Author: Emily Gautreaux

8 Must Do Things in New York City this Fall

New York City is notorious for its bright lights and big-city buzz, but it’s also a beautiful spot to visit during the fall. The crisp air and colorful autumn trees bring a coolness to the city you can only experience during fall.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple or your twentieth, these eight fall must-dos are for everyone to check out.

Forget Central Park – the Botanic Center is where it’s at. Filled with green-turned-red and orange maple, sumac, dogwoods, and oak trees, you can check out the fall foliage at the Japanese Garden and smell the roses in the Rose Garden. You can also experience a true fall festival in the heart of the city with their Harvest Homecoming Festival, complete with hayrides and apple cider.

This winter activity actually begins in October in this city! The Rink in Rockefeller opens around the middle of October to make sure visitors and locals can get the most out of the seasons. Rent your ice skates directly from the center, and once you’re done grab a hot cocoa or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.

  • Explore NYC’s Haunted History On A Ghost Tour

Is it really fall if you don’t go on a ghost tour? You may not initially think of New York City as haunted, but rumor has it you can find a ghost or two once the sun goes down. St. Paul’s Chapel is said to have a headless ghost in residence, the Hotel Chelsea is the perfect place for a spooky story, and even the Empire State Building is said to have the ghosts of past suicide jumpers roaming the building. To experience a professional ghost tour, click here.

From a special theme to a Grand Marshall, this parade is everything Halloween. Come in your best-themed costume to join in on the parade and have fun with the band, dancers, puppets, and more! Then afterward join in with the after-party and have a scary good time with friends new and old.

  • Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition, so why not make it a tradition to see it in person? Held in Manhattan and lasting about three hours long, this annual parade is filled with huge balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from all over the country, guest artists, and last but not least, Santa in his sleigh.

One of the Tri-State area’s most epic fall festival, this event is held in Hudson Valley and filled to the brim with – you guessed it – Jack O’Lanterns. Make your way through thousands of elaborately detailed pumpkins, and make sure to check out the Pumpkin Carousel twirl and the Pumpkin Windmill whirl and step inside the Pumpkin Planetarium for a star show like you’ve never seen. It’s a unique way to experience part of New York City you may not have before.

This festival is one of the oldest and largest street festivals in Brooklyn, New York. Atlantic Avenue is filled with food carts, art and crafts booths, performances, and live music as community members from all over come and enjoy themselves and explore other cultures.

  • Bike Across The Brooklyn Bridge from New York City

Grab a bike rental from one of the cities many shops and get pedaling! This activity is fun andaccomplishing, and lets you get a view of the city that the locals do. Biking in fall means the weather is almost always perfect (so maybe you won’t even break a sweat!) Make sure to explore Brooklyn before heading back!

For more travel related news and information, click here.

NSU Nursing Program Recognized

The nursing program at Nicholls State University has been recognized for the quality and affordability of the program by several online resources. Registered Nursing, a nursing advocacy organization of registered nurses that bridges the gap between resources and future nurses, ranked the Nicholls online bachelors in nursing number seven in the country and best in Louisiana.

Best Health Degrees, a website dedicated to spreading awareness of healthcare education, named Nicholls nursing program the number four most affordable accredited program in the country.

Dr. Sue Westbrook, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, is delighted about the program recognition. The former dean of the College of Nursing says “It’s satisfying to know that our program offers high quality at an affordable price.”

The Nicholls nursing program is the most popular on campus, and also remains one of the most successful program in the South with their graduates regularly passing the RN licensure exam at rates that are higher than both state and national averages.

Nicholls nursing program offers a traditional BSN, LPN to BSN Articulation Program, RN to BSN Articulation Program, and a Master of Science in Nursing. The MSN program is offered in affiliation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In the MSN program, you can choose from three specialty concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education.

With a mission to prepare students to contribute to a global society and a diverse workforce as productive, responsible, and engaged citizens and as well-educated nurses to meet the healthcare needs of the Bayou region and beyond, it’s estimated that eighty percent of the Bayou’s Region’s nurses are Nicholls alumni. Students will receive hands-on education from experienced and award-winning faculty, and 100 percent of Nicholls recent nursing grads are either employed or in nursing school.

Anna Busalacchi, a graduate from Nicholls with her Bachelors of Science in nursing, states “It’s cool to be prideful of my alma mater. I had so much on my resume because I attended Nicholls and it helped me get a job so much easier.”

Nicholls’ College of Nursing aims to send off their graduates embracing these core values:

  • Civic responsibility
  • Diversity
  • Excellence
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Respectfulness
  • Responsibility
  • Caring
  • Professionalism
  • Safety

Registered Nursing determines its school rankings using a variety of higher education statistics, while also factoring in school accreditation, graduation rates, cost of tuition, the ratio of instructional faculty to tenured faculty, and student acceptance rate.

Best Health Degrees determines its school rankings based on accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and by the cost of tuition.

Best Health Degrees helps prospective students learn what skills and training they need for their ideal career field, the salary they can expect to earn, and advice on how to land their dream job, as well as information they may need about the college or university of their choice.

For more information about Nicholls nursing program visit nicholls.edu/nursing.

For more education related information, click here.

 

 

The Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Fall

With fall comes cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and tons of things to do. October seems to be a fan favorite for traveling since the heat of the summer has worn off and everyone is eager for bonfires and sweater weather. Plus, with fall comes charming earth-toned colors that place a beautiful blanket of leaves on everything. Many people choose to travel during the fall so they can find fun festivals and events that introduce them to new places and keep their schedule busy. Whatever your reason for choosing to travel this fall, here are some of the best U.S. cities to add to your road map, according to Travel and Leisure.

The quaint southern town is the epitome of southern charm. Sprinkled with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and yummy true southern dishes, get ready to fall in love and never want to leave.

Halloween is a special time in Charleston, with extra spooky ghost stories and haunted cemetery tours for locals and visitors alike. Book a tour with Bulldog Tours and explore the Spirit of Magnolia Cemetery, or check out The Haunted Arsenal, U.S.S. Yorktown, or Haunted Jail tours – which also include expertly told, spine chilling ghost stories.

Although Sonoma is beautiful at all times of the year, fall must put something in the air. With gold and orange tint to surrounding trees and vines, a cool breeze, and a beaming sun creates the ultimate vacation atmosphere.

Make sure to check out the 45th Annual Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa or the MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa for ultimate scenery and relaxation. If you’re a Peanuts comic strip fan, check out the Charles M. Schulz Museum and have the opportunity to meet cartoonists, participate in crafts, and check out the gift shop.

Also known as The Music City, Nashville has the perfect mix of southern charm and rock n’ roll. Fill your schedule with music festivals like the Breakaway Music Festival or the Free Day of Music Festival.

Love Dolly Parton? The Grand Ole Opry is hosting a tribute to the country music icon in early October and those Elton John lovers can head to the Bridgestone Arena for Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellowbrick Road Tour.

When you get hungry, head downtown for some southern barbeque or hot chicken and then head to the Bobby Hotel to catch up with some old friends.

Calling all foodies! Chicago is the place to go for the ultimate deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, or Italian beef sandwiches. Want something a little more classy? Make sure to check out some of the cities upscale dining spots, like Oriole or Alinea.

More into films than food? The 55th Chicago International Film Festival occurs in October and has more than 150 short and full-length festivals from around 50 countries.

Prefer to take in the sites and keep it casual? Taking a river cruise is a perfect way to see this U.S. city (take one at sunset – you won’t regret it), or take a walk on the Chicago Riverwalk and check out the Community Market and public art.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Visit These 8 Haunted Sites In Louisiana

October is finally here, which means it’s time to get your spook on!  Louisiana’s history is without a doubt one of the more haunted. In the early colonial days, the city was fought over between the French and Spanish, each leaving their fingerprint in the food and architecture. Later, African slaves were brought against their will and brought their culture with them. Now, visitors from all over the world come to visit the melting pot of culture and religion, drawn in by the city’s unique history.

This post from Getting Stamped clues in both locals and visitors to where they can get the ultimate Louisiana haunted experience.

St. Louis Cemetery #1

This landmark was built in 1789 behind the French Quarter and houses approximately 100,000 of the cities dead. Chances are, some restless souls may still be haunting their final resting place, left to wander for centuries to come.

Visit the most prominent resident of the cemetery, the powerful Voodoo Priestess, Marie Laveau. Hoards of followers flock to her grave, following the local lore of knocking on her tomb three times, drawing “XXX”, and knocking three more times in hopes of having their wishes granted.

Get a Physic Reading from Cari Roy

Wanting to make with loved ones on the other side? Cari Roy, a renowned psychic and medium, will help you cross that barrier. She can tell you things about yourself and your family that no one could possibly ever know.

Her site claims she is “a professional psychic (that tunes) deeply into your being to see the who, what, and where details of your life experience and work with you to enhance and enrich all aspects of your journey. As a medium, I open myself to the spirits that wish to speak and to aid in bringing solace from our loved ones who have passed.”

She also gave Getting Stamped a few tips to finding paranormal activity. “Skip the cemeteries and focus on the buildings and places that meant something to people,” she says. Make sure to schedule a session with her and find out what’s happening on the other side.

The Hanging Jail

Actually called the Gothic Jail of DeRidder, built in 1915, is believed to be haunted by two men who were hanged for the murder of their taxi driver, hence the “The Hanging Jail”.

Louisiana Travel explains the story: Two men, Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux, hired a taxi driver, Joe Brevelle, and promptly murdered him, dumping Joe’s body into the old Pickering Mill pond. The body was found and both men were convicted and hanged from the third-floor gallows. They still walk the floors of the Jail of DeRidder to this very day.

Jackson Square

Once the sight of public executions, multiple people claim they can spot the spirits of those who departed from this sight. You may also spot the ghost of monk Pere Dagobert walking through the square carrying a lantern.

The LaLaurie Mansion

This three-story mansion housed the LaLaurie family and is considered one of the most haunted places in the city. The LaLaurie family was known for the fact that they carried out torturous experiments and violently abused their slaves.

The story is, the abuse was so bad that one young girl flung herself to her death from a third-floor window. Another slave, who had been chained to a stove and beaten, began a fire while chained inside. Once the firemen and police came, the woman was badly burned and told them of the stories happening behind the walls. It’s estimated that 300 souls were murdered in the building at the hands of Delphine LaLaurie and her doctor husband.

The Voodoo Museum Voodoo is a highly respected practice in Louisiana, with its roots with the Western and Central African slaves brought into America. This specific practice uses trinkets to protect you and your family, or alternatively uses trinkets to bring harm to your enemies.

Hotel Monteleone If you see a child playing in the halls of this hotel, it may be spookier than you think.

In the late 1800s, the Begere family lost their son, Maurice, who succumbed to a fever, while staying at the Monteleone. The next night, Maurice’s mother saw him in the hotel, saying “Mommy, don’t cry. I’m fine.”

Guests who stay on the same floor Maurice died on have reported seeing a friendly child playing in the hallway. Some have even reported he enters their room while they are on their bed.

The Pharmacy Museum

The Monteleone Museum isn’t the only spot haunted by children. The Pharmacy Museum was once home to the first licensed pharmacist in the country, Louis Dufilho. Louis lost two young children while living here, and some people have reported seeing those two children playing in the courtyard behind the museum.

Later, the building was sold to a man names Dr. Dupas who reportedly used the building to perform experiments on pregnant slaves. Now, a ghost fitting the description of Dupas has been seen standing in the old pharmacy and is known to throw books and cause other mischievous trouble.

 For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

Chicken, Sausage, and Shrimp Gumbo

The leaves are falling and the weather is finally cooling off, which means it’s finally fall, and we have the perfect fall dinner recipe for you! Gumbo is a hearty stew the fills up rumbling bellies with a medley of meat or shellfish, okra, onions, peppers, celery, and Creole or Cajun seasoning. A trademark Louisianan food, Gumbo is easily a famous and well-loved dish amongst Louisiana residents (so much so that it was named the official Louisiana state food!).

It’s thought the dish originated at the beginning of the 19th century and is rooted in the history of West Africans and Choctaws. Throughout its long history, the recipe has helped form a Louisianan culture and has been created in vast ways, gracing the tables of those from all economic statuses.

This chicken, sausage, and shrimp gumbo recipe from Savor the Flavor is guaranteed to bring both the flavor and Louisiana culture straight to your table.

This recipe makes about 9 cups of gumbo and takes approximately 3 hours to make from start to finish (including prep time).

Ingredients: 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • A pinch of salt and pepper
  • 12 ounces Cajun-style Andouille sausage, cut in round pieces
  • 6 pieces smoked bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 3/4 cup lard (fat)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic (about 6 cloves)
  • 5 cups seafood or shrimp stock
  • 10 ounces fresh or frozen sliced okra
  • 4 thyme sprigs
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 seedless lemon
  • 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined
  • hot sauce, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (to garnish)
  • Cooked rice

Instructions:

Step One: The Meat

First, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then transfer chicken breast pieces to olive oil. Brown chicken pieces. Once they’re browned, remove from heat and place on a plate. When chicken is cool, shred with a fork.

In the same pot, add sausage and (already smoked) bacon. Cook until the sausage is browned, then remove from heat and place on paper towel-lined plate until cool.

Step Two: The Roux

Using a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, hit lard over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the roux turns a deep copper (penny colored). For step by step instructions on how to make the roux and different tips and tricks, click here.

Step Three: The Gumbo

Using a heavy-bottomed pan, transfer roux and add celery, onion, and green pepper. Over medium heat, stir until vegetables are softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, pour in the seafood stock and shredded chicken and the sausage and bacon combination. Stir until combined, then add in the sliced okra, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and half of a seedless lemon.

Cover and bring gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for about a half-hour.

Now, you’ll remove the lemon and add the shrimp, hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Stir until combined then allow to cook for about 5 more minutes. Taste and add seasoning based on preference.

Garnish with parsley and serve over a bed of hot rice. Enjoy!

Quick tip: Gumbo is even better the next day! Make sure to store leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for ultimate freshness.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

Top 10 Unique Airbnbs in the United States

Airbnbs are a great way to make a trip even more fun, regardless of whether it’s a “stay-cation” or an adventure that takes you from coast to coast. Inspired by Trips to Discover’s post, 11 Most Unique Airbnbs in the United States, check out these ten Airbnbs in the United States that will be sure to add adventure to your vacation.

Secluded Treehouse (Atlanta, Georgia)

Do you love being in nature? This cute little “home in the sky” is just minutes from downtown Atlanta, but the intimate ambiance and soothing sounds of nature will make you feel like you’re miles away from anyone. The treehouse is made of three separate areas – mind, body, and spirit.

Brand New Studio Earthship (Taos, New Mexico)

For those looking to go off-the-grid, this home is just for you! It has the ability to catch its own rainwater and generate its electricity, and the interior stays at a constant 72 degrees throughout the day. Its amenities include wifi, Netflix, and a deep soaking tub. Love stargazing? Step outside and embark on your intergalactic adventure!

Love Nest (Morongo Valley, California)

Howdy, cowboy! About twenty minutes from Palm Springs, you can spend your days hanging with the various animals on the farm or exploring hiking trails. Prefer to stay in? Have fun with a game of pool, horseshoes, or ping pong and then head outside to see the stars!

Dog Bark Park Inn B&B (Cottonwood, Idaho)

What’s more of a unique Airbnb than a home shaped like a dog? Dog lovers unite in this beagle shaped home! This quaint bed and breakfast is surrounded by prairies and mountains – a dog’s dream home. Following the dog theme, you can check out their collection of puzzles, books, and games to keep you busy while enjoying the in-the-dog breakfast that’s included.  What’s more of a unique Airbnb than a home shaped like a dog?

Ocean View Malibu Hideaway (Malibu, California)

Surrounded by three acres of gardens, this cozy home is nestled into a canyon overlooking the sea. With a wall of windows, you never have to take your eyes off the calming ocean. Beach access and the Santa Monica Mountains are just minutes away, leaving adventure accessible at any moment.

Man Cave Apartment (Geneva, Florida)

Ready for a guys trip? This man cave is located in part of an active airplane hangar on a private airstrip (how cool is that?!) and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With amenities like satellite TV, a wood-burning fireplace, and wi-fi, you’re guaranteed a weekend of fun.

Underground Hygge (Orondo, Idaho)

Have a Lord of the Rings adventure in this earth house that’s tucked into the Columbia River Gorge mountainside. Complete with an iconic round doorway, step inside for “hobbit-y” adventures and charming knick-knacks.

Fully restored 1920s Sheep Wagon (Shirley Basin, Wyoming)

Channel western history in this 1920s sheep wagon home for a night. Placed in the middle of a 30,000-acre ranch, you can fill your day with lake fishing, star-gazing, and hiking trails. Interested in the history of the ranch? Ask for a guided tour!

Grass-Roofed Earthen Hobbit Hut (Geyserville, California)

Calling all Tolkien superfans! This one-of-a-kind grass-roofed hut is paired with exotic neighbors, a hot tub, a sauna, pool, and an outside shower. Want to stay in? This dwelling is equipped with an adobo pizza oven. Ready for a night on the town? You’re just minutes from excellent restaurants and the Russian River.

The Houdini Estate (Las Angeles, California)

Built in the early 1900s, this home is perfect for large families. In true Houdini-style, you’ll find caves, hidden tunnels, and terraced gardens all over this estate, making it an extremely unique Airbnb. Equipped with a heated pool, and jacuzzi, you can even see the deep water tank where Harry Houdini practiced underwater escapes. Want to find more to explore? Venture out to the hiking trails and see gorgeous ocean views!

For more travel related news and information, click here.