Blog Posts

Video Games to Try!

Video games have had a surge of popularity in recent years, with eSports taking off among millennial crowds. Despite the many accusations about video games being a waste of time or even a large contributor to aggression, video games have become an outlet for many young people and even a career for some through eSports. In this week’s Quincy Plaza Blog, we’ve compiled a list of video games for you to try to see if this is the hobby for you! Many of these games can be played comfortably in your Arlington, VA apartment! Heroes of the Storm A title from the video game giant, Blizzard Entertainment, this game falls under the category of a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA, for short) and is a great look into the world of eSport games. Heroes of the Storm is a game that focuses heavily on objectives and team-based play. Unlike other MOBAs, each team player’s character levels up together, so it’s important to not get too behind as well as work together to get ahead! Heroes of the Storm is also known as a game that’s beginner friendly, and a good choice for people who don’t have a tremendous amount of time for video games. Fortnite Fortnite has taken the world by storm. With it’s cartoony character designs and battle royale game play, this game is quick, fun, and competitive. There are many nuances to this game, like a base building aspect and other more technical intricacies, but it’s not difficult to get used to the gameplay. A topic of popular culture in the recent year, find out exactly why Fortnite has captured the hearts of so many! Super Smash Bros. This suggestion is a crossover fighting game produced by Nintendo, bringing together many notable characters from other popular video games like Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and more! You can play as your favorite character in this iconic battle party game! Though this game is fun to play solo against the Artificial Intelligence system, Super Smash Bros has grown in popularity as a party game as it allows friends to go head-to-head with each other in a contest to prove who’s the best. It’s easy to get addicted to video games, but not inevitable, and these titles are a fun introduction into the world of gaming. If you’re interested in these games after you’ve given them a chance, you can check out the eSports broadcasts for these games, or popular Twitch streamers. Each of these games come on different consoles or a PC, so do some research before getting into them!

Stay Home!

There will always be times when you’re going to have free time at home. We’re more likely to have time to ourselves than we are to have time going out with friends. Because there’s a high likelihood that you’re going to spend time in your Arlington, VA apartment, this week in Quincy Plaza Blog, we’re going to share a few suggestions for things you can do at home. Sleep If you have a busy life, it can be beneficial to take some time out of your day to take a nap. If you’re tired from a day at work or school, a short 20-30 minute nap can help reinvigorate your alertness without making you groggy or making it difficult to sleep at night. In the fast paced world that we live in, sometimes people associate napping with being lazy, but it can help you be more productive. Read a Book It’s common to get home from a hard day at work or school and want to settle into a movie or TV show, but we recommend picking up a book to read.There are many novels that can easily be picked up at your local bookstore. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a variety of genres from fantasy to science fiction, romance to historical, and more. Delving into a book can expand your horizons and take you into an immersive entertainment experience. Board Games Board games by yourself can be lonely, so invite some friends over to enjoy a night in. Board games are a simple and fun way to have social interaction and, occasionally, stretch your mind and tactical skills. Invite your friends to bring some of their favorites to expand the pool of board games to choose from. Try to choose an easy-to-learn game that involves all of your guests. What is your favorite thing to do when you are enjoying a night in? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading our blog post today.

Ways to Get Out this Summer

Welcome back to the Quincy Plaza Blog! Are you tired of staying around Arlington, VA? We’ve got some suggestions on what to do to make the most of your summer by getting out of your apartment or even getting out of state! Camping Camping is one of the best ways to get out of the apartment and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the United States. There are many camping spots in the area that you can head to, and even more picturesque spots outside the state! If you do intend on going camping, remember to prepare. Depending on how long you’re going for, the items you need to bring may vary. Some of the key items that you’re going to need are sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, and enough water for yourself and your group. When you’re out there, try to keep off your mobile devices to enjoy the company you’re with and commune with nature! Road Trips If you have the time to take an extended road trip, do so! Road trips can be a fun way to spend your summer. Drive through the continental United States and witness everything it has to offer. Make sure your car is capable of making whatever trip you decide to take by taking it to a mechanic. And always have your insurance information up-to-date, with a card in your vehicle! Much like camping, you’re going to need to pack the necessities of sunscreen, toiletries, and water, as well as other items like snacks for the road, pillows, and a couple blankets. To have a successful road trip, it’s crucial to plan well. Figure out where you’re going to stay when you reach your destination, be mindful of the gas stations on your route, and have an idea for activities you’re going to do when you get there! International Travel Grab your passport and plan to get out of the country! International travel has many benefits , and the experiences you’ll have can last you a lifetime. Travel enhances your creativity and relieves stress, and it can boost your happiness and satisfaction! When you’re making a decision to travel internationally, plan well. Because plane tickets are generally expensive, take some time to do your research and keep up with deals. You’ll be able to find some cheaper tickets. It’s important to remember as you travel internationally that you’re going to be a guest in another country. Do your research on the culture and the lifestyles of the locals. Keep up to date on how to act when you’re there to avoid causing any offenses and miscommunications. Do you have anything you like to do during the summer? Let us know by leaving a comment below! Thanks for reading!

Spend a Day at the Pool

Stave off the hot weather by jumping into the cool water of our apartment community swimming pool. This week on the Quincy Plaza Blog, we’re going to share with you some suggestions on how to make the most of your day at the pool. With our tips, you can cool off here at Arlington, VA. Prepare It may seem like a stretch to prepare for a day at the apartment swimming pool, but being prepared is always beneficial. If you’re going to spend the whole day at the pool, it is wise to pack enough sunscreen, a towel, and an emergency first-aid kit in your belongings in case of injury. Mental preparation is equally as important as physical preparation. Accidents can happen, so as you’re mentally prepared for the chance of an emergency, you’re more able to handle injuries or emergency circumstances. Dress Appropriately When you’re at the pool, dress like you’re going to swim. Stay away from being in jeans, slacks, or dresses. You don’t want to be thrown into the pool wearing your nice clothing, so wear a swimsuit. Keep all electronics and precious items off to the side or away from the pool to avoid getting ruined in case they — or you — fall into the pool. Be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt, and be generous to those who forgot to bring some. Safety First If you’re attending the pool with children, remind them of general pool etiquette and safety rules. Advise them to walk instead of run when in the pool area. As they understand that scrapes and injuries can happen when they run and are inconsiderate of other people’s safety, they are less likely to be reckless. Remember to take breaks from your time in the pool. Swimming is a full-body exercise, and spending too much time without breaks can be hazardous, causing cramps and that may even lead to drowning! Do you have any tips on enjoying a day at the pool? If we’ve left some tips out, let us know by leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!

Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day is coming up this month on May 28th. We want to celebrate here on the Quincy Plaza Apartments Blog by sharing a list of fun things you can do on your day off. Check it out and enjoy your month here in Arlington, VA! Have a Picnic Celebrate Memorial Day by having a picnic at a local park. Check out Quincy Park or Oakland Park which are both close to our apartment community. As for picnic recipes, try out these tasty dishes: Mediterranean Chopped Salad Pitas . This recipe is great for a hot summer day. It comes from She Likes Food . You’ll need romaine lettuce, chickpeas, a tomato, a cucumber, a small red pepper, a red onion, kalamata olives, feta crumbles, chopped fresh dill, and pita bread. Add the homemade dressing and enjoy this delicious main dish. Fruit Kabobs . This recipe is an easy way of serving fruit. Rather than needing to spoon fruit onto a picnic plate, simply grab a fruit kabob. This idea comes from By Stephanie Lynn . All you need to do is slice up your choice of fruit and slide them onto a skewer. This recipe uses strawberries, bananas, kiwi, pineapple, and cantaloupe. Play These Outdoor Games Get outside in the warmer weather and play one of these games at a nearby park: Watch Your Step . Watch Your Step is a great game that’s simple to play, but will keep you busy and having fun on a sunny afternoon. To play this game you’ll simply tie a balloon to each players’ ankles, then run around and try to step on and pop the other players’ balloons. The last person with a balloon, wins. Ladder Ball . Ladder Ball, also called Ladder Toss or Ladder Golf, is becoming a classic outdoor game to play at picnics or other summer events. You can either purchase a Ladder Ball set online or make your own at home. Check out the DIY instructions in the link above from Momtastic to make your own. Go Swimming Here at Quincy Plaza, we have a swimming pool for our residents to enjoy. Get out and take a swim to cool off this month! What are your plans for Memorial Day? Share them with us in the comments. Thanks for reading. Be sure to visit us again next month to see what's new!

Museums to Visit This Month

Did you know that May 18th is National Museum Day? In this week’s Quincy Plaza Apartments Blog post we’ll be sharing a list of local museums for you to visit here in Arlington, VA. Check them out this month! We hope you have a great month. The George Washington University Museum “Located in the heart of GW's Foggy Bottom Campus, Washington, the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum fosters the study and appreciation of art, history, and culture—both within the university and throughout the global community.” The George Washington University Museum is about a 14 minute drive from our apartment community. Interior Museum “For more than 80 years, the Interior Museum’s mission has been to inspire and educate Departmental employees - as well as the general public - about the ongoing stewardship of the nation’s public lands, natural resources and cultural heritage.” The Interior Museum is about a 13 minute drive from Quincy Plaza. Art Museum of the Americas “AMA continues to organize exhibitions and programs with emerging and established artists, providing a space for cultural expression, creativity, and dialogue while highlighting issues central to the OAS (democracy, equitable development, human rights, justice, and innovation) through the arts. This mission is strengthened through cutting-edge programming emphasizing high caliber art that simultaneously furthers dialogue on current relevant social and political matters.” It’s about a 12 minute drive away. Drug Enforcement Administration Museum "The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum and Visitors Center is to educate the American public on the history of drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in the United States through engaging and state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive stations and educational outreach programs.” Check out the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum this month! It’s about an 11 minute drive from our community. What’s your favorite museum in our area? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.