Louisiana Innkeepers Attend PAII Conference in Little Rock

The 2012 PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) Conference held in Little Rock January 23-26 was a whirlwind of learning and camaraderie with innkeepers from all over the USA.  The accompanying trade show boasted purveyors of "everything innkeeping" from perennial exhibitors already known to us through our locaL LBBA (Louisiana Bed AND Breakfast Association) conferences to worldwide exhibitors showcasing their innkeeping wares.

The opening ceremony featured the world famous Peabody Ducks as they marched to their duck house after a day of lazing in the lobby pond of the Peabody Hotel.  Immediately following, a reception was held in the hotel conference center.

Louisiana innkeepers listened to such big name speakers as Holly Steil with The S.I.L.K. Experience and P. Allen Smith with the HG TV series.  A trip to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center was a highlight of the conference where the Grand Finale dinner took place along with music and a FAM (familiarization) Tour of the facility.



The annual LBBA Membership Meeting was held at The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium near the Peabody Hotel.  Louisiana's members enjoyed an evening out as we caught up on state association business.





Farmers' Market Festivals, Abbeville, Louisiana

Magdalen Square,  in downtown Abbeville, Louisiana, is a perfect setting for community gatherings and springtime festivals, such as the Farmers' Market Festival.  The markets are scheduled for April 21, May 12, and June 16, from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.  Under the canopy of majestic oaks can be found produce vendors with their array of homegrown fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh eggs and so much more.  They are joined by local chefs, bakers, artisans and craftsmen.

Apartment A, a quaint bed and breakfast cottage located within walking distance of the Square, invites you to come and experience the ambiance of our community and the hospitality of the people of Abbeville.  Apartment A is a unique bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown Abbeville.  It offers a bedroom, living room and kitchen combination, DVD player and free WiFi.  Located within walking distance is Magdalen Square, the site of many festivals throughout the year, Vermilion Parish Courthouse, the beautiful St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, fabulous seafood restaurants, museums and shops.

Kick off the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans with the Krewe du Vieux Parade

The Krewe du Vieux takes to the streets of New Orleans on Saturday, February 4, 2012 as the only traditional walking parade that goes through the French Quarter using decorated mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers.

This year’s theme is “Krewe du Vieux commits Crimes Against Nature.” Leave the kids at home as this parade is for mature audiences only!

You can catch the 19 brass bands and 16 sub-krewes on the streets of the Marigny and French Quarter. Bonnie Rabe, Innkeeper at the Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast says she gets dinner at Snug Harbor on Frenchman Street and then steps right out onto the sidewalk to laugh at the irreverent floats and try to catch a few unusual throws.

It’s a quick streetcar ride down historic St. Charles Avenue to the Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast, a quiet respite after a raucous night experiencing New Orleans carnival’s oldest traditions.

Paddle Bayou Lafourche, 2012, Celebrate its 11th Year Anniversary

Come experience the natural elegance of Bayou Lafourche and join the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program as we enjoy a south Louisiana weekend paddling trip.  It will be held April 19-22, 2012, from Donaldsonville to Lockport, Louisiana.

 

From the wilder bayou origins at the Mississippi River, this 52-mile, 4-day adventure winds its way through a number of rural communities and several small cities.  Paddlers will not only be treated to scenic natural vistas, but to a fascinating "backyard view" of this historic bayou.

Paddlers may pick and choose which day(s) to participate (from one to four days) and enjoy the bonding, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment that comes from going the distance on Bayou Lafourche -- Donaldsonville to Lockport!  Many people come from all over the country to participate in this 4 day event. 

A Chateau on the Bayou Bed and Breakfast, is located on Bayou Lafourche in Raceland.  B&B guests pass out complimentary pralines to all of the paddlers as they approach the wharf  on Saturday, April 21, 2012.  This B&B hosts a party with Cajun food, music, and lots of fun for all to share.

A Chateau on the Bayou Bed and Breakfast is an excellent place for paddlers to stay during the event, or for those who just want to watch the paddlers go by.

Email for reservations:  claudettelp@charter.com

Website:  http://www.achateauonthebayou.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-Chateau-On-The-Bayou-Bed-Breakfast-Claudette-L-Pitre/121896531157165

The participation of A Chateau on the Bayou B&B has attracted the attention of local newspapers who have written about this backyard event. 

Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet!

February is a month of fun, festivities, food and family. In Terrebonne Parish, we are bustling with Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Carnival and Mardi Gras. Whether you like football, parades or just want a romantic getaway with that special someone, we can accommodate your needs at Twelve Oaks Plantation in Houma, Louisiana. Our stately rooms are quiet and comfortable, minutes from the excitement of New Orleans or Downtown Houma.  Our Bed and Breakfast is located on a working sugar cane plantation facing the tranquil Black Bayou which runs through the heart of Cajun Country.

Twelve Oaks Plantation is offering a Romantic Weekend Special for St. Valentine's Day from February 5th -15th. Rates start at $100 per night and include a home-made breakfast for two. Champagne, roses and candy can be added to your package for a nominal fee.

If you are in town for Mardi Gras and want to experience the festivities of Carnival, we have just the right "special" for you. Beginning February 16th, room rentals start at $150 per night until "Fat Tuesday" on the 21st.

It's not too early to look ahead for spring and summer, just contact us and we can accommodate your requests today!

Innkeeper's Strawberry Loaf

Many bed and breakfast innkeepers are constantly looking for breakfast recipes that will "wow" their guests. After all, "breakfast" is half the name of a bed and breakfast! Here is a recipe that will make your guests feel like royalty.
 
The Caldwell House in Abbeville, Louisiana is fortunate to have on its staff cookbook author Gretchen Frith. This is one of the recipes in Gretchen's cookbook, The "Bleep" My Family Eats, which contains not only breakfasts but other foods, as well. Gretchen has kindly shared her recipe with us:

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 large eggs-slightly beaten
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
20 oz. frozen sliced strawberries with sugar, thawed (including juice)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, mix eggs, oil and strawberries. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well by hand. Pour into two greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Bake for 50 -55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle come out clean. Cool. Remove bread from pans. Slice and serve.

Enjoy!

Bayou Lafourche Cleanup

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program is seeking volunteers to help in the cleanup of 106 miles of Bayou Lafourche, from Ascension to south Lafourche Parishes, from Donaldsonville to LaRose. Dumping in Bayou Lafourche is a problem, especially since it is the source of drinking water for most of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

The cleanup is scheduled for March 31, 2012. The estuary program will provide gloves, drinks, snacks and T-shirts. More than 20 volunteer captains are needed to lead cleanups at various sites.

If you want to make a difference and volunteer your time for this important event, visit the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program for more information on the cleanup.


A Chateau on the Bayou Bed and Breakfast in Raceland, Louisiana, is an excellent place to stay if you participate in the cleanup. After a day of cleanup, you will enjoy coming back to A Chateau on the Bayou to relax on the banks of Bayou Lafourche, admiring the same bayou you will be cleaning up.

"Meet & Greet" for Louisiana Innkeepers

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, a "Meet and Greet" was held at The Caldwell House, a bed and breakfast in Abbeville, Louisiana. Abbeville is situated in the heart of Cajun Country and the staff of The Caldwell were happy to have so many visitors to its area, Vermilion Parish, The Most Cajun Place on Earth.

Meet and Greets are held in various areas of the State of Louisiana for members and potential members of the Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association. Member innkeepers have a chance to meet others around Louisiana who own or manage bed and breakfast inns. Ideas are exchanged and aspiring innkeepers and new innkeepers are encouraged by the assistance they will have access to once they become a member. The feeling of competition, even by innkeepers in the same city, evaporates as everyone shares ideas to help others have a successful business.

Lunch was provided by Don's Custom Catering of Abbeville, as well as staff members making some of their favorite recipes. Following lunch, a tour was given of The Caldwell interior and the east garden and pavilion where weddings and receptions are held.

Some of the members were given a personal, brief computer lesson on various ways to grow their businesses via social media.

The Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association welcomes innkeepers who are interested in joining the organization to come for a day full of fun, information, and friendship. Regardless of where the next Meet and Greet will be, if you are an innkeeper or an aspiring innkeeper, we hope to see you there!

For information on the Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association or to find out where the next Meet and Greet will be, visit its website at http://www.louisianabandb.com.

Practice French at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, Thibodaux, Louisiana

The lives of the Acadians (Cajuns) and others whose travels brought them to Louisiana's bayous are featured at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux.

Every Tuesday (except Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 21st) Cercle Francophone invites you to come pass a good time speaking French (Cajun or otherwise) at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. The Center is located at 314 St. Mary Street in Thibodaux. If you don’t speak French, come along to watch linguistic history in action.

There will be a presentation every Tuesday in March on a different French-speaking region. Other activities will take place, as well, such as tasting French-style king cake, bingo in French, presentations on various French regions and, of course, some French conversation. The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center has regularly scheduled programs and special events featuring the lives of the Acadians (Cajuns) and others whose travels brought them to Louisiana’s bayous.

A partir du mardi dernier, le Cercle francophone aura lieu de 5h30 à 6h55 chaque mardi ce printemps à 314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux, Au Centre Acadien de Thibodaux.

Nous pensons faire de diverses activités telles que la dégustation de la galette des rois, le Bingo en français,les présentations sur de diverses régions francophones, et bien sur, de la conversation en français.

Soyez les bienvenues et venez nombreux!

Chaque mardi en mars sera consacré à une présentation sur une région ou un pays francophones.

Located only 5 minutes from the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center is Naquin’s Bed and Breakfast. The Naquins were born and raised in Thibodaux with Cajun French as their native language. Upon attending school, they had to learn the English language. Spending time with the Naquins will leave you with a deep appreciation of the Cajun region and heritage.

Be welcome and don’t be shy!

The Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival

The countdown has begun to The Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. This is where you will want to be for three days of food, fun and dancing. The festival dates are March 16, 17 and 18, 2012 and this year will be the fourth year of the festival.

Local and regional musicians will perform and a variety of foods common to South Louisiana will be available throughout all three days. Don’t know how to dance? No problem. Each day of the festival begins with Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons. Once you learn to dance, you will have plenty of practice with the many bands performing throughout the three day event.

The festival will also include historical, cultural and economic presentations as well as artisans demonstrating and selling their homemade arts and crafts.

Located just 10 minutes from the festival grounds, A Chateau on the Bayou Bed and Breakfast in Raceland, Louisiana, is an excellent place to stay. Dance, eat and enjoy the festival, then come back to A Chateau on the Bayou to relax on the banks of Bayou Lafourche.

See you there!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans - History, Facts and Tips

How does one even attempt to explain Mardi Gras in New Orleans to someone who has never had the privilege of attending? There is so much history behind the centuries-old celebration and so many activities surrounding the time known as Carnival, where does one begin?

Perhaps there is no way to explain Mardi Gras – you have to experience it!

The season of Mardi Gras begins several weeks before Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, which in 2012, is on February 21st. Mardi Gras is celebrated not only in the French Quarter, but in other areas of the New Orleans, Metairie and surrounding area, as well. One of the best places for families to enjoy the parades is in Uptown New Orleans. Streetcars along St. Charles Avenue cease running and the streets are filled with families.

Travelers wishing to experience Mardi Gras in a calmer atmosphere than on Mardi Gras day, and perhaps want to “tip-toe” into this whole business about Mardi Gras, may consider a stay in New Orleans and surrounding area on one of the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday.

Whether on Mardi Gras Day or sooner, for a comfortable home-type atmosphere, a definite contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, consider choosing a bed and breakfast in the area of activity you are interested in. The Schedule of Parades, which begin rolling on February 5th, is listed on the website of the Official Tourism Site of the City of New Orleans. The Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association website offers a listing of bed and breakfast inns all over the state where the season of Mardi Gras can be enjoyed. Each has its own unique celebration and flavor.

Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, is located on beautiful, tree-lined Saint Charles Avenue on the Uptown New Orleans parade route. Guests need only to step outside the door to witness the parades and all the action. No need to drive and get stuck in traffic. Enjoy a nice continental breakfast plus in the dining room and then just walk out the front door and enjoy the parade.

In addition to providing comfortable lodging, innkeepers can give information not only about Mardi Gras parades and celebrations in the area, but will give you information about other things to do while visiting the area.

Here are some tips and facts to help you get the most enjoyment out of your stay during the Mardi Gras season and prepare you for what you will find when you arrive:

• Expect that room rates will reflect the demand, but the entertainment value is over the top!
• Expect a minimum stay requirement, often times 4 or 5 nights.
• Find a B&B or lodging choice located on the parade route. You will want to be close to a bathroom since there are none on the street and the parades last all day.
• Do not expect restaurants to be open all the time. Mardi Gras Day is like Christmas Day and many eateries are closed.
• Bring warm clothing for the cold, light clothing for the heat, and rain gear. The weather in Louisiana in the winter can swing from mild to cold every few days. Parades roll even in bad weather.
• Street cars in New Orleans will not be operating during parade times (and sometimes do not run at all over the busy parade days).
  There are no float parades in the French Quarter. The streets are too narrow.
• Most of the "raucous behavior" happens in the French Quarter; the parades in the neighborhoods are family friendly.
• Travelers should arrive before 4 pm on Friday of Mardi Gras weekend (Feb. 17) and depart on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22)
• The French Quarter is closed down at midnight on Fat Tuesday as the season of Lent begins.

Get your costumes ready – you’re going to have the experience of a lifetime!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Lovesick Blues: An Evening with Hank Williams, Sr.

The Liberty Theater in Eunice, Louisiana will host a musical play, “Lovesick Blues: An Evening with Hank Williams, Sr.” on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm. This musical play which depicts the career and life of Hank Williams, Sr. features Hugh Harris, along with Terry Huvan, Gina Forsyth, Kyle Harris, Bobby Dumatrait and Ken David. Tickets are $13 and all seats are reserved. Tickets are available from the mayor’s office in Eunice, La., or by calling 337-475-7389. Hank Williams, Sr.’s fans will not want to miss this musical production.

For a uniquely southern experience, stay at Country Ridge Bed and Breakfast, located just 25 miles and 35 minutes from the Liberty Theater. Country Ridge is nestled on spacious property against the backdrop of relaxing music, aesthetic landscaping, galloping horses, and more. The innkeepers love sharing the history that surrounds this truly serene setting.

For more information on parish events taking place during your stay in Opelousas, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Events are also listed on Facebook at St. Landry Parish - It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

LSU Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide

LSU and Alabama will meet in the BCS National Championship Game on January 9, 2012 at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. There is no doubt that there will be much frenzied activity all throughout New Orleans.

The Louisiana Bed and Breakfast website offers many choices for bed and breakfast stays in and around the New Orleans area. Do you prefer to stay where all the action is? There are many bed and breakfast inns located in and around the Superdome. Would you prefer to stay outside of the city and enjoy peace and quiet in a more rural setting? There are many bed and breakfast inns located outside of the city, just a short distance away from the Superdome.

Bed and Breakfasts in and around New Orleans:
Extend your visit to Louisiana. After the game, relax and stay at another bed and breakfast inn on your way home. http://www.louisianabandb.com/

Book now - very little time left!

Eagle Expo, Morgan City, Louisiana

Attention all birdwatchers or anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of the Cajun Coast! On February 9, 10 and 11, 2012, the Eagle Expo will take place in and around Morgan City, Louisiana as well as in the Atchafalaya Basin. The word “Atchafalaya” means “long river”. The Atchafalaya Basin stretches along 14 parishes in South Louisiana. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the American Bald Eagle and other raptors. The Atchafalaya Basin is a bird-watcher's paradise.

Concentrating primarily on the American Bald Eagle, The Eagle Expo will feature birding seminars, photography workshops, nature walking tours, walking tours for wintering land birds, and swamp boat tours through the Atchafalaya Basin.

Visitors wishing to attend the Expo, experience Cajun culture and sample the delicious food Louisiana is famous for (some of which comes out of the basin) will find this a perfect time to “head south” for a memorable and culturally-rich vacation.

Located on a scenic drive just 15 minutes from Morgan City and the Eagle Expo, La Belle Riviere Bed and Breakfast provides comfortable lodging along the beautiful Belle River.

The innkeepers speak French as well as English and will do all they can to assure you the perfect “Cajun experience”. For more information or to reserve a room at Belle River Riviere Bed and Breakfast, click here.

To register for the Eagle Expo or for more information, click here for registration forms, schedule of events and a birding list of St. Mary Parish.

Visit the Cajun Coast for a truly unique Cajun and bird-watching experience!