Author: Emily Gautreaux

Spend Christmas in these Winter Destinations

The end of the year always serves as a wonderful time to visit with loved ones in a calming environment to look around, take stock, and cherish the experiences from the past year while setting your sights on the new dawn right around the corner. So when it comes to the ideal Christmas vacation setting, who says you have to open gifts at home? Thanks to this article from Travel + Leisure that suggests the fifteen most cheerful destinations to spend Christmas this year, it’s never been more tempting to spend the happiest time of  year in these winter destinations.

As always, recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Highlands, North Carolina

Consider spending your Christmas morning in Appalachian amazement in the charming town of Highlands, North Carolina. This idyllic winter destination, modern-day setting is so humble and quaint that residents and visitors alike compare its environment to a Nancy Meyers film or Lifetime Christmas special. For over a century, Highlands has been suggested to visitors as being the perfect setting for a “break from it all,” as it’s colloquially known as a mountain respite. Located in one of the few temperate rain forests of North America, the mountain resort town is located only ten miles from Cashiers, North Carolina, and is surrounded by the main attraction that is Nantahala National Forest.  Spend your Christmas in a mountain cabin on the outskirts of this forest or nestled deep within, either way you’re sure to enjoy your time spent among nature.

Inside the town proper, you’ll find many shops, experiences, and community-laden amenities to keep you entertained in between the holiday’s festivities. Downtown Highlands is often called a “postcard” for just how perfectly situated and pictured its various buildings and features are laid out, such as the historic building that houses a full European-style spa. Other spots nearby that are worth a dedicated visit are the Bridal Veil Falls, located on the Waterfall Byway, the historic High Hampton Resort, and the unforgettable American Museum of Cut and Engraved Glass. No matter where you go in this comfortably charming little hamlet, you’re sure to be delighted by it’s size and attention to detail this holiday season.

Stowe, Vermont

For those who were raised on Christmas movies and other similar media, it’s hard to make it through the holiday season with an abundant absence of snow in the background. So, if you’re looking to celebrate a snowy white Christmas, then look no further than the East Coast ski paradise of Stowe, Vermont for your winter destination. Located at the foot of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe is quite literally a winter wonderland that is known not only for its world-renowned trails and ski slopes, but it’s also famous for its accompanying town as well.  Once you make your way to Stowe, it’s hard to believe that you’re not literally stepping foot into a snowglobe, as the buildings, trees, and grounds are often blanketed with thick layers of smooth snowfall.

Be sure to spend Christmas in the style of a storybook by reserving a horse-drawn carriage ride for you and your loved ones to see the sprinkled pine trees. Alternatively, take a trip down Main Street for nightly winter activities that are sure to make ever-lasting memories. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can host your holiday celebrations and then cap it off by planning an unforgettable day on the slopes, or you can simply spend the time quietly around the fire of the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort. No matter the reason, there’s no question that Winter is the perfect season to see all of the wonders that Stowe, Virginia has to offer.

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LSU’s BRBytes Increases Computer Science Access for K-12 Students

According to the Louisiana State University Office of Research and Economic Development, all professions in Louisiana requiring an adept knowledge of computer science and mathematical skills are expected to see immense growth over the next decade. With this trend, it’s becoming increasingly more and more important for students to be given the opportunity to study computer science before entering high school or at the very least be given a chance to learn about such career fields.

Luckily, that’s where the LSU team behind BRBytes is working to address that educational gap, and according to this research article published by the University as a part of 2021’s Computer Science Education Week, more Louisiana students in grades K-12 will be given this very chance by summer 2022.

Recently, LSU’s BRBytes has been growing rapidly and thus has committed to expanding their total program to elementary students in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. This means that by Summer 2022, an additional 3,000 students from kindergarten through 6th grade will be taught about opportunities in computer science learning and careers. BRBytes has stated that they will first focus on bringing this equitable access to traditionally underserved elementary schools in which the large majority of students may come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or are underrepresented minorities.

In speaking on this expansion of the BRBytes program that doubles its capacity, Rose Kendrick, BRBytes program manager for LSU stated, “this expansion into lower grades connects with what we were already doing in middle schools and high schools. We were already planning and doing activities with younger siblings at family nights and such events in schools, so now we’re building on that to provide younger students with opportunities to learn about computer science in a fun and informal way, which will help us build toward bigger enrollments in later years, once those students reach middle school and high school.”

BRBytes is an LSU-sponsored organization that is a part of the national movement known as CSforALL, in which over a hundred diverse member organizations collaborate to raise awareness about computer science education and careers. This is accomplished by organizing more learning and teaching opportunities in public school systems across the United States. CSforALL’s mission reads that they aim “to make high-quality computer science an integral part of the educational experience of all K-12 students and teachers and to support student pathways to college and career success.”

What started as a computer science education initiative serving only a single parish had grown exponentially between 2018 and 2019 to 8 parishes, then to 14 parishes by fall 2020, and BRBytes is now currently active and operating in 22 parishes across Louisiana. In just 2021 alone, the program had doubled its number of enrolled students from 2,000 to 4,000 and had trained an additional 80 middle and high school teachers in summer 2021.

Juana Moreno is the team leader for BRBytes and a professor in the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy with a joint appointment in the LSU Center for Computation & Technology. When speaking to LSU press, he emphasized the massive importance of building such close partnerships with schools and expanding their teacher trainings and professional developments so that educators can teach students about how to use technology and other resources such as computational thinking skills in order to access more advanced knowledge.

Professor Moreno remarked that if the program is truly striving for a more diverse workforce in computing, then the central aim has to go beyond only giving students access to cool tools. In speaking about BRBytes, he said, “we all know and understand the need for more computer science education, and while it’s great to give kids their own Chromebook, for example, there also has to be a teacher there to teach them how to use them. It’s generally easier to hand out tools than to train people, and that’s why we’re committed to expanding BRBytes to help more students, schools, and teachers.”

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Visit Enid, Oklahoma to see the Largest Fresh-cut Christmas Tree

For decades, New York City has been known as the one of the world’s Christmas Capital Cities due to it having the country’s largest Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, but according to this article from Southern Living, the honor of being the town in the United States with the largest Christmas tree now goes to Enid, Oklahoma. So, if you’re looking to really get into the Christmas spirit with a town that goes all out in terms of sizeable holiday spirit, then consider traveling to Enid, Oklahoma this year and marvel at the country’s (and world’s) tallest fresh-cut Christmas Tree.

At 140 majestic feet of length, Enid’s Christmas Tree stands about 75% taller than the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which due to its location typically trends about 68 to 100 feet in length from year to year with a recent average of about 76 feet in height. The tree is located in Downtown Enid, which is a city that is only 90 minutes outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Downtown area of Enid is already an area bound with the celebration of the arts with its many community events such as First Fridays, History Makers, and more. During the holiday season there’s also a particularly active ice skating rink, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and Holiday Window Display contest available to the public.

Enid, Oklahoma’s Christmas tree is a gigantic fir that stands profoundly about 2,000 miles away from its home just outside the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Big Bar, California. This year, Enid’s tree has been decorated with approximately 20,000 multi-colored LED lights, 10,000 ornaments, and it’s ringed by a forest of 12 smaller trees. Colloquially known as the “Christ Tree,” this Christmas tree is being heralded not only as the country’s tallest Christmas tree but also the world’s as well.

In Enid, it’s also serving as the centerpiece of The one, the city’s 42-day celebratory event featuring a bevy of concerts, plays, and seasoning activities celebrating Christmas. Per The One’s website, it’s stated that “The One is a multi-event experience spanning through the holidays. The keystone of our event is the world’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree, measuring at an astonishing one hundred and forty feet tall. With the intention of building community, strengthening bonds and reinvigorating the meaning of Christmas, we hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable holiday season.”

The One is being attributed as the “brainchild” of Enid, Oklahoma entrepreneur Kyle Williams who was instrumental in hauling the tree from California this past October.  In detailing the tree’s harrowing journey to The Oklahoman, Williams stated, “Getting the tree here was probably one of the more difficult tasks, so I confess I was nervous. The thing could sag, it could break, it went through a snowstorm, it went through a thunderstorm, but it finally arrived here on time. I just believe the Lord had a hand in that, in bringing that tree here safely.”

Williams, along with his wife Carol and their four grown children came up with the idea for The One, which intends to highlight the true meaning of Christmas. He stated, “We are excited to offer families an incredible experience, one that will create memories to last a lifetime. Our main goal is to highlight the true meaning of Christmas: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This tree is a reminder of his greatness and that it’s time we bring faith, hope and joy back into the holiday season! We are also looking forward to embracing visitors to Enid and are confident that they will have an inviting experience.”

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Maple Compound Butter Seared Steak Recipe

Welcome winter the right way with this meticulous and delicious recipe for Seared Steak with Maple Compound Butter from Food52 the next time you need a hearty meal that blends savory and sweet flavor notes in the best way imaginable.

Many agree that the perfect steak should have a juicy, pink interior (though the “pinkness” is often debated) and a gorgeous, textured outer crust. This particular recipe relies on the convenience of sous vide cooking so that the steak is cooked for just the right amount of time before it gets a quick sear on an electric cooktop. This particular recipe’s steak cooking times can be altered depending on your exact heating element, as this specific recipe makes use of theLG Studio Electric Cooktop.

What really sets this recipe apart from the pack is the blend of autumn and winter that rests in the delicious maple compound butter. It has just the right touch of sweetness, making it ideal to complement the savory meat. In order to achieve the best results in this savory and sweet flavor pairing, you’ll want to use the best-quality maple syrup that you’re able to find. It’s traditionally accepted that the darker the syrup, the better in terms of pronounced flavors.

As for the steaks themselves, this recipe doesn’t intend to reinvent the wheel. Salt and pepper always go a long way for seasoning, as proper steak preparation relies more on focus, patience, and finesse than anything else.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup of pure maple syrup
  • 2 12 oz. sirloin, strip, or ribeye steaks
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly-ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. Because it’s unwise and rarely a good idea to juggle too many tasks while properly cooking a steak, you’ll want to first prepare the maple compound butter for this recipe before touching your favorite cut of steak. To begin, you’ll blend your softened butter with your maple syrup in a bowl.
  2. Once the butter is fully mixed, transfer it all to a piece of parchment paper and roll it up, shaping it into a log shape. Place it in the refrigerator and chill it for at least a few hours until it’s firm.
  3. This recipe suggests preheating your sous vide appliance to your desired steak temperature, which will depend on the level of doneness you prefer. As you do this, you’ll want to season your steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides of the cut. After they’re properly seasoned, transfer them into plastic sous vide bags and seal them tightly.
  4. Next, you will cook them according to your sous vide appliance’s directions for their necessary time in order to reach the right temperature. Once cooked, remove them from the bags, setting them aside.
  5. Take a cast-iron skillet and rub its interior with your vegetable oil. Afterward, place your skillet on the stovetop and heat it as high as your burner will allow until the oil just begins to smoke.
  6. Place your steaks carefully in the pan and cook them for 30 seconds. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional half of a minute. Flip the steaks again, cook one side for 15 seconds and then flip one last time, cooking them for an additional 15 seconds. With this method, you should have a nice sear on both sides of the steak, but if not then you can continue cooking and flipping the steak 15 seconds at a time until your desired sear appears.
  7. After you’ve flipped your steak for the final time, add about 1 tablespoon of maple butter on top of each piece of steak. Remove them from the pan and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Once plated, be sure to add some extra compound butter on the side.

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2021 Christmas Events Across Acadiana

The Holiday and Christmas season in Louisiana is always such a magical time. From festive parades and extravagant light shows to concerts and performances, there’s always plenty going on in the state, particularly in the Acadiana region. So, if you’re looking for a holiday experience in the region, then this curated list from KATC will lead you in the right direction.

Christmas in the Park | Lafayette, Louisiana

At long last, one of the most-anticipated locations in Lafayette Parish, Moncus Park, is set to officially open to the public at the turn of the new year on January 1, 2022. Residents of Lafayette have been awaiting this massive, innovative public park for years, but locals can secure a chance to enter the park before it’s “officially open” by purchasing a ticket to Christmas in the Park, a 12-night seasonal event kicking off its opening session by way of a festive holiday celebration.

The event will feature a wide variety of family-friendly activities “including six separate kid’s activities per night, a visit from Santa, a Christmas Market and General Store, selfie stations, a live art installation, local food vendors,” and so much more.” Additionally, Moncus Park will host live music each night of the event with performances ranging from local school and church choirs to regional performers.

The Christmas in the Park event at Lafayette’s Moncus Park is presented by Iberia Bank, a division of First Horizonand Laborde Earls Injury Lawyers. It will take place from December 16 to December 29 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), tickets can be purchased here, and the event lineup is below:

  • Thurs, 12/16, 7:00 PM Comeaux High School Choir, 8:00 PM Walter Wolfman Washington
  • Fri, 12/17, 7:00 PM North Vermilion High School Choir, 8:00 PM Souled Out
  • Sat, 12/18, 7:00 PM Choir, 8:00 PM Wayne Toups
  • Sun, 12/19, 7:00 PM ELF (movie night)
  • Mon, 12/20, 7:00 PM Corale Des Amis, 8:00 PM Blue Monday Allstars w/ Roddie Romero & Michael Juan Nunez
  • Tues, 12/21, 7:00 PM Local Choir, 8:00 PM Dyer Country
  • Wed, 12/22, 7:00 PM Local Choir, 8:00 PM Josh Leblanc + Nicki Needham
  • Thurs, 12/23, 7:00 PM Caroling w/Dave Trainer, 8:00 PM The Good Dudes
  • Sun, 12/26, 7:30 PM Chubby Carrier
  • Mon, 12/27, 7:30 PM Kelli Jones + The Lindas
  • Tue, 12/28, 7:30 PM Ray Boudreaux
  • Wed, 12/29, 7:30 PM Rebirth Brass Band

Christmas at West Village | Scott, Louisiana

The new 143-acre mixed-use development off of Apollo Road Extension in Scott, Louisiana is welcoming residents to its first Christmas event on Saturday, December 18th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Christmas at West Village presented by Robbie Breaux & Team is set to be a free, family-friendly event with live music by Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, a photo opportunity with Santa Claus, local pop-up shops, and the official Coca-Cola Christmas Truck available on site. The event is open to the public.

Evangeline Parish Events | Turkey Creek and Vidrine, Louisiana

  • The 19th Annual Turkey Creek Christmas Parade will be held on December 18th and start at 11 am.
  • The Vidrine Fire Department will be holding a Santa Run on December 24, Christmas Eve. They’ll start at the Vidrine Fire Station at 1:30 pm and arrive at Vidrine Elementary around 3:30 pm where participants can take photos with Santa.

Jefferson Davis Parish | Jennings, Louisiana

The Jennings Christmas Festival will be held on December 17th from 5 pm to 8 pm in Founder’s Park and offer such experiences as Hot Chocolate with Santa, a Hayride, the Jennings Hall of Trees, a Christmas Fireworks presentation, and much more.

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LUNA Fête 2021 Lights up the Night in NOLA

With so many events filing up the holiday calendar during the New Orleans holiday season, one event seems to quite literally outshine the others, LUNA Fête. According to this detailed profile from Nola.com, the annual light-art experience will be lighting-up the new Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park in 2021 from December 16-19 from 6 pm to 10 pm.

LUNA Fête was initially founded by the Arts Council of New Orleans in 2013, and it was first set in Lafayette Squarenear Gallier Hall before it was held in various socially distanced locations scattered across town in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LUNA Fête 2021 makes its extravagant return by relocating to the Convention Center Pedestrian Park, which is located along Convention Center Boulevard and is free to the public.

Those unfamiliar with the annual light-show may be surprised by the sheer scale of the event which has previously been described as an all-out “extravaganza” that is also a vibrant “mashup of Celebration in the Oaks and The Matrix.”  LUNA Fête credits its electrical and architectural inspiration to various European light-art festivals, as it features the traditionally decadent holiday lights along with large, radiant sculptures and massive projections.

The end result is described as having a “certain digitized, science fiction vibe,” which is quite appropriate for anyone who has attended the public outdoor event. In fact, LUNA Fête will be taking place at the same time as the annual convention for the American Geophysicists Union, making the intergalactic architecture and settings an appropriate backdrop for convention attendees.

This year, the Arts Council of New Orleans had commissioned the renowned architecture “mapper” Bart Kresa to produce a massive projection on the wall of the Convention Center’s Hall D for LUNA Fête. In electrical architectural circuits, Kresa is likely most known for his work at the 2017 Los Angeles premier for Game of Thrones, where he projected jaw-dropping settings and Westeros-inspired iconography across Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall.

An additional must-see of the event that’s been gaining buzz around the Crescent City is a particular art installation from the New Orleans-based art team known as the Virtual Krewe of Vaporwave. Taking inspiration from psychedelic and cyber-space-adjacent iconography, the krewe is often heralded for its unique interpretation of Carnivale. For instance, the krewe created a “memorably frenetic and fractured rock opera in the Piazza d’Italia” for 2019’s LUNA Fête. This year, the Virtual Krewe of Vapor Wave’s projected production will take place during the December 19th New Orleans Saints game and thus will serve as a tribute to the team.

Not only is attending LUNA Fête free, but festival access to the exhibits is currently unlimited though this is subject to change. Lindsay Glatz, an Arts Council spokesperson told Nola.com that if it’s decided that reinstating social distancing measures is necessary, then access to the events may be scaled back, but the event won’t be scattered across the city as in 2020. This is due to the fact that social distancing is made much more possible at the Convention Center Pedestrian Park rather than Lafayette Square.

Due to the fact that many LUNA Fête exhibits have specifically timed electrical components as a part of their theatrical art installations, many of the art installations are temporary. However, this year’s light festival will debut several sculpture exhibits that will be permanent installations at the Convention Center Pedestrian Park. One of the installations is a tribute to Louis Armstrong created by New Orleans sculptor Rontherin Ratliff, and another is an LED-lit, crescent-shaped bench by internationally acclaimed artist Erwin Redl.

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