Traditions of America

Author: ipdesign

Fresh Spring Ideas For Your Traditions of America Home

With a new season finally here, it’s safe to say you are ready for a much-needed change in scenery. So, throw open the windows and get ready to brighten your home. Just as the saying goes: Out with the old and in with the new (greenery, color, artwork, and produce, that is). So, welcome springtime into your dwelling with these easy and fun décor tricks and tips.

Plants

Spring is a time of flowers blooming and trees beginning to turn green again. One of the easiest ways to bring spring into your home is quite literally to bring it into your home. Seasonal blooms bring an uplifting feel to interiors. Gather a bunch of tulips cut from the garden, decorate with a planter packed with succulents, or even create a springy garland.

Produce

After a brutal winter, there’s nothing more welcoming than the sight of spring’s first vegetables: crisp lettuce, spears of asparagus, or fresh peas and green beans. Whether you are looking to host an extravagant Easter brunch, or are just looking to be resourceful in the garden, there are plenty of ways to make good use of the fresh, vibrant new vegetables and fruits.

Easter

If you’re hosting an Easter gathering with the grandkids, there’s no need to fret. Spruce up your Easter Spread with budget-friendly ideas like going for some rustic Easter decorations. Start simple with embroidered tablecloths, floral plates, and a mason jar centerpiece. To spice up your normal display of Easter eggs, add real, blown, or decorative speckled eggs to a flower arrangement for a themed display. Along with pastel flowers and warm weather, spring brings a ton of fresh produce to the table, so try out some of these in-season spring dinners.

Pastel Everything

If you think pinks, blues, and greens can’t work together, think again! Create a beautiful visual statement in your kitchen by displaying lightly colored pieces of glassware on your shelves. Or, add some pops of color to your home with pillows, throw blankets, and lamps. The bright pastel items will beautifully compliment neutral pieces in your home.

Art

Display festive artwork and think outside of the box. Drying flowers, herbs, and greenery add both a festive touch and springtime smell to your home. Vintage bird-centric pieces work all year long but look especially fitting in the springtime months. Plus, look to brighten up your favorite space with pink and oatmeal-colored prints that will create a peaceful and happy place to be.

Traditions of America Lifestyle

We know that with the change in the weather brings a whole new season of maintenance (and allergies!). However, there’s no need to worry because at Traditions of America your home’s maintenance schedule no longer fills up your weekend, ties you to the house, or puts a wrench in your plans. We’ve got you covered in all seasons, making sure your lawn is cut and grass is green.

However you decide to refresh your Traditions of America home for spring, these simple tips will make your home feel bright and refreshed all season long. Ready to explore springtime splendor at Traditions of America? Contact us to tour one of our active adult communities today!

April 1, 2019
Springtime Activities at Traditions of America

It’s official – spring is almost here! Although that doesn’t mean the weather will be warmed up completely just yet, it does mean that there is a lot to look forward to in the next upcoming months! All of our active adult communities are conveniently located with easy access to so many fun happenings around the springtime, plus a multitude of things to do right inside your own community.

Traditions of America at Silver Spring:

Every April you can join the town of Mechanicsburg in the Cumberland Valley for their Earth Day Festival, which honors our planet with music, workshops, kid’s activities and more! This will be a great activity for the grandkids, and a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air of the spring season. Looking for something more your speed? Car show season kicks off with the Spring Carlisle at the end of April! Plus, there will be other spring auto shows at the Carlisle Fairgrounds later in the season!

Traditions of America at Lititz:

We are sure by now you know that Lititz was named one of the Coolest Small Towns in America, which is why you definitely need to make your way to one (or many) of the Second Fridays this Spring that will happen each month from 5pm-9pm. Up and down Main Street and Broad Street in Lititz you’ll find artists, entertainers, musicians, and exhibits that create a fun party atmosphere. Plus, there’s a bonus: the downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants are open late to accommodate the many visitors who turn up each month! Also, don’t forget that the Farmer’s Market will be returning back to Lititz starting in May!

Traditions of America at Summer Seat:

Celebrate Spring with Summer Seat’s first ever Spring Breakfast! This potluck event will be held at the Clubhouse on Saturday, April 6^th! Looking for more to do outside of the community in the upcoming months? During peak flower bloom (early to mid-April), visitors are able to walk the trails of the Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park and see dozens of varieties of wildflowers along the way! Another Spring event you won’t want to miss is Phipps’ new Spring Flower Show that’s bursting with color, The Gardens of Rainbow!

Traditions of America at Saucon Valley:

With the change in weather comes the change in outdoor festivals, so bring on the Spring Festivals! The Bear Creek Spring Wine Festival is coming back on April 6^th and 7^th to the Lehigh Valley in Macungie! This two-day festival features wine sampling, live music, and artisan craft and food vendors. Not into festivals? Don’t worry – let the fresh air of spring carry you through the Lehigh Valley, stopping at many different farmer’s markets in the region. With locally grown produce to unique drinks and crafts, you will want to shop for hours!

March 11, 2019
Ways to Make the Most Out of Winter at Traditions of America

Just because the pool is closed for the season and a bit of frost covers the tennis courts, doesn’t mean the fun stops at Traditions of America! Our community locations provide residents with easy access to all sorts of activities, entertainment, dining, shopping, and more, plus who can forget the full calendar of community events? Keep on reading to discover some of the area’s best winter happenings at each of our communities, plus how you can enjoy the chilly months right at home.

Traditions of America at Silver Spring:

Located in Mechanicsburg in the Cumberland Valley, Traditions of America at Silver Spring is close to many neighboring towns with exciting year-round events! In February, take a short drive to Carlisle and experience the Ice Art Fest with over 70 ice sculptures, food vendors, an ice bar, and other attractions. This is a great date idea for you and your sweetheart, but also a fun event to bring the grandkids to. For more upcoming events near Silver Spring, visit visitcumberlandvalley.com.

Traditions of America at Lititz:

Once named the coolest small town in America, Lititz has a long list of unique events, restaurants, specialty shops, and historic sites that you can explore year-round. This winter, Traditions of America homeowners can head downtown and enjoy the 14^th Annual Lititz Fire & Ice festival – a perfect way to beat the winter blues. The event boasts ice sculptures, live music performances, pyrotechnic shows, food, and so much more! Visit http://lititzfireandice.com for more details.

Traditions of America at Cranberry & Traditions of America at Summer Seat:

The North Hills of Pittsburgh is an amazing location to live, not only because of the communities and homes offered at Traditions of America, but also because it is just a short drive to downtown Pittsburgh! If you are unfamiliar with Pittsburgh’s festival and event scene, there is never a shortage of ways to stay entertained. Head into the city for an ice hockey game, a performing arts show, the Pittsburgh Brewfest, or even for one of their 5k runs. Want to see all of the events taking place this winter? Check them out here: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/

Get to know your neighbors at weekly events!

When you purchase a Traditions of America home, you are also joining a community that hosts a full schedule of events just for homeowners. In addition to weekly events like mahjong, happy hour, and yoga, our Lifestyle Directors work hard to schedule other unique events each month. In the winter, homeowners enjoy events such as holiday celebrations, dinner parties, game nights, crafting events, and more!

Enjoy the coziness of your new home!

With everything said and done, your new DreamHome is a surefire way to enjoy every single day at Traditions of America. In the winter, host a fancy holiday dinner party for your neighbors and friends with music, dancing, and delicious food. Every Traditions of America floorplan is perfect for entertaining and designed with an open layout, spacious kitchen, and additional modern living spaces that will impress any guest. Plus, in each new home, there is a gas fireplace for maximum coziness. A fireplace is ideal for creating the ultimate winter ambiance at any gathering, or just a quiet evening curled up in the corner with a good book.

Learn more about all of our active adult community locations and homes by visiting https://traditionsofamerica.com/, or, give us a call to schedule a tour!

February 14, 2019
LOTS to do at Lititz – even in the challenging February weather!
You’d never know it’s been snowy, icy, rainy – you name it – at our Lititz community. When the winter weather makes outdoor activities less than enticing – that’s all the more reason to ramp up the INDOOR activities. And, that is just what Lifestyle Director Rachel Bechard and the residents at Lititz do so well!

The most recent community newsletter is loaded with information and has something for everyone. Check out the array of happenings for February at our popular, fast-selling active adult community in Lititz, PA:
- Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance – this is a favorite and it takes place at the social hub of our community: the Clubhouse
- Silver Singers – rehearsals are gearing up for an upcoming spring/early summer performance
- “Quilt of Valor” Happy Hour – with so many new residents moving into our Lititz community, our veterans or spouses of deceased veterans are invited to sign the valor quilt and enjoy a Happy Hour before it is proudly re-hung in the Clubhouse great room
- Downton Abbey Catch-up – if you’ve never seen Downton Abbey, you’re missing out! The complicated lives of those living in the upper and lower levels of a lavish estate in England in 1912 are broken down and distilled into an addicting drama! In preparation for the highly-anticipated Downton Abbey Movie which is debuting in September of this year, Lititz will be showing 2 episodes of Downton Abbey every Monday night to get interested residents up to speed!
- Film Club – this popular club features stellar movies and lively group discussions with residents from this 55+ active adult community
- Murder Mystery AGAIN – this was such a popular activity that the Lititz residents are rolling it out again and are looking for a few brave actors to partake!
Those are just some highlights! The calendar is also filled with community favorites that are ongoing: bridge, shuffleboard, billiards, ping pong, bingo, walking club, power & stretch, paint & draw, mahjong, Texas hold’em, yoga, coffee & donuts, jam band practice – YOU NAME IT! Lititz has it.

With a full-time Lifestyle Director devoted to offering fun and engaging activities that our residents want to do, folks can’t help but have fun and form new friendships every day! And, don’t worry, in a few more months the pool will re-open!
February 11, 2019
Better, Better, BEST Defines the Latest Betsy Ross Home

It’s hard to improve a floorplan that is wildly popular, time-tested and in a word: great. But, our in-house architects and designers accomplished just that! The latest iteration of the revered Betsy Ross home at Cranberry has been met with rave reviews by all who have toured it. The most noticeable change is in the kitchen. Walls and half-walls were eliminated to create a more open feel with direct views to the dining room and great room. This welcome extra space allows for a 72″ island – the perfect size for a weeknight dinner, Sunday brunch, or entertaining a crowd.

Almost as important as the kitchen, the Master Suite was enhanced, as well, to include two walk-in closets instead of one. The layout of the Master Bath was tweaked to allow for better natural light, and the entry to the Master Suite was reworked to allow for better flow and ease.

To match the new floorplan, the interior design of the Betsy Ross had to be bold and beautiful from the start. And, it achieved just that! The designers crafted the style around the word “honest” – which in “design-speak” describes a space that is not contrived and a space that is allowed to breathe. The result is a home that is happy, clean and comfortable and, most importantly, has that “livable” feel from day one. Pops of color surprise at every turn, from the bright red counter stools at the kitchen island to the warm shade of admiralty blue on the sunroom walls. Feedback from customers who have toured the new Betsy Ross at Cranberry has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic.

A few more photos show the thought and detail that were put into the design of every room – including the Master Bath and the loft.

And, the video tour shows off this home in full splendor – click here to take the tour! As is true for all of our homes, the best way to experience them is IN PERSON. To see the new Betsy Ross, contact the Cranberry community. Or, visit any of our communities to learn more about living better in a Traditions of America community.

February 1, 2019
The Hancock “EnHANced” for Classic, Timeless Appeal

The Hancock floorplan has been enhanced – subtly yet impactfully – for better livability and flow. The most noticeable differences are a deeper kitchen and nook and the den and second bedroom have also become larger. The kitchen island countertop, previously a two-tiered design, has been leveled off to a sleek, flat expanse for ease of serving and entertaining. Not to forget the Master Suite, one of two walk-in closets has grown in size – a minor detail that makes everyone happy!

To complement the updated floorplan, the Hancock model at Cranberry is a dramatic interior designing feat. The look is tailored and timeless. Clean lines and classic style are the focus of the fresh, new design style. The most striking space is the living room with the ebony piano as the graceful focal point.

The finished lower level features an eclectic wine cellar, a comfortable sitting area, bistro table with stools for wine-tasting, and an additional guest bedroom. Walk right outside for more entertaining possibilities with an inviting patio and outdoor grill area.

The office or den is smartly finished with a wall of richly-colored custom built-ins for books, photo display, and special “objets d’art”.

The tailored look is smartly and seamlessly woven into every room and works nicely in the Master Bedroom and family room.

Home-cooked meals and casual entertaining are a breeze when your kitchen looks like this:

The best way to experience the striking design details of the Hancock is during an in-person visit if you’re in the Pittsburgh area. If you live out of the area, click here for a video tour of this gorgeous home. You’ll be glad you did!

January 25, 2019
The “Franklin” Edit: Optimized for Maximum Enjoyment with a Sophisticated Flare

The Franklin floorplan update features more modifications than any of our other models. A fantastic floorplan from the beginning, our in-house architects and designers felt with some tweaking, it could go from fantastic to spectacular with a few well-planned pen-strokes. While some modifications are small, others are more impactful and immediately noticeable.

The kitchen, for starters, has two design alternatives. The traditional kitchen layout features the angled island with an ample pantry and tons of counter space. The new kitchen alternative introduces a butler’s pantry and wet bar tucked in between the dining room and kitchen. With wine storage, a large sink and loads of extra cabinet, shelf and counter space, visitors are raving about the entertaining convenience the butler’s pantry brings to the home. And, we couldn’t agree more!

The Wet Bar/Butler’s Pantry

Other enhancements to the floorplan include an all-new Master Suite with two walk-in closets, a Master Bath with private commode, double sink vanity and an optional soaking tub (the perfect ending to any day!). To maximize the size of the second floor loft, we opted for a straight stairway and eliminated the stair turn and landing in the former plan. The loft – now a whopping 29’ by almost 18’ room with a window – provides endless possibilities to fit every lifestyle. A game room, a craft room, a comfortable, private area for guests and grandkids who might be visiting in the third bedroom upstairs…the choices are limitless.

To match the floorplan update, the interior design of the Franklin needed to be top-notch, as well. The home’s design style was inspired by the Danish word “hygge”, which translates to “a quality of coziness (feeling warm and comfortable) that comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking or spending time at home with your family.” The Franklin has definitely achieved “hygge”! From the moment you step inside the home, your senses are treated to a subtle yet dazzling display of comfort. Inviting tones of warm grays combined with earthy neutrals create the perfect ambiance. The kitchen literally sparkles with blown-glass pendants over the island, sleek white Cambria countertops and a bold, bronze-y backsplash in the shape of pennies! The warmth of the bronze is complimented by the shimmer of the metal tile creating a wonderful and unexpected juxtaposition.

Here are a few more interior shots:

But, the best way to experience the all-new Franklin is to visit Traditions of America at Cranberry today! Set up a tour. Your senses will be delighted.

January 15, 2019
Traditions of America Locations Ranked in Top 19 Places to Retire In America and Buy a House Under $250K by Business Insider

In October, U.S. News & World Report released their list of Best Places to Retire in the U.S., with Lancaster at #1 followed a few spots down by Pittsburgh at #5. With many Traditions of America communities including Lititz, Cranberry, and Summer Seat falling right inside the top five places to retire, we were ecstatic to share this with our homeowners and future residents!

Just last week, Business Insider took it a step further by filtering the top places to retire based on affordability. The publication explains, “We filtered the US News list to find the cities where retirees can buy a home for under $250,000 and find a rental under $1,600 a month — that’s slightly below the national median asking price for a home and the national median rent, according to Zillow’s latest estimates.”

After adjusting for affordability, Business Insider reports there are FIVE Pennsylvania locations in the 19 best places to retire in America where you can buy a house for under $250,000. In all five of these locations, Traditions of America offers, or will soon offer, brand new resort-style communities allowing 55+ homeowners to experience the Live Better lifestyle during their retirement! Below, learn more about each location and where it ranks on the list:

#1 Lancaster, PA

At number one on Business Insider’s list and the U.S. News’s Best Places to Retire in the United States, Lancaster takes the ultimate prize! Traditions of America at Lititz is located right where you want to be, among the rolling hills of farmland, but within a few minutes’ drive to shopping, dining, and America’s coolest small town of Lititz.

#3 Pittsburgh, PA

Traditions of America at Summer Seat is the fastest selling resort-style community in Pittsburgh’s North Hills and is almost sold out! Additionally, our newest community Traditions of America at Cranberry has just opened to rave reviews from visitors and is quickly on its way to becoming the talk of the town! Just outside Pittsburgh, also ranked #5 on U.S. News’s Best Places to Retire, these communities offer the best of resort-style living in the area.

#11 Allentown, PA

Traditions of America at Green Pond is slated to break ground very soon and will be the premier 55+ resort-style community of the Lehigh Valley. Residents will be just minutes to world-class golf, superior health care, and shopping and dining.

#17 Harrisburg, PA

Traditions of America at Silver Spring is located right near the capital of Harrisburg and with our final homesite release, this community is quickly selling! U.S. News & World Report describes Harrisburg as “one of the country’s most affordable housing markets” with an “urban atmosphere” and “manageable price tag.”

#18 Philadelphia, PA

Coming soon to the suburbs of Philadelphia is our first community to open in 2019, West Brandywine! This community will offer the best of both worlds, with the sprawling nature and history of Chester County right outside your front door, and the excitement of Center City just a short drive away!

If you’ve thought about retiring to Traditions of America, our locations are truly hard to beat. Contact us today to explore your options and next steps towards the Live Better lifestyle!

January 11, 2019
The Washington Model: Re-Envisioned and Exuding Classic, Relaxed Charm at Traditions of America at Cranberry

Our all-new designer Model Homes made their debut at Traditions of America at Cranberry in a snowy mid-November and they were overwhelmingly well-received by all who toured them. The new floor plans, including the Washington, had been over a year in the making based on customer feedback, changing design trends, and recommendations from our Construction Managers. Staying up to date with our home designs is something very important to the entire Traditions of America team. We always want to create the best possible layouts for our residents, incorporating functionality and space optimization with aesthetically pleasing “flows” for how people really want to live.

When our in-house architecture and design teams sat down to create the best possible Washington floor plan they could envision, some of the key updates included an enlarged Foyer with an impressive volume ceiling for receiving houseguests, a larger Kitchen and Nook for enhanced entertaining, windows in the Master Bath and Laundry to allow for more natural light, matching his and hers walk-in closets in the Master Suite, a larger Loft and third Bathroom for more comfortable quarters for overnight houseguests, and an optional overlook to the Foyer for a feeling of openness and visual interest.

With a new and improved Washington floor plan, the next step was a fresh design approach to keep up with ever-changing design trends. For this all-important task, we brought in Lita Dirks & Co., the nationally-recognized, award-winning interior design firm based in Colorado. The result? A gorgeous and inspirational new Washington Model Home wrapped in exquisite design layers showcasing the very best features of this large, popular home. The Washington lends itself to the appealing Craftsman style, with wood columns prominently set on stone pillars at the home’s inviting and distinctive entrance.

See for yourself in the stunning photo display:

Craftsman Style Looks Sensational on the Washington

Sitting Area off Family Room/Kitchen

Sumptuous Master Bedroom

Sleek Master Bath

Gorgeous Shot of the Great Room

Dining Room

And, so much more! Warm and inviting spaces abound in the Washington where there is something to please everyone: from the Steelers fan, to the wine bar enthusiast, to the grandkids!

Photos are wonderful, but seeing this home in person is the best way to experience the rich design details. Visit Traditions of America at Cranberry today and take a tour. Prepare to be amazed!

December 27, 2018
Cranberry’s Gorgeous New Model Homes Make Their Debut

Despite the challenging early-season snow and an unexpected power outage in the township the night before, the recent Model Home Grand Opening at Traditions of America at Cranberry was nothing short of spectacular! Enthusiastic attendees eagerly walked along the red carpet to tour the all-new floorplans fitted with top-shelf, awe-inspiring interior designs of four popular home designs: the Franklin, the Washington, the Betsy Ross and the Hancock.

Each home has its own style, theme and personal flair: there is no mistaking the Pittsburgh sports teams featured in the Betsy Ross, while the Hancock is befitted for the golf enthusiast. The Washington has a travel and destination focus and the Franklin simply exudes an overall warm and inviting atmosphere where you immediately want to sit down and make yourself at home.

Future Site of Community Clubhouse – the Social Hub

With a warm and bustling tent, plenty of delicious, seasonal culinary offerings, and a lively and entertaining band, the over 200 attendees were treated to a fun and informative event. The Traditions of America team was at the ready to lead personal tours and answer questions, as were the many Ambassadors – homeowners who live in nearby Traditions of America communities who just love their community and want to share the Live Better lifestyle with others! Comments from attendees heard throughout the day ranged from “I just love the colors in this home” to “Can my home be exactly like this model?” to “I can definitely picture myself cooking in this kitchen.” Visitors also had the opportunity to see where the community’s resort-style Clubhouse will be situated – an element so integral to every Traditions of America community because it is the social hub of the community, the place where friendships are formed and memories are made. And, the place everyone wants to be for Friday night happy hours!

Our next blog will feature a photo spread of each model home…stay tuned and check back soon. You won’t want to miss it! Better yet, plan a visit to the community today and see the homes up close and in person. Our New Home Counselors are excited to share the beauty of the new models with folks near and far.

November 27, 2018