When it comes to fun in the sun, everyone seems to enjoy a good park day. Sometimes it’s hard to find the best park in your area, so we decided to do it for you. We want to make sure our residents at Whitcomb Terrace fully enjoy their summer days, and we love to get out and about just as much as you do. From grassy lawns to dog parks, to some of the most beautiful nature trails, here are some of our favorite parks in Merrillville.
 

The Natural Choice
Nature has a way of making everything better. From the therapeutic benefits of walking through trees to the connection we feel to loved ones while experiencing it together, Mother Nature has a way of always calling us back. Since we love nature here at Whitcomb Terrace, our first pick is the Oak Ridge Prairie and Oak Savannah Trail. Located just 10 minutes north of Whitcomb Terrace, this park offers natural prairie land, lush vegetation and trees, and a lake. The 9.5-mile paved trail will take you through all of it, and you can even fish. We also hear it’s a great spot for bird-watching! Oak Ridge is located at 301 S Colfax St.

A Hidden Lake
Our next spot takes us to Hidden Lake Park. Also only 10 minutes away to the northeast of Whitcomb Terrace, this park is well-known for its paddleboats and disc golf trail. Grab your frisbee or disc and check out the full course, or stop by on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day for a paddleboat rental. Boats cost $5 for each half-hour of use. Besides these two features, there is a sledding hill, social center, and softball fields. A big playground tops it off, surrounded by beautiful grassy lawns and tall trees for shade. Hidden Lake is located at 6355 Broadway.

The Dog-Friendly Favorite
For those of you who want to bring your canine companions, Perry Ferrini Dog Park is our favorite choice near Merrillville. It’s less than 10 minutes away, and easy to park in the lot. Your canine friend can romp and play with plenty of room off-leash in the fenced area. It sits on three acres of land and even has a section for smaller dogs. There’s a pet drinking fountain and shelters for shade. It’s also located across the street from Trace Park. Perry Ferrini is located at 5061 W 91st Ave.

Do you have any favorite parks? Tell us in the comments!

The post Three of the Top Parks in Merrillville, IN to Get Outside Before WInter appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

Drink more water

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many people do not drink enough water during the day. To be safe, you should follow the 8 by 8 rule which states that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.

Take measures to prevent excessive sweating

Sweat-wicking clothing, wet cloths, and cold showers!

Purchase a fan

Look for a small fan that fans you while misting your face. A wonderful feeling to be alive. Get one of these and bring it with you on those sweltering hot days.

Steer clear of spicy foods

Since it’s already hot outside, eating anything hot will only amplify the effects of the heat. 

Comfortable exercise

Check out our gym! Otherwise, there are alternative exercises such as swimming and various other water sports that can definitely get the job done.

Sleep on top of a sheet or cloth

The worst part of sleeping in the heat is that it frequently keeps you from receiving the rest you require to be productive the following day. Try sleeping on a sheet or piece of fabric if you're attempting to cut costs on your electric bill. The intense heat won't be able to keep you from staying cool.

Recognize the ideal cooling spots on your body.

Applying an ice pack or a cold towel to your cooling spots can help if you're stuck in the heat and unable to find a cooler spot. It may involve the wrists, the forehead, etc. Knowing your cooling spots will help you cool off more quickly and efficiently.

The post Beat the Heat with These Summer Tips to Keep You Cool During Hot Weather appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

To help you get your indoor vegetable garden started, we reached out to gardening experts living in Portland all the way to those living in Miami to share their gardening expertise. Here’s their best advice to help you create your own DIY indoor garden.

1. FIND THE RIGHT SPACE FOR YOUR DIY INDOOR GARDEN 

Before you begin planting your indoor vegetable garden, the first thing to do is find the perfect space in your home. Whether you have an entire room that you can re-purpose as your indoor garden, or you’re only able to make use of a small area in your kitchen, you can still have a successful indoor vegetable garden. Two important things to consider is the amount of natural sunlight the space receives and the average temperature of the space. 

Keep these pro tips in mind:

Plant care is experimental. Keep in mind that individual plants or different cultivars can have different needs depending on their biology or what conditions they were in prior to landing in your home. – Deby, Cornell Farm

Be creative and pay attention to the lighting when considering where to place your plants. And most importantly, get a humidifier! – Stephanie, Lighthouse Garden Center 

2. CHOOSE VEGETABLES AND HERBS THAT THRIVE INDOORS

While some vegetables and herbs may thrive in a typical outdoor garden, that’s not always the case when harvesting indoors. As you’re deciding which vegetables or herbs to plant in your DIY indoor garden, there’s a few that gardening experts recommend over others.

Consider these vegetables and herbs for your DIY indoor garden: 

Lettuces rank high on the list of vegetables to grow inside. Not only are they tasty, they’re easy to start. To successfully grow lettuce in your DIY indoor garden, enrich potting soil with compost and use a heat mat to start seeds quickly. Once the seeds sprout, take them off the mat. To prevent leggy seedlings, put them under a fluorescent light or grow light placed 3-4” above the plants. – Christine Froehlich, Gardening With What You Have

Arugula is great to grow indoors since it germinates quickly and prefers a cooler environment. You can have multiple harvests from just one plant if you cut off the larger leaves but leave the smaller ones. And the same goes with growing kale indoors. However, since kale can grow quite large, only sprinkle a few seeds in a medium-sized pot, covered with ½-inch of soil.

Most herbs are great to grow indoors. Some herbs, like rosemary and mint, are easiest to grow from already-young plants, while others, like basil and cilantro, can be easily grown from a seed and then replanted throughout the year. When planting herb containers, be sure to combine plants with similar water requirements; wood-stemmed herbs such as rosemary and sage prefer drier soil than do herbaceous-stemmed herbs such as basil and parsley. – Xenia D'Ambrosi, Sweet Earth Co.

3. MAKE SURE THERE’S ADEQUATE SUNLIGHT

In an ideal situation, you’d be able to give your indoor vegetable garden all the sunlight it needs. However, not everyone is going to have a space where this is possible. No need to worry, though. While having natural sunlight is ideal, your vegetables and herbs can still flourish with the use of specialized lights, like grow lights.

Keep these pro tips in mind:

Morning sun is key. If at all possible, place your plants near an East-facing window. – Jackie, Perennial Nursery Co

Know how much light your specific plants need so you can take advantage of all levels of light you naturally have available in your space. Consider swapping out your standard light bulbs for GE Grow Light 9watt Balanced Spectrum LED bulbs for seeds and greens, or GE Red for flowering and fruit production. – Kate Green, Lurvey 

4. WATER LESS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DIY INDOOR GARDEN 

Most beginners to gardening think watering plants a little bit everyday is the best way to ensure that their plants are receiving adequate amounts of water. However, it’s actually best to water less frequently but more thoroughly. Over-watering your vegetables and herbs is the easiest way to set back your gardening efforts, and will most likely have you restarting your indoor garden.

Keep these pro tips in mind:

When it comes to houseplants, over watering is a killer. Check to see if the soil is dry by sticking your finger into it an inch and checking for moisture. If it’s dry, go ahead and water. – Bruce Allentuck, Right Plantz

Every plant is different and will have different needs — some plants crave and love constant watering, while others prefer to have their soil dry out a bit. Making a weekly plant watering chart to refer to each week can help keep your watering on track and ensure that you’re watering each of your plants exactly as they need to be. – Megan Faletra, The Well Essentials

We highly recommend taking plants to the shower or the sink to give them a good soaking. The frequency of watering will depend on light conditions and the temperature of the room, however, most plants can get this treatment once or twice a month. – Dimitri Gatanas, Urban Garden NYC 

5. TAKE PROPER CARE OF YOUR PLANTS BY USING THE CORRECT SOIL  

The taste of your herbs and vegetables are significantly impacted by the quality and care of the soil. As you’re setting up your DIY indoor garden, make sure that you’re using the best soil for the vegetables and herbs you choose. 

Keep these pro tips in mind:

Create the perfect soil for different types of vegetables by creating custom blends of airy potting soil and rich compost. Make a lighter mix for salad greens, a balanced mix for herbs, and add extra nutrition for fruiting plants. – Victoria LeBeaux, Hortiki Plants

Use a high quality potting soil and stay away from soil specified for in-ground garden beds. Liquid fertilizer should become your new best friend. Be prepared to use liquid fertilizer with water and nutrient solution mix at least once a month. – Timothy Hammond, Big City Gardener

6. CONSIDER USING A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM FOR YOUR INDOOR GARDEN

Hydroponic gardening is a gardening method that requires no soil. In most cases, it can be a simpler way to harvest vegetables and herbs indoors and is great for smaller spaces. If the idea of maintaining soil for the various plants in your DIY indoor garden seems challenging, then using a hydroponic system might be a better option.

Keep these pro tips in mind:

The advantage of our hydroponic system is that plants grow 3x faster and bigger in the iHarvestTM than they do in soil. And, growing hydroponically makes it much easier to grow indoor fruits and vegetables vertically, which takes up less space in the home while providing a beautiful living wall of always fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.

Water temperatures play a huge factor for indoor hydroponic gardens. The correct temperature will allow for vigorous grow, while warm temperatures could cause Pythium “root rot” and other unwanted pathogens. 

The post How to Plant and Maintain an Indoor Garden this Spring appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

It’s not easy finding an apartment in a tight rental market, and once you find one, making sure it’s the best possible situation gives you peace of mind to focus on your life instead of where you live. 

Here’s why being on good terms with your property manager is important at the beginning, during, and after renting.

Starting on the Right Foot

It’s tough to find a rental, and references today are more important than ever. With that in mind, there is no better reference than a previous property manager who thought you were the bee’s knees. When your potential manager sees that your previous property manager was ecstatic about you, it will give you an upper hand with competing residents. History repeats itself, and property managers know this. 

Building Trust Takes Time and Consistency

If you see your property manager often, say hello! Smile and ask them how their day went. Don’t immediately start complaining when you see them. They are people too, and a little kindness in the moment goes a long way to them remembering you in good light and helping you when you need it. 

When property managers have great experiences with a resident, they remember that when the resident needs something. They will be more likely and happy to address small maintenance issues with someone they enjoy helping! 

Punctuality Is Key

Staying on time with payments portrays you as reliable. So when an emergency comes up, and you need to be late on rent or other payments, the property manager will see that you normally pay on time or early every month. They will be much more likely to be understanding if you aren’t always crying wolf.

The Neighbors Have the Same Property Manager

Respecting the neighbors is another indirect way to maintain a good relationship with the property manager. If they see you being kind to and taking care of the property and its other residents, they will in turn respect you.

When You Leave, Leave in Grace

With a good relationship built between you and your property manager, you can feel more comfortable approaching them with issues. If for some reason you have to break a lease, you break something, or you fall into a sticky financial situation, you want to be able to trust that your property manager is there to help.

When you do leave, make sure you talk to your property manager about being that reference you need for your next home. Get their contact information, be kind and open with them, and ask them politely if you can use them as a reference. 

Keep in mind that a relationship goes both ways, so if the property manager treats you poorly, be sure to handle this early before you get yourself deeper into the relationship.

We love our residents, and we hope to build a great relationship with all of you here at Maple Knoll!

Do you have any experiences with property managers that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!

The post Why Having a Good Relationship with Your Property Manager is Important appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

Plaid, pumpkins, and plush pillows?

Fall is here! It’s time to start thinking about how you want to decorate your apartment home for the breezy fall season. Colorful, warm arrangements and delightful, rich reds and yellows can accentuate any room. If you are into design, or just want a cozy apartment to come home to this autumn, think about how you want to give your apartment an upgrade.

Here are 7 fantastic ways to turn a regular apartment into a fall abode!

Hang a Wreath

A store-bought wreath or creating one yourself is a great way to turn a door into a piece of fall art. A light orange bow on a blue or white door can really bring out the best in colors.

Entryway Welcome

Going in and out of the home happens a lot, and making an entryway unique creates a welcoming feel. Warm woods can give a rustic feel for fall along with red fruit, red blooms, and a matching throw pillow if you have a chair or bench. 

Plaid Pillow Piles

Deeper colors and hues can be swapped for those lightly colored summer pillows. Burgundy, charcoal, caramel are all great colors. Plaid is a perfect blend with a throw or older chair. Sheepskin is great to go along with these new vibes. 

Take It Outside

If you have a patio, swap out everything with fall-friendly colors. Fire pits stacked with wood, wooden chairs, red tablecloths, and more can make a patio cozy. Warm-toned glassware can really top it all off. 

Hanging a Quilt

Bright hues can soften any wall with handmade textiles. Matching layers above a desk or mantle can be beautiful. 

Get Out the Gourds

A very simple way to create the feel of fall is to add pumpkins or squash. Porcelain or yarn works, as well as the real thing. Accentuate your wooden furniture with these, especially tables. Entryways as well!

Use Earthier Serving Platters

Rustic, earthy serving platters, wooden spoons, and dark bowls give off a fall feel. Wooden cheese boards and wooden handles are perfect. Mugs in the morning, wine glasses at night. 

The post 7 Decorating Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

We wanted to highlight these farmers and crafters and inform our residents at Whitcomb Terrace about farmers markets happening right here around Merrillville. From fruits and veggies to craft goods, honey, and baked goods, these are the best local markets to enjoy!

Miller Beach Farmers Market

667 S. Lake Street, just south of Route 12 in Gary, Indiana

219-238-6758, or by emailing [email protected]

May – September, Sundays, 11 am – 1 pm

Just 20 minutes north of Whitcomb Terrace, and within walking distance of Marquette Park Beach, Miller Beach Farmers Market is one of the best. This is a great way to get out on a weekend and see both a fantastic market and get out on the water!

This market features a vast range of local foods and craft goods, including farm-fresh produce, baked goods, ethnic foods, honey, plants, fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and body butter, cheese, jewelry, and art. Outreach and education are important, which is why we also sponsor local nonprofits and feature them in the market.

This not-for-profit market relies on vendors and fundraising. Volunteers are a huge part of our organization, an extension of the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District. 

Come enjoy the sunshine!

2021 Hobart Summer Market on the Lake  

Festival Park 

111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342

219-942-CITY

Thursdays, May 27 – August 26, 4 pm to 9 pm

The Summer Market on the Lake is a great place to enjoy outdoor marketplaces featuring local, fresh produce, baked items, unique foods, crafts, jewelry, local beer, and live music!

The Festival Park Bandshell begins at 6 pm the same evening, with bands scheduled into August.

8/12 – Gerry Hundt

8/26 – Dirt Born

We love getting out and enjoying the community and all our local vendors have to offer. We hope you’ll join us this summer/fall!

Know of any other great markets? Support your local community and let us know in the comments below!

The post Support the Local Community with the Best Farmers Markets Near Merrillville, IN appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

When it comes to your home, you want to know someone is there for you when you have an issue or simply need the convenience and ease of dealing with your property manager. 

Well, look no further. Whitcomb Terrace in Merrillville, IN, is now professionally managed by Marquette Management! We strive to put you first when it comes to your home, giving you the amenities, staff, and convenience you need. We have online rent payment, an easy-to-use work order portal for when something goes wrong, controlled building access, covered parking to protect your vehicle, and much more. Marquette offers a wide array of homes in locations such as Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Texas, and Minnesota. We are constantly renovating and customizing our apartments to give you the comfort and luxury you want in a modern home, and our pet-friendly locations give you a home you can be proud of.

With Whitcomb specifically, we offer an easy-access onsite fitness center so you can de-stress, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck for you to relax and catch some rays in that Indiana sunshine.

Some units have off bay windows, wood-burning fireplaces, a private patio or balcony, and all units offer 24-hour emergency maintenance so you can rest easy in your spacious one or two-bedroom apartment. 

Aside from our high-quality resident services, Whitcomb is conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks, and grocery stores such as Mariano’s and Jewel Osco. It is right off Lincoln Highway, minutes from everything Merrillville has to offer. If you love golf, there are also two golf courses located within minutes of our property – Green Meadows Golf Club and Ruth Lake Country Club.

Come see why Marquette Management’s professional grade quality properties are a perfect fit for you here at Whitcomb Terrace Apartments!

The post Looking for the Right Property Management? Marquette is Now Managing Whitcomb Terrace! appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.