Tips for Entertaining In a Home With Pets

Our wonderful apartment homes at Arcadia Run are the perfect place to entertain family and friends with open floor plans, upgraded kitchens, and plenty of space. If you have chosen to move into a brand new apartment home with your pet, it can sometimes be tricky to entertain guests with Fido running around. If you’re planning on entertaining in your apartment home soon, we’ve come up with some helpful tips and ideas for entertaining with pets around!

Plan Ahead       

Whether you are just having one or two friends over for dinner, or hosting a children’s playgroup, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Find out if anyone coming over has pet allergies, and see what you can do to help them be more comfortable when they arrive. If you are having children over, speak with their parents and see if anyone is scared of animals, especially larger dogs.

Cleaning

When you’re around your pets constantly, you may become nose blind to some of the smells that accompany them. Be sure to vacuum up any pet hair from the floors and furniture, and clean out any litter boxes for cats. Using an air freshener or odor-eliminating spray can also help to remove any pet odors in your home.

Safe Space

Creating a quiet and safe space for your pet is important when having a larger gathering in your apartment home. Some animals can get overwhelmed with a lot of people in the home, so for situations like this, put animals in a room furthest from the gathering. Give your pet something to keep them occupied, turn on the TV to drown out the noise, and make sure your pets have food and water available. Many pets find a crate or bed comforting, so feel free to place one in the room with the door open, giving your pet the option to use it if they so desire.

Inform Guests 

If your pet is in a separate room from the gathering, it is important that your guests know where they are kept during the party and what door not to open. There is always a possibility that a guest will want to meet your furry friend, so it is important to warn them if your dog might jump out of excitement. This information can help prevent anyone from being surprised by an unexpected reaction from your pet.

Exercise 

A dog should be given an appropriate but generous amount of exercise before any event in your apartment. A well-exercised dog is more likely to behave and stay calm throughout any event, so while you’re out for your daily walk, throw the ball more than usual or turn the walk into a run.

Theses five tips are just a few of the many that can help you better entertain your guests in your Arcadia Run apartment home! Implementing these tips into your party routine will ensure that everyone has a good time, especially your pets. Reduce their stress and yours just by planning ahead!

Source: http://www.zillow.com

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Summer at Arcadia Run

There’s nothing quite like the warm, sunny, endless days of summer. We’re hoping that you make this the best one yet during our summer of fun at Arcadia Run! We offer gorgeous apartment homes with amazing amenities right here in Manassas, Virginia, so you don’t have to look far for summer fun! From the shimmering waters of our pool to our state-of-the-art fitness center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here at Arcadia Run. Check out a few of our ideas for getting the most out of you summer!

Marco, Polo

What’s that you hear? That’s the sound of our resort-style swimming pool calling to you! If you have kids, load them up with sunscreen and snacks and head out for a fun day at the pool. Get them splashing away in the pool while you relax on one of our comfortable lounge seats. Our pool is also the perfect place to spend a Saturday with friends!

Get in Summer Shape

Getting in shape and working on your fitness has never been easier when you live at Arcadia Run! Our state of the art fitness center features both a cardio room and weight room perfect for a quick workout or a more intense training session. We have also partnered with Power for Life fitness to offer different classes and training right here at our gym!

Wine Wednesday’s

Grab a couple of friends or plan a fun date night and join us for one of our Wine Wednesday’s! We offer a fun, relaxing night at our clubhouse for residents twice a month that features different wines and the chance to meet your neighbors. If you aren’t a wine connoisseur, no problem! Brush up on some of the wine basics with one of our recent blogs on what you should know about wine.

Host a Party

Summer is the perfect time to host friends or family for a get together at your Arcadia Run apartment home! Open the door to your balcony or patio and enjoy a warm summer evening with some delicious food and great company. Hosting a family game night or having another couple over for dinner is a great way to pass a summer’s night. Our open floor plans and over-sized kitchens ensure that there will be enough room for everyone!

Night at the Fire Pit

While the summer days may be warm, the nights can be cool! Join us for a relaxing night around our fire pit, which provides a warm, welcoming outdoor space for our residents at Arcadia Run! Have a date night underneath the stars, or strike up a conversation with your neighbors.

For more information about our apartment homes and all the great amenities at Arcadia Run, visit our website!

Manassas Featured on Huffington Post Travel

You may have heard of the Huffington Post before, and if you haven’t, we could sum it up as a popular online news publication. In their article “Top 25 Things To Do In Northern Virginia”, our city of Manassas was featured in three items on their list! Not only can you live in a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run in Manassas, but you can also enjoy some of the best attractions in the region nearby! Check out the features from Huffington Post below:

12. Discover how “Stonewall Jackson” got his nickname at Manassas Battlefield aka Battles of Bull Run. Two battles were fought here- both Confederate victories.

manassas battlefield

Source: Huffington Post

13. Plan to spend an afternoon and night in Old Town Manassas, nary a Big Box Store or Chain Restaurant in sight. Formerly Manassas Junction, this railroad town, where two lines crossed, was strategically important during the Civil War. Dine at the fine Portuguese restaurant, Carmello’sor adorable casual-Italian restaurant Monza.

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Source: Huffington Post

14. Stay at the 2-room Bennett House B&B in Old Town Manassasfive blocks downtown and within a few minutes walk from the train station (“an hour and $18 roundtrip to DC!”). Amiable couple, Jean and Curtis Harrover outline the many reasons it makes sense to stay in Manassas and take daytrips into Washington DC – no city parking woes, relative quietude, cost – and to top it off, Jean’s wonderful breakfasts are included in the room rate.”

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Source: Huffington Post

Although the Huff Post hit the nail on the head, there are also some hidden gems in Manassas that we want to share with you! Below, we add some more of our top picks for things to do in Manassas:

Jiffy Lube Live

This outdoor concert venue is NoVa’s top place to go for the summer concerts you won’t forget! Another plus – it’s less than 3 miles from Arcadia Run! More info here: http://pavilionbristow.com/

Brewing Companies

Manassas is home to two different brewing companies: BadWolf Brewing Company and Heritage Brewing Co. Both of these top-rated brewing companies are great options if you’re feeling thirsty for an ice-cold brew.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Although Jiffy Lube Live is great for a large concert venue, the Hylton Performing Arts Center is a more intimate venue for all types of live performances.

For more information on all of the great attractions in Manassas, VA, go to visitmanassas.org. To keep up with everything going on at Arcadia Run, visit our Facebook page.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Moving With The Family Made Easier

Moving can be very stressful and laborious for any family, especially if it is your first big move to a new apartment home. There are a few ways in which you can make the transition of moving more enjoyable for the whole family just by following a few simple tips. At Arcadia Run, we strive to make your move go as smoothly as possible, so check out our recommendations below!

1. Research the Moving Company

Many people think that researching a moving company takes too much time. However, it is crucial that you find reliable help who will not only move all of your belongings into a truck, but someone you are willing to trust with all of your belongings. Take the extra time and choose a company who you feel you can trust. That being said, a reliable and helpful mover may not be the cheapest option, but spending the extra money will ensure the safe arrival of your truck with all items still inside.

2. Get the Supplies

Two of the most critical supplies needed when moving are boxes and tape. Make sure that the boxes are sturdy and can withstand the weight of plates, books, and any other heavy objects that will neatly fit inside. Bubble wrap is always good to have when moving fragile items such as glasses or picture frames that you would prefer not to bounce around on the drive. Making a checklist before the big move is always helpful when trying to gather the packing materials.

3. Plan Your Move

Everyone is aware that moving takes a lot of time and energy. If you are moving with children, you know that this is doubly true! However, your time can be more efficiently managed if you plan ahead and write down everything that you want to finish before the big day. Making a list of everything that must be completed is a good way to set goals and have them visualized in front of you If you are moving with small children, plan extra time for breaks so the kids stay happy!

4. Label! Label! Label!

After you have set your goals, made your lists, bought the supplies, and researched the movers, don’t forget to label your boxes! If you forget to do this, moving into your new apartment will take double the amount of time than it should have. Make sure you write the room where each box belongs, and whether the content inside is fragile. Giving movers a heads about the fragile objects will decrease the chances of opening boxes to broken items. If you want to get even more detailed with labeling, you can choose to label the boxes by priority, such as “high” for items that should be unpacked immediately and “low” for boxes that can wait a few days.

5. Pack an Overnight Bag

Finally, make sure that everyone packs an overnight bag. This is the most forgotten item when families move into their new apartment!. A few items that should be packed in the overnight bag include a change of clothes, toilet paper, toiletries, water bottles, phone charger, plastic utensils, garbage bags, any necessary medications, and entertainment for the little ones. This way, you won’t be digging around through all of your boxes trying to find your PJs!

Hopefully, these tips have been helpful and can help you better prepare for the big day! For more information on how you can enjoy a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run, visit the arcadiarun.com.

Wine Wednesday Prep: Brush Up On Your Knowledge

There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and opening your favorite bottle of wine. Whether you’re relaxing and catching up on your favorite TV show, or having a dinner party with friends, a bottle of wine can brighten up your evening! At Arcadia Run, we are happy to offer Wine Wednesday’s twice a month for residents at our beautiful clubhouse! Bring a friend, significant other, or just yourself and meet your neighbors while enjoying different types of wine. If you’re new to the wine scene and interested in learning more, here are some wine facts and tips before you go:

Red and White

Lets start at the beginning. Most people develop a preference for red wine or white wine over time. The good news is there’s no wrong choice! White wine is made from white grapes, and can range from sweet to dry. Popular types of white wine include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Red wine is made from red grapes, and tends to be more robust in flavor than white wine due to the different technique used to make it. Popular types of red wine include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Malbec.

World of Wine

When one thinks of quality wine, places such as France, Italy, and Australia usually come to mind first. These countries have been making wine for a very long time, and produce some of the best wine in the world. However, great wine can be found right here in the United States! California, Oregon, and even Virginia are known for their delicious wines. Check out where some local Virginia wineries are by visiting https://www.virginiawine.org/.

Tastings

One of the best ways to sample different wines and figure out what you like is by attending a wine tasting! Wine tastings allow you to sample small pours of different wines, with a professional providing you descriptions of each wine. Get the most out of your wine tasting by drinking lots of water and snacking on some bread and cheese so you can fully enjoy the wine without mixing wine flavors or needing a nap!

Price Point

While it’s nice to save a fancy bottle of wine for a special occasion, drinking good wine doesn’t have to break the bank! The average cost for a bottle of wine will run you only $10-$12, making wine affordable for the casual wine drinker. The experts at Food and Wine put together a list of 150 different wines you can buy for $15 or less! Don’t let people convince you that you need to spend large amounts of money in order to enjoy decent wine.

With all this in mind, mark your calendar for the next Wine Wednesday at Arcadia Run! For more information about Arcadia Run and all of the great amenities, features, and events our community has to offer, visit http://staging.arcadiarun.com/.

Source: http://www.winegeeks.com/articles/18

Apartment Features Renters Adore

As a new apartment home community, Arcadia Run knows how important it is for our residents to have the best experience possible while living here! This is why we have brand new community amenities and luxury apartment features to fit the growing needs of apartment renters. Take a look below at what we concluded to be the top features that renters adore!

top features

Tips for Entertaining in Your Apartment Home

Although apartment homes at Arcadia Run are spacious and allow lots of room for guests, sometimes it can be a hassle moving around and creating enough space for everyone. Below we shared some tips on how to most efficiently entertain a group, party, or crowd in your new apartment home at Arcadia Run!

If you choose to utilize your beautiful granite countertop as your main kitchen seating area, move the chairs and set up a buffet-style spread on the counter when you have guests over. This way, people can grab what they want and then move about the apartment to sit anywhere they feel most comfortable.

Set the atmosphere with small details around your apartment home. If you’re having people over to watch the big game, hang up some fun décor supporting your favorite team!  If you’re hosting an intimate wine night, light a few candles and set out some hors d’oeuvres.

Utilize the numerous closets in your Arcadia Run apartment home by letting guests keep their larger belongings, like coats and bags, in a closet. This will allow more space for your guests to sit, mingle, play games, and eat!

Use disposable dishes and utensils so that you don’t end up with a large pile of dirty dishes in the sink. This makes for easy cleanup and more time to have fun with everyone!

You may not have enough room in your refrigerator for the all of the (beer)verages you plan on serving at a get together. There are two alternative options for keeping your drinks ice cold when you are entertaining. The first option is to use a cooler filled with ice that can also double as an extra seat when closed. The second option is to fill your sink with ice and use it as an open cooler!

For a nice breeze, open your windows or sliding doors, as lots of body heat in a space can warm up the room quickly. It is especially nice in the summer months to get some fresh air!

Now that you have all of the tips and tricks of having a successful get together in an apartment home, there’s no better time to rent a brand new one at Arcadia Run! Visit www.arcadiarun.com for more information!