Transitioning to retirement does not necessarily mean that life slows down! Many retirees find they are busier than ever when they are not working full-time. Often, retirement allows for more time to pursue creative interests that were only sometimes prioritized when working. At Harbor Heights, our residents live an active lifestyle, including access to many community amenities like our movie room, craft studio, Maritime Bar, Sky Terrace, fitness room, library, and game room. Our community programming also allows residents to participate in activities to socialize and spark their creativity. Recently, Harbor Heights hosted a paint and sip night where they came together to create a beautifully painted canvas under the guidance of an art professional. How would you utilize your creativity with more time on your hands? Here are a few suggestions on ways to optimize creativity in retirement.

Take up a Hobby or Craft

Doing something new and creative can help to keep your mind active and engaged. Whether it's painting, photography, pottery, woodworking, or any other craft or hobby, it can help spark your creativity and help create new connections in your brain.

Make time for Creative Activities

Make sure you set aside time each day to engage in creative activities. Whether reading a book, writing in a journal, or doing a creative project, having a set time each day can help keep your creative juices flowing. Finding time for creativity is easy at Harbor Heights, where our crafts room and community activities will keep you engaged with your artistic side.

Spend time with Creative People

Surrounding yourself with creative people can help to inspire you. Spend time in art galleries, attend community art classes, or join a book club. At Harbor Heights, you can be inspired creatively by our many crafty and artistic residents.

Take a Class

Taking a class in something you've always wanted to learn can help to open up new worlds of creativity. Perhaps you've wanted to learn how to play an instrument or paint with watercolors. Taking a class can help to expand your creative potential. Harbor Heights is conveniently located in downtown Olympia where there are plenty of art, theater, and music classes to choose from.

Exercise your Creativity

Exercising your creativity can be as simple as taking a different route home, trying something new for dinner, or even rearranging the furniture in your home. Doing something creative, like participating in art activities or walking downtown Olympia’s many art galleries, can help inspire you and keep your creative mind working.

Discover more about active 55+ living at Harbor Heights when you visit us in person! Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

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Olympia Symphony Orchestra

The Olympia Symphony is a semi-professional orchestra based in Olympia, Washington, that serves the South Puget Sound region. Their mission is to provide the highest quality live music to enrich, educate, and entertain an expanding audience. The orchestra gave its first concert in 1947. Over time, the OSO has grown to become the premiere orchestra in the south Sound, acclaimed for its commitment to both community and artistic excellence.

Capitol Theater, Home of the Olympia Film Society

The Olympia Film Society presents music, art, and film in the historic Capitol Theater. This nonprofit organization was formed in 1980 and has a mission to show film, art, and music that engages the community, encourages volunteerism, and ensures the preservation of the Capitol Theater. The space was built in 1924 and has been used continuously as a theater since then.

Harlequin Productions

Started on a shoestring budget by a few friends, Harlequin Productions has now been producing live theater for more than 30 years with over 160 productions. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia on 4^th Street and within walking distance of Harbor Heights, Harlequin Productions recently announced their 2023 “Resilience” season. Tickets and details can be found here. For their holiday production of “A Christmas Carol,” find details here.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Since 1985, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has hosted thousands of events and more than two million attendees. Standing on the same grounds as the former Liberty Theater, the center continues downtown Olympia’s art tradition in a modern facility. The center has become a gathering place for attendees from the surrounding counties, with a focus on diverse performances.

Percival Plinth Sculpture Project

Each year, the plinths at Percival Landing host a selection of loaned sculptures by local and regional artists. Applications for the new artwork open each fall, with a February deadline. Each year, 18 pieces are chosen from Washington and Oregon artists for a temporary display of up to one year on Percival Landing. The artists also receive a $1,000 honorarium for the loan of their work. To see the sculptures, simply walk across the street from Harbor Heights to the Percival Landing boardwalk.

Only a few Residences are Currently Available – Act Now!

Harbor Heights offers special discounts on select residences and leases. We have just a few remaining homes available and would love to schedule a tour for you to view them and secure your new spot for active 55+ living. Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

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Arts and Culture in Downtown Olympia, WA

Olympia offers a high-quality arts experience that rivals major metropolitan areas like Portland or Seattle. Residents can find a theatrical costume shop and many arts studios housed in former warehouses and other industrial structures in the downtown area. Downtown Olympia is also home to a nationally acclaimed children’s museum, the WET Science Center, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Harlequin Productions, and the Capitol Theater. The Olympia Symphony Orchestra also performs free outdoor public concerts downtown throughout the summer months.

Nearby Medical Facilities

Access to medical care is essential at any age and is one of the critical considerations we hear from residents when deciding if Harbor Heights is the right place to call home. Lucky for residents, there are several options for top-notch medical care in Olympia, including the MultiCare Capital Medical Center, the Kaiser Permanente Olympia Medical Center,  and Providence St. Peter Hospital, which was recently recognized with the distinction of being one of the top 34 hospitals in the country, and one of the top hospitals in Washington.

Walk to Shopping and Grocery Stores

Many Harbor Heights residents have found the local shopping options so convenient that they have opted to sell their cars or have pared their household down to just one car. The community’s 78 Walk Score means that most day-to-day errands and shopping can be accomplished by residents on foot. Nearby shopping includes many local boutiques, art galleries, an independent bookstore, the Olympia Seafood Company, and the Bayview Thriftway Market.

Delectable Dining Options

Harbor Heights Residents have a wide selection of local dining establishments right outside their doorstep. A local favorite, Budd Bay Café, recently reopened after remodeling and remains one of downtown Olympia’s most popular restaurants and is conveniently located just across the street from our building. Other local restaurants are within short walking distance to the community, including casual dining options just a block away at the Olympia Farmers Market. If you don’t want to leave the building, Cynara restaurant is located on the first floor and offers casual, refined dining with Mediterranean flavors.

(dining photo)

There is so much of downtown Olympia to explore, your days will be full of adventure when you opt for active 55+ living at Harbor Heights! Schedule an in-person or virtual tour to learn more about our available residences and our community amenities.

833.464.5053

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Twinklefest Tour

Take a self-guided tour through decorated downtown Olympia storefronts November 27-January 2^nd. While on your tour, look out for Nutcracker-themed selfie scenes for sharing on holiday cards with your family and friends. Themes include: “Land of Sweets” at the Washington Center, a gingerbread house at 5^th and Capitol, and “Winter Wonderland” at Legion and Capitol.

Shop and Dine Promotion

Dine in downtown Olympia and get a holiday gift! Download a Shop and Dine passport and bring it with you to visit local retail shops and restaurants. Every time you make a $10 or more purchase at participating locations, you’ll receive a sticker on your passport. Get five stickers and turn in your passport for your choice of a branded Love OLY gift, your pick of a scarf, deck of playing cards, or a journal. 500 Columbia’s own Cynara restaurant is one of the participating locations for Shop and Dine! Take a tour of Harbor Heights and be sure to get your passport stamped when you dine at Cynara afterward.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts

See the holiday season’s quintessential ballet performance at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The Nutcracker is presented by Ballet Northwest several weekends during the holiday season. See the events calendar for dates, times, and ticket information. While you are there, keep an eye out for SNOW! Rumor has it, there will be a 100% chance of snow before every performance through December 23^rd.

Olympia Farmers Market Holiday Market

While the growing season is winding down, things at the Olympia Farmers Market are gearing up for the holiday season. Seasonal items like wreaths and Christmas trees are arriving at the market, and our local vendors are bringing delicious items like baked goods, honey, cheese and meats for your holiday table. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be at the market on December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23 from noon to 2 pm. The jolly couple will be walking around the market handing out candy canes and spreading holiday cheer.

Complimentary Parking

Parking is easy and free during select weeks of the holiday season! Shop, dine, visit Harbor Heights, and take a walking tour with no parking fees or meters to worry over. Enjoy complimentary parking downtown from December 12-24, courtesy of the City of Olympia.

New Home for the Holidays

There’s always something fun and exciting going on in downtown Olympia, during the holiday season and beyond. Ready to experience sophisticated, urban living in the charming City of Olympia? We are offering special deals and incentives through the end of the year! Ask about our $1 move-in special, up to 2 months free rent for one-bedrooms, and free holiday gift with any move-in on or before December 31, 2021. We invite out-of-state guests to inquire about our Discovery Package, which includes special rates for lodging and dining.

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