The atmosphere is relaxed in the bistro, with a bar and casual seating. Diners can grab a sandwich, a burger, or a healthy salad, while a game of pool brings the smack of a good shot or the groan of a less successful try.
The more formal Blue Sky Restaurant promises a luxurious meal, like a steak, among other dinner entrées.
The art of relaxing
Outside the restaurants the fireplace crackles and warms up some folks taking time to relax in the comfortable seating area, while cool jazz serenades others strolling around the Audubon Clubhouse.
Down the hall, the creative arts studio shows off the work of Tallgrass Creek residents on walls, counters, and tables. Each piece reveals something about the artist—the patience of a thousand quilt stitches, delicate paint strokes, or a thoughtful carving in wood.
There is more art to be found, but this time it is framed by the large windows in the glass-enclosed walkways. Neighborhoods and a carpet of trees stretch into the distance. The sun is bright and there is confidence that even when the snow flies or rain pours, it will still be cozy here; these glass-enclosed, climate-controlled walkways connect every building on campus, leading from private life to social life and back again.
Exceeding expectations
Each day more people start their new lives at Tallgrass Creek. Apartments are filling up, and it is easy to spot which are occupied—those who live there have placed flowers and small sculptures outside their homes. And as they settle in, the community becomes comfortable and familiar, just like home should.
Since she moved in at the end of October, Wanda Williams says Tallgrass Creek has exceeded her expectations.
“It is so relaxing,” she says. “I have no worries. I go out and stroll the grounds with my little dog. I feel secure even if I go out at 10 o’clock. I love it here.”
And while many are enjoying the coziness of being here for the holidays, others are anxious to get in.
“Oh my gosh, everything is absolutely beautiful!” says Leanette Everist, a member of the Priority List who has just finished a tour of the community. “It’s much, much better than we expected. I can’t wait to be here.”
Seasonal celebrations
The Dickens Carolers in Concert
Chestnut Fine Arts Theater in Olathe Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Get in the holiday mood as carolers sing favorite holiday melodies. Call 913-764-2121 or visit
www.chestnutfinearts.com. Distance from Tallgrass Creek: 8 miles
A Country Western Christmas
The Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co. Now through Dec. 31 The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future are set to tunes with a country twang in this holiday hillbilly hoedown! Call 913-642-7576 or visit
www.martincitymelodrama.org. Distance from Tallgrass Creek: 5 miles