Blog Posts

How to Enjoy Phoenix as a Senior

Tax breaks, sunshine, and world-class golf. Phoenix wins the retiree trifecta . Setting aside for a moment all the fun things to do in Phoenix, Arizona’s appealing tax structure might be reason enough to start packing. There is no tax on social security, no gift tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. And the rates on taxable income are relatively low. This can be a huge bang for the senior retirement buck. The only thing better than saving money is saving money in paradise. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix enjoys a desert climate that comes complete with glorious temperatures throughout the winter. The summer temps can soar, but low humidity makes even those 100-degree days bearable. When it comes to senior activities in Phoenix, all that delicious sunshine presents a real problem. For example, how does one find the time to conquer all of the area’s over 200 golf courses? Golf.com ranks Arizona second only to Florida in quantity and quality of courses, or as they call it, “golfiness.” Be sure to pack those golf clubs but leave the allergy medicine at home. Thanks to desert vegetation, many allergy, and asthma victims find relief from seasonal suffering. Is golf not your cup of, um…tee? For those who don’t know which end of the club is up – and don’t care to learn – there are plenty of other senior activities in Phoenix to keep you busy and engaged 24/7. Parks and Recreation Areas for Phoenix Seniors There are enough outdoor parks and recreation areas in and around Phoenix to keep you busy for a lifetime. A few of the most popular: Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area is a local landmark and hiking destination. Of the two main trails, The Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla trail, the former is the more challenging. The views from both trails are spectacular Tempe Beach Park and Town Lake in downtown Tempe, a popular urban escape, is a great place for hiking, biking, picnicking or paddle boating. South Mountain Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America and boasts 51 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Desert Botanical Garden Designated a Phoenix Point of Pride, the Desert Botanical Garden was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 to conserve and protect the fragile desert environment. The 140-acre garden, located in Papago Park is now home to more than 50,000 plants from all over the world. Enjoy walking trails with interactive exhibits along the way and regularly scheduled events like concerts and cooking series. The even better news: Seniors 60 and older receive discounted admission. Japanese Friendship Garden Built in partnership with Phoenix’s Sister City, Himeji, Japan, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a place of beauty and tranquility in the heart of Phoenix where visitors and residents can enrich mind, body and spirit. The mission is to combine an inspirational surrounding with educational and artistic programs and events that will celebrate the rich culture and history of Japan and strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Old Town Scottsdale Explore Scottsdale’s beginnings in Historic Old Town. Browse art galleries in the Arts District, shop along Fifth Avenue, or discover the energy of Scottsdale after dark in the Entertainment District. Indoor Activities for Seniors Near Phoenix The Phoenix Art Museum The largest art museum in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum features a permanent collection of over 19,000 works of art. In addition, the museum presents a variety of public programs, including tours, lectures, films, and special events for visitors of all ages. Bring the grandkids! The Heard Museum Dedicated to the showcasing and advancement of Native American Indian Art, the Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities, It is internationally recognized for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming, and festivals. Taliesin West Nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Taliesin West is the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the School of Architecture at Taliesin. Wright’s beloved winter home was designed to integrate with its desert surroundings and is recognized as both a UNESCO world heritage site and a National Historic Landmark. Hall of Flame The Hall of Flame offers a unique experience for visitors while honoring firefighters who have perished in the line of duty or been decorated for heroism. There are 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus dating back to 1725 as well as a gallery dedicated to the history of wildland firefighting in the US. Overture Kierland and Overture Arcadia are Overture’s premier active adult communities in the Phoenix area. Arrange a tour today. Because, seriously, the question is not what’s to love about independent living in Phoenix. The question is, what’s not to love?

Why Austin Texas is a Great Place to Retire

You are on the brink of retirement, ready to step away from the workday routine and officially embrace something new. An important decision looms: Retire to where? Maybe this short survey will help: Do you love the outdoors? Does exploring cool new eateries whet your whistle? Do music and film festivals put a spring in your step? Are you sick of bundling up in the winter? If the answer to any or all of those questions is “yes!” look no further than Austin, Texas. Or, In the slightly improvised words of the famous Horace Greeley, it’s time to go southwest, young-at-heart men and women. The Great Outdoors Year-round, day or night, this thriving small city with a metropolis vibe will keep you physically, mentally, and socially engaged. Start by lacing up your cross trainers and heading out toward one of the city’s many green spaces, parks, lakes, and recreational areas. The popular Barton Creek Greenbelt offers dozens of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking or hanging with friends. Zilker Park’s 350 lush acres is another hot spot that includes a 3-acre pool for cooling off in the summer. At Lady Bird Lake, you can while away the day in a kayak or canoe. The Sound of Music Austin’s nickname is the Live Music Capital of the World and for good reason. There are over 250 music venues, including the popular Long Center, scattered throughout the city. A wide variety of concerts and annual festivals cater to the tastes of Austin’s eclectic music aficionados. This cultural mecca is also home to the annual South by Southwest Conference and Festivals , a signature event. The Great Indoors There is certainly no shortage of things to do indoors in Austin. For starters, you can spend an afternoon at any one of Austin’s world-class museums. Take in the impressive collections at the Blanton Museum on the University of Texas campus, and the Mexica-Arte , which celebrates Mexican and Latino art and artists. The popular 200.000 square-foot Austin Central Library offers six floors of resources that include learning rooms for classes, workshops, and meetings. The LBJ Presidential Library , another intriguing indoor destination, offers an intimate insight into our 36 th president with enlightening historical context to his term in office. From photographs depicting the civil rights era to an LBJ robot, this museum uses all types of entertaining mediums to highlight the president’s life and political career. Libraries and museums will stimulate the intellect and maybe just the ticket on a hot Texas summer afternoon. Speaking of the Thermometer … Yes, the summers in Austin will inspire you to head toward the nearest pool, air-conditioned restaurant or movie theater. But the winters are mild and delightful, the perfect weather to enjoy the year-round greenery. And then there is fabulous fall when the weather cools and fall activities for seniors abound. From celebrating pumpkins and pecans to Oktoberfest, to spooky Halloween mazes, Austin is fall festival central. Your next chapter awaits at Overture Mueller, Overture Domain, Overture Arboretum, Overture’s premier active adult communities in Austin. Schedule your tour today and discover firsthand why Austin is the best place for seniors to live in Texas. Let’s get this rodeo started.

Senior Activities in Atlanta

It’s the perfect retirement recipe. Start with the sophistication of the Big Apple. Stir in a rich and vibrant cultural history. Then add a huge helping of authentic southern charm and hospitality. Voila! You have Atlanta, Georgia, the jewel of the south. Small wonder retirees from all over the country are packing up and heading to this urban treasure trove to embark upon their next adventure. Whether you are seeking sports teams to root for, or a world-class restaurant scene and lively nightlife, the list of senior activities in Atlanta is virtually endless. Atlanta History Center What began in 1926 as a small historical society has evolved over almost a century into 33 acres of curated gardens, four historic houses, a wide variety of educational programs and 6 permanent exhibitions, including the nation’s largest collection of Civil War artifacts. Golf enthusiasts will love “Down the Golf Fairways with Bobby Jones,” a showcase celebrating the life of the state’s most famous golfer. As a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, the Atlanta History Center is part of the global memory initiative committed to applying history to present human rights struggles. The World of Coca-Cola Museum Just blocks from where John Pemberton created the original Coca-Cola formula, the World of Coca-Cola Museum features exhibits about Coca-Cola’s top-secret formula, a 3D movie, and a tasting area where visitors can sample 60 different flavors from around the world. The 92,000-square-foot building is part of a 20-acre complex that includes the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. It’s a delicious and fun way to quench your thirst for the history of America’s favorite beverage. The CNN Center Get a kick out of touring The CNN Center. The tour takes about 50 minutes and is a peek behind the curtain into the origins and inner workings of Ted Turner's 24-hour news network. The tour is wheelchair accessible. Georgia Aquarium Unique among senior activities in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is a perfect outing to enjoy with – or without - the grandkids. Boasting tens of thousands of sea creatures in over 10 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in the world. You will love getting up close and personal with whales, manta rays, sharks, and dolphins to name a few. The world beneath the sea awaits. Avoid crowds and enjoy discounted prices after 4 PM. The Fox Theater As the centerpiece of Atlanta’s Fox Theater District, the Fox Theater hosts hundreds of performances each year. This former movie palace stages Broadway musicals, rock concerts, movies, and more. Seating is comfortable and refreshments are plenty making this venue high on the list for Atlanta’s seniors. It’s so popular, it has become a destination for senior travel groups to Atlanta. Make it a night on the town with dinner at your favorite restaurant and a ticket to the Fox. It’s a date! Check out Overture Powers Ferry and Buckhead South, Overture’s premier active adult communities in Atlanta and find out what the lucky folks who live there already know: Atlanta is where the action is, y’all.

How to Plan a Trip to Orlando for Seniors

It is known as the theme park capital of the world and draws millions of visitors every year. Yet, it is not necessarily Mickey Mouse, et al, that is motivating more and more seniors to call Orlando home. Sure, retiring around the corner from Disney World will make you the coolest grandparent ever. You will never have to remind those grandkids it’s time for a visit. And let’s not forget park discounts for Florida residents. But grandchildren aside, Orlando’s real appeal is much less commercial. For starters, fabulous outdoor spaces, 170 challenging golf courses, and mild, balmy weather. Seriously, that’s the stuff of retirement fairy tales. Check out these Orlando attractions for adults. Kennedy Space Center Hop in the car and in under an hour you can explore the mysteries of space. From interactive exhibits and dialogues with astronauts to getting up close and personal with spacecraft and space telescopes, the Space Center is a totally immersive intergalactic experience. Literally out of this world. Crystal River Manatee Adventure Take a swim on the wild side. The warm waters of the Crystal River provide sanctuary for Florida’s manatees. The adventure starts with a scenic cruise and culminates in a swim with these gentle playful creatures. An experience not to be missed. Museum of Illusions Do your eyes deceive you? If you are visiting the Museum of Illusions, the answer is probably yes! When it comes to things to do indoors in Orlando, the Museum of Illusions is in a class by itself. Filled with exhibits that will illuminate, enlighten and challenge your visual perception, this gem of a museum is one giant brain teaser. Make sure to visit the area called the playroom, which features intriguing and educational games and puzzles. Gatorland Wanna wow the grandkids? Veer off the beaten trail and head to Gatorland. Featuring more than 2,000 American alligators, plus crocodiles, birds, and a plethora of assorted other wildlife, Gatorland is a treat for the young – and the young at heart. Translation: You don’t need kids to get a kick out of the experience. Though you may prefer to leave the Gator Zip Line over the alligator breeding marsh to them. West Orange Trail Step away from the theme parks and you will find a treasure trove of actual nature parks and preserves in the Orlando vicinity. One of the most popular areas to explore is the West Orange Trail. Featuring 20 miles of paved trails, and complete with picnic and restroom facilities along the way, West Orange Trail provides opportunities for hiking, biking, or just hanging in the outdoors. If you just want to bike for a day, West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades Co offers easily accessible bike rentals. Tibet-Butler Preserve For more outdoor activities in Orlando, head to the Tibet-Butler Preserve which offers over 400 acres of pristine wilderness, and seven different ecosystems. It’s the perfect spot for hiking and both wildlife and people watching. Walt Disney World Resort With so many other activities for seniors in Orlando, you might just forget there are literally 14 world-renowned theme parks at your fingertips. It only makes sense that every now and then you’ll want to drop in and catch up with Mickey or check out what’s new at Epcot and Universal Studios. Schedule your tour of Orlando’s Overture Dr. Phillips active adult community today. Your own personal magic kingdom awaits.

Our Favorite Day Trips Around Virginia Beach

Three of the most compelling reasons to live in Virginia Beach? Location. Location. Location. As if there are not enough Virginia Beach activities to keep you happily engaged on both land and sea within this historic beach community, its prime location means the fun is not confined to the city limits. The long list of day trips from Virginia Beach offers outstanding attractions and memorable experiences that are but an easy car ride away. Here are 5 popular suggestions to get the show on the road. Grab a couple of buddies or the grandkids, gas up the car, and explore! Kiptopeke State Park Get your inner bird watcher on with a day trip to Kiptopeke State Park, home to birdlife galore including hawks, osprey, kestrels and a variety of migratory birds. A mere 50-minute drive through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Kiptopeke is also a popular swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and biking destination. You’ll enjoy exploring the well-maintained trails that wind their way through wildlife habitats and majestic hardwood forests. 35 miles north of Virginia Beach (50 minutes by car), VA Colonial Williamsburg Hop in the car and drive back in time to pre-revolutionary America. This charming and well-preserved homage to 18th century life features historic cottages, taverns, and courthouses. As the former center of American political life, Williamsburg is a treasure trove of history that is both entertaining and educational for everybody. This is one Virginia Beach day trip that has multigenerational appeal for sure. And it’s such a short ride, the grandkids will still be smiling when they get there. 60 miles northwest of Virginia Beach (1 hour and 15 minutes by car), VA Onancock Victorian architecture, art studios, boutiques and antique shops await in Onancock, an historic gem with a population of only 1,500. Situated between the Chesapeake and the Atlantic, this little village has been a fixture on the seascape since 1680. It’s the perfect low-key escape; a great place to chill for an afternoon. 75 miles northeast of Virginia Beach (1 hour and 45 minutes by car), VA Fredericksburg The Civil War comes to life in historic Fredericksburg, site of one of the war’s pivotal battles. After a visit to the battlefield, don’t miss the Kenmore Plantation and Mary Washington House, residences of George’s sister and wife respectively. Embrace history on foot with a walking tour of the city as it appeared in 1862. In addition to soaking up history, you’ll enjoy excellent shopping and dining. This Virginia Beach day trip even includes an alpaca farm. What’s not to like? 160 miles northwest of Virginia Beach (2 and a half hours by car) VA Chincoteague and Assateague This Virginia Beach day trip offers a doubleheader. Enjoy the quaint resort island of Chincoteague. Then off to neighboring Assateague to catch a glimpse of the famous wild ponies that call the seashore home. This outing comes complete with old-fashioned lighthouses, unspoiled beaches and plenty of graceful birdlife. Conveniently, a bridge connects the islands to the mainland. 100 miles northeast of Virginia Beach (2 and a half hours by car), Virginia/Maryland Natural beauty, plenty of outdoor activities, and unlimited interest for history buffs. Virginia Beach day trips offer the best of all excursion worlds. Traveling is that easy when you live in one of Overture's premier active adult communities . Isn't it time for a stress-free, turnkey lifestyle? Get in touch for a tour today!

Top Activities for Older Adults in Denver

It was originally an homage to its historic gold rush days. But to the throngs of seniors flocking to Denver, Colorado, that 24-karat gold-coated dome on the capitol building is sending a whole new message: Retirement years in The Mile High City are truly golden. When pondering adult things to do in Denver, the hardest decision facing retirees is which pair of sunglasses to put on. Averaging 300 days of sunshine per year, this eco-friendly outdoor paradise offers breathtaking scenery under crystal blue skies, the perfect environment in which to enjoy 20,000 acres of parkland. It also boasts the 10th largest downtown area in the nation and is one of the most walkable. Add eclectic art, restaurant and music scenes, and of course craft breweries and you have, well…the gold standard. Check out these activities for seniors in Denver. Explore Colfax Avenue Residents and visitors alike consider Colfax Avenue a Denver gem. Famous for being the longest commercial street in the US, a drive down Colfax promises history, entertainment, and plenty of interesting eats. Its 26.5 miles are filled with the local businesses that are so integral to Denver’s culture. First Friday Art Walks on Santa Fe Denver’s First Friday Art Walks are the art district’s signature event. Rain or shine, on the first Friday of every month, art enthusiasts find their way to Santa Fe Drive to appreciate the works of hundreds of artists in galleries and less obviously tucked away in charming attics and alleyways. Festivities begin at 5:30. Take a Hike No list of things to do in Colorado for seniors would be complete without hiking options. With 200 area parks to choose from, you will never run out of new trails to explore. Start with these well-known favorites. Golden Gate Canyon Park With over 40 miles of hiking trails, many of which are rated “easy” by Alltrails.com, Golden Gate Canyon Park is a fan favorite. It is about an hour from the city and the admission price is $10. Red Rocks Park Enjoy hiking around gorgeous red rocks and the Amphitheatre at Red Rocks Park just west of Denver. Admission is free. Washington Park With two lakes, two flower gardens, and over 155 acres to explore, Washington Park is free and one of the most popular city parks. Hit a Museum On that rare day when you decide to go indoors, check out one of Denver’s popular museums. The Denver Art Museum , or DAM as it is called, is on of the largest museums west of the Mississippi. Experience their impressive permanent displays as well as constantly changing new exhibitions and collections. Looking for something to do with the grandkids? They will love learning about the natural history of the Rockies at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science . Denver Botanic Gardens The Denver Botanic Gardens is a featured highlight of the Mile High City. Enjoy 24 acres of horticultural splendor in a breathtaking environment. Overture 9th and CO, and Overture Central Park, are premier active adult communities surrounded by the majesty that is Denver. If the idea of living in a sun-filled mountain wonderland with magnificent views from every window isn’t enough to inspire you, remember golf balls go about 10% farther in the mountain air. To maximize your next chapter - and for the sake of your handicap - plan a tour of your favorite Overture Senior Living community in Denver today.