Music to the ears -

Fun for the soul -
Jazz in the Vines - Pontchartrain vineyards - Sept. 29, October 13, October 27 & Nov 10

 Bayou Jam Concerts in the Park - Slidell - Sundays Sept. 30, October 14 & 28



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!

Set the DVR to the History Channel

The Abita Mystery House in neighboring Abita Springs will be featured on the History Channel's  premier of "Picked Off" on Wednesday, July 11th at 9pm Central Time.
I have blogged about this place before http://woodridgebb.blogspot.com/2011/04/quirky-side-of-life.html and feel you will get a kick out of what you will see....

http://abitamysteryhouse.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!

An Audubon Zoo Kind of Day

The Party's not over -

In New Orleans the party doesn't stop with the end of Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday, it's just the beginning of celebrations yet to come.
We all love a parade, right? And in New Orleans we find a reason to have a parade. St. Patties Day (March 17th) & St. Joseph's Day (March 19th) are no exceptions. Dress in you favorite green attire and head on down to the parade. You know what they say, Italian men love the ladies and the marchers will welcome the lady parade goers with green carnations and a kiss 'for luck'.
And I hope you didn't forget to bring your boiling pot to carry all your veggies home. Throws for this parade are straight from the garden and will provide almost everything you need for your Irish stew. Picks of the day will be carrots, onions, potatoes and cabbage. And every bar will have green beer flowing from their taps, a great way to refresh after this festive parade.
St. Joseph's Day is celebrated in a more religious nature composed of St. Joseph Altars adorned by the thankful. A tradition which started in the late 1800's by Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans, the alters set up in homes and public areas are adorned with homemade cookies, cakes and breads and are shared with anyone that wish to come as a way to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Fava beans (aka lucky beans) are part of the alter, take one for good luck for the year through.
Think the party is over now - think again and stay tuned for what is next -

A taste of Spring

Isn't it amazing what happens when the temperature starts warming up. Everyone takes to the outdoors to freshen their property with evidence of spring cleaning by the overfull garbage cans at the roadside. Ha yes, it is soon to be spring.

In south Louisiana it is no different we just have to plan our cleaning around all the festivities of the season which take up most of our weekends. A parade here, the ball on Saturday night, the weekly King Cake party, the list goes on. Yes it is Mardi Gras time.
Want to take in Mardi Gras but hate the thought of large crowds and all that you have seen on TV? Well come to Slidell this weekend:
Friday night parades by Krewe de Paws at 6 p.m. followed by Mona Lisa and Moon Pie at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 6 p.m. - Krewe of Titans parade, and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. - Krewe of Dionysus. Next Friday (March 3) take in the lovely Selene Parade - 6pm.
We have a couple... of rooms left - make it a weekend.

Getting back to spring cleaning - Here's a pic of the freshly painted swing under the oaks at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast. Picture yourself here then make it happen!

We look forward to your visit.
Debbi
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

Slidell/Pearl River Louisiana
Celebrating 13 years of Innkeeping

LETS EAT - Foodie Alert!!!

Seems as though my favorite dive is no longer a secret. Seems Guy Fieri of Food Network's Diner, Drive-ins and Dives has also heard of this little hole in the wall and now the world will know.

So here is the scoop, La Pines Cafe in Slidell "under the water tower" will be featured on Feb. 7 at 8:00pm Central Time.

I heard that Mike Murray whipped up a couple of his specialties for Guy: Mike's seafood gumbo is some of the best around, followed by a sloppy prime rib po-boy, you know the type that needs a dozen or so napkins on the side! Donna, the waitress said Guy's make-up artist kept trying to cut in to 'clean him up' during the shoot but Guy said 'the mess is part of the experience'!!! I'd have to agree!!!

Not sure what they had for desert but it wasn't my favorite, which is Mama Jim's Famous Fudge Pie... You gotta save some room for this is is yummy!

B and B's are a better way to stay, while visiting southeast Louisiana visit Woodridge Bed and Breakfast
Innkeeper Debbi

Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge - Trails & More

Just west of Slidell, Louisiana and on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain lies a march area known as Big Branch. The National Wildlife Refuge maintains this 17 thousand acre area to protect nature from the population encroaching these nature resting areas.

The Boy Scout Trail of 4.5 miles takes you through several habitats and to the banks of Bayou Lacombe. This trail is a gravel meandering around swamp and marsh areas where waterfowl, shorebirds, wading fowl, and neotropical migrants find peaceful refuge. Some colonies include the Red Cockaded Woodpecker colonies, Bald Eagle nests, and Osprey nests. A short quarter mile raised boardwalk trail leads hikers to a cypress slough near the banks of Bayou Lacombe.

The NWR sponsors 'Wild Things' each October, the Saturday after Columbus Day, which is during the National Wildlife Refuge Week. "Wild Things" has presentations, demonstrations, live animals, live music, and tours. While in April, the refuge celebrates The Great Louisiana Bird Fest which will be highlighted in a future article. This is free and open to all visitors.

The Big Branch NWR is also a great place for canoeing, biking, wildlife observation and photography as well as fishing* and hunting*. Each Saturday, the park has guided walking and canoe tours for visitors. No charge for this service. *You must obtain a license to hunt or fish.

Big Branch NWR is located in Lacombe, LA. Take I-12 to exit 74, turn south onto Hwy 434. The offices (signs state Bayou Lacombe Center) are located on Hwy 434 near the junction of US 190.
Big Branch is aprox. 20 minutes from Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Slidell - Pearl River, Louisiana and about 1 hour from New Orleans.

Trails for the Nature Lover in You - Hide & Seek

Well there is a new craze taking the world by storm, Geocaching! Have you heard of it? Adding a fun game to your hiking experience, can make you day even more exciting. Some choose to do the seek and find - the person collecting the largest variety of tree leaves gets a prize or track the list of bird species found.

Well now there is Geocaching! A hide and seek game where a treasure of sorts is hidden in a location, usually along trails, river banks and such. A fun game for adults and families. Once a geocache is hidden, the coordinates are downloaded on to and are then made available for geocachers around the world to seek the treasure. Using a GPS devise, plug in the coordinates and search away, there will be clues to assist you as well. When you find the treasure, you usually take a piece and replace it with another item. To become a member and learn the coordinates, go to the website and become a member.

Now why am I telling you all about this? Louisiana's State Parks and historical sites have just joined with Geocaching.com in a special treasure hunt. Anyone finding all 41 can win a silver "geocoin" minted for the campaign. Prizes include a set of three such coins — one silver, one bronze and one black alloy — and a weekend stay at a state park. To become a member and learn the coordinates, go to the Geocaching website. For additional information go to

With many of Louisiana's historical sites and one state park near by, why not make it a weekend packed with adventure, fun while enjoying a peaceful rest at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast. just 30 minutes from New Orleans.

Take a Hike or Bike - Tammany Trace

Take a hike, in St. Tammany that is! The Tammany Trace is a 27 mile trail once was home to the railroad and travels from Slidell to Covington through woods, wetlands and small towns in between. In the 1800's the rail system brought New Orleans elite to the northshore to escape the harsh summer heat, as you hike along this trail you will spot many summer estates surrounded by moss covered live oaks. Each little town beckons visitors to sample a taste of their town while on your route, from Lacombe, Mandeville, and through Abita Springs each providing their own native twist to the northshore area.

Woodridge Bed and Breakfast is about a 10 minute drive to the Slidell trail-head parking and rest area. Additional parking is found at the Mandeville trail-head, and in Abita Springs.

Honey Island State Wildlife Reserve & Trail

September's cooler mornings are perfect times to explore the beauty of nature. There are many areas in SE Louisiana to explore. The Honey Island Swamp Nature Trail is the first in the series of nature trails for Shootin' the Breeze.

The Honey Island Trail runs about 1 1/2 miles following the Pearl River in the area known as the Honey Island Swamp. This area was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina and parts of the trail are not for those out for a morning stroll. Climbing over fallen trees may be necessary and some areas are heavily overgrown.

This area is rich in natural swamp foliage with blooms from early spring to late fall. Lying in a subtropical climate, many native plants are tropical in nature like the fan palm and the many varieties of ferns. While in the woods, it is always wise to watch for snakes, wild boar, and the occasional deer and black bear.

Spring beckons the birders to the area where their is an abundance of species flock the area in their yearly migration, and some make it their home. Bring your binoculars, cameras and bird books and listen to the calls of nature.

Note that this area is part of the LA Wildlife Refuge and you must obtain a LA Wildlife Stamp to enter this area. Purchase these anywhere Fishing & Hunting Licenses are sold (Walmart is one) for $5.50 and are good for 1 yr July 1-June 30.

It is suggested that boots,jeans and long sleeve shirts be worn when hiking this trail.

Honey Island Nature Trail is located at the Honey Island Swamp exit on I-59, just minutes north of Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Check out our specials All this just 30 minutes north of New Orleans makes it a wonderful adventure.

Traditions of the Choctaw Indians: Lighting of the Graves

The summer has faded and the leaves are turning shades of gold and red while the cooler weather provides for lively fall festivals. While most of us find it quite fun this time of year following tradition of creating a festive sometime haunting costume, creating tasty yet very gruesome treats to take to our Halloween festivities, there is a small community in SE Louisiana who devote this time to prepare for the day of Saints, All Saints Day.

LaCombe, Louisiana, a small town lying on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain and surrounded by bayous is home to the descendants of the Choctaw Indians. Now a mixture of white, French, Creole and Choctaw they have continued in the tradition of their ancestors. For the weeks leading up to Nov. 1, you will find the cemeteries in LaCombe filled with people working on the graves and the grounds surrounding. Some whitewash the old stone markers and refresh the painted descriptions of their departed loved ones.

Then as the day turns in to evening on this holy day, they return to the site that holds the remains of their cherished loved ones. Most light candles and surround the burial sight with light and their they sit, paying their respects and holding ritual in honor of the dead, and as the evening turns dark the cemeteries are all a glow as more family join in the ritual. As they speak, they talk of their departed grandparents, mothers, fathers, sisters or brothers and the things they remember most about them. As time has passed, it has become a tradition for neighbors, friends and others to come experience the Lighting of the Graves.

My first experience was very spiritual. Some of the cemeteries are deeply embedded in the woods with the faint glow flickering with the breeze of the remaining leaves and as you approach, the glow is brighter and brighter until you reach the cemetery which has become alive with light and people. As I walked, I stopped to read each marker, some would have the traditional cross while others had the cross known as the Cross of the Choctaw. Family of the departed sit, making sure the candles stay lit and talk to those coming to pay their respects. I recall this one young man who told us all about his grandfather. He spoke with so much love and emotion, I knew the gentleman was greatly missed and I as I was leaving felt as though I had met the gentleman myself, and in a way I did as that young man carries his grandfather with him each and every day.

~~~~~~~~~

When visiting SE Louisiana and Woodridge Bed and Breakfast, make plans to visit LaCombe, just 15 minutes west. It is filled with much charm and culture of its own. Visit the LaCombe Museum to get the flavor of the area. Visit the old Catholic Church where miracles have happened by touching the holy water as well as sightings of Mary.

And while there, take in a fabulous meal at John Besh’s La Province or at Sal and Judy’s.

For more information and to book your stay Contact Debbi at Woodridge B&B.

SE Louisiana - Fisherman's Paradise

Well I love her….but I love to fish! For many fishermen this song is not far from the truth. Well for all the Brad Paisley’s out there, we have a solution to all your worries. But first lets take care of the important stuff.
So you love to fish, well you have come to the right place, bring plenty of ice chests because the waters south Louisiana are abound with fish. Never mind your experience, the fish of saltwater lakes - Pontchartrain, Catherine and Borgne and the fresh fish in the waters of the Pearl River are just waiting for your pole to hit the water. The saltwater lakes are well known for Speckled Trout and Redfish year round.

The Rigolets Marina is a great place to launch and then during the summer head over to the Seabrook Bridge area, in the spring and winter just hover around the trestles near Slidell for Trout or near the marshy banks of the Pearl or Bayou Bonfouca for the reds. The marina will have plenty of live shrimp for bait through late fall, and during the winter you can rely on the Deadly Dudley’s to reel in the catch. If you want an expert guide, Capt. Dudley Vandenborre is the best around and fun to know as well. There are plenty of places to just drop a line off the banks or docks as well…great during the summer when the use of a sliding cork line will lure the trout when they are closer to the top of the water.

If fresh water is more your liking you will love the fishing in the Pearl River near Slidell as it breaks into numerous branches as it flows toward its mouth. Middle, eastern and western tributaries are areas with winding curves and lily pad flats where it is known to have large bass just waiting for you. The Pearl is also known for good river cat and perch. There are several landings up river to launch as well as the Rigolets at the base. For Bayou fishing, you can launch at Heritage park and ride along the banks of the Bonfouca.

No matter where you fish, you will not need to come up with a story of how the big one got away…it will be right there in your catch box.

Now that I have caught your attention and you have packed your rod and reel ready for your trip, lets get to the part of how to make this trip one of fun AND romance. Well I have never thought the words romance and fish belong in the same sentence much less the same weekend, but in South Louisiana anything can happen! Select the Woodridge B&B ‘I love to fish’ package when you book on line and we will arrange everything to keep the romance going while you enjoy the sport you love…
Arrive to a lovely dimly lit room with fresh flowers and a nice fruit and cheese tray. She will hardly budge when you slip out in the wee hours to catch the big one…but don’t forget the boxed goodies we have packed for your adventure. While you are out enjoying the water, she will rest in peace awaking to freshly made coffee on the balcony while listening to the morning bird songs, then joining other guests in conversation over a wonderful gourmet breakfast, followed by an hour massage to lift the stress from her shoulders. By the time you come back she will be welcoming you with a warm rested smile. A little time for you to rest then it is off to a scrumptious dinner at one of the areas best restaurants, arriving back to a nice bottle of bubbly before another wonderful night’s rest. By the time you are packing your bags to go home, she will be asking when you plan to go fishin’ again.

Thank you for Shootin’ the breeze with me - Debbi
http://www.woodridgebb.com
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Inn Louisiana

Located just outside of the Honey Island Swamp and minutes to the area launches. Providing guests with the ultimate in relaxation and romance.