Date Archives: July 2022

After a full day checking out Lake Charles homes for sale, it only makes sense to get out and have some fun. You are sure to find outdoor dining options for you, no matter what your favorite cuisine might be.

Our real estate agents are often asked about the best restaurants in Lake Charles. While the city has something for everyone, one topic comes up again and again, thanks to the area's natural beauty: Outdoor dining. Always popular in Lake Charles, it has really taken off in recent years.

Let's look at just a few of your many Lake Charles outdoor dining options:

• 1910 Restaurant and Wine Bar – 949 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  1910 Restaurant and Wine Bar is a classy and sophisticated spot nestled right in the midst of beautiful downtown Lake Charles. While enjoying all the views from the public square on Ryan Street, you'll savor American, Creole, Cajun, and French delicacies. The Sunday Brunch brings out the best of 1910! Outdoor seating is always available.
  
  
• Pujo Street Cafe – 901 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Pujo Street Cafe does a little bit of everything, with a chef-inspired menu that ranges from Creole and Cajun classics to steaks, seafood, pasta, and desserts. You'll feel like you're right in the beating heart of New Orleans from your own Lake Charles neighborhood. The covered patio is one of the best around, and it eagerly welcomes your canine friends so long as they remain leashed at all times.
  
  
• Luna Bar and Grill – 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Luna Bar and Grill combines delectable food with an eclectic atmosphere that attracts locals and visitors alike. Luna's patio is an important part of the Lake Charles live music scene. Visit in the evenings, and you may see an up-and-coming Lake Charles musical act or a well-known star. As for the food, it does dinner and lunch – and on Sundays there is a "Jazz Brunch" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  
• Loggerheads Bar and Riverside Resort – 3748 Highway 3059, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Loggerheads Bar and Riverside Resort is at one of the city's best locations, right alongside the Calcasieu River. Guests must be 21+ to enter, thanks to the wide-ranging menu of wine, liquor, beer, and spirits. As you join in the fun, you'll note the casual atmosphere and some of the best outdoor seating to be found here in Lake Charles. There's enough space for dozens of visitors to enjoy a view of the water in peace.
  
  
• Rikenjaks Brewing Company – 3716 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605
  Rikenjaks Brewing Company has recently made its triumphant return to Lake Charles. Originally a major player in the growing Lake Charles dining scene in 1990, Rikenjaks went on hiatus for some time before reappearing in its current spot. Now, it offers daily specials, drinks, and live music. Tuesday is Team Trivia night, and every Friday and Saturday includes live music right on the patio.

Eager to discover Lake Charles for yourself? Contact us to find out more or stop by one of our Lake Charles open houses.

Many first-time visitors to Louisiana are shocked when they see their first drive-thru daiquiri stand. Our real estate agents always get a kick out of watching people's reactions! 

You might just pass a daiquiri stand or two if you're out visiting Lafayette open houses. Understandably, you might want to learn a little more about this uniquely Louisiana phenomenon.

How is This Possible?

To make a long story short, there's a particular loophole to Louisiana's open container law that allows frozen alcoholic beverages to be kept (but, importantly, not consumed) inside a moving vehicle, as long as the container is unopened. 

In the case of daiquiris, the word "unopened" is generally defined as having the lid intact and no straw protruding out of it. Locally, daiquiris are usually sold with tape over the straw hole to show that it's "closed". 

Best Daiquiri Stands in Lafayette

The upshot of all this is that drive-through daiquiris in Louisiana are not only wildly popular but also completely legal. That's why we're eager to share our favorite daiquiri stands near these Lafayette homes for sale:

• Cupid's Daiquiri - 109 Louisiana Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501
  You can choose from well over 100 varieties of daiquiri at Cupid's Daiquiri, which has been serving the Lafayette area since 2007. Their signature drink is the Mary Jane, which is a bold, piña-colada flavored concoction made with melon liquor, spiced rum, coconut rum, and blue curaçao. 
  
  
• Daiquiri Depot - 241 Donlon Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Although it has recently re-opened in a new location (the former Wendy's on Donlon Avenue), Daiquiri Depot is actually the oldest drive-thru daiquiri establishment in Lafayette. Owner Heather Louvierre was forced to move after the original location on the Evangeline Thruway, open since 1984, was damaged by fire. Luckily, they still serve up the same delicious daiquiris and excellent boiled seafood. 
  
  
• New Orleans Original Daiquiris - 5601 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503
  A beloved local chain that now has dozens of locations across the state of Louisiana, New Orleans Original Daiquiris is certainly one of the most recognizable drive-thru daiquiri stands out there. The Lafayette location serves up all their classic flavors, like Jungle Juice, Crawgator, Margarita, and Banana Banshee. 
  
  
• Daiquiris Supreme - 4680 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503
  Whether you want to grab daiquiris through their drive-through window or sit and sip awhile in their indoor bar area, Daiquiris Supreme has some great options. In addition to classic flavors like piña colada and margarita, they also offer some high-octane choices like "Blue Diesel," which is made with Everclear 190, tequila, vodka, and blue curaçao.
  
  
• Frankie's BEST Daiquiris - 110 14th St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Does Frankie's BEST Daiquiris make the best daiquiris in Lafayette? It's hard to say, but they put the word "BEST" right their in their name in all-caps, so we're not going to argue. They serve up to 60-plus flavors and are best known for their weekly gallon-sized daiquiri special for "Wild Wednesday," and for offering a free Jell-O shot with every order. 
  
  
• Mandez's Seafood Bar & Grill - 110 Doucet Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503
  Unsurprisingly, Mandez's Seafood Bar & Grill is a seafood establishment first and foremost. They serve up some excellent po'boys, shrimp tacos, and fried fish, and are a popular Lafayette lunch spot. But Mandez's also makes tasty daiquiris for either dine-in or to-go, and their rotating monthly specials always offer unique and tasty flavor combinations. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Louisiana! If you're looking for your dream home in Lafayette and the surrounding areas, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Before you officially become a homeowner, the closing process is one of the last steps in the purchase process. Our real estate agents recommend that homebuyers understand what the closing process consists of so that they know what to expect. Here's what you need to know. 

• Closing is When the Property Officially Becomes Your New Home
  Closing is the portion of the home purchasing process where ownership of the property transfers from the seller to the buyer. After checking out Baton Rouge homes for sale, you'll make an offer to the seller. While you'll likely include earnest money with your offer to purchase the home, the home isn't officially yours until you close on the property. It usually takes between four to six weeks to close on the purchase of a home, though the process can take longer if an issue arises. For example, if the property doesn't appraise for the necessary amount, this may slow the purchase down. Or, if the home inspection returns with a lot of issues, it may take time for the buyer and seller to resolve this problem. 

• Your Closing Date is Included in Your Home Offer
  A property's closing date is included in the home offer that the buyer and seller ultimately agree to. It's customary for the buyer to propose the initial closing date, but the seller can propose a different closing date if desired. Some sellers may prefer a quick or prolonged period before they close on the home to better suit their own homebuying needs. During Baton Rouge open houses, home sellers may advertise their willingness to agree to a fast or extended closing period. 

• You Need to Complete Certain Tasks to Close on a Home
  Before your closing date, you need to confirm that certain tasks have been completed. Your mortgage lender will require an appraisal to confirm that they can fund the mortgage for the home. If the property's appraisal falls short, you'll need to renegotiate the deal with the seller or potentially make a larger down payment. A home inspection is highly recommended to make sure that the home doesn't have any expensive problems. Your lender will require you to submit forms verifying your assets and income to approve and fund your home loan. You'll also need to purchase homeowner's insurance for the property. Before your closing date, you'll complete a final walkthrough to confirm that the property is in the expected condition before your actual closing appointment. If you notice any issue with the home, you'll need to let your real estate agent know immediately. 

• Closing Requires a Lot of Paperwork
  There's a lot of paperwork required to purchase a home; you can expect to sign between 50 and 100 pages during your closing session. Take the time to go through each document so that you understand what you're signing and that the forms are consistent with what you're expecting. You'll also bring money to the closing appointment (usually in the form of a certified check or a wire transfer) to cover your down payment and closing costs. About three business days before your closing appointment, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure that details your closing costs and states who is paying for each item. 

Ready to begin your home search? Contact us today to get started!

NOLA's vibrant history is showcased in a wonderful assortment of local museums. While these museums are great to visit during any season, August is New Orleans Museum Month. Throughout this month, if you're a museum member at one of the participating museums you get free admission to all the other local institutions participating in the month-long event.

Join our real estate agents in celebrating New Orleans Museum Month. While the list of participating museums still has yet to be revealed, let's take a look at some of the area's museums to prepare for August.

• Contemporary Arts Center - 900 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Art spans a wide variety of disciplines, from painting and sculpture to music and dance. Contemporary Arts Center transforms a historic 30,000-square-foot warehouse into a showcase for modern art. The calendar features a wide range of events, programs, and activities with a focus on local and regional artists. CAC is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.
  
  
• Longue Vue House and Gardens - 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans, LA 70124
  Once the family home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue House and Gardens stands as a fascinating testament to the civic and cultural history of New Orleans during the 20th century. With features such as central air conditioning, a photography dark room, and a below-grade basement, the house was ahead of its time. Noted garden designer Ellen Shipman curated each section of the grounds to provide a unique experience. Twilight at Longue Vue is a series of open-air concerts held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month during daylight savings time. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• Lousiana Children's Museum - 15 Henry Thomas Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124
  Solve the kids' summer complaint of, "There's nothing to do!" with an entertaining trip to the Louisiana Children's Museum, conveniently located just minutes from New Orleans homes for sale. Interactive exhibits such as "Dig Into Nature," "Follow that Food," and "Move with the River" might make you wish you were a kid again. Thanks to steel drums, a binocular station, and other activities in the museum's "backyard," there's plenty of outdoor time as well. Themed weekly and monthly programs include Story Time, Plant and Play, and Community Kindness Project. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Southern Food & Beverage Museum - 1504 Oretha C. Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113
  Eating is a topic that's near and dear to just about everyone's heart. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum is a stellar tribute to the unique culinary heritage of New Orleans and the South. SoFAB features an exhibit for each of the Southern states, along with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and a sub-museum dedicated to the history of the American cocktail. SoFAB is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• New Orleans Jazz Museum - 400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116
  Jazz is deeply embedded in the city's DNA. Another NOLA trademark, the historic Old U.S. Mint, now houses the New Orleans Jazz Museum. In addition to rotating exhibits such as "Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat," the museum hosts multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Tour New Orleans homes for sale and start charting the course of your own history. Contact us at Latter & Blum to learn more.

Louisiana is known for Cajun and Creole cooking, but the local restaurant scene includes a number of international cuisines. Our real estate agents get their sushi fix at these incredible restaurants near Lafayette homes for sale. 

• Tsunami Sushi - 421 Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501
  Get ready for a wave of fresh flavor when you visit Tsunami Sushi. This funky yet fancy restaurant honors Japanese cuisine while adding a touch of Southern flair. The house specialties are as much a treat for the eyes as for the taste buds. Try box-style sushi, pressed in a mold for a unique shape, or sashimi tuna in ponzu sauce arranged in a sunflower pattern. Side dishes include fusions such as collard greens with kimchee and sweet potato hash with bok choy and shiitake mushrooms. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, and noon - 11 p.m. Saturday.
  
  
• Rock-n-Sake - 107 Stonemont Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508
  Looking for a party? Head over to Rock-n-Sake, where the tunes are pumping, the sake is delicious, and the fresh sushi "swims to your plate." Supplement your sashimi and rolls with creative small plates such as sushi deviled eggs, topped with tuna tartare and black tobiko, or beef tataki, thinly-sliced flat iron steak with five-spice seasoning. Save room for some tempura cheesecake, a customer favorite. Rock-n-Sake is open for lunch Thursday and Friday and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
  
  
• Kirin Sushi Steak House - 3366 Verot School Rd. #102, Lafayette, LA 70508
  Dining with friends or family members who aren't adventurous eaters? Keep everyone happy at Kirin Sushi Steak House. In addition to a fabulous selection of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls, the menu features hibachi-prepared seafood, steak, and chicken. Those with bigger appetites go for the combo dinners, such as chicken & filet mignon or shrimp & scallops. Customers give Kirin high marks for cleanliness and friendly service. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday when closing time is 10:30 p.m. 
  
  
• Tokyo House - 1505 Bonin Rd., Suite 200, Broussard, LA 70518
  You've been viewing some great Broussard homes for sale, and you're ready for a break. Tokyo House has a fantastic lunch special that can't be beaten. Choose two from a list of nearly three dozen sushi rolls for only $8. Add a third roll for just $3 more. Dinner is equally budget-friendly, with combos that serve one to four people for approximately $15 per person. Don't be surprised to find the owner among the cheerful staff offering a gracious welcome. Tokyo House is open Monday through Saturday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and dinner hours are 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  
  
• Osaka - 2809 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503
  The beautiful sushi dishes, considered some of the best presentations in town, are certainly enough reason to visit Osaka. But if you need more, Osaka is also the only restaurant in Lafayette serving authentic Korean food. The menu features japchae, a beloved dish of stir-fried sweet potato noodles, veggies, and your choice of protein, and bibimbap, the classic rice bowl topped with chili sauce and a fried egg. Weekday hours are 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday hours are noon - 10 p.m., and Sunday hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Ready to work up an appetite touring Lafayette open houses? Get up-to-the-minute info when you contact us at Latter & Blum.

Looking for a fun way to test your knowledge, enjoy a night out with friends, and maybe even take home some great prizes in the process? Some of the best bars, burger joints, and pizza parlors near Baton Rouge homes for sale offer regularly scheduled trivia nights where you can compete for prizes while enjoying great specials on your favorite menu items. Our real estate agents have all the details on where to find trivia nights around Baton Rouge.

• Mid Tap – 660 Arlington Creek Centre Blvd., Ste. D, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
  With 48 self-serve taps, a full-service cocktail bar, and a delicious menu of bar bites, Mid Tap offers everything you need to enjoy a night out with your favorite people. There's also a busy lineup of special events every week, starting with an all-day happy hour on Mondays which includes trivia night beginning at 7:30 PM.

• City Slice – 124 W. Chimes St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  The team at City Slice is known for serving up some of the best pizzas and craft brews in Baton Rouge. But did you know that they also offer delicious tacos? Tuesday Trivia N' Tacos is a regularly scheduled event at City Slice that kicks off every Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Test your knowledge to compete for City Slice gift cards and enjoy some delicious tacos while you compete.

• The Smiling Dog – 4215 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816
  For the classic Baton Rouge pub experience, it's tough to top the atmosphere at The Smiling Dog. This local pub features pool tables, darts, a dog-friendly patio where you can dine outdoors, and plenty of TVs to watch all of the biggest games. Every Monday at 8:00 PM you can participate in the Pub Olympics, where you will compete in rounds of trivia, darts, and pool to win outstanding prizes.

• Pluckers Wing Bar – 4225 Nicholson Dr. #101, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  While it doesn't feature a weekly trivia night like some of the other entries on our list, the Pluckers Wing Bar Facebook page will keep you up to date on all of their latest trivia nights. Past topics at Pluckers Wing Bar trivia nights include Star Wars, HBO, Disney, and Sitcom Night, so this is a great place to visit if you love pop culture trivia.

• Burgersmith – 3613 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Another great destination for pop culture trivia is Burgersmith, which features trivia at its Perkins Road location on Tuesday nights, and at its Denham Springs location every Wednesday evening. This summer will feature trivia themes related to some of your favorite classic TV shows, including The Office, Friends, and Seinfeld. Grab a gourmet burger and a cold drink, then let the fun begin.

• Rally Cap Brewing Company – 11212 Pennywood Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809
  Trivia Tuesday is the name of the game at Rally Cap Brewing Company, which hosts trivia every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. It's free to play every week, and the top three teams will win prizes from the bar. Doors open at 3:00 PM, leaving plenty of time to sample the craft brews and tasty food on the menu here.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy all of the outstanding food and fun events around Baton Rouge? Our Baton Rouge open houses make it easy to find the right match. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Baton Rouge, LA area.

Riverboat travel is part of the rich historical legacy of New Orleans. Explore NOLA from a new perspective aboard one of these delightful riverboat cruises recommended by our real estate agents.

• New Orleans Steamboat Company - 400 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Board the Riverboat City of New Orleans for a jazz-filled trip along the river from New Orleans Steamboat Company. Daytime and Sunday cruises start off with a calliope concert, followed by a performance from Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio. Evening cruises features a Grammy-nominated jazz trio. A knowledgeable guide is on hand to share information about the port. Optional lunch, brunch, and dinner buffets are available. Prices start at $39 for adults and $16 for kids ages 6-12. 
  
  
• New Orleans Paddlewheels - 1 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Take a trip back in time near New Orleans homes for sale with New Orleans Paddlewheels. The Creole Queen is a stunning throwback to the days when these classic ships were a regular sight on the river. With three private dining rooms that accommodate 880 passengers, the Creole Queen has the largest indoor capacity of touring vessels in New Orleans. Their signature historic cruise, offered twice daily, includes highlights such as Lafitte National Historic Park and the French Quarters of Treme and Marigny. Other options include jazz, brunch, and holiday cruises, with meals available on all. Prices start at $39 for adults and $15 for kids ages 6-12.
  
  
• New Orleans Pedal Barge - 2651 Paris Rd., New Orleans, LA 70129
  The iconic Mississippi River is a majestic sight, but the swamps and bayous of NOLA have their own unique beauty. While it's not a riverboat like the others on our list, you can take a one-of-a-kind trip along the Bayou Bienvenue River on a New Orleans Pedal Barge. Plus, it's a great option for groups! Cajun Queen and Bayou Boogie seat 18-22 passengers with 12 pedal stations for an interactive experience. Not up to a workout? The barges have backup motors to handle the job. Both boats are equipped with Bluetooth speakers and party lights. Guests can bring their own food and beverages, and fishing is permitted. New Orleans Pedal Barge also offers a 12-person luxury pontoon boat and the Freaky Tiki, which holds up to 25 passengers. Visit the website for information about pricing and reservations.
  
  
• The Riverboat Louis Armstrong - 1 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Have an unforgettable experience when you book an event at the biggest venue on the Mississippi River. The Riverboat Louis Armstrong offers enough space for 2,500 guests, making it a memorable backdrop for meetings, weddings, and other special events. This space includes four dining rooms and three fully-stocked bars. Unlike other riverboats on this list, this riverboat will remain dockside and only sail under special circumstances. Besides hosting weddings and corporate events, The Riverboat Louis Armstrong also hosts a number of concerts, brunches, and other seasonal events. Keep an eye on their website for the latest information on these upcoming events.

Enjoying a cruise on the river is even easier when you live nearby! New Orleans open houses are a perfect way to find or sell a home. Contact us at Latter & Blum to learn more.

If you're searching for a home with character and historical significance, a historic home is an excellent option.

A historic home is a property that retains a significant amount of the original construction and design, is at least 50 years old (potentially less if an event of historical significance happened on the property), and is connected to events that are historically important. 

However, there are a few things that make owning a historic home different from owning a typical home. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips when buying a historic home to ensure it's a great fit for your needs and budget. 

• Realize That Historic Homes are Ideal for Buyers Interested in Preserving the Home
  If you want a home that you can modernize or make a lot of structural changes to, a historic home isn't the right fit for your design preferences. When you purchase a historic home, there are typically guidelines that specify what changes you can make to the property. As the owner, you're expected to maintain the original charm and design of the home. There are countless properties that you can renovate or redesign, but a historic home should be accepted as is. When you're checking out Lafayette homes for sale, look for a property that has a layout and design that meets your family's needs. For example, historic homes tend to have multiple small rooms rather than an open floor plan. If you want space for gathering with your family, you might look for a layout with multiple small rooms in close proximity to one another. You can then use each room for a specific function. 

• Embrace the Uniquely Distinct Architecture and Charm of a Historic Home
  Purchasing a historic home often ensures that your home has a style and design that stands out from other homes in your area. This historic, authentic charm simply can't be replicated by more modern homes; many historic homes even experience higher than average appreciation in their property values thanks to the distinctiveness of the craftsmanship and features. 

• Know That Updates to the Home Will be More Expensive
  You'll need to make occasional updates and maintenance repairs to the home that adhere to the original design. This means that you might spend more money on home maintenance and renovation than you would on a newer home. A historic home often requires specific materials and specialized labor to ensure that the repairs are as authentic as possible. To help cover the cost of the repairs, you can utilize a federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. There are also state programs that assist with defraying the expenses associated with maintaining a historic property. 

• Explore Financing Programs Designed for Historic Homes
  A historic home can be a terrific investment, but it can also be difficult to procure financing through traditional mortgage programs. This is especially common if the home requires a lot of repairs or has structural problems. Fortunately, there are programs available that offer financial resources for restoring and caring for historic homes.

Ready to check out historic homes that you can call your home? Contact us today to get started!

Looking for a house can be challenging under any circumstances. It's even more difficult when you're looking somewhere far away from the city where you currently live. There are plenty of Baton Rouge homes for sale, but how do you know which one is right for you when you're that far away? Here are a few tips for long-distance house hunting.

• Plan Ahead
  When you're looking locally, you have the time to browse casually and get a feel for what's available before you commit to anything. When you're hunting long-distance, you don't have that luxury. Make a comprehensive list of everything you're looking for in a house, including both your wants and your must-haves.
  
  
• Be Flexible
  Keep in mind that your new area might not be like your old one. You may have your heart set on a particular style, but that style might not be as popular or widely available in your new city as it is in your current one. This is where your list comes in handy. It's important to know which features you absolutely need in your new home, and which ones you can compromise on.
  
  
• Browse Home Listing Sites
  Looking at house listings online is no substitute for actually being there in person, but they can still provide helpful insight into the area where you're searching. Online listings can give you an idea of what's available in the area and how much you can expect to pay for it. This will help you as you plan your budget, and allow you to house hunt more efficiently.
  
  
• Get a Good Agent
  This is important no matter where you're looking. But especially long-distance house hunting is something you shouldn't do alone. An agent who knows both the area and your needs can guide you through the process, helping you find places that meet your standards and fit your budget. That way, if you do manage to plan a brief trip to Baton Rouge, you can make the most of your time there.
  
  
• Plan a Trip
  Carve out at least a couple of days to experience the new area for yourself. Find out from your real estate agent what Baton Rouge open houses are going on, and see if you can visit a few of them while you're there. However, the trip is important, not just for the houses themselves, but for the neighborhoods. Where are the schools, grocery stores, and other amenities, and how easy are they to get to? What's the traffic like? These are the sorts of things you can only find out by visiting a place in person. Be sure to go in with a clear plan and a clear objective, to make efficient use of your limited time there.
  
  
• Understand What You're Doing
  Moving to a new city is a big step. It can also be a rewarding one, but make sure you're ready to do it before taking the plunge.

These are your first steps toward finding a new home in a new city. It's not an easy ordeal, but our real estate agents can help you through it. Contact us to get started.

New Orleans is well known for its hip and happening nightlife. There are dozens of bars in the historic city center, some of which have been around for more than a century. After a full day of scoping out New Orleans homes for sale or attending New Orleans open houses, you can kick back with some bar hopping.

You don't have to wait until Fat Tuesday to party in the Big Easy. Whether you just want to drop in for a quick drink or plan to spend a night meeting with friends old and new, this may just be the best place. Our real estate agents say there's something for everyone!

Let's take a look at just a few of your many exciting options:

• Pal's Lounge – 949 North Rendon Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Pal's Lounge is an ideal place to start if it's your first night ever bar hopping in New Orleans. It has just about everything that distinguishes the NOLA bar scene from all the rest: An excellent location right in a historic neighborhood, the classic "corner bar" and long bar aesthetic, reasonable prices starting around $7 for a specialty cocktail, and plenty of regulars who are ready to welcome new faces to the fold.
  
  
• Kermit's Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge – 1500 North Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116
  Don't worry: You probably won't run into your mother-in-law at Kermit's Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge, but many of New Orleans' leading jazz crooners and artists frequent the guest list. Standing out from the pack with a bright and stylish exterior, it is a neighborhood institution founded by local musician Ernie K. Doe. Named for Ernie's #1 hit, the bar features free crawfish boils on Fridays, and the patio hosts lots of live music.
  
  
• Finn McCool's Irish Pub – 3701 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Finn McCool's Irish Pub comes to you straight from Ireland. Founders Stephen and Pauline Patterson opened their doors in 2002 after extensive travels in the Emerald Isle. McCool's is beloved in the neighborhood because their rebuilding back in 2006 helped catalyze a resurgence of the neighborhood. These days, you can pop over for a beer on tap, pool, darts, and soccer. It's the closest thing to Dublin right in New Orleans and highly popular with the international community.
  
  
• Twelve Mile Limit – 500 South Telemachus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Twelve Mile Limit is lauded for its beautiful and spacious patio, providing some of the best views in New Orleans. It has also been acclaimed for its innovatively designed house cocktails. Devoted regulars say the flavors stand head and shoulders over the rest, but Twelve Mile Limit is far from pretentious. Its partnership with Que Pasta enlivens the drinks selection by pairing it with a genuine Latin lunch and brunch menu.
  
  
• R Bar – 1431 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
  R Bar, also known as the Royal Street Inn, is back and better than ever after a challenging time in 2020. With a friendly neighborhood watering hole on one side and high-quality hospitality in historic digs on the other, you might just find this is your new home away from home. The R Bar itself is an iconic "dive" experience complete with dim lighting and billiards at all hours. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

Contact us to find out more or get started with New Orleans real estate opportunities.