NOLA Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year no mater where you spend it.  If you are looking for a magical space, New Orleans fits the bill.  So many options to spend your holiday.  The city is full of life and colorful decorations.

For things to do this holiday season check out the 2 sites here.

http://gonola.com/2015/12/01/new-orleans-christmas-a-to-z.html

http://www.nola.com/holidays/index.ssf/2015/11/christmas_holidays_new_orleans.html#incart_story_package

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

King Cake - what's that?

There is always something delicious coming out of the kitchens in New Orleans and this time of year is no different.  With the festivities of Mardi Gras comes the tradition of King Cake.  A coffee cake of sorts with cinnamon and topped with icing in the colors of the season - purple, green and gold.  Some cakes are filled with cream cheese while others with strawberry or other rich berry flavors.  Oh, see that little baby resting in the center of that king cake?  That is the 'prize'.  When attending a king cake party, the baby is tucked inside the cake.  The lucky person that gets the piece with the baby gets to through the next party.  It is usually one each week through the season (season starts Jan. 6 and runs to Mardi Gras Day, aka Fat Tuesday or the day before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of the Lent). 

I was lucky enough to get to see one bakery in action,  Big Easy Grill LLC located in Pearl River.  And even luckier to get a king cake (see above) fresh out of the oven.  Let me tell ya - YUM doesn't do it justice.  Best king cake ever!  Ok, my mouth is watering for another bite, gotta go!

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!

Why choose a B&B?

B&B's – The Better Way to Stay

There are many reasons this statement is true but I am going to touch on one of them today. Innkeepers! Yes, innkeepers make it the better way to stay. I'm not just tooting my own horn here! As I mentioned in my last blog, I was recently visited by 4 experienced innkeepers and it was having this group of ladies here, each sharing information and items from their own town or region that got me thinking. 

We innkeepers spend a lot of our time promoting more than our own B&B's. We share a wealth of knowledge about our areas on any given day. Innkeeper Kathleen Panek of Gillum House was a walking, talking billboard for Shinnston WV while she was here and Shellie Leete of Claiborne House in Rocky Mount VA not only blogs about the Crooked Road but is a blogger for the VA State Parks. Jane McDowell of McDowell-Mearing House in Munice IN shared some wonderful wine made there, yes wine in IN, who would have thought! And Carol Wibbenmeyer of Lodge at Mark Twain Lake near Hannibal Missouri, well Mark Twain left his mark deeply embedded there but the real reason to visit the Lodge is Carol – she is a hoot!

Innkeepers of the Innspiring Road Trip enjoying breakfast at Woodridge B&B

We provide our current guests, as well as those reading our websites, a vast amount of information to make their trip more enjoyable. Whether it is the small town charms or less known local attractions in the big city, innkeepers are your source of that information.  We share this info with smiles on our faces, no blank stares like you may get at the hotel front desk!  We love where we live and we want to share it with the world. Come visit us, ask questions and we will be happy to assist you.

 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!

Slidell and the Arts - Experience it!

 Slidell may be considered a small casual town, but many would be surprised by all of the events this area provides.  Slidell is culturally diverse in the arts - Concerts and more. 

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will be visiting Slidell twice this season filling the air with classical tunes for the enjoyment of all ages.  Enjoy the sounds of Beethoven on Sunday, October 20th or their Yuletide Celebration concert on Sunday, December 8th.  For more information about these or other LPO concerts this season, visit their website http://www.lpomusic.com/?q=Concerts

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!

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!

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.

Ancient Historical Site - part of 100+ things to do

While this spot is not within my 100 mile limit, I could not resist adding this to our things to do. 

Poverty Point, Pioneer LA

Located in Northeast Louisiana on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi lies one of the worlds most ancient historical sites.  Poverty Point State Historic Site is a vast 400 acre site, integrated complex of earthen monuments, constructed 3,100 – 3,700 years ago dating back to pre Mayan civilization. Poverty point has several large mounds, one being the largest in North America. It also has six enormous, concentric earthen ridges with an outer diameter of more than a half mile. This constructed landscape was the largest and most elaborate of its time on the continent; the particular form of the complex is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The site is especially notable because it was built by a settlement of hunter-gatherers, not an agricultural society.  For more information about this treasure see: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.aspx

Poverty Point is about 250 miles north of Slidell, LA near Monroe Louisiana.  Make this a great stopping point on your trip to our great area.  

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!

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!

Fall = Fun

 Time is ticking - more fun to be had every weekend -

October 25-28  Mandeville Octoberfest
October 26-28 Slidell Antique Street Fair
October 28 Bayou Jam Concert - Vince Vance and the Valiantettes

November 10-11 - Three Rivers Arts Festival
Nov. 3 - Dec. 9 (wknds) Louisiana Renaissance Festival


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

All Saints Day - Nov. 1

Time is closing in to one of this areas most interesting cultural traditions.  Spiritual, devotion to family past and present.  I have written about this on a couple of occasions. http://woodridgebb.blogspot.com/search?q=all+saints+day
http://woodridgebb.blogspot.com/2010/10/from-spirits-to-spritual.html

And I just read another great article here, with another historical take on the tradition.
http://countryroadsmagazine.com/History/all-saints-day-in-lacombe


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

Soda Shop serving more than a scoop!

Olde Town Soda Shop - The Slidell Independent article here

 Olde Town Slidell, LA has had its battles in returning back to its pre-Katrina state, but slowly it is not only coming back but coming back better than before with neat cafe's and art galleries mixed in with antique and craft stores.  And of course there is the night scene too.  But one light blue building with its large picture window remained empty, with memories of Katrina painted on the exterior showing the level of the serge from Lake Pontchartrain and the destruction of all the equipment that the building contained. 

Lots of great memories were made in that building, celebrations of birthdays from children to grands, little league and much more.  I would imagine that there is not a local in Slidell that doesn't have a fond memory of a time spent there.  But it is time to celebrate again with another rebirth.  The much loved Olde Town Soda Shop has once again come alive after being wiped out by Hurricane Katrina in Aug. of 2005.

As of the beginning of August the place is alive with customers enjoying the sweet delights of Frank Jackson. This time around, Jackson has teamed up with Morris Hawkins and ACER (Addictions Counseling and Educational Resources) and what a team this has created.  Not only will the town be sweetened with the delights of Jackson, but the shop will be used as a job training site for clients that have been through the ACER program, introducing them back into the work place and establishing work ethics.

What a WIN - WIN for this town, these men and the positive approach to assist individuals.  I could not wait to get a scoop and to share this scoop with all of you.

Come on down the weather is just right for a Soda Shop delight, make some memories!


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!

Best kept Secret - Youngs Steakhouse

 Since 1969 The Young family has placed a mark on Robert Blvd in Slidell, but that mark is invisible unless you know what you're looking for...  NO SIGN, never have yet the place is packed day in and day out, yes even in the days before GPS and Google Maps!  More on that in a minute!

First I should warn you to get a napkin because your mouth will be drooling by the time I am done!  Do you recall the first steak you ever had?  That moment of delight when your taste buds took in that wonderful flavor of the perfect steak. That mouth watering, melt in your mouth flavor only the best cut of meat can create, do you remember?

Well it's time to bring those memories back and create a new memory to surpass the present one.

There is a trick to find Young's with out a GPS, follow your nose to the office like building with all the cars to the side, parked under the trees.

The funny thing is that we lived within walking distance to this eatery for 10 years before we found out that it was the famous Youngs.  Ten years!

One more tidbit before you head on over there, while steaks are their niche (and what a niche it is) they have broadened their menu to include lobster and shrimp as well as some other seafood delights.

Of course there is no reason to worry you won't find it, just stay at Woodridge and we will be sure to direct you there.  Upon return, we know we will see the most satisfied face one could ever have. 


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!