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Abita Springs Louisiana; The Home of Natural Spring Waters beside a Slow Moving River

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Located approximately 40 miles north of New Orleans across the breadth of Lake Pontchartrain, and originally the home of Choctaw Indians whom held the natural waters of Abita Springs sacred; sits a small quiet town steeped in history and lore straddling the slow moving waters of the Abita River. Originally established in the late 1800s and currently housing a population of roughly 2,350 as stated by the 2010 census, Abita Springs is a small peaceful community which continues to grow and provide benefits for it’s residents and visitors alike. In downtown Abita you will enjoy scenic river front parks and recreation, as well you will discover the strange and interesting; in a town so charming you may have to call it home…

For the very many who dearly love sunshine and the great outdoors, you will find Abita Springs provides both in ample quantities. First is the St Tammany Trace which runs almost directly through the center of town, and is a grand total of 28 miles of converted great Illinois railroad ROW (right of way), used by many for recreation and exercise. The Abita Trailhead has become a gathering point for people who enjoy walking, rollerblading or cycling through the scenic piney woods surrounding Abita.

Alongside the Tammany Trace and centrally located is the Abita Park; which is a haven for wildlife and is a small slice of the scenic beauty Southern Louisiana has to offer. However, due to Hurricane Katrina’s wrath, recent improvements have had to be made which now greatly enhances the visitor’s experience. Open from sun-up to sun-down, and now home to the The Abita Museum, time seems to pass slowly by as you stretch your legs during an afternoon walk. The soft coo of a morning dove mingles gently with the chirping of a fox squirrel as you stroll along the river amongst the towering hundred year old oak trees, standing about like silent sentinels. Truly a quiet place of peace and beauty.

Friends of the Park, which is a local community organization promoting a better Abita Springs, stays very involved in the park, and along with the city, helps coordinate and host many of the family oriented festivals and events which take place annually. One of the major events held every Fall is the annual Abita Water Festival and along with the Abita Springs Gospel Jubilee, the Abita Earth Fest, the Abita Opry Fest, and the Abita Beer Chili Cook-Off, there is more than enough entertainment to keep locals and tourists busy alike. As well live music is played regularly in the Park and there are children’s activities held during Halloween and Christmas. Not to mention, city engineers have future plans which include additional nature trails and an Amphitheater.

I also have to mention the Abita Springs CJ Finn Ballpark located off of Highway 36 is a great place for team sports. This family ball field offers young and old alike opportunities to participate in baseball, football and soccer, just to name a few.

One last item when it comes to entertainment in Abita Springs is The Abita Opry. Given the opportunity we truly recommend enjoying the rich Southern tunes which emanate from the Abita Town Hall during the Spring and Fall months. If you like toe tapping, hand clapping good music, the Abita Opry can help revitalize your soul. A good time and smiles for all!

Well, now that you know Abita Springs has a rich entertainment schedule we are going to talk about a few things to do about town, and we are going to start with a visit to the Abita Mystery House or (UCM Museum) (which is pronounced U-SEE-UM) which, I feel confident, is the strangest place in Abita! LOL. Amazing stories and strange facts will fascinate the young and old alike.

Now as we move on to something a little more dear to my heart… You will be able to explore the Abita Brewing Company, where the gratifying frosty beverages, known as Abita Beer , are hand crafted from the finest ingredients known to man! And the best place to enjoy these savory liquid delights is The Abita Brew Pub; good food and good drinks! (Hic!)

Also if you like to play golf? The Abita Springs Golf Club can provide you with all that is needed when it comes to a morning of 18 holes of play. As well, for the more serious minded, there is Money Hill Golf Course and Country Club; which is one of the premier private golf courses in the State of Louisiana and is adjacent to over 900 acres of Nature Conservancy preserved land.

If you would like to visit beautiful Abita for a worry-free weekend getaway, then we recommend the The Abita Springs Bed and Breakfast located on over 100 acres with stocked ponds for fishing. What a place for a little rest and relaxation! Or if you are looking for an event center to hold a wedding or a family reunion, the The Abita Quail Farm is a well known established venue for large gatherings. And for the handy man looking to renovate, or just plain working on a honey-do, he has only to visit, Abita Lumber, a full service lumber yard, conveniently located less than 1 mile outside of town on Hwy 36.

In my opinion, the education system will always be one of the most important aspects of any city or town. Good schools are a must if you are planning on raising a family, and Abita Springs Louisiana has several very good schools. To begin with there is Abita Springs Elementary School which ranked a top score of 10 out of 10 by GreatSchools.org which is a recognized website whom scores schools nationwide through student performance, parent’s ratings and parent’s reviews. Next in line is Abita Springs Middle School which scored an outstanding 8 out of 10 by Great Schools. And we would like to add, both of these public schools are located just blocks from downtown Abita. Not to forget, for the families with children in their teenage years; Fontainebleau High School, which is the area high school in charge of educating the Abita Springs local, also scores an excellent rating of 10 out of 10 through GreatSchools.org.

In conclusion we hope with the information provided above, you now have a richer understanding of the history of Abita Springs and of the beauty, charm, and stewardship the local area has to offer. Please feel free to post with any questions or comments, we welcome your knowledge and input.

Please contact us at marc@mmsre.com or at 985-867-8670 for more information on real estate in Abita Springs.

Thank you and have great day!

Marc Pellettiere

Detailed Information on the Different Types of Snakes in Louisiana

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This is an excellent website which I came across, hosted through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Snakes of Louisiana provides a detailed description, including a photograph, of the many different types of snakes which thrive in our state. As well the website shows the geographic ranges where each snake is typically found. I hope this gets some good use. I have seen too many speckled King snakes and black racers killed for no reason.

Thank you

Marc

Madisonville Louisiana; A Beautiful Village Alongside the Tchefuncte River

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The beautiful town of Madisonville is found on the southern tip of Louisiana and is the meeting point of the Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain. The quaint picturesque town is a small waterfront community just a short ways (24 miles by the Causeway Bridge) across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans and boasts a warm and friendly townspeople who envelop both tourists and new residents with open arms. With under one thousand full time residents calling Madisonville home; the smaller population provides an intimate setting along side the slow moving Tchefuncte River. Many fun and exciting local events take place year round and several historic landmarks keep residents busy, as inquisitive tourists flock to this, hidden gem of a town.

Madisonville was founded in the year 1800 by Jean Baptiste Baham, and the town was originally named Coquille, or Cokie as was its nickname in the local area. Coquille means “shell” in French, and what the locals at that time were referring to the many piles of sea shells, possibly oyster shells, which were located at the site. Native American Choctaw Indians, had been living in the area for many generations, and the shells were a mark of their passing. Soon though, by 1810, the town proper was renamed Madisonville in honor of President James Madison.

During the years leading up to the Civil War, Madisonville was a flourishing community, supplying building materials and products to the larger regional city of New Orleans. However, the war shut down all trade with the city and the local economy deteriorated. For several decades following the war, times were tough and Madisonville suffered greatly; until shipbuilding helped rejuvenate the town. Jahncke Shipbuilding was a growing company prior to World War I, however when the United States became involved in the war, Jahncke Shipbuilding was commissioned by the US government to build six wooden US Navy cargo ships, though only 4 were actually completed. Employing over 2000 wokers at one time, Jahncke Shipbuilding constructed the The SS Bayou Teche, SS Balabac, the SS Pontchartrain and the SS Abbeville.

There are few remnants of the old shipyard still in existence. If you walk along the downtown Riverfront today, you will see it filled with many different shops and restaurants. For example, if you want it all? Morton’s Seafood Restaurant and Friend’s Restaurant located almost on opposite ends of Water Street (a tremendous 4 blocks) are two outstanding local dining experiences. Don’t stop there though, two more restaurants located just a short distance away, are Coffee’s Boiling Pot for hot fresh seafood, and for the absolutely best succulent steaks you must visit Keith Young’s Steakhouse. My stomach is growling just thinking about the filets… So… For boiled seafood, gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, shrimp creole, oysters on the half shell, crab meat au gratin, SOMEBODY PLEASE STOP ME…!!! Louisiana food is like no other and… well… Madisonville is the place to be if you want authentic Louisiana down home cooking. Wow!

Water Street can also be a place for families to sit and watch the boats which traverse the river to and from Lake Pontchartrain. Fishing is a favorite pastime for local residents, and along with recreational boating can be enjoyed throughout most of the year due to the mild climate. These small-town activities and the warm climate are two of the main attractions to Madisonville, contributing to its charm. Local restaurants are always serving up something good and there is always a reason to celebrate on the town calendar!

The town has several events throughout the year to keep tourist and residents alike entertained; Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. One of the biggest maritime festivities across several states and a must see for any visitor to Madisonville is the annual Wooden Boat Festival. Held in September and over 40,000 visitors strong; all arriving to partake in the lively list of festivities, including a tremendous collection of antique and classic wooden boats, boat making contests, arts and crafts, kid’s games and contests, and much much more. Did we mention the food? Also available is a grand array of delectable Cajun cuisine which makes the mouth water just thinking about it. I must stop talking about food…!

Other festivals which take place throughout the year include the Christmas Celebration and the Fourth of July Celebration, also for those who like to celebrate Mardi Gras, Madisonville celebrates in style, with an appealing small town feel allowing families to enjoy the celebration together, without the New Orleans craziness. Along the river gather the Mardi Gras Boats of the notorious Krewe of Tchefuncte, for the annual Madisonville Boat Parade. Bring your camera, but don’t fall in the River trying to catch beads! The waterfront is also home to several other activities which take place during the year; such as car shows, chili cook offs and live music.

One cannot visit Madisonville without a tour through the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, and along with this historic museum; Madisonville has a total of 8 registered sites within the National Register of Historic Places, many chosen for their historic architecture.

  • The Dendinger House, also known as Regent Square, which is located at 206 Covington St.
  • The Jay House, also known as the Otis House, located within the seclusion of Fairview Riverside State Park.
  • The Madisonville Bank, located at 400 Cedar St
  • The Madisonville Boarding House, located at 703 Main St
  • The Madisonville Town Hall, located at 203 Cedar St
  • The McCaleb House, located at 906 Main St
  • The Sardy House, located at 810 Main St
  • Tchefuncte River Range Rear Light, or better known as the Madisonville Lighthouse. Built in 1838, and re-built many times, the lighthouse served as the guide path for sailors crossing Lake Pontchartrain and into the Tchefuncte River basin for safe harbor.

The Madisonville Museum is another favorite place to go to enjoy; what life was like in historic Madisonville? Built in 1911, the museum is located in the historic courthouse downtown.

We must mention, just minutes away by either boat or car is the gorgeous Fairview Riverside State Park. With vehicle access just east of Madisonville, off of Hwy 22, Fairview Riverside has sweeping grand live oak trees gracing the grounds of the peaceful and serene park. However when you walk along the water’s edge, you look across the river to the far bank at a beautiful and alluring cypress lined forest; haunting and deadly, rich in wildlife.

Madisonville also boasts a wonderful educational system which offers children in the area an excellent foundation for the rest of their lives. Madisonville Elementary School is a prime example; ranked a 10 out of 10 by www.GreatSchools.org, and also has the honor of holding the number one ACT average composite scores in the state; and ACT scores which are well above state and national averages. Great job!

Madisonville is a place where families and friendships thrive, where community involvement and participation are a way of life. This small town has a beautiful and welcoming group of people who are hardworking and lively to boot. The town is a lovely waterfront community steeped in Cajun history and South Louisiana friendliness. “How you doing baaabby?” “Hey Boo!” “You look nice today Cher'”. Charming colloquialisms spoken around old friends. Madisonville has all the appeal of a small, tucked away village, with the convenience of New Orleans just across the lake.

A grand live oak tree stands near the entrance of the Madisonville Museum and it’s small role as Father Time, for this tree has recorded the history of the town for many years. If only it could speak what secrets would it tell? From the Civil War, and before… When Choctaw Indians were still hunting and fishing along the river’s edge? Maybe you can still hear the word “Coquille” whispered on the wind…?

***

If you would like to buy or sell a home in Madisonville, LA; please contact us at 985-867-8670, or at marc@mmsre.com

Thank You

Marc Pellettiere

Explore the Rich History and Exquisite Nature of Mandeville, Louisiana.

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Mandeville, Louisiana is a historic city, a beautiful town located precisely as the entrance way to the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain and St Tammany Parish. Bounded on the North by Interstate 12, the city is situated along the shores of the lake, connected by the Causeway Bridge to its South shore neighbor, the city of New Orleans. Statistics state Mandeville has an average elevation of 7 feet, and according to the US Census Bureau, the total area of the city is 6.8 square miles with a population of just over 11000 people.

To begin with the history of Mandeville, one has to start with the rich Native American heritage, still used commonly today. When we use words like Chinchuba, Tchefuncte, Bogue Falaya, and Catahoula, just to name a few. We are going back hundreds of years to when the Northshore was originally inhabited by Choctaw Indians. As time progressed though, the area of Mandeville became an agricultural region and this was the catalyst for its creation in the year 1834, by the renowned Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville (1785-1868). The Marigny was, historically, an affluent Louisiana family which, at one time, used to own approximately 1/3 of New Orleans. After the death of his father, Pierre Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville; Bernard inherited a large fortune. He owned a rich plantation is the area where today’s Fontainebleau State Park is currently located. (Today Fontainebleau is a place for campers and day visitors who enjoy the serenity of the piney woods and oak trees.) Being the entrepreneur he was, Bernard de Marigny purchased over 5,000 acres of additional land where the City of Mandeville was finally developed. Under Bernard’s supervision, Louis Bringer, the surveyor general of Louisiana, drew Mandeville’s plans; literally and figuratively. Several Mandeville families were obliged to place their properties up for sale during the depression of the late 1830s. Even the founder of the city, Bernard Xavier de Marigny de Mandeville was forced to sell the Fontainebleau Plantation in hard years surrounding 1852. During the period of the US Civil War, the city was inhabited by very few people, as Major F.H. Peck’s unionist soldiers invaded and occupied the city for an extended time. However, during the 19th century, Mandeville became again a very popular vacation resort for the more affluent sections of the New Orleans’ population, which we will touch more on in just a little bit.

One easily recognizable and significant feature of Mandeville, is its historic architecture in the oldest parts of the city. These houses consist of a series of unique custom homes, originally built as summer vacation retreats, along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. Eight of these homes and properties are currently considered historic by the National Register of Historic Places:

  • The Morel–Nott home, also known as the Hanisee house located at 2627 Lakeshore Drive
  • The Moore house, also commonly known as "Hightide" at 1717 Lakeshore Drive
  • The Bertus-Ducatel Home at 1721 Lakeshore Drive, also more commonly known as the “Little Flower Villa”
  • “Flagstaff” located at 1815 Lakeshore Drive
  • Griffins Bakery at 301 Lafitte St
  • The Johnson House at 402 Lafitte St
  • The Rankin House
  • The Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall, an early, 1930’s African American, recreational hall graced by the likes of Jazz icon Louis Armstrong

The wonderful sound of Jazz! Unique to New Orleans, began to be played in Mandeville during the early to mid 1900s. Steamboats began to port weekend vacationers back and forth from the South shore, and notable musicians were hired to entertain the guests during the voyages. Soon these music groups were playing the local Mandeville venues and for one of the first times, Jazz music was played outside the city of New Orleans. Mandeville soon began to become very popular and several early Jazz pioneers frequently played on the Northshore. Musicians the likes of Bunk Johnson, Buddy Petit, Papa Celestin, George Lewis, Kid Ory, Edmond Hall, and Chester Zardis.

The afore mentioned Dew Drop Social Hall was one of the local playhouses, which though closed as a music hall for many years, was reopened, in 2000, as a live jazz venue, and is an excellent place to catch local live music. Another amazing venue is Ruby's Roadhouse, which, unbelievably, has been operating since the 1920s and if you enjoy the night life is absolutely a place you want to visit when you come to Mandeville! 🙂

Attractions in Mandeville

Well I would not call the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, (24 miles of concrete and steel, and also one of the longest bridges in the world), a major attraction of Mandeville, however it does have significant economical importance to the area, so I mention it to cover all the bases. The Causeway provides Mandeville with fairly quick access (a 20 minute drive) to Metairie, and hence to the CBD (Central Business District) of New Orleans, and many Mandeville residents commute back and forth daily for work.

The Mandeville trailhead is a neat attraction, located directly on the Tammany Trace. The Trailhead provides an amphitheater for live music and events and a water park for kids to beat the long hot summers.

Also, Mandeville is a member of the Tree City USA program, and the city is home to the Seven Sisters Oak, the largest certified Southern live oak tree, located just 2 blocks off the lake in Lewisburg. The Seven Sisters Oak is just a hair under 39 feet in circumference and is estimated to be over 1500 years old. Wow!

In conclusion, Mandeville is a city rich in history and culture and simply enjoys a more slower paced lifestyle than New Orleans. On weekends, many recreational boaters take to the lake for a relaxed and fun sail or to fish for speckled trout.

Well that is all I have for now. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or post a response and I will get back with as soon as possible. Mandeville truly is a great place to live and a wonderful place to grow up.

Thank You
Marc Pellettiere

marc@mmsre.com

Mandeville, Louisiana: A Great Place to Live!

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The City of Mandeville is a small, tourist friendly, town located in historical St. Tammany Parish Louisiana. Founded in 1834, this beautiful contemporary city is located on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain and is just a short, twenty minute drive, across the bay from always lively New Orleans! Mandeville is a very unique city with a definite small town feel, but yet has the bustling metropolis of New Orleans just a hop, skip and a jump away. Also, it must be clearly noted; Mandeville was named one of Relocate America “Top 100 Places to Live” in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009! WOW! Featuring a warm climate, beautiful lakefront views, and warm and friendly people; how could you not want to live in here?

Mandeville is a popular destination for tourists as nearby Lake Pontchartrain offers residents and tourists alike with some excellent fishing and awesome sailing, which help to keep the summer months cool and fun. And if you like crabbing, Bayou Lacombe is right around the corner. Mandeville also has a happening music scene; one with a history of being a big part of the Jazz movement in the greater New Orleans area during the early 1900s, and continues to have live music shows and events to keep your feet jumping every weekend. Did I mention Fontainebleau State Park, located just East of Mandeville, is well known for its bird watching and draws tourists in from all over the country to get a glimpse of the rare red-cockaded woodpecker or to partake in The Great Louisiana Bird Fest every year. OMG! Did I almost forget about food? How could I? This is Southern Louisiana and cooking is an art form in this neck of the woods! Nuvolaris, mm mm… Louis and the Redhead Lady, MM MM… Or if you like something a little more exotic, try the always excellent Trey Yuen.

The schools in Mandeville are known for their high excellence rating, a 10-out-of-10 by GreatSchools.org, a popular website promoting parent interaction in their children’s education. For example Magnolia Trace Elementary, serving PK-3 is just 1 of the 5 Mandeville Public Schools in Louisiana to receive a distinguished Great Schools Rating of 10 out of 10. For more information on schools in Mandeville, you may also visit LocalSchoolDirectory.com, and the St Tammany Parish School Board.

Mandeville’s housing market is also very good for prospective buyers; and homes in the area are some of the best in the state. The city offers homes in a variety of types, with a variety of subdivisions as well, Beau Chene, with 2 beautiful 18 hole golf courses, 10 tennis courts, and over 1000 single family residences, not even mentioning a marina on the Tchefuncta River, with access to Lake Pontchartrain, makes Beau Chene one of the premier subdivisions in Mandeville. Greenleaves Subdivision is a beautiful place to call home as well. With a tremendous amount of old growth trees still in place and large ponds; Greenleaves has the, chirping of songbirds and dappled sunlight feeling of home. Meadowbrook Subdivision is also a favorite place to live in Mandeville. Location. Location. Location. Being so convenient continues to make Meadowbrook one of the preferred subdivisions in Mandeville. No matter what you are looking for on the Northshore; Mandeville has the perfect house just waiting for you and your family to call home!

In recap. Moving to Mandeville, Louisiana is a great choice for you and your family as the city and surrounding area has so much to offer its residents. An excellent job market with a stimulating economy, educational institutions with some of the highest ratings in the state and a wealth of things to do and places to see to keep you and your family entertained all year round. We hope to see you'll around.

Thank You

Marc Pellettiere

marc@mmsre.com

The Scoggin Group

LA Proposed Constitutional Amendment; November 19th, 2011 Election Ballot

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Representative John Schroder.

Proposed Constitutional Amendement 1; 11_19_11

Please vote YES for Amendment 1 on the 11/19/11 ballot. A vote YES means NO MORE TAXES! "No More Real Estate Transfer Taxes in the State of Louisiana!"

St Tammany Parish wide Proposition 1; 11_19_11
Please make sure to go out an vote! Exercise your right to vote!

Thank You

Marc Pellettiere

 

BoatUS Foundation’s Free Louisiana Boating Safety Course

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Courtesy of Louisiana State Representative John Schroder.

This FREE Online Boating Safety Course, from the BoatUS Foundation, is approved by the Louisiana State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and does satisfy the mandatory education requirements for boaters and personal watercraft operators born after January 1st, 1984. We hope everyone enjoys and is safe on the water.

Thank You

Marc