Try Decorating Your Front Door

First impressions are powerful; decorating your door can make a statement or provide a cheery welcome whenever you come home. A classic wreath and hanger are festive options that are easy to put up and take down. One creative idea that is especially fun for kids is to wrap your door like a present using wrapping paper and a big bow. You could also decorate your door as a snowman, a candy cane, or Santa. Pinterest has plenty of ideas for how to decorate your door for the holidays. 

Set Up a Hot Drink Station

Is there anything better than coming in from the cold to your favourite hot beverage? Try creating a beverage station by using a mobile bar cart or a decorative tray that can be moved from your kitchen counter to your dining table to your coffee table, depending on where you sit. You can also put an adult spin on this idea by spicing up your drink station with fun and festive ingredients for classic holiday cocktails and flavors!

Choose the Right-Sized Tree 

If you want a Christmas tree in your apartment, you’ll want it to be a focal point without taking up the entire room. We suggest choosing a small tree or table topper to provide festive greenery and lights. If you have house plants, you can adorn them with string lights to brighten your room on dark winter nights without taking up any additional space. Keeping your lights and plants off the floor is also a great idea if you have pets in your apartment. 

Apartment Decor Ideas

There are endless opportunities to decorate your living room with Christmas decor for every budget. From table toppers to cozy festive cushions and fuzzy throws to holiday-themed wall art, you can brighten up your apartment without taking up lots of space. One key tip to remember with cozy spaces is to select tall and long decorations rather than wide ones. This helps make your suite look more spacious. 

Decorate Your Balcony

Another way to make your suite feel festive is to decorate your balcony. White lights on the railing or an outdoor tree free up space inside while creating a cheerful view outside your windows. Plus, you’ll be passing on the holiday spirit as passersby see your string lights from the sidewalk. 

Make Your Southpark Suite Cozy & Bright

Decorating your Southpark suite for the holidays will help put you in the holiday spirit for the season. Anyone can add a bit of cheer, no matter their taste or budget. Book your private tour and come see how magical living at Southpark on Whyte can be during the winter months.

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HALLOWEEN MARKETS IN OLD STRATHCONA

Hunting for a gift idea for that Halloween-obsessed friend? These upcoming October markets are a great opportunity to explore that spooky, gothic side with incredible vendors, artists, and services!
 

The Cauldron Market

October 28 @ 11:00 am – October 29 @ 4:00 pm

The Cauldron Market's last Edmonton stop for 2023 happens this month at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, Canada)—only a 15-minute walk from Southpark on Whyte. You'll find more than twenty-five witchy and wonderful artisans, artists, vendors, taro readers, and more at this FREE event. 

The Witchery Market

October 20 @ 4:00 pm – October 22 @ 4:00 pm 

The Witchery Market is a must-see event for lovers of the unique, unusual, and magic. Featuring witchy vendors, crafts and artists, tarot readers, psychics, and free presentations. The event is FREE to attend and is located at the Acacia Hall (10433 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, Canada)—only a 7 minute walk from Southpark on Whyte. 

SPOOKY PERFORMANCES, STORYTELLING, & DINING

Looking for a night of entertainment? These events feature musical performances, storytelling, and even a bit of history in Old Strathcona!

A Haunting at the OSPAC

October 31 @ 7:00 pm – 12:00 am 

Enjoy a night of spooky music, strange instruments, and spirits at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, Canada)—only a 15-minute walk from Southpark on Whyte. This event is presented by the Cosmopolitan Music Society, featuring performances from the CMS Tuesday Band & Jazz Orchestra, with special guests BORDEAUX and a horror story reading. Costumes are encouraged!

Haunted Pub Tour

Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Take a Haunted Pub Crawl tour of Old Strathcona featuring award-winning storytellers and excellent venues. This event is for 18+ and does not include the price of food and drink. The scheduled stops change with each tour, but all locations are within walking distance of Southpark on Whyte. 

Cocktails & Murder Mystery

October 31 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The Hexagon Board Game Cafe (10750 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, Canada) is hosting "Blood on the Clocktower," an evening of cocktails and murder mystery in an interactive social deduction game of good vs. evil. The cafe will be decorated for an immersive experience—just a 5-minute walk from Southpark on Whyte. 

Tequila Tasting Dinner at El Cortez Cantina

November 2 @ 6:30 pm 

Come celebrate the Day of the Dead at El Cortez Cantina with industry experts and hosts Mauricio Estrada (Forzza Wine & Spirits) and Lucas Lestus (El Tequilńeo) for an evening of Tequila and Mezcal tasting paired with snacks and tacos. Your hosts will share education and entertainment in a casual, interactive environment featuring 12 different Tequilas and Mezcals. This event is 18+ and is only an 11-minute walk from Southpark on Whyte.

APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF EDMONTON'S OLD STRATHCONA

Whatever you're planning for the spooky season, Southpark on Whyte is your safe and cozy retreat at the end of the night. With plenty of venues, amenities, and attractions within a 15-minute walk of your apartment, Southpark is your home in the heart of Edmonton's old Strathcona neighbourhood. 

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Mill Creek Ravine: Off-Leash Dog Park

Located only a 15-minute bike ride away from Southpark on Whyte, Mill Creek Ravine is a fantastic outdoor park for humans and four-legged friends. Open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., the park offers a variety of amenities, including running and walking paths, picnic sites, and an off-leash dog area. Feel the wind whip through your hair as you and your dog head through the ravine bridge and take in all the gorgeous views of the park. Afterward, take a break and stop for lunch at one of the many picnic sites before letting your dog explore the off-leash area along the bottom of the ravine. 

Buena Vista Dog Park: Off-Leash Area 

Buena Vista Dog Park is one of the best off-leash dog parks in Edmonton, situated on the cusp of the North Saskatchewan River. Only a 16-minute car ride from Southpark, the park lives up to its name with many different vantage points, allowing for gorgeous views of nature. Buena Vista Park is close to the river valley, so your dog can run and play in any of the wide open spaces and trails native to the park. The Buena Vista footbridge also offers a fantastic view of the river. Make sure to bring a camera to snap some photos of the diverse wildlife and flora that can be found here!

SouthBARK: On-Leash Park

Last but not least, SouthBARK is a community pop-up park created by Southpark on Whyte for our residents and community members alike to enjoy! The space is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is located right across the street from Southpark apartments, so dog owners and pups can swing by and enjoy the green public space. The park has picnic tables and benches, so you can set up a playdate and get to know some of the other adorable pooches that live in the building. 

You’ll be able to find gorgeous artwork from local Edmonton artists around the park, creating the perfect backdrop to grab some swoon-worthy pictures of your dog.

Pet-Friendly Living at Southpark on Whyte Ave

Southpark on Whyte Ave offers pet-friendly living and elevated building amenities so you and your pup can live in comfort and style. Get out and explore any of these great parks, and afterward, you can pamper and clean them in our in-building dog spa. Schedule a guided tour with one of our agents to learn more about how we can help upgrade your pet-friendly lifestyle today.

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Small-space living requires organization strategies. Here are some storage ideas to help you enjoy your apartment without worrying about where to keep everything your family needs. 

Declutter Your Space

It’s very easy for clutter to pile up. From papers to toys to sports equipment and books, everyone has some amount of clutter in their lives. With smaller apartments, this clutter becomes noticeable sooner. Setting a routine to declutter your space at the end or start of each week will help you stay on top of everything. 

Try setting aside an hour on a Sunday afternoon to sort, recycle, and put away your things. You can also designate a place in your closet for items that need to be donated or repaired and mark a time on your calendar once a month to take care of those items.
 

Storage Bins Make a Difference

The best way to avoid clutter from piling up is to give everything a specific place to belong. Storage containers can make all the difference. For those items you need on a regular basis, try using decorative storage containers. These will enhance the decor of your space and will serve a useful function. For those items you use less often, select clear bins so you can easily see what you’ve stored and keep them out of view when not in use. 
 

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

With small apartments, you can take advantage of vertical space to increase your storage space. Adding open shelving and wall hooks to your walls can provide new, convenient places to hang and store items out of the way. You can choose from simplistic hardware to decorative hooks and shelving, whatever suits your taste and budget. 
 

Sustainable, Long-Lasting Organization Systems

Having young kids at home can make small space organization a bit of a struggle. Our VIP Advantage Partner, Room to Breathe, can help you make room for what matters. Start with a consultation, then choose the level of service you desire to help you make your space work for your family and establish sustainable organization systems. 
 

Bright, Modern Rentals in Old Strathcona for New Families

Southpark on Whyte makes home organization for families easier with a range of amenities, including underground storage units, dedicated bike storage space, and a furnished guest suite, so you can maximize your apartment space for what matters most to your family.

Book a private tour and see why Edmonton families choose Southpark on Whyte. 

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July 1st is fast approaching, which means it’s almost time to say “O Canada!” and celebrate Canada Day! Canada Day falls on a weekend this year, so you have plenty of time to explore all of the exciting events Edmonton has to offer. Here at the Southpark, we’re getting ready for the big day by rounding up all of the best places near us to spend the holiday; whether you’re in the mood to enjoy live music or watch a fabulous firework display, we have you covered.

Kick Off Canada Day Edmonton 2023 with the Annual Block Party on Whyte Avenue

Are you ready for a weekend full of partying, music, and sunshine? Look no further than Blues on Whyte’s annual Canada Day Block Party. Only a 6-minute walk away from Southpark on Whyte, Blues on Whyte will have an iconic lineup of artists performing live on the patio all weekend. With everything from rock to blues to up-and-coming contemporary artists from the local community, we guarantee that you won’t forget this jamboree anytime soon.

Celebrate With Friends and Family at Southpark on Whyte

Staying home for statutory holidays is just as much fun as going out. Inviting your loved ones over to celebrate Canada Day at home is a great way to take advantage of all of the amenities we offer. Feel free to use our indoor lounge or the demonstration kitchen and dining area for entertaining a large group. Or, even better: host a Canada Day BBQ on our outdoor patio. Since Canada Day falls on a Saturday, the party doesn’t need to end when the night is over either; we offer fully furnished guest suites so you can celebrate together all weekend. 

See the Canada Day Fireworks in Edmonton

You’re not alone if the first thing you think of when you picture Canada Day festivities is fireworks. Here at Southpark on Whyte, we are near some prime locations to see this year’s stunning fireworks displays.

The Alberta Legislature Grounds

The Alberta Legislature Grounds is home to one of the biggest and best firework shows in the province. Put on by the City of Edmonton and only a 7-minute drive from Southpark on Whyte, this is an experience you do not want to miss. 

Victoria Park

Not only is Victoria Park a prime location for watching the fireworks in Edmonton, but the park itself has several amenities for you and your loved ones to access all day, including a baseball diamond, picnic sites, and a playground for the little ones. 

Celebrate Canada Day 2023 by Checking Out The Best Spots in the City!

Whether you’re a party animal or a homebody, make Canada Day 2023 special this year by checking out some of these great locations (including your own Southpark on Whyte suite) in Edmonton. The neighbourhood around Southpark on Whyte has plenty to offer at any time of year. Whether you choose to spend your days off exploring the city or enjoying the amenities of our building, you’ll have a great time. 

Contact us today to learn more about the attractions nearby and take a tour of our rental community.

The post Best Places to Spend Canada Day 2023 in Edmonton appeared first on Southpark Blog.

At Southpark on Whyte, we are close to several LGBTQ+ businesses here in Edmonton. Consciously picking these queer-owned businesses this June — and the rest of the year, too — is a great way to do your part to help LGBTQIA2S+ culture thrive.

Support Local Queer Artists

The QUILTBAG

Only 3 minutes away, The QUILTBAG is an LGBTQ-owned business near us that is a retail space for LGBTQ+ brands, as well as a venue to promote work by local artists. Aside from selling and promoting local LGBTQ+ creations and wares, the business owners have started a Trans Community Fund that provides gender-affirming items to low-income trans, non-binary, and two-spirit people.

Enjoy LGBTQIA2S+ Events

The Grindstone

Whether you love comedy, sketches, or burlesque, The Grindstone has exactly what you are looking for! The Grindstone is a non-profit theatre that provides performing arts opportunities for LBGTQ+ artists. The Grindstone is also home to a licensed bistro and bar, so you can enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment just 13 minutes away from the Southpark.

Fruit Loop

Looking for inclusive and fun events to attend during Pride Month? Look no further than Fruit Loop, a non-profit organization that hosts everything from drag to contemporary dance. In addition to facilitating fabulous entertainment, Fruit Loop donates proceeds from each event to LGBTQIA2S+ programs across Edmonton, so by supporting Fruit Loop, you are doing your part to make the city a safer, more welcoming place. 
 

A Night of Dinner and Dancing: Throw in a Local Drag Show Too

Campio

Finger-licking good food, craft beer, and a drag show is the recipe for a perfect brunch, and luckily, Campio Brewing Co. has all three covered! Campio is a local brewery in Edmonton that pushes the limits of creativity when it comes to providing quality beer and entertainment that is inclusive to people of all gender and sexual orientations. They host a regular Drag Brunch with appearances from some of the best drag queens in the area, like Tequila Mockingbird, Kio Karr, and more. 
 

Evolution Wonderlounge

If you have yet to check out Evolution Wonderlounge (EVO), you have been missing out! EVO is an Edmonton club that serves the LGBTQIAS2+ community all year round by providing entertainment for all. Aside from hosting unforgettable nights on the dance floor, they also have drag, burlesque, trivia, and hockey nights supporting Edmonton Rage — a local queer hockey team.
 

Support LGBTQIA2S+ Friendly Businesses All Year Round Near Southpark

At Southpark, we are excited to be within walking distance of some of these fantastic businesses, so our residents can easily check them out during Pride Month and every month after too! Contact us to learn more about the exciting businesses and amenities in our neighbourhood today.
 

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Save This Deep Cleaning Apartment Checklist

For Southpark dwellers, this spring cleaning list will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to make the most of another vibrant summer in the heart of Edmonton. Even if you are on the fence about renting at Southpark, let these cleaning tips inspire you to prepare for your big move. 
 

1. Declutter Your Space

An effective way to get started on your spring cleaning to-do list is to take stock of any unwanted or unnecessary clutter that has piled up around your apartment. Here are some handy decluttering tips for spring:

• Clear out your dedicated junk cabinets and drawers. 
• Go through your pantry and fridge to get rid of expired items.  
• Purge your closet and ditch old hair, skincare, and makeup products.  

A perk of living at Southpark is that it’s located just minutes away from Goodwill, where you can donate gently used items you no longer need.     
 

2. Deep Clean Your Suite

Once your apartment is clutter-free, you can give your space a much-deserved spring clean. Here’s an environmentally friendly at-home cleaning hack: Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle to create your own surface and glass cleaner, which you can use with a microfiber cloth to clean windows and window sills, baseboards, walls, shower curtains, and other surfaces.

Some deep cleaning to-do’s for spring include: 

• Check-in with your Community Manager at Southpark about the seasonal HVAC maintenance required for your suite. 
• Clean your oven and stove top. 
• Mop your floors with warm, soapy water. 
• Check and change your washing machine filter if needed. 
• Dust all surfaces in the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. 
• Test and replace carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries if needed. 

You can find more spring cleaning inspiration here! 
 

3. Re-Organize Your Home

Once your apartment is fresh and clean, consider investing in a professional organizer to give your cabinets, drawers, and closets a purposeful refresh. Re-organizing your space to suit your lifestyle and habits can help you keep it clean and functional for future seasons. As a Southpark resident, you can use your VIP Resident Advantage card to get 5% off services when you book with Room to Breathe Professional Organizers!  
 

Spring into Premium Rental Living at Southpark on Whyte

Nothing sets you up for a successful summer in Edmonton like a solid spring cleaning schedule. When your Southpark apartment is fresh, clean, and de-cluttered this season, you can spend your summer days doing what matters most: biking to the river valley, walking to the ice cream shop, and pub-hopping with your pals before getting back to the grind next fall. 

Contact us and schedule a tour to learn more about premium rental opportunities available and limited-time incentives for new residents at Southpark today. 

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Add Some Florals

Nothing says spring like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Whether you opt for a colorful vase of fresh blooms or a beautiful faux arrangement, adding flowers to your apartment is an easy and affordable way to brighten up your space. Consider placing a vase of tulips or daffodils on your dining table, or adding a few potted plants to your windowsill. We highly recommend checking out Laurel’s on Whyte here in Edmonton for all your floral and plant decor needs!

Switch Up Your Pillows and Throws

If you're not looking to make any major changes to your decor, simply switching out your pillows and throws can make a big impact. Opt for bright, cheerful colors and playful patterns that capture the essence of spring. Floral prints, pastels, and light-colored fabrics are all great choices.

Bring in Some Natural Materials

Spring is all about renewal and growth, so consider incorporating some natural materials into your decor. Bamboo, rattan, and wicker accents are all great choices, as are woven baskets and wooden picture frames. Not only will these materials add a touch of earthy warmth to your space here at Southpark on Whyte, but they also help bring the outdoors in.

Add Some Art

Whether you're an art collector or just looking to spruce up your walls, adding some spring-themed artwork to your apartment is a great way to add some personality and color to your space. Look for pieces that feature bright, bold colors and nature-inspired themes, like landscapes or florals.

Embrace the Light

As the days get longer and the sun starts to shine, make the most of the natural light in your apartment. While you already have large, UV-protected windows, you can also swap out heavy drapes for sheer curtains that let even more light in. Be sure to also make the most of your balcony overlooking Whyte Avenue by adding some comfortable seating, a few potted plants, and maybe even a string of twinkling lights.

By following these 5 tips, you can easily transform your apartment here at Southpark on Whyte into a bright and cheerful space that captures the essence of spring here #OnTheAve. 

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DINNER AT CHIANTI'S

Celebrate your love with some delicious Italian cuisine from Chianti’s – one of our favorite local restaurants here #OnTheAve.

ICE CREAM DATE AT MADE BY MARCUS

Whether you go to sit down for a scoop with your loved one or get one of their Valentine’s Day Ice cream cakes to take home to eat on the couch, nothing says love like one of Made by Marcus’ sweet treats.  

GAME NIGHT AT THE HEXAGON BOARD GAME CAFE

Enjoy some friendly competition on Valentine’s Day by playing some games at The Hexagon Board Game Cafe here on Whyte Ave! This sleek, modern outpost for playing board games also offers espresso drinks, beer & light bites – making it a great spot for a date night.

SKATING AT HAWRELAK PARK 

Sharpen those skates and head out for a romantic skate at Hawrelak Park!

MOVIE AT THE METRO CINEMA 

Sometimes you can’t beat a movie night, and Metro Cinema is playing some classics this Valentine’s Day that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy some popcorn, sit back, and relax with your special someone. 

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