Date Archives: September 2022

The Lake Charles area is lucky to be home to many talented local artists. Their work is featured in a number of galleries and shops — and you can also check it out at the upcoming Gallery Promenade. This annual event is a favorite among locals and is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with artists and galleries in the Lake Charles area. Take a break from looking at Lake Charles homes for sale, and admire art at this local event. Here are the key details to know before you attend:

• Time and Date
  This year's Gallery Promenade is scheduled for Friday, September 30, 2022. It will officially last from 5 pm until 9 pm. However, in the past, some galleries and local restaurants have welcomed attendees a little later than this, after the festival is officially over.
  
  Fall is the perfect season for a gallery event like this one. The weather should be pleasantly cool so you can walk around all evening from gallery to gallery without getting too hot.
  
  
• Location
  The Gallery Promenade takes place throughout Lake Charles. You can easily walk to some of the participating galleries right around the lake, but there are others a bit further out that you may prefer to drive to. Galleries in the area include Candice Alexander Art Studio, the magnificent Gallery by the Lake, and the Frame House Gallery.
  
  
• Things to Do
  The key thing to do at Gallery Promenade is to visit the participating art galleries and admire the work on display. As you do so, you'll learn about many different local artists and their work. There will be some artwork for sale, so this may be a good opportunity to decorate your new home. You may also discover an artist whose work you want to buy later on. Some galleries will be serving refreshments throughout the evening.
  
  There will also be some street displays set up during the festival. This is a good way to discover up-and-coming artists who don't yet have their work in the larger galleries.
  
  Another great attraction at the festival will be the food trucks. They'll be set up and serving food throughout Lake Charles during the event. Stop by and support a local business by buying delicious tacos, a burger, or some ice cream while you admire local art.

Gallery Promenade is a lot of fun, especially for art lovers. It's one of many lovely Lake Charles events throughout the year. Ready to move to an area full of local events and a great art scene? If you're thinking of moving to the area, don't hesitate to contact us at your convenience. Our Realtors® will help you find Lake Charles open houses to attend as they guide you through the buying process.

If you're looking for a relaxing, fun-filled activity for the whole family, consider taking a trip to Moncus Park. You and your family can enjoy a ton of different activities and events in this well-kept municipal park near our Lafayette homes for sale - and best of all, you'll pay next to nothing for the experience. Let's take a look at what Moncus Park has to offer and how you can plan the ultimate park day trip. 

About the Park

Moncus Park is located at 2913 Johnston Street in Lafayette and is open 7 days a week from 5 AM to 10 PM. The play areas are open from 9 AM to 9 PM.

If you want to access the dog park, your dog will need a special park tag. You can get this tag by submitting your dog's vaccination records to park officials and paying a $13 annual fee. This tag system ensures that all dogs can use the park safely.

Amenities

Moncus Park encompasses several acres of green space crisscrossed by miles of hiking trails and walking paths. These paths take you through the park's open areas and the stunning ravine forest on the far end of the entrance. You're sure to have a great time exploring the area and discovering all the natural beauty of this space. When you're done, you can take a seat on the rolling hills by Lake Reaux to relax and catch your breath. 

Have a furry friend or two in your life? Take them to the Giles Automotive Dog Park, a paradise where you can let your dog off his leash to explore the park's paths, hills, tunnels, and other features. All dogs must have park tags to visit the park, and for safety's sake, small and large dogs are only allowed in the park on specific days. Dogs under 16 inches tall must visit on odd days, while dogs that are taller than that can visit on even days.

Kids will have a great time swinging, climbing, and sliding down the equipment at the state-of-the-art Ochsner Playground. The playground includes activities for kids of all ages, so even the youngest visitors will have no trouble finding something fun to do.  

Programs and Events

Moncus Park is a great place to hang out anytime, but it also hosts a huge roster of programs and events for residents to enjoy. Options include yoga classes, CrossFit training, youth gymnastics classes, sign language classes, children's painting, and storytime sessions, and more. 

One of the park's most popular events is its Food Truck Fridays tradition. Every Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM, a collection of local food truck vendors assembles at the park to serve lunch to hungry residents. The lineup is constantly changing and includes local favorites like Big Belly Sandwiches, Yo Daddy's BBQ and Blues, and Beignet Box. Drop in for a delicious lunch you can eat right there in the park. 

On Saturdays, you can also visit the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market. Stationed near the park's entrance, this is the perfect place to pick up some fresh produce or one-of-a-kind gifts!

Ready to move to an area where excellent parks are always nearby? Our Realtors® are here to help! 

Contact us today to talk to our real estate team or sign up for one of our Lafayette open houses – you're sure to love the many properties we have up for sale right now. 

Few states have produced more iconic foods than Louisiana. There are a lot of unique dishes to savor in the Baton Rouge area. One thing you simply can't pass up is an opportunity to try some authentic beignets. 

Beignets are a type of deep-fried dough pastry that originated in France before becoming a Louisiana staple. If you're in the area checking out Baton Rouge open houses, be sure to make a pit stop at one of these amazing local beignet shops.

• Rue Beignet - 18135 E Petroleum Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
  You can smell the unmistakable aroma of beignets being prepared for blocks around Rue Beignet every morning. Their bakers are up well before the sun, preparing each day's batch, which is one of the reasons this beloved establishment is one of the most popular places for fresh beignets near our Baton Rouge homes for sale. Rue Beignet also offers their signature treats with a wide range of toppings, from classic powdered sugar to cinnamon, Nutella, and caramel.
  
  
• Coffee Call - 3132 College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  The house-roasted beans at Coffee Call are some of the best in town, but this coffee shop isn't just one of our Realtors®' favorite spots for their morning joe. They also have a great selection of baked goods, and beignets are very much the stars of the show. In fact, Coffee Call has been one of the best spots for beignets and cafe' au lait in Baton Rouge since 1976, and they show no signs of slowing down! The beignets here have been called the best in Louisiana, beating out even the top spots in New Orleans.
  
  
• The Vintage - 333 Laurel St, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
  Now with two locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, The Vintage offers classic beignets as well as some unique twists on the old formula. Share a flight of beignets with various toppings, or try a savory beignet smothered with bacon gravy with a poached egg. The Vintage also makes some killer espresso drinks and serves an excellent selection of wines and cocktails to go with their lunch and dinner menus. 
  
  
• Beignet Done That - 14241 Coursey Blvd b1, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
  A popular family coffee shop as well as a student study spot, Beignet Done That is a great locally-owned beignet joint. In addition to classic beignets and slimmed-down beignet "fingers," they also offer a full range of hot and iced coffee and espresso drinks. Beignet Done That has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will definitely make you look forward to visiting again. 
  
  
• The Ruby Slipper - 3535 Perkins Rd #375, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  A cheerful lunch and brunch spot in Baton Rouge's Highlands/Perkins neighborhood, The Ruby Slipper serves up Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, and seasonal beignets. The Ruby Slipper also makes out-of-this-world mimosas and bloody marys. Their menu includes a great selection of vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options (the beignets, for the record, are vegetarian but very much not keto-friendly or gluten-free). 

Contact us today to learn more about living life to the fullest in Baton Rouge! If you're on the hunt for your dream home, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find it here in Louisiana!

New Orleans homes for sale are surrounded by natural beauty that will inspire you. When you are relaxing after a full day of New Orleans open houses, be sure to take some time to enjoy the many green spaces that The Big Easy has in store.

Our Realtors® know there are plenty of wonderful reasons to make New Orleans your next home: The history, unbeatable music and dining scene, and a lifestyle you simply can't find anywhere else. But you don't have to head out to the Bayou to enjoy Louisiana nature: It's right in your backyard.

New Orleans goes one step beyond the usual municipal park concept with its focus on gardens. Some of them are historic, playing a role in the unfolding story of the city, while others are botanical gardens that encourage research, conservation, or hands-on skill development.

Let's visit some of the most beautiful gardens you can explore in New Orleans:

• Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden – 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
  Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is an acclaimed sculpture garden where the work of local and international artists is displayed in harmony with nature. In addition to more than 90 original works in a picturesque landscape, you can see an ever-changing assortment of temporary exhibitions.
  
  
• Longue Vue House and Gardens – 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70123
  Longue Vue House and Gardens is a historic museum that has been lovingly maintained for nearly 100 years. The cornerstone of the estate was laid back in 1921, the grand vision of New Orleans businessman Edgar Bloom Stern and his wife Edith. The gardens have been open to the public since 1968. Today, they attract visitors all year long and host a variety of workshops.
  
  
• New Orleans Botanical Gardens – 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124
  New Orleans Botanical Gardens is the centerpiece of the New Orleans City Park, one of the most vital parts of the New Orleans social scene. There's always something new to see and do here, and it's wise to venture into the botanical garden with each change of season. This garden is replete with more than 2,000 plants from across the globe and has been in operation since all the way back in 1930.
  
  
• Paradigm Gardens – 1131 South Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Billing itself as an "intimate and lush" place for your favorite private events right in the heart of New Orleans, Paradigm Gardens is known for partnering with the top restaurants in the area to produce experiences you'll never forget. It's been the place to go for everything from Goat Yoga to Roots of Music Festival and the signature, seasonal Paradigm Market and Brunch.
  
  
• Press Street Gardens – 7 Homer Plessy Way, New Orleans, LA 70117
  Located on the grounds of the NOCCA Foundation, Press Street Gardens is unique. As an urban farm and outdoor learning lab for visitors of all ages, it's a nonprofit partner of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Fresh fruit, veggies, and herbs are produced all year round here. It's also widely used as the site of birthday parties, weddings, film screenings, and other events.

Contact us today to discover more about New Orleans real estate opportunities.

If you're looking to update your kitchen but think it would be costly and time-consuming, it may be easier than you think. There are several budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen that will not take long to achieve. They'll help quickly transform the room, so it's more attractive and pleasant to work in.

Our Realtors® suggest the following kitchen updates that won't break the bank:

• Add a Rug 
  Bring in a rug from another room to give your kitchen a nice dose of color, pattern, and texture. Neutral colors in just one or two variations create a subtle look, while using more colors in more vibrant hues creates a bolder look. This update couldn't be easier, and if you'd like a change, you can always choose another rug from your home or buy one.
  
  
• Paint Your Cabinets
  Giving your kitchen cabinets a new coat of paint gives them a fresh, clean look. Remove the hardware (making sure to number them, so you'll know where everything goes) and clean and sand the cabinets' surfaces. Use two or three coats of self-priming paint, and if you'd like some variation, paint your upper and lower cabinets in contrasting colors.
  
  
• Add Character With Artwork
  Use a poster, painting, or photo to add some color and character to your kitchen. This can be achieved with a large single piece, or you can add some smaller pieces on open shelves or above the kitchen cabinets.
  
  
• Update Your Backsplash
  A dated, dingy tile backsplash can be easily addressed to help modernize and brighten your kitchen. Tile can be painted a bright color and then sealed. Or you can also use peel-and-stick tiles, which can be applied over your existing tile. It's simple to install and can help give your kitchen a more expensive appearance.
  
  
• Swap Out Your Hardware
  Your kitchen hardware may be showing its age, so why not replace it for an easy update? Metal and glass are two popular options, but if you choose metal, use just one finish for everything. You can find a wide variety at a home improvement store, but if you want something more unique, try looking for handles, knobs, and pulls at a flea market.
  
  
• Install New Lighting Fixtures
  New lighting fixtures can make your kitchen more attractive as well as more functional. Swap out your older lighting for brighter hanging lights in an interesting shape, size, and/or style to add more personality to your kitchen. You can also add lower hanging lights, sconces, and other types of lighting to brighten up dark areas of your kitchen, making meal prep easier.
  
  
• Hang New Window Treatments
  A fresh window treatment can add style to your kitchen for under $100. Consider woven shades that can, if you'd like, be layered with drapery panels. Don't cover too much of the window, however, since you'll still want to let natural light shine in.
  
  
• Add Molding
  If your kitchen lacks molding, adding it can add architectural interest to the room. It doesn't have to be complicated or fussy-looking since a simple piece of molding with a single shape, and single depth will achieve what you're looking for.

Contact us if you're ready to find a new home and would like to see Lafayette homes for sale and visit Lafayette open houses. Our firm is the top real estate company in the Gulf South, and we have over a century of proven results. We'd be happy to help you find your new home in the area! 

After the school and work days are done, it's time to head out for some quality time together. Luckily, the Baton Rouge area offers a calendar full of fun events that the whole family will enjoy. Our Realtors® and their families love these entertaining events and activities around Baton Rouge homes for sale.

• Urban Nature Hike - Milford Wampole Memorial Park, 901 Stanford Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Baton Rouge may be a lively city, but there are plenty of green spaces to explore. Get some exercise while learning more about the great outdoors on an Urban Nature Hike. Enjoy a stroll through beautiful Milford Wampole Memorial Park as your guide shares facts about the park along with helpful tips about outdoor adventuring. Ages 6 and up are welcome. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. The hike is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, from 5:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
  
  
• Boo at the Zoo - Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70807
  Scare up some Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo. A great day at the zoo becomes even more festive when you wear your favorite costumes. The fascinating animals found at the zoo include an Eastern black rhinoceros, emu, and jaguar. Be sure to get some Instagram-ready shots of the family posing alongside Fall and Halloween-themed structures found throughout the grounds. Participation is included in regular zoo admission fees, which are $8.75 for adults and teens and $5.75 for ages 2-12. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the weekends of October 22-23 and 29-30.
  
  
• Live After Five - Rhorer Plaza, 10 S. River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Scientists say that sharing musical activities brings families closer together. Not that anyone really needs another reason to attend Live After Five and their wonderful lineup of concerts. Pack up some lawn chairs and blankets for comfy seats as you listen to top local performers. This year's acts include blues singer Jonathan Boogie Long and the 90s party tunes of The Mixed Nuts. Showtime is 5 p.m. every Friday night from September 16 - October 28, and admission is free.
  
  
• Baton Rouge Mini Maker Faire - Independence Park Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  Described as "science fair meets county fair meets farmers market meets Burning Man for families," the Baton Rouge Mini Maker Faire will jump-start anyone's creative juices. A diverse group of "makers" share their passion for hobbies, crafts, and pastimes ranging from robotics and 3D printing to ceramics and textiles. Live builds let participants try out their own maker skills. This year's event takes place from Sunday, October 9 through Saturday, October 15. Visit the website or follow them on Facebook for more information.
  
  
• Family Color Run - West Baton Rouge Parish Library, 830 North Alexander Ave., Port Allen, LA 70767
  On September 24, start your morning with a memorable family fun run at the West Baton Rouge Parish Library. The Family Color Run starts out bright and early with check-in at 9:30 a.m., and the actual run will start at 10 a.m. from the library. Entry is free, and all ages are invited to participate. Don't forget to wear white that way, the colors from the event show up prominently. Plus, this event is close to many great Port Allen homes for sale. 
  

Baton Rouge open houses are a perfect way to keep the whole family engaged in finding a forever home. Contact us to learn more.

When it comes to iconic Cajun and Creole cuisine, oysters stand out as one of the most important components. They can be an ingredient or stand alone as a main course. Our Realtors® know that when you browse New Orleans homes for sale or New Orleans open houses, oysters can make for a great meal.

Let's drop in on some of the most memorable places to get oysters in New Orleans:

• Drago's Seafood Restaurant – 2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
  Drago's Seafood Restaurant may well be the biggest name in oysters in New Orleans and one of the first brands to build a durable franchise around this beloved food. In fact, you can even order a charbroiled oyster kit for delivery. There are three locations and a catering service to choose from.
  
  
• Acme Oyster House – 724 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Coming to you from the heart of the French Quarter, Acme Oyster House is perhaps best known for the oyster po'boy, which can also be made with shrimp and a variety of other seafood. Acme claims to shuck more than one million oysters every year and offers them cooked in all the classic ways as well as raw.
  
  
• Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House – 144 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House is a legendary oyster house. Open daily on historic Bourbon Street, it hosts live music and other events regularly. In addition to having some of the best oysters around, it is the home of the New Orleans Bourbon Society, a free membership organization for appreciating spirits.
  
  
• The Blue Crab – 7900 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
  The Blue Crab is the newest addition to the thriving dining scene in New Orleans' Lakefront District. Overlooking the iconic Lake Pontchartrain, it is owned by locals and serves seafood sourced from coastal waters. Craft cocktails and quality outdoor catering await you in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
  
  
• Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar – 739 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  With multiple locations throughout New Orleans, you're never far from Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar. The original French Quarter location will thrill you with its delicious oysters as well as live music and a highly sought-after wedding venue. You can even get off-site catering for your next big event.
  
  
• Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar – 4338 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
  Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar is one of the leading names in authentic Louisiana seafood, found in the trendy and happening Uptown area of New Orleans. With a convenient location on the historic St. Charles streetcar line (as stop #24), it's easy to work it into any tour of the city.
  
  
• Neyow's Creole Cafe – 3332 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Neyow's Creole Cafe offers a lavish menu in which oysters and other shellfish are just one of the mouth-watering attractions. With a seasonal menu featuring seafood gumbo, crab claws, jazzy wings, southern fried chicken, ribs, pasta, and salads, you can truly have a "surf and turf" experience.
  
  
• The Half Shell on the Bayou – 2517 Bayou Road, New Orleans, LA 70119
  The Half Shell on the Bayou combines comfort food favorites with Louisiana seafood in new and exciting ways. In addition to the oyster platter, you could try the New Orleans red beans and rice, heaping catfish platter, grilled chicken, spaghetti with grilled mackerel, and other chef-led selections.

There's always something new to see and do here in The Big Easy. Contact us to find out more about New Orleans real estate today.

Lafayette is such a lovely place to live and grow. The city offers a lot of public resources, including several recreational areas where you can take a walk, have your kids play on the playground, or play a round of disc golf. If you've been busy looking at Lafayette homes for sale lately, we recommend taking a break and visiting one of these local recreational areas.

• Corneaux Recreation Center: 411 W. Bluebird Dr., Lafayette, LA 70508
  The Corneaux Recreation Center is one of the largest in the area, offering both indoor and outdoor facilities. Outdoors, you can play with your dog in the dog park, play a game of soccer, practice in the batting cages, or walk on the track. There are also covered picnic areas and restrooms.
  
  Inside the Corneaux Recreation Center, there is a gym and workout area with instructor-led classes like Zumba and Aerobics. There are even karate lessons taught on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. The Youth Volleyball and Basketball programs are very active, too.
  
  
• Heymann Recreation Center: 1500 South Orange Street, Lafayette, LA 70503
  The Heymann Recreation Center offers everything you need for a productive indoor workout. There's a weight room and gymnasium inside with free-play basketball Monday - Friday. 
  
  If you prefer to be outdoors, the 0.5 mil jogging track at Heymann is a fun choice. Or, you could toss some discs around the 18-hole disc golf course. 
  
  
• Girard Recreation Center: 500 Girard Park Dr., Lafayette, LA 70501
  If you're in the area attending Lafayette open houses, stop by the Girard Recreation Center for some fun activities. This center offers a lot of indoor activities, which are perfect for the cooler fall and winter months. Take square dancing lessons, enroll in karate classes, or play basketball.
  
  Outside, the Girard Recreation Center has a 1.25-mile jogging track, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and a kids' playground. There's even a special needs playground on-site, along with a splash pad where kids can cool off on hot days.
  
  
• Bowels Activity Center: 120 Dawn St., Lafayette, LA 70501
  Bowles Activity Center is a good place to hold a community meeting or group activity. There are activity rooms you can rent to suit your needs. This center also has a large outdoor area with a lit soccer field and an 18-hole disc golf course. 
  
  The playground equipment at Bowles Activity Center is modern and a favorite with kids. There's also a full-size pavilion, which is great for hosting birthday and graduation parties, plus other celebrations. 
  
  
• Martin Luther King Recreation Center: 309 Cora St., Lafayette, LA 70501
  The Martin Luther King Recreation Center is home to the Butler Memorial Library. Here, you can check out books, DVDs, and other materials to bring home. The library also offers free WiFi and public computers. 
  
  In addition to the library, this center has a weight room and an indoor game room. There are aerobics classes for seniors Monday - Wednesday, and piano lessons Monday - Friday. Outside, a 15-acre park offers an array of amenities, including a ball park, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a jogging trail. The children's playground area has equipment for all ages.

Each of these recreation centers has something unique to offer, but they are all lovely places to spend a few hours. Visit a few, and see which one you like best. If you're new to the area and still looking for a home, contact us soon. Our Realtors® are local experts and would love to help.

The rich history surrounding Baton Rouge homes for sale extends to many of the local hotels. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, immerse yourself in the city's fascinating past with a visit to one of these great hotels recommended by our Realtors®. 

• The Heidelberg Hotel - 201 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  While it no longer bears its original name, the Heidelberg Hotel still plays a significant role in Baton Rouge's history. Built in 1927, the hotel gained fame as a favored hangout of Huey P. Long, one-time governor and U.S. Senator of Louisiana. Ironically, the Heidelberg became the de facto state capital for Lieutenant Governor Paul Cyr when Long tried to serve as both governor and senator simultaneously. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Heidelberg underwent a $70 million restoration in 2006, when it reopened as the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. 
  
  
• Watermark Baton Rouge - 150 Third St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  As the city's first skyscraper built in 1927, the Watermark Baton Rouge was a giant step toward creating a modern urban setting. At the time, the Watermark was home to the headquarters of Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank. In a nod to tradition, many locals still affectionately refer to the hotel as the Old Louisiana National Bank building. Celebrate special occasions at The Gregory, the elegant on-site restaurant at the Watermark and one of Baton Rouge's more popular dining destinations. The restaurant is named after local artist Angela Gregory, whose exquisite murals adorn the walls of the dining room.
  
  
• Dauphine Orleans Hotel - 415 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112
  Discover the many attractions of the iconic French Quarter during a stay at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel. The cottage-style guestrooms are located in three historic buildings, including Hermann House, the one-time home of a wealthy New Orleans merchant, and an 18th-century carriage house. Even though you're just steps away from the French Quarter and right down the street from New Orleans homes for sale, the luxurious rooms provide a peaceful oasis where you can relax and recharge. 
  
  
• The Southern Hotel - 428 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433
  For much of its existence, dating back to 1907, the Southern Hotel has been deeply woven into the community around Covington homes for sale. The charming hotel has been the site of many special occasions, from wedding receptions and honeymoons to birthday and anniversary parties. Furniture, paintings, and other works by local artists are prominently displayed throughout the building. 
  
  
• The Hotel Bentley - 200 Desoto St., Alexandria, LA 71301
  The Hotel Bentley was built in 1908, but its philosophy is to "remain faithful to the past while keeping an eye on the future." Legend has it that founder Joseph Bentley, a wealthy lumberman and noted eccentric, built the hotel out of spite when he was refused a room at the Ice House Hotel. The location, just minutes from Alexandria homes for sale, provides convenient dining opportunities at the Bentley's three upscale restaurants.

Touring Baton Rouge open houses? There's no better reason to enjoy a stay at one of these special hotels. Contact us at Latter & Blum for more information.

The days may be getting shorter, but when the seasons start to change, the fun doesn't stop around New Orleans homes for sale. Join our Realtors® and immerse yourself in these lively events taking place over the upcoming weeks. 

• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, 1205 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116
  Founded in 2006, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is a relative newcomer to the entertainment scene, but the music and food it celebrates have a long and storied tradition in NOLA. Performers scheduled for the two music stages include blues legend Charles Musselwhite, reported to be the inspiration for Dan Aykroyd's character in The Blues Brothers. The newest generation will be represented by Charlie's daughter Layla, an accomplished blues musician in her own right. Festival dates are Friday, October 14, through Sunday, October 16. Admission is free, with VIP passes available for $250.
  
  
• Oak Street Po-Boy Festival - 8316 Oak St., New Orleans, LA 70118
  After a two-year hiatus, NOLA's iconic sandwich is back in the spotlight at the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. More than 40 vendors will be offering their take on the po-boy, vying for best-of-fest honors. Fried shrimp, oysters, and catfish are the favorites, but which will it be this year? In addition to live music, a market, and a kids' zone, there will be a number of events and activities focused on the history of the po-boy. The festival takes place on Sunday, November 6, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is free, but a $5 wristband is required to access the food vendors. VIP and fast passes are available for $99 and $20, respectively.
  
  
• Carnaval Latino - Washington Square Park, 700 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
  It's a feast for all senses at Carnaval Latino, which is held in downtown New Orleans every October. The event honors the rich Hispanic culture which has been deeply entwined with the city for nearly three centuries. Festivities kick off on Friday night with a colorful parade, "Desfiles de Las Americas," led by the Krewe of Quetzal. Food, art, and music fill the following day, with local and international performers on hand. Mark your calendar for the parade on Friday, October 7, and Carnaval Latino on Saturday, October 8. Admission is free.
  
  
• New Orleans Film Festival - Various locations
  While NOLA has long been a popular location for moviemaking, the New Orleans Film Festival is so influential that it's become known as "Cannes on the Mississippi." For the last 10 years in a row, MovieMaker Magazine has included the event on its list of "Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee." The festival is known for its diverse programming and the Emerging Voices Mentorship, which pairs up-and-coming filmmakers with film industry leaders for one-on-one guidance. This year's festival is scheduled for November 3-8, with a virtual festival running through November 13. Visit the website for full schedule and pricing.
  
  
• Ghosts in the Oaks - City Park, 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124
  Ghosts in the Oaks, one of NOLA's most beloved holiday events, makes a triumphant return in 2022. Family-friendly activities include arts & crafts, trick-or-treating, and hot dog roasts around a campfire. The fun takes place 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. from Thursday, October 20 through Sunday, October 23. Admission is $25, with early admission at 5 p.m. available for an additional $5. 

Ready to buy or sell a home before the end of the year? Contact us at Latter & Blum for information about New Orleans open houses.