Posted by Lori on February 25, 2013 · 1 Comment
Is the ring on your finger, but the “My Wedding” notebook frightfully empty? Well, not for long! The Dansereau House, along with dozens of other wedding vendors, will fill the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center for the Eighth Annual South Louisiana Bridal Show this Sunday, March 3. You can sample food, look over the floral designs, listen to the DJs, and watch a fashion show of dresses!
The Bridal Show was our first real step into the community, back in 2010. The doors to The Dansereau House had not even opened yet when we learned about the show at the Civic Center, and knew that we wanted to attend. We created some marketing brochures, took some furniture from the House, and set up a miniature “Parlor” in our booth space. We hadn’t had one guest yet, let alone any weddings!
We’ve come a long way since then, and this will be our fourth show. We have had many weddings, receptions, showers, and honeymoon couples at the house, and we are very proud of what we can offer.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone planning a wedding, so plan to be at The Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 at the door. Be sure to step into our “Parlor” and learn more about how The Dansereau House can make your wedding truly remarkable!
Posted by Lori on February 2, 2013 · Leave a Comment
This weekend’s Super Bowl, along with a myriad of Mardi Gras festivities, has hotels filling up in Lafourche and Terrebone Parishes. If you’ve been searching for lodging, the historic Dansereau House, located in the historic downtown are in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has some availability to offer. Located about an hour from New Orleans, and within minutes of plantation tours, swamp tours, fishing, and more. Come enjoy our beautiful Bed and Breakfast, and be pampered after a busy day! Sip a cool drink on the veranda, and then tuck yourself into one of our comfy beds. Awaken the next morning to hot coffee and a gourmet breakfast.
Give us a call at 985-227-9937.
Posted by Lori on January 21, 2013 · Leave a Comment
Amazing. Exhausting. Wonderful. Confusing. Sweet. Bittersweet. Pride-filled, and humbling. The last three years have been all that, and so much more.
On January 21, 2010, Paul and I pulled the 26-foot rental truck up to the side of The Dansereau House and stepped out into a lifestyle that would utterly change our lives. We had educated ourselves for years, prayed for the opportunity to arrive, and then stepped back to let God allow it to happen.
We left South Florida, saying hard good-byes to family and friends, travelled the miles in a very loud, very bumpy truck, with lots of time to think. And, occasionally question ourselves. Along the way we jettisoned furniture and belongings to our children, and other family members. The last miles between New Orleans and Thibodaux were freezing cold, rainy, and contemplative.
People always say that one of the first things that you notice about Thibodaux is the friendliness of the people. To say that we experienced this almost instantly would not be an exaggeration! I will never forget the gentleman who peddled up on his bike shortly after Paul slid open the back of the truck and we stood there, tired and befuddled. I couldn’t understand him entirely, but he said something like “you sure can’t empty that yourselves” and proceeded to give us about two hours of his time helping with the heavy things. And in the days that followed, people stopped to welcome us, to chat, and to encourage. I think I met half the population while in my sweat clothes, washing baseboards! In addition, we learned that “You’re not from around here, are you?” is not a censure, but a simple observation of fact.
We came armed with our business model, our projected goals, and lists of priorities. What we still didn’t know was what kind of towel feels the best, which bath toiletries appeal to both men and women, which sheets give that “AHHH!” reaction. We had yet to learn how many toilet parts to have on hand, how many different lightbulbs could be found in one house, how important a needle-nose pliers and an allen wrench are to have within reach.
I know we will never forget our first honeymoon couple, our first baby shower, our first wedding. What an honor to share in such precious family memories! I’ve cried at weddings. I’ve stood in empty rooms, sad that its guest had gone because we’d become friends. We’ve had guests from all over the world, and from our own backyard. Each one is different, but we pamper them all in the same way.
People ask interesting questions, say interesting things. I’ve been asked, “What have you learned, doing this?” That is almost impossible to narrow down, but the most encompassing answer would be “Expect the Unexpected.” Our day, our plans, our calendar can change in a heartbeat. Guests can do funny things, and we’ve learned to laugh quite easily. Things break when you need them the most; dishwashers being top on the list. People stop by when you look your worst or your schedule is tight.
We’ve been told on more than one occasion that working in The Dansereau House must feel like we’re on vacation all the time. We’ve yet to figure this out, but we know it has something to do with the beauty of the house. We work hard. This is not a “ 9 to 5” occupation, but a “24/7” vocation. We felt called to do it, and are blessed each day.
One of our goals from the start was to make each guest feel important. We wanted them to feel that they had slipped away from their real world for a while, to a place where their comfort was important, and where relaxation began as they stepped through the door. We were not going to be a place just to spend the night, but an experience to remember. We wanted Thibodaux to be, not a city they didn’t plan to visit, but a city they would visit again and again. And as Paul said when he accepted the LTPA Accommodation of the Year award for 2011, it was not simply our efforts, but a joint effort of many. The tourist centers, the Chamber of Commerce, the fine restaurants, the welcoming shopkeepers, our Drinkery patrons all have had a part in making The Dansereau House guests feel welcome.
We thank you for three breath-taking years! Happy Anniversary!
Posted by Lori on October 24, 2012 · 1 Comment
I can’t stop them from giggling! Almost two hundred Teddy Bears, sent from the North Pole to the Bayou Country of Southern Louisiana, arrived on the front veranda a bit early. They were just too excited about the Victorian Teddy Bear Christmas Tea to be held at The Dansereau House again this December. I’ve got them stashed on the third floor, but every once in a while I hear giggling. They are cute, and I wish I had time to sneak up and play….
Reservations are now being taken for The Teddy Bear Tea, held this year on Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9. Sittings are at Noon and 3:00 PM both days. Santa Claus, of course, will be here to listen to desires of all the good little girls and boys, and his official photographer will be ready in our Photo Corner to capture the moment. Mrs. Claus will be here, too, sharing stories and little-known secrets about their life at the North Pole. We’ve also invited a special princess guest this year!
Every child will take home their own Dansereau House Teddy Bear, and each adult will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Our menu will appeal to both young and old, with a sampling of the sweet and savory fit for a queen! And, of course, a variety of teas from which to choose. The cost again this year, is $35 for adults, and $25 for children under ten, not including tax and gratuity. Photos with Santa will be available at a minimal cost, depending on the size.
Last year’s tea was such a success, and sittings filled quickly. Don’t miss this special time to enjoy the Christmas beauty of The Dansereau House with family and friends.
Posted by Lori on October 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Who doesn’t love a fall festival? It’s a time to enjoy beautiful weather, savor a variety of foods, and start thinking about the holidays. Here in the bayou country of southern Louisiana, we have one of the best! So good that it’s been named the Number 1 festival in the southeastern United States. Thibodeauxville, held in the historic downtown district in Thibodaux, returns this year on November 10, bigger and better than before. 
According to Rhonda Demptser of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, “The festival will have a new look this year. We have expanded to include Highway 1. Our Food Court and the Car Show will be on the banks of beautiful Bayou Lafourche, and the Thibodeauxville Duck Race will take place on the Jackson Street Bridge.”
Almost 200 vendors will be on hand to get your holiday shopping started. Three different stages will provide continuous live entertainment. And, of course, the Food Court provides a wide variety of incredible Cajun food! There is no admission charge.
Local residents, as well as visitors to the city, enjoy the day-long festival from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Dansereau House has had reservations on the books since last year’s festival!
For Paul and I, Thibodeauxville marks the beginning of our holiday preparations. Two of our most cherished Houseguests, David and Andrea Sanford, travel from Florida to help us jump-start our Christmas decorating. Festival attendees will probably see Paul and David out in the yard again this year unwinding hundreds of feet of lights, modifying our light-show technology, and whatever else it takes to ‘deck our halls!’
Mark you calendars for November 10th, and we will see you in our booth at Thibodeauxville 2012! For more information, check the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce website, here.
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