New Orleans, Louisiana
Two years ago we brought the kids to New Orleans for spring break during the French Quarter Jazz Fest. We fell in love with our time here, staying in the French Quarter, great music, swamp tour, cool museums, and yummy food.  One of my clearest memories was Lennox, then 2, licking a lamp post on Royal Street, he is still alive! We were all super excited to return and explore a little more of New Orleans. This time we stayed in the Garden District, it was a bit cooler in February, less busy, but just as much fun. The cool thing is everyone was getting ready for Mardi Gras, it was such a treat to see all the houses decorated, the spirit of Mardi Gras coming to life and get to know the traditions of this event a bit better. Far more than my prior notions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras World
We decided it would be a great time to check out Mardi Gras World thinking all the floats would be getting ready for their big day. To our amazement, we discovered they were already working on floats for 2019 Mardi Gras!!! Yes, it takes an entire year of planning and creating. From the moment you step in the door, you are surrounded by larger than life creations, each as spectacular as the next. Artists are sculpting, painting, drawing and they even have a robotic CNC machine who sculpts foam figures for the floats as well. It is a busy place full of color and creativity. We learned a lot about the history of Mardi Gras, the first parade actually took place in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama, to how it has turned into an over the top 2-week celebration in New Orleans. Parade after parade is put on by Krewes throughout New Orleans in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday and the celebrations are spectacular.
Mardi Gras Parade
We were lucky to be in New Orleans on the day of the first Mardi Gras parades. We were heading out the next morning but packed up early so not to miss this happening. We really didn’t know what to expect but what was in store for us was more than any of us could’ve anticipated. We lined up on the street for the Krewe of Oshun followed by the Krew of Cleopatra, since the parade route is so long we ended up waiting quite some time before the parade start. Oshun began with dance school after dance school of little girls probably from 5 years old to teenagers. It was cold and all the girls wore dance outfits but they didn’t seem to mind.  Their moves had more rhythm and movement than I could dream of, and I know our girls probably learned a move or two by watching. Such a fun, energetic atmosphere. Dancers were followed by bands, (amazing marching bands playing pop music) with flags, batons, the whole nine yards. Horses followed the bands and then came the floats. Oh the floats, they were huge and elaborate and filled with people throwing everything from candy to beads to hula hoops to full-sized stuffed animals towards all the stretched out arms and screaming people. It was insane, and this lasted for hours. We left with bags full of beads, candy, toys and I don’t think we will ever top this parade experience. It was a highlight for all of us and special to join the local New Orleans scene on this big day.
Jackson Square
One of our favorite things to do in New Orleans is wandering through the streets, listening to music, viewing art and enjoying the atmosphere of this unique city. Today was Colette’s lucky day as she was called on to be the “assistant” to this juggling comedian. She successfully tossed the bowling pins to this gentleman as he stood on a ladder, and was pretty excited to be a part of the show!
Cafe du Monde
Well, this really doesn’t even need an explanation, but if you don’t know, chicory coffee and the most delicious beignets are served here as they have been since 1862! Expect to wait in line which is absolutely worth it, then use your hawk eyes to sweep up a table. Enjoy your time and don’t worry, you are guaranteed to leave covered in powdered sugar.
French Quarter
Strolling through the streets checking out the Mardi Gras decorations, music and eating King’s Cake makes for a perfect day.
On our way to Lafayette – Oak Alley Plantation
We left New Orleans and headed to Cajun country, Lafayette, LA. On our way, we decided to tour Oak Alley Plantation, it was a sugarcane plantation along the Great River Road, sitting on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The spectacular 800 ft. alley of live oak trees leading up to the Greek Revival style mansion is beautiful and a great spot for a photo shoot. We toured the Mansion, learning about the history of the area and the family who owned the plantation. It is always interesting and humbling to step back in time and imagine the way life would’ve been and give thanks for the life we have today. One interesting fact is from the Mansion you couldn’t see the Mississippi River, this is due to the fact that the levee which once stood 5 feet tall is now over 20 feet!
Avery Island – the land of Tabasco
I’m not even a hot sauce fan but this place was intriguing and we heard it was worth the trek to visit. The history here is deep, Tabasco was first produced in 1868 and remains a family business headquartered on Avery Island, which is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The story of the deep red pepper and the creation of the sauce which became an essential condiment worldwide is complex and intriguing. I love to see how things are made and the self-guided tour takes you through the 3-year process of growing the peppers, fermenting the mash, to turning it into the beloved hot sauce. There was a tasting section full of Tabasco products including ice cream and soda. This was fun for all of us and too hot for most, besides Matt, and it seems Sienna is developing a fondness for heat as well. Overall, it was a fun day and I may have even become a fan of the spicy sauce.
Jungle Gardens
Also on Avery Island is a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary called Jungle Gardens. The gardens are home to migrating snowy egrets along with a multitude of beautiful plants, trees, and flowers. It is especially known for its camellia collection, beautiful flowering trees. For us, it was a peaceful drive and although it is winter and everything is slightly dull and not in bloom it was still beautiful scenery and we were excited to see an alligator.
