It’s Labor Day weekend and this is one of those holidays that celebrates every American, at least everyone who has, is or will be working.  Labor Day is about the hard work we all do throughout the year that encourages social and economic growth.   I’m sure like most of America, residents of Chalet apartments will be relaxing with family and friends over great food.  Many of us barbecue or prepare something that also signifies the end of summer.

In honor of Labor Day, I thought I’d give some little known trivia facts many of us aren’t aware of or forgot.  Did you know………

• Began in 1882 in New York City as a parade
• It became a federal holiday in 1894
• Approximately 154.4 million Americans are in the workforce
• The average America commutes 25.5 minutes to work
• 3.5 million commute more than 90 minutes
• Labor Day is unofficial the end of summer

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and check out some of the celebrations happening around Topeka.

How do you spend Labor Day?

One of the things I love about fall and winter is a hot, spicy bowl of chili packed full of peppers, onions and beef.  Something about the aroma of chili cooking makes me think of cooler temps and changing seasons.  So I’m excited about the first day of chili season finally being here!

Fans of Porubsky’s Deli and Tavern know this famous joint that’s been in North Topeka since 1947 and is in the Little Russia district approximately 15 minutes from Chalet apartments.  New this year will be a wall of photos chronicling the history of the deli, it’s customers and the family.   The deli is only open from Monday through Saturday, 11am – 2pm, but they do not serve chili on Fridays.   Afterwards head over to Bradley’s Corner Cafe on North Kansas Avenue for homemade pie.

Celebrate the beginning of fall with some delicious chili!

How do you like your chili?

On Friday, August 27th, the Topeka Performing Arts Center is hosting the fabulous Grape Escape 2010.  Guests will be able to enjoy wine tastings, gourmet food and live music from several artists, like Kadre.  The bandss lead singer, Riley Voth, a local resident of Topeka recently released their first album to rave reviews.  Their sound is familiar to Maroon 5 or John Mayer.  They’ll be playing on the Down Under Stage while guests sample wines from around the world.

Upstairs on the main stage guests can enjoy jazz sounds from artists such as, Hana Wishy and Back Porch Blues Band.   Some of the food vendors participating this year include Boss Hawg’s BBQ, Carino’s Italian Grill and PT’s Coffee Co.   The Topeka Performing Arts Center is less than 10 minutes from Chalet apartments, making it a wonderful charity event to enjoy.   Discover new wines, food and music this Friday evening!  Here’s a video of Back Porch Blues Band performing ‘Sweethome Chicago’.

So many things are happening these days in Topeka, especially here at Chalet Apartments.  We have our weekly events, like cookies and milk in the office every Wednesday.  We also have community get together’s and socials such as the recent Float Social.

However the city of Topeka is a wonderful community and we have some exciting things happening in September.  The Bruce Whaley Spirit Ride takes place on Saturday, September 18th at 8am.  The event is hosted by Kaw Valley Bike Club to aid local families impacted by Leukemia and Lymphoma.   The event has the 6.5 family fun ride, as well as a 25 mile & 50 mile course.

To learn about more events happening, visit the city of Topeka.  And if you’d like to see about happenings around the community, check out the August Newsletter.

August23 Newsletter

Discover Topeka Kansas

If you haven’t tried Daddy’s Cupcakes then I highly recommend you rush over for some amazing cupcakes!  These are no ordinary cupcakes.  These are huge, sweet treats will incredible flavors like Peanut Butter Cup and 24 Carrot.  They also have special flavors each day of the week so no matter when you go you discover something new.  Friday is German Chocolate day or choose the Margarita flavor for something unique.   The shop is located on SW Huntoon Street about 1.5 miles from Chalet Apartments.

Want to host a cupcake party at home?  No worries.  Daddy’s Cupcakes has a take home kit for you that includes 12 unfrosted cupcakes, icing, sprinkles and knives for spreading.  However make a date and stay a while.   The cafe serves wonderful coffee, pastries and ice cold chocolate milk!

What's your favorite flavor?

There are shows, blogs and websites all telling us how to update, renew and change our apartments and each one has fantastic ideas.  But how do you take all that information and create your own space while maintaining a budget?  Simple if you follow a few tips that can dramatically change the look and feel of your space.

Since cooler temps are on their way, why not add in a couple new throw pillows onto the sofa or bed.  Pier 1 Imports has a wonderful selection of pillows in a variety of colors and textures.  The store on Wanamaker Road is conveniently located to Chalet Apartments and downtown Topeka.   Currently,  Target has some great deals on frames, candles and baskets.   Try using a decorative storage basket for magazines, lose change or fill it with fragrant dried flowers.   With a few simple changes you can update your apartment and stay within budget…a win-win situation!

Basket make great apartment decor items.

Chalet Apartments in Topeka offers residents unique and fun amenities, including an extensive DVD library.  Each month we add more current and entertaining titles to the collection, many at the requests of residents.  As a thank you to the residents, we are now sponsoring a contest on our Facebook page.  The prize?  4 passes to the local Hollywood 14 theater!

The contest?  Suggest your favorite movie not currently in the DVD library.  Make sure you tell us why you like it.  Favorite actor/actress?  Great family film or drama?  The movie suggestion with the most comments and ‘likes’ receives the movie passes.  The contest runs through Tuesday, August 17th, 2010.

To make a suggestion in the ‘favorite movie‘ contest or if you want to LIKE Chalet Apartments, visit the Facebook page.

What's your favorite movie?

Downtown Topeka is hosting Top city Thursdays through September 30th.  If you work downtown make plans to stay for food, fun and entertainment.    Tonight, August 5th, includes Iowa State Yo Yo Champion demonstrations, live music at Hazel Hill and 99 cent sangria at The Break Room.

Other shops are also staying open later, like Marion Lane Candles where tomato leaf candle is the fragrance of the month.  Stop by and you’ll receive 15% off your tomato leaf candles.  Dorothy says it’s an amazing scent!   It’s only 20 minutes from Chalet Apartments, making it a perfect time to get together with family and friends.  So head over to Top City Thursdays tonight!

What do you love about downtown Topeka?

Approximately 15 minutes south of Chalet Apartments is the 13 mile paved  Shunga Trail.    It starts at Crestview Trail and meanders through woods, parks and intersects the Landon Nature Trail. It’s a great place to run or mountain bike with family and friends.   The trail provides a natural setting for getting fit or increasing endurance.

But if you’re trying to decide how to create a route that encompasses both trails, visit MapMyRun.  It allows you to customize a workout, whether you’re looking to find a marathon length route or shorter paths with varying scenery.    But if you prefer to workout with a group, contact the Sunflower Striders Club.  Their season kicks off September 6th with a 5k run followed by breakfast.  However you choose to run, Topeka offers a variety of community events, trails and meet ups to suit your needs!

Enjoy jogging around Topeka with your dog

Just around the corner from Chalet Apartments is the Topeka Zoo.   In the 1960s it was one of the most famous zoos, having been open to the public since the 1930s.  Home to hundreds of animals, including the newest exhibit featuring mountain lions and North American river  otters.  A special habitat opened in 2005 for three special Sumatran tigers.  These tigers are highly endangered with estimates of less than 400 left in the wild.

On Friday, July 30th, 2010 the zoo will host Summer Safari.  From 5-8pm guests will be able to enjoy a picnic and viewing as the animals receive their ‘icy’ treats.  If you can’t make the event, don’t worry, on August 20th, 2010 the zoo will feature a Twilight Tour from 7:30 – 9pm.  Zoo staff with give guided behind the scenes tours of the animals and what it takes to operate the zoo.   If you haven’t checked out the zoo lately, plan a trip with family and friends this weekend!  Here’s a video of one of Topeka’s very special Sumatran tigers.