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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Take up a New Hobby or Become Reacquainted with Old Ones

Many people look forward to when they can spend less time working and more time enjoying the things they love, like treasured lifelong hobbies. Popular retirement activities at Harbor Heights include boating, which is convenient given the beautiful marina just steps from our front doors. Other residents enjoy activities like biking, kayaking, photography, and poker.  Retirement is also an ideal time to take up a new hobby and keep your brain active and sharp by learning new activities and skills.

Spend More Time in Nature

Studies show that more time spent outdoors leads to reduced levels of depression and anxiety. Due to its prime location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Harbor Heights offers plenty of opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy nature. The community’s location right on Budd Bay is ideal for spending time on and near the water. Nearby outdoor attractions include beautiful Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, where residents enjoy strolls along the trails and boardwalk while viewing local wildlife.

Get More Involved in Your Local Community

Staying active and engaged in the community around you is another excellent way to make the most of your retirement years. According to aging expert Dr. Joe Casciani, having an active social life helps give people the opportunity to keep moving forward and stay optimistic about the future. Living at Harbor Heights amid thriving downtown Olympia gives residents ample opportunities to connect with others through volunteer activities or some of the local community organizations like Senior Services for South Sound or Concern for Animals.  

Explore the Arts

Olympia has a thriving arts community, and many Harbor Heights residents enjoy access to ample culture right outside their doorstep. The OLY ARTS local publication is an informative guide and a great place to start if you are considering adding more arts and cultural activities to your retirement life.

Take a Tour and Learn More

Visit us at Harbor Heights and see if active, 55+ living is a good fit for you! We have studio through 3-bedroom residences and offer special discounted monthly rents for certain leases and residences if a lease is signed within one week of touring. Contact us to learn more! 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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Gold Mountain Golf Club

Gold Mountain Golf Club offers championship golf with both public tee times and memberships available. The course has garnered impressive awards and is well-known as one of the finest municipally-owned golf courses in the country. Gold Mountain been the site of the US Junior Amateur Championship and the 2015 NCAA Men’s Regional Championship. Beginner golfers to experts will find the course equally as enjoyable with varied terrain for play. Gold Mountain Golf Club is located just a short drive from Harbor Heights in nearby Bremerton.

McCormick Wood Golf Club

Harbor Heights residents can enjoy discounted play at McCormick Woods Golf Club, one of Washington’s premier public courses. At each of the course’s 18 holes, there are five tee placements, making the course accessible for players of all skill levels. McCormick is ideal to play in the spring as its serene location, built per Audubon Society guidelines, makes a tranquil setting for a day out with your Harbor Heights resident neighbors.

North Shore Golf Club

Located just a quick drive from Harbor Heights in historic northeast Tacoma, North Shore Golf Club is ideal for a springtime morning tee time. The course has been around for more than five decades and offers challenging play in a well-kept natural environment. In addition to the course, North Shore has a covered and open grass driving range facility, a chipping green, and two putting greens so you can perfect your put or swing before heading out for a day on the course.

Take a Tour and Learn More

Residents of Harbor Heights can find information on making reservations using their PERKS on the Harbor Heights website Resident Portal. If you’re not yet a resident of Harbor Heights and want to learn more about resident PERKS, active adult living, or “right-sizing” your life, contact us to learn more. Take a tour of our new apartment building in downtown Olympia and learn about how active 55+ living can benefit you. Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

The post Swing into Spring at One of the Many Fantastic, Local Golf Course appeared first on Harbor Heights Blog.

Take Advantage of Your Resident PERKS

Take a trip this spring and explore somewhere new using your resident PERKS. Residents of Harbor Heights are invited to enjoy benefits at all participating Columbia Hospitality hotels, resorts, distinctive venues, and golf courses. Benefits include exclusive discounts and complimentary upgrades that can add up to a ton of savings if travel is on your agenda this spring. Not yet a resident? To learn more about the PERKS of being a resident at Harbor Heights, inquire during your tour. 
 

Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife

Residents can get up close and personal with wildlife at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located just an hour drive from Harbor Heights. Connect with native, northwest environment with safe, fun activities suitable for all ages. Tour options include walking, driving, and guided tours, and there are plenty of activities to do if you opt to bring the grandkids. Northwest Trek is committed to conservation efforts and protecting the local wildlife and environment and offers options to volunteer for those seeking to become more involved in conservation efforts.  

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Even if you are well-adept at cooking, there are always new skills and recipes to learn to keep things interesting in the kitchen. One of the benefits of the virtual environment we have all been living through the past two years is that options for virtual learning are more plentiful than ever before. Whether you want to learn French pastry from a chef in Versailles or are determined to master Korean cuisine, there are many online courses available.

Try Sprouting Seedlings Indoors

While we wait for the warmth and sunshine of spring, bring the outdoors inside by starting herb seed sprouts indoors. When the threat of frost is over, transfer the seedlings to the Harbor Heights community herb patches located on the Sky Terrace. Some herbs that are among the easiest to grow from seed are basil, mint, parsley, chives, and dill. If you are new to gardening, check out this website for a quick guide to indoor seed starting. 

Take a Tour and Learn More

Schedule a tour and learn more about how active 55+ living can benefit you. Click here to schedule a tour. 
833.464.5053

The post Break out of the Routine and Try Something Completely New this Spring appeared first on Harbor Heights Blog.

As the Pacific Northwest weather turns a gorgeous gray and rains come to visit more often, our residents are taking their adventures outdoors to embrace the elements and experience different climates for some fun winter weekend getaways. In addition to the many on-site luxuries included with the lifestyle at Harbor Heights, our residents receive additional benefits when they choose to travel from their home. Residents of Harbor Heights are welcomed as members of  Columbia Hospitality PERKS program. As a PERKS member, your once-ordinary experiences are made extraordinary. From savings on stunning hotels and resorts across the country, to discounts on green fees at some of the finest golf courses and culinary adventures at renowned restaurants, our members experience the best. What better way to utilize your PERKs membership status than booking a winter getaway? Enjoy a change of scenery or embrace a spa retreat at local, award-winning hotels and properties.

Let Alta Crystal Resort be your Launchpad for Snow Sports

Enjoy a snow sports getaway at nearby Alta Crystal Resort, the closest accommodations to the Sunrise entrance to Mount Rainier National Park and just under 12 miles to Crystal Mountain Resort. Crystal Mountain has the highest elevation of any ski resorts in the area with the best views of Mount Rainier. Enjoy 2,600 acres of skiable trails or check out the snowshoeing options. Harbor Heights residents can enjoy a Gondola ride to the Summit House restaurant for a meal with sweeping views. Alta Crystal resort offers discounts for PERKS members and has a variety of cabin options for guests to choose from, including some that are pet-friendly or have private hot tubs.
 

Enjoy a Bavarian-Themed Winter Getaway

Take a road trip to the charming Icicle Village Resort. This resort provides an idyllic place for families, couples, and friends to escape and enjoy the expansive outdoors with comfortable guestrooms, a rejuvenating spa, and a Northwest-inspired menu in the restaurant. Enjoy the heated pool and game room and all the endless activities that Leavenworth offers, all within walking distance. The resort has all the comforts of your Harbor Heights home, plus complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Explore Sun Valley

Sun Valley, Idaho is a lovely destination any time of year, but is particularly beautiful in the winter months. Harbor Heights residents can enjoy discounted lodging when visiting Knob Hill Inn where included on-site amenities include a heated pool, hot tub, and sauna as well as a full-service restaurant. When you want to venture off the property, Knob Hill Inn provides on-demand transportation throughout Sun Valley and Ketchum so you can experience all the area’s shopping, dining, winter sports, and sightseeing. 

Escape the Winter in Sunny Palm Springs

Hop on a plane and take a break from winter weather by visiting Hotel ZOSO in sunny Palm Springs! This Columbia-managed property has all your Palm Springs vacation needs under one roof. Ideally located in the epicenter of the city, enjoy strolling to local restaurants, shops, galleries, and live entertainment. The sleek guestrooms provide all the comfort and style for the perfect getaway, including spectacular desert mountain views or VIP access to the pool.

PERKS Members Benefits

To explore all the benefits of your PERKS membership, inquire with our Harbor Heights Staff. Not yet a resident of Harbor Heights? Ready to Explore Harbor Heights in Olympia? Click here to schedule a tour and learn what awaits you in active 55+ waterfront living.

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Feed Your Foodie Soul

Olympia is full of unique restaurants, local produce, and lively hangouts. Whether you’re looking for an area to find the best produce, the freshest seafood in town, or a romantic dinner with your special someone, there’s something for every occasion.

• Cynara 
  Luckily for us, we have several delicious dining options steps away from Harbor Heights. Cynara Restaurant & Lounge is one of the favorite options, especially for resident Libby. Serving up regionally sourced seafood, produce, and spirits, they are conveniently located on our building's first floor at 500 Columbia.
• Olympia Farmers Market
  The Olympia Farmers Market is right around the corner from Harbor Heights, open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10 am – 3 pm. With over 100 local vendors, an estimated 400,000 visitors per year, it is the perfect local excursion to grab a lunchtime snack, pick up some fresh produce or search for a special artisan gift.
• Olympia Oyster House
  Located in the same building where the native Olympia Oysters were culled in 1859, The Olympia Oyster House is the perfect spot for fresh coastal cuisine. The fun and casual atmosphere is a favorite of residents Sally and Jim.
• Budd Bay Café
  Budd Bay Cafe has been an iconic Percival Landing restaurant since 1988 and is locally owned. Both owners proudly live in Olympia and have a proven recipe for success. They offer varied menu selections with fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a gorgeous waterfront atmosphere.
• Gardner’s Restaurant
  Gardner’s is a local favorite place to dine in Olympia. They strive to use fresh and seasonal ingredients. Everything is created from scratch, including soups and sauces to an abundance of desserts. Resident Marcia is a huge fan of Gardner’s and highly recommends their scallops!

Get Active

There are plenty of options for our more adventurous residents looking for an activity that gets them outside this summer. From a day on the water to trying a few sunny weathered sports, there’s no shortage of outdoor endeavors.

• Tugboat Annie’s Kayak Rentals
  Offering convenient and affordable rentals, Tugboat Annie's lets you adventure around the Puget Sound in a truly Pacific Northwest fashion. Stop in the restaurant afterward for delicious burgers, seafood, and shakes!
• Olympia Country & Golf Club
  Tee up at Olympia's 18-hole champion course with incredible views overlooking Budd Inlet. With membership options to use the clubhouse, pool, and dock, in addition to a pro shop and dining options, Olympia Country & Golf Club can provide an entire day full of activities.
• Woodruff Park
  With over two acres, Woodruff Park is home to basketball, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a grass volleyball court, perfect for picking up a new sport or brushing up on an old one. After a challenging match, set up for a day of relaxation or sunny lunch in the picnic areas.

A Walk in the Park

Whether a quick stroll or a picnic lunch, the parks in Olympia are perfect for a day of soaking up the sun. Explore the nearby trails with a more rigorous hike then pick a grassy spot for reading a book in one of the beautiful public parks.  

• Watershed Park
  Although there are many beautiful locations nearby to hike, Watershed Park is a temperate rainforest public park with fantastic trails for all experience levels. Spring branches braid through the skunk cabbages, and salmonberries lead to Moxlie Creek Springs Basin, one of the largest spring basins in the region.
• Percival Landing Park
  Located across from Harbor Heights on the east side of Budd Bay on the southernmost tip of Puget Sound, Percival Landing Park is a hub for gatherings, social interaction, and public celebrations. It not only contributes to the economic vitality of the central business district, but also holds historical and cultural significance to the community. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy the art walk with local art and galleries, along with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains!

The activities are truly endless within minutes of your condo. From finding a new local dining hangout, exploring the outdoors in your hiking boots, or playing a round of golf, the opportunities are all within minutes. With summer on the horizon, our expert team at Harbor Heights is here to guide you in all your Olympia adventures.

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