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!

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!

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!

Birder's paradise - part of the 100+ things to do

 Birds seem to know a great place to call home and Southeast Louisiana seems to be where many species want to hang their hat, some using this area as their second home while others find there is no where else in the world they would rather be.  Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or would like to give it a go, you have found the place to be.  Birding is a year round 'sport' here but late winter - early spring provides the best viewing as the trees have less foliage and a good number of migratory species spend their winters here.

There are so many places to whip out those binoculars and bird books that instead of listing, here are a couple of websites with lists of state and federal wildlife refuges and management areas:  State of Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries    US Fish & Wildlife Services - SE LA

Big Branch Marsh - photo credit US Wildlife & Fisheries

 Pictured is Big Branch National Wildlife Management Area (NWMA), located 15 minutes SW from Woodridge, while Bogue Chitto NWMA is 15 minutes N.  And part of the Honey Island Swamp State WMA is only 5 minutes away.   Note that to visit any LA State WMA you must obtain a permit (anywhere hunting/fishing permits are purchased). 



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!