With two nationally recognized historic districts, a battlefield from the War of 1812, fascinating museums, and picturesque bayous and waterways, families will love everything St. Bernard has to offer. The parish also boasts attractions including cutting edge live theater, art galleries, and some of the best festivals and Mardi Gras parades and balls in the area.
St. Claude Arts District
From new restaurants and boutiques to art galleries and theaters, St. Claude Avenue in Old Arabi is being transformed into a vibrant, thriving cultural mecca. Like its neighbor in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods of New Orleans, the ‘Arabi’ St. Claude Arts District features an exciting array of visual, culinary, and performing arts, including the new Valiant Theater. This live performance space will feature productions of some of the hottest contemporary plays in the metro area. The best part is even more restaurants and arts venues are planned for the future, so come visit soon and see everything the new Old Arabi has to offer!
Historic District of Old Arabi
The cornerstone of St. Bernard, the Historic District of Old Arabi is actually two areas: The Old Arabi Historic District and Friscoville Street Historic District. Beautifully ornate architecture highlights the residences and businesses of these locations, with many dating back to the late 19th century. The stunning colors of the famous “shotgun” homes are a mainstay of the districts, earning Old Arabi the distinction of one of America’s Prettiest Painted Places conducted by the Paint Quality Institute of America in 2012.
http://www.visitstbernard.com/listings/play/old-arabi-historic-districts
Education / Schools
With the motto “Given a vision, an extraordinary effort will result in extraordinary success”, the St. Bernard Parish School District is one of the top collections of educational facilities in Louisiana. With eleven modern, technologically advanced schools (and a twelfth opening in 2017), the district is known statewide for its academic excellence. The incredible Chalmette High School is a sight to behold – a sprawling campus of scholastic, athletic, and performing arts buildings that many colleges would envy. Your family will quickly discover that students of all ages will thrive in the classroom, athletic field, band room, stage or wherever their educational journey takes them.
http://www.stbernard.k12.la.us/
Safety
Under the leadership of Sheriff James Pohlmann, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has made the parish the safest in the New Orleans area. With a motto of “Progressively Protecting the Parish” and quick response times as its hallmark, the SBSO and its team of law enforcement officers are committed to providing the best police protection for every citizen. The department features new substations, an expanded SWAT team, Neighborhood Watch programs, an annual Junior Deputy Academy and other community outreach programs, all designed to make the parish a great place to live and raise a family.
Along with the Sheriff’s Office, the St. Bernard Fire Department is leading the way in technologically advanced safety. With Fire Chief Thomas Stone at the helm, the department includes new state-of-the-art fire stations complete with the latest firefighting vehicles and equipment. The highly trained and experienced team of firefighters works hard every day to protect life, property and the environment.
For More information on SBSO Visit: www.sbso.org
Recreation
Recreation is synonymous with St. Bernard Parish. Get your rod and reels and binoculars ready, because minutes from your home are miles of intricate bayous and waterways, home to some of the most exciting recreational fishing and birding in the world. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Numerous outdoor festivals each year, along with Mardi Gras parades and balls, make St. Bernard the premier family-friendly location for your home.
Parks and Recreation Department
Eight parish-owned facilities throughout St. Bernard guarantee that everyone in the family will find a recreational activity. The $20 million 33-acre Val Riess Park is the new jewel in the recreation department crown. This massive complex will feature eight baseball fields, two concession stands, mini water park, and a 47,000-square-foot multi-purpose building. Competitive youth sports are also available for youngsters of all ages, including baseball, football, volleyball and basketball.
https://sbpg.net/recreation/
St. Bernard Loves Food & Festivals
If your family loves food (and we know they do!), St. Bernard is the place for your home. Dozens of restaurants from down home cooking to more upscale fare in every possible style of cuisine line our streets and highways, and our farmers market and seafood festivals are second to none.
www.visitstbernard.com
Cultural Icons
Los Isleños (The Islanders) Museum and Village
Did you know that St. Bernard Parish was once the home of Spanish colonists from the Canary Islands (hence the name Los Isleños) in the late 18th century who prevented British expansion west of the Mississippi River? Guided tours take visitors through this fascinating museum and village, which includes nine structures across 22 acres, exploring Spanish Colonial life in south Louisiana.
http://www.visitstbernard.com/listings/play/los-islenos-museum-village#
Beauregard Courthouse, Domino Sugar Refinery, First Ward Justice Courthouse, Docville Oaks
Once the site of a wooden “city hall” created by Los Isleños in the late 1700s, this historic courthouse was built in 1916 and recently underwent an $8 million renovation. The beautiful building now houses a Sheriff’s Office substation, library, as well as reception and conferences halls.
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park – Chalmette Battlefield
This famous field was the battleground for the final conflict of the War of 1812 between the Americans and the British. In a fierce battle that was as unbelievable as it was historic, General Andrew Jackson led a grossly outnumbered but voracious battalion of Americans that ultimately defeated the well-trained British militia.
Daily free guided tours, films and exhibits highlight this remarkable interactive attraction, which is open year round and is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Once a year on the anniversary of the battle, a live reenactment with living history experts takes place. Residents of St. Bernard Parish (and most of the New Orleans metro area) will tell you this is a “must-see” attraction for your family!
https://www.nps.gov/jela/chalmette-battlefield.htm