Cool Baton Rouge Businesses to Watch in 2015

Anyone living in Baton Rouge knows this city is going up. up. up. We are growing…expanding…Quite frankly-getting cooler.  I've always thought this city had the best of all worlds. It's family accommodating, but there is no shortage of fun when you do get that babysitter on a Saturday Night. Well, enough of my Redstick City plug. Here is my list of "cool" Baton Rouge Businesses to keep an eye on in the New Year.

1. Velvet Cactus

I loved this place in New Orleans. Actually, I lived right behind it. This "Mexican Inspired" Restaurant not only has a great menu and killer Margaritas, it throws one of the Best Cinco De Mayo block parties I have ever attended (and I've attended some doozies). The New Orleans-Art Inspired-Voo Doo themed atmosphere make this a place for a Professional Lunch, Saturday Girls Night Out, or your Date Spot. The outdoor courtyard is going to be my go-to Happy Hour Spot when the weather starts to warm up.

7655 Old Hammond Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 227-2563
Go like Velvet Cactus Facebook page for more updates!
Visit Velvet Cactus and post your pictures with #GeauxEat on your social media and you could be featured!

2. Barcadia

                                          Picture Courtesy of Barcadia Facebook Page

Another New Orleans little brother place. This joint is not your typical bar. This is arcade themed bar will feature arcade games to keep you boozing and moving. On some nights you can even win FREE BOOZE. Hence the name "Barcadia." Now you are getting it! So start putting your quarters in that jar by your bed. Now you actually have something to use them for.

3347 Highland Road, Baton Rouge LSU
(225) 224-6000
Go like Barcadia Facebook Page for updates!
Post your pictures from Barcadia with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

3. Matherne's Grocery Store

Ok. Ok. Don't get mad at me. Another one of my faves from New Orleans. If you read this site regularly…you know two things about me. I love downtown Baton Rouge and I like local businesses. And my third weakness?. I am a sucker for doberge cake. And this place is rocking all three of my likes. Move over Whole Foods, this is the new hip grocery store in town.

440 N Third Street Suite 100, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 343-0600
Go like Matherne's Facebook page for more updates and deals!
Post your pictures shopping at Matherne's with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

4. Baton Rouge Krav Maga

 Photo Courtesy of Krav Maga Baton Rouge Facebook Page

Now that you have inhaled your Doberge Cake, Krav Maga Gym and Training is a "killing two birds with one stone" kind of exercise. You get a muscle-building, cardio filled workout while learning how to defend yourself with the art of Krav Maga. The trainers at this gym genuinely care about the super positive atmosphere they provide to their clients. These hour long classes are such a bag-hitting good time…A lot of people gladly stay for multiple classes in a row and get their butt kicked.

10221 Patriot Drive Suite A, Baton Rouge
(225) 329-9820
Go like Baton Rouge Krav Maga Facebook Page for more updates and classes!
Post your pictures at Krav Maga with #GeauxWorkOut and you could be featured!

5. XO Nightclub

A club that opened in 2014,  but I think it is going to really rave in 2015. Already very impressed with this joint and its club feel. Not to mention, I have never seen a room full of such happy people since that epic Lil Jon Concert in 2014.
Bartenders-Friendly. VIP Girls-Hot. Dance Floor-Full. What else were you looking for in your Saturday Night?

150 Mayflower Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 381-0606
Go like XO Nightclub on Facebook for updates and performances!
Post your pictures at XO with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

6. Hey Penelope

My last post was about this adorable shop on Jefferson Hwy. that specializes in comfortable-fashionable-Louisanable clothes. From T-shirts to leggings to adorable koozies for POOL SEASON coming up... Stop by. While you are there, pick up one of those Mardi Gras "This is My Bead Catching Shirt" for me...will ya?

7317 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 924-5338
Go like Hey Penelope Facebook Page for more updates and sales!
Post your pictures in Hey Penelope with #GeauxShop and #HeyPenelope and you could be featured!

7. Draft House

Beers…Beers…and more Beers. There is already a big beer-lover social scene in Baton Rouge (I personally never turn down a home brew), and now the headquarters for all beer connoisseurs is here! Opening this fall, Draft House is going to be THE place to go for an after work brewski. And I'm not a gambler, but I would put money on the fact that this place will fill up fast on game days.

421 Third Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 246-2547
Go like Draft House on Facebook for more updates.
Post your pictures at Draft House with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

8. Tiger Deaux Nuts

There goes my low carb diet out the window. Tiger Deaux-nuts has caused quite the stir as everyone anxiously waited for the doors to open at their new Government location. And how could we not? Bacon Crumbled donuts and king cake that I would probably not be willing to share...This might be my newest "sweet craving" spot.

5162 Government, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 421-1091
Go like Tiger Deaux-Nuts on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at Tiger Deaux-Nuts with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

 

9. Modern Meals

And for the days you are more loyal to your diet…There is Modern Meals. This place is more "Take Out" orientated, but it is said to have tables and chairs for your slower paced days. But for all you fast paced, clean eaters...Here is your easy fix. Their menu is endless and their food...gorgeous! Can't wait for this opening.

2921 Government Street, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 317-2673
Go like Modern Meals on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at ModernMeals with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

Obsessed with this New Neighborhood!

Homes in The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge LA

Why Do People Live Here?

Live in this innovative, new community and experience the sight and the soothing sound of nature at your own back door. The Preserve at Harveston is a brand new subdivision located in South Baton Rouge on Bluebonnet Blvd. between Burbank Dr. and Nicholson Dr. Watch our virtual tour to see this wonderful neighborhood for yourself! Click here to view all homes that are for sale in The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA!

Looking for a home in The Preserve at Harveston?

Interested in finding homes for sale in The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA? Click that link to find all of the currently available homes in this area of Baton Rouge. Call us today to receive additional information about The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA.

What's the Neighborhood Like?

The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA features urban homes with a mixture of south Louisiana architectural heritage and natural beauty. The community began developing in 2014 with a goal to provide residents a peaceful and convenient lifestyle. Experience a special way of living with The Preserve at Harveston's hardwood forest featuring a 15 acre Preservation Park. Stroll along walking trails and lakes with landscaped common areas and fountains.  The subdivision features a clubhouse with a large swimming pool and patio area, gym, conference room, fully equipped kitchen and theater room. The neighborhood is composed of upscale homes that reflect the cultural influences of the city. You can see its exquisite selection of homes including Acadian, Creole, Greek Revival, Norman French and West Indies style homes. The prices start in the upper $300,000's and all floor plans are over 2,000 sq ft. of living space. Call us at 225-366-8656 to receive a packet of floor plans. Click here to find homes for sale in The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA!

What's Going on Nearby the The Preserve at Harveston Neighborhood?

Enjoy exploring, eating and shopping in an array of shopping centers, family-friendly restaurants and grocery stores that surround The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge LA. Take your furry friend to play and socialize at the BREC Dog Park located within the Burbank Sports Complex, only 2 miles from your new subdivision. This is my favorite dog park in Baton Rouge, as it has two gated sections for the separation of small dogs and large dogs, as well as a man made pond for your canine to cool off in. If you are like me and are constantly having to run to the store to buy little odds and ends for your home, you will be delighted to know that the new Walmart Supercenter is now open on the corner of Burbank Dr. and Bluebonnet Blvd. At this same intersection you will see that there is an Albertsons grocery store, a Tanning Salon, and an array of fast food restaurants. Two of my favorite sit-down restaurants in the area are Sammy's Grill and La Carretta Mexican Restaurant. Sammy's Grill is a local favorite that serves Cajun seafood and southern cuisine. You will quickly find that most Baton Rougeans will say Sammy's Grill has the best Crawfish in the city. If you find yourself at Sammy's Grill pinching tails, make sure to ask for the special Crawfish dipping sauce! It's simply amazing! Enough about mudbugs...what will you do when you have the shopping bug? You'll be delighted to know that The Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe are just 3 miles away and a straight shot from The Reserve at Harveston. Perkins Rowe has a variety of popular restaurants, several big name clothing stores and small boutiques, a Barnes and Nobles book store and a CVS Pharmacy. Catch the latest flick at the Cinemark Movie Theater also located in Perkins Rowe. Do you enjoy tailgating for the LSU Tigers? LSU's campus is located about 5 miles away. Test your luck at the new L'Auberge Casino and Hotel, located right around the corner from The Reserve at Harveston. If you're not a big gambler, you will certainly enjoy the holiday parties and music concert series that the casino puts on. Find out more about the activities and establishments near The Preserve at Harveston including places of worship, banking, shopping, attractions and recreation and much more on my website.

What Schools will the Kids Attend?

The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge LA is located 3-5 miles away from the following schools, St. Jude School, St. George Catholic School, Country Day School of Baton Rouge and The Dunham School. Get the local school scores and more information about these schools, check out the Baton Rouge school reports on my website.

Now You Really Want to Find a Home Here, Right?

If you are interested in the current homes for sale in The Preserve at Harveston in Baton Rouge, LA. Click on the link. Our 'for sale' property information is a direct feed from the Baton Rouge MLS and is updated multiple times per day.

Post courtesy of the Louisiana Homes and Land Group at Keller Williams Red Stick Partners 

Call 225-366-8656 to set up a Free Buyer Consultation and begin your home search.

Louisiana Homes and Land Team

Keller Williams Realty Red Stick Partners

Hire a positive and proactive Team of Realtors to help you find your next home!Call or text (225) 366-8656 for information on Buyer’s Representation Services

(NO COST TO HOME BUYERS)

Browse the entire Baton Rouge MLS: www.BatonRougeRealEstateDeals.com/search

Get a FREE report on YOUR HOME’s Value at www.BatonRougeRealEstateDeals.com/sell

Like us on Facebook! Facebook.com/LouisianaHomesAndLand

Hey Penelope...My Newest Shopping Addiction

I am so so so into this "comfortable-effortless but still worked at it" fashion trend going on right now. Seriously...Where were all the flow-y tops and leggings when I was in college???

I was in the "powder room" one evening when I spotted this adorable, but rather comfy looking chick washing her hands. Her shirt said "Bless your heart."

 (Was not this particular shirt but how cozy does this shirt look?! Pocket tee shirts are my fave!)

I stood right next to her and shouted, "Oh my gah. All the women in my family say that ALLL the time! I have to know where you got that shirt." (Yes...the shouting was probably due to the two glasses of wine from dinner.)

"Hey Penelope." my new best friend stated calmly.

"Come again?" I asked.

This, now rather annoyed, girl didn't know she had just open up my shopping world. I started noticing Hey Penelope popping up on Jamie Lynn Spears Instagram account (Don't knock it until you have heard the girl sing). I had to find this magical land of comfortable but adorable clothes. I found a few places here and there that carried some of the items...but then...then it happened. Finally. Hey Penelope Store. 

Located at 7317 Jefferson Hwy. Suite A

 I have to admit...I do not have too much patience for store shopping. But I have frequented the Hey Penelope store on Jefferson Hwy. so often, Desiree (Desiree Guidry-the owner of Hey Penelope) probably thinks I have some Carrie Bradshaw-esq shopping addiction for leggings and scarves.

From Jewelry-to koozies-to shoes-to the most comfortable leggings you will EVER wear (No..I'm not exaggerating), you won't just leave this place with one of her cozy shirts galore.

Go check out these designs at www.heypenelopedesigns.com,  Follow Hey Penelope's Facebook Page or go look up Hey Penelope on your IG Account. Tweet them @HeyPenelopeArt

Don't forget to take pictures in your Hey Penelope threads and tag @HeyPenelope and @BatonRougeGeaux. And as always...whenever you are shopping at your favorite, send me a picture by #GeauxShop.

Your daughter is your Princess...Want to make it Official?

So I'm strolling through the Mistletoe Market with my two year old, who is getting rather restless. As the heavens opened up, a light shone down on the "Kids Zone." Relief!

We walk into to see all the children vendors...Chuck E Cheese, Childrens' Books, Face Painters...But what really caught our eye is Venessa, The Louisiana Mermaid. But that's not who this article is about, this time. (If your curious, here is that Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaMermaid)

As we sat down to speak to The Louisiana Mermaid, two adorable girls came to sit down with us. Due to my intense watching of Disney movies lately, it does not take me long to realize one is dressed as Alice in Wonderland and the other as Tinkerbell. As we began to speak the wonders of Princesses and which one was my daughter's favorite, I noticed they did not ONCE break character. Even when they were just speaking to me.

Then a ball was mentioned. Excuse me but...Say What?!?

"A PRINCESS ball?" I asked entirely too excited for a grown woman.

"Oh yes...A coronation ball." Alice in Wonderland answered still in her cute, little accent.

Get. Out. Tell me more!

The RentAPrincess group is holding a coronation ball where the your girls can wear the finest gowns, learn to dance and twirl, meet all the Princesses, watch performances, have delicious cake, and EVEN have the Snow Queen anoint them as official princesses.

You heard me right. Your little princess 

So which grown up reading right now is jealous??

Doors will open to the Lake House at 12451 Old Hammond Hwy

Baton Rouge, LA 70816 on Friday, January 16 at 5pm! 

They are only allowing 100 tickets to be sold, and 50 were already sold at Mistletoe Market. Want to know how to get a hold of this magical tickets? You have to go like their page. No really! They will be posting how to buy tickets next on their Facebook Page. Click here https://www.facebook.com/renttheprincess . And remember...Tell them who sent ya!

Disclaimer: All pictures borrowed from Facebook Page 

LIL JON DID NOT TURN DOWN OR DISAPPOINT AT XO NIGHTCLUB

THE GRAND OPENING OF XO NIGHTCLUB IN DOWNTOWN BATON ROUGE WAS JUST THAT...GRAND!

While sipping on my third Red Bull for the night, I fought my way through a sea of glow sticks, some sweet dance moves, and smiling faces. Everyone raged away to the opening local celebrity DJ's as they spun their happy hands off. I can honestly say I have never seen Baton Rouge Residents have these much fun, with the exception of LSU Football and Tailgating. Reminder: Invite Lil Jon to LSU football games!

Lil Jon played a major role in the electrifying atmosphere, but give credit where credit is due. I think XO Nightclub proved that they are the new hotspot for the Baton Rouge Night scene, and they never disappoint. Didn't make it Saturday Night? Don't worry. Rumor has it Lil Jon asked XO if he could come back. Well..um...YEA-UH!