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Find Peace and Playtime at Lafreniere Park

Metairie is a bustling place, no doubt – just a short drive from downtown New Orleans, the suburb is chock full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, plus worthwhile residences like Crossroads apartments and Parktowne apartments (two of First Lake’s many Metairie and other Jefferson Parish properties).

However, Metairie holds a tranquil secret: Lafreniere Park. This ambling green space in the center of Metairie is home to multi-use lawns, fountains, picnic areas, hills, landscaped gardens, boating, fishing, paths, a running trails, a Frisbee golf course… the list goes on and on.

First founded in the 1970s, the park allows “all people of the Parish to rest and refresh their spirit in its peaceful, natural surroundings.” We couldn’t agree more!

Things to Do at Lafreniere Park

Go For a Run on the Healthtrak

One of the most enticing aspects of the park is a landscaped, 2-mile jogging trail called the Healthtrak. Cardiovascular activity is a great way to let go of a hectic workday, and while many of our properties offer gyms and pools for exercise, sometimes pounding the pavement outdoors is truly the best method to relieve stress.

Whether you take the trail at an ambling pace or at a full-blown sprint, you’ll experience scenic flora and fauna, water elements, and more.

Explore Marsh Island

Within the park, you’ll find Marsh Island, a water-surrounded area in the park’s southwest corner that is home to endemic flora and fauna of Louisiana. It’s also a dedicated bird sanctuary.

Authentic marshland habitat is home to different vegetation and bird life than you’ll see in other parts of the park. Keep an eye out for different species of plants and animals.

Have a Picnic

A meal outdoors is a spring and summertime tradition. Whether you pick up snowballs from a nearby Metairie snowball stand or pack your own picnic lunch, bring a blanket to Lafreniere Park and enjoy your food on one of several multi-use lawns or a designated picnic area (both are available at the park).

Not sure what to pack? Real Simple comes to the rescue with their simple Picnic Packing Checklist.

Play Frisbee Golf

Perhaps you’re asking, “What the heck is Frisbee golf?” Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. This hybrid of Frisbee and golf (also known as disc golf) has seen popularity recently, and is part of the reason Lafreniere Park created a proper Frisbee golf course.

The 24-hole course not only lets you explore the parks twists and turns, but also lets you make a game out of it – bring your own Frisbees and throw them at select targets throughout the course. It’s free to play! If you prefer City Park to Lafreniere, they also have a free Frisbee golf course on site.

Cool Down in the Spray Park

Another enticing option at Lafreniere Park is the Spray Park for children ages 10 and under. With 4,000 square feet of water fun (featuring 13 water features), this large space is a great place for children to enjoy water safely.

Keep in mind that the spray park is only open on weekends and charges $5 per child for each session up to 90 minutes.

Host a Party at the Carousel

Spring and summer is often party season… but sometimes apartments (no matter how spacious!) can’t quite hold all your friends and family. Lafreniere Park presents a great alternative: you can rent out their Carousel, a spacious pavilion surrounded by a lagoon, for a private party.

Read their full rental agreement terms here, and contact the park for more information about hosting a private party.

Looking to settle down near this peaceful urban oasis? 1st Lake Properties offers plenty of nearby Metairie apartment communities you’re sure to love!


Big on Space with Room for Style: 3 Bedroom Apartments in Metairie

Three bedroom apartments in New Orleans at First Lake Properties

While 1st Lake Properties features an abundance of beautiful living spaces, today we’re spotlighting our 3 bedroom apartments in Metairie. Beyond conveniences like dedicated parking and outside storage, these apartments truly feel like home thanks to their spacious setup and added amenities like private master balconies, driveways, and serene, landscaped green space. With additional square footage comes additional opportunities to put your personal touch on a three bedroom apartment. Check out a few tips below to integrate style with space below!

  1. Opt for decor with sentimental value. Nothing makes a space feel more like home than decorating with meaningful pieces. A vase from a friend; a painting your child made; a framed photo of an unforgettable vacation – make sentimental items the focal point of your apartment, and a happy, homey feel follows naturally.
  2. Remember your furry friends. All of our three bedroom apartments are pet friendly. You’ll enjoy extra square footage and private outdoor space, so why not make a special retreat for your pet? Incorporate a bright food dish into your decor or create a dedicated sleeping spot for your pet, perhaps under a dreamy skylight. Our pets have a knack for making us feel at home no matter where we are, so it only makes sense to return the favor.
  3. Think beyond visual cues. We tend to decorate with our eyes, and while pops of color are a great addition to the cozy, neutral palettes at 1st Lake Properties, there are other ways to enhance your space. Candles or diffusers can impart a luscious scent that invites guests to linger, and a soft blanket is the perfect companion for a night of Netflix. Experiences make a space feel extra alluring, so remember to incorporate decor that engages all of the senses.
  4. Consider the greater community. An apartment isn’t just an apartment – it’s your home base for doing amazing things like dressing up for Mardi Gras or hosting a Saints tailgate. The greater New Orleans area is ripe for joyful experiences: once your apartment becomes the place where you did, saw, or heard something unforgettable? That’s when it becomes home.

Looking for a 3-bedroom apartment? 1st Lake Properties has just what you need! Find your personal style at Camelot Court, Rosedale, Parktowne, or Willowood apartments.


Congratulations to the 1st Lake Properties Beautification Award Winners

1st Lake Properties takes pride in each of their individual apartment communities with meticulous landscaping and reliable maintenance. To reward properties who demonstrate outstanding attention to detail, that has become to be known as the “1st Lake Look”, 1st Lake recognizes winners of the Beautification Awards each quarter and the results are in for the most recent winners! Congratulations to these properties, worth checking out if you’re looking for a lovely new apartment to move in to!

Lake Towers – Lake Towers has its own pool area with a gazebo and courtyard overlooking the peaceful Capital Lakes in Baton Rouge that is beautifully landscaped.

Camelot Court – Camelot Court offers townhome style apartments that provide a private home living experience with all the amenities that apartment living affords! In addition to private backyards, there is a private pool and courtyard area that is carefully maintained and landscaped.

Turtle Creek – At these tranquil Metairie apartments, enjoy a spacious swimming pool surrounded by manicured greenery.

White Water Creek – The property grounds at the White Water Creek apartments in Metairie are adorned with winding walkways, bubbling creeks, fountains and palm trees to make living more of a resort-like, luxury experience.

Willow Creek – Bask in pleasant living at the oak tree-lined Willow Creek apartments in River Ridge with landscaped paths, creeks and fountains and a private swimming pool.

Palmetto Creek – Palmetto Creek always have attentive maintenance staff on hand to handle any resident need thoroughly and efficiently. Palmetto Creek has walking paths, pavilions, lush plants and creeks for its residents to enjoy.


March 2014 Apartment Specials From 1st Lake Properties

March marks the beginning of spring, the season for new beginnings! Let one of those new beginnings be a new 1st Lake Properties apartment. Embrace the changing of the seasons with a fresh new place to call home, and with these exclusive deals and specials at several quality apartments in the metro New Orleans area, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your criteria and budget.

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Metro New Orleans Apartment Deals

Palmetto Creek – At Palmetto Creek, you will find luxury apartment living at its finest with the best in amenities including elaborate landscaping, gazebos, jogging trails, tennis court, fitness center, swimming pool and more. This month, the River Ridge apartment community is offering two weeks of free rent, totally $1,200 off the annual rental rate.

Hickory Creek – Check out these great River Ridge apartments, offering special reduced rates on two bedrooms in March. Apartments come with spacious closets, full size washer & dryer, free movie rentals, 24 hour maintenance and more.

Chestnut Creek – Another lavish River Ridge apartment community, the Chestnut Creek apartments are offering reduced rents, half off deposits and waived move-in fees. Find bonus features like wood burning fireplaces, sunrooms, extra-large walk-in closets and more.

Turtle Creek – Find privacy, rest and relaxation at this peaceful Metairie community with a recreation area and swimming pool. This month, the Metairie apartments are offering one week of free rent on select studio apartments, so call now to schedule a tour.

Lakes of Chateau Estates North – In addition to all the exterior features like fountains, walking paths, bridges, a tennis court and swimming pools, these luxurious Kenner apartments are offering $1,125 in savings on select apartments plus reduced move-in costs.

Crossings – These Metairie apartments not only have large floor plans, are minutes away from New Orleans and have an on-site service team, this month the Crossings apartments are offering special rates on two and three bedrooms!

Boardwalk – The Boardwalk apartments in Metairie have extra space for sunrooms and home offices, plus a pool, modern design and amenities, plus reduced move-in costs this month. Call today to learn more!


1st Lake Dining Guide: Best Jefferson Parish Restaurants

Many people know Metairie for being New Orleans’ neighbor; but Metairie is so much more than that.crawfish-169694_640

There is a reason Metairie is home to the highest number of 1st Lake apartment communities. It is safe, fun and full of Louisiana food culture.

Whatever you’re craving, Metairie’s got it.

So, if you’re new to the area or just bored of the old routine, read our guide to the best restaurants in Metairie. There are hundreds of great restaurants in Metairie, but here are just a few of our favorites:

Seafood

Louisiana is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, and Metairie is no exception. Try these spots:

  • Drago’s for world famous charbroiled oysters
  • Deanie’s for a wide variety of local seafood dishes- try the barbecue shrimp!
  • Acme Oyster House for the best fresh oysters
  • Don’s Seafood  for Don’s Seafood Platter: an epic combination of stuffed crab, fried shrimp, stuffed shrimp fried catfish, fried oysters and crawfish étouffée.

International

If you’re craving the spices and flavors of other countries, try one of these yummy options:

Pizza

A favorite in Italy and America alike, pizza is abundant in Metairie. Find your favorite pie at one of these joints:

Lunch

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take a lunch break, check out these quick and delicious restaurants:

Beignets

Beignets, French-style fried donuts topped with powdered sugar, are everyone’s favorite New Orleans treat. For the best in Metairie, check out:

New Orleans Style

Since Metairie is right next to New Orleans, there are plenty of restaurants that do NOLA food just as well as they do in the city.

Steaks & Burgers

For those carnivores out there, Metairie is home to some of the best barbecue, steak and hamburger joints:

Once you’ve tried out one of these tasty spots, share this post and let us know what you think!

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