Teresa K. Traverse

Visiting again reminded me of how I felt the first time I visited the city. I was excited about leaving my home state of Virginia but looking forward to the future. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it as a full-time writer and editor (I did) but knew I had to try. That’s what the future is, really. It’s about acknowledging the past but also about moving forward, step by step, into the great unknown and toward a brighter future. It’s what I did over a decade ago, and what I do nearly every day — like...

Large cities are typically home to thriving LGBTQ+ communities, but many small towns also welcome diversity through Pride festivals, community centers, and flourishing queer-owned businesses. If you’re looking to vist a small town with diverse appeal, take a closer look at these four LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

High in the scenic Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a city that drips with historical charm. It also prides itself on being inclusive with the u...

Ways to save on closing costs when selling a home.

Indie bookstores are booming in metro Phoenix. Learn more about the eight top options in the Valley of the Sun.
Even though we are living in a digital-centric age (and you’re likely reading this on your phone right now), indie bookstores are, against all odds, booming. A slew of new indie bookstores has opened all over the Valley over the past few years. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare or you just want to check out a new-to-you place, here are eight new and established indie boo...

Downtown Phoenix is known as one of the Valley of the Sun’s primary entertainment hubs. If you’re a sports or music fan, it’s an ideal place for you to live to catch the Phoenix Suns and Mercury tip off at the Mortgage Matchup Center, see the Diamondbacks step up to the plate at Chase Field, or catch live entertainment at nearby music venues like Crescent Ballroom, The Van Buren, and the Arizona Financial Theatre. Downtown Phoenix also hosts an abundance of festivals and other special events ...

Salt & Straw co-founder Tyler Malek on turkey ice cream, community, & the new Phoenix location
In this Q&A with Salt & Straw co-founder Tyler Malek, learn about the brand’s origins, why it’s all about community, and the new Phoenix location.
Salt & Straw is one of the most recognizable ice cream brands in the United States. What started out as a pushcart in Portland, Oregon, back in 2011 has blossomed into an iconic company with 50 locations across the country.
A new Phoenix location just ope...

Keep reading to learn about the cost of rent, walkability, schools, safety, and more in the vibrant Roosevelt Row district.
Located in downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row is one of the state’s most vibrant arts districts. Expect to find plenty of art galleries, bold murals (like the colorful “Welcome to Roosevelt Row”), restaurants, bars, and shops along or nearby Roosevelt Street, including one of my favorites. Named after the owner’s grandmother, locally owned Bunky Boutique is always packed wi...

If you’re searching for a place to rent, you should be aware of rental scams. Many people looking for a quick buck will make up a listing, make a would-be renter think it’s legit, and then take a first month’s rent and a deposit, leaving you with a hefty debt and no place to live.
Back in 2021, ApartmentGuide.com ranked Phoenix as the fourth worst city for rental scams in the country. It’s such a problem that the Arizona Attorney General’s Office posted a list of tips so renters can avoid sca...

Although Phoenix isn’t known for being a truly walkable city like New York City or San Francisco, pockets of the Valley of the Sun are walkable. If you don’t have a car, you can live in some metro Phoenix places and still get around.
Here are four walkable spots in metro Phoenix where you can live if you’re car free. An added bonus? These are all vibrant spots in the Valley that have plenty to offer residents.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix is one of the Valley’s most walkable areas. For s...

The rock icon returned to her Valley roots on Tuesday and was down-to-earth while belting out timeless, legendary tunes.
What is there to say about an artist as legendary as Stevie Nicks? The Valley native has been in our lives for decades. As a member of the storied rock group Fleetwood Mac, she was responsible for singing parts of some of the most enduring songs of the past 50 years. When “Rhiannon,” “Dreams” and “Landslide” first entered the culture, they’ve been fixtures ever since. How m...