Get Ready for Dyngus Day!

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

Yes, you read that right: Dyngus Day is around the corner! If you’re new to the Western New York area or considering a move to the region, you might be wondering what exactly is Dyngus Day?

Dyngus Day is an annual post-Lenten bash, held in Buffalo, New York. The celebration and parade attracts tens of thousands of attendees from around the country to celebrate the beginning of spring, listen to live music, and celebrate their Polish pride. Dyngus Day is a day for merrymaking, eating good food, and flirting with your friends and neighbors by tapping them playfully with sprigs of pussy willows, as the Dyngus Day website describes for the uninitiated.

Dyngus DayCelebrations for Dyngus Day are always held on the Monday following Easter, meaning this year’s celebrations will kick off a week from today – April 17. Downtown events officially kick off at Corpus Christie Church with a Mass at 11:30 a.m., followed by guided church tours, music, food and fun as everyone gathers for the big parade.

Events run all throughout the day downtown in Historic Polonia and the surrounding region. Check out the full schedule of events in the official 2017 Dyngus Day Guide. Parties taking place at bars are for those ages 21 and older, but there are some family-friendly options, like the live music and food festival at St. Casimir’s Social Center.

Whether you’re new to the area and looking for ways to get involved or WNY lifer, attending the Dyngus Day celebration is a great way to meet members of the community in a fun and festive atmosphere. Most events are located in downtown Buffalo, just a short drive from Town Hall Terrace in Grand Island.  To learn more about all the great benefits of living at Town Hall Terrace or to learn more about our currently available units, give us a call today at 716-773-2788.

Sign Up for Softball on Grand Island

Posted by & filed under Grand Island, Summer Activities.

Spring is in the air, which means it’s softball season! Whether you’re tired of staring at the wall while you run on a treadmill at the gym or looking to meet some new people in your neighborhood this spring, sign up for a softball league on Grand Island this season! Baseball is, after all, America’s pastime, which means you should participate, too.

Softball SeasonHere on Grand Island, there are women’s softball leagues, men’s softball leagues and co-ed leagues to suit players of all skill levels. You can register the kids, the whole family or just for yourself, allowing you to have fun on the field playing games with other community members and neighbors who live in the area – perhaps even enjoying happy hours after your games together. What better way to meet people than in a fun – and slightly competitive – environment?

There are four main fields where the leagues on Grand Island play – Veterans Park, Nike Base Diamond and Kaegebein Diamonds. All of these are within just a few minutes of Town Hall Terrace, making it easy for residents here to make it to the game on time. You’ll find Veterans Park, for example, just five minutes up Baseline Road, so you can head over after work to meet up with your softball team or take a short drive on a Saturday morning to play or watch games with your friends and neighbors.

Town Hall Terrace residents love the convenience, amenities and activities available here in Grand Island,  that provide opportunities to get involved  and enjoy the region together with their neighbors. The Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department puts these – and other – leagues together to give everyone a great chance to get out and enjoy the island’s venues, meet new people in the area, and get outside for a bit of fun and exercise. It’s a great way to help stay active – and to burn off some calories before hitting the local pub afterwards for a beer and some fries.

Whether you already live here, or you’re thinking of relocating, Town Hall Terrace is a great place to live. Complete a tenant application online now or call us today at 716-773-2788 to find out about our open listings.

Spring Cleaning: Five Must-Dos this Spring

Posted by & filed under Miscellaneous.

It’s now officially spring, and that means we’re only a few degrees away from barbecues and beers by the pool. But before we can celebrate the season, it’s time to get serious about one thing: spring cleaning. Here are five must-dos for you to tackle as part of your spring-cleaning list!

Pillows

Did you know that you’re supposed to be washing the whole pillow and not just the case? Think about it: our pillows are the collecting ground for dust, drool and pet dander, if you let your dog or cat sleep on the bed. This spring, toss your pillows in the laundry! If you haven’t replaced your pillows in the last few years, consider tossing them and starting fresh. Glamour says that we should be replacing our pillows at least once every three years.

Vacuum Under FurnitureUnder the Furniture

When’s the last time you vacuumed under the couch? No, not just under the lip where the edge of the vacuum fits, but under the entire thing. That means moving the couch and vacuuming up all the dust and grime (and probably at least a few crumbs from snacks) that has accumulated beneath over the years. You should also flip your cushions upside down and vacuum up any junk that may have fallen into the couch or chair.

Walls

Chances are there’s at least one lightly colored wall in your home. Have you inspected it closely lately? Notice anything, like dirt and dust? Home and Garden Magazine says that you should dust your walls once per year to remove allergens and keep your walls from looking dingy. Don’t forget to vacuum or sweep the floor after you dust the walls since you’ll be disturbing a lot of dust that will end up falling onto the floor!

Appliances

When’s the last time you gave your fridge a thorough cleaning? If the broccoli that you cooked last month shed a few bits in your crisper, chances are good that those little leftovers have started to go bad. At least once a year, take everything out of your fridge and scrub and disinfect the whole thing. Don’t overlook shelving and drawers, either. Not only do these need a cleaning, but they also are often home to three-year old salad dressings or long-expired condiments that should find a new home in your trash can.

Potted Plants

If you have any plants in your home, the spring is a good time to check them and see if they need to be repotted or need new, fresh soil added. Spring is the season of green and blooming, so there’s no better time to check on your greenery. Dust and dirt can also accumulate on your plants, so give them a rinse – either by hand or by letting them sit for a few minutes in the shower, recommends Apartment Therapy. Not only will this keep them clean, but it can also help deter insects, too.

If your spring cleaning also coincides with your time to move or renew your lease, why not check out the units at Town Hall Terrace? Our apartments, townhomes and patio homes are spacious and modern and offer plenty of space. Located on Grand Island, we’re a quick drive to and from anywhere – Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo and other locations throughout Western New York. Learn more by calling us today at 716-773-2788 or apply for tenancy online now.

Getting Deals on Your Move: Making Moving More Affordable

Posted by & filed under Moving Tips.

It can be a huge expense to move. Not only do you need to balance your finances while changing locations, ending and starting leases, and canceling and beginning utility services, but you have to pay the moving guys to pack up all your possessions and move them to your new place. We know that moving isn’t always stress-free, but there are a number of ways that you can save a ton of money on your moving costs.

Lifehacker says the first thing you need to go is get a quote for movers, but don’t just go by the advertised price on the website. If you’re seeing vastly different prices from one moving company to the next, pick up the phone and ask them to give you an actual quote. You’ll find that the price advertised online is often a too-good-to-be-true deal and probably doesn’t apply to your situation. On the other side of things, though, you may be able to negotiate a better price by speaking with someone directly.

For example, if you can be flexible about the days you move, you may want to ask the moving company if it would be cheaper if you moved a day or two earlier or later. Sometimes weekend prices are increased because the demand for moving vans and movers is higher. But if you have the flexibility to plan your move on a Wednesday, you might be able to save hundreds.

The season also plays a role in pricing. If you can, HireAHelper suggests that you avoid moving in the summer – the busiest traffic season for moving during the year. That’s because many college students and families will move during this time between semesters and school years, plus the warmer weather makes it more comfortable to move. Allied Van Lines says you’ll get the best deal between November and December, so if you can move during the holiday season, you might be able to save even more.

US News and World Report also suggests that you take moving as an opportunity to take stock of your belongings and sell any items you’re willing to part with online or through a garage sale. While you might not think selling some extra dishes, books or other items would make you a ton of money, it will definitely add up and help. Plus, but having less to move, you’ll also save on your moving costs, especially if you get rid of a large item like an unused bookshelf, couch or bedframe.

Another way you can save is by getting packing boxes from area businesses. Bankrate says that you should check with your local liquor store to see if you can have some boxes. These are often very sturdy and reliable boxes that are perfect for packing, which means you won’t have to spend a fortune at the office supply store stocking up for your move.

Finally, if you’re hiring movers by the hour, pack up your home and even consider loading as much into your truck as you can before they arrive. That way you’re not paying for their time to do something you could have done. The more initiative that you take to be prepared will pay off in savings once moving day arrives.

If you’re thinking about moving, but not sure where you’ll be moving to, check out Town Hall Terrace. We have apartments, townhouses, and patio homes available now on Grand Island, a convenient location in Western New York that offers a short drive to Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the towns and cities throughout the region. Find out more about our currently available units by giving us a call today at 716-773-2788.

Work On Your Workout at Town Hall Terrace

Posted by & filed under Amenities.

Our health is very important, and more people than ever are joining gyms to stay up on being fit and active. However, with how busy today’s world is, it can be hard for people to carve out time to make it to the gym. That’s why we here at Town Hall Terrace bring the fitness to you with our on-site fitness center for our residents.

Fitness CenterFeaturing numerous cardio exercise and strength training machines, our fitness center has something every type of gym enthusiast. If you’re looking to get stronger, we have a full line of free weights, two lifting machines as well as an incline and regular bench press to help you pack on that muscle. On the other hand, if you’re looking to shed some pounds before beach season, our fitness center features ellipticals, exercise bikes, treadmills and Stairmasters to help you get your sweat on.

With a fitness center on site, you won’t have to waste time driving back and forth to the gym anymore. This means you can save on your current gym membership costs and the hassle of driving to your gym each day. Plus, the convenience also means you’ll have more time to get in your workout each day, giving you no excuse as to why you can’t fit in a quick workout before work or at the end of your busy day.

Town Hall Terrace also features tennis courts and a heated pool for anyone looking to exercise in different ways. We all know that the time for nice weather in Western New York area is relatively short, but when the sun is shining, these alternatives provide a great way to relax and play while burning a few calories. The tennis courts also offer a chance to exercise with friends as well instead of just being inside at the gym. Invite your friends to the court, have some fun and get a nice sweat in as well.

As for the pool, some days can be really hot during the summer. The pool offers an opportunity to cool down and participate in one of the most complete body exercises one can do. Of course, you can also just splash around and play – after all, some of the best workouts are the ones you don’t even realize you’re doing!

If you’re looking for an apartment, town home or patio home that offers great amenities for you to keep up a healthy lifestyle, then Town Hall Terrace is the place for you. For more information on our available rentals, call us today at 716-773-2788!

Wax Up Your Cross-Country Skis and Head Out to Explore

Posted by & filed under Grand Island, Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

We live in Western New York, and of course that means that snow is inevitable. However, that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do during the winter months. Holiday Valley is a bit of a drive, but there are several cross-country skiing trails located in and around Grand Island. It is a perfect way to still get in your love for skiing and get some fresh air and exercise! For your convenience, we have compiled a list of cross-country skiing trails that you can check out with help from Trails.com!

Buckhorn Island State Park

The Buckhorn Island trail is located in the northwest corner of Grand Island. This trail is more than five and a half miles long and is mostly flat, making it the perfect cross-country trail for beginners or anyone looking for an easy-going trail to enjoy on a winter afternoon! The trail goes along the shore and has some great views of the waterline. You may even get to view some of the local wildlife in the area!

Cross Country SkiingWalton Woods

If the Buckhorn Island trail is too long for you, then the Walton Woods trail in Amherst would be a great starter trail. This trail is only 2.3 miles long and is also largely flat. It runs right next to the Audubon Housing complex by Walton Pond. While this trail may not be as secluded as the previous trail, don’t let that fool you. You still get some great scenery and it’s well worth the trip!

Como Lake Park

Located in Lancaster, the Como Lake Park trail is four miles long and runs along Cayuga Creek. They have a warming hut called the Casino, which allows for cross-country skiers to sit, relax and warm up will they’re on their journey. There’s a set trail that wraps around the grounds, or you can feel free to cross the bridges and explore the north and south islands in the area. The world is your oyster at Como Lake Park.

Looking for more options? Check out the full range of WNY cross-country skiing trails on Trails.com.

Whether you love to ski or skate in the winter, there’s no shortage of options for residents of Grand Island. Our community is located in the perfect location, with plenty of great entertainment options available on the island, and Buffalo, Niagara Falls and other locations all accessible within a short drive away. To learn more about making your home on Grand Island with Town Hall Terrace, call us today at 716-773-2788.

Host Friends for the Big Game in Comfort at Town Hall Terrace

Posted by & filed under Miscellaneous, Townhouses.

It is no secret that Western New Yorkers love football, and especially our Buffalo Bills. While we’re amid the longest playoff drought in the league, the Big Game always promises great game play, and it’s a cultural phenomenon. As you gear up for the championship – rooting for Atlanta, we assume, because what Bills fan would cheer on New England? – here are a few tips to make your shindig for friends and family the real winner of game day.

Prep Work

We recommend starting the day before the big game to make sure you’ve got everything you need covered. The stores are likely to be mobbed, so be sure to get up early to get your shopping done. You can then start doing a quick cleaning process and then setting up the viewing area with extra chairs, your serving table, etc. Placing a garbage can by the food is a great idea and will make clean up later that much easier. If you are picking up food, call and confirm the pick-up time in advance so you don’t end up running around at the last minute. The big game is supposed to be fun, not stressful, so get all you can done in advance.

Football Championship PartyFood

Speaking of food, while you may want to make something extravagant to impress your guests, the truth is that simple foods are always better for the big game. Of course, since we live in Buffalo, we are always going to recommend getting chicken wings. Other recommendations include pizza, subs or other finger foods, like pigs in a blanket. Chips and dip is always a great choice, too, and can pair with a veggie platter for those looking to eat healthy. Don’t forget disposable plates to make cleanup a snap, too.

Décor

Half of the battle is setting the mood for the party. We recommend doing a couple of small things, such as rolling out a few tablecloths. You’re also sure to get party bonus points for any football-themed decorations. Real Simple has a couple of cute ideas that will really get your guests in the mood for the game.

Are you looking for a new place to live in 2017? Town Hall Terrace on Grand Island offers a diverse selection of apartments and townhouses, and a convenient location that makes getting to Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo or any other destination in the region quick and easy. Our properties are spacious enough to offer you ample space for your day to day needs, while being roomy enough to make hosting gatherings for your family and friends comfortable and easy. To learn more ore to set up a tour, call us today at 716-773-2788.

Celebrate Valentine’s In Style at These Restaurants

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about making dinner reservations for you and your special someone to celebrate this romantic day. Let’s take a look at a few of the top picks around the region with help from Step Out Buffalo.

Coco Bistro and Bar

Coco Bistro and Bar is located on Main Street in Allentown and offers both a dark and romantic atmosphere and absolutely divine fare. We would recommend getting a steamer pot of mussels and pomme frites to enjoy. They come in a variety of flavors and they’re reasonably priced! The staff is friendly and warm, too, and this is a wonderful French taste and feel – perfect for a holiday about love.

Valentine's DateTrattoria Aroma

If Italian food is more your style, this Tuscan feeling restaurant is perfect for you. They have a great selection of Italian wine and a selection of scrumptious pastas made all in house. They also have a great rabbit pasta dish for those adventurous eaters. This quaint place is located on Bryant Street in the scenic Elmwood Village.

SEAbar

If you prefer seafood, there is no better place in Buffalo than SEAbar on Ellicott Street. They have a focus on sushi, and even offer a taste of Buffalo – a beef on weck sushi roll. There are other non-seafood items, too, like ramen and short ribs, which means there is something for everyone at SEAbar. This small and cozy restaurant offers a perfect quaint, not crowded feel, and is a lovely choice for your date this Valentine’s Day!

Black & Blue Steak and Crab

If your date loves seafood, but you prefer meat, Black and Blue is a great compromise. Located in Amherst, Black and Blue offers a variety of different meat and seafood selections and sides and, of course, the favorite surf and turf dinner – who wouldn’t enjoy that? This is a wonderful high-end, upscale dining choice, and offers an atmosphere and menu variety to match.

Ristorante Lombardo

This restaurant also has a strong Italian influence, but is easy to get to at its location on Hertel in North Buffalo. We would recommend the wood-roasted figs appetizer to start, served with prosciutto and a nice smoky flavor. The veal rib chop is a savory main course, as well, served with a fresh cherry mostarda, which gives a great flavor to your palate.

Of course, there’s always the option of having a romantic home-cooked meal by candlelight this year, and at your home at Town Hall Terrace, you’ll have all the space you need to make a truly romantic evening. Our fully furnished and spacious kitchens offer all the space you need to make a wonderful meal, and every unit offers a dining area where you and your loved one can share a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner. To learn more about making your home in our community, give us a call today at 716-773-2788.

Take to the Ice and Enjoy the Winter Season

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

It’s not truly the winter until you’ve made a trip to the ice rink!

Whether you’re a beginner or an ice skating pro, there’s nothing quite like spending the afternoon on a pair of ice skates with the family to signal that winter has arrived. Here are some of our favorite places in the Western New York area for ice-skating this season!

Step Out BuffaloIce Skating has laid out the best spots in the Buffalo area for ice-skating. There are both indoor and outdoor options, so a too-cold or too-snowy day won’t keep you out of your skates!

For a true wintry experience, head to The Ice at Canalside, located in downtown Buffalo. This outdoor rink in the surging canal district is the perfect spot for skating, especially if there’s snow in the forecast. There are also other fun winter events available, too, like ice bikes, curling, pond hockey and more. This is a great spot to spend the day with the family!

Rotary Rink, also located downtown, is another good option for outdoor skating. With the city lights illuminating the skyline, you’ll feel like you’re in the center of everything. Stop by some of Buffalo’s best restaurants and shops after your skate.

If the weather’s too bad to skate outside but you still want to hit the ice, check out The Northtown Center in Amherst. This indoor rink is perfect for first-time skaters, and skate rentals are only $3 per pair for town residents.

For an indoor option that’s also located in Downtown Buffalo, head to the HarborCenter. This is a great destination for you and the family, with lots of activities to do including ice-skate. Skate rentals are also $3, and children younger than 7 can participate in open skating for just $1.25.

Whether you’re looking for a new home for just yourself, or for you and your family, we have what you need, located in the best part of the Buffalo area. Check out the available Town Hall Terrace patio homes, apartments or townhouses. Learn about some of our many amenities, and apply for tenancy today!

Snowmobile Near Home on Grand Island

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

Now that winter is here, so are the numerous outdoor activities that many of us participate in throughout the season. Now if you’re a downhill skier or snowboarder, you might have to head south of Town Hall Terrace to do that. However, if snowmobiling is your thing, then your fun is almost literally right around the corner.

Snowmobile Grand Island Snowmobile Club has numerous trails you can head out and ride on to get your snowmobiling fix. They will be opening six trails very soon, so be sure to check the group’s website regularly for any updates on trail conditions and the status of opening.

What’s great about the trails they offer is that many of them are very close to Town Hall Terrace. This means when you’re ready to ride, you won’t have to make a long drive just to get the trails. You can hop in your car and be there within a few minutes, leaving you with more time to ride.

Now, if you are on more of the adventurous side and want to explore more of Grand Island than what is near Town Hall Terrace, Grand Island Snowmobile Club has got you covered. They have roughly 17 miles of trails that run in a circuit around the whole island. So whether you’re new to the island and want to explore or are looking for a change of scenery, the Grand Island snowmobile trails offer you plenty of options.

If you’re going to ride with friends, chances are most of you are going to be tired once you’re done riding. Instead of just sending them home, invite your riding partners back to your home at Town Hall Terrace. With spacious apartments, townhomes and patio homes, you’ll have plenty of room to host your guests and let them warm back up and enjoy a break before heading back home after a day of riding on the trails.

Town Hall Terrace also offers a range of amenities for residents to enjoy in all seasons, including a fitness center, clubhouse lounge and a dog park for your four-legged family members. With numerous local attractions and activities available in the area of just a short drive away, living here offers the best of country club living with suburban convenience. To learn more about our available rentals or to take a tour of our homes, call us today at 716-773-2788!