Break out of the Routine this Winter and Try Something Completely New

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended lives across the country and many of us are struggling to find ways to break out of the monotony that can come with many days spent at home, with limited options for socializing. Here are a few ideas of new things you and the family can try this winter to help break up your normal routines!

Go on a Dogsledding Adventure 

Northwest Dogsledding Adventures offers one-hour, seven-mile tours through snowy wilderness with their eager team of 12 dogs. The pack can run up to 20 miles per hour while guests kick back under blankets and enjoy the ride and views. Northwest Dogsledding Adventures is now taking reservations for weekend-only tours through March 31^st, 2021. The cost is $165 for adults and $110 for children under 80 pounds. For more information, visit their website.

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Cooking is a wonderful skill for anyone to master, and it is a great idea to foster a love of cooking in kids from a young age. Even if you are an adult who is well-adept at cooking, there are always new skills and recipes to learn to keep things interesting in the kitchen! Famous Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, is now offering virtual cooking classes through his company for families or larger groups. Seattle Cucina is also offering virtual classes geared specifically for kids of all ages. You can browse their many class offerings on their website.

Try Sprouting Seedlings Indoors

While we wait for the warmth and sunshine of spring, bring the outdoors inside by starting seed sprouts indoors. When the threat of frost is over, the whole family can enjoy transplanting the new baby plants to an outdoor garden or to a rented garden space in Ten Trails’ pea patches! Some plants that are among the easiest to grow from seed are pumpkins, sunflowers, lettuces, and squash. For information on how to start seeds indoors, check out this website. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com    

Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums

As we settle into the post-holiday season, many of us experience a seasonal mood shift. With this winter being especially unique due to Covid-19, it can be more difficult to find ways to break out of a dull winter mood. Here are a few tips for keeping the winter blues at bay until we welcome spring in a few months:

Find Time to Take a Walk in Nature

Many studies of longer (60-90 minute) and shorter walks (15 minutes) in a natural setting have shown that participants benefit after from a lower heart rate, lower fight-or-flight response, and feelings of being more relaxed. Walks in nature have also been shown to boost memory and decrease feelings of anxiety. Walks in urban settings are not shown to provide the same benefits. Ten Trails is located close to area hiking trails and many state and regional parks, giving you ample opportunities to get outside in nature. You do not need to even leave the community to benefit from a walk in nature, however! Our community nature trails are the perfect place for a daily stroll.

Listen to Music that Lifts Your Mood 

Scientific studies show that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, including improving mood, decreasing anxiety, and helping stress management. Our brains associate specific pieces of music with certain happy memories and music has also been shown to have an effect on the release of dopamine in our brains. Next time you are feeling the winter blahs, put on a song that you remember listening to during a happy time like your wedding, graduation, or a favorite concert and see if it shifts your outlook.

Schedule Daily Exercise

The health benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical! Numerous studies have shown that exercise has a positive impact on mood. Proposed theories are due to exercise’s impact on blood circulation and the resulting influence on the brain and HPA axis. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins in the body which produces a feeling of well-being. This feeling is often commonly referred to as a  “runner’s high.” Ten Trails has many paved paths and nature trails that are ideal for use for daily exercise like jogging, walking, or biking. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Spend Time Outdoors this Winter Getting to Know Your Local Area 

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many of us to get more familiar with our local area than ever before. Many of us are taking more walks, exploring the areas around our homes, and sticking close to home this holiday season instead of traveling. The Pacific Northwest’s winter weather can make it challenging to take pleasure in the outdoors, but many activities can be enjoyed if you have the appropriate outdoor gear.

Snowshoe Local Trails

Take a day trip to local trails for some time spent outdoors snowshoeing. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing requires little skill and the equipment is relatively affordable.  Local trails like Gold Creek Pond are ideal for beginning snowshoers as are the trails at Crystal Mountain Resort. For more of  a challenge, take a trip south to Mount Rainier National Park to tackle Reflection or Louise Lake Trails.

Local Ski Resorts Open with Some Restrictions 

Local ski resorts like nearby Crystal Mountain Resort or The Summit at Snoqualmie are open for skiers to enjoy the slopes with some restrictions. Face coverings are required, and each resort has a set of guidelines for skiers and snowboarders to follow during their visit–including reservations required at Crystal Mountain. Visit Crystal Mountain’s website prior to your trip to make your reservation and review guidelines as well as The Summit at Snoqualmie’s site before heading out.

Take a low-level Hike or Nature Walk 

Lower elevation hikes like Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Renton are ideal for the winter months! No special snow gear is required, just sturdy hiking boots and maybe a rain jacket. Other great options close to Ten Trails are Lord Hill Loop and Boulder Garden Loop. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Take Time for Self-Care this Holiday Season

Taking time to care for oneself may seem counterintuitive when there is so much to do in a day with busy families juggling home-schooling, working from home, and the daily stress of a pandemic, but self-care is more important now than ever! If you do not take time for yourself, you cannot be of service to others. Striking this delicate balance is important, especially during the busy holiday season.

Spend Time in Nature

Getting outdoors is one of the best ways to relieve stress and decompress. At Ten Trails, our residents have easy access to the outdoors via our network of community nature trails along with our many outdoor parks and walking paths.

Stream Your Favorite Show Via One-Gig Internet

Everyone has that one television program or film that only they enjoy out of everyone in their household. Make viewing time “me” time by scheduling a special time to view it solo. Thanks to the one-gig, ultra-fast internet at Ten Trails through Wave, streaming your favorite programs is easier than ever.

Find Time for Daily Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and a healthy way to care for oneself! Balance the overindulgence that comes with the holiday season with making time every day to move your body. Even if you do not have a home gym, Ten Trails has options for you to exercise using our community amenities like our many biking lanes and jogging pathways.

Connect with Others 

The term “social distancing” is commonly used in our society when referring to pandemic guidelines, however what we really are required to do is keep physical distance from one another. This means you can be as social as you need to be for your self-care needs as long as you do it safely and remotely! Schedule a video call with a friend, coordinate a virtual book club or plan a holiday party over Zoom. There are so many creative ways to connect virtually these days to help us all maintain our sanity and foster important connections, especially during this time of year.   www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Visit Ten Trails this Holiday Season to See our Community Lights Display 

Ten Trails is once again asking residents to take part in a holiday lights competition! Visit the community any evening from December 12^th through January 1^st to see many homes and much of the community lit up – including our huge Christmas tree in the Village Green!

Get a Map to Tour the Community Lights

Click here to access a map of a suggested route to tour our holiday lights or find one on our Facebook page. Want to share in the fun? Take a photo, post it to Facebook or Instagram and tag us, @TenTrails and tell us which house’s lights are your favorite!

Past Holiday Lights Celebrations in the Community

Click here for a link to view a video from last year’s Christmas tree lighting event in the community! We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the community for this fun gathering when it is safe to do so. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Beat Cabin Fever with These Winter Outdoor Activities 

Too many winter months trapped indoors can make even the happiest of households a little stir crazy. Luckily, the area around Ten Trails offers ample opportunities to get outside during the winter months and enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities the Pacific Northwest is well-known for!

Soak up Thermal Waters in Washington Hot Springs

Washington State is home to many natural hot springs, some primitive and some part of larger resorts. Within a day’s drive from Ten Trails, families can visit  Carson Hot Springs, located near the Oregon border where an authentic bathhouse and hotel accommodations make for a relaxing winter weekend.  Beginning March 20^th, families can head to Olympic National Park to visit Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. This seasonal resort offers cabins for rent and several outdoor thermal soaking pools for visitors to enjoy.

Wildlife at Oak Creek Feeding Area 

Watch winter feeding of elk and bighorn sheep at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in nearby Naches. A program run through the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, this supplemental winter feeding program helps to maintain the Yakima elk herd which roam the state lands during the winter months. Head to the Visitors Center first for information. Feedings happen daily at 1:30 pm and a Washington State Discover Pass is required to enter the wildlife area.

Take an Outdoor Tram Tour at Northwest Trek

Nearby Northwest Trek offers year-round tram tours of the park’s free-roaming area which is home to elk, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou and more. Tours of the 435 acres of natural space take about 40 minutes, are included with a day pass, and are narrated by an informative park naturalist.

Go Nordic Skiing at White Pass

Take a day trip to White Pass and spend the afternoon cross-country skiing at the White Pass Nordic Center. The more than 11 miles of trails offer terrain that is appropriate for cross-country skiers of all levels. If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, there’s also opportunities for skate skiing, and snowshoeing.

Ride the Mount Rainier Gondola 

Just an hour away from Ten Trails, head to Crystal Mountain Resort and ride the Mt. Rainier gondola to the summit where spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades await. Stay for the afternoon and enjoy lunch at the Summit House restaurant. Don’t forget to bring some extra snacks to feed the local gray jays who can be spotted at the summit being hand-fed by the visiting tourists. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Year-End Savings on New Homes at Ten Trails 

The year is coming to an end and that means big savings for home buyers at Ten Trails! Two of our builder partners are offering some great incentives right now on select inventory in the community. These offers won’t last forever…Visit Ten Trails in the next few weeks to take advantage of these great deals!

Home for the Holidays Promotion by Conner Homes

Right now, Conner Homes at Ten Trails is offering a $10K Buyer Bonus for their three and four bedroom, single-family homes at Ten Trails! The bonus can be used towards options, upgrades, appliances, closing costs, HOA dues, or loan programs on the purchase of select homes at Ten Trails with the use of Conner Homes’ preferred lender. Home buyers must close escrow by December 31, 2019. Some exclusions apply, see the Conner Homes model at Ten Trails for all the details on this limited time offer!

Limited-Time Offer from MainVue Homes

MainVue Homes at Ten Trails has a limited time offer for homebuyers! Select MainVue Homes in the community are eligible for a $15,000 bonus offer that can be used your way plus free Electrolux appliances including refrigerator, washer, dryer and pedestals. Pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice, visit the MainVue model home at Ten Trails for details and exclusions! www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Annual Christmas Lights Show

At the Mt. Rainier Christian Center of Enumclaw, enjoy a synchronized holiday lights show! Tune your radio to 91.7 FM any time between 4 pm and midnight on New Year’s Eve and sit back and enjoy Christmas music combined with a spectacular lights display. Admission is free!

New Year’s Eve Pre-Funk Party at Plateau Wines

Enjoy live music by Kevin Jones and Doyle Wood this New Year’s Eve at Plateau Wine and Tapas in nearby Enumclaw! Head to 1533 Cole Street Enumclaw around 5 pm New Year’s Eve to catch all the fun!

New Year’s Eve Part at the Kent Event Center

Take a short drive to nearby Kent for the Kent Event Center’s New Year’s Eve Party featuring musician Andy Stokes and his seven-piece band as well as DJ Mr. Nice Guy! Your $75 ticket includes admission to the party, dinner, party favors, free parking and a champagne toast at midnight.

Kid-Friendly New Years Eve in Bellevue

From 6 to 9 pm at Lucky Strike in Lincoln Square, the whole family can enjoy a host of different arcade games to ring in the new year! General admission is $25 and includes 1, one-hour timeplay game card. For more information, visit Lucky Strike’s website: https://www.luckystrikesocial.com/locations/bellevue/

Visit Nearby Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Convenient Location, One Hour from Ten Trails

Ten Trails residents can count themselves lucky to have quick and easy access to Crystal Mountain Resort! Just about a hour away from the community, residents can find some of the best skiing in the area. Crystal Mountain has runs for all skill levels, so beginners and expert skiers can enjoy a day on the mountain. Crystal Mountain is also kid-friendly with programs in place to teach younger skiers.

Ski Season is Coming Soon

With snow already reported at the resort, it won’t be long until Crystal Mountain opens for the 2018-2019 ski season! Crystal typically opens for the season in late November. In addition to skiing, there resort also has snowshoe trails for wintertime visitors to enjoy.

Ikon Passes on Sale Now

Crystal Mountain is part of the Ikon pass for the 2018/19 season! Ikon pass holders have access to not only Crystal Mountain, but a number of legendary mountain ski resorts in North America, Japan and Australia. Ikon passes are on sale now through December 13th. To purchase an Ikon pass, visit www.ikonpass.com.

Summertime Visits

Not a fan of skiing? Crystal Mountain offers summertime recreation opportunities for those who prefer warmer weather activities. The resort has a number of hiking and horseback riding trails, offers interpretive nature walks as well as mountain yoga classes.  Visitors can also buy tickets to ride in the Mount Rainier Gondola from June to September. Climb 2,000 vertical feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain and take in sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, wildflower meadows and the Cascades. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043