Going on vacation can be really fun, but also really stressful. Booking the perfect hotel, finding activities to do, and where to eat can easily start racking up a pretty high price. So what do you do? Luckily, resorts are an option nearly everywhere you go. Resorts usually have everything a vacationer wants – a hotel, pool, restaurants, shopping, even sports all within walking distance. Unfortunately, that’s often every bit as pricey as it sounds. Finding all-inclusive resorts in a budget friendly price range can seem nearly impossible, but fear not!
A popular destination for honeymoons, Majestic Colonial in one of three upscale sister properties on Bavaro Beach, It has 658 suites (some with ocean views!), jetted tubs, marble floors, six delicious restaurants, live piano in the lobby, and free access to a discotheque. It’s really as awesome as it sounds.
This beachfront resort resides in Jamaica, and comes with two huge swimming pools, shaded loungers to hang out poolside, and five restaurants. While there, make sure to check out the Renova Spa to reach ultimate relaxation status. Fan of watersports? They have activities like diving, windsurfing, and kayaking just for you!
Say yes to this resort, with a gorgeous mile-long beach, furnished balconies, ocean views, five swimming pools, a water park, and six restaurants. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll never want to leave. Want privacy? Reserve the Harmony wing for your own pool, hammocks, and oceanfront spa, Kai Mer.
Although a little smaller than other resorts in the area, Solmar packs a lot while taking it easy on the wallet. Only a few minutes from downtown and the marina, you’ll have easy access to attractions and excursions. Each spacious room come with balconies and a water view, kitchenettes, and flat screen TVs.
Looking for a different experience? Then this is the resort for you! Royal Decameron is set on a secluded, golden beach that’s surrounded by rich gardens. You’ll see breathtaking views and have free access to snorkel gear, paddleboards, windsurfers, and kayaks. You can also check out their 18-hole golf course or one of their eight pools. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be fun.
This budget-friendly resort is the deal of a lifetime! Participate in boat excursions from Puerto Colon harbor, hang out in one of their saltwater pools, indulge in the Finnish sauna, or reach ultimate relaxation status with their Thai spa treatments. All of their rooms come with either a sea or garden view and the bathrooms each have rainfall showers. You’ll have your fair pick of food, ranging from delicious BBQ to a buffet at Zeus restaurant.
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Gumbo and Louisiana have gone together since the beginning of time, it seems. So, it’s only natural that the great state of Louisiana be home to several Gumbo Festivals!
Gumbo, a southern Louisiana classic, is a thick stew-like soup filled with meat or seafood, okra, and Creole and Cajun seasonings. This dish dates back as far as the beginning of the 19th century, but it’s unsure where it originated. Some say it’s roots belong to the Choctaw, others claim it’s a West African dish, and others credit the French. Regardless, this dish is a treasured part of Louisiana history.
Every October and November, hundreds of thousands of Louisianians participate in making and tasting gumbo, coming together as a community to celebrate the rich and unique culture that has been cultivated over time. It’s festivals like these that make Louisiana such a unique state, and there’s nowhere else in the world you could find such trademark gumbo in such delicious capacities than at one of these festivals.
Located in Chackbay, the “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana”, this festival has been an on-going October fest for more than 45 years. With volunteers cooking over 500 gallons of gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun specialites, you can get your fill of this Louisiana classic and then grab a partner and dance to the live music that’s there every day.
Having grown into one of the New Orleans area’s premiere food events, this festival in Bridge City brings in over 60,000 attendees every October. See the intense competition between who makes the best gumbo and enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food (and get to meet some of the best chefs in New Orleans!).
In this two- day festival in New Iberia, over 100 teams of gumbo professionals cook up their best gumbo recipes from scratch in hopes of winning ultimate gumbo champion. What’s unique about this festival is that everything from the roux to the rice is prepared on site and fresh to the taste.
Check out Lafayette’s cajun roots at the Blackpot festival. Although it’s one of the newer gumbo festivals, it’s also the biggest, with gravy, gumbo, cracklins, jambalaya, and dessert competitions, a massive music selection with square dance groups and string bands, and see some of the best bands in the world like The Pine Leaf Boys and Cedric Watson. You can even camp out on site to make sure you don’t miss any of the good stuff!
The only festival in November, the month of perfect gumbo weather, this free festival satisfies every diet, with Creole, Cajun, and vegan gumbo. So grab a bowl and sit back to listen to some of New Orleans’ best brass bands.
So for a true Louisiana experience, make sure to hit one of these fall festivals (and your sweet spot),eat more gumbo than you’ve ever dreamed, and experience Louisiana at its greatest!
An alternative graduation model, called the “Extension Academy”, will allow specific students to participate in a fifth year of high school so they can earn career skills and gain credits toward a degree as well as increase their chances of being successful after graduation. Louisiana Believes states the priority deadline for school year 2020-2021 is November 20.
In 2018, around 15,000 Louisiana students who graduated on a TOPS University Diploma pathway weren’t eligible for a TOPS scholarship for higher education, and about 3,200 students who graduated with a Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma weren’t eligible for TOPS Tech scholarships to pursue further training and weren’t on track to earn industry-based credentials. The Extension Academy pilot programs are tailored to support students who are set to graduate from high school, but haven’t earned the Taylor Opportunity for Students (TOPS) scholarships in order to fund their post-graduation education or acquire post-secondary credentials.
Over the course of a three year pilot, Louisiana schools that are interested in bringing this pathway to their students must outline how they plan to provide these students a debt-free one-year opportunity to “achieve significant progress toward a state-recognized associate’s degree through accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, complete a registered pre-apprenticeship, and/or earn an advanced industry-based credential.” Included in their pitch, they are required to detail the different types of support and post-secondary transitional coaching they will have available to the participating students as they complete the pathway.
About the opportunity, superintendent John White says, “”The question we used to ask ourselves was how high we could raise our graduation rate and how low we could push our dropout rate. Now we are compelled to ask what happens to our graduates, and whether they risk dropping out of work and the economy even after they graduate from high school. If this is the case, even with a small number of students, we must rise to meet this new dropout challenge. We encourage our school systems, as well as our higher education, business and community partners, to develop small-scale models for study and potential replication in the future, and to consider the potential impact their involvement could have on young people at a critical point in their lives.”
After the application deadline, the selected pilot locations will be presented to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for their approval during the joint meeting with the Louisiana Board of Regents this upcoming winter.
The approved Extension Academy plan will bring together 29 different area schools and other local partners to provide students with hands-on opportunities in an effort to build better workplace skills, training in construction crafts, graphic design skills, and increase familiarity with video editing and software development. The accredited higher education partner, which will provide accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, will be Southern New Hampshire University.
Today, there are 18 students participating in the pathway, and each student has a uniquely individualized plan for this 3 year experience.
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Between work, school, and everything in between, cooking dinner every night can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, the Food Network has got your back! Here are 5 super easy weeknight dinners for those nights where you don’t have the time to cook a big meal:
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 pound thin chicken cutlets
12 flour tortillas
2 limes (1 juiced and 1 cut into 8 wedges – for serving)
8 ounces salsa
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces crumbled cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
Directions
Preheat the broiler on high and position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches below the broiler element.
Add tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, and bell peppers to a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and then add the oregano, chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss everything together to get it coated with the oil and spices. Push mixture to one side of the baking sheet. Lay the chicken flat on the other side and season with salt and pepper.
Place in broiler for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and vegetables and return to the broiler until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened and charred, approximately 5 more minutes.
Wrap the tortillas in paper towels and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove tortillas from microwave, unwrap, and put on a platter.
Shred the chicken, then spoon the roasted vegetables into a blender with any juices from the baking sheet and blend until smooth. Toss 1 cup of the sauce with the chicken. Squeeze the juice of the lime over it, and put the remaining sauce in a bowl to serve on the side.
Serve with the warm tortillas, salsa, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges, and cilantro. Tomato soup is so versatile, it can be enjoyed several ways for an easy weeknight dinner.
2 1/2 pounds assorted tomatoes (heirloom, vine, and plum)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
6 cloves garlic
2 small onions, sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1-quart chicken stock
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup heavy cream
Grilled Cheese:
Country white bread
Dijon mustard
Cheddar cheese (sliced)
Granny Smith Apple (sliced thin)
Butter
Cooked bacon
Directions:
Grilled Cheese:
Spread the dijon mustard on 4 slices country white bread. Top with sliced cheddar cheese, cooked bacon and sliced Granny Smith apple, then top each sandwich with another slice of bread. Butter the outsides of the sandwiches, then cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the bread is golden, about 3 minutes per side.
Serve with Roasted Tomato Soup.
Roasted Tomato Soup:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Core and halve the tomatoes (leave the cherry tomatoes whole). Heat a flameproof roasting pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle pan with 1/2 cup olive oil, then spread all of the tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the pan.
Stirring gently, cook until the garlic is browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the tomatoes are caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove the roasted tomatoes, garlic and onions from the oven and transfer to a large stockpot (set the cherry tomatoes aside for garnish). Add 3 cups of chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
Add the basil to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or puree in a regular blender and return to the pot). Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream and adjust the consistency with the remaining 1 cup chicken stock, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with the roasted cherry tomatoes; drizzle with olive oil.
Brush the grill with vegetable oil and preheat to medium-high.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the olive oil is hot, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat off, then add brandy. Turn the heat back on and cook until the brandy is reduced by half (approx 1 minute). Add diced tomatoes, sugar, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon each black pepper and lemon pepper and a pinch of kosher salt over one side of the steak.
Put the steak on the hot grill, seasoned side down, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch salt on the top of the steak and then flip it. Cook it for a further 3 to 4 minutes until desired rarity. Remove and rest while the sauce is finished.
Reduce heat to low under the sauce. Stir in the fontina and 1 tablespoon of the blue cheese. Stir in cream and horseradish, then add in a little half-and-half if the sauce is too thick. Cook for a minute or two, tasting and adding more seasonings as needed.
Then, cut the steak into 1/2-inch strips.
At the last minute, add the spinach to the sauce and toss to coat. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix everything together.
Place the steak on top of the pasta. Garnish the dish with basil and the remaining 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles. Serve straight from the skillet.
Wrap beef in plastic wrap and freeze until firm (not rock hard). Once firm, slice beef thinly, then place in baking dish. In a small skillet, toast sesame seeds. To create the marinade, in small bowl combine scallions, garlic, vinegar, water, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and pepper. Stir well. Pour marinade over beef. Let sit for 30 minutes
In separate skillet heat oil. Add ginger and garlic and cook until the aroma is released, then add carrots and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until carrots are tender, approximately 2 minutes. Add snow peas and simmer until tender (around 2 minutes).
Remove beef from baking dish and grill until brown around edges, about 30 seconds per side. Add vegetables to beef. Stir and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with boiled white rice to enjoy for one of your easy weeknight dinners.
2 1/4 pounds ground meatloaf mix (a combination of beef, pork, and veal)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 scallions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces small fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
3 carrots, sliced 1 inch thick
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Directions
Combine the meatloaf mix, panko, eggs, 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, the scallions, parsley, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl; mix with your hands until just combined. Form into a 5-by-9-inch loaf.
Transfer the meatloaf to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the potatoes and carrots over and around the meatloaf, then pour in the chicken broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
When the meatloaf is done, skim off any excess fat from the juices in the slow cooker. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and the brown sugar in a small bowl, then whisk in 1/4 cup juices from the slow cooker. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the ketchup mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest, 10 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and slice in half. Serve with vegetables; top with more parsley.
Wintertime is often viewed as the least appealing season to go out and take on new adventures, but realistically that’s not true at all! Often, our favorite summer hotspots are transformed into white wonderlands, bringing a whole new perspective and round of fun activities to participate in. So grab your jackets and check out which cities you should check out this winter, told by Travel and Leisure!
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, this city is filled with adventures. Head to the ski slopes for your winter sport or you can hit the hiking trails that are open year-round. You can learn all about Asheville on the downtown Asheville Urban Trail or explore the Biltmore Estate, which was George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau. If you’d prefer inside activities to escape the harsh winter winds, wintertime is the perfect time to explore the crowd-less galleries and museums downtown.
The best thing about New York City in the winter? No crowds! You can easily peruse museums, comedy clubs, popular restaurants, and even a few Broadway shows without navigating through boatloads of people. Or rent some skates and try your hand at ice skating!
Make sure to pack your swimsuit because Honolulu is the perfectwinter escape for those who prefer warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Try snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, surfing the waves, or even just relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a few things to fill up your itinerary, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Bishop Museum, or Iolani Palace to learn about the island culture
Just a few miles north from Los Angeles International Airport, Venice is a popular California city for its street vendors, canals, and infamous Muscle Beach. You can also dine in one of their excellent restaurants, food trucks, or cafes and then head out on a shopping trip in one of their upscale stores or downplay it in a mom and pop souvenir shop.
Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is placed on the shore of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont, just a few miles from Burlington International Airport. Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, and Bolton Valley are just a few ski resorts that reside in this city, with slopes designed for beginners and experts. You can rent a room at one of their cozy Bed and Breakfasts and then head downtown to explore their shops, restaurants, live music, and their Church Street Marketplace.
Founded as a fur trading post in 1811, this city is right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Only two hours from Portland and three hours from Seattle, the 4.1-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Astoria to Washington. Visit downtown to visit their small-town features, like the restored 1925 Liberty Theater or the Flavel House.
The ultimate winter sports lover’s dream, Jackson Hole is filled to the brim with winter activities for its visitors. You can hit the slopes or go ice skating, snowmobiling, back country skiing, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit Yellowstone National Park in a snowcoach, with access to Old Faithful, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife. Jackson Hole truly is a winter travel spot that should be on everyone’s must do list.
Florida’s southernmost point, the drive to Key West takes newcomers across 42 bridges. With winter temps in the 70s, a booming nightlife, plenty of history and culture to explore, and an ample amount of water sports, this city attracts visitors worldwide. During the day, go snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs and then dry off and head to one of Duval Street’s restaurants for a fresh seafood dinner. Even though its not your typical winter travel spot, consider Key West for a great getaway with a little warmth when you need it most.
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Louisiana is a state filled to the brim with culture and history, and it’s without-a-doubt a place everyone should visit at least once in their life. A melting pot of French, African, and American culture, you can find a bit of history around every corner. It’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored in Louisiana. Below, we are sharing 8 things every person should add to their Louisiana bucket list.
Learn Louisiana history in a spooky way – with a ghost tour, of course! Between African slaves, invasions from pirates, and plenty of battles, New Orleans is the most haunted place in the States (if you believe in that kind of thing). Whether you prefer a quirky tour or a more formal one, make sure to set an evening aside to get the inside scoop and a hefty dose of a melting pot of culture.
Located in Vacherie, Louisiana, this plantation is named for the double row of southern live oak trees that create a canopy that run between the home and Mississippi River. The property was designated a National Historical Landmark because of its architecture and landscaping and is a sight to see on anyone’s Louisiana bucket list.
Eat Po Boys
According to history, the Po-boy was invented by two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, in order to feed the streetcar drivers in New Orleans in 1929. The Po-by is a sandwich that consists of roast beef or fried seafood (like shrimp, crawfish, oysters, or crab). Make sure to head to Killer Po Boys to grab this Louisiana classic.
A free music festival in Lafayette, the Festival International de Louisiane is the largest non-ticketed outdoor Francophone festival in the country. This five day festival includes hundreds of performing and visual artists from up to 15 different countries,
This two hour boat cruise on the Mississippi River showcases New Orlean’s beauty and French Quarter architecture. Make it a lunch date, and add on the optional Creole lunch for a true New Orleans experience. It’s a great way to see a different side of New Orleans and is perfect to add to your Louisiana bucket list.
See the Saints Play in the Superdome
A must-do if the Louisiana Saints are playing a home game, the superdome is the sports and concert arena of New Orleans. Cheer and chant alongside fellow fans, and don’t forget to deck out in black and gold.
Beignets, a square piece of dough, fried and then covered with powdered sugar, are a french delicacy that made its way to Louisiana and stayed, forever embedding itself in the culture (and stomachs) of fellow Louisianians. Ask anyone, and they’ll point you to Cafe Du Monde for the best beignets around. Experiencing the music, the outdoor dining, and the fried goodness of beignets at Cafe Du Monde is something everyone must add to their Louisiana bucket list.
In operation since 1835, the St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest continually operating streetcar line in the world. Aside from being doused in history, the streetcar line is also an exceptionally easy way to navigate the city. They run late, so you can take you time perusing the streets and taking in the sights.
