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!

Sugar Bowl - The Bowl gave of all Ball games!

Who's in for New Year's Day College Football?   What school colors will be prominent on the streets of New Orleans this New Years Day?

Ole Miss   #olemissrebels

vs

Oklahoma State  #OSUcowboys

We are always excited to see our #SugarBowl guests.  Love the excitement and the spirit radiate our place.  Make your trip more fun with a group stay.

Woodridge B&B is a great place for those who would prefer the quieter nights provided in a rural residential setting over the not stop lights and sounds of the French Quarter.   A 30 minute drive will take you right into all the action.


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!  woodridgebb.com    40149 Crowes Landing Road, Pearl River, LA  985-863-9981

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!

Happy Beer Day!

Did you know April 7th is National Beer Day? 
For some of us EVERY day is Beer Day... for those that love the taste, here is a list of  Microbreweries to enjoy while visiting the South Louisiana:

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Brewpub - Map 72011 Holly Street Abita Springs LA 70420 Ph 504.892.5837www.abita.com	ARABI Lagniappe Brewing - Micro  Map 6930 Saint Claude Ave. Arabi LA 70032 Ph 504.276.2337
BATON ROUGE Bon Temps Brewing - Micro  Map 9027H Castille Road Baton Rouge LA 70809 Ph 504.334.0690	COVINGTON Downtown Microbrewery & Museum - Map 226 Lockwood St. Covington LA 70434 Ph 985.893.2884
LAKE CHARLES Rikenjaks Brewery - Brewpub  Map 333 Broad Street Lake Charles LA 70601 Ph 337.433.4881	LAFAYETTE Hops - Brewpub  Map Ambassador Caffery Parkway Lafayette LA 70508 Ph 318.988.4677www.hopsonline.com
MARRERO Day Brewing - Micro  Map 5200 Taravella Road Marrero LA 70072 Ph 504.340.2739	METAIRIE Zea Brewery - Brewpub  Map 4450 Veterans Boulevard Metairie LA 70006 Ph 504.780.9090www.zearotisserieandbrewery.com
NEW ORLEANS Crescent City Brewhouse - Brewpub  Map 527 Decatur Street New Orleans LA 70130 Ph 504.522.0571www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com Gordon Biersch - Map 501 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans LA 70130

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!

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

  March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, the day we all become Irish and celebrate with green beer, cabbage with corned beef or a fond Irish Stew.  It's the day we all wear green, look for 4 leaf clovers, green leprechauns and the pot of gold.  One of the many cultures that make our nation what it is, the Irish worked hard to become Americans.  Building our railroads and working the coal mines, like many of our forefathers earned their right to be called American. 

New Orleans is rich with Irish heritage as well, as it historically has had the largest Irish population in the south and attributed to 25% of the New Orleans population in 1861.  It is then not surprising that areas such as the Irish Channel have been adorned with the name.  To learn more about the history and culture the Irish brought to the city of New Orleans, visit The Irish Cultural Museum located in the French Quarter. 

 May you always have...Walls for the winds; A roof for the rain...Tea beside the fire ...Laughter to cheer you ...Those you love near you...And all your heart might desire.   An Irish blessing

 

Today New Orleans celebrates the day in our own tradition - parades! Irish walk the streets with white and green beads, green carnations and dishing out kisses to the fillies as they pass by.   The larger parades of floats loaded with revelers and sacks of cabbage, carrots, onions and potatoes... if you're lucky you will go home with a good start to your Irish stew. 

Make your plans now to be here next Paddies Day, and celebrate like the Irishmen. 


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!

Get up close & personal -

Come to Louisiana Northshore's Global Wildlife Center for some up close and personal animal experiences. 


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!

Let there be music! - local events!

The Noble's playing in Slidell's Heritage Park

If you love music as much as I do, you will understand why I just love where I live.  Great music festivals abound in this region especially in the Spring and Fall.  While much is known about the large festivals in New Orleans - Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival, the towns on the North side of the lake take it in a more relaxed setting with outdoor concerts in local parks all free for locals and visitors alike.  For a complete list of all the concerts, visit this NOLA.com Article



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 for Art in the Spring - Local Events

March 2nd, Slidell will be hosting their annual Art's Evening in Olde Town with over 100 local artists, area musicians and several restaurants participating.  It is sure to be a fun time in the town that night.
Additionally, the Slidell Culture Center will be showcasing  “From the Vaults of the New Orleans Museum of Art: Picasso, Miró and Matisse” - which will be on display from March 2nd hrough April 13th.

'Vision on an Immigrant' by Stephan Wanger

And if that isn't enough to make you want to make the trip, maybe 'Beade Towne' may do the trick.  Ever wonder what people do with all those Mardi Gras beads?  Well New Orleans Artist Stephan Wanger made them part of his art through brilliant mosaic.  This collection will be open from February 22 - April 5th.  See the article on NOLA  

To find out more, see the City's site or http://www.experienceoldetowne.com/

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!

Reel in the big one! - 100+ things to do

They don't call it Sportsman's Paradise for nothin'!   In just a 20 mile radius from Woodridge B&B there are over 10 public boat ramps, ramps to fresh water rivers as well as brackish water lakes which leads you to the wide open Gulf of Mexico.
Not planning to bring a boat?  Reel them in from the local fishing peer which will be attracting even more fish once the new reef is complete (see here: Story about new reef)  or the banks of the rivers nearby.
Another option is to hire a Charter with expert Captains to lead you to some of the best fishing around, like Captain Dudley Vandenborre who is known for this Deadly Dudley fishing lures. Fishing Tournaments by the dozens are held in this area as well.  Many start at Rigolets Marina in the south east point of Slidell and considered one of the best areas to head out on your water adventure.



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!

Ride, Ride, Ride - Hitchin' a Ride!

 In New Orleans, choosing a form of getting here or there is just as diverse as the music.  And picking your ride may all depend on whether it is all about the ride, what you may see or if you want to know what you are seeing.

New Orleans is famous for their street car line which are the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world, and have been operating since the mid 1900's.  At $1.25 ($.40 for over 65) per ride or $3 for a full day, they are the cheapest and provide a nice view of great parts of the city.

Another famous ride would be our mule driven carriage rides through the French Quarter.  The carriages will take you on a leisure ride down some of the small streets of the quarter while the guide provides you with historical and architectural facts as you stroll.  Tours are individually priced depending on length of tour chosen.

http://www.neworleansbiketaxi.com/index.html

 






Some of the recent additions to the ride are the new pedi taxi.  Like the mule carriages, they are a great way to get about down the narrow city blocks while saving the environment.  These taxi drivers or chauffeurs are well informed and share highlights of the city along their route.

Another recent addition is as much of an amusement ride as well as a tour.  Segway tours have take the city by storm.  Each tour group is lead by a trained guide and will provide details of the sites you see along the way.

http://www.segwaynola.com/

And the newest addition just hitting the streets last week are the Double Decker Hop on/Hop off buses.  These buses have stops through out the city, from the French Quarter, CBD, and Convention Center.  A great way not only as a tour, but also to save your tootsies when needing to travel to different parts of the city during the day.  These tours are very popular especially for international visitors as information is available in 7 languages, just plug your earphones in for the proper language and sit back for the view.  A great new addition. 


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

Get ready for FOODIE week in New Orleans

Time is drawing near to a fairly new tradition in New Orleans... 'We Live to Eat' Restaurant week is the week of September 10 - 16.  Many of the areas most loved restaurants are participating with 2 course lunches at $20 and 3 course dinners at $35.  Restaurants such as the famous 5 star Commanders Palace, and Galatoires; to the well known Court of Two Sisters and Pat O'Briens in the French Quarter.  You can't miss this opportunity to let your taste buds savor the flavors of some of New Orleans best.

For a complete list of participating restaurants go to: http://www.welivetoeatnola.com/restaurant-week/  - the list along with websites are listed at the bottom.  Each restaurant will feature a special menu for the week.

Bon Appetit

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

Celebrating another GREAT year!

Happy Anniversary to Woodridge Bed and Breakfast!  

WOW we are starting our 14th year - 14!!   What started as a pipe dream many years ago, with lots and lots of work, the building once known as Woodridge Academy was transformed into our home and Bed and Breakfast.  Since that time we have welcomed so many wonderful faces, shared some great stories, been a part of many fond reunions and celebrating many unions. We have been blessed.
 
We've come a long way baby!  From class rooms to 5 spacious suites, from office space to kitchen space and a place to create gourmet breakfasts for your guests.  From a basket ball court to a pavilion for parties and a pool to refresh.  So many things have changed here at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast over the years, but one thing still is the same - our Southern Hospitality.   We look forward to the year ahead and seeing many of our return guests and welcoming new friends. 

THEN  -  1994

Woodridge B&B NOW - 2012

 Here you see the view of before we purchased. 
The yard was baron from the romping of 300 kids at recess, but now is lush and green and even a secret garden to wander through under the canopy of Live Oaks.  I hear them calling you to come relax. 

Thanks to the many who have brightened up our place with your wonderful smiles.  We hope to see you again in the near future. 

Debbi & Tim, Keepers of the Inn

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!

 It's that time of year, time for Peter Cotton tail, and Easter Baskets filled with Chocolate bunnies and Easter Eggs -  like these? Maybe?

 

Easter Eggs, all year round at Woodridge!

 Well our eggs come these colors year round... no dyes here!  There is nothing better than fresh eggs! Now that is something to cluck about.

Meet the ladies that provide our fresh colorful eggs every day.....

 And a few of our chicks, laying hens in the future.

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!
 Debbi the Innkeeper
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

Come, sit a spell -

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!
 Debbi the Innkeeper
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

An Audubon Zoo Kind of Day

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