The architecture is Spanish in white stucco, arches, large entrance doors, high ceilings, stone floors, and stories held within these walls. You know there is a presence here but the stately old buildings, while in need of attention, are welcoming. Although these buildings have many stories from the past to tell, they are now housing new stories and a place of courage where the past forms the future. This is Café Hope. Continue reading
Google had assured us that we could find fresh local bread at Southern Sweet Potato Pie Company. We were not sure we really believed Google but the name was inviting and we were interested. The non-descript building set back off Lapalco Boulevard was nothing special yet walking in all our senses were on alert, the cases were full of sweet pies, cakes and cookies of all shapes, sizes and colors. But no bread could be found. Continue reading
As Laurie marveled at the quiet of the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway today, she remembered her view of the area in 2011 when the bays of the control structure were opened and the Mississippi River was gushing through.
Instead of flowing water, today there were people in the spillway biking, four wheeling, walking, and enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities. The blue skies, mild temperatures and dry weather had people thinking Spring and heading outdoors. Continue reading
At the end of the majestic alley of oaks was the plantation house standing guard over the grounds. Looking down the lush alley we could only imagine how many carriages had traveled to the home. It was not our first visit but each time we are amazed at the grandeur of Houmas House and Gardens. This visit did not disappoint; the grounds a green carpet of lush grass and the sun played on the water in the Fountain Courtyard. Continue reading
Leisure was the word of the day with ‘bike stroll’ being more accurate than bike ride. The morning was warm and the sky clear blue. We were heading south on River Road with no end, just enjoying the day and sights. Continue reading
Blue sky, mild temperatures – what a dazzling day in the city! Outside was beckoning and we could not resist. Riding around NOLA was something we had not done in quite a while. It was wonderful to be outside enjoying the day and the city.
Passing City Park we knew we had to stop and enjoy what the park offered. Popp Fountain was our first stop since it is open on Sundays for exploring and appreciating along with the new Arbor Room. Continue reading
Nowhere is food and drink as important as in New Orleans, LA. People spend their lives talking about food and drink; others spend their lives eating and drinking and most south Louisianans do both.
Laurie: “We’re on our way to New Orleans, do you know of a good poboy place in LaPlace?”
Bonnie: “Yea, Stop & Save (without hesitation). It’s just a convenience store but they have great poboys!”
Laurie: “We’re on our way…” Continue reading
There is wine and then there is Wine. When I think of wine it is all the grape varieties that come to mind. Sometimes I think of muscadine, but generally other grapes such as cabernet or merlot come to mind. Needless to say I was surprised when I walked into NOLA Tropical Winery and was enticed by all the fruit wines available. Throw common varieties out of the window and let in Mango, Pineapple, Cherry, and Orange Coffee to mention a few. Continue reading
HOT!
It’s summer, it’s New Orleans, it’s HOT!
Hot describes the last few weeks in south Louisiana. Okay so it is nothing out of the ordinary, it is still HOT! Some people may believe Southerns stay in the air conditioning and sip mint juleps – not so. We go out in the heat, dance, eat and enjoy festivals. The weekend of June 11th was the Vieux To Do Festival in New Orleans. Vieux To Do is three festivals in one – Cajun/Zydeco Music, Creole Tomato, and Seafood.
