Springtime is one for new beginnings. With that in mind, our April specials offer the possibility of a new apartment home in one of many of our communities. Take a closer look at our featured properties for April. Interested in taking a tour? Contact us today to arrange an in-depth visit!
When your home features a light-filled sunroom made for relaxing, an in-apartment washer and dryer, and plush carpeting, you’ll find it hard to leave. Crossroads Apartments in Metairie is one of our most conveniently located apartments, set just three blocks south of Veterans Boulevard. That translates to quick and easy access to the best shopping and dining of Metairie – or take a ten-minute drive and find yourself in the heart of New Orleans. Call to find out more about special rates on select units.
But – back to the units themselves. Choose from studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments to meet your needs: select apartments feature cathedral ceilings while all are outfitted with oversized closets and set within a beautifully landscaped community that features bubbling creeks and winding paths tucked safely behind a censored access gate. We said it before, and we’ll say it again: you’ll find it hard to leave!
This River Ridge community offers proximity to New Orleans at a decidedly quieter pace. Find yourself in a peaceful atmosphere peppered with pines and local flora and fauna. You won’t just enjoy the green space and your walk to and from your apartment – on-site amenities like sparkling pools, private patios and balconies, and dedicated grilling stations allow you to experience the beauty of the outdoors each and every day.
Sawmill Creek offers a variety of floor plans to meet your needs. Choose a one-bedroom townhouse, a two-bedroom traditional style, or something in between. What’s more, you can choose from bathrooms, too – anywhere from one to 2.5 bathrooms are available. Corporate apartments are available to truly make this lushly appointed community your home away from home.
Brand-new apartment homes. Need we say more? We just completed our latest property, Bella Ridge, and its modern touches shine through. From granite countertops to crown molding to separate oversized tubs and showers, Bella Ridge feels like a luxury retreat – one that you get to live in year-round! Other savvy details include a covered parking garage (no more dashing through a rainy day) and an on-site dog park. A sparkling pool with built-in tanning ledges will give you a bronzed, summery, just-back-from vacation look – without the cost of an actual vacation! For April, you could receive up to $175 off your move-in costs plus up to $100 off monthly rent.
Size definitely matters when it comes to your apartment. The Villas at Laketown offer vast square footage and contemporary designs – architectural details like arched doorways, for example, are a regal touch. You’ll feel entirely at home as soon as you walk in and experience these apartments. From personal intrusion alarms at the door to wood-burning fireplaces, these townhomes offer all the convenience of a stand-alone home (attached garages included) and then some. These apartments rarely have availability, so we’re pleased to offer openings in addition to reduced rates on select units.
Millstream apartments in Metairie are that rare blend of convenience, space, style. Amenities include meticulously landscaped greenspace (plus a pool) and secure access gates. You’ll live amongst thoughtful interior details like natural brick accent walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and built-in bookcases and vanities. But it’s hard to keep a home beautiful when it’s not organized – that’s why Millstream features spacious closets with organized shelving. Call us to find out more about special, reduced rents on select units.
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| Photo courtesy of NOLA City Bark on Facebook. Image by Grant Ingram. |
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Looking for a dog park in New Orleans for your furry friend? You’re in luck! Greater New Orleans is home to several dog parks for you and your pet to enjoy, including our own communities, which feature an on-site place for dogs to roam safely.
We know how important it is to keep your pet happy and healthy at 1st Lake, so we’ve compiled all the best New Orleans dog parks to help you find the perfect spot to play for you and your pup. Check out some of the best dog parks in NOLA!
Located in City Park, this dog park spans nearly 5 acres and is a pup’s dream. Lush green spaces, dog activities, and a communal water fountain (in the form of a bright, red fire hydrant) make City Bark a fun destination for dogs and owners alike. The property is located behind Popp Fountain, bounded by Zachary Taylor Drive, Diagonal Drive, and Magnolia Drive.
Another dog park in Uptown New Orleans, Wisner Dog Run is located at 4876 Laurel St. Water fountains for dogs and people are available, but be aware there aren’t any public restrooms for the humans!
Kenner Dog Park offers a well-designed space for dogs of all sizes, with separate areas to accommodate different play styles. Durable turf, shaded seating, and water stations help keep both pets and owners comfortable, and a convenient on-site dog wash station makes cleanup easy after playtime. The layout allows for year-round use no matter the weather.
Located in Metairie, Lafreniere Bark Park offers plenty of open space for dogs to stretch their legs and play. The park includes designated areas for different dog sizes, agility features to keep pups engaged, and convenient amenities like shaded seating and a wash area for post-play cleanup. It’s a popular spot for both energetic dogs and casual strolls with your four-legged companion.
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| Photo courtesy of Pontiff Playground website. |
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Situated within Pontiff Playground in Metairie, Pontiff Dog Park spans 25,000 square feet and provides a relaxed setting for off-leash play. With seating and water access available, it’s an easy stop for dog owners looking to enjoy some outdoor time while their pets socialize and explore.
Bonnabel Dog Park pairs off-leash play with scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain. Fully enclosed and equipped with obstacles for active pups, it’s a great option for dogs who love to run and climb. The waterfront backdrop also makes it a favorite spot for snapping photos during your visit.
In addition to the public parks around Greater New Orleans, select 1st Lake apartment communities feature on-site dog parks for residents and their pets. These spaces offer a convenient way to let your pup burn off energy close to home, with room to run, socialize, and enjoy fresh air without leaving the community.
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| Exclusive “Bella Bark” on-site pet park at Bella Ridge North. |
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Alluvia • Kenner, LA
On-site bark park with unleashing area and paw wash station
Bella Ridge North • River Ridge, LA
Bella Bark, a gated pet park with agility equipment, benches, and a covered pavilion
Bella Ridge South • River Ridge, LA
Bella Bark and Bath Park features agility elements, a shaded cabana with phone charging ports, and a dog wash station
Clearwater Creek • River Ridge, LA
Featuring a private, gated pet park for your dog to enjoy fresh air and off-leash play within the community
Artesia • Covington, LA
Off-leash bark park with agility equipment and pavilion seating
Brookstone Park • Covington, LA
Fenced, private dog park for residents and their pets
To learn more about each community and their on-site pet park, click HERE.
The silver lining of tax season is the tax refund – and deciding how you’re going to spend it! Some people use it for a fancy night out or a vacation, but we think you can transform your apartment into a fine dining establishment and vacation-worthy spot available for enjoyment every single day of the year. Did you get a little lagniappe from tax season? Here’s how to spend it!
Make your apartment a foodie paradise with smart purchases that create a restaurant-quality feel at home. A few ideas:
Vitamix blender. These high-performance blenders are perfect for at-home juicing, quick smoothies, and icy summertime treats.
Kitchenaid mixer. Another pricey – but totally worthwhile – kitchen appliance, the Kitchen-Aid mixer is a stand mixer that makes baking a breeze. But it doesn’t stop there. Use it for the fluffiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes or make homemade bread using the dough hook attachment.
Modern silverware. Upgrading your silverware to something hefty and sleek can instantly change the feel of a weeknight dinner. Crate + Barrel has several modern options like the Aero flatware, featuring matte black, aerodynamic handles.
Who needs a vacation when your apartment is as sumptuous as any hotel? Here are a few upgrades you can make with tax refund dollars.
A cashmere throw. Cashmere isn’t just for winter. Because it’s a natural fiber, it’s moisture-wicking and provides the softest, lightweight warmth any time of year (even in summer when the cranked-up A/C gives you a chill!).
A bold art print. Head to Society6 for a variety of affordable art prints that add a major impact to bare walls. Browse framed options – you’ll pay a little extra but the gallery-quality look is gorgeous and sleek.
Bamboo sheets and towels. Bamboo is an ultra-soft natural fabric that transforms showers into a spa-like experience. Bamboo sheets make it easy to fall asleep comfortably and quickly via a smooth and soft feel against your skin.
Deviled eggs are a decadent Southern treat – and practically a requirement during spring! Though eggs provide a good source of protein, when they’re prepared with traditional mayonnaise the result is high in fat and sodium. Enter this not-so-devilish recipe from Cooking Light.
Greek yogurt cuts down on fat and calories while the use of homemade pickled onions (made in the microwave!) in place of store-bought relish reduces sodium while also offering major flavor. We, for one, are never buying relish again.
Add water to a large saucepan to a depth of 1 inch; set a large vegetable steamer in pan. Add eggs to steamer. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and steam eggs, covered, for 16 minutes. Remove from heat and place eggs in a large, ice water-filled bowl for 3 minutes.
While the eggs steam, combine 1/4 cup water, vinegar, and sugar in a medium-size, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until boiling. Stir in the onion. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, then drain.
Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, Sriracha or hot sauce, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl and stir well to combine.
Peel eggs and discard shells. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Add 6 yolks to the yogurt mixture (discard the 2 remaining yolks or reserve them for another use). Mash with a fork until very smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of red onion.
Spoon the mixture into egg white halves (about 1 tablespoon in each half). Garnish egg halves with remaining red onions and, if desired, chives.
French Quarter Festival is one of our favorite New Orleans spring festivals. Starting Thursday, April 9 and running through Sunday, April 12, French Quarter Fest features more than 1,700 local Louisiana musicians on 23 different stages. Food is another huge draw – traditional New Orleans favorites like cochon de lait po-boys and, of course, crawfish are tough to resist as you stroll through Jackson Square and along the riverfront at Woldenberg Park. While there’s simply no way to see and do everything at French Quarter Fest, we’ve collected a list of areas and activities to seek out while you’re there.
You’ll find big acts like Allen Toussaint, Ellis Marsalis, and Rebirth Brass Band performing on the larger stages, such as the Abita Stage at the riverfront and the Jackson Square Stage in (where else?) Jackson Square. However, the smaller stages are nothing to scoff at! Head to the Cajun/Zydeco Showcase stage on Saturday or Sunday where you’ll experience traditional two-step dancing. In French Market, you’ll find swing-dancing lessons set to live hot jazz.
Come hungry to French Quarter Fest: iconic restaurants like Galatoire’s, Antoine’s, and Court of Two Sisters are just a few of the many food vendors. At French Quarter Fest, tips at all beverage stands are split amongst the musicians. Be sure to add a tip to the bucket to thank them for their incredible music!
Many of our properties, especially those in Metairie, are just a short drive from downtown New Orleans. However, be aware that French Quarter Fest brings in a lot of traffic, so you’ll want to avoid parking in the French Quarter itself and seek parking garages in the Central Business District instead.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
