Search

1st Lake Blog

Christmas Cheer New Orleans

New Orleans truly is a magical place for the holidays. Immediately following Thanksgiving, there are a variety of joyous events to partake in. Fortunately for the 1st Lake community, if you are a resident of the Metairie, Kenner or River Ridge apartments close to New Orleans, you’re right next to all the fun. Take a look at what events the holiday season will bring this year.

Celebrate Christmas in New Orleans

Christmas Events in New Orleans

Celebration in the Oaks – This giant Christmas light display opens the day after Thanksgiving in New Orleans. Thirteen acres of New Orleans City Park will be illuminated with elaborate light exhibits that people of all ages can enjoy. There will be the classic displays like Mr. Bingle and the Cajun Night Before Christmas, plus train rides circling the two miles covered in lights, and hot chocolate for the kids and hot buttered rum for the adults to enjoy, just to name a few attractions. The 2015-2016 holiday season at Celebration in the Oaks runs November 27 – January 2.

Reveillon Dinners – Reveillon dinners in New Orleans carries on the old Creole tradition of home cooked holiday meals and brings it to nearly 50 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Leave it to talented local chefs to make a deliciously decadent holiday meal for the family this Christmas at unbeatable prices.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts – Only in New Orleans can you see some of the best musicians in the city or even the country perform Christmas classics in the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. The setting provides wonderful ambiance to get you in the holiday spirit to the tune of Amanda Shaw, Davell Crawford, Jeremy Davenport, and the New Orleans Nightingales, just to name a few. The St. Louis Cathedral Concerts run all throughout December.

Caroling in Jackson Square – Caroling in Jackson Square has been a New Orleans holiday tradition that has grown in size and popularity since 1946. Hundreds of carolers come out each year holding candles and singing Christmas songs in Jackson Square. It’s a memorable experience that starts at 7:00 p.m. Early arrival is recommended.

If you found this article helpful, please share on Facebook or Twitter:

Related posts: Holiday Decorating for a Small Space, Holiday Gift Guide: What to Buy for Your First Apartment.


Roof Raises Record Breaking Funds Healthcare

Last month’s Up on the Roof fundraiser for East Jefferson General Hospital hosted by 1st Lake Properties was a smashing success. Not only did all who attended enjoy an amazing, fun-filled night, but $150,000 was raised to fund important healthcare programs.

With the help of 59 sponsors, 150 volunteers and over 1,300 attendees, the hospital’s signature event went off without a hitch, and raised the record-breaking funds to support INSPIRE, The Foundation at East Jefferson General Hospital’s competitive grants program to fund innovative medical projects including specialized patient care, advanced technology and capital expansion.

While they were donating to a very worthy cause, attendees were able to sample over 80 beers and delicious food from 33 local restaurants while enjoying live music entertainment provided by The Boogie Men and B-97.1 FM emcees.

“We are so thankful to our sponsors, volunteers and the community support we received,” said Stacey Shane Schott, event chair and Senior Vice President of 1st Lake Properties. “We are humbled by the number of people who participate in this event; it shows the community’s support for EJGH.”

Following Up on the Roof, The Foundation gave the hospital a check for $1 million, its second installment for the expansion of the EJGH Cancer Center, part of a campaign to expand the Oncology Infusion Center, which is expected to open Spring 2014.

1st Lake Properties is honored to have hosted such a wonderful event and is looking forward to next year. See you at Up on the Roof in 2014!


New Orleans Events Thanksgiving

For any holiday or special time of year, New Orleans hosts a large-scale, multi-dimensional celebration, and Thanksgiving is no exception. New Orleans is a wonderful place to spend Thanksgiving, and it serves as the kickoff to a magical holiday season. If you are a resident of 1st Lake’s New Orleans area apartments in Kenner, Metairie and River Ridge, then you’re lucky enough to be right next to the action.

Fairgrounds – The New Orleans Fairgrounds Racecourse and Slots’ opening season begins right before Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving Day will be a full day of horse racing complete with a Thanksgiving feast. Traditionally, attendees wear big, festive derby hats and the event is a lively and different way to spend a Thanksgiving, in true New Orleans fashion.

Bayou Classic – The age old rivalry between Grambling and Southern universities continues this year at the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. The Bayou Classic is much more than an annual football game, it’s several days of exhilarating events, including the Battle of the Bands between the Grambling and Southern marching bands, a Thanksgiving Day parade, a step show contest, gospel brunch and more. Don’t miss the Bayou Classic in New Orleans from November 27 – December 30.

Restaurants – If you don’t feel like slaving away to make Thanksgiving dinner for a change, there are many of  the New Orleans area’s top notch restaurants that will do it for you on Thanksgiving Day! A few of these fine dining restaurants open on Thanksgiving include Bayona, Broussard’s and Domenica. Have a dirty dishes-free Thanksgiving in New Orleans!


Traveling With Pets During The Holidays

The holidays often require a lot of travel, whether it’s a longer than normal car ride or even a flight. One major factor to consider when making these plans is how to handle bringing your furry companion. Because pets are part of the family and require their owners to take care of them on a daily basis, the pet is either going to a boarder or is coming along for the ride. If it’s too long of a trip to board your pet, or if you can’t find anyone trustworthy to watch it while you’re gone, it’s time to consider how to best travel with your four-legged friend.

Holiday Pet Transport Tips

Because 1st Lake Properties offers pet-friendly apartment communities, many of our residents are probably bringing their pets with them to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with the family. Unless your dog or cat is unusually well behaved and calm, chances are travelling isn’t one of their favorite hobbies. Pets that suffer from travel anxiety will exhibit stressful behavior like whining, barking, panting and scratching. In order to prevent this from happening and providing the most enjoyable experience possible, there are some precautions you can take.

If your pet gets upset when traveling, ask your vet for calming medication. Before the trip, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date – many airlines will not accept pets unless they are authorized for travel by a vet. If you are driving, prepare your pet for the trip beforehand by taking it on short rides. If you are keeping your pet in a carrier while travelling, let it become familiar first. Make sure you are prepared during the trip with food, water, toys, blankets and a leash. If you are planning on staying in a hotel while travelling, make sure to make your reservation at a pet-friendly hotel.

If you follow these guidelines, your travel buddy will be happy and comfortable, and so will you.


Moving First Lease Tips

Signing your first lease, or a new one at a different apartment can be very exciting, but is also a big commitment. There are many factors you might not immediately think of that if not considered, might come back to haunt you later after you’ve signed on the dotted line. Use this checklist before you make this big decision to ensure the best experience possible in your new home.

What to Consider Before Renting An Apartment

Location – The location of your prospective apartment is one of the most important factors to consider. You should make sure that the apartment is conveniently located to where you work, to schools if you have kids, to grocery stores, etc. Not only that, but confirm that the neighborhood compliments your lifestyle.

Inspect – A big risk you run if your apartment is not inspected property before signing a lease is unforeseen problems that arise after you move in. When viewing the apartment, there are a few major things to check for quality and functionality. Make sure to turn on all the faucets, including the shower, to check for water quality and pressure. Confirm with your leasing agent the process of repairs if needed so you know what to expect in that scenario. Scan all appliances, walls, closets, etc. for any flaws or damage prior to moving in, and make sure to notate everything down on your Move-In Checklist and return it to your leasing agent.

Ask Questions – Because deciding to lease an apartment is a big decision, you should get all of your questions answered, no matter how minor they may seem. For example, check with your prospective apartment’s pet policy, as some have weight or breed restrictions. Confirm what utilities are included or not included in the monthly rent so that you can budget accordingly. Make sure you understand the community rules regarding guests and noise restrictions. In addition, double check the terms of renewal and date range of your lease.