Spend the Last Days of Your Summer Staycationing in Luxury at The Enclave at Crossroads–and Exploring the Raliegh Area!
Before you get geared up for the return of back-to-school and other fall routines, make plans to spend the last days of your summer staycationing in luxury at The Enclave at Crossroads and taking a new look at what the Raleigh, North Carolina, area has to offer! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some bottles of Aperol Spritz) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! We owe this to the exceptional work of our service team members, which is why we’re going the extra mile to honor them by declaring August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? The Raleigh Salted Chef offers a wide array of meal options to choose from (if you don’t have your own ideas), including vegan and gluten-free. Their chefs arrive at your home, prepare one or multiple meal(s) in your kitchen, and clean up, so you can get back to spending time and energy on more important things in life! FROM THE KITCHEN OF THE SALTED CHEF And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside”. One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! EXPLORING THE RALEIGH AREA Visit Raleigh, part of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a list of 30 of the top things to do you can start working through during your staycation, or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy—including your good doggo! Visit Raleigh also has a list of 40 FREE things you can do and see pretty much any time, and Life in Raleigh has its own August 2024 list of FREE activities, including a special “anime edition” of Geek and Grub Market at Fred Fletcher Park Saturday, August 17, 2024, and a Back to School Jamboree at John Chavis Memorial Park Saturday, August 17, 2024. Given that The Enclave at Crossroads is a pet-friendly community, the Idea Specialists™ love that the city of Raleigh has a webpage dedicated to all of its dog parks. They plan to check out the Jaycee Dog Run soon. And If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Laurel Hill Park on Edwards Mill Road. Its Sassafras All Children’s Playground, carefully designed for the enjoyment of children of all physical capabilities, offers an elaborate wooden play structure of tunnels, bridges, towers, swings and rings built over soft sand. BACK TO SCHOOL Playgrounds make the Idea Specialists™ think of school, which seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. The Enclave at Crossroads is located in Wake County Public School System, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh, and: “With girls Nike,
Packing for Perfection: Your Ultimate Picnic Essentials Guide
As the warm breeze beckons and the sun smiles brightly, it’s the perfect time to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures: a picnic. Whether heading to a nearby park, a lakeside spot, or a scenic hilltop, packing essentials can elevate your picnic from ordinary to extraordinary. The Picnic Basket: Choose a sturdy, spacious basket or a comfortable backpack to carry all your goodies. It should have compartments for organization and be easy to transport. Blanket or Picnic Mat: A soft, waterproof blanket is essential for creating a cozy seating area. Opt for one large enough to accommodate your group comfortably. Food and Drinks: Pack various finger foods that are easy to eat outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads in jars, cheese and crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. Don’t forget refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or even a bottle of wine (if permitted). Utensils and Plates: Bring reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins to minimize waste. Consider packing a small cutting board and a knife for preparing fresh ingredients on-site. Comfort Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a portable first aid kit can ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe throughout the picnic. Entertainment: Pack a frisbee, a ball, a book, or a deck of cards for some leisurely activities to enjoy after the meal. Trash Bags: Always carry extra bags for collecting trash and recyclables, keeping your picnic spot pristine. Optional Extras: Depending on the location and your preferences, you might want to include a portable speaker for music, a portable grill for cooking, or even a picnic umbrella for shade. Remember, the perfect picnic is not just about the food; it’s about creating lasting memories with loved ones in the great outdoors. So, pack thoughtfully, embrace spontaneity, and savor every moment of your picnic adventure. Happy picnicking!
Fireworks & Picnics—Raliegh is Exploding with Opportunities for Fourth of July Fun!
With America’s Independence Day and National Picnic Month both on the calendar, opportunities abound for members of The Enclave at Crossroads community to enjoy food, fun, and fireworks this July in and around Raleigh, North Carolina! Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park Plan to celebrate our great nation with your family and friends by taking part in all the festivities at Dix Park on Thursday, July 4, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. Food trucks, family activities, and music will keep all engaged and entertained until the main event, the sizzling show in the sky at 9:30 p.m. Note: To receive the latest information regarding traffic, inclement weather, and public safety information for the celebration at Dix Park, sign up by texting RALFIREWORKS to 888777. This alert is only for the Fourth of July event. National Picnic Month Sometimes summer sunshine just screams out for a picnic, which is probably why the American Bakers Association picked July as National Picnic Month way back in 1952. The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ did a little research and found that the word picnic comes from the French word piquenique, which eventually came to refer to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. In today’s world, a picnic can be something as simple as sandwiches and soft drinks on a sun deck by the sparkling Enclave at Crossroads resort-style pool, or as over the top as an Insta-worthy luxury picnic delivered by companies specializing in creating memorable experiences. Locally, Southern Picnics offers curated packages for unforgettable gatherings. Picnicking In And Around Raleigh There are plenty of places for you to plan your own picnic in this lovely part of North Carolina, including Oakwood Cemetery and the Rose Garden behind Raleigh Little Theater. The great thing about living at The Enclave at Crossroads is that it’s so easy to get around the city! If you’re looking for other ideas, Walter Magazine has a great article on area picnic spots. Grilling & Chilling Of course the Idea Specialists™ are going to have some suggestions for you when it comes to picnic-appropriate food and drink! First, though, check out this awesome Picnic Time combo BBQ Kit Cooler from Target they found. In addition to its large capacity for ice and drinks, it features an eight-piece stainless steel grill set that includes everything from tongs and a spatula to a cutting board and corkscrew. And because of its shoulder strap, it’s imminently portable–thus perfect for a picnic at the community poolside barbecue area. Sweet! Before you head out to wherever you’re going to spread your picnic blanket, whip up a to-go pitcher of this luscious Summertime Rosé Tequila Sangria. And depending on what you’re in the mood for, maybe one—or four, or a lot more—of these Pioneer Woman picnic foods. Cowboy caviar, loaded potato salad, chef’s salad on a stick, and blueberry bars all will go with whatever you decide to grill—ribs, chicken, burgers, YUM. Summer’s Bounty The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ will definitely be heading back to the State Farmers Market for some more homegrown tomatoes now that they’ve seen this Garden & Gun article for delicious recipes for everything from tomato pudding to cracker salad. They’ll be taking that salad, and some green tomato chowchow, on their picnic, for sure. And Speaking Of Garden & Gun If you’re not already familiar with this quintessentially Southern magazine, check out their Instagram feed to get a feel for what it’s all about. And maybe have a little fun with their “You Might Be a Southerner If…..” quiz. Enjoy!
June Brings The Joy of Father’s Day & Awareness of Alzheimer’s to the Enclave at Crossroads
June brings the joys of Father’s Day and the summer solstice to The Enclave at Crossroads, an upscale apartment home community in Raleigh, North Carolina, along with the opportunity to join with others across the country in a show of support of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month with purple ribbons and purple clothes. In fact, a google search about initiatives of the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that one of them—The Longest Day®—encourages people to “outshine the darkness” of Alzheimer’s disease with a fundraiser of their own choice in connection with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most light. This year that will be Thursday, June 20. Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is not considered a normal part of aging, but, rather, a progressive disease. There is no known cure. Alzheimer’s Association Eastern Carolina provides resources and support to all those impacted by the disease. Sharing Stories Sometimes personal stories can help us understand a medical condition that hasn’t affected us directly. The Enclave at Crossroads Idea Specialists™ were deeply moved by the 2014 movie Still Alice. Starring Julianne Moore, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a linguistics professor with a rare hereditary form of early-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s something you can watch in the privacy and comfort of your luxury apartment home. Another great option for Fathers Day—Sunday, June 16, 2024—is to provide him with the experience of a lifetime. Virgin Experience Gifts has something for every type of dad—foodie, gearhead, adventurer, golfer—you name it! Live, Local & Loud Something else fun to do to celebrate Dad, or the start of summer, would be to take advantage of some of Raleigh’s live music scene. The Midtown Beach Music Series, back for its 15th season on Thursday nights in Midtown Park, is always a regional and local fave. And with all the big concerts coming to town it’s hard to pick just one to highlight, but aren’t most dads’ fans of Drive-By Truckers? They’ll be at The Ritz Raleigh Thursday, June 13, 2024, playing their ambitious 2001 double album, Southern Rock Opera, in full. Wow. The U.S. Open Finally, it just wouldn’t be a good June blog without a mention of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, being played at No. 2 Pinehurst outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, June 13-16, 2024. It’s always a memorable experience, whether you attend or watch it with a group of friends at The Enclave at Crossroads Clubhouse. Father’s Day Fun Sometimes socks just won’t cut it when it comes delighting Dad on his day. The Idea Specialists™ know that they can’t go wrong with the father figures in their lives by giving the gift of a good bourbon, and this year the Master of Malt blog has done a great list of the Top 10 everyone needs to try in 2024. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Whisky is probably a safe bet, but they’re really intrigued by the Charcoal & Cornmeal & Rickhouses & a Decade. (Wouldn’t you be? LOL)
