Things to do in Las Vegas: Downtown Part 1

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Harmony Homes

Las Vegas is fittingly named Sin City, what with the city’s promise of “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. Gambling, drinking and dining are the three top reasons people visit Las Vegas and rarely do they venture off the famous Strip. However, little do they know, there’s a whole other world that not many people know exist, Downtown Las Vegas.

Downtown Las Vegas is a great place North of the main Strip, dubbed as “Vintage Vegas”. A few years ago there would be no way anyone would recommend a trip to Downtown Las Vegas, but my, oh, my have the times changed. Buzzing with a collection of unique bars and restaurants, eclectic street performers, and bustling festivals, Downtown Las Vegas is now the place to hang out for locals and in-the-know tourists. A flock of local owned business and a community based project, the Downtown Project, headed by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, has kicked off the transformation of Downtown Las Vegas into the most community-focused large city in the world.

The Downtown Project is investing $350 million into the revitalization and transformation of the area. As part of their mission to integrate the arts, music and culture, they have invested in festivals and events attracting locals and creating a community. Here are few you should know about:

First Friday: Las Vegas’ monthly art festival held in Downtown’s 18b Arts District and on Fremont East. Expect food trucks, art stalls, live music and entertainment at this family friendly event. The event is free and open to all, but be sure to take cash with you if you plan to eat or purchase any art.
Downtown 3rd Farmers Market: This weekly market is Las Vegas’ largest indoors Farmers Market, featuring organic produce, local farmers, and artisanal foods from 9am-3pm.
Vegas StrEATS: The second Saturday of every month sees Vegas StrEATS, a street food and cultural festival from 6pm – 1am opposite El Cortez. With live music, DJs and a vast collection of food trucks offering a variety of different cuisines, StrEATS is great for the whole family.
The Sunday Reset Project: For those who are dedicated to a healthier lifestyle, the Sunday Reset Project focuses on creating a healthier community in Las Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Sessions are run on the first Sunday of the month and include a 45 minute run or walk followed by a meditation session and a healthy meal.

On top of the festivals and events, Downtown Las Vegas has a great collection of bars which run their own events. Here are a few of our favorite bars:

Insert Coin(s): As the name suggests, this joint is an arcade games haven with retro arcade games and Gaming Booths featuring X-box 360s and PS3s. With DJs spinning the latest hits, classic tracks and remixed video game soundtracks, you’ll be on the dance floor dancing along to the mega-sized video-wall.
Don’t Tell Mama: This piano bar attracts a wide range of people, playing all of the classics and welcoming everyone. The bar staff are not only there to wait on you but also to entertain you, getting up to sing throughout the night. Warning! This place can get very loud with the whole bar singing along, so if you don’t like lively atmospheres give this one a miss.
The Commonwealth: This new addition to Downtown Las Vegas, brings a collision of art and architectural influences inspired by pre-Prohibition era design and libations. Their roof-top patio bar has a great vibe with a DJ and view of Fremont St.

Events you won’t want to miss this June in Texas

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Harmony Homes

There is so much to do in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and even more to do throughout the state of Texas. From festivals to days out on the lake, there is something for everyone in June.

1) National Fishing & Boating Week: Unwind and celebrate National Fishing & Boating Week at Lake Ray Hubbard from June 1-9. Located just across the road from Harmony Home’s Falcon Ridge community in Fort-Worth, this is a great spot for a day out with the whole family.

2) Artistic Celebration: Head to the Latino Cultural Center this month for the 10th Annual Hecho en Dallas. The art exhibition runs from May 3 to June 29 and will be a retrospective featuring the work of selected artists from previous exhibitions.

3) In Full Bloom: Visit the Dallas Arboretum to experience one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas. The Arboretum features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene setting on White Rock Lake. Enjoy their Garden Tea from 11am-2pm or head to Wind Down in Wonderland on Wednesdays from 6pm-10pm for food trucks and wine. The Arboretum also holds concerts every Tuesday & Thursdays.

4) Razzle Dazzle: Dallas’ celebration of national June Gay Pride Month includes the Razzle Dazzle Festival from June 6-8 and will attract over 30,000 people. Head to the Metro Ball staring Thelma Houston on Friday June 7 for a spectacular night. The main event will be hosted on Saturday, June 8 from 7pm – Midnight, with cirque/burlesque entertainment, aerialists, DJ’s, dancing, carnival games, adult beverages, community and vendor booths, food trucks and much more.

5) Parrot-dise Run: Join the fun at Joe’s Tropical Parrot-dise Run on June 8 from 6:30am. There will also be a Parrot-dise Beach Party after the race with music from WATUSI, islands food, wine tasting and beer. The event will also have a Guinness World Record Attempt for Largest Limbo Dance. Be a part of history!

The Eating Hotspots of Las Vegas

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Harmony Homes

Las Vegas is the foodie’s dream destination. With world-renowned chefs and cutting edge menus, you can get just about everything you desire in Las Vegas. Even better, there’s tons of great choices for every taste and every budget.

Las Vegas’ culinary industry has a whole host of celebrity chefs including Rick Moonen, Gordon Ramsay, Frank Pellegrino, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali and many more bringing a taste of just about every cuisine you can think of.

With thousands of dining establishments to choose from in Las Vegas, we at Harmony Homes picked out our top 5 high-end and top 5 affordable establishments to dine at in Las Vegas.

Exquisite Dining, Expensive Taste:

Joël Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand: The first 3 Star Michelin Guide Winner in Las Vegas, the Joel Robuchon Restaurant is for the ultimate “once in a lifetime” dining experience. With prix fixe menus starting at $120 per person and 16 course tasting menus starting at $425 per person, this is definitely one for a special occasion.
Guy Savoy Restaurant at Caesars Palace: With 2 Michelin Stars, a AAA Five Diamond award and the Forbes Travel Five Star Award, the Guy Savoy Restaurant has been designed to emulate the menu of the Paris restaurant. With a Pre-Theatre Menu for $120 per person, a $258 per person Signature Menu and an Innovative-Inspiration Menu for $348 per person, Guy Savoy also has an A La Carte Menu which you can order from.
Blue Ribbon Sushi at Cosmopolitan: For all the sushi lovers out there, a dining experience at Blue Ribbon Sushi is bound to blow your minds. With a number of platters ranging from $35 to $200, expect high quality cuts and exquisite creations. What is a must try? The Fried Chicken “Blue Ribbon Style” with Shichimi Pepper & Wasabi Honey is to die for.
CarneVino at Palazzo: CarneVino is Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s interpretation and celebration of the classic steakhouse coupled with their signature Italian style. A Beef Tasting menu is available for $150 featuring BBL Beef. Alternatively you can order from the A La Carte menu and expect to pay anywhere from $50 for an 8oz Filet Mignon to $160 for a “La Fiorentina” porterhouse for two.
Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay: RM Seafood specializes in serving their guests a variety of global applications of delicious sustainable seafood. Enjoy shellfish samplers at market price, sushi platters from $100-$300 or tasting menus from $125 per person. For the adventurous, try Rick Moonen’s Tasting Game, 16 different and unique flavors of ice creams and sorbets served blind. You’ll be surprised at the variety of flavors he serves.

Cheap & Cheerful:

Le Thai Downtown Las Vegas: Now this is one of those finds where you can’t believe just how cheap the bill is when it comes. Expect rich and flavorful dishes and creative cocktails with price tags around $11-15. This small location has a large beer garden perfect for summer dining, however expect to wait for a table at this intimate location.
Bachi Burger, Henderson & Summerlin: With two locations, Bachi Burger is a favorite among locals for Asian-inspired burgers. Custom BBQ burgers start from $7.50 with Angus beef and $16 with Wagyu beef, while specialty burgers start from $9.50 to $14. If you’re happy to spend some extra bucks on a burger, head to the Henderson location for their Shogun Burger featuring Wagyu beef and Unagi topped with pan seared Foie Gras, poached Asian pear, miso butter and Yamamomo peach.
Honey Salt, Westside: Honey Salt is one of the newest additions to west-side Las Vegas. Committed to providing fresh and innovative foods by a farm-to-table inspired menu, expect delicious local ingredients throughout their world-influenced menu with homemade desserts and hand-crafted cocktails.
Secret Pizza at Cosmopolitan: This secret no-name pizza joint at the Cosmopolitan is hidden down a secret corridor on the 3rd level by the east elevators. Find this small joint for real New York-style pizzas from $4.50 a slice.
Mr Lucky’s at Hard Rock Hotel: This world-famous cafe offers an extensive menu with something for just about everyone. However it’s their specials that get Mr Lucky’s on this list. Ask your waiter for the off-the-menu 777 special and you’ll be served up a delicious 8-ounce steak, three grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes and salad for just $7.77. Yes, you read that right!

Summer 2013: Interior Design Trends

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Harmony Homes

With the summer season well and truly here, there comes a new set of interior design trends to go with it. So we, at Harmony Homes, thought we would look at the top interior design trends for Summer 2013. Here are a few of our favorites:

1) Striped Out: Add depth and space to a room using stripes. Using wide horizontal stripes on the wall will add width and space to a room, while skinny vertical stripes on the walls will add height to a room. If you’re not feeling brave enough to use stripes on the wall, add soft furnishings and rugs in your chosen color scheme with shades of whites and creams for the summer season.

2) Green with Envy: Emerald green is one of this season’s biggest trends. Statement walls of emerald green paired with tones of gold and black create a luxurious and dramatic effect. While white walls with pops of emerald green accessories, furniture and floor coverings create a funky and fresh look perfect for more contemporary homes.

3) Monochromatic Texture: In comparison to the emerald green trend, monochrome may seem dull, however the key to getting this trend right is texture. The dramatic duo of black and white works vivaciously to create an elegant decor. Using a variety of texture throughout your monochrome scheme will add warmth and character to this season’s hot trend. Pick out textured wallpaper and soft furnishings and pair with high-gloss surfaces to recreate this monochromatic trend with character in your home.

All of these trends have great elements that you can add to your existing interior decor, creating a more modern, on-trend feel to your home. Which trend will you be injecting into your home this season?

Top Summer Attractions in Southern California

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Harmony Homes

In case you missed the memo, it’s definitely summer in Southern California now. The Harmony Homes team compiled a list of their favorite things to do during the season.

Here’s the rundown:

1) Embrace your inner child: You can’t come to Southern California and not do Disneyland, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. There’s something for everyone at all of these attractions.

The Southern California CityPASS is a great way to do all four of these attractions for 25% less AND with a line pass.

What’s included? A 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for back-and-forth admission to both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® and one Magic Morning admission which allows you to enter Disneyland® Park one hour before regular opening time on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. General admission to both Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego.

2) Un-Wine(d). California has many wineries and vineyards all over the state to choose from. If you want that rustic old world winery charm then Bernardo Winery is the place for you. Over 125 years old, the winery is basking in character and makes for a beautiful day out.

3) Beach Bum. You can’t come to California and not visit at least one beach. With miles and miles of sandy shores along the Pacific coastline and beautiful weather year round, it’s no surprise there’s a bustling beach community. Kick off your shoes and roll up your jeans for a romantic stroll along the beach to watch the sunset at night. Or head down during the day and plan for a day of sunbathing, volleyball and water sports.

4) Fun and Games. We had to mention the iconic Santa Monica Pier in a list of top attractions in Southern California. Whether you want to take a ride on one of the many rides, go fishing or take a stroll with an ice cream, the pier is an ideal destination for a family day out.

5) Go Wild. You don’t have to plan a trip to Africa, there’s over 4000 animals sitting at San Diego Zoo & Safari Park. We’re sure you’ll be able to find your favorite animal here whether it’s an elephant or panda bear.

6) Sound of Music. Live music and beautiful summer nights. Enjoy a picnic before watching a concert at the outdoor arena, the Hollywood Bowl. The Hollywood Bowl is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Now that’s our idea of a great way to see a concert.

7) Whale of a Time. If you love marine life then you’ll have a whale of a time on a Newport Landing Whale Tour. With year round trips, the summer season brings blue whales, finback whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and more.

Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Harmony Homes

With summer nearly here there are things you can do around the house in order to be ready for the seasonal heat.

Carrying out regular home maintenance not only protects your home from seasonal damage in the long run, but can also save you money on your next utility bill.

Harmony Homes would like to share some tips that can protect your home from damage and save energy costs.

1) Fan-tastic savings. By turning the lead edge of the blades on your fans downwards throughout the house, the cooled air will be pushed downwards. Rooms will feel so much cooler and you’ll be using less air conditioning, saving you money on your energy bill. Remember, only turn on the fans when you are in the room as it not only wastes energy, but also will reduce the cooling effect of the fan.

2) Light the way. “Turn off the lights when you leave the room!” – No, it’s not just your mother who says that. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs are more energy efficient and last between 6-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Use focus lighting and motion sensors to minimize energy use even further.

3) Gut it. Clear out all gutters of leaves and debris. This will stop blockages and water overflowing causing damage to the external walls. Covering up the gutter with a fine wire mesh can keep the debris and leaves out.

4) Caulked out. Check external and internal walls for any cracks or holes in the caulking. Pay close attention to the ceiling edges and doorways. Repairing any gaps will not only stop mold and insect infestations, but will also reduce the amount of hot or cool air escaping the home. This will lower the need to cool or heat your home and therefore reduce your energy costs.

Summer in Dallas: Top things to do

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Harmony Homes

With summer readily approaching, we at Harmony Homes thought we would give you the run down of our favorite things to do this summer in Dallas.

Scream if you wanna go faster: It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t include at least one theme park in our top 10. Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Dallas, Six Flags Over Texas is a great choice for a family day out. The theme park will add the world’s tallest extreme swing ride, the Texas SkyScreamer, to it’s 50+ rides. June 15th will see American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, perform at the park as part of their MIKE AND IKE® Summer Concert Series.

Go Wild: The Dallas Zoo is open year round but when it gets to June 8, the zoo comes to life at night. With special Safari Nights presented by Texas Instruments, the zoo stays open late on Saturdays featuring music, animal encounters and other great surprises.

Have a Ball: The season may be over for the Dallas Cowboys, but that doesn’t mean the Cowboys Stadium is out for the summer. Country legend, Kenny Chesney will play at the Cowboys Stadium on May 11 as part of his ‘No Shoes Nation’ Tour. If that’s not enough, 6-times Grammy winner, Taylor Swift will also play at the Cowboys Stadium, May 25, with British singer Ed Sheeran in support.

Up, Up and Away: Get whisked off into the sky in a Hot Air Balloon ride this summer with the Great American Hot Air Balloon Ride. Soar over the beautiful city of Dallas and take in the stunning skyline.

Rock Out: From Bull Riding to Willie Nelson’s 4th of July picnic, Billy Bob’s is hosting something for everyone this summer. Don your cowboy hats for a good ol’ time.

Las Vegas locals go wild over upcoming opening of new Wet ‘n’ Wild

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Harmony Homes

After almost a decade without a water park, Las Vegas will soon have another Wet ‘n’ Wild! Southern Nevadans are counting down the days until Wet ‘n’ Wild opens in its new location in Southwest Las Vegas. The park is currently under construction and is expected to be ready for their Memorial Day weekend grand opening as scheduled.

The new Wet ‘n’ Wild will feature more than 25 exhilarating slides and attractions, including the first-of-its-kind in North America three-person Rattler. A water park is a welcome addition to area attractions, since during the summer months, desert temperatures reach as high as 120°F.

At S. Fort Apache and W. Sunset Road, Wet ‘n’ Wild is located in close proximity to three Harmony Homes communities. Canyon Falls Estates, Aspire at Mountain’s Edge and Serenada at Mountain’s Edge are all located minutes from the water park.

Home building boom in Southern California returns

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Harmony Homes

Mortgage interest rates are low while prices for existing homes are rising. The limited inventory due to many existing homeowners still being underwater means people are entering tough bidding wars for existing properties on the market.

This is a great time for new home-builders as people look to buy new homes. A complete turnaround from 2011 which was the worst recorded year for new home construction. Builders started construction on 2,097 new, single-family homes in Southern California during the fourth quarter of 2012 which was a 56% increase on the previous year’s fourth quarter.

As building continues, the employment levels will improve in Southern California due to the jobs being created. The industries that will benefit from the building will include builders, lumber, concrete, heating and air conditioning etc.

For information on Harmony Homes communities in Southern California please click here.

Why Chapel Hill is the place to live in McKinney, Texas

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Harmony Homes

There are many reasons why we love the Harmony Homes community Chapel Hill, located in McKinney, Texas. The city of McKinney has so much to offer our residents and perspective buyers.

Some of our favorite things about McKinney are:

The McKinney Main Street. With its collection of historic downtown buildings that surround the Historic Collin County Courthouse, the McKinney Main Street has a variety of art galleries, shops, spas and restaurants to choose from. There are also a wide variety of events hosted in the area throughout the year, including Arts In Bloom, April 13th.
Chestnut Square Historic Village. This collection of historic homes display a selection of period artifacts that show how the community lived in Collin County from 1854-1920. The Village hosts tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Founded in 1967, the Heard consists of a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and a natural science museum for the primary purpose of educating children about nature. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, there is something for every age here.
Oak Hollow Golf Course. The stunning golf course hosts a wide range of leagues, charity events and golf tournaments throughout the year. It is also home to a new clubhouse that opened in 2010 with a full service grill room and bar. The perfect place to spend your Sundays relaxing.
4-5 star Yelp rated restaurants. McKinney is home to a number of 4-5 star rated restaurants that cater to every taste and budget.

And we’re not the only ones who think McKinney is the place to live. CNN’s Money listed McKinney as the #2 best place to live in America for 2012 in their annual ‘top 100 place to live’ issue!

To find out more about our Chapel Hill community call 972-542-4277.

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