Mardi Gras - Family Fun?

It seems like we just put our throws up from last year's parades but the time is almost here once again to dig out that purple, green and gold.

Mardi Gras 2016 will begin as usual on King's Day, January 6 with the traditional Krewe's of
Phunny Phorty Phellows on the streetcars in Uptown and the Krewe of Joan of Arc in the French Quarter.

Contrary to common thought, there is much more to Mardi Gras than the 3 B's  (beer, beads and the showing of a certain part of a female's body).  It can and is family fun if you know where to go or more importantly where to stay away from.

This little guy got into the festivities very quickly.  Slidell, LA where the Mardi Gras parades are family fun.

Rule #1 - be alert those beads can sting if they hit you.  Slidell, LA Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, Slidell, LA - interactive parades are family oriented. 

In the weeks between Jan. 6 and Mardi Gras Day many family parades roll not only in New Orleans, but in the suburbs such as Slidell and Metairie where you can experience the season like the locals do.

To help you plan your visit, here is the parade schedule for Mardi Gras 2016.
http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html

Tim and I will be happy to give you the inside track have a fun filled experience.  see our website: woodridgebb.com and book your fun filled parade experience.

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

2016 - Changes for the better YOU.

The new year is upon us and we all make promises to make the new year a better one.  Exercise more, eat healthier, change your carrier... well you know the drill.

But how has that worked for you in the past?  Are your goals ones that you can live with because that is eccentrically what you are promising yourself.

How about in 2016 have a goal that IS good for you, a goal that is good for your health - mind, body and soul.

It is called a VACATION, yes a vacation.  Time away from your daily life.  Time to relax, refresh, renew with no stress.

The average American worker is entitled to 16 days of paid leave. But the length of the average vacation lasts just over four days! Only 25 percent of workers say they take all the time off that's due them (Glassdoor Employee Satisfaction Survey). In fact, 15 percent of Americans report taking NO time off.Aug 3, 2014

By the numbers: The American vacation - CBS News

www.cbsnews.com/news/by-the-numbers-the-american-vacation/

 Are you one of the 15% who don't take time off?  Start 2016 with a change,    Take a break.

There is so much in this wide world to see.  OR plan a close by getaway, kick back with a good book.
Nature is a great distressing tool and the Northshore of New Orleans is perfect with Woodridge Bed and Breakfast in the heart of it all.  Give us a call, we will be happy to help you with those nature hikes.  Bring the bikes and ride the St. Tammany Trace.

StTammanyTrace.org

#2016resolutionsforyou



B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!  http://www.woodridgebb.com 

Because YOU matter!

What matters most in your life?  You, your spouse and your family.

All the more reason to take time to:

• de-stress
• relax
• rejuvenate
• bond

In 2016 make it the year to focus on what matters most.  Don't just dream of taking that trip, plan it, book it - make it happen.

You don't have to travel far to set this goal, some of Woodridge Bed and Breakfast repeat guests travel less than an hour to get away from their daily life.  Just getting away from your daily routine may be all you need to refocus. In fact we have had guests as close as a few blocks away.  Yes, blocks!

 "If your cup is empty, how can you give to others" - unknown


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Lighting the way for Papa Noel

A unique way to celebrate Christmas Eve is a drive to the river parish of St. John where hundreds of bonfires are erected on the levee of the Mississippi River in Gramercy and Lucher which is about halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  

A couple years ago we took the drive down to experience this first hand.  While most of the towering infernos were shaped in a pyramid form a couple of stories tall, some were unique designs as well.  This tradition goes back to the late 1800's when French and German immigrants brought the tradition from their homeland.  Most of the families we spoke with said the took over from their fathers before them.  It takes weeks to cut the timbers just right to keep the support.  

As night falls the lighting begins one after the other.   I am sure this would be a spectacular site from the air, which I am sure is a delightful view for Papa Noel.     #papanoel 

For more pictures of this Festival and other Christmas celebrations in LA, see this article. 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!



B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Louisiana Road trips for December

Christmas around Louisiana - road trips to take this month. http://www.wwltv.com/story/entertainment/events/2015/12/01/8-louisiana-spectacles-ushering-holiday-spirit/74753998/


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Fall Street Fair and Concert

 Mark your calendars for October 26-27, clean out your trunk and back seat.  It is almost time for Slidell's Annual Fall Street Fair.  Hundreds of booths with everything from Civil War memorabilia, Victorian furniture and cut crystal decanters to artist designer jewelry, outdoor decorations and much more.    The streets will also be full with music from local groups to serenade you while you shop or dine from one of vendors with great food.  The weekend fun will end with a concert by Vince Vance and the Valiants in Heritage Park.  Come on out and pass a good time!  #vincevance  #SlidellStreetFair #weekendgetaway  #Slidell

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Craft Beer Festival

October is known world wide as the month of beer.  But just like other great things, New Orleans doesn't like to say good-bye that quickly.  As the month draws to a close there is no reason to cry in your beer just yet.  Join the fun on Freret Street for the #FestivAles November 16th.  Sample up to 30 Seasonal and Craft beers!  More info here: http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/FestivalesFreret/Page

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

It's Fair Time

 Nothing says fall more than the county fair.  And none are more attended than the Washington Parish Free Fair, which touts to be the largest FREE County/Parish fair in the country.  The fair began in 1911 in a local livery stable.  The parish fair runs October 16-19 with Old McDonald farm, demonstrations of Scotch-Irish & German settlers at Mile Branch Settlement, arts/crafts, and of course a great rodeo and rides. 

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast of Louisiana - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Introducing the Louisiana Brewery Trail

Jumping the gun into October and all the festivities surrounding the delightful foamy Ales, Lagers, Pilsners etc., leave it to Louisiana to create a site devoted to the adult drink.
With most of them just minutes off I-12, Woodridge B&B is ideal as your place to call home while sampling.  Visit http://breweries.louisianatravel.com/   and follow the Louisiana Brewery Trail of all the micro breweries along its path.  Also see our archives for blog posts about several of these breweries. 

NOLA - in New Orleans

 

NOLA brewing area back in 2011

 

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Craft Beer goodness - New Orleans Craft Beer Week

 Leave it to New Orleans to get a jump on Oktoberfest with a week long celebration of Craft Beer beginning this Sunday (September 22) Check out this article for details.

The Avenue Pub - St Charles Avenue on the Street Car Line

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

So what do I do when I play hooky?

Well many things actually, but this time it was playing tourist in New Orleans.  Monday was beautiful and while it was not yet officially Spring, the flowers were in bloom and the temps were SPRING PERFECT - mid-70's with a lite breeze from the river.  A perfect day to stroll through the French Quarter.

Music filled the streets on every street corner there were artist playing - everything from Dixieland Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Blue Grass, Country to today's hits...  just not enough time in the day to stop to listen to them all.  Several mimes were preforming their acts as well to excited crowds and then there are the artist which line the fence of Jackson Square with their works.

Of course there was also food - can't go to NOLA without taking in some beignets and some delicious poboys...   A story to be told!

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Crawfish Time - come get you some!

Crawfish aka MUDBUGs aka Crayfish - no matter what you call 'em, they are in season right now in Louisiana.  Time for backyard crawfish boils with the spices filling the air from every direction.  But you don't need an invite to savor this specialty as many restaurants, and even grocery stores, are serving them up fresh out of the pot.
If you are visiting the area you first need to know just how to eat these critters... My first party when moving to LA from GA (many, many years ago) was a crawfish boil.  Now at that time I had only known these creatures as bothersome pests we had in our yards when the water table was high.  When I saw these things covering the tables where I was supposed to eat I though I was going to go hungry for sure, and after I decided to try one I still thought I was going to go hungry...  People around me were eating a dozen or 2 to each 1 of mine.  There is a method - or there are several:  Here are a couple of videos to get you ready for your eating adventure.

 

This one I thought was hilarious! This is a 'large pile' of crawfish?  And where is this guy from - not LA!

SO lets move on to another one that may get down to business -  Ah, here is one from a local girl who seems to know her stuff!  

 Some of the local restaurants serving up these delights are Speckled T's where they also have one of the best selection of beers on tap around and NOLA Southern Grill with a nice outside dining area. 

Why not bring the gang and have your own party right here at Woodridge.  We'll help you find someone to deliver the best right here.  Ahhhh EEEE!

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

New Orleans City Park - part of the 100+ things to do

 Once known as Allard Plantation, New Orleans City Park was acquired in 1854 making it one of the oldest City parks in the country.  The park has the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world with some of the oldest being over 600 years old.
Home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, Botanical Gardens, Storyland (amusement park) and many recreation areas including 3 golf courses and driving range, ball fields and boating on Bayou St. John.  Bring a picnic basket and make a day of it.

Located in the heart of NOLA, City Park is about 38 miles from Woodridge Bed and Breakfast.  For more about the park visit their website: neworleanscitypark.com   For more things to do around Woodridge see our blog or view our Things to Do page on our website. 


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!  We hope to see you soon.

Mardi Gras, Family Fun??? Why YES!

The question that rarely gets asked because so many think that what they see on TV (the Bourbon Street scene) is what Mardi Gras is all about.  I am hear to not only tell you but show you that Mardi Gras is FAMILY FUN, you just need to know where NOT to go.

This past weekend I headed to Slidell for Krewe of Perseus and happened to spot a cute little guy on his dad's shoulders...both having the time of their lives.  Here are some pics of the parade & the duo: 

 The skinny is to not bring children to the French Quarter, Canal Street or streets connected during a Mardi Gras parade or festivities.  If you want to see the New Orleans parades without having others expose more than you wish to see, the Uptown area or better yet, St. Charles from the beginning of the route to Lee Circle is the best area.  The crowds do get crazy but the real crazies seem to navigate near the Quarter.

For real family fun, try the suburbs like Metairie, Westbank and the Northshore areas of Slidell, and Covington.  The suburbs provide real family fun and most of their parades roll the 2-3 weekends before Mardi Gras.  Metairie and Covington also host Mardi Gras day parades, fun for all ages. 

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

January, the new Spring?

Is it Spring yet?  You would think so given the following pictures from this weekend.  It was BeaU Teee ful out there!

 Plan your getaway soon!  Enjoy what life is all about.

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Mississippi Gulf Coast - Where's the BEACH

More 100+ things to do while visiting Woodridge -
Where's the beach?  Does New Orleans have a beach?  We are near the coast and many think that New Orleans sits on the Gulf but it is not the case.  They do have the lake front but officially no swimming allowed at Pontchartrain beach.  The good news is that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is just a short drive from Woodridge so you can make day trips to both the beach and New Orleans without packing your bag!

The closest beach is at Bay St. Louis but there is an aprox 30 mile span of beach from there through Ocean Springs so if one area is just too crowded or commercialized, just drive a bit and you should find some areas more to your liking.  Lots of parking right off the hwy, more parking near areas with public restrooms. 

 More on the beach here: A Sunny Sunday drive to the beach.  A Sunny Sunday Drive

Check out this view - picture yourself here!

Check out the map at the bottom of the page for directions

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

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All that Jazz - Preservation Hall

One of our 100+ things to do while visiting Woodridge:
New Orleans is known for many, many things one of them being the birth place of JAZZ!  While there are many places to hear the well known and lesser known artists, the best one is dedicated to the real soul of the sound.  Preservation Hall http://www.preservationhall.com/hall/index.aspx 
 is dedicated to keep the traditional sound alive.  Located on St. Peter St. in the heart of the French Quarter where nightly performances are between 8-11pm, with lines forming early to have the pleasure.  Cost $15...no drinks are served!   
 See Map below for directions from Woodridge. ( We happily provide our guests with vital information on directions and best places to park, just ask!)

Preservation Hall, New Orleans

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

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Looking ahead -

 What inspires you on a dreary winter's day?  Need help?  Look at the beauty of our gardens come March! 

Woodridge Gardens in the Spring - Relax and Unwind!

 Book now and you will have something to look forward to real soon! 

B and B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!

Bust your gut - LOL

 As the saying goes: Laughter is the best medicine.  Check out the schedule to plan the cure for what ever ails you.  And laugh the night away. 

http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2012/10/new_orleans_comedy_scene_is_at.html






B and B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!

Discover why Woodridge Bed and Breakfast is the BETTER WAY TO STAY

 For many years of traveling we just chose a place to rest our heads, did not give it much thought - location and a chain name was about it.  Then we booked a B&B, our traveling style was changed for ever, and eventually so was our career.   B&B's are like a box of fine chocolates, each one with its own unique flavor. 

A Woodridge Welcome starts as you walk up our path.

Meander through our breathtaking gardens

Take in the morning bird song with a cuppa Joe
 or an evening wine with good company.

Restful Sleep in comfort.

Refresh with a REAL Breakfast,  
served to you with a smile.

Today's B&B's will quickly put to rest the myths of old.  No longer are they like staying at Grandma's in the spare room.  You should take pleasure in every aspect of your trip, not just the sites.  A B&B offers a full experience of the area.  Innkeepers take pride in what their region has to offer and will be happy to share ideas of what NOT to miss while visiting.   A word of warning, once you reach your B&B, some find it hard to break away, B&B's are habit forming. 


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!