Articles Tagged "Breaux Bridge"

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

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

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

When buyers approach us looking for Lafayette homes for sale, we always get a little excited for them. Lafayette is such a great place to live. Not only does the city have a rich history, but it's full of fun things to do and places to explore. Whether you're already a local, or getting ready to make Lafayette your new home, make sure to check out these Lafayette destinations in 2022.

1. Jefferson Street and University Avenue, Lafayette, LA
   The area around Jefferson Street and University Avenue in downtown Lafayette is one of the best parts of the city to shop, explore, and visit local restaurants. You'll find a little of everything from bridal boutiques to local delis. This area is very walkable. The large, 3D letters that spell out "Lafayette" in Sans Souci Park make for great photo ops!
   
   
2. Vermilionville Historic Village: 3000 Fisher Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508
   Vermilionville is a historic village consisting of several 18th and 19th-century homes that have been maintained and restored. Here, you can learn about the region's Cajun and Creole history. Take a self-guided tour or join one of the guided tour groups for an additional charge. Vermilionville also offers cooking demonstrations, boat tours, and dance lessons. 
   
   
3. Buck & Johnny's: 100 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
   Buck & Johnny's serves incredible Cajun cuisine all around, but they're really known for their Zydeco Breakfast. At Buck & Johnny's, you can enjoy breakfast while listening to and learning about Zydeco music. Try the Zydeco omelet, the Cajun Boudin Breakfast, or the Troubled Water, which is grits topped with crawfish etouffee. 
   
   
4. Hilliard Art Museum: 710 East St. Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503
   Hilliard Art Museum is an art museum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It's open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, and admission is only $7.50 for adults. Notable collections at Hilliard Art Museum include Twenty Years of Marais Press, Universe of the Mind by Master Shen-Long, and Sanctuary: New Work by Linda Alterwitz. The museum offers guided tours, and visitors are welcome to write or sketch in the galleries if desired. 
   
   
5. Avery Island: Avery Island, LA
   Avery Island is a collection of five tiny islands that rise above the water level of the salt marshes about 20 minutes outside Lafayette. It's well worth taking a quick drive to the islands when you have a free Saturday. Avery Island is home to several unique species of birds. You can also visit the Tabasco Brand Factory and Museum and learn how this infamous sauce is made.
   
   
6. Lagniappe Antique Mall: 124 W. Bridge Street, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
   The town of Breaux Bridge is just a 10-minute drive from Lafayette. Here, you'll discover the Lagniappe Antique Mall, an incredible 17,000 square foot shopping center. The place is packed with antiques, collectibles, and local artwork. The Lagniappe Antique Mall is located inside the historic Domingue Motor Co, which was built in the 1920s. It's open to shoppers Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 6 pm. This is the perfect place to buy gifts or decor for your new Lafayette home. 

These are just six of the many amazing things to do in and around Lafayette. Venture out there, and discover the best the region has to offer. If you're still looking for a home in the area, don't hesitate to contact us or stop by one of our Lafayette open houses. We'll tell you how our real estate agents can help.

There's no one way to make gumbo. Cooked with a dark roux, thickened with okra or filé, packed with sausage or shrimp, flavored with the Creole "holy trinity" of celery, bell pepper, and onion, there are endless possibilities. 

Despite its many variations—or perhaps because of them—gumbo is a dish that our real estate agents will never grow tired of. It's the official state dish of Louisiana, and if you want to savor some of the finest gumbo our state has to offer, we recommend these amazing stops. 

• Luke - 333 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Since opening its doors in 2007, Luke has established itself as an amazing Creole-influenced Brasserie that draws inspiration from French and German cuisine as well as traditional Cajun fare. Their Seafood Gumbo à La Creole is deep and flavorful, with generous portions of andouille sausage and chicken. Luke is located in New Orleans' Central Business District, a stone's throw from these New Orleans homes for sale. 
  
  
• Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop - 2309 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
  Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop serves up gumbo by the pint (or by the quart, if you're feeling ambitious). Don't make the mistake of driving right past this place without stopping on your way to check out Metairie homes for sale. They make several types of gumbo, but their flagship specialty—known as "mumbo gumbo"—features filé, chicken, shrimp, crabmeat, crawfish, sausage, okra, and tomato. It's on a whole other level. 
  
  
• Poche's - 3015 Main Hwy # A, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
  An old-fashioned restaurant and meat market, Poche's has been serving the community of Breaux Bridge since 1962. The establishment has been family-owned since day one, and their traditional Cajun recipes have been handed down through generations. Chicken and sausage gumbo is a seasonal menu item, but when it's available, it's known far and wide as some of the best around. 
  
  
• Landry's Cajun Seafood & Steakhouse - 2318 US-90, New Iberia, LA 70560
  Not to be confused with the similarly-named seafood chain, Landry's Cajun Seafood & Steakhouse was founded in 1969 near New Iberia homes for sale, and like so many of the great Cajun food establishments, has been locally and family-owned ever since. They have two gumbos on the menu: seafood and chicken and sausage. Either one will make your day, and if you get there between 11 am and 2 pm, you can make it a soup-and-sandwich combo with a catfish or shrimp po'boy. 
  
  
• T-Coon's - 1900 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508
  T-Coon's was established in 1993 near Lafayette homes for sale. The restaurant's founder and cook David Billeaud, draws on six generations of Cajun and Creole cooking experience. Chicken and sausage gumbo is available only during the colder months at T-Coon's, but there are always delicious Louisiana specialties on the menu, like crawfish etouffee and catfish courtbouillon. 
  
  
• Parrain's Seafood - 3225 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Baton Rouge has no shortage of great seafood restaurants, but Parrain's Seafood ranks near the top. The seafood specialists here source the freshest seafood imaginable from fishermen far and wide. That effort pays off in dishes like their seafood gumbo, rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. It makes a great appetizer for the iconic "Whole Shebang" seafood platter. Perrain's also has a welcoming rustic ambiance, with a great outdoor patio perfect for visiting after viewing Baton Rouge homes for sale. 

Contact us today to learn more about living life to the fullest in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Great food and unique culture are just part of what makes Louisiana a truly unique and special place to call home. 

If your home's decor feels a little generic or looks too sparse for your tastes, consider painting an accent wall. An accent wall lends a pop of color to your space and helps you customize the style of your home. Our real estate agents know that an accent wall is often beneficial for staging your home when you put it on the market. Follow these do's and don'ts when adding an accent wall. 

1. Do Embrace Bold Colors
   Since an accent wall is meant to stand out, it's best to utilize a bold color. Even if you prefer neutrals or are trying to stick with colors that will appeal to homebuyers looking for Alexandria homes for sale, it's fine to embrace a darker hue. Just make sure that the color you select will complement the decor and furnishings in the room. 

2. Do Pick the Right Wall
   Before you buy your paint, make sure you pick out the best wall for your project. In general, you'll want to avoid areas with a lot of windows, a door, or a large fireplace. These items tend to "cut" your accent wall, making it look choppy and disjointed. The wall needs to be large enough to stand out so that it appears like a purposeful addition to the room. 

3. Do Choose a Shade That Compliments Your Other Walls
   As you peruse potential shades for your accent wall, check that your hue suits your other paint colors. Otherwise, you risk picking a shade that's too "warm" or "cool" for your other walls. An accent wall often compliments walls painted in light or medium hues the best. 

4. Don't Limit Your Options
   Don't feel like your only option is to paint an accent wall. There are multiple gorgeous alternatives for your space, including wallpaper, tile, stone, or painted shiplap. Just make sure that whichever material you select looks cohesive with the rest of the room. 

5. Don't Be Afraid to Get Creative
   Can't pick out the right wall for your accent wall? Make your ceiling your accent wall! Painting your ceiling an eye-catching color is a trendy way to incorporate an accent wall into areas with minimal wall space. Should you opt to paint your ceiling, consider adding crown molding to the room. This will help break up the ceiling from the walls and even make the room appear larger. 

6. Don't Pick a Room That's Already "Busy"
   If a potential room already has a lot going on, you may want to forgo an accent wall. The addition of an accent wall can make the space look busy and cluttered. For this reason, it's tricky and incorporating an accent wall into a kitchen, just because this space already has a lot of things in it.

Interested in a home with more space? Contact us today to start your search!

Louisiana's wild natural beauty is no secret, but you miss a lot when you travel by car. To really get a sense of what Lafayette and the surrounding areas are all about, the best way to explore is by bicycle. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of great bike trails in the Lafayette area. Our real estate agents are delighted to share some of their favorites, from smooth cycling paths to rugged mountain biking trails. 

1. Acadiana Park - E Alexander St & Lajaunie Road, Lafayette, LA 70501
   Lafayette's go-to destination for mountain biking, Acadiana Park is home to a meandering network of singletrack mountain bike trails that provide a thrilling and challenging ride. At present, 1.8 miles are completed, with more in development. Expect to tackle berms, bridges, jumps, and quick descents, all in a beautiful, wooded setting. Located just minutes from many Lafayette homes for sale, Acadiana Park also offers hiking, camping facilities, picnic areas, and the Acadiana Park Nature Center. 
   
   
2. Atchafalaya Basin Wilderness Trail - 1050 Henderson Levee Road Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
   The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest wetland in the United States, and it's truly one of Louisiana's most fiercely beautiful landscapes. Exploring it by bicycle is an unforgettable experience. You can do just that on the Atchafalaya Basin Wilderness Trail, a multi-use hike and bike trail that follows the Mississippi River levee for 55 miles. The Bayou Amy Boat Landing in Breaux Bridge, LA, marks the beginning of the trail and offers parking and restrooms. There are numerous additional access points before the trail reaches its endpoint in Bayou Teche. 
   
   
3. Atakapa-Ishak Trail - 201 E Vermilion St, Lafayette, LA 70501
   The Atakapa-Ishak Trail is a work in progress, but don't let that deter you from exploring it. Named for the Atakapa-Ishak Indian Tribe who once inhabited this area of Louisiana, the trail will one day stretch over 100 miles and connect cities and towns throughout the region, seldom encountering roads along the way. For the time being, the completed section of the trail begins in Parc Sans Souci in downtown Lafayette and takes cyclists on a picturesque ride to Beaver Park in Vermilionville. This initial section utilizes off-road sections as well as some roadways and shared bike lanes. 
   
   
4. Chicot State Park - 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586
   A little under an hour from Lafayette, Chicot State Park is a splendid destination for outdoor adventures of all kinds. Beloved by hikers, campers, bird watchers, and fishermen alike, Chicot State Park's greatest feature is an 18-mile trail that completely encircles Lake Chicot. The trail is open to mountain biking and hiking and offers a wild landscape ripe for exploration. Fall and winter are the best times to ride the trail, as the area can get a bit waterlogged in spring. 
   
   
5. Wild Azalea Trail - 9363 Hwy. US165 South, Woodworth, LA 71485
   Marked by yellow blazes and open to bike and foot traffic only, the Wild Azalea Trail is a 31-mile pathway that offers great scenery and a richly varied view of southern and central Louisiana's pine hills and hardwood bottomland forests. The trail begins at Town Hall in Woodworth, LA, a little over an hour from Lafayette. From there, it meanders in a generally northwestern path, ending at Valentine Lake Recreation Area. The trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Louisiana. Our team is here to help you find your dream home in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

With all of the streaming options these days, people are making trips to the movie theater less often. Instead, it's common to have a media room or home theater and enjoy the big screen experience with all the comforts of home. Home theaters are a nice feature that we sometimes see in Baton Rouge homes for sale. Here are six tips for improving your home theater system.

1. Arrange for a dedicated space.
   Many homes have a family room or media room that might be set up with a big-screen TV and surround sound, but the best home theaters our real estate agents see are the ones that are located in a dedicated space for minimal distractions. This might be a finished basement or even a spare room, as long as all the other requirements are met. 
2. Install comfortable seating.
   Trying to recreate the movie theater experience is a lofty goal, but with seating, you actually have the ability to go above and beyond what you'd get at the theater. Sofas and reclining seats can be much more comfortable than at a true theater. If you plan to have two or more rows of seating, be sure to choose something with low backs or even consider building risers for the back rows.
3. Minimize distractions.
   Everything about your home theater should be designed around limiting distractions, from the location to the design of the actual room. For instance, your home theater will be best located away from all the foot traffic and noise of the home. A finished basement is excellent for this reason, plus it'll block some of the noise and sound from the outside. Insulated curtains will also help. Also, consider little touches like dark paint colors and avoiding shiny fixtures.
4. Non-intrusive lighting.
   Lighting is very important in your home theater. Dimmer switches will allow you to set the lights at whatever level you want them. Recessed lighting and soffits are a couple of options that are ideal for a home theater since they won't shine directly in the viewers' faces.
5. Invest in superior sound.
   Now consider the sound. It's not enough just to get a big-screen TV or projector. A big picture needs a big sound to go with it, and a soundbar just isn't going to cut it if you're going for the full experience. A high-quality surround sound system will do the best job of mimicking the immersive movie theater experience.
6. Hide cords.
   Finally, remember to make the most of the "magic" of your home theater by hiding the cords that make it all possible. You can get pretty creative about how you hide cords. There are easy DIY kits you can use to hide your cords in the wall, for instance, so that a wall-mounted big-screen TV doesn't have a bunch of ugly cords dangling from it. Hiding cords will give your home theater a finished, professional look.

Of course, the best reason to install a home theater is so that you can enjoy it yourself, but if you're handy with DIY projects and have the time to invest in it, a well-planned home theater can generate interest with buyers who love the features but wouldn't want to put one in themselves. For more information about the draw of a well-executed home theater system or other home improvement projects, contact us today.

Spring, being the time of fresh starts and renewal, just seems like the right time to clean up the home and grounds and get ready for a bright new beginning.

Plus, if you are getting ready for a new beginning and listing your home for sale, spring is a great time to do so! 

Here are some tips to help you spring forward as you get ready to list your home among the Lake Charles homes for sale.

1. Clean your rain gutters.
   Rain gutters on Lake Charles homes get plenty of use with our heavy annual precipitation, so homeowners should make sure those gutters are free and clear of leaves and other debris. If you don't have guards on your gutters, you definitely need to see about a spring cleaning. Even with guards, animals can make nests, and other debris may clog them up as the fall and winter pass. If you clean gutters yourself, you'll need a tall ladder and someone to hand things to as you clear them out.
   
   
2. Clean the yard to prepare for spring gardening.
   Curb appeal is extra important in the spring, so don't slack on your post-winter clean-up. Clean up around your air conditioner compressor, clearing weeds, leaves, and other debris, in preparation for turning it on as the humidity and temperature rise. Clear flower beds of dried plant stalks, then add compost and mulch in preparation for planting. Prune summer-blooming flowering shrubs. Inspect trees and shrubs for any winter or wind damage and trim it back.
   
   
3. Check the HVAC system, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
   Spring is a good time to change your HVAC filters. Dirty filters can slow down your HVAC and make it run inefficiently, leading to higher bills and HVAC breakdowns. Make sure vents are free and clear of obstructions such as furniture and rugs. Schedule a preventative maintenance visit for your air conditioner. Also, test your smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are in good working order. Check wires or change batteries if needed.
   
   
4. Check for dampness and mold.
   In our climate, mold and excess humidity are problems every season, but more so during spring rains. Always check your house for signs of moisture from roof or plumbing leaks, window condensation, plugged air conditioner condensate drain, or moisture from the ground seeping into the home. Check fixtures such as toilets and faucets for leaks and repair them or replace them as needed. If you don't fix problems as soon as you find them, moisture and mold may damage drywall, wood, and flooring, so that you need to replace them.
   
   
5. Inspect and clean windows.
   Moisture, high winds, and UV rays can be hard on your window treatments. Inspect your windows, and if need be, repair crumbling caulk and worn-out weatherstripping to keep conditioned air inside and unconditioned air out. Clean your windows inside and outside with a solution of vinegar and water to get them bright and shiny for spring.

Our real estate agents have many more spring tips to get your home ready to list. Contact us today.

No matter if you plan to dine in or carry out, our real estate agents know Lafayette restaurants will delight with memorable dishes.

Through a rough 2020, the community has banded together to support the restaurants that give Lafayette and the surrounding area so much character. Many of the most iconic restaurants are making their dining rooms available for limited guest parties. 

Let's look at some of the most popular Valentine's date spots all around beautiful Lafayette:

1. The Cajun Table – 4510 Ambassador Caffery Parkway Suite D, Lafayette, LA 70508
   The Cajun Table delights with the best dishes from the heart of Cajun country. Its story started in 2015 with a food truck promising good food and a good time. Embraced by the people of Lafayette, it is now a local culinary institution in its own right. You'll enjoy zydeco tunes and the invigorating scents of authentic Cajun cuisine as you chow down on entrees such as boiled crawfish, Cajun nachos, fried pickles, and fried crab claws.
   
   
2. Blu Basil Wine & Grill – 5451 Johnson Street, Lafayette, LA 70503
   Blu Basil Wine & Grill blends Vietnamese roots with culinary ideas from around the world in a healthy and flavorful fusion that suits every taste. The menu runs the gamut from signature rice entrees and noodle soups to salads, stir fry, and the inimitable hot pot. There's even a dessert selection featuring fresh cheesecake and a kid's menu with rice, kimchee, lo mein, and chicken nuggets. Everyone will feel welcome at Blu Basil.
   
   
3. Veronica's Cafe – 302 Hector Connoly Road, Carencro, LA 70520
   Veronica's Cafe bills itself as the place for comfort food in Carencro. Familiar American dishes meet home-cooked Creole and Cajun specialties here. Be on the lookout for such taste sensations as the grilled shrimp salad, barbecue pork steaks, and the crawfish etouffee. You can finish off your meal with a specialty cake baked fresh right on the premises. It's all just a few minutes from some of the most desirable Carencro homes for sale.
   
   
4. Yoka Japanese Sushi Bar & Steak House – 930 Rees Street, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
   Yoka Japanese Sushi Bar & Steak House draws sushi aficionados from all over Louisiana to Breaux Bridge. The chefs at Yoka have made it easy to order your favorites for dine-in and pickup. The all-day menu is packed with sushi bar classics, but there's also a full suite of hibachi entrees including chicken, salmon, shrimp, New York strip steak, and much more. It's one more fantastic reason to look at Breaux Bridge homes for sale.
   
   
5. Pamplona Tapas Bar – 631 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
   Pamplona Tapas Bar is open for dinner on Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch available on Friday afternoon. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's love for Pamplona, Spain, the bistro-style surroundings offer small plates of the most succulent seasonal products, as well as fresh seafood and meats. Popular entrees include the grilled Gulf fish, duck breast, paella, and wagyu steak. Flan, churros, and truffles are some of the top dessert offerings.

This is just a sample of the many amazing restaurants that await in Lafayette. To find out more or get started with your home search, contact us at Latter & Blum.

If you're thinking about buying one of the beautiful Baton Rouge homes for sale, a VA loan is a great option! These loans come with excellent benefits. They offer flexible credit underwriting and low-interest rates. In addition, buyers using a VA loan won't have to come up with a down payment or carry mortgage insurance (PMI).

A portion of these loans is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). However, the loans are issued by mortgage lenders and banks. Our real estate agents regularly meet with lenders to learn more about any updates to loan programs and how they could impact their clients. 

There have been some changes to VA loans that go into effect in 2021. Here's what you need to know. 

Benefits for National Guard Members

The biggest change affects National Guard members. Previously, VA loans were not available to members who did not have at least 90 days of active service.

Beginning in 2021, all Guard and Reserve members who have at least 90 days of service are eligible for a VA home loan, even if the service wasn't active. However, there is one caveat. At least 30 of the days of the service must be consecutive. 

Increased Loan Limits

As of 2020, service members with "full entitlement" are not subject to a VA loan limit. You'll have full entitlement if you've never used a VA loan benefit, have paid off a VA loan and then sold the property, or had a foreclosure or short sale and repaid the VA in full.

However, if you have "remaining entitlement," you are subject to a limit. This can occur for several different reasons. The most common is that you have an active VA loan, they're still paying back.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that the upper limit for their loans was increasing in 2021. VA loans follow these guidelines, so all VA loans closing after January 1st, 2021 also have increased loan limits. The new limit for a single-family home located in the lower 48 states is $548,250. This is an increase of 7.4% compared to 2020. 

In Alaska or Hawaii, the upper limit is now $822,375. If you're buying a home in a high-cost county, you might also have some extra wiggle room. These areas will have their own limits, which are set on a local basis. This limit may be anywhere from $548,250 and $822,375. 

Explore Baton Rouge Homes Today! 

Whether you're planning on using a VA loan or another type of financing, now is a great time to buy a new home. There are many beautiful options on the market, and we would love to help you find the perfect one. Contact us today to get started! 

Whether you've just purchased one of the beautiful Baton Rouge homes for sale or you've lived in your current home for years, decorating with houseplants can go a long way towards making your space feel homey. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can still keep beautiful plants in your home! 

The key is selecting plants that are hardy and easy to care for. Here are a few of the best starter plants. 

1. Pathos 
   If you're looking for a virtually indestructible plant, the Pathos is it! While this plant will do best in front of a large window, it can also do just fine in lower-light environments. The Pathos will quickly grow long vines that reach outward, so it does well in a hanging pot. 
2. Snake Plant
   The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue, is another highly tolerant houseplant. This is a true low-light plant that doesn't require much water. Not only are these plants beautiful, but they're also known to purify the air, removing potentially dangerous toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.  
3. Monstera
   If you want a plant that promises to make a real impression, you can't go wrong with a Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. It can grow anywhere from 6.5 to almost 10 feet tall and produces leaves that can be up to 3 feet long. These hardy plants do best in medium to bright indirect light and only need to be watered when the soil is dry. 
4. Cacti 
   A cactus is easy to care for by design. They're great at holding water, which means you rarely have to do anything with it. If you happen to notice the soil is dry, give it a drink. Other than that, there really isn't anything else to do. There are many different cacti varieties, which makes it easy to create interesting displays or place different kinds around your home. 
5. Spider Plant 
   A beautiful and interesting hanging plant, the Spider plant is super easy to care for. All you need to do is keep it out of direct sunlight, water it when the soil is partially dry, and occasionally cut off any parts that turn brown or yellow. If you're lucky, your plant will reward you with babies, also called spiderettes, that hang from the mother plant. 
6. ZZ Plant
   A very low-maintenance plant that does great in low-light conditions, the ZZ plant has become extremely popular in recent years. Traditional ZZ plants have green, wax-like leaves, while the new Raven ZZ darkens to a stunning black color when it matures. These plants don't like humidity and only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry, making the ZZ a perfect set-it-and-forget-it plant.
7. Succulents
   Are you too busy to deal with plants? If so, a succulent is perfect for you! These plants are generally happiest when left alone, and some would even say they thrive on neglect. The easiest way to kill a succulent is to over-water it, so you're best off giving it a little drink once a month and then forgetting you have it. There are endless varieties of succulents to choose from. Just be careful — collecting these beautiful plants can become a bit addictive. 

Are you still looking for the perfect place to call home? Our real estate agents are here to help! Contact us today to discuss your goals and schedule an appointment. 

Did you know that the crawfish capital of the world is located just a stone's throw from Lafayette? That's right, Breaux Bridge was named by the Louisiana legislature as the world's crawfish capital in 1959, and has been defending that title with pride ever since. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is a perfect opportunity to experience the crawfish capital first-hand while enjoying some great food, music, dancing, competition, and so much more. This year's Crawfish Festival is right around the corner, and our real estate agents have all the delicious details on what to expect from one of the biggest events of the year in Breaux Bridge. 

Breaux Bridge - The Crawfish Capital of the World

The Event: The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
Dates: May 3-5, 2019
Location: 1290 Rees St., Breaux Bridge 70517

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is billed as one of the biggest parties in Cajun Country and certainly lives up to that reputation. It's also an event for all ages, with live music, dance lessons/competitions, a wide variety of local vendors, cooking contests, cooking lessons, and of course the legendary crawfish eating contest. The fun starts on Friday evening and continues throughout the weekend.

• A Weekend of Fantastic Food
  One of the great things about shopping for Breaux Bridge homes for sale is that you'll never be far from a fantastic meal, and the Crawfish Festival is an excellent example of why that's the case. All weekend long, you'll have the chance to sample crawfish cooked in every way you can imagine, from soup to pie and everything in between. Of course, there will be plenty of other Cajun favorites on the menu as well.
• Visit the Breaux Bridge Heritage Tent
  Looking to learn more about the local community, and its history? Be sure to stop by the Breaux Bridge Heritage Tent, where you can listen to Cajun and Zydeco music, learn about local cuisine, and discover the unique Cajun traditions that are part of life in Breaux Bridge.
• Cajun Dancing Lessons and Contests
  It wouldn't be the "biggest party in Cajun Country" without plenty of dancing, and the Crawfish Festival even features competitions where you can show off your best moves. There will be both dancing lessons and competitions on the main stage, so bring your dancing shoes.
• A Carnival for All Ages
  The Crawfish Festival is an event for all ages, with a Carnival Midway that's perfect for keeping younger members of the crowd entertained. The carnival area features games, rides, and loads of Cajun culture to enjoy.
• Shop for Unique Gifts and Local Treasures
  Looking to bring home a unique gift for someone who can't make it to the festival, or pick up a souvenir to help you remember the great time that you've had? The Crawfish Festival is packed with local vendors selling arts, crafts, novelties, and of course official memorabilia from the event. Support local artisans, and bring home something unique in the process.
• The Legendary Crawfish Eating Contest
  Whether you've been training for the big day for the whole year or want to sit back and watch the show, there's no doubt that the crawfish eating contest is always a highlight of the Crawfish Festival. The contest rules are simple: eat the most boiled crawfish in 45 minutes, and you win.

Interested in making the crawfish capital of the world your next hometown? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Breaux Bridge, LA area.

Are you looking to move away from the fast-paced, stressful big-city life and into a real community? If so, you may want to consider looking into Breaux Bridge homes for sale. A small city, rich in history and tradition, Breaux Bridge is the sort of place where neighbors know your name and people put down roots. So what is so special about Breaux Bridge? Spending a little time in the heart of Breaux Bridge – it's beautiful and historic downtown – is a great way to find out, and here is a taste of what you can expect to find there.

World Famous Cuisine
Breaux Bridge is the Crawfish Capital of the World, so no discussion of its cuisine would be complete without a hearty nod to this local treat. Restaurants in this lovely little city were the first in the country to offer crawfish proudly on their menus, and Breaux Bridge is the place where the now world-famous dish, crawfish etouffee was created. It is famous for its crawfish farming and cooking, and for its famous for its annual crawfish festival, which is recognized as one of Louisiana's finest festivals. While crawfish is certainly a staple in Breaux Bridge Cuisine, its local eateries have lots more to offer. The city's large collection of restaurants that serve up authentic Southern Louisiana Cajun and Creole fare make it a destination for foodies from all over the country and the world.

Zydeco Music
Breaux Bridge is also known as the gateway to Southern Louisiana culture, and Zydeco music – and Zydeco dancing – is very much a part of that culture. With its roots deep in Bayou country, Zydeco music is a unique blend of Blues, R&B, Native and Creole sounds. No Zydeco band would be complete without the region's unique instrumentals, including the accordion and scrub board, backed by electric guitar, bass, and drums. Whether lyrics are sung in English, Cajun French or a combination of both, there is no mistaking the sound of Zydeco music, sounds that are unique to this very special part of the world. Breaux Bridge has a wealth of clubs and venues that provide hours of Zydeco music and dancing for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.

Beautiful, walkable streets
Breaux Bridge has been deemed the prettiest town in Louisiana, a well-earned distinction. From the famous bridge for which the city was named, to its lovely, beautifully preserved downtown streets, lined with quaint antiques shops and boutiques, taking a stroll through Breaux Bridge is rather like stepping back in time to a more peaceful, community-focused era. Then, just steps away from downtown, the stunning views and abundant wildlife of Bayou Teche, spanned by the famous Breaux Bridge, are on display, rounding out the experience that this warm and welcoming little city has to offer to both residents and visitors.

To learn more about Breaux Bridge and the many reasons it is a wonderful place to live, contact us. Our real estate agents are happy to help newcomers learn about and feel at home in our community.