Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana Swamp Tours To Consider Taking

Louisiana has a lot to offer, but the most amazing thing is the wildlife and scenery. Swamp tours are the best way to see both. However, with the large amount of swamp enclosed in Louisiana, this means there are multiple swamp tour options. Thankfully, The Crazy Tourist has done some work for us to find the 15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours. We are here to give you five of them. Remember, Louisiana weather can be unpredictable, so check with each tour and make sure there are options in case the weather does not work out.

New Orleans Airboat Tour

Have you ever heard of an airboat? A boat that is powered by huge engines that use propellers to push the boat through the water, and sometimes mud, without using a motor that has to be placed in the water. Airboats give a more unique experience because they can get int places regular boats cannot. Only an hour away from New Orleans this tour is only a few hours long, meaning you will have time to explore the rest of the city after being able to explore the bayou.

Expect to see snakes, turtles, birds, and even gators on this amazing tour.

Swamp AND Plantation Tour

Looking for a full day filled with history and legends that fill Louisiana’s swamps? The Destrehan Plantation makes its visitors feel as if they are walking into a different century. This plantation is the oldest documented plantation that is located in the Mississippi Valley  Five hours long and you will not only see the plantation but you will visit Manchac Swamp. The Cajun werewolf is said to lurk in these swamps and has been for centuries. Watch out, he might be just around that cypress tree.

There is also a tour available that not only has the plantation tour, but there is also a 6 to 9 person Airboat swamp tour included in the package. This more personalized tour will help you appreciate the true beauty of the Louisiana swamps. The Destrehan Plantation also offers a Museum that helps display the Slave Revolt that happened in 1811.

Eco Swamp Tour

This tour is one for those who prefer a small setting. Focusing mainly on Pearl River  and theHoney Island area, this tour really focuses on the fauna and flora that takes up Louisiana’s swamps. Two hours and a six person limit, this is perfect for those who want a quick glimpse into what the swamp has to offer.

Honey Island

The Southeast’s largest lakes, Lake Pontchartrain is the perfect place to discover the legends that go along with Louisiana’s swamps. Legends that include the spirits of pirates that have been long gone and ghosts that lurk in the swamps. Honey Island has been known as one of the least altered swamps in the United States. It is a protected wildlife area, but watch out for the Honey Island Swamp Monster. The array of wildlife that takes up the Louisiana swamp is almost unbelievable. Take this tour and get a chance to see otters. How could they possibly live there with all of the gators?

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

 

 

Brothy Seafood Chowder Recipe

This is the perfect recipe for someone who is feeling extra adventurous! Brothy Seafood Chowder posted by Bon Appetit requires fish bones to make the stock. All of the fishing trips you took this summer means there are probably a lot of bones left. Or this recipe gives you the perfect reason to take one last trip before summer ends. This way you get to use almost every single piece of the fish! To make this great seafood chowder you’ll need…

INGREDIENTS

For the Stock of your Seafood Chowder

2 pounds of fish bones, rinsed off

2 stalks of celery, chopped up

1 leek-The dark green parts should be chopped and rinsed. The white part should be cut into ¼” rounds, also rinsed. Set these aside for the actual stew

1 small onion, quarted and unpeeled

1 garlic clove, smashed up

½ cup of sake or dry white wine

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon ofcrushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon of fennel seeds

6 thyme sprigs

2 bay leaves (these are optional)

For the Stew

1 and ½ pounds of boneless, skinless white fish (like cod).  It needs to be cut into 1” pieces

Freshly ground black pepper

Kosher salt

1 pound of small Yukon Gold potatoes, these should be quartered

2 cups of Sun Gold tomatoes

1 fennel bulb, half it lengthwise, then thinly slice it crosswise

Extra virgin olive oil , this will be used for drizzling

UTENSILS

A large pot

A fine-mesh sieve

DIRECTIONS TO MAKE SEAFOOD CHOWDER

For the stock:

The first step for cooking the stock is to cook the fish bones. Heat up the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fish bones into the pot, stir the bones occasionally but be careful. You do not want to break down the bones. This should take 6 to 8 minutes, continue to cook until there are light, brown spots forming on the bones. The next step is to add the crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, dark green leek pieces, onion, celery, bay leaves, and thyme.

Continue to stir occasionally, scrape the bottom of the pot when stirring. This will help make sure that the stock base isn’t sticking to the pot. Once the onions are golden brown add the sake or wine and cook for about a minute. The base will be reduced by half and that’s when it is ready for the next step.

Add 12 cups of cold water and fennel seeds to the pot; bring this to a boil. Once the stock begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium/low heat. Bring the stock to a simmer and continue to cook; when the foam rises make sure to skim it off. Cook for about 40 to 50 minutes. Once the stock is fully cooked let it cool for about 30 minutes. Strain the stock using a fine-mesh sieve, throw out all of the solids.

Helpful tip! You can cook the stock up to 3 days in advance and just chill it for later.

For the Stew:

Place the stock and the potatoes in a large pot and bring it to a boil, make sure to season it with salt. Once the stock and potatoes begin to boil, set the heat to medium and let it simmer. Cook for about 10 to 14 minutes, making sure that the potatoes are tender. Once the potatoes soften, add the white leek parts and fennel. This should only take about 4 to 6 minutes to cook.

The next step is to add the fish, cook for about 4 more minutes. Make sure the fish is opaque, that’s how you will know it is done. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the tomatoes. Serve in a nice deep bowl. Stop by your local grocery store and pick up some fresh bread to serve. Or even make it yourself!

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

 

 

National Park City-London

Breaking news! The world’s first National Park City title has been given to London, England. The International Charter for National Park Cities was signed in July 2019 and this charter initiative started 6 years ago to help improve cities. Helping them to start living a healthier and greener way of life. Daniel Raven-Ellison, a National Geographic Explorer was the driving force behind the campaign. London’s new title as the first National Park City gives tourists and locals an extra reason to enjoy London’s fresh air. Here are a few super green places that National Geographic has put on display for you to visit in London! National Parks are pretty cool, but imagine visiting a whole city that is considered a National Park!

King’s Wood

Located in London’s Borough of Croydon, this 147 acre woodland is known to be ancient. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded the wood that still grows in King’s Wood. There is even evidence of an infrastructure that could be dated back to the Iron Age that is located on the acres of forest. During the second World War, King’s Wood was also used for timber, but the supply is not low. This “little” piece of heaven is only one of the green treasures located in London.

Abney Park Cemetery in London

Known as one of “The Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, Abney Park was a private cemetery that was created to help reduce the overpopulation of bodies in inner city cemeteries. Those who were not practicing the established church often chose Abney for their burial. There is even a non-denominational chapel that is the oldest surviving one. Designed by William Hosking FSA, it is the only public building that he designed that is still standing.

A unique aspect is that Abney had been originally designed as an arboretum, with over 2,000 different species of plants. During the 1970s, the cemetery was abandoned causing a lot of overgrowth. Today the management balances between keeping it up as a historic landmark and also maintaining the wildlife’s needs.

Epping Forest

This forest was formerly used as a royal hunting forest, but now it is being used as a massive green space in London and surrounding areas. The forest houses over 100 lakes/pounds and over 50,00 ancient pollard trees. The best part? The forest is open 365 days a year and it’s free!

There are multiple facilities that the forest offers. A wedding venue, four visitor centers, a public golf course and multiple different parking options.

Primrose Hill, London

Primrose Hill was originally purchased to allow more open area recreation for the poorer people of northern London. It is known for the 200-foot green dome that is a protect viewpoint of London. London has six established sightlines that are the some of the city’s landmarks. Primrose Hill also has a reputation with Mother Shipton, a woman who was known as an English prophetess. She prophesied that the “city would run with blood” if the city and streets of London were to take over the large dome that sits in Primrose Hill.

These are only four of the green spaces that occupy London. These spaces alone could take days to explore, but that is the best part. The greenery never ends.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Visit Mohonk Mountain House in New York

Did you know there’s a timeless European castle only 100 miles outside of New York City? This charming and historic resort is located in upstate New York nestled in the Hudson Valley.  Initiated in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House was once a 10-room inn created by Albert Smiley. Travel + Leisure gives us the perfect insight. The resort continues under the operation of the Smiley family to this day. Enjoy a lakefront stay on Mohonk Lake, admire panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, take a hike on one of many trails, or recharge in a world-class spa.

Mohonk Mountain House is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Celebrate by joining a special anniversary weekend, during which you will meet Smiley family members and learn more about the family’s history of the land. Try a sweet scoop of Mohonk Mountain Crunch ice cream, a special edition flavor created in collaboration with Jane’s Ice Cream. Looking for an interesting interactive experience? Celebrate the history and culture of the resort by downloading the Hidden Histories augmented reality app on any smartphone to make the artwork come to life throughout the hotel. Here’s a list of what to do to make your Mohonk trip the most memorable getaway yet:

Eat a Memorable Meal

 An overnight stay at Mohonk Mountain House includes three daily meals. Guests can choose from a buffet with options that are sure to please any palate. For a more luxurious and crafted experience, waltz down to the resort’s new fine dining room, known as the Surrey, and be regaled by the four-course dinner. Dress up, sip sommelier-suggested wines, and feast on dishes like seared sea scallops or braised duck ravioli.

Take a Hike at Sunrise

Rise and shine early one morning to take a tranquil hike up to the Sky Top Tower. Made of stone, this tower can be found on the Sky Top Path, taking you up a hill, past cliffside lookouts and gazebos, until you reach the tower. Get even higher by ascending the tower itself, breathing the clean mountain air and taking in the sight of multiple states.

Hit the Spa

 A sign of a good spa is the incorporation of a local element. At the Mohonk, this lavish local element can be found in the Shawangunk Grit Mineral Body Treatment. This is an 80 minute experience beginning with a soak in the tub, followed by a “Shawangunk Grit” exfoliation, and finished with a relaxing massage. The “Shawangunk Grit” is fine quartz quarried from the resort’s own cliffs. The spa also includes a fitness center, a eucalyptus steam room, an indoor heated pool, verandas, and a solarium.

Climb on the Rock Scramble

Not for the claustrophobic, the rock scramble is a trail that takes you above, below, and through rock formations of all shapes and sizes. Children and adults alike can be seen squeezing through an intricate series of rocks and boulders. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip!

Feel the Lake Breeze from a Boat

 The calm waters of Mohonk Lake are perfect for an afternoon of row boating, paddle boating, canoeing, or kayaking. These options are all free to guests. Here’s a tip: for a full picture (or selfie) of the castle, take a boat out into the middle of the lake for a great shot.

Relax Fireside in Your Room

Most of the rooms at Mohonk include a fully working, wood-burning fireplace. Everything needed to kindle a flame is included in the room and ready to go, but if you are in need of assistance, simply call the front desk and they will dispatch someone to start the fire for you.

See the Grounds on Horseback

 You can view the Mohonk Mountain Castle grounds from the back of an old-fashioned carriage pulled by a mule or atop a horse on a trail ride around the resort. Kids can ride a real life pony as part of the Mohonk Kids’ Club. Equestrian activities are not included with a standard overnight stay and must be reserved beforehand.

Show Off Your Moves

Live bands stop by the resort throughout the year. Grab a drink from the bar and choose your spot to listen and groove to the tunes. Similar to Olive Garden, everyone feels like family at Mohonk, so know someone may extend a hand and pull you to the dance floor. If dancing is not your forte, stay for the sports. In the winter, you can partake in outdoor winter activities like ice skating, curling, and cross-country skiing on over 30 miles of trails.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Pork Carnitas Recipe Anyone Can Try

Looking for something for dinner, but want a little extra to freeze later? We have the perfect Pork Carnitas recipe for you posted by Recipetineats. This recipe could be used for a whole mexican fiesta or just for a quick meal. Use tortillas to make soft tacos or use hard shells to add a little crunchiness. The best part? This recipe is perfect for freezing, so have a meal for tonight and eat it again next week without having to recook it!

INGREDIENTS FOR PORK CARNITAS

  • 4 pounds of boneless, skinless pork shoulder (or butt)
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3-4 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 8 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • ¾ cup of coke (original)
  • 1 large white or brown onion, cut up into wedges
  • 2 large oranges, juiced, or ¾ cup of natural orange juice
  • Tortillas or taco shells

UTENSILS

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Baking sheet

DIRECTIONS TO PREPARE PORK CARNITAS

The first step is to rinse the pork and pat it dry. Place the pork into the slow cooker. Add: bay leaves, orange juice, coke, garlic, lime juice, cumin, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Making sure that the pork is evenly covered in all of the dry spices. Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting and cook the pork for about 8 to 10 hours. If you want it to be done quicker set the slow cooker to high heat for 5 to 6 hours. Make sure the meat is falling apart, that’s how you know it’s done.

TO CRISP ON THE OVEN

Once the pork is falling apart, remove it and shred it with two forks. Make sure to leave the liquid in the slow cooker because you will need it later on! Once the pork is pulled apart, place it on the baking sheet. Remember to spray the baking sheet with non stick spray or line the sheet with aluminium foil. Pour about 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork on the baking sheet.

Broil the pork for about 5 to 10 minutes on the highest heat. The meat should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.

TO CRISP ON THE STOVE TOP

In a non stick pan, add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat the pan on high heat and once it is hot enough, start adding the pork in batches and begin to sear it. Just before the pork starts to crisp, pour about ½ of a cup of the liquid from the slow cooker on top of the pork in the skillet. Cook until the liquid begins to reduce and the meat starts to crisp.

Remove the pork from the skillet and serve!

If you want to prepare extra to freeze for the future, make sure you stop once you pull apart the pork. Store the pork in a separate container/bag and store the juice from the slow cooker in a separate bag/container. The pork and juice can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days and it can stay in the freezer or up to 3 months.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Violence Prevention Scholarship Begins at Tulane

The Pincus Family Foundation recently partnered with Tulane University to create a new interdisciplinary program: the Pincus Family Foundation Violence Prevention Scholarship. Tulane released the statement July 17th, 2019. The Foundation awarded Tulane University with $550,000 to establish this new, two-year graduate training program intended to train future leaders in community-focused violence prevention in New Orleans, with an emphasis on Central City. Beginning this summer, organizers will be designing the program elements and coordinating with up to 10 community partner organizations focused on child wellbeing and violence related issues. The first group of six scholars to participate in the program will begin their training in Fall 2020. Second-year students of the program will work directly with the community organizations involved in violence prevention work.

The Pincus Family Foundation was formed by Philadelphia philanthropists David and Gerry Pincus in 2005. These founders dedicated themselves to learning about the challenges faced by children worldwide and helping to address those challenges. The Foundation supports organizations and initiatives that promote children’s health, education, nutrition, recreation, safety, and the arts locally and globally. The daughter of the foundation’s founders David and Gerry Pincus graduated from Tulane’s Newcomb College in 1990. Now a Pincus Family Foundation Trustee, Leslie Pincus-Elliot explained why she and the Foundation chose to initiate this program at Tulane. “A year ago, I read ‘The 28,’ an article from The Children of Central City, a series in The Times Picayuneabout the devastating effect chronic exposure to violence has on children. Having spent four years living in New Orleans as a student of Tulane University, I felt compelled to find a way to give back to the city that had given so much to me.” Pincus-Elliot continued, “The Pincus Family Foundation is thrilled to be in partnership with Tulane’s VIolence Prevention Institute. It is our hope that the creation of this interdisciplinary program will develop tools to stem, reduce and one-day eliminate violence in communities throughout New Orleans and others like it.”

The program will be spearheaded by faculty from the Tulane Violence Prevention Institute (VPI) and its network of community partners to provide students with a two-year graduate training program. To remain consistent with the diverse representation of faculty in the VPI, the Pincus Family Foundation Violence Prevention Scholarship will integrate faculty from all schools at Tulane, notably the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the School of Medicine, and the School of Social Work. It will be based within the Master’s in Public Health program.

Scholars in the new program will focus on building skills to collaborate with community organizations and co-develop programs designed to alleviate the effects of violence and in doing so, intercepting intergenerational transmission of violence and its health impacts. The training initiative will focus on the lives of children throughout the entirety of New Orleans, with an emphasis on Central City and areas where children are most affected by violence.

“The health of children, particularly those growing up in neighborhoods plagued by violence, is rooted not only in their individual-level experiences but also in those of their families and communities,” said Dr. Stacy Drury, Remigio Gonzalez MD Endowed Professor of Child Psychiatry. “The impact of negative experiences differs based on the developmental window in which the exposure occurs, such that younger children may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of violence. With this perspective in mind, our program will target a range of violence prevention efforts that originate through partnerships with community organizations focused on preventing violence across the lifespan.”

“The goal of the scholarship program is to provide enhanced training in the core skills needed for effective academic-community partnerships that address the far-reaching impact of violence on children and their families. . . Exposure to violence, both within the home and in the community, leaves biological, behavioral, cognitive and socio-emotional scars that alter the life course trajectory and health of youth within and across generations,” elaborated the VPI director and professor of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Catherine Taylor. She continued to say, “We want our scholars to graduate feeling prepared to collaborate with communities and existing organizations to promote child well-being in a way that centers around each community’s unique needs and is rooted in cultural humility, evidence-based practice, sustainability and rigorous evaluations.”

For more education related information, click here.