It’s almost back to school time here in the New Orleans area, but summer’s not officially over until the fall equinox on September 22, 2017. Luckily, the greater New Orleans region offers plenty of opportunities for summer fun for the whole family.
Whether you’ve got kids that are going back to school in a few weeks or little ones that need entertaining no matter what the season, we’ve got a few ideas for summer activities your kids will love.
Our apartment communities are famous for their resort-like pools and water features. At Bella Ridge, located near the Elmwood shopping center, you can reserve a cabana at our large resort-style swimming pool. Relax, unwind, and catch some rays at our tanning ledge while the kids splash around. Our poolside delivery menu is available 7 days a week.
Residents of the Lake Towers, Regency Club, and Spring Brook apartments in Baton Rouge have a fun-for-all-ages water park right in their back yard with Blue Bayou. There are water slides, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and plenty of ways to splish and splash all summer long.
Whether you have a book collection at home or would rather opt to check one out from the public library, reading a book together is always a fun family activity. Enhance the kid’s summer reading list by finding stories that fit their interests. If the kids are old enough to read on their own, let everyone pick a book of their own and read silently together.
The companionship of having your family in the room can make even this quiet activity a cozy and relaxing one. It can also be fun to read a book aloud. Perhaps the family can take turns reading parts, or an adult can take the lead and handle the reading duties. However you choose to do it, reading not only enriches minds but can also be a lot of fun!
Going on a road trip this summer? There are several services, such as Audible Kids that have a great selection of quality literature for children. Download a few to your favorite device and either give your child some headphones, or play the book over your car’s speakers while they play quietly.
A classic and time-tested family activity is building a blanket fort. All it takes is a few chairs, some blankets, and maybe a few pillows or cushions to create a magical world for your little ones! Once nestled inside, your kids can read a book, play with toys, or simply let their imaginations wander.
Your new blanket fort is a perfect place for an indoor picnic or tea party on rainy or extremely hot summer days. Lay a tablecloth on the floor and the family can enjoy a fun lunch or tea and snacks together. Your kids will get a big kick out of being able to eat their afternoon snack inside a blanket fort!
One of the great things about Louisiana is all the natural waterways we have that are perfect for summer activities like fishing. Residents of our New Orleans area apartments can enjoy fishing on Lake Pontchartrain, while residents of Audubon Gates in Slidell don’t have to go far to take advantage of the St. Tammany Parish fishing pier.
Residents of our newest apartment community, Artesia in Covington, can take advantage of the nearby Tchefuncte River for all their fishing and boating desires.
The greater New Orleans area offers plenty of spots for summer picnics, playing Frisbee, or flying a kite.
The Lafreniere apartments in Metairie are located right at the main entrance of Lafreniere Park, and all other Metairie, Kenner, and River Ridge residents are located just a short drive from the beautiful City Park and Audubon Park in New Orleans.
A great way to spend a summer evening is to enjoy a baseball game with some delicious grilled food and friends. The New Orleans Baby Cakes minor league baseball team (formerly known as the Zephyrs) play all through the summer at the “Shrine on Airline” which is conveniently located on Airline Drive in Metairie, close to many 1st Lake Properties apartments. The Baby Cakes partner with many local organizations for fun promotional events throughout the summer, like Harry Potter Night, Elvis Night, and Wayne’s World Night.
As the season of blockbusters, the summer is always a great time to go to the movies. It’s air-conditioned, the popcorn is hot and buttery, and the movies are action-packed.
There are plenty of great options to go to the movies near our apartment communities in Metairie, Kenner, and River Ridge. The AMC Elmwood Palace has 20 theaters showing all the best summer blockbusters as well as the Clearview Palace for another great nearby option.
After you’ve spent the day full of fun activities, your entire family can relax and recharge in one of our 9,500+ apartment rentals in the greater New Orleans area.
Our pet-friendly apartment communities feature elaborate landscaping and ample storage space. Find your perfect home today!
Festival season is here! And we’ve got a full list of New Orleans festivals happening over the next few months in and around the city and its metro area. Take a peek!
Wednesdays at the Square — The Young Leadership Council (YLC) of New Orleans hosts this fun, free event every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans. It’s a great way to get yourself over that weekday hump, and proceeds from sales of food and beverages benefit YLC charities and causes. The weekly series runs through May 24.
Delgado Music Festival — Delgado Community College hosts this free event at its City Park Campus (615 City Park Avenue) on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Expect performances from artists like Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Stephanie Jordan, and more.
Hogs for the Cause — Help support kids facing scary diagnoses at Hogs for the Cause, benefitting treatments and support for families with children with pediatric brain cancer. This fest is all about the barbecue, with amazing pork dishes (vegetarian, too) and plenty of live music at the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds March 31 and April 1. One-day general admission tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate; kids under 12 are free.
Kenner’s Italian Heritage Festival — Celebrate Italian culture even after St. Joseph’s Day with this fest happening March 31-April 2. Local crafts and live music set the tone to browse historic photos and a St. Joseph’s Day altar. The fest lasts from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 (free for children under 12).
Freret Street Festival — Freret Street in Uptown New Orleans just keeps growing. This free fest celebrates the neighborhood with more than 200 vendors plus live music on three stages, activities for kids, pet adoptions, and more. Hit the fest on April 1 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Music Under the Oaks — On April 2 and April 9, the Loyola University School of Music (April 2) and the New Orleans Concert Band (April 9) offer free concerts at 5 p.m. at Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park. Food and drinks are available at this lovely event — bring your lawn chair for a comfy seat!
A Taste of Covington — Dine out on some of the North Shore’s best food and wine at this upscale event happening April 5-9. Tickets vary.
French Quarter Festival — All the French Quarter becomes a stage at this free event from April 6-9. Hundreds of bands play all throughout the French Quarter on stages small and large. Food from more than 60 restaurants keeps your appetite at bay so you can enjoy the music!
Spring for Art — This free downtown Covington fest on April 18 features music, live performances, and — of course — art. Businesses will stay open late so you can peruse and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Lake PontchARTrain Craft Fair — Browse work from more than 30 vendors offering jewelry, crafts, artwork, pottery, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 22.
Jazz Fest — On April 28-30 (and then again May 4-7), Jazz Fest brings in incredible acts like Stevie Wonder, Alabama Shakes, Wilco, Patti La-Belle, Kings of Leon, Maroon 5, Tom Petty, and more. The fest runs from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; tickets are $70 in advance and $80 at the gate.
Jazz Fest — See above!
Mother’s Day Celebration — Treat mom to a fun day at Audubon Zoo for a free concert (with price of regular zoo admission) from New Orleans legend Irma Thomas. Additional performances plus family activities round out your day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 14.
Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo — Boogie on the bayou at this three-day festival featuring Jon Cleary, Luke Winslow King, and more local music acts. Plenty of food plus arts and crafts are all part of the fun from April 19-21. Even better? It’s free!
New Orleans Food and Wine Experience — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in good taste at this ultimate New Orleans culinary experience featuring grand tastings, a pastry show, a wine stroll, and so much more. Tickets vary; the Experience runs from May 25-28.
Greek Festival — Go Greek! Along Bayou St. John in New Orleans, scope out Hellenic dances, cooking demonstrations, Greek music, food, and much more May 26-28. Ticket information TBA.
Bayou Country Superfest — The Baton Rouge favorite moves to New Orleans this year with country artists like Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and more. Head to the Superdome May 26-28; tickets start at $99.
Louis Armstrong Airport is truly undergoing a renaissance. In addition to a new, upcoming terminal and new restaurants on-site (planned vendors for the terminal expansion include Pizza Domenica, Mondo, Mopho, and Emeril’s Table), MSY is also adding new international flights to its roster. Keep reading to plan your dream international vacation — we’ve got the scoop on where to go and what to pack so you always feel at home.
London — British Airways announced its exciting new nonstop from New Orleans to London last year… and now flights are finally available starting March 27. The global culture and ancient history of this premiere city is just a direct flight away; there’s truly no reason not to take advantage of this amazing new offering from Louis Armstrong Airport!
Panama — Some call Panama the gateway to the Americas, but it’s also a destination in and of itself. Whether you choose to stay in Panama or use the direct flight on Copa Airlines to venture into other nearby Central and South American countries like Costa Rica or Colombia, your flight will be quick and easy — it’s only 3 1/2 hours long!
Frankfurt — Frankfurt is one of the largest, busiest airports in the world that offers easy access to other countries in Europe and Asia. You may choose the direct flight to Frankfurt as your connection to nearly anywhere else in the world, or you might decide to stay and explore Germany. Frankfurt is a truly European-style destination with historic landmarks, botanical gardens, museums, performing arts venues, and so much more; it’s also just a train ride away from Germany’s capital, Berlin.
Cancun — Your beach getaway just got a lot more exotic with direct flights available seasonally to Cancun. Revel in the surf and the sun on a flight that clocks in at under 2 hours!
Punta Cana — This gem of the Dominican Republic is another must-do beach destination available seasonally. You’ll be treated to incredible resorts, beautiful ocean views, and the laid-back style of the Caribbean.
Toronto — Spend your vacay on the shores of Lake Ontario with a flight to Toronto. This cosmopolitan city is a prominent location for films, music, and the performing arts. Get a view of it all from the city’s famous CN Tower.
Of course, you’ll want to prepare for weather and desired activities (are you envisioning a fancy night out? A heart-pumping hike? Pack accordingly!) wherever you’re headed, but there are a few things you can bring with you to stay relaxed and feel at home on a long flight. You’ll arrive feeling refreshed, not frazzled.
Ready to get moving? The Greater New Orleans area offers so many ways to stay fit and have fun while you’re at it. Whether you take advantage of an outdoor space like Lafreniere Park or go straight for a fitness class, we’ve compiled a list of free and cheap fitness activities to keep you healthy and happy.
Lafreniere Park — This 155-acre park features so many things to do, from a 2-mile jogging trail to an on-site, 20-acre lagoon ideal for birdwatching and immersing yourself in nature. The park features 2 distinct playgrounds, a carousel, and a splash pad for the kids, plus sports fields and a disc golf course. It’s the perfect place to stay active in the heart of Jefferson Parish!
City Park — City Park in New Orleans is one of the largest public parks in the country. Kids will love Storyland, the on-site amusement park, while adults can partake in healthy activities like canoeing, jogging, or golfing (mini golf, disc golf, and regular golf are all available for nominal fees). There’s also an on-site dog park – just remember to review dog park etiquette first!
Audubon Park — This park is free to enter, although you can pay a small fee for activities like tennis or horseback riding. A playground for kids makes it family-friendly, as does the Audubon Zoo on the premises.
Tammany Trace — A “hike and bike trail,” Tammany Trace touts a whopping 31 miles of gorgeous scenery. The trail used to be a railway, but now it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, upbeat jog, or bicycle ride to get some fresh air.
Lafitte Greenway — Recently restored, the Lafitte Greenway is a pedestrian and cyclist path that winds through the heart of New Orleans. A gorgeous respite from the urban landscape of the city, Lafitte Greenway features 2.6 miles of trail connecting downtown New Orleans to City Park.
Romney Pilates Community Class — Head to Uptown New Orleans every Saturday at 8 a.m. for a $5 community class at Romney Pilates (5619 Magazine St.). The space is absolutely gorgeous, and is directly across the street from a Whole Foods, so you can get your grocery shopping done, too! Plan to arrive early as this class tends to fill up quickly.
Free Zumba in City Park — At the Peristyle in City Park, you can partake in a free zumba class every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and enjoy nature. We won’t say anything if you go to the City Park Morning Call afterward… you deserve it!
Yoga at the Cabildo — Enjoy a most beautiful view of the French Quarter for $12 at the Yoga at the Cabildo class offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Friends of the Cabildo members pay just $8 per class.
Salvation Studio Charity Spin — Donate to charity, and get a free workout! Every Friday at Salvation Studio, donate $5 or more to the weekly charity or cause of choice, and you’ll be enrolled in their spin class for free. Think of how good you’ll feel after you help the community and complete a heart-pumping workout!
Even in a city that has so much to offer, a day trip from New Orleans can be a fun and exciting change of pace. And there’s plenty of spots to visit that don’t require you spending too much.
Sure, we’d love to hop on a flight to some exotic island, but with our wallets in mind, we’ve created a list of “staycations” – places outside the city that feel like a whole new world but are just a short drive away. Whether you head to the shores of Dauphin Island or the stately guest rooms of Nottoway Plantation, bookmark this list for a weekend getaway or a quick day trip… you deserve it!
Take the hour-and-a-half drive to Biloxi and visit the Ohr-O’Keefe museum, a non-profit museum that highlights the work of ceramicist George E. Ohr. While the O’Keefe component may conjure up images of desert flowers, it isn’t named for Georgia O’Keefe: instead, the O’Keefe portion of the museum’s name comes from Annette O’Keefe, the late wife of the former Biloxi mayor whose donation dollars were instrumental in bringing the museum to life.
Famed architect Frank Gehry designed the museum, which is a work of art in and of itself. Comprised of five separate buildings, the museum includes dedicated spaces for special exhibitions, African American art, and ceramics.
Where to Stay: If you decide to extend your stay beyond a day trip from New Orleans, there are a variety of hotels within the area. Many even give you the option to test your luck at an included casino!
What Else to Do in Biloxi: Go on a fishing charter, visit the outlet malls in nearby Gulfport, or simply hit the beaches. With that in mind…
The Gulf Coast is full of gorgeous beaches perfect for a day trip from New Orleans. Our recommendations? Bay St. Louis for its charming downtown, Dauphin Island near Mobile for a more rustic and nature-immersed feel, and Grand Isle to stay in state and experience a beautiful state park. All of these beaches are fewer than three hours away (Bay St. Louis is only an hour drive), but if you’re willing to drive even farther, we have two additional recommendations:
Destin, FL: The four-hour drive is worth every minute for sparkling blue waters and a charming town.
Rosemary Beach, FL: Just a bit farther from Destin, you’ll find Rosemary Beach, which has the same charming feel and beautiful waters. If you can spring for the Pearl Hotel, we say go for it – their high-style décor, incredible pool, and proximity to both downtown and the beach makes for a memorable vacation.
Holly Beach, LA: This coastal community in Cameron Parish is about a four-hour drive from New Orleans. You won’t get the same crystal-clear waters as Florida beaches, but the abundance of shells and serene, peaceful feel will keep you intrigued and in awe.
Plantations pepper the region just outside of New Orleans, serving as architectural reminders of the Antebellum South. While there are several to choose from, like Houma House, Oak Alley, and Destrehan Plantation, our top picks are as follows:
Laura Plantation: This plantation about an hour outside New Orleans is a little different than the vast and sprawling plantations elsewhere in the state. Because it was a Creole plantation where mixed cultures lived and work, Laura Plantation has a completely different architecture. You can also connect to the past more closely and realistically at Laura, where examples of slave homes and banana tree farms abound. If you crave the classic plantation style, Oak Alley Plantation is right next door.
Nottoway Plantation: Nottoway isn’t just a plantation – it’s a resort. Drive about an hour and a half outside New Orleans, and you’ll have access to beautiful architecture and elegant furnishings, plus vacation-worthy amenities like tennis courts, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and live entertainment. Stay in the main mansion or choose from guest houses and cottages, some of which even have a private pool.
At first glance, aviation and lumber seem like an odd combination to appear in the same museum. But the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson is actually a fitting combination. The dual focus is a nod to two components of Louisiana history: Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams formed an air service together in Patterson during the golden age of aviation in the 1920s, and Patterson – about an hour and a half drive from New Orleans – was once home to the largest cypress sawmill in the world.
Even a short day trip from New Orleans benefits from a little planning and packing. Here are 5 tips to help make your next road trip even better:
1. Plan for high-traffic areas. Are you planning on leaving New Orleans at 5 p.m. on a Friday? Probably not a great idea if you can help it. Instead, try avoiding peak rush hour times if possible, and always remember to plan ahead for the next town — for example, even if you leave New Orleans a little early at 3, you’ll be hitting Biloxi just as traffic starts to peak.
2. Consider joining AAA or another roadside assistance group. Louisiana roads have a real knack for banging up cars, from rock chips to flat tires. Joining a roadside assistance group like AAA ensures you’ll get free help and free towing in the event of anything that brings your car to a halt. These programs are typically pretty affordable — usually about $100 annually — and also include great member discounts on hotels.
3. Have cash and change handy. Don’t forget about toll money! Carry small bills and plenty of quarters in your car so that you can easily pay tolls on the way to your destination and on the way back. Spare change is also helpful in case you can’t get cell phone service: believe it or not, pay phones still exist — but you’ll need coins to get them to work.
4. Have your documents in order. License? Check. Registration? Check. Proof of insurance? Check. If you’ve decided to rent a car, make sure to keep any documents and receipts with you in the front glove compartment.
5. Bring a spare key. This simple little hack can help you avoid a major headache.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
