Blog Posts

Making Atlanta Home for Seniors

An average of two snow days per year means while your family members are up north freezing and salting their driveways, you’ll be savoring the salt on the rim of your margarita. A special brand of southern hospitality means you will be welcomed with open arms and instantly feel at home. A vast smorgasbord of world class restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural attractions and upscale shopping centers means life will be rich with opportunities to broaden your horizons. Retirement life in Atlanta sure sounds like fun. Add the fact that Georgia offers a hefty tax exemption on retirement income and seriously, isn’t it time to start packing? The jewel in Atlanta’s crown is Buckhead, its uptown commercial and residential district – often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Georgia. No wonder Overture selected this prime location for one of its premier 55+ apartment communities in Atlanta. Buckhead apartments combine the best of all Atlanta worlds: A lovely, suburban residence on the cusp of the south’s most vibrant and exciting city. When it comes to senior apartments in Atlanta, Buckhead apartments are emerging as the place to be. Chastain Memorial Park The good news is: If you live in a Buckhead apartment, you don’t have to drive into the city to find fun and relaxation. When the weather is gorgeous – which is just about every day – head to Buckhead’s Chastain Memorial Park. With its 260 acres of jogging paths, playgrounds, swimming pool, tennis courts and golf course, Chastain is Atlanta’s largest city park. The park even boasts an equestrian center and an amphitheater that features entertainment all summer long. The park is also home to the Chastain Arts Center which offers year-round programming. There is no better place to hang out with friends for a picnic lunch or enjoy dinner under the stars, as you enjoy the long list of headliners. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza Ask any senior who lives in one of Atlanta’s Buckhead apartments where they spend the most time and they will point you to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Whether you are looking to do some serious retail damage, or to grab a bite with friends, these community hubs are people magnets, the place to see and be seen. Legoland Discovery Center It may not mean much to the grandkids when you tell them you’ve moved into an apartment in Buckhead, Georgia. But, once you take them to Legoland, they will be thrilled you did. Centrally located in Phipps Plaza, Legoland is a kids’ fantasy come true Your grandkids will love the 4D cinema, interactive rides, a build and test center for race cars and a Master Builder Academy where visitors can learn from the experts. Adults also love Legoland – which is why the third Thursday of every month is designated Adult Night. Book a tour at Buckhead South, or Powers Ferry, Overture’s premium 55+ communities in Atlanta. The city is really cool. The restaurant scene is hot. The weather -and your welcome – is guaranteed to be warm. Are you packed yet?

Celebrating Fathers: Meaningful Activities for this Year's Father's Day

"To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy." - Nelson Mandela As children, Father’s Day is about honoring daddy. As adults it’s about becoming parents and basking in our children’s appreciation. And now, stepping into those cozy, wonderful, grandparent slippers, Father’s Day is about celebrating the gift of intergenerational love. It’s about kids reminding dads and grandads – actual family and chosen family – how important and treasured they are. Check out these Father’s Day ideas for grandfathers. Maybe one of them will be just the ticket for a memorable holiday with the kids and grandkids. Family Olympics Friendly family competition checks all the Father’s Day activity boxes. A theme-oriented scavenger hunt will get everybody outside and moving. Afterwards, how about an age-appropriate card game or board game for the little ones? Top it off with a father son/daughter checker tournament. Make sure there are prizes! The idea is to have fun and get everybody involved. If you are lucky enough to live in an active adult community, be sure to check your monthly activities calendar at your for events to celebrate Father’s Day, or commandeer the activities room and join other grandparents and their families to make it a group celebration. If your kids and grandkids are out of town, hanging with your active adult homies can be a joyful way to commemorate the holiday. Be of Service Performing an act of community service on Father’s Day is a great way to bond with the grandkids while teaching them the value of helping others. Sharing that experience with dad and grandpa would be truly unforgettable. Build a Memory Get ready for lots of creativity and laughs with easy to assemble building kits for you and the grandkids. Whether you are assembling a little sailboat or a birdhouse, working together will be an opportunity to talk and share quality time. Men like Crafts Too Move over Grandma. There are tons of craft projects for Gramps to enjoy with the kids. Provide visors and glitter or stickers to glam them up, and voila! A decorative sun protector. Personalized plates or picture frames will give the kids a great Father’s Day memento. Discover Something New Whether it’s a museum exhibit, a family cooking class, or a trip to the aquarium, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to expand everybody’s horizons. Father’s Day Gifts for Grandpa Clearly the greatest Father’s Day gift for grandpa is the gift of spending time together as a family. But said family will probably feel they need to show up with a gift. Maybe you can steer them in the right direction with a little something that says, “I love you!” For example: A mug with pics of the grandkids A framed family photo A gadget that supports your favorite hobby, ie if you’re a golfer, golf balls or a ball retriever, sun hat for gardening, or a card shuffler Tickets to a ballgame. A little pricier but a fun family experience. New iPhone case Swimming goggles Fun comfy socks And of course, when it comes to grandfather’s Father’s Day gifts, you can’t go wrong with anything made by the children. Father’s Day only comes once a year, but life at Overture’s premier communities is a daily homage to active adult life. Book a tour at the property of your choice today. Bring plenty of pictures of the grandkids. Everyday at Overture is a salute to Grandpa.

Senior Activities in Buckhead

Sara Blakely. Tyler Perry. Kevin O’Leary. One is the founder of SPANX, and the youngest female self-made billionaire in the world. One is an entertainment icon. One is a popular member of the “Shark Tank” team. So why would their names be linked? In case it is not immediately obvious, the tie that binds them is, wait for it…Buckhead, Georgia. Blakely is a Buckhead native whose corporate headquarters is located in Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Perry sold his Buckhead estate for 17.5 million, a new Buckhead high. And Kevin – Mr. Wonderful – O’Leary used to hang out in Buckhead as a kid and it’s one of his favorite places. Located just under an hour outside of the city, Buckhead is officially designated as a suburb of Atlanta. But, from chic shops to divine dining to historic landmarks, it’s clear this gem of a community is actually Atlanta’s secret sauce. In fact, many of the best senior activities in Atlanta are actually in Buckhead. Check out these things to do in Buckhead, Atlanta. Legoland Discovery Center Nestled in the heart of Buckhead at Phipps Plaza, LEGOLAND features 4D cinema, interactive rides, a build and test center for race cars, and a Master Builder Academy where devotees can build with experts. Your grandkids will go crazy here, but don’t think for a moment this is an attraction just for the little ones. The third Thursday of every month is Adult Night. The munchkins are politely asked to stay home while the grownups discover and explore. Chastain Memorial Park Buckhead is home to Chastain Memorial Park, Atlanta’s largest city park. Its 260 acres include jogging paths, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a golf course, and even an equestrian area. The park is also home to the Chastain Arts Center, which offers year-round programming. One of the park's highlights is the amphitheater which boasts outdoor entertainment all summer long. Grab a friend or paramour, pack a picnic dinner, and enjoy the long list of headliners under the stars. Atlanta History Center When looking for future things to do in Buckhead, just look to the past. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the Atlanta History Center. Stroll through 33 acres of manicured gardens, award-winning exhibitions – including memorabilia from the 1996 Olympics. There are also historic houses to explore, including the Swan House which was featured as President Snow’s Palace in the “Hunger Games” movies. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza Ask anyone for their favorite senior activities in Atlanta, and they will point you in the direction of these Buckhead landmarks. With luxury shopping, green spaces for hanging out, Nobu, a world-class culinary market, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza are community magnets. Whether you are looking for a little retail therapy – choose from over 350 iconic brands – or just want to go for a stroll and grab a bite, these are the places to see and be seen. Book a tour today at Buckhead South, or Powers Ferry, Overture’s premium 55+ communities in Atlanta. Become part of the Overture community - and the Buckhead community. As Mr. Wonderful said, Buckhead is a “helluva place."

Gifts Ideas for the Graduate in Your Life

Finding the perfect graduation gifts for grandchildren and other young people requires some thought. Do you present them with carefully made DIY graduation gifts, or would they prefer practical gifts to help them get through college or survive that all-important first year of work? The answer depends on the graduate. Consider their personal preferences and personality as you brainstorm graduation gift ideas. If they’re sentimental, homemade gifts or family heirlooms make unique graduation gifts. If they’re focused on the challenges and opportunities of college, gifts to help them customize their dorm room or study aids might be better choice. With that in mind, here are a few graduation gift ideas to inspire you. Graduating high school or college is a momentous event in a young person’s life, so mark the occasion with truly unique graduation gifts. Gifts for the Sentimental Graduate If your graduate values unique gifts, family, and their relationship with you, any of the following make excellent and unique graduation gifts: Homemade Gifts If your grandchild has always admired your embroidery, woodworking, cross stitch, or painting skills, take advantage of this and make their graduation gift. A beautiful piece of needlework or a hand-carved picture frame will be treasured for life. Personal Letters Grandchildren often find it hard to believe, but you were once as young as they were. The times may have changed, but as a young person, you experienced many of the doubts and dreams young people feel as they move into their adult lives. Take advantage of this with a heartfelt letter, sharing your memories from this exciting time of life. Family Heirlooms Family keepsakes make truly unique graduation gifts for grandchildren. Items of jewelry, watches, or small ornaments you know your graduate loves are meaningful gifts. Just remember graduates will likely move for college or work, so make sure your present is small enough to be portable. Graduation Gifts for College-Bound Kids Graduates going to college need study materials, backpacks, and items to make dorm life as pleasant as possible. They may not be unique graduation gifts, but if your graduate is preparing for their first year of college life, the following make excellent presents: Backpacks Choose a sturdy backpack with plenty of compartments and pockets, then fill it with little items to make studying easier. Possible items include: Erasers Highlighters How-to books on college life Notebooks Pencil sharpener Pens and pencils Reusable water bottle Scotch tape Stapler Sticky notes Dorm Survival Aids Help you graduate adapt to dorm life with these gifts: Cookbooks for simple one-pot or instant pot meals Electric kettles or instant pots for in-dorm meals Portable Bluetooth speakers Throw blankets for comfort and warmth Wireless headphones to block out dorm noise while studying Electronic Devices Modern colleges require modern study solutions. A new laptop, phone, or tablet will see plenty of use throughout college. Gifts for the Future Whether or not they go to college, graduates are ready for independence and their future careers. The following items make great graduation gifts for grandchildren as they make their way in the world: A long-term savings plan and a promise to match the graduate's contributions. An emergency fund savings account with some money already deposited in it. Car maintenance, cooking, budgeting, or other lessons an adult needs to know. Interview clothes and other professional work clothing. If you’re at a loss, ask your friends what types of gifts they gave to graduating grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Active adult communities are wellsprings of inspiring ideas for graduation gifts, as you can draw on community members’ experiences.

Top Activities for Older Adults Around Charlotte

Charlotte, NC, is the largest city in North Carolina, and has a thriving seniors’ community. The list of things for seniors to do in Charlotte, NC, is almost endless, from art exhibits and live performances to trips into the surrounding countryside. We’ve selected seven of the best senior activities in Charlotte, NC. Visit Crowders Mountain State Park A trip to Crowders Mountain State Park is one of the most popular day trips from Charlotte. The park offers a range of activities, from picnicking to hiking, so you can easily choose events that match your energy levels or accommodate mobility issues. Fern Trail is a senior-friendly hike across easy terrain with a 2.1-mile round trip, or you can simply relax by the park's seven-acre artificial lake. Levine Museum of the New South History buffs will love the Levine Museum of the New South . The museum’s interactive exhibits reveal life in post-Civil War Charlotte and how the region built a stronger community in the aftermath of war. Museum staff are always willing to talk to visitors about exhibits, and have a deep understanding of the social and political events that made Charlotte the city it is today. UNC Botanical Gardens Exploring the UNC Botanical Gardens is one of the best senior activities in Charlotte, NC. The ten-acre garden is home to the McMillan Greenhouse, a wheelchair-accessible greenhouse filled with orchids, rare spices, and the Titan Arum, which only blooms every 10 to 15 years. Admission is free, and classes and events are offered all year. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Take in a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center . The center offers various performances, from popular Broadway hits to classical music, ballet, and jazz. You can take in movie screenings and comedy shows or even display your talents at open-mic nights. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary The Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a fun place to take the grandkids when they’re in town or an excellent location for a romantic stroll. Surrounded by brick walls, the sanctuary features pools, fountains, an herb garden, and meandering woodland paths. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival The North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a two-day event held in Charlotte every May. You can sample the best beer from over 40 North Carolina breweries while taking in live music. The festival includes vendor shops, food trucks, and even special activities for the grandkids. Charlotte Motor Speedway If you're a fan of fast cars and thrills, the Charlotte Motor Speedway offers some of the best senior activities in Charlotte, NC. In addition to NASCAR, the Speedway hosts a once-a-month Cars and Coffee event, where car owners socialize with each other as they showcase classic cars and hotrods. Living in Overture Providence's 55 and older apartments puts you close to all the amazing senior activities in Charlotte, NC. Our energizing community is always taking day trips from Charlotte to attend exciting events or explore North Carolina, so why not make new friends as you explore things for seniors to do in Charlotte, NC?

Best Austin Activities for Seniors

Austin is the best place to live in Texas for seniors. The city has something for everyone, from amazing cuisine and world-class performing art venues to lakes, rivers, and over 250 parks. If you’re an active adult in Austin, you’ll have no difficulty finding things to do—if fact, you might have too many choices! To help you narrow down your options, here are seven activities for seniors in Austin, Texas: Blanton Museum of Art Art lovers looking for things to do indoors in Austin will love the Blanton Museum of Art , home to Texas's largest public art collection. The museum’s newly revitalized architecture and landscaping are worth a visit alone, while the collections feature an eclectic range of cultural influences and different periods. Branton offers an ever-changing schedule of events, including online events for people who cannot visit the museum. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Founded in 1982 by former First Lady Claudia Alta Johnson , the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a wildlife research center filled with flowering plants, butterflies, and hummingbirds. At night, the center even attracts nectar-eating bats. While spring is the best time to visit the center, the wildflowers bloom year-round, offering something different each season. This feature, coupled with regular painting tutorials, gardening lessons, yoga classes, and educational lectures, makes the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center popular for fall activities for seniors. Rainey Street Historic District Food and music-loving seniors will enjoy the Rainey Street Historic District, with its many restaurants, pubs, and shopping opportunities. Live music is available all night, while the outdoor lights strung over the district's historic bungalows give the evening a festive feel. The district is ideal for pub-hopping, romantic meals, or socializing with friends. Austin Aquarium Spend a relaxing day at the Austin Aquarium . You’ll see thousands of species, including sharks, rays, and corals. Amphibians, birds, and mammals also make their home at the aquarium. Bird lovers, especially, will enjoy the interactive dove and parakeet aviary. The Texas Farmers Market at Mueller Every Saturday, Austinians flock to the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller. A great place to stock up on locally-sourced vegetables and fruit, the market also offers pickled goods, baked produce, honey, wine, cheese, meat, and eggs. You’ll also find plenty of prepared food and drink and a thriving social scene. Austin Public Library A trip to the Austin Public Librar y is one of the best activities for seniors in Austin looking for things to do indoors. Austin Public Library offers six floors of books, reading rooms, and event rooms. The library schedules regular seniors' events, and you can end your visit with a meal at the cafe and a walk through the building’s rooftop garden. The Moody Theater The Moody Theater is home to the Austin City Limits television show and hosts over 100 live events a year. Famous musicians play the Moody every year, so keep an eye on the theater’s schedule for your favorites. The theater also hosts regular comedy performances; you know what they say: laughter helps keep you young! Austin is the best place to live in Texas for seniors who enjoy active living, and the best place to live in Austin is the Overture Arboretum . The Arboretum, with excellent amenities and services, is ideal for active adults in Austin. We hope to see you there!