Date Archives: December 2022

Whether you prefer nature-inspired activities, love to play a round of golf, or prefer to visit museums and other cultural interests, Lake Charles is a terrific spot to call home. While Lake Charles boasts a small-town atmosphere, it has many of the perks and amenities of larger cities. Here are a few reasons our Realtors® encourage you to make Lake Charles your home in 2023. 

• You'll Enjoy Warm Weather Year Round
  If you dread the thought of frigid winter temperatures and having to shovel snow and ice, Lake Charles' climate is perfect for your temperature and climate preferences. You'll experience hot temperatures in the 80s and 90s during the summer months, while the winter months have an average high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As you explore Lake Charles homes for sale, you'll have a chance to experience this great weather firsthand! 

• The City Has a Resilient History
  Though the Great Fire of 1910 destroyed seven blocks of downtown Lake Charles, the city persevered and rebuilt. This resiliency continues to inspire and impact the town's residents, creating a supportive community that embraces growth and tenacity. Some of the town's parks were even constructed almost entirely by volunteers who wanted to improve the lives of other Lake Charles residents. 

• Options for Dining and Entertainment
  Lake Charles is referred to as Louisana's Playground, and with a name like that, you can expect there will be plenty of things to see and do in the area all year long. Lake Charles offers five public golf courses well-suited for both novice and experienced golfers. Or, take the family out for a friendly round of putt-putt. The Lake Charles Civic Ballet regularly holds plays, musical productions, and seasonal shows.
  
  After checking out some of the Lake Charles open houses, take a few minutes to visit Lake Charles' top attractions and eateries. Sample a plate of boudin, a tasty sausage-like combination of pork, rice, vegetables, and seasonings.
  
  Stop by the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center to check out the current exhibits. There's also a children's museum, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, and a Mardi Gras museum.
  
  Plus, Lake Charles is also no stranger to hosting fantastic annual events. The city also has three major casinos perfect for a staycation or celebratory night out. Lake Charles hosts an annual Mardi Gras celebration that attracts up to 150,000 people.
  
  The area also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities! Visit The Creole Nature Trail for scenic outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, crab hunting, and bird watching. Thanks to the pleasant Lake Charles weather, you can utilize the Creole Nature Trail the entire year. For all the outdoor amenities the area offers, be sure to check out their parks and recreation department.

Lake Charles attracts new residents from all across the country. Ready to find your new home in the Lake Charles area in 2023? Contact us to get started!

When looking at Lafayette homes for sale, it's important to remember that they won't just be your home. It has to be safe and comfortable for your pets, too. In particular, as you start preparing your new home for the holidays, there are some pitfalls that can cause problems for your pets. Follow these pet safety tips this holiday season.

• Trees and Decorations
  Every pet owner knows Christmas trees pose a challenge. They can climb the tree, destroy ornaments and other decorations, and even knock them over. To mitigate this, make sure the base is heavy and sturdy enough to keep the tree upright. Additionally, if you have fragile or breakable ornaments, keep them towards the top of the tree, where they're harder to reach. Put your sturdier ornaments on the bottom, such as wood or metal. Likewise, place any tinsel, holly, and mistletoe out of your pet's reach. If accidentally ingested, they can cause serious health problems.
  
  
• Food
  It's tempting to share your holiday leftovers with your pets, but be careful not to share the wrong ones. Keep anything chocolate away from them, along with alcoholic beverages, foods with salt, or any candy sweetened with Xylitol. Also, avoid giving them anything with raisins or nuts, which are often staples of holiday treats. Foods with seeds or pits, such as cherries, apricots, and especially citrus fruits, should also be kept out of reach. If you're having turkey or other poultry, completely remove any bones and gristle before giving it to your pets. Finally, many pets are drawn to unbaked bread dough. Don't let them have any. The yeasted dough can rise in their stomachs, rupturing internal organs and even causing seizures.
  
  
• Guests
  If you're having people over to your new home, make sure both your guests and your pets are OK with one another first. Clearly tell your guests what kind of pets you have and how many, in case anyone has allergies or other aversions. It can also be overwhelming for pets to meet strangers, especially many of them, at once. Is your pet typically friendly toward other people? Do they get nervous? Do they show aggression? If you're unsure, maybe start with one or two guests to see how they react before throwing a big party. And be sure to have a room for them that's off limits to guests and outfitted with things like blankets and their favorite toys, where your pet can retreat for some peace if the guests become too overwhelming.
  
  
• Noise
  The holidays can get loud. Especially on New Year's Eve, there are often fireworks, noisemakers, shouting, and other sounds that may distress your pet. Even if you're not having people over, the noise around the neighborhood can cause anxiety attacks. Their first instinct will often be to run away, so keep them in a secure place. And in case they do get loose, make sure they have a collar with ID on it: name, address, and phone number, so they can be returned to you safely.

When looking at Lafayette open houses, it's important to keep your pets' needs in mind, as well as your own. Our Realtors® can help you find the perfect place for your needs, where both you and your pet can spend many happy holidays to come. Contact us to learn more!

One of the best things about this season is all of the holiday movies. So many of them have this warming, comforting appeal that makes you want to curl up in your pajamas and snack on sugar cookies. Did you know there's actually a holiday dedicated to watching Christmas movies? National Christmas Movie Marathon Day is December 23rd, 2022. This is the perfect opportunity to host a watch party for your friends and family members. Our Realtors® have some tips to help you plan.  

• Explore Your Streaming Service
  Almost every streaming service offers holiday movies this time of year. So, there is no need to pay for a movie or sign up for an additional streaming service if you're on a budget. Before your party, explore the movies that your streaming services are offering. Make a short list of options – just three or four. When your guests arrive, you can discuss these options and pick one together that you want to watch. Narrowing down the options prior to your party will simplify the movie selection process.
  
  
• Make Snacks
  What would a movie party be without snacks? Some homemade holiday snacks are sure to make guests smile. Consider dipping some pretzels in melted chocolate and then decorating them with red and green sprinkles. Or, pop some popcorn and drizzle some melted white chocolate – tinted with red or green food coloring – over it. Of course, there's nothing wrong with making and serving a variety of sugar cookies, either.
  
  
• Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
  Sipping hot chocolate will make your movie-viewing experience warm and cozy. A hot chocolate bar gives your guests an opportunity to make their own warm drinks. Some great ingredients to include on your hot chocolate bar include crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, whipped cream, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
  
  
• Decorate With Characters
  Look for decorations that feature characters from your favorite holiday movies. Perhaps you want Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer characters on your wall, or perhaps characters from Elf make your heart light up. You don't have to use characters from the same movie as the one you'll be watching at your party, although you certainly can.
  
  
• Send Ticket Invitations
  Handmade invitations will make guests smile before the party even starts. Why not make your party invitations look like movie tickets? Start with some cardstock, cut into long, ticket-shaped rectangles. Write "Admit One" at the top. You can also include the title of the movie if you have selected one. Then, add some holiday-themed stamps or stickers to make the invitation feel festive. Don't forget to also write down the date and time!
  
  
• Ask Guests to Bring Blankets
  Cuddling under a blanket makes watching holiday movies feel cozier, but chances are, you don't have enough holiday-themed blankets for all of your guests. So, ask them to bring their own. Just write "bring your own snuggly blanket!" on the invitations. Some guests might forget, so if you have extra blankets, get them out in preparation.
  
  
• Craft Signature Cocktails
  Think up a cocktail that goes along with the movie you've chosen. For instance, if you're watching Elf, you could make a World's Best Cup of Coffee Martini. Mix up a round halfway through the film.

Ready to start your search for a new home where you can host all your holiday gatherings? If you're still looking for a home for the holidays, contact us. Our agents will help you find the best Baton Rouge homes for sale and Baton Rouge open houses to attend.

No city does celebrations quite like New Orleans, and with New Year's Eve around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning for the big night. Whether you're looking for a fun, early activity with the kids, a gourmet meal with pairings to match, or a celebration that will still be going well after the clock strikes midnight, you won't have to travel far from New Orleans homes for sale to find it. Our Realtors® have all of the exciting details on some of the best New Year's Eve events in New Orleans this year.

• Big Night New Orleans NYE Gala – 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70130
  With world-class food, an open bar, multiple party areas, live performances on multiple stages, and even a silent disco, the Big Night New Orleans New Year's Eve Gala offers everything you need to welcome 2023 in one convenient, festive location. Reservations are suggested, and guests for this event must be 21 or older.
  
  
• Zoo Year's Eve – 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118
  The youngest members of the family will love ringing in 2023 with the Zoo Year's Eve celebration at the Audubon Zoo, and parents will love that this celebration happens at noon, leaving plenty of time for other activities. There will be music, games, and prizes for the kids throughout the morning, followed by the big New Year's countdown at noon.
  
  
• Allstate Sugar Bowl NYE Parade – Marigny/Bywater & French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
  If you're a college football fan counting down the seconds until the Sugar Bowl, why not start the day by celebrating with the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade? This Mardi Gras-themed parade winds its way through some of your favorite New Orleans neighborhoods before wrapping up on Canal Street. The parade lasts from 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM, and it's well worth finding your spot along the route early to enjoy the best views.
  
  
• NYE Gala on the Riverboat City of New Orleans – 400 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  What could be better than spending New Year's Eve on the Mississippi River, with fireworks and starlight in the sky above? You can look forward to that stunning scenery and so much more with the New Year's Eve Gala on the Riverboat City of New Orleans. Get ready for a night of dinner, dancing, delicious drinks, and unforgettable views.
  
  
• NYE at the Riverview Room – 600 Decatur St., 4th Floor of Jax Brewery, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Billed as the "Times Square of the South" celebration, New Year's Eve at the Riverview Room offers a full evening of fun capped off with incredible views of the NYE midnight ball drop and the fantastic fireworks over the river. This is a black-tie event, perfect for an elegant New Year's Eve.
  
  
• New Year's Eve @ BB's Stage Door Canteen – 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  If live music is a must for your New Year's Eve celebration, then you're sure to love spending the evening at the New Year's Eve @ BB's Stage Door Canteen event, which includes lively performances from the Victory Swing Orchestra and a decadent midnight chocolate buffet. Enjoy a 4-course dinner, then dance the night away while you wait for midnight.

Searching for a new home in 2023? Our team is here to help with New Orleans open houses for you to explore and so much more. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the New Orleans, LA area.

Whether your favorite sport is football, hockey, or baseball, watching the game together is a great way to bond and celebrate. Watching in your own living room can be fun, but if you're in the mood to watch at a sports bar instead, the Lafayette area has some great options. Our Realtors® know Lafayette has plenty of great places to catch a game at! Spend your next game day at these local spots. 

• The Taproom: 201 Settlers Trace Blvd. #4001, Lafayette, LA 70508
  The Taproom is one of the most popular sports bars in the Village of River Ranch. They attract quite a crowd during Saints games. You can expect lots of cheering and comradery. 
  
  The Taproom has a menu that's perfectly suited for game day with your friends. Choose from several flatbreads, plus wings and other appetizers. Guests love the soft pretzel with Creole honey mustard. Pair your meal with a beer from the extensive craft beer list. Or, choose one of the beer mixes – like the Barney, a mix of 1/2 Purple Haze and 1/2 Andygator.
  
  
• Pete's: 3903 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503
  Since 1968, Pete's has been a favorite among sports fans. You can stop by a few Lafayette open houses, then catch the game at Pete's in the afternoon. This locally owned place has more than 20 TVs, and they play NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA games.
  
  On the menu at Pete's, you'll find sharable options like mozzarella wedges and onion rings. As an entree, you can't go wrong with the Pit Boss, a burger topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried onions, and BBQ sauce.
  
  
• The Bulldog: 109 General Mouton Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501
  The Bulldog is a traditional sports bar with pool tables, televisions, and awesome happy hour deals. Stop by between 4 and 9 pm to enjoy 2-for-1 draft beers.
  
  If you're hungry, you're sure to find something appealing on The Bulldog menu. Their quesadillas are awesome; choose between chicken, Buffalo chicken, steak, and shrimp. Other popular choices include the Hangover Burger and the Lafayette Cheesesteak, a wrap stuffed with grilled steak, Swiss cheese, jalapeno peppers, and a side of crawfish dip.
  
  
• Corner Bar: 3103 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503
  Corner Bar is a neighborhood bar where you can socialize with your friends and also make new friends. They have a couple of TVs and usually play football, college basketball, and hockey games. They have lots of craft beers on tap, along with frozen sangria and margaritas.
  
  Corner Bar also has a larger event room, which you could rent to host a viewing party with friends and family. When the weather is nice, there's also an option of sitting on their patio. 

If you're new to the area and still looking for a place to live, contact us. We'll help you search Lafayette homes for sale and help you find a house that feels like home. 

Our Realtors® are proud to say that Baton Rouge has long been a hub for art and culture in Louisiana. And there's no better way in the city to experience live music and dance than with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. 

For more than 60 years, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has been presenting world-class productions and bringing talented artists to Baton Rouge. Let's take a closer look at the theatre's history and what we can expect in the year ahead. 

About the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre

The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre was established in 1960 and has been a cultural force in Louisiana ever since. Hundreds of talented local dancers and choreographers have been trained and nurtured by the organization, which has been under the artistic direction of Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews since 1976. 

Every year, the theatre presents a season of three outstanding stage productions. The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is also known for its community outreach programs and contributions to dance education. 

Most performances of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre take place at the River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts or the Manship Theatre at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Both are beautiful state-of-the-art facilities within minutes of many Baton Rouge homes for sale. 

Baton Rouge Ballet 2022-2023 Season

Every year brings new and exciting things to the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Here's what we can look forward to as the 2022-23 season gets underway: 

• The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou (December 17-18, 2022)
  The original Nutcracker has been delighting audiences since 1892 and become a holiday favorite across generations. The Baton Rouge has created their own spin on this classic production with The Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou, which debuted in 1992 and has grown to be a beloved tradition of its own here in Louisiana. This year, the show will be held December 17 and 18 at the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre for Performing Arts, and it's a great way to not only celebrate the holidays but also mark the beginning of a great ballet season. 

• PILOBOLUS Big Five-Oh! (March 4 and 5, 2023)
  One of the most renowned dance ensembles in the world, Pilobolus has been touring the globe for a half-century now, performing at events ranging from the Olympics to the Oscars. In 2023, they're touring in celebration of their 50th anniversary, which will include a stop in Baton Rouge for two performances at the Manship Theatre at the Shaw Center for the Arts on March 4 and 5. 

• Dimensions in Dance (March 31, 2023)
  The final celebration of the 2022-2023 season, Dimensions in Dance promises to be a thrilling performance that celebrates dance from all angles. The full range of styles, approaches, and moods of contemporary and classical dance will be highlighted on March 31 at the River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, including a grand performance of Paquita. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Baton Rouge. It's a truly unique place to call home, and if you're looking for the perfect home in Baton Rouge, our real estate agents can connect you with some amazing Baton Rouge open houses. 

'Tis the season for excellent holiday foods! As maybe the top culinary destination in the country, New Orleans has memorable food in every season. Restaurants actually step up their game during the holidays, when our Realtors® look forward to sampling these delightful treats in between New Orleans open houses.

• Compère Lapin - 535 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Compère Lapin is a mischievous rabbit who is the main character in several Caribbean and Creole folktales. It's also the name of an acclaimed restaurant owned by Nina Compton, winner of multiple James Beard awards. Chef Compton has elevated the simple buttermilk biscuit, a Southern classic, to a new level. These tasty treats are served with honey butter and bacon butter for a sweet and savory combo. Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily except Saturday when closing is 11 p.m.
  
  
• Jack Rose - 2031 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130
  Find out why Emery Whalen and Brian Landry, founders of Jack Rose, were recently named Restauranteurs of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. A wonderful mix of seasonal and Cajun flavors is showcased in their popular royal red shrimp and fusilli, which is also a staple of their holiday menu. While the dish is perfect for sharing, no one will judge if you keep it all for yourself. Jack Rose is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Brunch is served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on weekends.
  
  
• Bar Marilou - 544 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  New Orleans proudly displays elements of its French heritage. It's only fitting that Bar Marilou, a colorful spot tucked inside a former library, was designed by Paris-based Quixotic Projects for their first venture in the U.S. The star of the Continental-style small plates menu is the signature, Pommes Marilou. These crispy potatoes are topped with an elegant dollop of crème fraîche and bowfin caviar. Hours are 4 p.m. - midnight Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Tujague's Restaurant - 429 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130
  NOLA history is alive and well at Tujague's Restaurant, celebrating its 160th birthday in 2018. One of their traditions back in the earlier days was the lavish Butcher's Breakfast, which was the seed that grew into the brunch of today. During the holidays, Tujague's serves a traditional four-course réveillon menu. Customers keep coming back for the pan-roasted Maple Leaf duck, which is a delicious seasonal alternative to beef, chicken, and seafood. Tujague's is open daily from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  
  
• Antoine's Restaurant - 713 Saint Louis St., New Orleans, LO 70130
  What would holidays in New Orleans be without the creative libations the city is known for? Café Brûlot Diabolique, as served at iconic Antoine's Restaurant, is part drink, part theater. The mixture of chicory coffee, cinnamon, Triple Sec, and brandy is set aflame tableside, usually with the lights dimmed to boost the dramatic effect. Although Café Brûlot Diabolique is served year-round, it's particularly appropriate during the holidays, when the festive atmosphere adds to the enjoyment. 

No matter what time of year, we have our fingers on the pulse of the market for New Orleans homes for sale. Whether you're buying or selling, contact us at Latter & Blum to get started.

Our Realtors® know there are plenty of good places to order a plate lunch in Lafayette! 

Between checking out Lafayette homes for sale and attending Lafayette open houses, make time for a hearty meal to keep your energy up. The Acadiana region offers all the classics like jambalaya, crawfish, and gumbo, but the real star of the show in our area is the plate lunch featuring rice and gravy.

Looking for an authentic taste of Lafayette? Here are just a few of your options:

• Office Hours Sandwich Shop – 2303 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70508
  Office Hours Sandwich Shop is where you can pair the traditional full plate lunch with a half sandwich and soup so you'll feel satisfied all day long. Po'boy sandwiches, specialty burgers, lunch baskets, salads, and full half-pound burgers are available. For your plate lunch selections, consider a chicken and sausage gumbo, spaghetti and meat sauce, smothered turkey wings, hot chili, or crawfish and shrimp gumbo.
  
  
• Dwyer's Cafe – 323 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Dwyer's Cafe is a best-kept local secret that you'll be pleased to make your own. Unlike some nearby spots known for their plate lunch, it opens early for a robust breakfast. You can have your pick of the breakfast specials, sandwiches, omelets, biscuits, muffins, toast, or pancakes. What about the famous plate lunch? Daily specials serve up three sides and a meat like smothered steak, roast pork, fried chicken, or catfish.
  
  
• Acadian Superette – 600 Lamar Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Acadian Superette is a popular stop for its Cajun plate lunches and short-order diner classics. It has been lauded for its special BLT sandwich, with house-made bacon prepared right on-site. If you can't quite get enough of one of the meat offerings, you can buy it directly from the Superette's specialty meat section. A beautiful patio provides ample outdoor seating both day and night.
  
  
• T-Coon's Restaurant – 1900 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70508
  T-Coon's Restaurant has been around for four generations so far and is still going strong. It's open seven days a week for all your lunch plate cravings, starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 2 in the afternoon, rain or shine. Regulars have put T-Coon's on the map for "The Stuff," a house-special combination of spices you can use to enhance eggs, poultry, steak, barbecue dishes, veggies, fish, and other seafood.
  
  
• Cafe Coachella – 2700 Moss Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Cafe Coachella makes a name for itself as one of the most authentic soul food restaurants in Acadiana. Drop by on Sunday for heaping helpings of some of the best barbecue you will ever have. Visitors here rave about the excellent service, good vibes, and affordable prices. Some have even called it the best plate lunch restaurant on the North Side. Find out for yourself with one of its fresh, spicy plates!
  
  
• Acadiana Jerky Co. & Smokehouse – See the Website for Location Information
  Acadiana Jerky Co. & Smokehouse is a drive-through restaurant acclaimed for the Sunday barbecue service, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 o'clock. Whether you opt for the smoked or the regular boudin, you can expect an ideal meat-to-rice ratio and an attractive price. If you're feeling daring, try out the black pudding made with pork blood, pork fat, suet, and grain – a unique Louisiana blood sausage.

Contact us at Latter & Blum to discover more.

Is professional hockey ready to make a comeback near Baton Rouge homes for sale? Three showcase games taking place at Raising Cane's River Center may help pave the way. Our Realtors® take a look at hockey's past and future in the Red Stick.

• History of Hockey in Baton Rouge
  In 1996, Baton Rouge gained its first professional hockey team when the minor-league Erie Panthers moved to town. As a transplant, the team initially remained in the East Coast Hockey League.
  
  A contest was held among fans to determine a new name. The winning entry was "Kingfish," chosen as a nod to Louisiana history as the nickname of former governor and U.S. Senator Huey P. Long. Raising Cane's River Center, then known as the Riverside Centroplex, served as home to the Kingfish, who were affiliated with the NHL's St. Louis Blues.
  
  Kingfish coaches included noted hockey figures such as Pierre McGuire, Dave Schultz, and Cam Brown, who pulled double duty as a player. The Kingfish spent most of their years in the Southwest Division, along with teams from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.
  
  
• Federal Prospects Hockey League
  The Class A Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) marks its 12th season in 2022-23. The league currently numbers 10 teams located throughout the Eastern and Southern United States. Two new teams, the Motor City (Detroit) Rockers and Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves are having their inaugural season. After a year's absence, Elmira (NY) is returning to the FPHL with a name change from Enforcers to Mammoth.
  
  FPHL management will be watching the upcoming Baton Rouge games closely. Based on the level of interest, Baton Rouge could be awarded an FPHL franchise for 2023. Each team in the fan-friendly league streams games on their own YouTube channel.
  
  
• Upcoming Hockey Games in Baton Rouge
  As part of their first season, the Mississippi Sea Wolves will be playing in all three games scheduled at Raising Cane's River Center. On Thursday, December 8, the Sea Wolves take on the Carolina (Winston-Salem) Thunderbirds. Their opponent on Thursday, December 15, and Monday, January 2, will be the Port Huron (Michigan) Prowlers. All three teams compete in the FPHL's Continental Division. Game time is 7 p.m., and tickets range from $10-$20 on Ticketmaster and at the River Center box office.
  
  
• Louisiana Ice Sports Association
  Not content just to watch? The Louisiana Ice Sports Association (LISA) is dedicated to providing the Baton Rouge community with high-quality facilities for youth and adult hockey, figure skating, and Learn to Skate programs.
  
  For the 32nd year, LISA will be holding their popular holiday event, Ice Skating on the River. Public skating sessions lasting 75 minutes each take place at the River Center between Friday, December 16, and Tuesday, January 3. Admission is $20, which includes skate rental. Visit the website for full schedule of times.

No matter what time of year, Baton Rouge homes for sale are always in season. Contact us at Latter & Blum for up-to-the-minute information.

Our Realtors® know that choosing a home isn't just about the property. New Orleans homes for sale are beautiful, but the community you are becoming a part of is just as important. New Orleans is truly unique, and the holiday season gives you even more opportunities to see why it's so special.

If you're in town for New Orleans open houses, why not stay and sample one of the most beloved local events of the year? It may not be as famous as Mardi Gras, but families look forward to the annual Jingle on the Boulevard Parade every bit as much. 

It's a parade like no other, and there's still time to get ready!

Jingle on the Boulevard is Back on December 17 in New Orleans East

Jingle on the Boulevard is a huge holiday parade that attracts visitors from across the state. It's not just big, it's "New Orleans big." And this year, it's back and better than ever. With a route passing through historic Crowder Boulevard, Hayne Boulevard, and Read Boulevard, it is a sight to behold!

You don't have to go to New York City for a one-of-a-kind Christmas: It's right here in New Orleans.

Although this is only the fifth year for Jingle on the Boulevard, it has already become an annual tradition supported by nonprofits and neighbors all over New Orleans.

What Can You Expect to See at Jingle on the Boulevard?

Above all, Jingle on the Boulevard is an event for the kids. Not just the ones who will be watching but those who get to participate. Dance teams and marching bands from all over the city practice all year to be a part of this positive and uplifting event. They are truly the stars of the show!

Participants who arrive early on the parade route will be in the best position for a classic souvenir throw, where they can catch beads and other trinkets. These will be thrown by the bands, the celebrity guests, and no doubt by Old St. Nick himself when he makes an appearance at the end of the parade.

The parade starts at noon, so there's plenty of time to get situated somewhere with a terrific view. In addition to Santa Claus himself, other holiday characters like Santa's elves and reindeer will pay a visit. Holiday hits will be played throughout the parade.

The parade's roster is completely full this year, including dance teams, marching bands, and vehicle sign-ups. You don't have to do anything special to participate as a spectator: Just bring your loved ones and be prepared for fun surprises. You never know who else might turn up!

Jingle on the Boulevard is a community-driven effort led by volunteers. Fees paid by the organizations that participate go in part to benefit The Marine Foundation Toys for Tots. Although applications have closed, you can still bring a toy for charitable drop-off on the day of the parade.

This is just another example of the "can't miss" events you'll only find here in New Orleans. Civic spirit and community pride are alive and well in The Crescent City, and folks here are always ready to welcome a new neighbor. It could be you!

Contact us at Latter & Blum to find out more about New Orleans real estate opportunities.