Three Activities to Check out Before Summer Ends

The Seattle area has fun activities for families to do year-round, however the summer season, with its warmer temperatures and clearer skies, is a great time to check out local outdoor activities. Here are three unique area activities to check out before autumn begins!

Take a Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour 

Take a picturesque ferry ride to Friday Harbor to launch a sea kayak into Griffin Bay off San Juan Island for an evening bioluminescence kayak tour! Paddle among harbor seals and wait for the evening light show to begin. Sea creatures produce bioluminescent light most during late spring and early fall. Plan your trip around the new moon for best viewing opportunities.

Go Stargazing at Lake Wenatchee State Park 

Just a two-hour drive from Ten Trails, Lake Wenatchee State Park is far away from the Seattle area’s light pollution and an ideal spot for summer evening stargazing! The best views are from the beach area of the park looking northwest. On rare evenings, lucky stargazers may even be rewarded with views of the northern lights!

Drop a Note at Mailbox Peak 

Avid hikers may want to tackle the difficult ascent to reach Mailbox Peak before the summer season ends. At 9.4 miles roundtrip with a 4,000-foot elevation gain, this steep hike has been used by many would-be Mt. Rainier climbers as a training ground. The difficult journey is worth it, however, because hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views at the top along with an opportunity to place a note or object inside the mailbox that can be found at the trail’s summit. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043          

Signs it May be Time to Move 

Moving is a big decision and sometimes it can be hard to know when it is the right time to pack up your things and relocate your home. At Ten Trails, we talk to folks who are thinking of moving everyday and here are the most common reasons we hear why people are contemplating a move:

Lack of Space for How Your Family Functions

One of the most obvious tell-tale signs that it is time to move is when you no longer have room for your family’s things. Maybe you recently added to your family with a new baby or had a family member move in with you. Whatever the reason, when space gets tight in your home, it is time to find a bigger place.

Your Home Needs an Upgrade

The remodel versus move dilemma is one that many homeowners contemplate. As homes age, maintenance and upkeep can increase, and the home’s features may be out of style. Renovations typically take longer and are more expensive than homeowners anticipate, and many just do not want to deal with the hassle of having their home in disorder for long periods of time. That is why many homeowners opt to sell their aging home and upgrade to a new construction option like the homes found at Ten Trails.

Relocating for Work

With so many large corporations and employers based in the Seattle area, we meet a lot of folks who are relocating to the area for work. Moving for a job is one of the most common reasons for relocating to a new city, and many of our residents chose Ten Trails for their new hometown because of a work relocation.

Need to be Near Family Members

A desire to move to be closer to family members is an extremely common reason we hear about why people are looking to move. Raising children away from a family support system can be difficult, and many parents of young children opt to move to be closer to grandma or grandpa, or vice versa. Many families now are opting for multi-generational housing options like those found at Ten Trails. In these types of homes, there is a separate living space located within the larger home that is perfectly sized for grandparents or even older kids returning from college who want to live at home.

Need to Downsize 

Have a bunch of rooms in your home that you never use? Do you have a huge yard that takes you days to maintain during the spring and summer months? It might be time to downsize. Empty nesters often make the decision to move to a smaller, lower-maintenance home after their children have left the home. By downsizing, decluttering, and moving to a home that better suits your current needs, you will be able to spend more time doing what you love and less time cleaning and maintaining an empty house. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Ways To Support Your Local Community

In this time of change and uncertainty, it can seem overwhelming to take on one more thing. We have had to adjust to life where many of us work from home, or aren’t working at all. Many kids are being taught at home, and many of our favorite local restaurants and stores have restricted access for customers. The Black Diamond area thrives on the support of local residents so we thought we would make it easy for residents to find ways to give back to their local community – without having to do much research and while still adhering to safety precautions.

Order Takeout and Delivery from Local Restaurants 

The Black Diamond area has a ton of great local restaurants that are offering takeout! If you do not feel like venturing out, you can also request food be delivered to your home via GrubHub or UberEats. Even better, win $50 in FREE takeout by taking part in one of Ten Trails’ weekly contests! This week we are having a scavenger hunt. Find the hidden Flamingo Gnome and submit a photo of yourself with it to info@tentrails.com to be entered to win the prize.

Purchase Gift Cards from Local Businesses

Along with ordering food from your favorite local restaurants, add some gift cards to that purchase! Buying gift cards helps generate revenue for the business and affords you the opportunity to come back at another time to dine-in. These can be great gifts for others or for yourself, it makes a promise to the business that you will be back, and shows how much you appreciate them. The Black Diamond Community Center provides many needed services to the local community. They give school supplies and backpacks to local children, provide services and meals for seniors, and run a local food bank. You can support the Black Diamond Community Center by participating in some of their fundraisers like their most recent community Garage Sale. The Community Center also takes non-perishable food donations that can be dropped off at the Ten Trails Welcome Center donation bin located at the front of the building. For a list of needed items, visit their website.

Support the Historic Museum Depot

The Historical Museum Depot in nearby downtown Black Diamond was once the train station for the railroad that ran from the former Town of Franklin to Seattle. Today, the building is a repository for all things Black Diamond and offers a glimpse into the rich history of this beautiful city. The building is in need of some repairs and is running a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a new furnace. Consider donating to help this local treasure.

Write Positive Reviews for Local Businesses

If you cannot get out to your local businesses or afford to buy from them to show your support, consider writing a positive review for them! Utilize Yelp, Google, and the businesses’ social media pages to put in a good word. Good reviews not only positively impact the morale of business owners and their staff, but other customers are over 67% more likely to shop somewhere with good reviews.

Follow Local Businesses on Social Media

Another way to show your support from home is to follow local businesses’ social media pages. In today’s Covid-19 environment, many businesses are keeping customers informed largely through social media. With a bigger social media following, local businesses can stay in touch with their customer base and be more available to loyal customers for questions. While you are following local businesses, be sure to also follow, @TenTrails, for our updates! We post regularly to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com      

Find Floorplans with Desirable Home Features at Ten Trails 

Ten Trails features a wide variety of home plans and styles to fit families of all sizes! We have stylish and modern townhomes, duplexes, as well as single-family detached homes. Each of our builders offer homes with their own unique style and include many sought-after floorplan features like multi-generational floorplans, rambler plans, homes with master bedrooms on the main level, and homes featuring daylight basements.

Multi-Generational Living at Ten Trails 

Today’s families are increasingly more blended and the needs for family members are different when multiple generations are living under one roof. Ten Trails’ builder partner, Lennar, offers two multi-generational  floorplans in the community: the Bainbridge and the Camano plans.  Both homes come with a secondary space within the main home with its own kitchenette, living area, laundry closet, full bathroom, and separate entrance so family members can have their own privacy while still being part of the larger home.

Rambler Floorplans and Master Bedrooms on the Main Level

Many families prefer a home without any stairs for a variety of reasons. Navigating stairs can be tricky as people age, and having all the rooms on one level of a home can be more convenient. Rambler plans also typically feature high, vaulted ceilings making for a feeling of spaciousness and openness in the home. Ten Trails’ builder, JK Monarch, offers a rambler floorplan in the community. This 2,652-square foot home features three bedrooms plus a bonus room and a three-car tandem garage. Lennar also has a floorplan, the Westport, which is two stories, however the master bedroom, main living spaces and laundry room are all located on the first floor.

Daylight Basements 

Another sought-after feature in new home construction are homes with daylight basements. Sometimes referred to as “walk-out basements,” these rooms are flexible spaces that offer plenty of natural light and can be used for family recreation spaces, extra bedrooms, or home gyms. Having a third finished level to your home can increase property values and privacy for family members. At Ten Trails, Lennar offers several floorplans that feature daylight basements, including the Columbia plan, located in their East Village collection of homes. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Visit Ten Trails and Take Part in our Community Scavenger Hunt 

Since most of us will not be able to take any beach vacations this summer, we thought we would bring some beach-y fun to Ten Trails! We are hosting a weekly Scavenger Hunt contest throughout the month of August! Each week, find the hidden Flamingo Gnome somewhere at Ten Trails, take a socially distanced selfie with it, and send your photo to info@tentrails.com. Your emailed photo automatically enters you to win a  $50 gift card for local takeout!

New Hiding Spot Each Week 

Our beach-loving gnome will have a new hiding spot each week within the community! Look for it on your next stroll through the community and keep in mind he will be hidden somewhere within the community common areas – that is our parks, trails, rain gardens, fire pits, and community pathways. We ask that in order for this hunt to be as safe as possible, participants maintain social distancing when looking for the gnome, and avoid picking up or moving him when taking a selfie.

How to Enter to Win

Submit your photos by 5pm each Monday in August. We will randomly select a winner for the contest and announce it Wednesday on our Facebook page, @TenTrails. Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss out on any contest updates! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com      

Why You Might Want to Consider Purchasing a Home Now

While we are living in uncertain times, one thing has been made abundantly clear during stay-home orders, and that is the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s home. Read on to consider why buying a new home now may be a good idea for your family!

Low Interest Rates 

Thanks to historically low interest rates, buying your dream home may be more possible now than ever before! National mortgage interest rates have continued to lower over the past several months and are now hovering around 3.1%. If you are in the market for a new home, now may be a great time to buy!

A Clearer Idea of Needs

Spending more time at home has shown a big spotlight on what works – and what does not in our current homes. Maybe you need a home office space to continue to work from home? Or maybe you need faster internet for your work video calls? Or perhaps your kids need a loft area or playroom for keeping their toys tucked away? More time at home has given many of us much-needed insight into aspects of our homes that are not as functional as they could be.

Wide Variety of Home Choices at Ten Trails

Our brand new homes at Ten Trails offer plenty of space for your family to spread out while enjoying all the modern comforts of home like one-gigabit speed internet for streaming, gaming and video conferencing. Wi-Fi-enabled appliances and other features like Ring video doorbells and Nest thermostats come standard in many of the homes in the community. We also offer a wide variety of floorplans to suit all family sizes from modern townhomes to multi-generational homes and ramblers!

Schedule a Visit

Schedule your visit to tour the community today by visiting our website: www.TenTrails.com or call us at 360.469.4043. We would love to help you find a home that best suits your family’s needs!

Take a Day Trip from Your Ten Trails Home This Summer

Summer travel plans may have  changed this year, but luckily Ten Trails residents have access to some of the country’s most scenic and beautiful areas all within a day’s drive from the community. Read on to plan your family’s summer day trips!

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States and is known for its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a two-hour drive from Ten Trails to explore this city which includes a quaint downtown along with places for fishing, hiking and golfing.

Bainbridge Island 

Summertime is the perfect time to take a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island! Pier 52 in Seattle will take you on a quick 35-minute ferry ride by car or on foot to this gorgeous island. Once there, take a walk on the waterfront trail which begins at the park close to the ferry terminal. Visitors can opt for the two-mile western loop or the 1.5-mile eastern route. The latter takes hikers alongside the waterfront and forest, while the western trail runs along parks, restaurants, and historical sites.

Mount Rainier National Park

Just a short drive south of the community, Ten Trails residents can visit one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Most roads and trailheads within Mount Rainier National Park are now open for the summer season, however visitors’ centers, Paradise Inn, and facilities remain closed per guidance from the CDC and state, local and NPS public health officers. Be sure to pack your own lunch and plan your visit by checking the park’s website before heading out.

Olympic National Park 

Another Washington State-based National Park, the Olympic National Park, is located about two hours from Ten Trails and offers visitors access to top-rated hiking trails as well as a chance to take a stroll through one of the last temperate rainforests in the country. The Hoh Rainforest is a popular destination in the park due to its spectacular old-growth forest featuring Sitka spruce as well as western hemlock among a wide variety of other trees. Visit the park’s website prior to making the trip to learn how to recreate responsibly and what facilities and centers will be open for your visit.

Snoqualmie Falls

For a quick afternoon trip, take the family to nearby Snoqualmie Falls which is only 35 minutes from Ten Trails. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the state’s most popular attractions and, in addition the spectacular 270-foot waterfall, there is an outdoor upper observation deck as well as a trail that wanders through the two-acre park for visitors to explore. As of publication date of this post, the park’s restrooms and lower boardwalk are closed to the public. www.TenTrails.com 360-469.4043  

Explore our Beautiful State by Taking a Scenic Drive this Summer

Chuckanut Drive 

View the only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea on Chuckanut Drive! This 24-mile, curvy route follows along sandstone cliffs and offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound. Stop off on your drive to explore the must-see Oyster Dome hike followed by a meal of freshly-shucked oysters at the outdoor picnic tables at Taylor Shellfish Farm. (insert photo Oyster Dome hike views)

North Cascades Highway 

State Route 20, more commonly known as the North Cascades Highway, is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. This scenic byway offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas and is part of the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades. This route is only open seasonally due to snow and avalanche conditions, so take advantage of the drive while it is open for the summer season!

White Pass Scenic Byway 

Take a tour from west to east across the Cascades on the nationally recognized White Pass Scenic Byway. Aside from stunning views of the Cascades, the byway offers access to Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. There are also many recreational opportunities to take part in at stops on the byway including hiking fishing, camping and more! Be sure to check camp and park websites prior to visiting to make sure facilities are open.

Olympic National Park Loop

The Highway 101 Olympic National Park Loop covers more than 300 miles and offers stunning views and access to some of the state’s most popular attractions like Sol Duc Hot Springs, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent.

Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

This gorgeous 54-mile byway begins with a trip over the breathtaking Deception Pass Bridge and spans the length of Whidbey Island. Along the way, drivers will spot plenty of deer and wildlife, access to many beaches, and a glimpse of the Naval Air Station on the island. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Choose How you Want to Move to Ten Trails

Ten Trails is a new master planned community located in beautiful Black Diamond, WA. Tucked into the scenic Cascade foothills in southeastern King County, this growing community has several purchasing options for would-be homebuyers!  Our builders offer a wide variety of home sizes and styles with a couple of options for selecting the home of your dreams. Need a home now? Choose from a selection of gorgeous move-in ready homes in the community. Have some time before you need to move? Select the floorplan and homesite of your choosing and let our builders build the home that perfectly suits your family’s needs!

Choose from a Selection of Quick Move-in Homes 

Things happen and life can get complicated and not everyone has several months to wait for a home to be built before they can move. That is why many of our builders have a selection of move-in ready homes for homebuyers to choose from! If you are in need of a home today, contact our builders for a list of available current inventory, or chat with us live at TenTrails.com to learn more about homes that are available to purchase now in the community.

Select Your Lot and Floorplan and Build the Home of Your Dreams 

Several of our builders allow customers to choose their ideal floorplan and homesite to build the home of their dreams! Visit our builder models by scheduling a tour through our website or calling us at 360-469-4043 and find out the steps and timeline for building your family’s ideal home at Ten Trails. 360-469-4043 www.TenTrails.com            

Staying Connected at Ten Trails 

Whether it is saying hello to neighbors at one of our parks or amenities, checking in with one another during a community walk or having a virtual chat on our Facebook group, Ten Trails offers residents countless ways to connect even during this time of social distancing!

Ten Trails Community Amenities

Community amenities are not only a perk for our residents that enhance their lifestyle in this new master planned community, they are also a place for neighbors to see one another and say hello. Even while social distancing, our residents take advantage of our many community trails, parks, walking and biking paths. Residents have also been utilizing our community fire pits for intimate family gatherings during these warmer summer evenings.

Community Social Media Page

Our residents connect via social media on our resident-only Facebook group! Here, our HOA manager shares information about upcoming food trucks, community contests, updates and more! Meet your neighbors virtually and engage in community-related discussions all while using our community 1-gig internet!

Community Food Truck Events

Ten Trails is excited to get back to hosting our large-scale Hometown Social community events when it is safe to do so! Currently, we have been planning regular food truck events for our residents! Food trucks, kettle corn, or a coffee cart set up in the Welcome Center parking lot on select days and evenings for residents to get food to-go while social distancing with neighbors. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043