It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost here. The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family, and enjoying good food. Hosting a holiday get together this season? You’ve got to try Timbercreek’s 10 favourite holiday dinners.

Turkey with all the trimmings

Turkey with all the trimmings is the iconic holiday meal in North America. If you’ve never tried to tackle it, it’s important to have a plan. Figure out what can be made ahead of time so you can prioritize and even ask for help from your guests. People like to be helpful, especially at this time of year. Encourage your guests to bring a vegetable side dish or a dessert to reheat. Taking a few minor obligations off your plate can make hosting the holiday dinner more enjoyable.

Glazed ham and Couscous

Not everyone likes turkey. For guests who aren’t fans of fowl, we suggest serving this equally impressive Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham with Couscous. This meal is a breeze to prepare compared to turkey and all the trimmings. It can be ready to serve in two to three hours.

Brisket and Latkes

Our favourite holiday dinner for Hanukkah is Braised Brisket and Latkes. It’s a deeply satisfying meal of meat and potatoes, done holiday style. Crispy, oniony, latkes pair perfectly with rich and savoury brisket. Brisket can be a tough cut of meat to master. If you’ve never prepared a brisket before, check out these tips on how to do it perfectly.

Christmas Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings

We love the classic British Christmas Dinner of Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings. You don’t have to hail from the UK to love enjoy tender and delicious roast beef with savoury pastries. Best of all, you get to drench everything in a rich brown gravy!

Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes

Pescatarians will love this Christmas tradition. On Christmas Eve (December 24th) Italian families serve fish instead of meat. There are no rules for preparing The Feast of the Seven Fishes, but the classic meal typically consists of a snack-sized seafood appetizer course, a seafood salad course, a meaty grilled seafood course, followed by a seafood pasta, a stew and vegetable course, and finally a fish-free dessert.

Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes

We love the rich textures and intense savoury flavours of Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes. Beef Bourguignon is a hearty classic French dish that involves a lot of umami loaded ingredients (wine, mushrooms and cognac, bacon etc.). This meal is elegant but substantial and can be ready to serve in less than two hours with about 45 minutes of hands on prep time.

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes is a classic holiday meal that looks dramatic and tastes delicious. Don’t be intimidated by this one -- it only takes a few minutes to prepare (not including marinating time). The trick is to be restrained with the herbs. The flavour of the lamb is strong on it’s own so the seasonings should complement this flavour without overpowering it.

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing has been a popular Christmas dinner since the 1990s. It offers a light and elegant alternative to turkey with bread stuffing. This recipe takes about three and a half hours total to prepare, but only about 45 minutes of that is hands-on prep time, so it's a perfect meal option if you have a lot on your plate.

Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

Spice things up this season with Aloo Gobi! This hearty spiced potato and cauliflower dish is popular across India and Pakistan and will impress your vegetarian guests.

Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies

If you really want to wow the crowd this holiday season, serve Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies. This classic show stopping meal is perfect for a special occasion like Christmas. If you’ve never tasted Beef Wellington, it is an incredible mix of textures. Prime cut filet mignon is wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked -- the decadent result is unforgettable.

Happy Holidays from Timbercreek Communities. We hope you enjoyedi our 10 favourite holiday dinners! For information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Summer is patio season, and there’s no better place to be than Guelph apartments if you love dining outdoors. Today’s post from the blog team at Timbercreek Communities rounds up a great list of patios to visit nearby this summer.

Symposium Cafe

If you’re searching for a gorgeous patio where you can enjoy morning brunch, afternoon coffee or a laid-back evening meal with friends, Symposium Cafe (304 Stone Road West) is the perfect spot. Plan on a 20-minute walk, or five-minute bike ride, from Vanier Court Apartments (27 and 40 Vanier Drive) to visit this patio.

Earth To Table

Earth To Table: A Bread Bar (105 Gordon Street) celebrates Guelph’s finest, freshest produce and ingredients. Stop by this summer to experience both the summertime menu and the large outdoor patio. Vanier Court Apartments is a five-minute drive from this local eatery.

Albion Hotel

A two-storey patio earns Albion Hotel (49 Norfolk Street) a place on Guelph’s list of best patios. This patio is located in a heritage building. Visit for live music, whole and hearty modern cuisine and superior outdoor dining. This historic spot is a five-minute drive from Vanier Court Apartments.

Baker Street Public House

If you are looking for a patio to check out for drinks after work, Baker Street Public House (76 Baker Street) is the place to go. This great local dive is the perfect spot to sip on craft beer and devour some delicious pub fare. Patio seating is on a first come, first serve basis, meaning you should go early to beat the crowds. Take your pick of upstairs and downstairs outdoor seating. Best of all, Vanier Court Apartments is less than a 10-minute drive from this downtown watering hole.

Guelph is home to many fantastic patios. We hope you enjoy our picks for excellent patios in the area featured in today’s post by the Timbercreek Communities blog team. For more information about Guelph apartments, including restaurants and amenities nearby, simply visit our website today.

Get ready for a Father’s Day dinner you and Dad will both love. Find a great list of recommended restaurants located near Ottawa apartments in today’s post from the Timbercreek Communities blog team.

The Foolish Chicken

How about a little homestyle barbecue in honour of Father’s Day? The Foolish Chicken (79 Holland Avenue) is the place to go near Parkdale Apartments (131 Parkdale Avenue) for mouthwatering ribs and barbecue. Just a 10-minute walk away, this local eatery is casual yet full of character. Be sure to save room for cheesecake, one of the house specialty desserts.

Little India Cafe

One of the neighbourhood’s favourite Indian restaurants is planning a special Father’s Day brunch for the holiday, June 19th. Little India Cafe (66 Wylie Avenue), an easy five-minute walk from Sunset Heights & Sunview Apartments (2880 & 2900 Carling Avenue), boasts the best naan in town. The one-day-only brunch buffet will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with traditional supper hours resuming from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The Manx Pub

For the Dad who loves craft beer or Scotch, The Manx Pub (370 Elgin Street) has one of the finest selections in the city. That, combined with a delicious dinner menu featuring Dad’s favourite pub fare, makes this a good option for Father’s Day. To get to here, walk five minutes from Warren Arms Apartments (222 Maclaren Street).

Pelican Fishery and Grill

If Dad loves fish, you have no choice but to make reservations for Pelican Fishery and Grill (1500 Bank Street), a community favourite featuring a full-service fish market. Open all day Sunday, take Dad out here for any meal of your choosing. Fairlea Apartments (2920 Fairlea Crescent) is a five-minute drive to this Ottawa establishment.

Happy Father’s Day from the Timbercreek Communities blog team! For more information about Ottawa apartments, simply visit our website today.

For rib lovers and their loved ones, Summer just wouldn’t be Summer without RibFest. This pork-stravaganza is coming Hamilton in June, and Timbercreek Communities doesn’t want you to miss a minute of the finger-lickin’ festivities.

This year’s RibFest will take place June 10th, 11th and 12th at Valley Park (970 Paramount Dr). The event kicks off at 4pm until 11pm on Friday, continues on Saturday all day from 11am to 11pm, and finishes off Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Here’s what to expect from this year’s fest:

Ribbers Galore!

Boss Hogs, Kentucky Smokehouse, Gator BBQ and New York BBQ -- these are some of the best rib teams from all over North America. They will be flocking to Hamilton for the Southern Comfort Rib Series to bring you some of the best BBQ you’ve ever tasted.

Vendors Galore!

Beyond the mountains of ribs there will also be a vast assortment of fun food vendors to satisfy all cravings. From sweet treats like funnel cakes, ice cream and Tiny Tom’s donuts, to more savoury carnival style fare such as blooming onions, french fries and poutine. Classic burgers and hot dogs will also be available. When you can’t eat another bite there will be many other vendors to discover on-site selling unique arts and crafts, clothes and even antiques!

Entertainment Galore!

Hamilton RibFest would not be complete without a full lineup of entertainment. Enjoy live music all day long from local bands and out of town touring bands on stage in front of the Beer Garden. For the kids, the Kids Zone will feature face painting, balloon animals and bubble soccer! Don’t forget the kids’ swimsuits so you can enjoy the refreshing splash pad.

Life is too short to eat bad BBQ -- and well done BBQ is rare. The best BBQ around is waiting for you at this year’s Hamilton RibFest. The Timbercreek blog team wishes you a finger-licking good time at this year’s event. For information on our premier properties in Hamilton, click here.

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast near Pointe Claire apartments. Learn which restaurants are the best bet nearby in today’s post from the blog team at Timbercreek Communities.

Allo Mon Coco

Big portions and reasonable prices are a few of the reasons Pointe Claire residents can’t get enough of Allo Mon Coco ( 46-D Boulevard Brunswick). This continues to expand throughout the greater Montreal area and has earned a reputation in Pointe Claire as having second-to-none omelettes. The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from Lakeshore Towers Apartments (30 Lakeshore Drive).

Le Quartier du Déjeuner

This spring, enjoy a 10-minute bike ride from Lakeshore Towers Apartments to Le Quartier du Déjeuner (1858 Boulevard des Sources). Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere and long list of breakfast items to choose from at this local family favourite.

Epazote & Haricot

Give your breakfast or brunch a burst of flavour by choosing Epazote & Haricot (185 Avenue Dorval). This authentic Mexican restaurant is known for its fresh flavours and genuine simplicity.  Drive 10 minutes from Lakeshore Towers Apartments to experience the eatery for yourself this season.

Bistro Pointe-Claire

For an elegant meal in a unique ambience, check out Bistro Pointe-Claire (252 Chemin du Bord-du-Lac). Under a 10-minute drive from Lakeshore Towers Apartments, this restaurant is located in the heart of Pointe-Claire Village, inside the historic Monsignor house. The charming environment combined with an impressive menu guarantee a memorable breakfast here to properly kickstart your day.

Which local establishment will you visit for breakfast first? The blog team at Timbercreek Communities is ready for a delicious breakfast in Point Claire and hopes you are too. For more information about Pointe Claire apartments, visit our website today.

You are in the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day. Find the ideal spot for you and Mom near our Downtown Montreal apartments in today’s post from the Timbercreek Communities blog team.

Maison Boulud

For an elegant meal that you and your Mom won’t soon forget, Maison Boulud (1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest) is the place to go. This French eatery, located within the Ritz-Carlton, features upscale cuisine alongside stunning views of the gardens and is an excellent place for a Mother’s Day brunch. Mosaique Apartments (345 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest) are a 20-minute walk or 15-minute ride using public transit from this hotel and restaurant.

Le Montréalais

If fresh Mediterranean flavours are more your style, Le Montréalais (900 Rene Levesque Boulevard) is a 15-minute walk from Beau Chateau Apartments (2085 rue Guy). The Mother’s Day brunch here is sure to impress, with delectable options like bass ceviche, crab claws, marinated salmon and an assortment of smoked fish.

Dyad Cycles

Work off your amazing Mother’s Day meal in Downtown Montreal with a fun bike ride around the city. Rent a bicycle for you and your mom at Dyad Cycles (80 Rue Prince Arthur Est). A simple five-minute walk from Tour Sherbrooke Apartments (450 Rue Sherbrooke Est), affordable rentals are available for a minimum of four hours or for an entire day.

Spa St. James

You and your mom both deserve a chance to relax. This Mother’s Day, unwind and reconnect with a fun and laid-back trip to a day spa. Near Tour D’Auteuil Apartments (2150 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest), consider Spa St. James (1228 Sherbrooke Ouest), now located within the elegant Ritz-Carlton, a 15-minute walk away.

Happy Mother’s Day from the blog team at Timbercreek Communities! We hope you have a special day with your mom close to home. For more information about our premium Downtown Montreal apartments, visit our website today.

Ha!ifax ComedyFest is coming soon near Halifax apartments. Don’t miss out on your chance for four days of great laughs with friends and family. Learn more about the event in today’s post from the Timbercreek Communities blog team.

11 years and counting

Ha!ifax ComedyFest first kicked off in 1995. Now, 11 years later, the festival is one of three in the nation that is broadcast nationally on prime time television. Mark your calendars today for this spring’s event, April 27 through 30th.

Laughter citywide

Participating comedians perform at various venues throughout Halifax. Locations include the Schooner Showroom at Casino Nova Scotia (1983 Upper Water Street), a 10-minute drive from Woburn Manor Apartments (238 Bedford Highway) and Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club at The Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis Street), a 15-minute drive from Clayton Park Towers Apartments (210 Willett Street). Finally, don’t miss the hilarious events happening at the Spatz Theatre at Citadel High (1855 Trollope Street), under a 10-minute drive from Terrace View Apartments (41 Cowie Hill Road).

Pick your date night

Shows are already beginning to sell out for this end-of-the-month festival. Go online today to learn more about each of the featured comedians, who have travelled from across Canada and around the world to participate in this extraordinary affair. Compare your favourite performers and the performance dates with your schedule to decide which shows you would like to buy tickets for in this year’s lineup.

Connect online

Once you have your tickets, you are ready to connect with other festival-goers online. Follow the Ha!ifax ComedyFest Facebook page and the festival’s Twitter account for the latest news and updates regarding the festival. Share with your friends and encourage them to join the fun.

Timbercreek Communities knows you’ll have a blast at the upcoming Ha!ifax ComedyFest. For more information about our Halifax apartments, many of which are located just a short drive from this spectacular event, visit our website today.

St. Jacobs is a popular destination for tourists of all types, including residents old and new of our Kitchener apartments. Get to know this local spot, starting with today’s featured activities, compiled by the blog team at Timbercreek Communities.

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market

It is no secret that one of the most loved spots in St. Jacobs is the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market (878 Weber Street North). As Canada’s largest year-round market, this is an exceptional place to go for delicious produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat foods and handmade crafts. The market is open from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. To get here, plan on a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments (50, 66 & 80 Mooregate Crescent).

St. Jacobs Outlets

Is it time for some spring shopping? Start your shopping spree in St. Jacobs. The St. Jacobs outlets (25 Benjamin Road East), a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments, are a great place to find great deals on all your favourite name brands. With nearly 30 shops to choose from, you can expect to find everything you need for the new season.

Block Three Brewing

Kick back and relax at Block Three Brewing (1430-2 King Street North). About a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments, this nearby brewery promises a laidback evening in one of Ontario’s most iconic counties. Before you plan your trip, check out the event calendar to see if there’s something coming up that catches your eye.

Drayton Entertainment

For a family-friendly affair, see what’s playing at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (40 Benjamin Road), operated by Drayton Entertainment. With a fun lineup of a shows and Broadway-level talent, you are sure to have a memorable evening at the theatre. The playhouse is less than a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments.

Horse Drawn Tours

There might be no better way to get to know this nearby county than to take a horse-drawn tour. In the winter, tours are given on sleigh rides. The sleigh leaves from 1222 Apple Grove Road, a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments.

Timbercreek Communities hopes today’s post inspires you to visit beautiful St. Jacobs soon. For more information about our nearby Kitchener apartments, visit our website.

Looking for new ways to make new friends? Today’s post from the Timbercreek Communities blog team includes awesome opportunities to meet great people, without traveling far from our Halifax apartments.

Attend an art event

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (1723 Hollis Street) hosts regular events and activities for artists and art enthusiasts alike. For example, keep an eye out for the next Art Party, a trendy after-hours evening event that includes lights, music, food and the opportunity to meet new people. Another option is Art Escape, a field trip to Halifax’s great art venues and a chance to make new friends at the same time. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a 10-minute drive from Terrace View Apartments (41 Cowie Hill Road).

Go to a concert

Meet new people at a casual concert, where you can also enjoy a drink and fall in love with an up-and-coming local band. Start at The Seahorse Tavern (2037 Gottingen Street), which has an outstanding reputation for original talent. The tavern’s new location is a 10-minute drive from Wilshire Apartments (214 Willett Street).

Join a book club

The Halifax Public Library packs its schedule full with activities and workshops of all types. From writing groups to book clubs, Scrabble, Excel basics or women’s conversation circles, it is likely you can find an event here that fits your personality and attracts others with similar preferences. The nearest branch to Fairfax Suites Apartments (330 Lacewood Drive) is the Keshen Goodman Public Library (76 Fairfax Drive), just over a five-minute walk away.

Get outdoors

For snowshoeing adventures in the winter and hiking treks in the summer, join Chebucto Hiking Club. There is no better way to meet new people than while surrounded by the beauty of the greater Halifax area. Browse all the many outdoor-related clubs in the area by visiting Halifax’s Meetup website.

Timbercreek Communities is confident you will meet all sorts of awesome new people by trying out any one of today’s recommended activities. For more information about our Halifax apartments, visit our website.

Get ready to laugh at the Burlington Comedy Festival, coming soon near our Burlington apartments. Find the details you need to make the most of this fun-filled local event in today’s post from Timbercreek Communities.

Laugh your heart out

The Burlington Comedy Festival will feature over 10 outstanding comedians at two local venues. The laughter begins on Monday, February 29th and runs through Wednesday, March 2nd.

The funniest spot in town

The opening night show will be held at the Water Street Cooker (2084 Old Lakeshore Road), just over a five-minute drive from Barkley Towers (955 Warwick Court). Tuesday night and Wednesday night there will be shows at both the Water Street Cooker and Joe Dog’s Gas Bar Grill (531 Brant Street). Decide which show to see the first night, and then try the other venue for the following evening. Joe Dog’s Gas Bar Grill is a simple five-minute drive from Barkley Towers.

An outstanding lineup

Wondering who is going to be at the festival? This year’s lineup features comedians Pete Zedlacher, Dwayne Perkins, Scoot Herring, John Wing, Chad Daniel, Emily Galati and more. The best way to learn about the performers is to view the complete schedule online.

Save your seat

Now that you know the basic details of the event, it’s time to order your tickets online. Choose to save seats for the entire event, or just the shows that interest you most.

The blog team at Timbercreek Communities thinks laughter is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. We hope today’s post encourages you to check out the Burlington Comedy Festival. For more information about our Burlington apartments, visit our website.