Date Archives: October 2022

Calling all Lake Charles residents and those looking at Lake Charles homes for sale. A favorite annual event is just around the corner. That's right — the Lake Charles Downtown Block Party is coming up on October 29th. Hosted by the Lake Charles Downtown Business Association, this is a party you won't want to miss. Here are the key details to know for the October Downtown Block Party.

• Time and Date
  As mentioned above, the block party will take place on Saturday, October 29th, this year. Live music and vendors will be there from 3:00-7:00 pm. While the actual Candy Crawl part of the party will be from 4:30-6:30 pm. You don't have to stay for the entire event, but the event organizers do promise a special surprise at the end. Stop by for an hour, or stick around all afternoon. The nice fall weather will make for a lovely experience.
  
  
• Location
  The Downtown Block Party takes place along the 300 Block of Broad Street. Many of the businesses along the street will be open and participating. Others will have tables and activities set up.
  
  
• Key Attractions
  There's no shortage of things to do at the Downtown Block Party. October's event will feature a Candy Crawl. Gather candy from various vendors and residents who are handing it out. This is like trick-or-treating but in a controlled space. Feel free to wear your costumes for extra fun, but it's not required. Candy Crawl maps will be available at Panorama Music House to see where you can stop to pick up candy. These maps will also be available on social media prior to the party so you can plan out your route before the event even begins.
  
  All that walking around for the Candy Crawl means you'll work up an appetite! Food trucks will be on-site, serving delicious food throughout the party. From pizza to tacos, you can enjoy all of the favorites. Take a seat and listen to live music performed by local Lake Charles bands as you eat.
  
  
• Sponsors
  The Downtown Block Party is organized and hosted by the Lake Charles Downtown Business Association. Throughout the year, this organization hosts multiple block party events to bring the community together for a fun time in the downtown area.

Take a break from attending Lake Charles open houses, and attend the Downtown Block Party. It's a great way to meet other Lake Charles residents and support local businesses. Plus, you'll get a true feel for the area and the local events you can expect throughout the year!

If you are still looking for a place to call home in the area, contact us soon. Our Realtors® would be glad to guide you during your home search and help you find the Lake Charles home near all your favorite local events.

Halloween is just around the corner, so it's time to get your home ready for those ghosts and goblins who will be knocking at your door. With Halloween decorating trends from our Realtors®, you can create an atmosphere where yummy treats and spooky creatures come together for a fun-filled night.

Whether you're planning a Halloween party, a night of scary movies, or just passing out candy, you can make your night more festive with decorations. Take a look at some Halloween decorating ideas that are sure to add an extra layer of spooky fun.

Create a Spooky Yard

Whether you're into fright night or something a little less spooky, start by creating a Halloween atmosphere. It's easy to find a variety of Halloween decorations that you can add to your yard:

• Paper ghosts

• Woden bats

• Fuzzy black spiders

• Plastic skeletons and skulls

• Halloween lanterns and string lights

To create an eerie atmosphere, place some foam tombstones in the yard and hook up a fog machine, but be careful not to cause any tripping hazards that can injure little trick-or-treaters.

Invite Goblins to Your Door

To set the stage, hang a Halloween wreath on the front door and black paper bats from the porch ceiling, then place different-sized pumpkins and gourds on the porch, steps, and railings. To dim the light, replace your porch light with a black bulb, then scatter jack-o-lanterns filled with candles around the porch and along the front walkway. For extra fright, buy a life-size skeleton and put him in a rocking chair on the porch, then add a spooky black cat and some scary sound effects.

Make Special Treats

Halloween is meant for kids, so why not give them some special treats with Halloween decorations to take home? You can decorate a special treat bag filled with Halloween candy, favors, toys, and surprises they will love. Along with safely packaged candy, you can add Halloween stickers, fuzzy bats and spiders, finger puppets, and small coloring books to treat bags. If you're creative, you can include a hand-painted burlap trick-or-treat bag they can use next Halloween.

Throw a Spooktacular Party

If you're hosting a Halloween party, get your house ready with decorations that set the mood. First, pick a color palette that works with your home's interior. Choose limited colors like black and white, black and orange, or black and gold, so it's easier to decorate with pumpkins, flowers, candles, plates and napkins, and special Halloween effects.

If your party extends to the backyard, add some comfortable seating, Halloween lanterns, spooky string lights, and spider webs in the bushes. If the weather permits, consider some outdoor games like pumpkin tic-tac-toe, jack-o-lantern can toss, and a candy corn pinata that's sure to top off the night.

Decorate a Halloween Tree

Although it may be a little unconventional, decorating a Halloween tree at home can be a lot of fun. If you have an artificial tree or even a large floor plant, you can create a Halloween tradition this year.

You can decorate the tree with orange lights, black and white ribbons, straw brooms, paper pumpkins, skeletons, spiders, bats, candy, or whatever else you choose to celebrate the season. If you have kids, this is a great way to kick off Halloween with age-appropriate decorations and activities.

If you're thinking about a new home in the Lafayette area, contact us to explore Lafayette homes for sale and Lafayette open houses that fit your schedule.

Louisiana has a rich history. One of the best ways to learn all about the state's 300 years of history is to visit one of its two amazing state capitol buildings in Baton Rouge.

The old and new state capitol buildings are two of the most spectacular buildings in the state, and each encapsulates the state's history and culture in different ways. Our Realtors® can spend an entire day touring each building. Here are some of the best ways to explore each one:

The New Capitol Building
The tallest US capitol building is Louisiana's new (and current) state capitol building which has 34 floors and stands 460 feet tall, and holds the capitol chambers for the Louisiana State Legislature. It's a beautiful building, and there are a few different ways to see it:

• Schedule A Tour - The new capitol building's staff host numerous guided tours throughout the year, which give you the chance to get an inside look at many of this building's features. Additionally, many of Baton Rouge's city tours, such as Red Stick Adventures or All About Baton Rouge, will take you by this amazing building.
• Visit The Observation Deck - The Louisiana State Capitol has a 27th-floor observation deck that offers stunning views of Louisiana, the Baton Rouge skyline, and the Mississippi River. You might even catch a glimpse of some of these beautiful Baton Rouge homes for sale while you're up there!
• Shop At The Top - The building's 27th floor is also home to a wonderful gift shop, where you can purchase Louisiana and Baton Rouge souvenirs, postcards, and more. 

The Old Capitol Building
Louisiana's former capitol building (also known as Louisiana's Old Capitol) is now a National Historic Landmark and is home to the Old State Capitol Museum of Political History. This building is often referred to as Louisiana's "castle-on-the-river" due to its beautiful Gothic and Victorian architecture. You can experience this building in many ways:

• Schedule A Tour - Louisiana's Old State Capitol offers guided and self-guided tours throughout the week. Tours are free; however, if you wish to view the immersive 12-minute "The Ghost of The Castle" film, there is an additional $3 charge.
• Explore The Museum - The Old State Capitol Museum of Political History features rotating exhibits that showcase local art, history, and culture. It's always worth stopping by to see and learn something new.
• Visit The Gift Shop - The Old Capitol Building also features a gift shop with souvenirs and works from local artists, stationery, fashion accessories, and more. 

If living near these beautiful buildings sounds appealing, there are some Baton Rouge open houses planned for this weekend.

Louisiana's Old and New State Capitols give you the chance to gain a new appreciation for the culture and architecture of our area. Learning about an area's history can be a lot of fun! 

Contact us today to explore Baton Rouge listings. 

If you're looking for fun things to do during the Halloween season, New Orleans is the place to be. The historic French Quarter knows how to party - which means there are tons of events you won't want to miss. After visiting New Orleans open houses, why not experience some of these Halloween events for yourself? Here are our favorite spooky happenings in the French Quarter between now and Halloween.

• Krewe of Boo - 221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
  This exotic and colorful Halloween parade through the downtown area has been a New Orleans tradition since 2007. Running this year on Saturday, October 22nd, it begins at 6:30 pm and goes through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District. Not just a parade but an artistic achievement, Krewe of Boo has intricately designed props and sculptures and elaborately costumed characters that you have to see to believe.
  
  
• Music Box Scare Fair - 4557 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70117
  Run by the Music Box Village arts organization, the Music Box Scare Fair is an all-ages Halloween music experience. Taking place in their sonic sculpture garden, check out their musical architecture installations from local artists. Running October 29th from 3-9 pm, tickets are $12 for adults or $5 for children.
  
  
• Creole Death and Mourning Tour - 1132 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
  Held at Gallier House, a historic 19th-century townhome, the Creole Death and Mourning Tour provides an intimate look at Catholic mourning rituals among Creoles in the Victorian era, showing how the house was laid for mourning and what was done. The tour runs now through November 14th. There are morning and afternoon tours available, but the best are the 7 pm After Dark tours, which include wine afterward in the courtyard.
  
  
• A Journey Through the City of the Dead - 501 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112
  This event runs throughout the year, but Halloween is the perfect time to go! Taking place at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, A Journey Through the City of the Dead is a guided tour through the graves. See the tomb of 19th century "Voodoo Queen" Marie Laveau, as well as the 9-foot Pyramid Tomb owned by Nicolas Cage. The tour shows you the "City of the Dead" up close and tells the stories of its residents. Tours leave every half hour, between 9 am and 3:45 pm.
  
  
• Frenchmen Street Halloween Party
  Frenchmen Street is right up there with Bourbon Street when it comes to New Orleans nightlife. And on Halloween night, they host one of the year's biggest parties. There's no specific address for this one - just several thousand people in the street, having a blast. The party starts around 10 pm and continues into the night, with live music, entertainment, costumes, and more.

New Orleans has plenty to see and do year-round. And there are plenty of New Orleans homes for sale that will put you in the center of everything you want to do. If you're ready to make this area your new home, contact us. Our Realtors® will help you find the right house for your needs.

When we have clients looking at Lafayette homes for sale, we always get excited for them. Lafayette is such a wonderful community. One thing we love, in particular, is all of the community events the town holds throughout the year. Here's a look at some of the events coming up in downtown Lafayette this fall. There truly is something for everyone!

• Boudin Cook-Off and Acadian Bacon Fest: 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Your tastebuds are in for a treat when you attend the Boudin Cook-Off and Acadian Bacon Fest on October 22, 2022, this year. Both festivals are taking place at the same time at Parc International in downtown Lafayette. 
  
  This event kicks off at 10:00 am. Culinary vendors include Acadian Slice, Bosco's Specialty Bites, Broaddus Burgers, Chop's Specialty Meats, and Kernis Louviere. In addition to great food, there will be carnival games with prizes, a bacon-eating contest, and live music on stage.
  
  Admission to the Boudin Cook-Off and Acadian Bacon Fest is free. You can purchase food-tasting tickets on-site at a price of 10 for $10. After you sample, you get to rate dishes, and your opinion will be taken into account when the dishes are judged.
  
  
• Movies in the Parc; Wizard of Oz: 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Movies in the Parc is the perfect event for families with kids. On October 29th, gates will open at 4:00 pm at Parc International. You may enter and take a seat on the lawn; bring your own blanket or chairs to sit on. 
  
  The featured movie on October 29th is The Wizard of Oz, a classic that appeals to all ages. Admission is free, and there will be fun children's activities, including crafts and train rides, before the movie. Costumes are not required but consider dressing up like a character from the movie for some extra fun.
  
  
• Rally for Rozas:  200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Take a break from attending Lafayette open houses, and spend a few hours at the Rally for Rozas. This event, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th, is a fundraiser to support Officer Rozas. The officer was injured on the job in late August, and he is currently recovering at home. The funds raised will help pay his medical bills and support his family as he continues to heal.
  
  Rally for Rozas begins at 10:00 am. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band will take the stage at 12:00 pm, followed by Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie. There will also be lots of delicious gumbo and other Louisiana favorites for sale.
  
  Tickets for the event are $15 each and include a gumbo tasting. 
  
  
• Movies in the Parc; The Lion King: 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  On November 12th, there will be another Movies in the Parc event at Parc International. This time, the featured film will be The Lion King. Admission is still free, and the gates open at 3:30 this time, which should allow for plenty of fun before dark.
  
  As usual, there will be some fun activities for kids before they play the film. Face painting and snacks will be available for an extra charge.

Which one of these events are you most looking forward to? If you're new to the area and are still looking for the perfect house to make your home, contact us soon. Our real estate agents will be happy to help you navigate the market and make an offer.

If you're new to the Baton Rouge area, then allow us to introduce you to an awesome organization: BREC. BREC is an acronym made from the words "Baton Rouge" and "Recreation." This award-winning recreation agency not only maintains parks and entertainment facilities throughout the Baton Rouge area. They also host all sorts of fun activities throughout the year. Here are some of the top BREC activities our Realtors® recommend attending this autumn. 

• Swamp Haunted Hike: 10503 N. Oak Hills Pkwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Held at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, the Swamp Haunted Hike is an exciting alternative to haunted houses. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 14th, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Participants will gather at the trailhead, then head down the trail to discover snakes, insects, and other critters in a spooky environment.
  
  There is a charge of $6 per person to attend the Swamp Haunted Hike. This event is appropriate for children of all ages, but all kids must be accompanied by a parent. Feel free to wear your costumes for the event.
  
  
• Tang Soo Doo: 7500 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  If you're interested in learning martial arts, register for Tang Soo Doo classes at Independence Community Park. There are classes scheduled for October 17th and 19th from 6 pm - 7 pm. Ages 6 and up are welcome, and there is a fee of $25 per month.
  
  Tang Soo Doo is a form of traditional Korean martial arts. In these public classes, the instructors will focus on teaching basic hand strikes, kicks, and blocks.
  
  
• Craft Corner at the Swamp: 10503 N. Oak Hills Pkwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Craft Corner at the Swamp is a fun event at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. It's scheduled for November 4th and 5th between 9 am and 5 pm. There will be a small on-site admission fee. 
  
  At Craft Corner at the Swamp, you can participate in creating a wide variety of crafts. Follow along and make them on-site, or take home a kit to work on at home. Most of the crafts have a nature theme. 
  
  
• Homage to a Hero: Jane Goodall: 6201 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  Take a break from looking at Baton Rouge homes for sale, and paint a chimp in its natural habitat. Homage to a Hero is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th, at 10:30 am. It honors Jane Goodall, a British primatologist known for her work with chimpanzees.
  
  This painting event, held at Milton J. Womack Park, is open to anyone age 8 or older. There is a $25 participation fee for residents of Baton Rouge. The painting should take about an hour and a half to complete. You do not need painting experience to participate.
  
  
• Fall Fun Fest: 200055 Old Scenic Hwy., Zachary, LA 70791
  Fall Fun Fest is an annual tradition and one of the best BREC events of the year. In 2022, it's scheduled for November 19th between 1 and 4 pm, and it will take place in Zachary Community Park.
  
  Stop by to enjoy carnival games, food, music, inflatables, and more. There will be lots of great prizes for the carnival games, and BREC is working to book some talented local musicians for the stage.

We hope you attend some of these events and come to love the Baton Rouge area as much as we do. If you're still looking for homes in the area, don't hesitate to contact us. Our agents will help you find the best Baton Rouge open houses and homes to consider.

National Gumbo Day is officially celebrated on Wednesday, October 12. But around New Orleans homes for sale, any time is right for this flavorful stew. Treat yourself to some of the finest gumbo around at these great NOLA restaurants.

• Gumbo Shop - 630 St. Peter St., New Orleans, LA 70116
  When you name a restaurant after the main attraction, you better deliver, and Gumbo Shop has been bringing the goods since 1948. The dish has won the "Best Gumbo" award in the Best of New Orleans poll for more than 20 consecutive years. Choose from seafood okra, chicken andouille, and vegetarian gumbo z'herbes. For variety, don't miss the full Creole dinner, with your choice of gumbo, main dish, side, and dessert for $29.99. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday when closing time is 11 p.m.
  
  
• Mr. B's Bistro - 201 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  When Mr. B's Bistro opened in 1979, it came with an impressive pedigree. The restaurant is one of several locations owned and operated by members of the Brennan family, whose other iconic properties include Brennan's and Commander's Palace. Mr. B's was one of the forerunners offering upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. Their dark and smoky Gumbo YaYa quickly became one of the more highly-regarded versions of the dish. Lunch and dinner are served Wednesday through Saturday, while brunch and dinner are served on Sunday. Visit the website for hours.
  
  
• Olde NOLA Cookery - 205 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  With large windows and balcony seating that provide views of Bourbon Street, Olde NOLA Cookery offers people-watching to go with its delicious food. Customers give high praise to the cheerful, attentive staff and family-friendly setting. Order gumbo a la carte or as part of the Taste of New Orleans platter, which also comes with crawfish etouffee, red beans, and rice with smoked sausage. Save room for some bread pudding topped with their signature praline and rum sauce. Olde NOLA Cookery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
  
  
• Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar - 509 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  In a city bursting with incredible architecture, Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar is located in the oldest existing building on Canal Street. While the surroundings are historic, the interior has been updated for relaxed, comfortable dining. A bowl of their chicken and andouille gumbo is big enough to share. Pair it with a Cajun Bloody Mary, mixed with Creole House's homemade spice blend for extra zip. Hours are 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Cajun Seafood - 1479 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116
  Don't feel bad if your first visit to Cajun Seafood is intimidating. It takes a while to absorb the sheer variety of options, ranging from boiled and fried seafood to po' boys, chicken, and Asian-inspired yak-ka-mein soup. Food is served cafeteria-style, which keeps the frequent lines moving swiftly, but there is also a selection of made-to-order entrees. Want to whip up your own feast? Fresh raw fish and seafood are sold by the pound. The largest location is in NOLA's Tremé neighborhood, but there are three other spots that make Cajun Seafood a convenient lunch spot when visiting New Orleans open houses. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at 11 a.m. 

Our Realtors® have the inside scoop on all the best dining and entertainment places around NOLA. Contact us at Latter & Blum to learn more.

In case you missed the news, October is National Cookie Month. As anyone with a sweet tooth would agree, that's a holiday that our Realtors® can definitely get behind!

We also have some truly exceptional bakeries here in the Lafayette, LA, area. Whether your treats of choice are macarons, pralines, or good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, you'll find plenty of places to enjoy them near Lafayette homes for sale.

• Keller's Bakery Downtown - 1012 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Before they immigrated to America in the late 1700s, the Keller family were bakers in the Alsace region of France. The family still brings all those generations of experience to Keller's Bakery Downtown, a direct successor to the original Keller's Bakery, which was established in 1895. They offer a dizzying array of sweet baked goods, including classic cookies like oatmeal, shortbread, butter pecan, and sugar cookies.
  
  
• Poupart Bakery Inc. - 1902 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508
  Poupart Bakery, Inc. is an authentic French Bakery that's been in business since 1967. Located a stone's throw from many Lafayette open houses, they offer a wide range of breads, pastries, and cakes (including king cakes, of course). If you're looking for something a little more "bite-sized," their macarons and iced shortbread cookies are simply perfection. You can always count on Puopart Bakery when you need a quick sugar rush!
  
  
• Caroline's Cookies - 1921 Kaliste Saloom Rd #124, Lafayette, LA 70508
  You can experience some of the best cookies in Acadiana at Caroline's Cookies, a cozy bakery that focuses entirely on unique and delicious cookies. Caroline's Cookies started as a hobby that grew into a successful home bakery and eventually led to the opening of a brick-and-mortar storefront in Lafayette. The cookies here are thick, fluffy, and decadent, and the menu of seasonal flavors changes every month. 
  
  
• Gambino's Bakery - 3802 Johnston St C, Lafayette, LA 70503
  A family-owned Louisiana bakery since 1946, Gambino's Bakery is arguably best known for their amazing custom wedding cakes and king cakes. But they have an incredible array of other offerings on their menu, including dessert trays loaded with cookies and other bite-size treats like brownies, eclairs, petit fours, and turtles. Gambino's Bakery has also grown to include locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, as well as right here in Lafayette. 
  
  
• Bonne Vie Macarons - 607 Kaliste Saloom Rd Suite A, Lafayette, LA 70508
  You'll find Lafayette's best macarons at Bonne Vie Macaroons, a quaint and cozy shop that offers a welcoming atmosphere as well as decadent desserts. The authentic French Macarons are available in any quantity and combination of flavors, with options ranging from classic vanilla-almond or chocolate ganache to lemon meringue or creme brûlée. And while macarons are certainly the stars of the show, Bonne Vie Macarons also offers other sweet treats, like brownies, mini cream tarts, end even espresso drinks. 
  
  
• Bouki's Baker - 319 N Sterling St, Lafayette, LA 70501
  When you need custom cookies for any occasion, check out Bouki's Baker. A local business founded by cookie artist Robin Bostick, Bouki's Baker offers beautifully decorated custom cookies that truly look almost too good to eat. But rest assured, they're just as tasty as they are pretty! Keep an eye on their calendar too; Robin occasionally teaches cookie decorating classes where you can learn to make your own. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Lafayette area! And be sure to ask us how we can help you find the perfect home for you and your family in Louisiana. 

If you're moving your family to the area, our Realtors® know educational opportunities are around every corner in Baton Rouge.

After a full day of looking at Baton Rouge homes for sale or attending Baton Rouge open houses, your little ones may be hankering for a break. Around here, you'll have plenty of options for an educational outing full of fun and excitement. Some of America's leading kids' museums are just minutes away.

Let's visit just a few of the Baton Rouge museums kids are sure to love:

• Preserve Louisiana – 502 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Headquartered at the site of the Old Governor's Mansion, Preserve Louisiana is a nonprofit educational organization that helps to maintain and manage historic buildings throughout Louisiana. In that effort, it offers guided tours through the Old Governor's Mansion as the cornerstone of its campaigns. Volunteers also work to organize other events like lectures and historical recreations throughout the year.
  
  
• USS Kidd Veterans Museum – 305 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day, the USS Kidd Veterans Museum is a family-friendly way to learn about World War II by touring Baton Rouge's very own "Pirate of the Pacific." The USS Kidd is one of just four Fletcher class destroyers still extant today and the only one that has been preserved in its original World War II service configuration, making it a unique learning opportunity for children of all ages.
  
  
• Burden Museum & Gardens – 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
  Burden Museum & Gardens is a Louisiana State University facility with acre after acre of carefully tended gardens aimed at preserving the botanical uniqueness of the area. With 440 acres total, it is home to the award-winning LSU Rural Life Museum, plus the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and the Windrush Gardens. LSU's Rural Life Museum was recently named one of the "Top 10 Outdoor Museums in the World."
  
  
• Knock Knock Children's Museum – 1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Knock Knock Children's Museum was designed from the ground up to feature interactive exhibits that will entice young imaginations. Open every day, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is the place to go for learning through play. There are 18 themed "Learning Zones," and you can come and go throughout the day whenever it's convenient for your family. Knock Knock even hosts children's birthday parties.
  
  
• Louisiana Art & Science Museum – 100 River Road South, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  Louisiana Art & Science Museum is the state's flagship public museum and has one of the region's top art collections. "Family Hour Stargazing" is among the most popular attractions for young visitors, with Saturday sessions at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium teaching children about the stars and their constellations. There are dozens of exhibits to choose from, including some featuring Sesame Street.

Ready to move to an area that the whole family is sure to love calling home? Contact us to learn more about Baton Rouge real estate opportunities.

Finding New Orleans homes for sale is about more than just the house or the neighborhood. It's about the atmosphere and the culture that the area has to offer.

When you live in the New Orleans area, you can expect a busy social calendar full of fun festivals.

If you've spent the week checking out New Orleans open houses, why not spend the weekend experiencing some of that culture for yourself by checking out Oktoberfest? In Germany, Oktoberfest starts in mid-September. But in true NOLA fashion, the party lasts for multiple weekends here!

Here are some of the places in New Orleans where you can experience Oktoberfest for yourself.

• Deutsches Haus - 1700 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Deutsches Haus is a German cultural center that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. It includes a festival hall and two bars, where they serve 20 different German and craft beers. They're also the main sponsor of Oktoberfest in New Orleans. The Deutsche Haus Bier Musikanten (Deutsche Haus Beer Musicians) will be performing the first two weekends. They're also selling limited edition, German-made, ceramic Oktoberfest steins, which you can pre-order. They're beautifully crafted and a great souvenir. 

  The Deutsches Haus hosts its annual Oktoberfest on October 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 this year. Tickets to the official festival are $10 per day and free for children under 12. The proceedings are steeped in local tradition, featuring a variety of events, from German music and dancing to funny singalongs to a beer stein holding contest, and much more. There's even a children's area with games, arts and crafts, and family-friendly performances.

• Faubourg Brewing Co. - 3501 Jourdan Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126
  Faubourg Brewing Co. hosted their annual Oktoberfest during the traditional celebration time. But that doesn't mean you've missed out on all the fun! Be sure to check out their website for their latest beer offerings, which you can order by the pint, pitcher, or as a part of a flight. Voted Top Craft Brewery by New Orleans Magazine, this brewery is well worth a stop at any point of the year. 
  
  
• Bratz Y'all Bistro - 617-B Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
  If you're looking for authentic German food, Bratz Y'all is a necessary stop on your Oktoberfest journey. Their offerings include everything from beer brats to schnitzel to Bavarian Leberkäse - German meatloaf served with an egg, sunny side up. They also have pretzel dips, apple strudel, and much more. Plus, plenty of German beer! The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio and live music that plays not just during Oktoberfest but throughout the year.
  
  
• Cochon Butcher - 930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Throughout the year, Cochon Butcher serves up sandwiches with farm-fresh, artisanal ingredients. In October, they hold their own Oktoberfest celebration that includes a special German-inspired menu throughout the month of Oktober. They serve not just German beer but also German wines and German cocktails - plus small plates of authentic German food, such as fried sauerkraut, bratwurst balls, potato pancakes, and Bavarian pretzels with beer mustard. 

Oktoberfest is an event that's not to be missed, but New Orleans has plenty to offer its residents all year. If you're ready to make this city your new home, contact us. Our Realtors® will help you find the house that's right for you.