Staying outside of New Orleans in Louisiana was such a treat! We arrived the day before the kick-off of the Carnival season, which was delightful. Over our two-week stay, we witnessed the commencement of festivities, with the streets decorated purple, gold and green. We immersed ourselves in the deep history and culture of this area. We learned the narrative of the Mississippi River, of past hurricane devastations, the flora and fauna, the history of jazz, and about local culinary specialties (we ate beignets, po boys - originally named the 'poor boy', red beans and rice, and jambalaya), to name a few. Even though we are no longer in New Orleans, Valor is adamant we make a vegan king cake for Mardi Gras this year (February 21, 2023)!
On the second to last night in Louisiana, we took the boys to see the brass band at Preservation Hall. Nick and I saw a concert there almost 14 years ago, and it was special to bring the boys to be immersed in the music and wild talent of the musicians. It was a delight to see the boys watch, clap, tap their toes, and dance along — the perfect end to our time in Louisiana!
Places we visited and explored:
- St. Bernard State Park
- French Quarter
- Jean Lafitte National Park Site - Barataria Preserve
- New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park
- Jackson Square
- City Park
- Enjoyed many street musicians
- Walked through the French Market
- Picked up vegan po boys for lunch and ate them in Latrobe Park
- Ate beignets overlooking the Mississippi River
- Love Locks New Orleans
- Steamboat Natchez
- St. Bernard Highway Tunnel of Trees
- Preservation Hall
