3 Activities Perfect for Couples at Orion Apartments

neon love sign

A romantic getaway is always within reach at Orion. Whether by taking to the streets of Oakland or enjoying the amenities indoors, exciting activities are available for every couple. The real question is, what will you do first?

Food for Everyone’s Tastes

Situated nearby Oakland’s Chinatown, Orion has a robust selection of Asian cuisine within walking distance. Enjoy sushi and bubble tea for lunch at Poke Zone. Or drive down to Alameda for a 3-course meal at Alley & Vine — prepared with the freshest produce and seafood California has to offer.

A Night To Remember

Finding entertainment for two in Oakland is as easy as stating a preference. Want to mingle with the locals, complete with a cocktail in hand? Check out Mad Oak. There’s always something new to try with weekly trivia nights and stand-up performances with weekly trivia nights. If you’re looking for something more high-energy, Emporium’s arcade bar stocked with video games, pinball machines, and craft beer on draft will keep you both entertained for hours.

Find Your Comfort Zone

Introverts don’t have to flee the nest to find something fun to do at Orion. Residents have full access to a fitness center and bike maintenance station to satisfy an exercise itch. Or relax with a couple’s board game night. It’s Your Move in Temescal has everything from childhood classics like Checkers to fantasy adventurers like Fight for Olympus.

Enjoying Oakland’s Activities

Oakland is constantly evolving. Consistent development brings new people and businesses flocking to the city every day. If you can dream it, the city has it. Orion is a place to make new memories as a resident and a couple. With February 14th approaching soon, get your list of Valentine’s Day activities ready. Food, nightlife, and indoor fun are available anywhere you look at Orion.

How To Survive The Heatwaves In Your Oakland Apartment

Orion apartment interior

Are you struggling to find apartment living that’s both reasonably priced and allows you to survive Oakland, CA’s heatwaves? This quick guide will show you how to lower your utilities while making the hot weather bearable when you live in Orion.

Enjoy Our Outdoor Amenities

At Orion, luxury community amenities are all you will need to conquer Oakland’s summer. A rooftop deck along with lounges on the 3rd and 7th floors will let you throw summer gatherings in style or relax as you watch summer sunsets with your friends. BBQ areas on the podium and roof decks are also great escapes for that summer cookout you’ve been planning. Orion’s common spaces are a great place to get together and stay calm.

Rental-Friendly Ways to Cool Down Your Home

If your summer utility bills are high, there are a few ways you can quickly mitigate that. Hanging up blackout curtains will keep your rooms dark for sleeping. They will also keep your rooms cool and comfortable. This is essential for regulating the temperature inside without adjusting the thermostat. Using ceiling fans can also make sure cool air flows between rooms, keeping your apartment a pleasant, even, and comfortable temperature.

Local Attractions That Will Help You Keep Cool

When you live in Orion luxury apartments, Oakland’s local attractions are a great way to enjoy summer. Located waterfront near the Brooklyn Basin, you’re also within driving distance to Lake Merritt, home to local wildlife and community gardens. Additionally, you’ll find South Shore Center, a shopping mall filled with retailers and eateries that will help you stay cool in the heat.

Summer living in Oakland is made easy when you live at Orion, with low utilities in a great community. Check us out to see how you can school summer in Oakland.

Summertime Near Orion Apartments

Oakland theatre in California

Enjoy Everything Our City Has to Offer

Located in Oakland, one of California’s most diverse cities, Orion Apartments is surrounded by many excellent restaurants. Our favorite is Portal, a gastropub offering a diverse menu featuring classic American food and unique cocktails. Perfectly located in the Brooklyn Basin neighborhood, the waterfront isn’t far away, allowing for summer days to be spent taking in the beautiful nautical sights and exploring the bayside area dining and entertainment options located in Jack London Square.

Family-Friendly Weekend Ideas

Spending the summer with your family while staying at the Orion Apartments can be very fun, especially during the weekend. With so many outdoor activities to partake in, there is sure to be something that will satisfy you and your family’s taste for fun in the sun. Waterfront areas, such as Estuary Park, offer an entertaining way to spend time sightseeing and indulging in oceanic activities with your relatives. And, educational institutions such as the Oakland Museum of California provide mind-enriching activities for you and your loved ones to participate in while enjoying your summer days together.

Hosting at Your Apartment

When hosting at your Orion Apartment, your guests are sure to have a great time. With multiple BBQ areas located on the property, you can invite your friends and family to enjoy tasty culinary creations. Head over to the landscaped Podium courtyard and enjoy a hot summer day. Or explore high above the city of Oakland atop the beautiful rooftop deck. Many of the lounges are now open for social gatherings. Check out the third level of the Orion has a kitchen and bar area within the lounge.

Summertime fun is one of the many perks of living at the Orion. Your family and friends will love spending their summer days with you; whether exploring the local neighborhood together or in your shoreline apartment.

 

With summer in full force, there’s no better time to explore Oakland, California, in your metropolitan Park Fifth Tower Apartments. 

Getting A Good Night’s Rest at Orion

A dream catcher against sunlight

A good night’s sleep is essential to a healthy life overall. For many of us, a good night’s sleep is something we only dream about. Instead of tossing and turning each night, use these helpful tips in your Oakland apartments to assist you in catching some Z’s.

  1. Choose soothing muted color tones like white, beige, brown, and plant-inspired greens. These colors are known to encourage good sleep. They also add to claiming atmosphere!
  2. Space and airflow are important to a good night’s rest. Invest in a king-sized bed and mattress so that you have plenty of room while you sleep. Here are some tips for purchasing a new mattress!
  3. Invest in a good pillow! A good pillow helps you keep proper alignment of your neck and back, giving you a better night’s sleep! Here are some tips for purchasing the right pillow for your sleep style.
  4. Remove electronic devices and laptops from your bedroom at night. Yes, that means your phone!
  5. Keep your Orion apartment’s temperature on the cool side by using their central air conditioning. Experts recommend temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees for a restful night’s sleep.
  6. Clean and declutter your bedroom. Put your day’s clothing away each night. This not only creates a calming environment but helps you put the day’s troubles away. A messy bedroom can cause anxiety and impact your night’s rest.
  7. Wood elements create soothing, calming energy which encourages sleep!
  8. Keep your room dark while you are sleeping. Your body’s circadian rhythm will respond to darkness making your internal clock tell your body it is time to go to sleep!
  9. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption several hours before you go to bed for the night.

Creating a sleep sanctuary in the bedroom of your luxury Orion apartment in Oakland to have you catching Z’s instead of counting sheep!

 

Summertime Fun in Oakland

summertime fun in OaklandLiving in your Oakland apartment at Orion means that you get to live in one of the hippest places in Northern California. Great restaurants, local bars, nearby wineries, performing venues, and artists’ galleries in renovated storefronts, are all great ways to enjoy the summer.

Summertime at your Orion apartments means you do not even need to leave the community. Get summertime ready in the fitness center. Wash your pet after a walk or hike at these dog-friendly trails. The outdoor hot tub is the perfect way to relax after a long day with friends. 

You can also check out the local music scene at one of these small music venues. After a year of Netflix and Hulu, won’t it be nice to get out and catch the latest movie at The Regal Jack London Movie Theater.

With a biking rating of over 96, you know that Oakland is the perfect place to go for a bike ride. You can store your bikes in the conveniently located racks at your Oakland apartment. Then enjoy one of the many bike trails in your area.

Take the nearby BART to explore California’s infamous Redwoods Forest or perhaps to enjoy a day of wine tasting. Another great option is to head to Chinatown for great dining and shopping. Located, just minutes from your Oakland apartment, this is the perfect summertime activity.

Summer afternoons and evenings are the perfect time to visit Jack London Square. An entertainment destination on the waterfront located just minutes from your Oakland apartment. Named after the well-renowned author, Jack London, it is the home of some great stores, restaurants, hotels, an Amtrak station, and the San Francisco Bay Ferry dock.

Summertime at your Oakland apartment at Orion provides you with so many options to dine, relax, unwind, and explore. 

Create Harmonious Energy to Your Oakland Apartment

Living in an environment that is harmonious and peaceful is more important than ever. Why not incorporate some principles of Feng Shui into your Oakland apartment for a perfectly balanced and peaceful space.

Oakland ApartmentWhat is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art. The words mean “wind” “water”. Both these elements are associated with good luck and good health. 

Follow these tips to bring good luck and good health into your space.

Remove Any Obstacles

Try to think about the most frequent routes and how you move through your apartment. Rearrange any obstacles, furniture, or other items that might interfere with a natural flow.

Add Plants

Plants embody life energy, so they will add freshness, energy, and vitality to your Oakland apartment. 

To create good energy, Chi, you should incorporate these plants into your apartment’s decor.

  • Lucky Bamboo
  • Peace Lily
  • Ficus
  • Rubber Plant
  • English Ivy
  • Palm
  • Boston Fern
  • Philodendron
  • Spider Plant

Incorporate Metal Elements

Adding metal elements to your apartment is a great way to calming and balancing energies. It can help with productivity as well. So, a desk with metal elements is ideal for those of us working from home. You can also bring in metal elements with some decorative bowls, statues, or small sculptures.

Add Water to Your Apartment

Water is a key element to introducing Feng Shui into your apartment in Oakland. Consider adding a tabletop water fountain or artwork with water. 

Add Soothing Materials and Color

Calming materials and soothing colors are important elements for creating a serene atmosphere.

By using natural bedding and eco-friendly materials like bamboo for sheets, towels, pillows, and bed linens, your bedroom will feel soothing.

Choose soothing, muted color tones like green, beige, and brown will add style and serenity to any room in your apartment. Use these colors in accessories, artwork, rugs, and dinnerware.

These easy-to-follow Feng Shui principles can add peace, calmness, and harmony to your luxury Orion Oakland apartment.

 

Green Cleaning Tips for Your Oakland Apartment

The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and the grass is getting greener. That must mean it is time to spring clean your Oakland apartment.

These easy Go Green tips will help keep both the environment and your apartment clean!

Reduce Your Water Consumption

Water is one of the earth’s most precious natural resources, but we often take it for granted; taking long showers, leaving the water running while we do the dishes, wash your face or brush our teeth. According to the EPA, bathroom faucets run at about 2 gallons of water a minute. By turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and shave, you can save hundreds of gallons a month.

Showering accounts for almost 17% of our indoor water use. You can save water by replacing your regular showerhead with a low flow showerhead. Consider shortening your showering time to further help reduce water consumption.

Place a bowl under your colander while cleaning vegetables and use it to water plants in your home or patio.

Down the Drain

Many of our household cleaners include products that while they help you 

clean, can make it into our water system and are having an increasingly alarming effect on 

aquatic plant and fish life. Before you pick up those scrubbing bubbles and toilet or shower cleaner, 

why not consider looking in your pantry for some staples that will help keep your Oakland apartment 

and the environment is clean!

Mirror and Surface Cleaner

You can keep your mirrors, windows, faucets and surfaces clean by combining ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap, ¼ cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle for a great alternative to toxic cleaners that also helps reduce waste by reusing the spray bottle.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Many all-purpose cleaners contain harmful ingredients that will make it into our water system and our air. Instead try this DIY aromatic all-purpose cleaner.

Combine one-part white vinegar, one-part water, lemon rind and rosemary sprigs and let infuse for a week before using. Once it is done you can add to a spray bottle and use to clean counters, trash cans, toilets and everyday smudges.

These clean, eco-friendly cleaning products can go a long way to reduce pollution and keep your Orion apartment in Oakland clean and green!

 

Make Your Oakland Apartment Cozy

apartment in oaklandYou love your apartment in Oakland, but you have been looking for ways to add things that make you remind you of home. Whether it is scents, light, textures, or rugs … it is easy to bring them into your own apartment and make it feel warm, cozy and comfortable.

Here are some great ways to add warmth and comfort to your Orion Oakland apartment.

General:

  • Use floor and table lamps instead of harsh overhead lighting.
  • Use plush area rugs to warm your feet and add style to your apartment.
  • Light candles for no reason but remember to blow them out.
  • Hang art or photos of friends and family.
  • Bring the outdoors in with easy to grow houseplants. (If you do not have a green thumb, there are some great faux plants available. 

Bedrooms:

  • Replace your bedding with luxurious and warm bedding.
  • Add a thick and cozy rug by the side of your bed so you will feel warm and cozy from the moment you wake up.
  • Display important mementos close by, placed on your dresser or shelving. 

Bedrooms: 

  • Replace old or dingy towels for new oversized fluffy ones. 
  • Add bath mats to keep your feet from getting cold after you come out of the shower.

Kitchen:

  • Ask a relative for the recipe to one of your favorite childhood dishes.
  • Bake cookies (store-bought dough is fine!) and display them on your counter.
  • Wipe down your countertops with a good-smelling cleaning product.
  • Brew coffee in the morning and let the cozy aroma ease you into your day.

Living Space:

  • Add layers of pillows in warm, soothing colors like red, orange, or caramel. 
  • Invest in a few throw blankets for your sofa and living room.
  • Bring in some wood elements like a wood table or shelf. 

In no time your Oakland apartment will feel warm, inviting and cozy.

 

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Support Local

Apartment in OaklandSay good riddance to 2020 by resolving to area businesses. From local restaurants to area artisans and artists, to plants, furniture, and home décor to brighten your apartment in Oakland, supporting local businesses is easy!

Local Restaurants 

Take a break from cooking and order takeout from one of these locally-owned restaurants near your apartment.

Delage

Delage is an upscale Japanese restaurant that made the pivot to takeout. Order online and walk to pick it up. Delage also sells wine and Sake to go. Stop by the Umami Mart to pick up some Sake cups to enjoy at home.

The Cook and Her Farmer

Locally owned and inspired by the sea and seasonal produce, The Cook and Her Farmer serve fresh and inspirational dishes, all available for pickup! It is located just minutes from your Orion apartment.

Support a Local Artist

Bay Made on Lake Shore Avenue is a woman and artist-owned gift and souvenir shop with local products and artwork. Decorate a wall in your apartment with a painting from a local artist or pick up some soap, furniture, or pottery!

FLAX art and design

Feeling inspired? Why not check out FLAX art and design. This family-owned arts and crafts store has over 10,000 square feet of art supplies. From DIY art kits to puzzles, paint by number kits, and other supplies, bring out your inner artist this year and support a local business. Their retail stores are open, and they offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Go Green

Bring some green into your apartment in Oakland with a houseplant, tree, cactus, or garden container. These locally owned plant stores have everything you need to add some life to any room.

Broadway Terrace Nursery
4340 Clarewood Drive
Oakland, CA
Website

Dry Garden Nursery
6556 Shattuck Ave
Website

Brother & Sisters Flower Shop
3265 Grand Avenue
Website

Supporting local businesses and the community are great New Year’s resolutions and just happen to be good ways to brighten up your Oakland apartment.

Celebrating the Holidays in Oakland

Celebrating the holidays in Oakland, California 2020 might be a bit different this year, but that does not mean that it can’t be merry and bright! Check out some of the events, virtual concerts, holiday displays, and places to shop near your Oakland apartment this holiday.

Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland

Fairyland turns into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, multi-cultural holiday displays, a place for kids to leave a letter to Santa and a physically distanced Festival of lights.

The event is located at Children’s Fairyland at 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland and is open through December 30th.

Check out their website for more information and to purchase tickets for this fun, family-friendly event.

Holiday Lights

The Bay Area really shines when the holidays come around and this year will be brighter than ever. From neighborhoods in Berkley and Oakland, to temples, and tree lightings, here is a list of the best holiday displays near your Orion apartment.

Shop Local This Holiday Season

It’s tempting to do all of your holiday shopping online, but local businesses need your support this year. From local artists selling jewelry, pottery, and art to specialty shops that sell books, cookware and other items, you will find some unique gift ideas when you shop in downtown Oakland. Here are some great shopping ideas that will make even the biggest Grinch smile this holiday season.

Glowfari

The Oakland Zoo will hold an Illuminating Lantern Festival this year, called Glowfari. This will take the place of their annual Zoolights and will include animal themed illuminated lanterns.

Tickets are required and may be purchased on their website.

14th annual Posada Navideña Virtual

Join Calidanza for an online Celebration of Christmas this year. You will experience the songs and traditions of Mexico from the safety of your own Oakland apartment. Presented by the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Los Cien Sonoma County Latino Leaders, this virtual even is free. Find out more information here.

Celebrating the holidays in Oakland with these virtual and safe-distancing events will surely get you in the holiday spirit.