• New Orleans to Houston road trip and distance

    How To Drive From New Orleans To Houston

    3 Min Read

    One of the more enjoyable drives in the South is the trip from New Orleans, Louisiana to Houston, Texas. If you want to make the trip, there are some things you need to go to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible.

    How Far is New Orleans From Houston?

    If you drive from New Orleans to Houston, the distance between the two cities is approximately 350 miles and takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions Driving from New Orleans to Houston is a popular route that can be easily accomplished with a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

    Plan Your Route

    There are several ways to get from New Orleans to Houston, but the most direct route is to take Interstate 10 West. Plan your route ahead of time and consider any stops you might want to make along the way.

    Check Your Vehicle

    Before starting your trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has been recently serviced. Check your oil, brakes, tires, and other important components to ensure a safe and smooth trip.

    Bring Snacks And Water

    While there are plenty of rest stops and gas stations along the way, it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks and water to keep you fueled and hydrated during the journey.

    Watch Your Speed

    Be sure to obey all speed limits and traffic laws while driving. The speed limit on most parts of I-10 is 70 mph, but it can vary in certain areas, so be aware of posted signs.

    Final Word

    Driving for long periods of time can be tiring, so take regular breaks to stretch your legs and rest. Rest stops and gas stations along the way provide great places to take a break and refresh.

    Enjoy the scenery: The drive from New Orleans to Houston offers beautiful views of the Gulf Coast and the surrounding countryside. Take the opportunity to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the journey.

    Flying in and out of New Orleans is easier than ever after the Louis Armstrong Airport remodel.

    New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.

    Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.

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  • Best mother's day restaurants in New Orleans

    Where To Eat For Mother’s Day In New Orleans

    3 Min Read

    You’ve got to take mom somewhere special for Mother’s Day in New Orleans. There’s even a restaurant called “Mothers,” but it’s not the only place you can go.

    Try These Excellent New Orleans Restaurants For Mother’s Day

    Here are some of the best places to eat on Mother’s Day in New Orleans.

    The Blue Crab

    7900 Lakeshore Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 284-2898

    The Blue Crab restaurant in New Orleans is the beat seafood place.

    Here’s what one diner says about The Blue Crab: “Food was delicious and service was great. I had the grilled oysters and red snapper entree. The oysters were good but 2 of my 6 were burnt. The snapper was delicious but on the small side for the price.”|

    Atchafalaya

    901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-9626

    Come for the Crab Cake Benedict, stay for the brunch Bloody Mary.

    Here’s what one diner says about Atchafalaya : “Shrimp and Crab Cake Benedict special, Bananas Foster Waffle, Five “A” bloody Mary and mimosa. Everything was delicious and the outdoor seating area was perfect for us to enjoy the beautiful weather with our dog. Our waitress was amazing. If you want to hear the live music you’ll want to sit inside. Mask required inside and COVID vaccine or negative PCR test proof required. Pets allowed outside.”

    Brennan’s

    417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |  (504) 525-9711

    brennan's has the best food in New Orleans

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Brennan’s: “Design of the restaurant is really good. Service was decent. However I did not like the food. Whether that was my fried rabbit particularly or the oil they use, I just stayed hungry.”

    Cochon Restaurant

    930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 588-2123

    Cochon steak in New Orleans

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Cochon: “Our experience at Cochon was pleasant. Service was quick and food was delicious. Drinks are also well crafted. The oysters on garlic chili oil was a winner. The alligator was different. If you don’t mind eating alligator then it’s probably good. Just not for me.”

    Commander’s Palace

    1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 899-8221

    Commander's Palace is the best in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about Commander’s Palace: “Commander’s Palace was a lovely dining experience- the ambiance was great, our waiter had a dynamite personality, and we had fun having an excuse to dress up! I forget the details but I believe the sourcing of the meat was local/organic if they possibly could which I thought was nice. Also, the bread pudding was delicious!”

    Doris Metropolitan New Orleans

    620 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | : (504) 267-3500

    Doris Metropolitan has the best food in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about Doris: “This place was incredible. The service was excellent. The food was… I swear I died and am presently a ghost. The desert was so so so rich, but so incredibly good.
    Absolutely hit this place up if you are looking to dine high quality.”

    Final Word

    You don’t need a holiday to show your loved ones that you care.

    New Orleans is known as a party city, but a celebratory city is a much more accurate word. Easter and other holidays are great excuses to do what we do best in the Big Easy: Party hearty,

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  • Text to pay parking in New Orleans

    Passport launches Text to Pay for parking in New Orleans

    3 Min Read

    Looking for a public parking space in downtown New Orleans can be a hassle, but a new initiative aims to add convenience.

    Passport, the leading mobility management platform provider, is bringing ease and optionality to parkers across the country with the launch of Text to Pay.

    Text-To-Pay Parking Launches In New Orleans

    This new functionality allows users to quickly pay for parking through the convenience of text messaging and is now available in Atlanta, Ga., Decatur, Ga., Gretna, La. and New Orleans, La. More cities will launch in the coming months, including Annapolis Md, Beaufort, S.C. and Harrisburg, Pa.

    The launch of Text to Pay creates a frictionless experience for the end customer in how they pay for parking. A motorist now has the option to simply text to park without downloading an app or can choose their preferred app through ParkingApp.com. Providing more payment options for parking has been found to increase willingness to pay, ultimately driving better parking compliance.

    “With the addition of Text to Pay, drivers who do not want to download or use an app to pay to park are now one text message away from enjoying the same type of convenient parking experience in Atlanta,” said Calvin Watts, Transportation Director. “This launch is a great example of leveraging a single platform to provide more optionality and convenience, and we are excited to be working with Passport to improve the payment experiences for the people in our City.”

    In addition to providing another convenient option to pay for parking, Passport also improves operational efficiency for the cities. Specifically, all parking transactions are now consolidated into one backend platform and reporting system in these cities, and all related payments are reconciled to the appropriate app partner. Now, these cities can focus on their parking operations and not be burdened with managing backend transactional and operational logistics.

    This specific Text to Pay functionality in these cities is being enabled through a partnership with SP Plus Corporation (SP+) via its Parking.com solution.

    “We are thrilled for the opportunity to demonstrate our unique ability to reconcile payments from various applications and to bring an innovation like Text to Pay to life. Now we can increase operational efficiency and save motorists time with a fast, secure, and efficient option to navigate the parking experience,” said Jason Sutton, VP of Channel at Passport.

    Final Word

    Parking in New Orleans just got easier. Instead of opening an app, all you have to do is text. What could be easier than that?

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  • Hailey Van Lith LSU

    Hailey Van Lith Commits To LSU

    2 Min Read

    The defending national champion LSU women’s basketball team has reloaded just days after celebrating the Tigers’ first NCAA title. Now, LSU has landed former Louisville star Hailey Van Lith.

    Van Lith, who took Louisville to the NCAA tournament before bowing out, signaled that she has committed to the Lady Tigers by posting on the caption “eleven” on her Instagram, an obvious nod to her jersey number.

    Van Lith will have two years of eligibility remaining as she seeks to help the Lady Tigers repeat as champions. Basketball fans are salivating with Lith pairing with LSU star Angel Reese next season.

    “Oh it’s UP,” Reese wrote on social media.

    LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey, who herself starred at guard for Louisiana Tech, aims to complement Lith with the young talent the Tigers have assembled on the team.

    Van Lith will take over at guard for the Tigers, who will lose Alexis Morris to the WNBA. Lith is set to graduate from Louisville in May, earning her degree in finance in three years.

    With Van Lith’s commitmentto the Tigers, LSU is now favored along with UConn to win the 2024 Women’s Basketball Championship on Caesars Sportsbook. LSU began at +550 before Van Lith’s signing, the 2nd favorite behind UConn (+400). Now both LSU and UnConn are +400.

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  • best sports bars in New Orleans to watch the NBA FINALS and the Pelicans games.

    Best Bars To Watch the NBA Finals In New Orleans

    3 Min Read

    The Pelicans might not be in it, but we New Orleans sports fans love to watch a good game. With the biggest games of the NBA playoffs before us, we’re looking to grab a chair at the nearest bar downtown or uptown and in between.

    This article will tell you all about the best bars to watch the NBA Finals game by game. You can watch the NBA games for FREE on any device.

    J&J’s Sports Lounge

    800 France St, New Orleans, LA 70117 |  (504) 942-8877

    J&J's Sports Lounge is the best bar in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one bar fan says about J&J’s: “Game days look and feel different now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cold beverage, in a great bar! Tables are spaced out, there is no standing at the bar and there is plenty of hand sanitizer on site. Each time your Saints score, you can hear the cowbells!”

    Mid City Yacht Club

    440 S St Patrick St, New Orleans, LA 70119 |  (504) 483-2517

    Mid City Yacht Club is the best sports bar in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one bar fan says about Mid City Yacht Club: “Great bar for casual drinks, catching a game, and goooood food. The vibe is non-pretentious and everyone, even the patrons, are friendly. Typical bar food but isn’t soggy and greasy like some places can be. Highly recommend!”

    Finn McCool’s Irish Pub

    3701 Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 486-9080

    Fiinn McCool's Irish Pub is one of the best bars in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one bar fan says about Finn McCool’s: “Great place to go watch a game. Drinks were cheap, food was good. I definitely recommend the cheese fries!!”

    Bullet’s Sports Bar

    2441 A P Tureaud Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 948-4003

    Bullets Sports Bar is among the best in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about Bullet’s Sports Bar: “One of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a live music venue. We went on a Tuesday evening. India the bartender was super accommodating and friendly. The entire staff and customers made us feel welcome. We got to meet Kermit Ruffins too! One of the best experiences we had on our our trip to New Orleans!”

    The Jimani

    141 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |  (504) 524-0493

    The Jimani is the best sports bar in Nee Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about The Jimani: “Visiting from South Dakota, and came in tonight after a reading a review in the fall restaurant guide.”

    Final Word

    No matter where you go to enjoy the game, the key is to have a good time and enjoy your food and drink!

    Remember that waiters and waitresses across the industry make less than $3 a day unless they receive tips, so please show your gratitude for your service.

    Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.

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  • Best tacos in New Orleans

    These Restaurants Have The Best Tacos In New Orleans

    4 Min Read

    A tasty taco with some refreshing adult beverage is a hard thing to beat in any city, including New Orleans. Tacos rule!

    It’s not necessarily one of the foods New Orleans is known for, but tacos are an important part of the Crescent City dining scene.

    Where To Go For The Best Tacos In New Orleans

    Mexican cuisine may not be as popular as seafood in New Orleans, but it’s a close second, as you’ll see.

    Tacos & Beer

    1622 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 |  (504) 304-8722

    Tacos and Beer in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about Tacos & Beer: “One of my favorite taco spots! Food is always hot and fresh! The choriqueso is super delicious! Also has great drinks! Service could be better but that changes depending on who’s working. I always go back!”

    Cuñada

    833 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 525-9200

    Cuñada Mexican restaurant in New Orleans

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Cuñada: “”If you want real AUTHENTIC Mexican cuisine in New Orleans, look no further! The best food, served by the best staff in the best city….what else could you ask for.”

    The Rum House

    3128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 941-7560

    The Rum House has the best tacos in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says at The Rum House: “Now, the food was quick and delicious. Chips were crisp. Fries were a bit soggy. Tacos were wonderful! And on sale, because TACO TUESDAY! The drinks were wonderful, the staff obviously supported one another in putting out wonderful drinks and food.”

    Panchita’s Mexican Criolla Cuisine

    1434 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 |  (504) 281-4127

    Panchita's Mexican Criolla Cuisine

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Panchita’s: “First Time me and my Boyfriend Came here.Small Place Outdoor Sitting as Well as Indoors.Authentic Mexican Food.I had There Vegetable Burrito and He had the Carne Asada Plate.I Had a Glass of Chardonnay he had 2 Corona Lights we Both Had Water.The Waitress Was Also The Owner She had Other Employees Cooking. Very Clean and Quaint. Will Be Back. Thank You.”

    Liberacion NOLA

     2239, New Orleans, LA 70117 | 504-208-8276

    Liberacion NOLA has the best tacos in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Liberacion NOLA: “These guys have been singlehandedly keeping me alive the last few years. NO ONE can sling tacos like Damien and Heather!!! Best tacos on the entire planet. Hell, I even heard aliens from other planets are considering sacrificing a lil ufo sighting just come try em.”

    Johnny Sánchez

    930 Poydras St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70112 |  (504) 304-6615

    Johnny Sanchez restaurant in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about Johnny Sanchez. “We went to Johnny Sánchez for dinner. I had a burrito with a Bloody Maria. The burrito required a knife and for in order to eat it. The flavor of the burrito was quite nice. I can’t say the same about the Bloody Maria. The Bloody Maria was mostly Vodka, and I couldn’t taste the tomato juice.”

    The Velvet Cactus

    6300 Argonne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 301-2083

    Velvet Cactus in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about The Velvet Cactus. “Great outdoor seating options. Food was very fast! Cheddar grits and brisket quesadilla were awesome! Plantains were tasty too!”

    Final Word

    One of America’s favorite foods is tacos and in New Orleans, Louisiana, it’s no different. The city has some great places to buy tacos.

    New Orleans is known for gumbo and other seafood, but its taco game is pretty mean as well. If you’re looking for tasty tacos for Taco Tuesday, the city has what you need.

    If you go to a Mexican restaurant in New Orleans, you may not know what to order. You should try a quesadilla or some  Tacos or Sopa de Fideo. No matter what you choose, don’t forget to explore the city’s rich culinary history by giving the eatery some repeat business.

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  • Average home costs in New Orleans

    How Much Does The Average Home Cost In New Orleans?

    3 Min Read

    After a brief upward trajectory, pending home sales continue to drop a tad across Louisiana and Greater New Orleans. The trend is part of a national wave of lower home prices spurred by rising interest rates.

    After steep increases in home prices in New Orleans and nationally over the last two years, the market is starting to soften in large metropolitan areas.

    You may be curious to know how much an average New Orleans home costs in the current real estate market.

    What Is The Average Price Of A Home In New Orleans?

    The average home costs $349,000 in New Orleans, which is up 6% compared to last year, according to recent figures.

    The average home in New Orleans consists of:

    • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
    • A one-quarter acre lot
    • Central air and heating unit

    In Louisiana, the average home value is about $182,595, according to Zillow. The Pelican State has experienced about a 2.3% increase in home values over the last 18 months.

    Are Home Prices Dropping In New Orleans?

    In New Orleans, home prices are starting to cool after a string of months that saw gains across all types of units. Even the cost of land is high in Louisiana now.

    Here are the average home prices across some top New Orleans neighborhoods, according to Zillow.

    Is It Better To Rent Or Buy A Home In New Orleans?

    As to whether it’s better to rent or buy a home in New Orleans, a lot has to do with your personal goals and your financial situation. Apartment rentals are higher than they’ve ever been in New Orleans.

    There are pros and cons in renting or buying. a home, but how you want to live has a lot to do with it.

    Renters are being priced out of the city as real estate prices continue to restrict demand. Here’s how to find a cheap New Orleans apartment.

    Final Word

    Home prices in New Orleans have been rising steadily over the past two years, but things are starting to trend in the other direction.

    Although home values have dipped a bit, areas around New Orleans that used to have $10,000 properties just 10 years ago, gentrification has quickly shot prices through the roof.

    Keep up with what’s going on in the Louisiana real estate scene. Check out these cheap apartments.

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  • Louisiana Pepper Exchange

    Louisiana Foodie Find Fame On TikTok

    2 Min Read

    Louisiana native Justin Chiasson, popularly known as Stalekracker on TikTok, has become a sensation with his Cajun-themed entertaining and informative cooking videos.

    Since his first video in June 2020, Chiasson has gained a massive following of over 6 million users who tune in to learn how to cook Cajun cuisine, including wrangling gators and snapping turtles.

    Chiasson’s videos are characterized by his signature phrase, “Put dat on a cracker. Dat’s money dude!!” and cover a wide range of topics, from cooking crawfish, alligator, wings, and crabs to making beer cheese fries. He begins each video by introducing the dish and then demonstrates how to prepare it.

    Thanks to his Tik Tok fame, Chiasson has grown Stalekracker into a business franchise. He monetizes his videos directly through the sale of crawfish and official merchandise, including t-shirts, spice blends, hot sauces and a cookbook titled “Da Cajun Two Step,” which he co-authored with his wife.

    In addition, he has leveraged affiliate links to products he uses in his videos to generate indirect revenue. He’s also opened a franchise location of the Jambalaya Shoppe, which currently operates in Louisiana, Texas, and the Gulf Coast region. Additionally, he has helped to increase the sales of crawfish at Frugé Aquafarms, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

    His unique catchphrases, including “While we wait, we HYDRATE,” “Put DAT on a cracker dude!,” and “That’s money dude!,” have become popular merchandise and affiliate links on his social media pages. With his infectious personality and culinary expertise, Chiasson’s fame continues to rise. 

    Last Bite

    When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.

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  • How to file for a tax extension

    How To File A Tax Extension

    3 Min Read

    Are you getting ready for tax day 2023? No matter if you’re getting a refund or have to pay the state or federal government, tax day is a day to remember. 

    This article will tell you how to file a tax extension as well as when tax day is.

    When Is The Official Tax Day For 2023?

    Tax day is Tuesday, April 18. That’s the last day to file. But what if you need an extension?  We’re going to show you how to do it. Never pay someone to file an extension for you, it’s free to do.

    Millions of Americans fail to file their taxes annually, subjecting themselves to huge penalties that accrue interest. You don’t want to be like that.

    If you need to file a last-minute extension, here’s what you need to do.

    How To File Your Tax Extension Form for Free

    Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.

    • Filing this form gives you until Oct. 15 to file a return.
    • To get the extension, you must estimate your tax liability on this form and should also pay any amount due.

    Get An Extension When You Pay On Your Taxes

    If you can only pay part of your tax bill, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way you won’t have to file a separate extension form and you will receive a confirmation number for your records.

    Extension Forms by Filing Status

    Individuals

    Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF)

    Special rules may apply if you are:

    Business and Corporations

    Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns (PDF)

    Form 1138, Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback (PDF)

    The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe.

    Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:

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  • French Quarter Festival

    French Quarter Festival in New Orleans: Info, Date, Time

    3 Min Read

    The French Quarter Festival is happening this weekend in the Big Easy. The annual event once again features a who’s who of popular musicians and artists.

    This article will tell you everything you need to know about the five-day festival in New Orleans.

    Everything You Need To Know About The French Quarter Festival

    The French Quarter Festival runs from April 13-16, 2023. Billed as the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, this year’s festival will feature 270+ performances with 50+ music performance debuts like GRAMMY® Award winner Big Freedia with The Soul Rebels and Ani DiFranco, as well as returning artists such as Tank and the Bangas and Rebirth Brass Band.

    When it comes to food, you can expect 60+ culinary experiences, from veterans like Vaucresson Sausage Co. and Tujague’s, both festival vendors since 1984, and ten first-time chefs from restaurants such as Monday and Bao Mi.

    For four decades, French Quarter Festival has remained committed to producing a high-quality event accessible to all. “French Quarter Festival is truly for everyone and we cannot wait to celebrate and share this milestone with our community,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “We are proud to produce an event that truly represents the depth and diversity of New Orleans’ creative spirit. Our team is excited to bring favorites back like Fireworks on the river and the FQF After Dark Series, and launch special features like the 40th Anniversary Hub.”

    On Thursday, the public is invited to meet at 10 am for the Festival Kick-Off Parade. The event starts on Bourbon Street and marches its way to Jackson Square for the Festival’s Opening Ceremony at the GE Stage. Founders and festival dignitaries will share remarks before kicking off the first performance. Opening day 40th-anniversary celebrations will culminate with a fireworks display over the Mississippi River after Irma Thomas’ performance at the Abita Beer Stage, courtesy of New Orleans & Company.

    The Official 40th-Anniversary Hub at the top of Oscar Dunn Park will tell the story of French Quarter Fest’s journey from 6 stages to twenty, through images and video. A special installation, curated by JAMNOLA and Farris Armand, will make for the perfect photo opportunity with everyone’s favorite French Quarter scenes as the backdrop. 

    Fans can grab a photo at the #FQFestFaves Photo Booth powered by Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails and Curio Bistro located in Oscar Dunn Park’s amphitheater. The airstream-turned photo booth camper is a first-of-its-kind from The Happy Photobooth.

    The Festival includes more annual favorites including the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone and Nola.com Fest Family Experience offering exclusive lounge access.

    Final Word

    The New Orleans Fest isn’t the only thing happening in New Orleans. The city practically has a party every night, not to mention the many rowdy restaurants that offer a great meal and a good time.

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