Date Archives: August 2022

Lake Charles homes for sale are some of the most sought-after in Louisiana, with those that have actual lake frontage in the greatest demand. While the competition is fierce, the satisfaction is well worth it. And as a part of the Lake Charles community, you don't have to live right on the water to enjoy it.

Between Lake Charles open houses, it's a good idea to explore the local area and get a sense of all that it has to offer. Our Realtors® are glad to help you make the most of it!

Let's take a stroll down some of the best beaches near Lake Charles:

• The Beach and Marina at L'Auberge – 777 Avenue L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  The Beach and Marina at L'Auberge is the quintessential family-friendly beach here in Lake Charles. You can enjoy a meal at the tables or jump into a game of beach volleyball. There is no entry fee, and visitors of all ages are gladly welcome. Looking for a beach that's open on holidays? Check L'Auberge first. You can even rent a marina boat slip for a day out on the water; it's all overseen by the L'Auberge Casino Resort.
  
  
• Golden Nugget Beach – 2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Golden Nugget Beach is the beach affiliated with the world-famous Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. Just steps from the casino's country club as well as top-rated steak and seafood restaurants, it's a sunny little slice of heaven. You may expect the beach itself to be an afterthought, but it won't disappoint. On the shores of the historic Calcasieu River, it offers swimming, sunning, and a variety of ways to get out on the water.
  
  
• The Cajun Riviera – See Website for Location Details
  The Cajun Riviera is the unofficial nickname given to Holly Beach by Lake Charles locals. Thanks to its serenity and seclusion, it has become known as a premier couples' retreat. Because of the difficulty the area has faced with multiple major storms, the vacation rentals available at Holly Beach now take the form of large, private RVs that can be moved to safety by the renters in the event of harsh weather.
  
  
• North Beach – North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  North Beach is where you will find yourself if you follow Interstate 10. It has a claim to fame as the only white sand beach located inland anywhere between Texas and Florida. Visitors and Lake Charles residents are welcome seven days a week, all year round, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at night. This beach has been known to host a variety of musical performances and other community events.
  
  
• Rutherford Beach at the Gulf of Mexico – See Website for Location Details
  Rutherford Beach at the Gulf of Mexico is a beach and campground in Louisiana's Creole Gulf. This is where the Mermentau River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the beautiful beaches, you'll find picnic tables, picnic shelters, and a limited number of full RV hookups. The beach remains fully open to the public all year round, weather permitting.

Contact us to discover more about the Lake Charles area.

If you haven't spent much time in Lafayette, you might find the city's incredible wealth of restaurants and eateries a bit overwhelming. How do you pick just a few places to eat at during your time in the city?

Our Realtors® are excited to see a program drawing more attention to Lafayette's excellent restaurant scene. Here are a few more details about this passport program showcasing Lafayette's local restaurants and the benefits you get from using it when you dine out. 

What is the EatLafayette Passport? 

The EatLafayette passport is your access key to the EatLafayette program and is available through the city's official website. To sign up, simply enter your name, email address, phone number, and a few other personal details. You will then receive a link to your passport via email or text message.

Tap the link to download it, then save it to your home screen. You can then use it to check which restaurants are participating in the EatLafayette program and check in to each when you arrive there for a meal. 

Participating eateries offer all kinds of different dishes, including seafood, burgers, pizza, fine dining, and even macarons. You'll find many of Lafayette's best restaurants on the passport list, including Judice Inn and Charley G's Seafood Grill. It's an excellent resource for tourists and newcomers to the area near our Lafayette homes for sale, and its additional benefits only make it more worthwhile. Be sure to check their website for the full official list of participating restaurants.

Save On Your Restaurant Bill

In addition to gaining prize drawing entries, the EatLafayette passport also offers a more immediate benefit: discounts. Some of the restaurants involved in the program are offering special perks to people who participate, including reduced prices on specific menu items, discounts you can apply to your whole order, or freebies you can enjoy with a purchase. 

Not all of the eateries participating in the passport program are also offering these perks. Be sure to check your passport to find out what you can expect at each restaurant you plan to visit. You'll find the relevant details included under each restaurant's listing. You'll also need to check in before you can get access to the offer, so remember to do that right away when you arrive. 

Get a Taste of Louisiana's Best

So many great restaurants are just waiting to be tried in the Lafayette area! Lafayette's world-class food is worth savoring, and the EatLafayette passport gives you a great excuse to sample more of it. If you move into a home in the area, it will all be right outside your front door. Contact us today to learn more about any of our Lafayette open houses and find out just how easy it can be to settle down near your favorite Lafayette restaurants.

The DIY approach is not only affordable but also gives you more control over your results. At various Baton Rouge open houses, we've seen some lovely DIY remodeling jobs and decor projects. So, how do you ensure your own DIY project goes well and yields beautiful results? Here are a few tips to help you avoid a bad DIY project.

• Know What You're Capable Of
  It's okay to challenge yourself a little with a DIY project, but you don't want to take on something so outside of your abilities that you end up doing a poor job. Before you take on a project, make sure you have the tools necessary to complete it. Also, make sure you have the skills necessary or can learn them easily.
  
  A good rule of thumb is that plumbing, HVAC, and roofing work should always be left to the pros. These fields require licenses and certifications for a reason; they're technical, and mistakes can be costly.
  
  
• Measure Twice, Cut Once
  Getting measurements wrong is one of the most common ways to mess up a DIY project. You don't want to cut an expensive piece of flooring or wallboard to the wrong size and have to start over!
  
  Those in the building industry use the phrase "measure twice, cut once." If you're someone who often makes mistakes with numbers, have a friend or family member check your work before you make the cuts.
  
  
• Prepare Your Surfaces Properly
  This is a common mistake homeowners make when painting. If you're painting, make sure you sand and prime the surface first. If you're putting down a floor, make sure the subfloor is level. Or, perhaps you're re-staining a deck. If so, you'll want to sand down rough spots and remove any oily residue before applying the stain. 
  
  Usually, finishing products like paints and stains will tell you how to prepare your surface prior to application. Read and follow these instructions closely.
  
  
• Use a Level
  When you walk into a Baton Rouge home for sale, you notice whether pictures are level and the furniture is sitting evenly. Of course, you want your own home to have this same balance. So, use a level when tackling any DIY project that involves hanging wall art, positioning furniture, and the like.
  
  If you don't have a physical level, there are level apps you can download to your smartphone.
  
  
• Have Your Paint Matched
  If you are painting something to match an already-painted surface, don't just go buy another gallon of paint you assume is the same color. Instead, bring a sample of the old paint with you to the paint store. The technicians can match it, so you end up with the perfect match.
  
  Pay attention to paint finishes, not just color. If the surface you're trying to match has an eggshell finish, for example, your new paint needs to have an eggshell finish, too.
  
  
• Use a Stud Finder
  So many DIY projects involve hanging or mounting things on the walls. When you do this, you need to make sure you're drilling into wall studs, not just into the drywall.
  
  There are a number of stud-finding tools you can purchase, and also some stud-finding apps for smartphones. Use them to locate wall studs so you can mount things to them securely.

If you follow these tips, you should have better luck with all of your DIY projects. Contact us if you're still looking for a new home to live in. Our Realtors® can help find you a place worthy of your DIY efforts. 

New Orleans homes for sale are part of a city that's packed with unique history and culture. Between your schedule of New Orleans open houses, it's a wise idea to explore and see everything that the "Big Easy" has to offer. The best way to do that is by foot, and there are plenty of opportunities.

Of all America's most amazing cities, New Orleans tops the charts for the sheer number and diversity of walking tours available every day. Our Realtors® know that many of our customers enjoy these tours and use them to get a better sense of what New Orleans is really all about.

Let's dive in and look at some of the top walking tours in NOLA.

New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours

New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours bills itself among the biggest and oldest walking tour companies here in New Orleans. Tours leave from various locations and usually include small groups. Seven highly experienced tour guides are available to take you on a classic walking tour or one of your own choosing.

If you want to get acquainted with all the top landmarks of New Orleans quickly, a "legendary" walking tour may be your best bet. There are four different tours to choose from and custom packages available.

These packages await at New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours:

• Legends & Spirits Cocktail Hour
  New Orleans is packed with myths and legends, stories of larger-than-life characters who helped make the city what it is today. With this tour, you'll visit historic restaurants that will give you a true taste of NOLA's unique cocktail culture – both figuratively and literally. Naturally, this one is for adults only!
  
  
• The French Quarter Tour
  The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Here, you'll get the chance to see all the top examples of its striking French and Spanish architecture. Thanks to its high elevation, the area has maintained a treasure trove of centuries-old buildings preserved and waiting for your visit.
  
  
• New Orleans Ghost Tour
  New Orleans is said to be one of the "Most Haunted" cities in America. Taking place exclusively at night, this tour will give you the chance to revisit real historic events and hear about eyewitness accounts of the unexplained. On your way around New Orleans' "murder mansions," you might just see a ghost!
  
  
• The Garden District Tour
  In a city known for its character, the Garden District stands out as a neighborhood unlike any other. With lavish gardens, tree-lined boulevards, and Southern charm aplenty, it will offer you experiences that stick with you for a lifetime. You'll see celebrity mansions and the storied Lafayette Cemetery.

Free Tours by Foot

Free Tours by Foot is an alternative online marketplace for booking walking tours, swamp tours, and much more with experienced local guides. As you would expect, it offers tours of the Garden District, French Quarter, and the iconic Ghost Tour. But there are several other options not found elsewhere.

Among these are:

• The Voodoo Tour
  This tour will bring you to sites such as Congo Square and others strongly associated with voodoo while explaining its basic ideas and history.
  
  
• Treme
  Treme is the oldest continuously occupied black neighborhood in the United States. As the origin place of jazz and America's soul food traditions, it epitomizes much of what makes New Orleans so special. Tourists will discover the history and see the sights of this historic neighborhood.

Contact us to discover more about New Orleans.

Moving definitely has its ups and downs. You spend weeks attending Lafayette open houses before finally finding the one. You get all excited to move in and set the home up the way you like. But then your start scheduling your move, and you realize how much there is to do. If you're like most people, you are looking for ways to simplify the process. Renting a storage unit is a good option. Here are some reasons to rent a storage unit during your move.

• Get Delicate Items Out of the Way
  You might have some delicate items, such as paintings and special china, that you want to move yourself. You don't want these items to end up damaged when you're moving furniture and boxes all around them. Rent a storage unit, and you'll have a safe space to stash them until you're otherwise moved in, and life has calmed down.
  
  
• Store Large Items Until You Know What Will Fit
  Do you have any large sofas, sectionals, or entertainment units that you're not sure will fit in your new home? Instead of selling them, you can store them in your storage unit until you're able to get into the new home and measure. Or, you might move in and realize you don't have space for these large items. Then, you can sell them directly out of the storage unit.
  
  
• Stash Out-of-Season Items
  Chances are, you have some boxes or totes of seasonal items, such as sporting goods or holiday decor. These take up a lot of storage space in any home. If you rent a storage unit, you can move your seasonal items straight into it. You can keep the items there until you need them, at which point you can bring them into your new, freshly organized home.
  
  
• Get a Head Start
  Once you find the perfect place for you among the Lafayette homes for sale, you can't wait to get started with the move. But it may still be a few weeks before you close on the sale and can get into the home. If you rent a storage unit, you can get a head start. Start packing things you use less often into boxes. Then, move them to the storage unit where they're out of the way. When you're ready to move in, you can easily take the boxes from storage to your new home.
  
  
• Declutter
  Moving gives you the perfect opportunity to declutter. And if you are listing your current place for sale, decluttering helps you better stage the space to appeal to buyers. If you decide to rent a storage unit, you can place items you don't immediately need in there. That way, potential buyers won't see all your stuff. Instead, they'll just see a perfectly staged home!
  
  
• Reduce Moving Costs
  Renting a storage unit and moving some of your items into it pre-move means you can get away with renting a smaller moving truck. Or, if you hire movers, they will have less to move. Either way, this approach can help keep your moving costs lower. You can move items from storage to your new home a few at a time in your own vehicle, which is more affordable.

Contact us if you're still looking for the perfect home to purchase. Our Realtors® can help you find a unique and enjoyable space in the New Orleans area.

Baton Rouge has an incomparable culinary scene. Just minutes from Baton Rouge homes for sale, you'll find world-class restaurants in a medley of styles. Some are known throughout the U.S., while others are local favorites. Our Realtors® can introduce you.

Between Baton Rouge open houses, try these intriguing lunch spots:

• Milford's on Third – 150 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  Although Milford's on Third is best known for its breakfast, the promise of classic delicatessen fare "without all the fanfare" means you can stop in any morning and appreciate the sandwiches and pastries all afternoon long. Lunch is served alongside breakfast from early in the morning until the 3 p.m. closing time, seven days a week. This family-owned spot also offers curbside and takeout service.
  
  
• The Chimes Restaurant and Tap Room – 3357 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Offering some of the best Southern cuisine and soul food in a city known for it, The Chimes Restaurant and Tap Room is so popular that it has three nearby locations to choose from. For over 25 years, it's been a mainstay among students, faculty, and visitors to Louisiana State University. Offering Cajun and Creole cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes families, it is lauded for its extensive list of spirits.
  
  
• Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar – 7731 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
  Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar is the place to go for innovative coastal cuisine. Creative dishes with fresh, local ingredients run the gamut from the indispensable raw oysters to tuna tataki to the spicy crab and crawfish maki roll. In addition to the brunch and lunch every day, it offers lavishly appointed spaces for all your most memorable group events. Reservations are strongly recommended.
  
  
• Louie's Cafe – 3322 Lake Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Louie's Cafe is beloved in the local area as an LSU tradition dating all the way back to 1941. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available from open to close – that is, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Among the lunch offerings are the famous Louie's Combos, the legendary Big Louie Burger, and Louie's Super Club. The menu is updated regularly!
  
  
• Tony's Seafood – 5215 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
  Tony's Seafood bills itself as Louisiana's largest seafood market, with "Catering to Geaux" any time of the day and night. The most popular items to pick up in bulk include fresh-caught Louisiana blue crabs, Tony's signature broiled crawfish, and domestic wild-caught shrimp caught in local waters. Don't miss out on the Cajun boudin balls and fried whole catfish for a lunch you won't soon forget.
  
  
• Mason's Grill – 13556 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
  Mason's Grill blurs the line between lunch and brunch. Boldly calling itself Baton Rouge's Favorite Restaurant, it has something new every day of the week. You can enjoy the original Taco Tuesday, create your own burger with a huge range of buns, cheeses, and meats, or stop by for champagne brunch every weekend from 9 a.m. to 3 in the afternoon. There's simply nothing Mason's can't do.
  
  
• Zorba's Greek Bistro – 5713 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Zorba's Greek Bistro stands out as one of the top Mediterranean restaurants in Baton Rouge. The menu is packed with delectable finds centering on the cuisine of Cyprus Island. Lunch guests can savor a slew of appetizers, soups, salads, gyros, souvlaki, and specialty sandwiches – the lamb halloumi sandwich is the headliner here. Dinner will not disappoint, with plenty of large shareable plates and hearty entrees.

Contact us to discover more about Baton Rouge real estate.

Our Realtors® never tire of wandering among the vendors at the French Market. There's always a huge selection of food and drink, clothing and jewelry, art and souvenirs waiting to be discovered.

And it's always changing! If you're in town visiting New Orleans open houses, you don't want to miss a trip to the French Market.

History of the French Market

The French Market has existed in something resembling its current form since 1791. Some of the oldest parts of the present-day market were built in 1813. At that time, it was commonly referred to as the Meat Market, as it was the only place in the city where meat was sold. 

Over the course of the 19th century, an informal bazaar grew in the space between the Meat Market and the nearby Vegetable Market. A building to house that bazaar was erected in 1872, looking very much like the French Market of today.

The most recent major renovations to the French Market were carried out by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, though many smaller additions and renovations have taken place in the decades since. 

French Market Vendors

Most of the vendors at the French Market come here every single day, and many have been set up here for years. But the market still changes from day to day, and you truly never know what you might find. 

Although the French Market is seen by some as a tourist spot, it's also a favorite hangout for locals. Plenty of NOLA residents come here every week, not just to see what's new but to pick up their reliable favorites. Some of the things you'll find in the French Market include:

• Arts & Crafts: You can explore an endless array of unique creations in the market. Be sure to check out the Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op, which features dozens of local and regional artists. 
  
  
• Tasty Treats: At one end of the French Market, you'll find Café Du Monde, which is New Orleans' most iconic purveyor of beignets, coffee, and chicory. Other tasty highlights include The Fudgery and Aunt Sally's Original Creole Pralines. 
  
  
• Clothing & Jewelry: From headwear at Chapel Hats and women's fashion at Cella's Boutique to vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories at Head to Toe, you'll find pretty much everything you need to look your best at the French Market. 
  
  
• Gifts & Souvenirs: There's a gift for everyone here, from kids (The Little Toy Shop) to sports fanatics (N'awlins Sports). And don't miss out on all the great holiday stuff at Merry Christmas & All That Jazz.

Visit the French Market

The French Market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It's sandwiched between the Mississippi River and the French Quarter and is just minutes away from many New Orleans homes for sale. 

Although it's changed a lot over the years, the French Market is still a hub for commerce, culture, and community in New Orleans. It belongs on the short list of destinations that no NOLA trip is complete without!

Contact us today to learn more about all the sights and sounds of New Orleans. If you're on the hunt for your dream home, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find it in the New Orleans area!

Moving to a new city often includes equal parts of excitement and apprehension. But Our Realtors® know the Lafayette area is truly something special. Here are just some of the reasons people move to this area.

1. Diverse Population and Culture
   Lafayette embodies the modern-day version of the "melting pot" ethic that formed the foundation of our country. Niche, the noted site that reviews cities based on a wide range of criteria, ranks Lafayette as the most diverse place to live in its namesake parish. 
   
   
2. Pleasant Weather
   No need to be a snowbird in Lafayette. According to Best Places, the city averages zero inches of snow per year versus the U.S. average of a whopping 28 inches. While Louisiana's humid summers are well-known, the other seasons make up for it. Spring and fall temperatures usually sit comfortably in the upper 70s and lower 80s, and even winter temperatures are relatively mild in the 40s.
   
   
3. Low Cost of Living
   Your hard-earned dollar goes further in Lafayette. On a scale of 100, which represents the national average, Best Places calculates Lafayette's cost of living at 87.7. The city ranks considerably lower than average nearly across the board, with the biggest savings in the categories of groceries, healthcare, and utilities.
   
   
4. Affordable Housing
   Housing is the biggest item in nearly everyone's budget, and Lafayette delivers great values. The median home cost is $180K-$190K, about $100K less than the national average. The property tax rate is roughly half the national average, which adds to the attractiveness of homeownership. In addition, there's a neighborhood in Lafayette to suit everyone, featuring historic homes and urban apartments, quiet suburban areas, and rural properties. 
   
   
5. Family-Friendly
   Niche also recognizes Lafayette as a great place to raise a family, awarding the city a B+ grade in "Good for Families" and B- in "Public Schools." Many local attractions, such as Vermillionville and the Children's Museum of Acadiana, provide a mix of entertainment and education. Families can also enjoy outdoor fun with opportunities for paddling, fishing, camping, and hiking in the city known as the "Sportsman's Paradise." Acadiana Park Nature Station is a particular favorite for its programs and activities, including night hikes, nature talks, and Young Naturalist Clubs.
   
   
6. Year-Round Festivals
   Festivals are a great way to meet people and learn what makes a community special. Lafayette loves to party, as evidenced by the full calendar of festivals. The headliner is the Festival International de Louisiane, which has been held each spring for 37 years. Other popular events include fall's Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, along with countless festivals celebrating Lafayette's food, culture, and history.
   
   
7. Eclectic Food Scene
   It goes without saying that Cajun and Creole food reign supreme in Lafayette, but the restaurant scene has a surprisingly diverse representation of cuisines. In July, Food Network named Johnson's Boucaniere to their list of "50 States of Barbecue," applauding their flavorful brisket and pulled pork, while the Lafayette Daily Advertiser turned a spotlight on the city's robust offering of tacos and Mexican street food. 

Need any more reasons to visit Lafayette open houses? Get the inside scoop when you contact us at Latter & Blum.

The culinary delights of Baton Rouge are legendary, but a number of incredible restaurants fly under the radar. Our real estate agents share the secrets of their favorite hidden gems around the Capital City.

• Crown Bistro - The Royal Standard, 16016 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Treat yourself like royalty with a majestic meal at Crown Bistro. This charming restaurant is tucked inside The Royal Standard, a British-inspired lifestyle shop featuring a curated assortment of fashion accessories and home decor from around the world. Enjoy the sophisticated selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches at your table with a view of the lovely patio and lawn. Be sure to stop at the candy counter for some gourmet chocolates to go. Crown Bistro is open from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends.
  
  
• Heather V's Cafe - The Foyer, 3655 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  With 75 merchants across 8,000 square feet, The Foyer is the perfect place to find furnishings, accessories, and artwork to fill Baton Rouge homes for sale. When you're ready for a break, grab a bite to eat at Heather V's Cafe. Order a classic muffuletta or a fresh salad with their signature lemon parmesan dressing, which is also available by the bottle. Follow Heather V's on Facebook for information about daily soup and sandwich specials. Hours are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  
  
• Waterfront Cafe - Greenwood Community Park, 13350 LA-19, Baker, LA 70714
  So it's a beautiful day in the Red Stick, and you're in the mood for an impromptu scenic meal near Baker homes for sale. Head to Greenwood Community Park for lunch at the Waterfront Cafe, located in the Dumas Memorial Pro Golf Shop. Dine on summertime favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, and deli sandwiches from your lakeside table. There's candy and soda for the kids, as well as ice-cold beer for the grown-ups. Waterfront Cafe is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
  
  
• Louie's Cafe - 3322 Lake St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  When a restaurant's clientele includes both college students and families, you know they're something special. Louie's Cafe has been a Baton Rouge institution since 1941. Over the years, Louie's has grown from a 10-stool diner to their current, more spacious building on Lake St. One constant has been proximity to the LSU campus. The comfort food-laden menu includes Eggs Louisianne, the cafe's take on Eggs Benedict, featuring locally-caught shrimp and crawfish. Louie's is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  
  
• Smoke & Boil - Baton Rouge, LA
  Feel like a true insider when you attend one of the lively events from Cajun food vendor Smoke & Boil. They describe their pop-ups at various Baton Rouge locations as "social gatherings" celebrating the city's culinary, brewing, and artistic communities. During recent months, Smoke & Boil has served a crawfish boil at Cypress Coast Brewing Co., farm-fresh egg sandwiches at Agile Brewing, and gourmet hot dogs at Sugarfield Spirits. Follow Smoke & Boil on Facebook for details about their current schedule.

Fuel up at these great places while you're touring Baton Rouge open houses. Get the inside scoop when you contact us at Latter & Blum. 

New Orleans is famously identified with the Mississippi River, but that's not the only notable body of water found around the Big Easy. Our real estate agents love making convenient getaways to enjoy these incredible lakes near NOLA. 

• Lake Pontchartrain
  Any discussion of lakes around New Orleans homes for sale has to begin with Lake Pontchartrain. Technically, the largest inland body of water in Louisiana is an estuary, which is a mix of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean. By any definition, Pontchartrain is a prime location for a multitude of activities, from fishing and boating to walking and sightseeing. Crossing the 23-mile Causeway Bridge is an hour-long scenic trip on its own. Visit the New Canal Lighthouse on Lakeshore Drive to learn more about the past, present, and future of Lake Pontchartrain. 
  
  
• Lake Borgne 
  Coastal erosion has turned Lake Borgne into a lagoon of the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Borgne is also the mouth of the Rigolets, which is the strait that connects the Gulf to Lake Pontchartrain. While the larger body of water grabs more of the spotlight, anglers recognize Lake Borgne as a plentiful source of trout, redfish, and catfish. The lake's signature attraction is Fort Proctor, also known as Beauregard's Castle, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1850s to protect local water routes, the fort is now completely surrounded by water and accessible only by a 20-minute kayak or canoe ride. 
  
  
• Lac Des Allemands 
  Lac Des Allemands is named for the German settlers who came to the area in the early 18th century. In 1978, the lake gained national attention thanks to an article in the New York Times about its status as "Catfish Capital of the Universe." According to locals, "little red worms" at the bottom of the lake provide the nourishment that makes the catfish so special. Above ground, Lac Des Allemands is surrounded by cypress tree-lined bayous that are home to great blue herons, alligators, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Swamp boat tours are a popular way to explore the 12,000-acre lake.
  
  
• Lake Martin
  Thanks to its location in Cypress Island Nature Preserve, Lake Martin is one of the best places to view the amazing range of plants and wildlife that are native to the state. In particular, Lake Martin is the site of one of the state's largest colonies of water birds, including great blue herons, snowy egrets, and white ibis. While they're best viewed from a distance, the lake also features a large alligator population. Whether you stroll along the boardwalk or venture out in a canoe or kayak, you're bound to have an incredible experience.
  
  
• Lake Maurepas 
  It may be difficult to think of 15,000 acres as "small," but Lake Maurepas is often referred to as the "little sister" of Lake Pontchartrain. Visitors appreciate the unspoiled beauty around the lake, which makes it a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stop in for lunch at nearby Middendorf's Restaurant and try their signature thin-fried Maurepas catfish as you relax on the outdoor deck overlooking the lake.

New Orleans open houses are a great way to find your forever home. Contact us at Latter & Blum for up-to-the-minute information on the latest listings.