Bring your bike on the Metrolink to get around.

Getting outside and bicycling in Anaheim is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful California sunshine. Since this has become such a popular activity, the team at Metrolink has decided to make it easier than ever before to ride the train and bring your bike with you.

To accommodate the growing number of cyclists in the area, Metrolink has added several cars specifically designed to hold up to 18 bikes at a time. Furthermore, they’re making sure that a large number of their trains will always have a bike car attached so you won’t have to wait too long for the right train to arrive.

Of course, if you would rather leave your bike at the station, they offer ample bike racks and even a smattering of bike lockers for your convenience. These are similar to the ones that we have here at The Crossing apartments. All of this means that you can bike and ride with the knowledge that you’re getting healthy while helping keep the environment just a little bit cleaner.

Are you already using the bike trains offered by Metrolink? If you are, then get on Facebook and tell us about your experience, and don’t forget to use your rewards for riding Metrolink!

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Try these popular bars for artisan cocktails in Orange County.

There are no shortage of bars in Orange County. Still, that doesn’t mean you want to pick just any old place the next time you feel like inviting clients out, or even wining and dining that cute gal from 4B. Here are some great places in town where the atmosphere blends perfectly with the liquor selection to create a memorable and enjoyable evening.

Chapter One: the modern local in Santa Ana is known for their bar scene and trendy menu where you’ll find specialty cocktails with bacon bourbon and cherry liquor, moonshine and elderflower, house-made ginger beer and vodka, and even barrel-aged cocktails. Paired with bourbon scallops, jerked salmon nachos and tapas, the menu will quickly become your weekend favorite.

Nieuport 17 in Tustin is perfect for dates and special occasions, and the cocktail menu isn’t too bad, either. Conservative drinkers can find staples like martinis with blue-cheese-stuffed olives and lemon drop martinis, and anyone with a sweet tooth will love venturing into cocktails like the Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Martini.

When you’re heading to the coast, stop by The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach for drinks by the water. Sit outside for libations with mussels and charcuterie in the salty air.

Check out Haven Gastropub, too, for good drinks and food. Do you have an area favorite that you’d love folks to try? Then get on Facebook and share the details with everyone.

Find unique decor and edible gifts at the Orange County Market Place.

Do you like to shop in a unique fashion? Do you enjoy the outdoor weather and meandering through isles of local merchants? Well if you answered yes, you are in luck, because the Orange County Market Place is back for the spring, with even more merchants this year, and it is just minutes from our community!

The Orange County Market Place is part flea market, part farmers market and part swap meet. Over four miles worth of isles are set up throughout the spring on Saturdays and Sundays (except during the fair and certain holidays) for perusing and purchasing.

Within the walls of the market place, you’ll find vendors with all variety of wares and food. Everything is set up in isles and sections so you can head straight for a section, or simply walk through and browse the homegrown, homemade and luxury goods that are on display. It’s just $2 to get in and browse everything under the sun, including spices, sunglasses, jewelry, pottery, furniture, and more.

You can even purchase a meal while you walk around at the food court! Nothing is better than shopping in beautiful spring weather, we think. Find it at the OC Fair & Events Center less than 20 minutes from Anaheim.

Tell us what you’ve bought in the comments section.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Riding the Metrolink from your green apartment in Anaheim is not only a great way to help save the environment, but it’s also a great way to get fantastic discounts at area businesses. Every week, new businesses sign-up which means that your Metrolink tickets can now earn you discounts on everything from coffee to lunch, and dry cleaning to film developing.

Here in Anaheim, you can get a 20 percent discount on your coffee, scones and hot cup of tea over at It’s a Grind Coffee House. This fantastic coffee house is a great place to kick back and ponder the joys of saving money in this economy.

The money you’ll save on your cup of joe will come in handy as you head on over to Byblos Mediterranean Grill where you’ll receive 10 percent off your lunch or dinner just by presenting your Metrolink ticket with your purchase.

You can also present your Metrolink ticket at locations around Anaheim for restaurants, bikes, haircuts, and more. So, keep riding the Metrolink, and don’t forget to keep checking their website for the many new businesses that are signing-up every week. You just might save so much money by using public transportation that you’ll want to get on Facebook and tell us all how you’re investing your extra cash these days.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Visit Haven Gastropub just once, and it'll become your new favorite place.

Forget stocking up the cabinets and pantries of your luxury apartments in Anaheim. Once you sample the delicious food over at Haven Gastropub, you will never go shopping again. In fact, just give your pots and pans away to charity because you’ll be so impressed by this great restaurant that you’ll want them to cook every one of your meals.

For the past three years, this restaurant has been blazing culinary trails that few can follow. From their unique selection of beer, wine and cocktails, to their elegant and creative dishes, this local favorite is riding a wave of popularity buoyed by a tsunami of great taste and wonderful flavors.

The Brews and Cocktails: This popular gastropub offers all your favorite local beers, plus handcrafted cocktails, like the Atomic No. 47 with Old Grove Gin and Orchard Apricot Liquer. They also serve their own infused liquors (like Earl-Grey-infused gin, white-chai-infused brandy and chocolate-infused rye), plus trendy beer cocktails. With creative ingredients like walnut liquer, smoked ice and even rock candy, you’ll definitely want to stop by after work to try a new concoction.

The Gourmet Menu: Signature of gastropubs, Haven also offers an impressive menu of gourmet snacks to go along with your drink. Truffle fries, housemade chips and flatbreads are great to share, or you can order your own mac ‘n cheese with black truffles, roasted cauliflower or truffled soup. Classic desserts like cookies and milk, s’mores, doughnuts, or a toasted marshmallow shake will make you want to stay for the sweetest course.

It is a great place to take friends, family and even clients for a wonderful night that no one will ever forget. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced, and their servers and staff will treat your entire party like a band of visiting kings.

So grab your keys and pull up a chair at Haven Gastropub. We’re so certain that you will have the meal of your life that we invite you to post a note to our Facebook page and tell everyone where you donated your cookware.

Image courtesy of Haven Gastropub.

Hop on the Metrolink for just $19 to the Auto Club 400.

If you still have a love of cars, but you find yourself living in a green apartment in Anaheim near Metrolink, you can still get your automotive fix while keeping things green and clean. In fact, The Crossing is located just minutes from Metrolink, and for just $19 you can head out to Auto Club 400 on March 24 for a fun-filled day at the races without any guilt whatsoever.

The Auto Club Speedway is about 45 minutes away, but the Metrolink can get you there comfortably, so you can meet your neighbors at the ractrack. You can find some friends on the way out and enjoy a day of racing, NASCAR style for just $19. What could be better?

For those not in the know, the Auto Club Speedway has a packed calender of events to choose from. The weekends through the summer are packed with great racing. For example, March 22 is NASCAR qualifying day, an event that lets you witness your favorite drivers up closer and personal.

There are plenty more events on the calendar, so check out the upcoming season and take in a race or two. Tell us about your experiences in the comments, too!

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Add a plant to your desk for naturally cleaner air.

Sometimes it’s nice to kick back in your pj’s and fuzzy slippers while you sit down at your own desk. If you’re using your den for home office or study space, here are some quick and easy tips that will make that space within your eco-friendly apartment in Anaheim a little bit greener while you burn the candle at both ends trying to get ahead in this world.

The easiest way to green up your office is to add a plant or two. Not only will these help cheer you up as you fill out that 1040, but it’ll help filter the air and keep pollen and air pollution from bothering you. You can also add recycle bins, lamps with fluorescent lighting, and even a battery bin so you’ll start recycling old batteries and electronic equipment.

Do you work at home? Then share your tips and suggestions with everyone on Facebook. Let everyone know how you made the space more comfortable and eco-friendly at the same time, and don’t forget you can also take advantage of our business center with a conference table, computers, printers, and copier.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

See the Indiana Jones exhibit now through April 21!

It’s time to pull the fedora and bullwhip out of the closet of your contemporary apartment in Anaheim and head on over to the Discovery Science Center where they’ve dug up some of the coolest Indiana Jones memorabilia, props, gizmos, and gadgets you will ever see in the “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” exhibit.

It’s ok to admit it. We know you are humming the theme right now just thinking about going to this exhibition, available through April 21. As visions of evil Nazi’s, passive aggressive Indian maharajahs and far off locales race through your head, we know that this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Don’t be a chicken! Grab your passport to adventure and see if you’ve got what it takes to fill Indy’s hat. The props on display include everything from crystal skulls to worn out motorcycles, and you won’t be the only one wandering the exhibit looking for lost treasure, perhaps even a little fortune and glory.

Tickets are $8 per person for members, and $10 for non-members. We guarantee that the snakes will be safely behind the glass, and that no one will shoot poison darts at you as you pull out your phone. For more information contact the Discovery Science Center at (714) 542-2832.

Image courtesy of Discovery Science Center.

Try public transportation in Anaheim for eco-friendly savings.

Living in your contemporary apartment in Anaheim seems like a dream come true…until you have to hit the highways on your way to work. That’s why you should check out the great public transportation options we have here.

Not only will you save time in your travels, but you won’t have to worry about the price at the pump or finding that elusive parking space ever again.

Our apartments are located directly next to the MetroLink, which can get you pretty much everywhere you need to go. The train is a great option for travel throughout the area and is a very affordable alternative to filling your gas tank up every morning. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to read the paper or send emails on your way into the office.

If you’re not into riding the choo-choo every morning, take a look at the great buses that the Orange County Transportation Authority has to offer. All you need is a ticket or a pass, and you’ll be speeding your way to wherever you want to go.

Of course, there are many ways to get around and we would love for you to share your favorites with us on Facebook.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Carl's Jr. has some of the best burgers around!

Part of the charm of The Crossing is its proximity to great amenities and venues. Everything you can possibly want is within walking-distance from your contemporary apartment in Anaheim. If you are new to the area and have not had the chance to really trek around the neighborhood, we’ve collected a few haunts that residents truly love.

When you head out the door in the morning, bleary-eyed and tired, stop by It’s a Grind Coffeehouse for a quick pick-me-up. This great coffeehouse offers a variety of different grinds, teas and specialty drinks. It is the perfect place to start your day, and, personally, we think it is a great way to end your day, too. The location is open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.

For a fun evening out with friends, take a walk down the block and check out Concourse Bowling. You can start the night off with a meal at Kingpin’s Bar and Grill (or walk to Byblos Mediterranean Grill or Carl’s Jr. in Anaheim), then follow it up with a couple of riveting bowling games on high-tech and well maintained lanes.

Now that you know about a couple of great places in the neighborhood, get out and explore. Tell us about your favorite neighborhood haunts on Facebook.

Photo by Keenan Pepper