Author: Emily Gautreaux

Five Outdoor Adventures to have in Louisiana

It’s no secret that Louisiana has a long and unique history that dates back to pre-America. Louisianans are known worldwide for their diversity, their love for their heritage, being home of Cajun culture, the birthplace of Creole food and jazz, and a state that knows how to celebrate. However, food isn’t the only thing Louisiana has to offer. With year-round warm weather and beautiful landscaping, Louisiana provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. You can find outdoor experiences anywhere – like New Orleans, in the Louisiana backwoods, or on the Gulf.

Here are just a few outdoor adventures to make sure you add to your Louisiana bucket list:

Paddling and Kayaking

More than 15% of Louisiana is covered with water – you have the Gulf Coast, swamps, bayous, marshes, and rivers. A great way to really dive into Louisiana’s aquatic ecosystems is through kayak, paddleboat, or canoe. In north Louisiana, you can glide along forests filler with hardwoods, cypress, and tupelo. To the south, there are more than seven water routes that snake through over 170,000 acres of protected wildlife. For a more urban experience, head to New Orleans and paddle in the waters of City Park or the Bayou of St. John.

Golfing

Love to golf? The Audubon Golf Trailhas 16 beautifully landscaped golf courses throughout Louisiana, including:

The Wetlands in Lafayette

Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans

Santa Maria Golf Coursein Baton Rouge

Island Country Clubnear Plaquemine

Even better news? Regardless of the time of year you’re traveling to Louisiana, the year-round weather means you can golf almost any day of the year!

 Hiking

Although Louisiana is known for its wetlands and marshes, there are a variety of hiking trails for people who prefer to take in the sights by foot. Just a few minutes outside New Orleans are the Barataria Preserve trails in Jean Lafitte National Park, where you’ll find wooden platforms that keep you away from the alligators. Or you can head to North Louisiana to Driskill Mountain, a 1.9 mile trail through the forest. This trail will take you to the highest point of Louisiana, 535 feet above sea level. Near the Mississippi border is the Tunica Hills State Wildlife Management Area, where you can experience wildlife, waterfalls, and rugged terrain.

Swamp Tours

Ready to get a closer look at what’s living in the swamps? You can take a boat ride through Louisiana swamps to get a closeup of the state’s plants, wildlife, and swamp creatures like owls, turtles, alligators, and swimming pigs. Most tour guides will include Cajun food and local music for a more authentic experience. If you’re lucky, you might end up in true Cajun country that’s only accessible by boat.

Beaches

Beaches in Louisiana? There sure are! Get your relax on by heading to Mandeville, a drive that will take you over one of the longest over-water bridges in the world, and layout on the white-sand beaches of Fontainebleau State Park. About two hours south of New Orleans is the barrier island of Grand Isle, where you’ll find ten miles of coastline and sandy beaches bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

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The Best Family-Friendly Experiences in Hawaii

Hawaii is a location on almost everyone’s bucket list. Hiking volcanoes, snorkeling, and relaxing all day by the beach sounds like a dream!

For families, traveling can feel overwhelming and stressful, but the memories you will form are well worth it. Plus, it can help bring you out of your comfort zone and find the kid inyou.

Thankfully, there are tons of family-friendly activities on Hawaii’s islands that are perfect for kids and adults. From soaring through the air with ziplines to life under the sea, there’s a little something for everyone.

Travel and Leisure put together the perfect list of family-friendly experiences in Hawaii. Here are our favorites!

Underwater adventures

Atlantis Adventuresoffers submarine rides where you can dive 100 feet under the ocean in Wakiki and see where sharks, eels, and sea turtles call home. You can also see sunken ships, remnants of hurricane-swept airliners, pyramid structures, and other objects hiding under your nose!

Go back in history

Ever wondered why Hawaii was like in the early 20th century? You can experience the life of the island’s coffee growers at the Kona Coffee Living History Museum. You can stroll through coffee trees, visit original 1920s farmhouses, and sip some delicious coffee.

Learn about sea life

The Maui Ocean Center has five different species of sharks turtles. You can learn about Humpback whales inside their virtual whale encounter and the history and culture of early Hawaiian villages. They also have a new exhibit called Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing to raise further awareness of the culture, geography, history, and restoration of the island.

Go to a luau

Head to Old Lahaina Luau to feast on Pua’a Kalua, tuna poke, and chicken long rice at this celebration that has nearly 500 guests per week. Indulge in delicious desserts like guava cake and Hawaiian chocolate brownies, then learn about the area’s history through their performance.

Get going

Head to the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation on this 40-minute train ride. Relax inside one of their mahogany passenger cars and listen to the history of the plantation as you see more than 50 varieties of fruit trees and vegetable gardens, then hop off the train in time to feed the wild pigs, goats, and sheep.

 Admire the views

Take in the scenery of Hawaii’s coastline from Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks, known for it’s hiking trails, coastal views, and history. Diamond Head was formed 300,000 years ago during an explosive volcanic eruption. If you go in the winter, you might even spot humpback whales below!

Ride the Pineapple Express Train

Love pineapple? Then head to the Dole Plantation, which started as a fruit stand and has since grown into the experience it is today! Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Board the Pineapple Express Train for a 20-minute tour that discusses everything pineapple from Hawaii.

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St. Bernard Parish Teacher Finalist for National Teacher of the Year

On January 16, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Education announced Chris Dier is one of four finalists for the 2020 National Teacher of the Year award. Dier is currently Louisiana state’s current teacher of the year and teaches history at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish. Since 1989, Dier is the first Louisiana educator to become a finalist in this national competition.

State Superintendent, John White, says “Chris has spent his teaching career focused on equity, creatively and effectively bringing aspects of his students’ identity and culture to the forefront of their education. Louisiana is honored to have such a dynamic and deserving educator represent it on the national stage.”

Dier’s decision to become a teacher was inspired by his own mother, a lifelong teacher. He was in high school when Hurricane Katrina hit, which relocated him to Texas, where he finished his high school diploma. After high school, Dier continued his education at East Texas Baptist University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Once he completed his bachelor’s degree, Dier returned to his home parish to begin his career. Now a ten-year teaching veteran, Dier teaches world history and AP human geography at Chalmette High School in Chalmette. Before being named Louisiana State’s Teacher of the Year in July of 2019, he was voted St. Bernard Parish District-Wide Teacher of the Year twice.

St. Bernard Parish School District Superintendent Doris Voitier, inspired by Dier’s journey in public education, said “From an outstanding student to being recognized as one of the best educators in the nation, Chris really exemplifies all that is good in our school system,” she said. “His ability to connect with students from various backgrounds and abilities is a true testament to his compassion and professionalism.”

Dier continued his education at the University of New Orleans, where he obtained Master of Arts degrees in teaching and educational administration. He also participated in a program at Stanford University as a Hollyhock Fellow that brings educators together in an effort to create inclusivity in classrooms. While there, he developed an equity project with the purpose of legitimizing student language. Now, he is in a professional development program at Harvard Business School.

Dier has been featured in many publications and outlets for his work in both the community and classroom, such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.

Dier also wrote the book “The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields”.

The other three finalists are educators from the states of Ohio, Montana, and Kansas. In the spring of 2020, one of the finalists will be named National Teacher of the Year by the 2020 National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. The winner of the title will spend the next year traveling the United States as an ambassador for education and as an advocate for teachers and students.

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Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy to make dinner, this is the right recipe for you! These creamy honey mustard chicken thighs will make the perfect mid-week meal to grace your table. This recipe was created by Chris from Don’t Go Bacon My Heart and can easily be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it even more appealing.

Even better? You only need one 12 inch non-stick pan to make this recipe! That’s right – no extra dishes, nothing to marinate, no making the sauce in a different pan. Add a side of mashed potatoes or rice and a canned veggie, and dinner is ready to go!

Ready to get started? First, you’ll need to grab a 12-inch nonstick pan, a wooden spoon, tongs, a sharp knife, and a chopping board.

Then, you’ll need to grab these ingredients:

  • 6 chicken thighs(bone in, skin on)
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy/double cream (room temperature)
  • 5oz pancetta (or bacon)
  • 2 shallots,finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • Salt & black pepper

Now, add a drizzle of olive oil to a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin down and let fry until that side is crispy, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then flip. Turn heat to medium, season with salt and pepper again, and dry until thoroughly cooked through the center. Remove thighs from pan and drain excess fat.

(Cooking Tip: Keeping the skin on and bone in of the chicken thighs helps the meat cook more evenly because the bone heats the center, and also results in juicier meat.)

Add the pancetta or bacon to the pan and fry until it begins to brown. If there is extra fat, drain it, and then add the shallots and cook until soft. Next, add the garlic and cook for about a minute or until it starts to brown.

Then, add in the chicken stock, honey, cream, and both mustards, then stir to combine. Add the thyme and allow the sauce to simmer until it begins to become thick. Season with salt and pepper, then add chicken thighs back into the pan. Coat with the sauce, then serve!

Love the sauce? This recipe compliments pork well! If you choose to use pork chops, begin by pan-frying them, then basting in butter and herbs – similar to steak. You can find a similar recipe here.

Prefer to use chicken breasts? The prep for these takes a little longer, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. You’ll start out by marinating the breasts for at least 30 minutes in oil, lemon juice, and herbs. You can see the perfect recipe for this marinade here. You’ll also want to butterfly 2 large breasts, making 4 smaller breasts.

And that’s all! This recipe is perfect for school nights or busy nights when you need a quick meal for the family.

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The Perfect Warm-Weather Getaways To Escape The Cold

With the cold fronts that have been coming through the US, it’s understandable if you find yourself daydreaming of warmer days by the ocean, with the sun beating down on you. If you’re longing to get away to warmer climates, you’re in good company! Thankfully, Travel + Leisure has created a roundup post of affordable warm-weather getaways that take you from snow to sand.

The Cayman Islands

Dreaming of white beaches and turquoise waters? Then the Cayman Islands is the perfect warm-weather getaway for you. Grand Cayman is the biggest of the three islands, so there is plenty of opportunity for shopping trips and delicious cuisine. You can also visit Stingray City, where you get the chance to swim alongside stingrays.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This town is set when it comes to culture, dining, and experiences for travelers who are looking for a relaxing warm-weather getaway! Make sure to swing by The Cabo Arch, which is a rock formation jutting out of the sea.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Want to visit somewhere that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard? Then you’ve picked the right place! You’ll find glimmering beaches, crystal clear water, and coral reefs. Go shopping in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. You’ll literally be living your daydream!

Grenada

Ranked one of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018, Grenada is home to brilliant teal waters and welcoming locals that love to show you around. If you visit in February, you’ll be able to see the island’s Independence Day celebrations for the United Kingdom in 1974! This island is perfect for your next warm-weather getaway.

Little Torch Key, Florida

One of the Florida Key islands, you’ll find Little Torch Key about two thirds of the way west. Here, you can stay at theLittle Palm Island Resort, where no television or cell phones are allowed. This resort is on a private island and completely cuts you off from the outside world, which is the ultimate relaxation technique.

Barbados

This is the perfect getaway for those that are looking to get in touch with nature. You can paddleboard, go diving, or explore a wildlife preserve. You can also touch up on your history and learn about the Native Americans, British Colonizers, and West Africans who once took up residency here.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Ready for year-round sunshine? Playa Del Carmen is the place to go in the winter months when you are looking for a warm-weather getaway due to the teal waters, shimmering white beaches, abundance of activities for the entire family, shops, and authentic cuisine. You can also experience tours of the Mayan ruins nearby.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Famous for reggae and chill vibes, you won’t be disappointed by a warm-weather getaway in Montego Bay. Experience crystal-clear waters and inviting locals for an authentic Jamaican stay. You can spend your entire day lounging by the water or head to some shops to find some souvenirs. Stay at the Half Moon, a luxury resort that includes two miles of beachfront, an award-winning spa, and golf course.

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A Guide To Cajun Mardi Gras

You already know about the carnival-style Mardi Gras, but what about a Cajun Mardi Gras? Cajun Mardi Gras is exactly what it sounds like – Mardi Gras – Cajun style. Traditionally, this festival is known as Courir de Mardi Gras and takes place throughout Acadiana.

This festival is rooted in French medieval history and was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century. Cajun Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, which is February 25, 2020, and is commonly referred to as “the real Mardi Gras”. There are plenty of traditions that take place during Courir de Mardi Gras, like chasing chickens, a unique twist on trick or treating, and gumbo cookoffs.

Luckily,Louisiana Travel put together a guide to the traditions of Courir de Mardi Gras. Here they are!

Trick or Treat: Gumbo Style

 This main festival event is rooted in the name; a couriror “run” led by thecapitaineof the Mardi Gras. Participants will dress up in costumes and masks and will travel by horseback, foot, or trailer to make their way through the neighborhood while doing the other ancient ritual of begging. In Tee-Mamou, the capitaine will raise a flag to let the Mardi Gras runners to dismount their transportation and begin chanting the “begging song” called Le chanson de Mardi Grasand approach the houses.

The participants will then go from house to house singing and dancing for the owners so they can get different ingredients for the communal gumbo that is served later in the evening. The last ingredient and the main spectacle of the entire festival is the chicken.

Chase the Chicken

Much like most traditions, each town has a unique take on how they put on the Courir De Mardi Gras. Since the chicken is the highlight of the celebration, it’s hilarious to watch people chase the chicken throughout the neighborhood! In addition to the chicken run, you’ll see beautiful costumes and masks, hear traditional Mardi Gras songs, and try delicious homemade Cajun cooking.

Certain towns, like Mamou, Iota, Elton, Church Point, Faquetigue, and Soileau, you’ll experience food and events more authentic than the towns hosting the festival.

Want to experience a Cajun Mardi Gras yourself?

In Eunice, Louisiana, the week long festival begins on February 21, 2020. The first couple days set the tone for the celebration with music, crafts, and every traditional Cajun dish you can imagine, from boudin and crackins to backbone stew. Then, on the day of Mardi Gras, you can participate in the Courir de Mardi Gras downtown and collect ingredients for the communal pot of gumbo. You can end the celebration with a Cajun dance party at Lakeview Park and Beach.

If you head to Church Point, you can catch their 59th annual Courir de Mardi Gras that takes place on February 23, 2020. Here you can see buggies, wagons, and horseback riders decked out in colorful costumes, listen to live music, chase the chickens, catch a greased pig, and enjoy delicious gumbo!

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