Articles Tagged "fall"

Louisiana offers endless possibilities for anyone with a taste for adventure and a love of the outdoors. Here in the Alexandria area, our Realtors® are proud to live in a region with such a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

From lakes and bayous to parks and trails, there are countless ways to spend time in the great outdoors in and around Alexandria. If you're in town checking out Alexandria open houses, be sure to also visit some of these great outdoor attractions!

• Alexandria Levee Park Recreation Area - 300 Oak St, Alexandria, LA 71301
  Stretching along the banks of the Red River just minutes from Downtown Alexandria, the beautiful Alexandria Levee Park Recreation Area is a great close-to-home resource for spending time outdoors. The park includes walking trails with a great view of the river, plus picnic areas with barbecue grills, fishing access, and a three-lane boat ramp. It's also a perfect jumping-off point for paddling trips on the river and is within walking distance of many Alexandria homes for sale.
  
  
• Hayes E Daze Ranch - 1313 Upper, Boy Scout Rd, Forest Hill, LA 71430
  There's nothing quite like exploring the Louisiana countryside on horseback, and Hayes E Daze Ranch is a great place to do just that. Located about a 30-minute drive south of Alexandria, Hayes E Daze Ranch offers riding and horsemanship lessons, as well as guided trail rides through the wild landscape of neighboring Kisatchie National Forest. Guided trail rides range from one to three hours, and options are available for riders of all experience levels, from beginners right up to advanced equestrians. 
  
  
• Kees Park - 2450 LA-28, Pineville, LA 71360
  Located in Pineville, just across the Red River and about 5 minutes from Downtown Alexandria, Kees Park is the perfect place to spend a quiet, restful day in the outdoors. This park has a lot of great features, including a splash pad, playground, walking trails, picnic area, and pavilion. But it's best known among local disc golf aficionados for its 18-hole disc golf course. The course features 9 wooded holes and 9 more open holes and offers plenty of challenges and obstacles for disc throwers of all skill levels. 
  
  
• Juderman's ATV Park - 6512 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360
  If you're looking for a place to get a little mud on the tires, be sure to check out Juderman's ATV Park. The park spans 200 acres and includes 5 miles of marked forest trails with plenty of bogs, mud pits, and creek crossings to keep things interesting. Juderman's ATV Park is just 15 minutes outside of Alexandria and also includes shared picnic and barbecue areas.
  
  
• Indian Creek Recreation Area - 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485
  Located just 20 minutes from Alexandria on the shore of Indian Creek Reservoir, Indian Creek Recreation Area is a major hub for outdoor adventure in the Alexandria area. The recreation area provides fishing and boating access on the 2,250-acre reservoir, where anglers commonly catch largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Camping is also available for both tents and RVs, and visitors can explore a beautiful network of nature trails that wind through the woodlands overlooking the lakeshore. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Louisiana! If you're looking for your dream home, our team is dedicated to helping you find it in the Alexandria area.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Fall is here! Our real estate agents are looking forward to it. Are you?

Crisp weather, colorful foliage, and hot cocoa are just a few of the reasons to enjoy fall. When you're in the Lafayette area, there are plenty more to discover. Lafayette is known for a busy social calendar that combines Cajun cuisine and family-friendly entertainment into a fall you won't soon forget! And it's not just about Halloween – in Lafayette, folks get creative with their events.

There's so much to see and do, let's dive in and take a look at some of Lafayette's top fall festivals:

• Spooktacular Fall Fest – 817 Albertson Parkway Suite H, Broussard, LA 70518
  Sponsored by Saketini Sushi and Hibachi, the annual Spooktacular Fall Fest brings fun and excitement to the scary season. Kids in costume can enjoy trick or treating and the costume contest. Adults can visit plenty of booths by local artists and artisans. At the end of the night, Saketini will be offering free kids' hibachi with adult purchase. It might just become your favorite near Broussard homes for sale. To be first in line, be there at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 23!
  
  
• Boudin Cook-Off and Acadiana Bacon Fest – 200 Garfield Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
  The Boudin Cook-Off and Acadiana Bacon Fest is your chance to get familiar with boudin, a beloved Cajun-cooked sausage dish made from pork meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings. Now entering its thirteenth year, this is considered the premier boudin event and attracts chefs from Louisiana and Texas. Sample, vote, and enjoy, all for free on Saturday, October 16 between 10 a.m. and 4! Plus, it's a short drive from Lafayette homes for sale.
  
  
• Gulf Brew 2021 – See Website for Location Details, Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
  The biggest fundraiser led by Acadiana Center for the Arts all year round, Gulf Brew 2021 is the largest and oldest craft beer festival in the area. On Saturday, October 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., tasters will get to visit with dozens of breweries and enjoy more than 200 beers, filling out their "Brew Book" along the way. Visit local shops and restaurants as you go, knowing that your contribution makes a difference for a true community institution!
  
  
• Gumbo Festival – Bouligny Plaza, 102 West Main Street, Lafayette, LA 70506
  Where else would you go for America's most iconic Gumbo Festival than Lafayette? Running on October 12 and 13, this family-friendly shindig includes the Cajun Creole Foodfest, Roux Run, and Meanest Beans Cookoff on Saturday, capped off with the Youth Gumbo Cookoff. Sunday brings the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff itself. You won't want to miss a second of the fun, friends, and delicious food!
  
  
• International Rice Festival – 303 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, LA 70526
  The International Rice Festival is the biggest agricultural festival in Louisiana and has a long and storied history dating back to 1937. Held to honor the rice industry and all those who contribute to it, it now doubles as one of the biggest live musical events in the state. Featuring two sound stages plus a Classic Car Show and Fiddle and Accordion Contest, it's all happening between October 14-17, minutes from Crowley homes for sale.

Contact us at Latter & Blum today to discover Lafayette real estate.

The cooler fall weather means we can turn the air conditioner off in the mornings, fling the windows open, and enjoy some fresh air. What's more, the change of seasons gives homeowners permission to launch some stunning decor changes inside and outside the home.

If you're listing your home among Baton Rouge homes for sale, you might want to look into some decorating ideas to help potential buyers see your home at its best. Welcome the fall season with these decorating tips. 

1. Welcome Fall at the Front Door
   Start your fall decorating at the front door by putting out a falling leaves-themed welcome mat and some container plants with bright fall chrysanthemums in yellow, rusty red, and orange. Don't forget the wreath of dried leaves, pumpkins, pine cones, small apples, and pomegranates. 
   
   
2. Boost Your Curb Appeal with Fall Flowers
   Once the weather cools down in October, Baton Rouge front yards come alive with cheerful pansies and violas in a rainbow of colors. Mix yellows, oranges, whites, violets, and maroons, or plant a swath with purple bordered by yellow. Plant them in flower beds or containers.
   
   
3. Change Your Entryway Rug
   Out with the bold summer colors, and in with the striking hues of autumn for your entryway rug. Choose an accent rug with blocks of colors: rust, gray, orange, and brown. 
   
   
4. Bring out the Autumn Scents 
   You want to avoid strong scents while showing your home, but subtle essential oils or candles are fine. Citrus, cucumber, thyme, and rosemary are good. Pine and cinnamon are two fall scents that potential homebuyers generally respond favorably to.
   
   
5. Set out Your Copperware
   Fall's a good time for showing off your copperware in your kitchen. Hang pots and pans from a heavy-gauge copper-finished chandelier rack. Copper vases are also a nice touch. Make sure to polish, so it shines!
   
   
6. Clear out Clutter
   If you're listing your house and getting it ready to show, take a good look in every room and minimize all those personal items, like photos and anything that might be construed as clutter, such as a rack full of magazines, stacks of books, or clusters of pillows. Minimalist is the way to go. It is, however, just fine to put out a couple of fall accents, such as a simple fall arrangement on a coffee table or entry table. Go easy on the pumpkins -- but a couple of unique choices would not be amiss: experiment with navy blue or white wooden pumpkins and some dried foliage.
   
   
7. Spruce up the Patio or Deck
   Potential buyers viewing your home will, of course, want to see the patio or backyard entertainment area. Drape a fall blanket on a chair or chaise longue for a cool evening. Got an extra mum or two? Set them on outdoor tables. The backyard entertainment area is also a nice setting for decorative fall gourds and, yes, even a pumpkin or two. 

Even if you're not selling your home, these tips will help you greet the fall season in style. If you are listing your Baton Rouge house for sale, our real estate agents can help. Contact us today.