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!

Christmas in New Orleans - Luna Fete

Leuis Armstrong sang about the wonderful ways New Orleans celebrated Christmas back in 1955.  If New Orleans had it right back then, it has only mushroomed in the years since.

Luna Fete being the newest Christmas festival has wonderful art displays.  see this article for details


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!

Innspired by the Innspiring Road Trip Innmates

 

Woodridge B&B recently had the pleasure of being one of 11 bed and breakfasts being toured by Innspiring Road Trips which consisted of 4 experienced innkeepers. While having never met in person, we all have been members of an innkeepers group that is associated with InnRewards.com. It was wonderful to finally meet and share laughs in person. The 4 innkeepers were: Kathleen Panek of Gillum House Bed and Breakfast in Shinnston West Virginia, Shellie Leete of Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia, Jane Muncie of McDowell-Nearing House Bed and Breakfast in Muncie Indiana and Carol Wibbenmeyer of Lodge at Mark Twain Lake near Hannibal Missouri.

The 4 Innmates in Road Trip shirts from New Orleans!

InnRewards is a reletively new website which is a grassroots effort to reward those great B&B guests we have had the pleasure of hosting in our bed and breakfasts. For more information about this great site, visit the website... check out all the inns from around the world that offer something extra for their guests. (FYI: Woodridge B&B has an offer as well)

During their stay I noted some reasons why B&B's ARE a better way to stay. Stay tuned as I will share some of those reasons in later posts..............

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!

October is Festival time

As the summer is drawn to a close don't fret as October festivals will keep you on your feet.   And they didn't keep you waiting long as Gretna Fest is the first weekend in October (4-6th) with the sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Z Z Top and many more.  That along with arts, crafts,great food and the German Beer Garden it is a festival not to be missed.  For the complete schedule see their website:  http://www.gretnafest.com/

Oktoberfest - Presented by Deutsches Haus will take over Rivertown (Kenner LA) October 11-13, 18-20, 25-17 with German food, beer and music.  And then there are these: http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2012/10/deutsches_haus_just_one_of_man.html

Other dates worth noting:
 Slidell's Annual Wild Game Cook off  September 28th  Fritchie Park Slidell
Bayou Jam Free Concert September 29th -  Heritage Park Slidell
Bayou Jam Free Concert October 6th - Heritage Park Slidell
The Wooden Boat Festival in beautiful Madisonville, LA - October 12-13. 
Slidell Antique District's Fall Street Fair - October 26-27
Bayou Jam Free Concert October 27th - Heritage Park 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!

Music in the air -- and in the vineyards of Louisiana Northshore

 Let the music begin. I love this time of year with all the fall festivals and concerts.  One that begins this weekend at Pontchartrain Vineyards called Jazz in the Vines.  Click this link for the details of the opener this weekend and the list of entertainers for future dates. 
 http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2013/09/pontchartrain_vineyards_taps_l.html#incart_river

Pontchartrain Vineyards is about 30 minutes from Woodridge, enjoy a tasting of their vino or grab a bottle or 2 bring back and enjoy on our balcony.

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!

Love is in the air -

Spring, a season of new life.  Whether you are rekindling your flames or starting anew, we at Woodridge would be honored to assist in this new start.  Check out our wedding site at Elope-NewOrleans.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 & TimKeepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Slidell Mardi Gras Museum - Part of the 100+ things to do

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!

A new spotlight just opened in Slidell, Louisiana.  Yes, Slidell does host Mardi Gras parades and they are family friendly too, but since we are not known for our events, most of those lining our streets for the parades are locals.  This provides visitors a real unique view of what Mardi Gras really means.

But now visitors and locals alike can capture the spirit and take in the beautiful details of what our Krewes (aka clubs) spend much of the year doing.  Slidell has just opened their own Mardi Gras Museum which is filled with costumes, throws, pictures and other memorabilia.  

Jeannine Adam, Our dear friend, posing with her Queen's gown and mantle.

The museum is open FREE to the public Wednesdays -Saturdays.  
For more information see:  http://www.nola.com/community/st-tammany/index.ssf/2013/02/slidell_mardi_gras_museum_make.html


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!

Anything is possible in NOLA

New Orleans is a stage, literally.  New Orleans has gained several nicknames through the years due to the films shot on our streets, like the BIG EASY but recently it has gained a new name that resembles the true picture: Hollywood South.  On any given day there will be something being filmed, and given it's desire many celebrities have decided to call New Orleans home, or at least part time home so you may catch a famous celebrity walking the streets or even a great artist singing on the corner.Caught on film is one such performance - an impromptu by Lenny Kravitz who happened to hear a school choir singing one of his songs while he was sitting in his courtyard...  Enjoy! 

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!

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!

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!

Time for a visit?

St. Tammany, where is it and what is there to do?  I could rattle on for a while giving you the details, but we (you) are fortunate to have a great video available to shed some highlights of this wonderful spot on the planet.  So grab a glass of wine or cold ice tea, relax in your big chair and click on to the video below.

Warning: what you are about to see will have you checking your calendars to plan your escape.   We will be happy to help, welcome you with a warm smile and a cozy room.  St. Tammany Parish Louisiana

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!

Festivals and Fun continue

And the fun contiues here in South Louisiana.  Celebrate the Mirliton in Bywater or Frogs in Rayne, pass a good time at the Zoo while they celebrate Swamp Fest or attend Hammond's Renaissance Festival (every weekend during November).  Want to know what else to do?  see: http://www.nola.com/family/index.ssf/2012/10/new_orleans_events_for_parents.html#incart_river_default

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!

Ghosts and Goblins

Welcome to New Orleans home of some of the most haunted homes in the US.

LaLaurie House - Royal St.  New Orleans

 Come take a tour and find out all about these homes and many more hear their stories and about who may be 'living' inside.No better time than now to visit. 

Gardette-LaPrete House - Dauphine St. New Orleans

The Myrtles Plantation - St. Francisville Louisiana

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!