May 2015

SnowconeAs apartment residents get ready to head out on their summer vacations – and enjoy the amenities their own cities and apartment communities have to offer – one of the primary things they look forward to is visiting their favorite restaurants and discovering new foods, beverages and desserts. We discovered some of the best shops and restaurants for delicious food this summer, and are revealing which cities are home to the award-winning eateries.

New York, N.Y. : Arguably the best city for foodies in the U.S., it is difficult to pick just one restaurant to feature here. But we did find a very unique shop to help keep you cool this summer: Big Gay Ice Cream, which has locations in the East Village and the West Village. The shop’s soft-serve ice cream is served with eclectic toppings and the cones have fun names like Bea Arthur, Gobbler and Mermaid.

AS_las-vegasIn the middle of the Mojave Desert, the world-renowned City of Las Vegas offers residents a unique living experience. From the 24-hour casinos to spectacular shows to exquisite dining, this buzzing city has no short supply famous attractions. Even if the Strip doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Las Vegas. When you’re ready to get out of your new apartment in Las Vegas, explore some of our favorite locals’ attractions:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Fifteen miles from the Vegas Strip, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers the best sites of the Mojave Desert. This beautiful conservation area showcases red rock formations with scenic views. While visiting the area, you can partake in a wide variety of activities. From hiking and biking to rock climbing and even horseback riding, there’s something for every nature enthusiast to enjoy.

memorial day dcLooking for things to do in DC this Memorial Day weekend? For many in the area of our nation’s capital, Memorial Day weekend means venturing into the District to honor the servicemen and servicewomen of our country. Here are 5 of the top ways you can celebrate Memorial Day weekend 2015 in the Washington, DC area.

1. Jazz in the Garden
Friday May 22, 5 PM

Kick off your Memorial Day weekend by stepping into the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden to listen to the sweet sounds of the opening of this summer series. The Jazz in the Garden 2015 season runs through August 28, and features 15 of the area’s most acclaimed jazz musicians playing jazz guitar, salsa, old school funk, and everything in between. Bring a picnic basket, lay down a blanket, and relax in this beautiful park.

2. The Rolling Thunder Run Motorcycle Rally
Sunday May 24, 12 PM

More than 900,000 bikers from across the country attend the Rolling Thunder Run on Memorial Day weekend. The main event is on Sunday, when the Rolling Thunder XXVIII First Amendment Demonstration Run occurs, starting in the North Pentagon parking lot, running through the Mall area. Whether you ride or watch, the Rolling Thunder Run is always a must-see (and must-hear!) event.

DIY Plumbing MaintenanceOne of the perks and benefits of living in an apartment is maintenance service. However, sometimes it’s easier to fix a problem yourself than wait for maintenance to arrive. If you’re looking to save time and frustration, follow these simple DIY tips for apartment maintenance.

Plumbing Problems

Having the right tools can solve many plumbing problems. Keeping a plumber’s snake on hand can help you quickly unclog a sink or shower drain without having to call maintenance. Know the difference between a sink plunger and a toilet plunger? If you don’t, odds are you’re using the wrong one for the job. Also think about what you put down the drain. Oils, solids and even coffee grounds can clog up your garbage disposal and kitchen sink.