Spring is Bringing New Growth to Our Community!
March sees the beginning of spring in and around Nashville, Tennessee, including here at Waterford Crossings in Antioch, where we’re excited to watch the growth of both plants and businesses alike in our community! Not to mention all the March happenings—medical residency Match Day, NCAA March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Read Across America’s focus on books! New To Our Area—In-N-Out, PopStroke & More! Residents won’t have far to drive at all to take advantage of the food and beverage offerings at the new In-N-Out Burger and Texas Roadhouse off Century Farms Parkway. And, if you’re working there or at the new PopStroke in the same area, the comfortable and convenient apartment homes of Waterford Crossings might be just the place for you to live! And speaking of “residents,” give Waterford Crossings some thought, too, if you’re a med student matching with a Nashville area hospital Friday, March 20, 2026. We’re in close proximity to major interstates, shopping, and entertainment venues, and offer luxurious and important amenities critical to a modern lifestyle, like secure package lockers, washers and dryers in the privacy of your own home, and 24/7 fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment. Plus we’re a pet-friendly apartment home community! Back To Business Another great addition to Antioch that’s close by is the new Pan-Asia Supermarket on Hickory Hollow Parkway. Where to Eat in Nashville has a featured video on it—check it out here on Facebook. *The Idea Specialists™* we consult with are huge fans of the taro buns in the café and bakery area, and the fresh sushi, of course! And While We’re Talking About Grocery Stores It’s been a while since the Idea Specialists did a run out to one of the ALDIs close to Waterford Crossings (Ransom Place or Southpoint Parkway). But it’s just about time to lay in some snacky-snacks and sippy-sips for March Madness viewing, and plan for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, as well. Get Yer Green On For St. Patrick’s Day This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade—featuring Miss Tennessee and traditional Irish Pipe and Drums—will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, in East Nashville’s Five Points Neighborhood, with an Irish Village Festival of vendors, food trucks, music, and merriment ’til 5 p.m. If you’d rather drink green beer and eat fish and chips while watching some hoops in the sanctuary of your own home, the Idea Specialists have scoped out a recipe for the former that’s worthy of a li’l ol’ leprechaun. And they can vouch that the beer-battered cod fillets from the ALDI freezer section are perfect for a nice fish-and-chip dinner. Read Any Good Books Lately? There’s no better time to get your kids to read a good book than in March, when the National Education Association promotes its Read Across America initiative. But reading is definitely not just for children. Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow the progress of—or possibly even prevent—Alzheimer’s and dementia, and contribute to stress reduction and improved focus and concentration. In case you didn’t know (or had forgotten), we’ve got a fantastic resident-run bookshelf in the office. Stop by soon and “check out” what’s on offer, or to donate your gently loved books. We’d love to see you! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
Resident Calendar – February 2026
It’s February—Feel The Love & Flip The Flapjacks!
It’s February, and here at Waterford Crossings in Nashville’s Antioch area, we’re feeling the love and flippin’ the flapjacks! Festive Breakfast Cold mornings call for hot food, and what could be more in the spirit of this month’s Valentine’s Day holiday than cute little heart-shaped eggs and pancakes for your sweeties? (Thanks to *the Idea Specialists™* for finding these nonstick cooking rings for us!) At a list price of only $7.43 at Amazon, they’ll bring the smiles without breaking the bank. Take A Hike! After your hearty breakfast, hit one of Tennessee’s gorgeous hiking trails for some quality time together. The Idea Specialists love Stones River Greenway with its 10.7 miles of paved paths. We’re extra-big fans because—like Waterford Crossings—Stones River Greenway is dog friendly! It includes Two Rivers Park with its own popular dog park (at McGavock Pike). Of course your furry friend will need to stay on its leash while you’re getting your steps in on pathways. Your Just Desserts Whether you want to refuel after your hike or just treat yourself to a yummy, take advantage of the Music City’s incredible restaurant scene and go out for something sweet with your sweetie. 🥰🥰 What could be more Valentine’s Day (thank you, English writer extraordinaire Geoffrey Chaucer) than chocolate peanut butter torte at Café Intermezzo on Demonbreun Street? The Idea Specialists can already taste the silky smooth triple chocolate torte baked with chocolate cake and iced with the European-vibed café’s very own chocolate butter cream frosting and chocolate ganache. They’re not sure right now whether they’ll have it with some fresh-brewed decaf, a Hot Chocolate Deluxe, or a Bailey’s Cappuccino! Got a taste for something different? Other selections on the dessert menu include both strawberry crème and lemon tortes, as well as a cookies and cream cheesecake that’s just to die for! If you want to share the experience of a special full Valentine’s Day dinner this year (the holiday in 2026 is on Saturday, February 14), The Finch at Union Station promises an unforgettable evening of romance, and extraordinary cuisine. Their prix fixe dinner includes Oysters Rockefeller and butter-poached lobster ravioli, and, of course, decadent desserts. Chocolate & Bubbles & Pink A great way to end your day of Valentine’s fun would be to cuddle up with Champagne or a cocktail (or a Champagne cocktail!) in your luxurious Waterford Crossings living room in front of a cozy fire. Or, get creative with chocolate and spirits. Tasting Table has a list of 30 Chocolate Cocktails You Need to Try at Least Once, and the Idea Specialists have been working their way through it. They’re particularly partial right now to the Bourbon Ball (bourbon, crème de cacao, Frangelico liqueur), but certainly wouldn’t say no to a Frozen Nutella Mudslide or a Black Forest Gateau Cocktail. Out On The Town Or, go out on the town for your nightcap! The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club on Gallatin Pike never disappoints with its Pink Corduroys and 19th Century Manhattans, and they’re open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (midnight the rest of the week). Kisses to them—and you! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
2026 Happiness Tips for Residents of Waterford Crossings Apartments in Antioch
A new year always brings a fresh sense of possibility. As we step into 2026, we encourage you to nourish your mental health and happiness. Happiness doesn’t have to come from big, life-changing moments; it’s often found in small, intentional habits and shared experiences close to home. At Waterford Crossings Apartments, located at 5825 Crossings Boulevard in Antioch, residents are perfectly positioned to embrace joy through wellness, connection, and the diverse culture that makes Antioch so special. Real happiness comes from being present, staying active, and feeling connected to your community. Whether it’s enjoying green spaces, exploring Antioch’s trails, or finding quiet moments at home, 2026 is the perfect year to be more intentional about joy. One of the easiest ways to build happiness is to think of it seasonally, letting each month inspire a small focus or goal, like staying fit by using our onsite fitness center / gym or reading a book beside your very own cozy fireplace. Instead of overwhelming goals and resolutions, imagine a gentle rhythm to the year that encourages growth, harmony, and self-care. Living at Waterford Crossings Apartments makes this balance easier by providing comfortable apartment living and convenient access to everything Antioch has to offer. From a less stressful commute by living closer to work in Antioch (Waterford Crossings Apartments is under 20 minutes away from downtown Nashville, the Music City) to relaxing around our resort-style pool this summer, Waterford Crossings Apartments is designed to help make your life happier! Below is a 12-month happiness guide for 2026, designed with Waterford Crossings Apartments residents in mind—simple, realistic ideas that can bring more joy throughout the year. A Month-by-Month Guide to Greater Happiness in 2026 January – Fitness & Fresh Starts Kick off the year by moving your body, whether that’s morning walks (perhaps with your dog or a friend) working out in our fitness center, or achieving realistic weekly wellness goals. Connect with companions in your community or on social media (i.e. Garmin) for positive accountability and encouragement. February – Love & Connection Celebrate love in all forms. Strengthen friendships through meaningful conversations and get-togethers. Mail a hand-written note to someone. Practice self-love. March – Spring in Antioch As wildflowers bloom and the weather warms, spend more time outdoors enjoying the beauty that makes Antioch unique. Take time to appreciate the fragrances and sounds of spring. April – Hiking Antioch’s Trails Explore nearby trails and greenbelts. Hiking and nature walks are proven mood-boosters, having positive impacts on mental and physical health, and a great way to recharge. May – National Mental Health Month Prioritize mental well-being. Whether through physical activity, journaling, or distancing yourself from social media posts, be intentional about finding peace of mind. June – Sunshine & Social Time Longer days invite outdoor dinners, poolside relaxation, and spontaneous get-togethers with neighbors and friends. Host a solstice party to celebrate the longest day of the year. July – Celebrate Summer Joy Enjoy summer traditions—fireworks, music, or simply slowing down and savoring warm evenings at home on your patio, balcony, or around the pool. August – Creativity & Learning Beat the heat by learning a new indoor skill or joining a club. Explore a new hobby (painting, pottery, or puzzles) or join a club (book, Mahjong, or gaming). September – Be Adventurous Fall brings cooler weather and shorter days, so be adventurous and try a new restaurant and listen to a local musician on the patio before summer comes to a close at the equinox. October – National Book Month Curl up with a good book and coffee or join a local book club. Reading is a simple way to relax, escape, and spark inspiration. Whether fiction or non-fiction, make time to read for pleasure. November – Intention & Thanksgiving End the year with intention by continued focus on completing 2026 goals. Of course, November is a time for Thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family. December – Celebration, Rest, & Reflection Celebrate accomplishments, enjoy festive moments, and make space for rest and joy. Reflect on the habits, activities, and goals—big and small—that brought happiness and growth in 2026. Begin setting your 2027 goals. Happiness in 2026 doesn’t require perfection—just presence, intention, and celebrating wins. At Waterford Crossings Apartments, every month offers an opportunity to feel more connected, balanced, and at home.
🎄 Christmas Shopping & Holiday Fun Near Waterford Crossings in Antioch, TN
The holiday season is officially upon us — and if you’re living in (or near) Waterford Crossings Apartments in Antioch, TN, there’s plenty to see, do, and shop for this festive time of year. From cozy resident gatherings to classic Nashville Christmas markets and holiday events, the season brings opportunities to create warm memories with family, friends, and neighbors alike. 🎅 A Season of Community at Waterford Crossings Here at Waterford Crossings Apartments, the holiday spirit is alive and well within the community. Residents can look forward to the annual Resident Holiday Party — hosted on December 16th from 5–7 PM — complete with a hot chocolate bar, food trucks, and even a gift-wrapping station to help spread cheer. It’s the perfect chance to mingle with friends and neighbors, share laughs, and soak up the festive atmosphere right at home. Plus, community traditions like the “Best Decorated Door Contest” bring out the creative flair in every resident, turning hallways and front doors into delightful displays of holiday joy. But that’s just the beginning — the greater Nashville area has so many holiday experiences that make Christmas shopping and festive outings extra special. 🎁 Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping Spots Nothing says holiday cheer quite like exploring local markets and picking out one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. Just a short drive from Waterford Crossings, the Nashville holiday shopping scene offers a delightful mix of traditional markets and festive events: The Fairgrounds Nashville: Home of the Christmas Village, this long-running holiday market features more than 250 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, unique art, toys, and more. With a festive atmosphere complete with decorations and merry music, Christmas Village is a must-visit for holiday shopping in Middle Tennessee. (Christmas Village) Holiday Markets Around Nashville: Across November and December, several seasonal markets pop up where you can shop local artisans and small businesses. Highlights include the Handmade Nashville Holiday Market, Porter Flea Holiday Market with over 100 curated vendors, and the MADE South Holiday Market with Southern-made goods — perfect for gifts and holiday décor. (Tennessee Vacation)/li> Downtown & Neighborhood Boutiques: Nashville’s neighborhoods like 12 South, The Gulch, and East Nashville’s Shoppes on Fatherland are homes to charming boutiques that make holiday shopping a unique experience. These shops often carry handcrafted items and Nashville-exclusive finds that can turn ordinary gifts into unforgettable tokens. (Motif) Whether you prefer artisan crafts, vintage finds, or custom stationery, there’s something special waiting for every person on your list. 🌟 Seasonal Events & Christmas Entertainment Shopping is just one part of the holiday experience. The greater Nashville area — less than 30 minutes from Waterford Crossings — lights up with seasonal magic that makes this season unforgettable: Christmas at Gaylord Opryland: This beloved holiday tradition features millions of twinkling lights, indoor garden displays, ice sculptures, ice tubing, skating, and themed experiences like gingerbread decorating and photos with Santa. It’s a multi-day destination experience perfect for families. (FranklinIs) b>Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood: Wander through a mile-long illuminated trail with glowing displays, a towering pixel pine tree, warm drinks, and a market atmosphere — an enchanting blend of holiday spirit and artful light design. (Nashville Moms) Drive-Thru Light Displays & Seasonal Shows: Shows like The Dancing Lights of Christmas (a drive-through spectacle) and other light displays around the region offer a fun way to enjoy magical holiday scenes from the comfort of your car. (Nashville Moms) Plus, there’s always more happening — holiday parades, Santa meet-ups, seasonal shows, family concerts, and themed cruises on the Cumberland River add a little extra sparkle to December evenings. (Nashville Moms) 🛍️ Local Shopping Convenience If you’re looking for everyday shopping with a hint of holiday practicality near Waterford Crossings, the Antioch area has plenty to offer too. Whether grabbing last-minute stocking stuffers or planning a gift wrapping party with friends, nearby spots like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Sam’s Club, or even craft and flea market finds at The Crafty Dragon, LLC provide accessible and budget-friendly options. Grocery runs at Nashville Farmers’ Market or local staples like Food Lion make holiday meal prep easier too. 🎉 Wrap-Up Living in and around Waterford Crossings this holiday season means blending cozy community charm with vibrant Nashville holiday traditions. Whether you’re picking out gifts at Christmas Village, sipping hot cocoa with neighbors, or driving through twinkling light displays, this festive season offers unforgettable experiences just minutes from home. So bundle up, make your list, and discover the joy of Christmas shopping and holiday events right here in the heart of Middle Tennessee. 🎄
Our Resident Newsletter – December 2025
Holiday Packages With holiday shopping we ask that all packages be delivered directly to the resident’s door. We will provide delivery drivers with maps upon request. Any questions regarding misdelivered packages should be directed to the shipper. Click here to see our Holiday Safety Tips. Resident Holiday Party We are hosting a resident holiday party on December 16th in the office from 5pm-7pm. We will have a hot chocolate bar, a present wrapping station, and a best holiday attire contest. We will have food trucks parked in front of the main office. Best Decorated Door Join the fun! Best decorated door contest will begin in December! To enter the competition, you will post a photo of your door to the Waterford Crossings Facebook page. The resident with the best decorated door will win a prize at the resident holiday party on December 16th. Food Trucks Our featured food truck this month is Donut NV on December 11th from 5pm-8pm. The truck will be parked across from the Phase 2 mailboxes. Stop by & grab a treat! Resident Portal You can pay your rent online! With our free E-Check option & monthly auto pay, paying rent is easier than ever. Just go to Waterfordcrosspingsapts.com Stay Connected Stay up to date with our latest community news & giveaways. Facebook Instagram X
Create a Holiday Beverage Bar That Warms the Spirit
The holidays are a time for cozy gatherings, laughter, and plenty of delicious drinks to share. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a festive open house, or a quiet evening with friends at home at Waterford Crossings Apartments, according to * The Idea Specialists™ a Holiday Beverage Bar can transform your home into a seasonal sanctuary of comfort and cheer. One timeless favorite — hot apple cider — makes the perfect centerpiece, easily customized for guests of all ages. Here’s how to create a beautiful, flavorful, and inviting setup that feels as magical as the season itself. Step 1: Start with the Star – The Hot Apple Cider At the heart of your beverage bar is a large simmering pot or slow cooker of apple cider, ready to serve warm and fragrant. Start with a high-quality cider and infuse it with whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Let it simmer for an hour before your guests arrive, so your home fills with that irresistible holiday aroma. For a spiked version, set out a small tray of spirits so guests can create their own twist: Bourbon for a deep, smoky sweetness Spiced rum for warmth and holiday spice Fireball or cinnamon whiskey for a festive kick Brandy or applejack for a traditional touch Be sure to label each bottle clearly and include small jiggers for easy measuring. A sign that reads “Make it merry — spike it if you like it!” adds a whimsical touch. For a family-friendly or non-alcoholic option, offer: A caramel drizzle station with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles Orange zest, cranberries, or apple slices for garnish A dash of ginger syrup or honey for added flavor Keep the non-alcoholic cider in a separate pot or clearly designated dispenser to make it easy for everyone to enjoy safely. Check out this recipe for Hot Apple Cider! There’s something especially comforting about gathering with friends over a steaming mug of hot apple cider. The sweet aroma of simmering apples, warm spices, and a hint of citrus has a way of slowing time, inviting everyone to settle in, relax, and savor the moment. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall get-together or simply sharing a quiet evening with those you love, hot apple cider turns even the simplest gathering into something memorable.Here's a recipe from your friends at Waterford Crossings Apartment in Antioch, TN, for Hot Apple Cider– guaranteed to hit the spot! Step 2: Deck Out Your Beverage Bar with Holiday Charm A beautiful setup makes the experience even more memorable. Start with a themed table or sideboard — rustic wood, plaid linens, or a cozy winter color scheme (think deep reds, forest greens, and metallic accents). Add layers of decor that bring warmth and texture: Twinkling string lights or small tea candles in mason jars Pine branches, holly, or eucalyptus sprigs for natural greenery A chalkboard sign with the cider recipe or a festive quote like “Sip, Smile, & Be Merry” Holiday mugs or glassware arranged on a tiered tray For an extra personal touch, tie a bit of ribbon or twine around each mug handle — it’s a small detail that feels welcoming and thoughtful. Step 3: Add Garnishes That Sparkle and Delight The magic is in the details, and garnishes make your cider bar both Instagram-worthy and delicious. Offer bowls of: Cinnamon sticks and star anise pods Dehydrated orange wheels for a rustic, elegant look Cranberries or pomegranate seeds to float on top Whipped cream and caramel sauce for indulgence Encourage guests to mix and match their toppings — it becomes an experience rather than just a drink. Step 4: Pair with Festive Appetizers A great beverage deserves equally festive bites. Complement your cider bar with small plates that balance sweet and savory: Baked brie with cranberry chutney Apple and cheddar crostini Mini sausage rolls or puff pastry bites Cinnamon sugar donut holes or gingerbread cookies Display them on matching platters near the beverage setup for a cohesive, inviting spread. Step 5: Create Cozy Moments The goal of a holiday beverage bar is more than just serving drinks — it’s about creating memories. Set up a comfortable seating area nearby with soft blankets, a playlist of holiday classics, and maybe even a crackling fire. Encourage guests to linger, sip, and share stories. A Toast to the Season With the aroma of cinnamon and cider filling the air, laughter echoing, and glasses clinking, your Holiday Beverage Bar will become a beloved seasonal tradition. Whether spiked or not, each cup will warm hearts and bring joy — the true spirit of the holidays. *About The Idea Specialists™ The Idea Specialists™ is a division of Panorama Corporate Digital Communications, a business-lifestyle communications company serving the multifamily industry. We provide strategic communication solutions that enrich resident experience and strengthen community engagement.
Tricks & Treats & Travis & Taylor—It’s Time for Some Halloween Fun!
Whether you’re planning a party with friends and neighbors at your charming and pet-friendly Waterford Crossings apartment home in Nashville’s Antioch, Tennessee, neighborhood, or making the Music City scene, Halloween season offers all kinds of opportunities for fun! Either way, this month’s blog offers all kinds of suggestions for some seasonal fun! Including and especially the info on some of this year’s most popular costumes (yes, of course we’re talking about getting’ your Tay-tay showgirl and Trav-trav Chiefs uniforms on!) For The Littles—Boo At The Zoo The Nashville Zoo is putting out the call all to all ghouls and goblins, Travis Kelces and Taylor Swifts, KPop Demon Hunters, Wednesdays, and Capybaras!! It’s almost time to trick or treat at the annual Boo at the Zoo event, a family-friendly Nashville favorite! This rain-or-shine fun is on the calendar from October 17 through November 1, 2025. New this year will be the chance to experience Día de los Muertos on Saturday, Nov. 1, with special themed entertainment, activities, food, and meaningful ways to honor loved ones through culture and remembrance. On the itinerary again for Boo at the Zoo are free spins on the Scary-Go-Round Carousel, the magic of Storytime with the Old Oakley Tree, special animal shows nightly at 5:45, 6:45, & 7:45 p.m., and a souvenir bag the kids can put their goodies in. Oh, and of course there will spooktacular scenes, enchanting straw creatures, and photo ops throughout the Zoo. Bare those fangs and say BOO! For The Bigs What could be more fun than dinner and a movie? Dinner and a movie AND a haunted walkthrough that winds through the multiple levels and shadowy corridors of an historic old theater, of course! Slaughterhouse in Hermitage has long been a cult favorite for film buffs and thrill-seekers alike, so if you want to experience this year’s creepy chills and thrills, be sure to purchase tickets well in advance. If you don’t want the whole pumpkin, you can buy stand-alone Haunt Tickets for only $35. See what will be playing at the Full Moon Cineplex website. (Note: The event organizers caution that the intense nature of the attraction makes it unsuitable for young children.) For Everyone—Cheekwood Harvest Nights! That old fall magic is once again returning to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens with Pumpkin Village, an inviting wonderland of charming pumpkin houses, thousands of chrysanthemums abloom with color, and more than 75,000 pumpkins nestled throughout the gardens. Perfect for endless fun with family photo ops! New this year are Cheekwood Harvest Nights on Thursdays throughout October, complete with food trucks, live music, and bar service under the stars. And of course everybody’s favorite—the Halloween Pooch Party—is on again, this year Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with costume contests at 11 a.m. and noon. Take your pup out for the costume contests (this year’s special costume category is “A Hint of Haunts”), then browse the dog-friendly vendors so you can delight your canine companion with special treats. There will be water refill and doggie bag stations on the property. Scary-Good Party Ideas Brew up some sinister mock- and cocktails, prepare some frightful finger foods, and decorate with seasonal black and orange abandon—it’s time to have your very own howling good Halloween party! Both inside and out on your private patio or balcony, your Waterford Crossings apartment home is the perfect setting both for feting—and frightening!—friends and family. We asked * the Idea Specialists™ * for some tips and tricks to be the hosts with most. They pointed us to HGTV, which has some great ideas for decorating. One of their—and our—favorites is to use your fireplace as a focal point. Use a mix of mums and candles (unlit, for safety!) around it, and fill it full of pumpkins and gourds. So fun! As are these battery-powered holiday candles from Walmart, which come complete with their own remote control. For goodies for gobblin’ (see what we did there? 😎😎), the site comes through again with snack ideas like Hairy Eyeballs (polenta poppers topped with corn silk and a few dribbles of blood marinara sauce), Poisoned Candy Apples (get out the black food coloring!) and more. The Food Network isn’t any slouch, either, when it comes to yikes and yummies. You can make drawing “legs” with chocolate on the Scary Peanut Butter Spider Cookies a family affair, whip up a No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Brain in next to no time, and—of course—there’s no forgetting that all-time classic, a Dirt Cake topped with gummy worms! One More—VERY IMPORTANT—Thing! Did you know you can “Stay Tuned to Nashville” by signing up for the FREE email newsletter from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp? Here’s the link: https://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashville-events Happy Halloween! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
The Tried & True—And Something New!
One of the great things about calling the Waterford Crossings luxury apartment community your home is all the tried and true places that make Nashville, Tennessee’s Antioch neighborhood such a wonderful place to live—and the many new shops, restaurants, and venues that always seem to be opening across the metro area! Just 12 miles southeast from the city’s center, this culturally diverse hub—with its vibrant Plaza Mariachi and global eateries—is full of family-owned businesses for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, and Tanger Outlets, with open-air shopping and dining. The Tried We asked * The Idea Specialists™ * to give area fave Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria (on Hickory Hollow Parkway) a try and report back in. They said it’s no wonder this community-focused restaurant has been so successful since its founding a decade ago—the pies are worth every penny and then some! (At least we think that’s what they said…..they were talking with their mouths full, LOL.) They make fresh dough and sauce daily, including five house-made pizza sauces, seven finishing drizzles, and a variety of cream cheese flavors for their tasty cinnamon rolls. A must if you’re in the mood for kid-friendly casual dining. The True For almost 30 years, family-owned JVI Secret Gardens (up Donelson Pike) has been working with customers to make spaces big and small come alive. It’s easy to see why they bill themselves as “Not Your Average Place to Buy Plants.” With amazing bursts of color and Zen-inducing water features all about the property, they really do have some of the healthiest and most beautiful plants around. And no worries if you’re a newbie to the plant world—the friendly helpful staff can answer all your questions as they guide you step-by-step through the garden center to help you find exactly the right plants for your space. It’s true that we are indeed suckers for their sunny displays of annual flowers and hanging baskets, which are perfect for the large private patios and balconies of Waterford Crossings. The New The Idea Specialists™ are huge fans of StyleBlueprint Nashville, and are in complete agreement with their take on Music City: “It sometimes feels like the only constant in Nashville is change.” They did a great roundup of exciting additions that will be coming to the metro area, including a new dining, shopping, and entertainment district will bring a taste of East Asia to Antioch/South Nashville. Tennessee Nashville Chinatown will combine traditional and modern Chinese architecture and offer a gigantic Asian supermarket, restaurants, office space, and an events center. Different places will open at different times, with project completion expected in 2027. In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood lately, it’s worth a trip up. Some of Nashville’s most artistic endeavors call WeHo’s converted warehouses and factories home, and the dining and cocktail scene is ever-changing. We’re going to check out the newest addition to the bar world, Good Times Full Service. The retro decor, tiki-inspired cocktails, and “decent eats” are calling our names! There’s No Shame In Our Dinner Game! We decided it just wouldn’t be a good blog post if we didn’t say something about food to eat in your cozy (and pet-friendly!) Waterford Crossings home, so we asked the Idea Specialists™ to suggest something fast and simple to get on the table now that school is back in serious swing. They immediately suggested taking advantage of the variety of “ready to cook” meal options offered by the Publix at Mt. View Marketplace. Enjoy! One More Thing Are your kids as obsessed as ours with MrBeast? If so, then you probably already know that the dude (aka Jimmy Donaldson) has 423 million subscribers on YouTube and a wildly popular unscripted show on Prime Video (Beast Games). But did you (and they) know that he and popular science YouTuber Mark Rober are now co-leading the new initiative #TeamWater, a crowdfunding campaign to change millions of lives around the world through access to clean water? Powered by the biggest team of content creators on the internet, the campaign has a goal of raising $40 million to provide 2 million people with life-changing access to clean water for decades. Something to talk about at supper for sure! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
It’s Almost Time for Back to School, Book Lovers Day—and Maintenance Appreciation Month!
It’s almost back-to-school time in the metro Nashville, Tennessee, area, home to the upscale and pet-friendly Waterford Crossings apartment community (not to mention the historic Ryman Auditorium!). But before we get to that part of the blog, the Waterford Crossings team wants to give a huge shout-out to some certain special people…. August Is Maintenance Appreciation Month August is indeed Maintenance Appreciation Month at Arlington Properties’ Waterford Crossings. That’s right, we want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who helps keep our apartment home community looking beautiful and operating smoothly. Yes, we know that National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day is March 7 every year, but we figure they deserve an entire month!! Be sure to give these folks an extra smile and wave as they work through the Dog Days of Summer. National Book Lovers Day Is August 9 While there’s no bad day to love a book, you’ll be in good company if you celebrate this particular passion with fellow bibliophiles on National Book Lovers Day Saturday, August 9, 2005. And, yes, all kinds of books count—traditional, audio, manga, ebooks—all of them! The Waterford Crossings team asked the * Idea Specialists™ * for some of their thoughts on other ways to mark the occasion. Of course their first suggestion was checking out the Southeast Branch Library on Hickory Hollow Parkway. They also reminded us that book clubs are a great way to get to know your neighbors. The clubhouse lounge would be a great place to meet if the group gets big enough, while you might enjoy hosting something smaller in your stylish Waterford Crossings living room. Or, maybe you prefer to read with a group but not “with” a group. In that case, you can always read something from a national book club, like the ones of Reese Witherspoon, Jenna Bush Hager, and the reader who started it all—Oprah Winfrey! Back To School: Pimples, Pencils & Patience The Idea Specialists™ asked some of the young people in their lives to tell them the most important things teens and their parents need to have as they get ready to go back to school. First suggestion: A bottle of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, because for most kids, pimples are just a fact of life at some point. A 1-ounce bottle goes a looooooong way! Next, a box of BIC ReVolution Xtra Life Mechanical Pencils. Yep, the members of Generation Z still use pencils at a school! “It’s mainly for math,” says one 16-year-old. Finally? Patience. Patience, patience, patience. Because teens are going through a lot, and it really is hard for them to imagine that the adults in their lives were once young. As Parenting Teens & Tweens puts it, “It’s a tough time for everyone, but it is also a time when your teen really needs you to keep it together. So much of their behavior results from the push and pull they feel between holding onto their childhood while at the same time wanting to move toward adulthood.” Their guidance, in a nutshell? Listen more/talk less. Don’t take things too personally. Identify specific triggers. Set boundaries. Also, the Center for Parent and Tenn Communication has a good article about helping teens develop patience. Hey ChatGPT, Do My Homework! No matter if the kids in your life attend public, private, or parochial school—or if they’re home schooled—chances are they’ve already used some form of what is called “generative AI (artificial intelligence)” to help them with an in-class assignment or their homework. In a nutshell, teens and college students are turning to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, as well as Otter.ai for note-taking and Grammarly for writing assistance. (How do we know? We asked Google AI, LOL.) We also asked Google AI to explain “humanizers” to us, because—according to several teenagers we know—it’s best to use something like ChatGPT along with technology that will make, say, the ChatGPT essay on The Constitution of the United States, sound more like it was written by a human being than a machine. Some examples are QuillBot, Writesonic, , Ahrefs, Prepostseo, and Decopy AI. The Center for Digital Thriving has some great questions to ask for starting conversations with your kids about AI, including: What kinds of uses do you think should be allowed in school, and, has your school or any of your teachers set any rules about using it? Communication is key! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
