TO REMEMBER.
ARTICLE BY HAILEY SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Northwest Arkansas is home to a high-spirited culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, an anniversary dinner, or a spontaneous romantic evening out, there are a variety of spots that provide the perfect backdrop for love.
Lovers looking for a date night in NWA, make sure to check out Leverett Lounge, a small building with an elevated menu. This spot features one-of-a-kind cocktails and diverse meals, and is right on the corner of Leverett and Eagle St. in Fayetteville.
Other restaurants include Vetro1925, off the Downtown Square and Isabella’s Italian right off of College Avenue, serving high-end meals perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Just up north in Rogers and Bentonville are more incredible dinner spots to try including: The Blackberry Brasserie with Southern fare style in Pinnacle Hills, Rogers and Bar Cleeta off the Square in Bentonville, serving upscale small plates and oysters. For a happy hour, hit up Loveless Cocktail Club, where vinyl and bar culture collide.
These venues set the stage for unforgettable moments with your special someone. The month of love is a perfect time to visit a new place.
Newest Flavors: The Stonebreaker Hotel
A recently opened and intimate spot is The Stonebreaker Hotel, a short distance from the University of Arkansas resting atop Markham Hill. This hotel and restaurant combo features forgotten cooking techniques and vibrant seasonal flavors. This is the perfect romantic date night for those local. This property also features an event venue barn, pool, and fire pits.