Author: Emily Gautreaux

Beyond the Fairgrounds: Exploring the Heart of Perry, Georgia

Located between Atlanta and Savannah, the city of Perry, Georgia offers visitors a blend of small-town character, seasonal festivals, and locally rooted creativity. Although many travelers first arrive for the massive Georgia National Fair at the expansive Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, the community itself has steadily developed into a destination with inviting green spaces, walkable streets, and an increasingly vibrant culinary and shopping scene. With nearly two centuries of history and a growing reputation for artisan culture, Perry rewards visitors who take time to explore beyond the fairgrounds, as per this travel blog article from Southern Living.

Historic Downtown Perry becomes especially memorable in December, when Carroll Street transforms into a festive corridor of lights, storefront displays, and seasonal performances. A parade on the first Saturday of the month signals the arrival of the holiday season, while community events listed on the city’s official calendar of events continue throughout the year. Outdoor movie nights, farmers markets, themed block parties, and food truck gatherings ensure that the district remains lively regardless of the season

Seasonal excursions extend beyond city limits as well. During the warmer months, nearby orchards such as Pearson Farms and Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley invite travelers to experience one of Georgia’s signature agricultural traditions: fresh peach harvests. These farm stops provide an authentic taste of the region’s heritage while offering opportunities to browse market goods and sample locally grown produce.

Outdoor exploration begins at Rozar Park, a 45-acre recreational space that encourages leisurely walks, birdwatching, painting in the open air, and afternoons spent near its fishing ponds. The park’s scenic paths and disc golf course make it a natural gathering place for visitors seeking a relaxed introduction to the landscape of Middle Georgia. Its wide lawns and shaded corners reflect the slower pace that defines much of Perry’s appeal.

A morning visit often begins at Morning by Morning Coffee Roasters, located inside a restored mid-century service station along Main Street. Freshly roasted beans anchor the menu, while pastries such as Banana Nut Sticks and weekend breakfast tacos provide satisfying additions for early explorers of downtown. The café’s welcoming patio and steady flow of locals reflect Perry’s growing reputation as a stop for thoughtfully prepared coffee.

As evening approaches, Ghost Runner Pizza becomes one of the city’s most distinctive dining destinations. Operated by brothers Wade and Cody Walker, the restaurant pairs playful design touches with carefully developed sourdough crusts and inventive topping combinations. Its creative menu demonstrates how newer culinary ventures are reshaping Perry’s food scene while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations.

For a refined experience rooted in history, The Swanson occupies the late-eighteenth-century Cox-Swanson residence and honors educator and musician Norine Swanson Jones. The restaurant has earned a loyal following for classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken and biscuits served alongside an extensive selection of traditional sides. Nearby, Oliver Perry’s Fine Dining reflects the town’s continuing evolution, drawing inspiration from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry while presenting an updated interpretation of regional cuisine within a polished downtown setting.

Before departing the area, visitors often stop at Aces & Oak Kitchen to pick up prepared casseroles, savory cheese straws, and signature desserts such as caramel iced bundt cake. The storefront offers a convenient way to extend the flavors of Middle Georgia beyond the trip itself while reinforcing the city’s reputation for handcrafted regional specialties.

While the crowds drawn each year to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter introduce many travelers to Perry for the first time, the surrounding city reveals a destination defined by walkable streets, agricultural traditions, and an expanding creative community. From orchard visits in nearby Fort Valley to seasonal celebrations along Carroll Street and thoughtfully restored historic spaces throughout downtown, Perry continues to balance heritage with renewal. The result is a compact but memorable Middle Georgia town where festivals, food, and local artistry come together to create an experience that extends well beyond the fairgrounds.

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Homemade Zeppole with Orange-Scented Sugar

Zeppole have long been associated with festivity, warmth, and the joyful return of rich foods after weeks of restraint during Lent. These airy Italian pastries traditionally appear around the Feast of Saint Joseph and symbolize both celebration and gratitude. In many parts of Italy—especially in southern regions influenced by Neapolitan baking traditions—zeppole were prepared as golden, lightly crisp dough fritters tossed in fragrant sugar and served alongside fruit preserves or custard. Over time, the recipe traveled across oceans and kitchens, becoming a cherished treat in Italian American homes and neighborhood bakeries alike.

This particular version from Louisiana Cookin balances simplicity with elegance. A pâte-à-choux–style dough creates pastries that puff beautifully in hot oil, forming delicate interiors surrounded by lightly crisp shells. Orange zest adds brightness, while grape preserves provide a sweet, slightly tart contrast that complements the citrus-scented sugar coating. The result is a dessert that feels celebratory yet approachable enough for a weekend kitchen project or a holiday baking tradition inspired by southern Italian pastry customs.

Ingredients:

Directions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
  2. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir in flour with a wooden spoon and continue stirring until a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan and the dough pulls together into a smooth ball, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. 3. Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed until slightly cooled, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the batter becomes glossy and elastic. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. 4. In a large Dutch oven or countertop fryer, heat vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches over medium heat until it reaches 360° to 365°.
  5. 5. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
  6. 6. In a shallow bowl, combine orange zest and remaining sugar.
  7. 7. Using two spoons or a spring-loaded scoop, carefully drop portions of batter into hot oil. Fry until puffed and golden brown, about 1½ to 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly. Toss warm zeppole in orange sugar and serve immediately with grape preserves.

Freshly fried zeppole offer a delicate contrast between crisp exteriors and tender centers. The orange-scented sugar creates a subtle aromatic finish that elevates the pastries beyond a simple doughnut-style dessert. Grape preserves add a nostalgic sweetness, though raspberry, fig, or apricot spreads work equally well depending on preference.

These pastries pair especially well with espresso, cappuccino, or strong brewed coffee. Serving them alongside citrus slices or a light fruit salad helps balance their richness. For larger gatherings, zeppole can also accompany other Italian desserts such as biscotti or almond cookies, creating a festive pastry platter suitable for celebrations or holiday tables inspired by traditions observed on Saint Joseph’s Day.

Zeppole represent more than a simple fried pastry. They carry centuries of cultural meaning connected to celebration, generosity, and the comforting rhythms of seasonal cooking. Their citrus fragrance, delicate texture, and sweet preserves make them ideal for festive gatherings or relaxed weekend baking projects. Whether served as part of a Saint Joseph’s Day tradition or enjoyed as a spontaneous dessert, these golden pastries deliver both flavor and history in every bite. With only a handful of ingredients and careful frying technique, they remain one of the most approachable and rewarding treats in the Italian pastry repertoire.

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The Louisiana Crawfish Festival Brings Seafood, Music, and Local Pride to St. Bernard

Spring festival season in south Louisiana always brings a familiar kind of excitement, and the Louisiana Crawfish Festival stands out as one of the most beloved celebrations on the calendar. Returning to the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, the festival is set for March 26–29, 2026, with four days devoted to food, music, rides, and the kind of neighborhood spirit that keeps families coming back year after year, as per this article from Nola.com. For anyone looking for a lively spring weekend in St. Bernard Parish, this event offers a classic Louisiana mix of flavor and fun.

Of course, crawfish sit at the center of it all. The festival is known for its freshly boiled crawfish, and visitors can also expect an impressive lineup of food choices from the event’s many food vendors. Traditional boiled seafood will be easy to find, but the weekend also promises creative spins on crawfish favorites, giving festivalgoers plenty of reasons to arrive hungry. Between the seafood dishes, fair-style treats, and local specialties, the event captures exactly why Louisiana festival food remains such a draw throughout the spring.

The festival experience stretches well beyond the plate. Guests can spend the day browsing vendor booths, enjoying carnival attractions, and moving from one live performance to the next. According to the official festival information page, the event runs Thursday and Friday evenings, then expands into full-day festivities on Saturday and Sunday. That schedule makes it easy for visitors to stop in for a quick evening outing or build an entire weekend around the celebration. Families, friend groups, and out-of-town visitors alike will find plenty to do between the rides, music, and community atmosphere.

Live entertainment adds another major layer to the weekend. The official entertainment schedule includes performances from Cypress Pop Trio, NOLA Rouge Band, Petty Betty, Epic, Rock Show NOLA, Category 6, Bad Habit NOLA, Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous, and Swampland Revival. That lineup gives the festival a steady soundtrack from opening night through Sunday evening, with a strong mix of local and regional talent. In addition, Thursday’s program includes a patriotic opening moment tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Band New Orleans performing the National Anthem and participating in a tribute honoring the branches of the military.

What has always made this event more meaningful than a typical food festival, however, is its deeper purpose in the community. The Louisiana Crawfish Fest Foundation has supported the St. Bernard area since 1975, using festival proceeds to benefit local nonprofit organizations and service initiatives. The organization notes that it donates to more than 30 groups in St. Bernard Parish and nearby communities, and since Hurricane Katrina the festival has raised more than $2 million for the region. That long history gives the celebration a stronger sense of local pride and purpose.

That mission of neighbors helping neighbors continues to define the event. Publicity director Abbey Bigner described the festival as an example of “community supporting community,” and that idea remains the clearest way to understand why the weekend matters. People come for the boiled crawfish, the rides, and the music, but they also support something larger each time they buy a ticket or plate of food. In that way, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival reflects one of the best parts of Louisiana culture: celebration and generosity often go hand in hand.

For travelers searching for an authentic spring event or locals planning a weekend outing, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival offers an easy answer. It combines the state’s signature seafood, nonstop entertainment, and a genuine community mission in one place. More details, schedules, and ticket information are available through the festival’s official website before opening day arrives.

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How to Experience the Hamptons Like a Local

As warm weather arrives in the Northeast, travelers begin looking toward the sandy shores and stylish villages of the Hamptons. Located along the eastern end of Long Island, this beloved coastal destination has long served as a seasonal escape for New Yorkers seeking sunshine, ocean breezes, and an easygoing atmosphere paired with understated luxury, as per this travel guide from Travel + Leisure. The region’s history as a summer retreat dates back to the late 19th century when the Long Island Rail Road extended service to East Hampton and Montauk in 1895, making seaside relaxation accessible to city dwellers eager for fresh air and open beaches. Today, the Hamptons continues to blend historic charm with modern sophistication, offering visitors an ideal setting for a long weekend filled with beaches, boutique shopping, dining, and wellness experiences.

One of the pleasures of visiting the Hamptons is wandering through its charming town centers, where curated boutiques and pop-up shops create a lively summer atmosphere. This season, one standout destination is the Nordstrom Pop-Up in Southampton. Travelers who arrive without beach gear can easily pick up everything needed for a day by the ocean. Convenient services such as on-site alterations, gift wrapping, and same-day delivery throughout the Hamptons make the shopping experience especially seamless.

Food remains one of the highlights of any Hamptons getaway, and several standout restaurants help define the region’s culinary culture. One beloved dining institution is Le Bilboquet, a chic bistro located near the marina in Sag Harbor. With yachts gliding across the water nearby and lively energy throughout the dining room, the restaurant evokes the relaxed glamour of a European seaside resort. Signature dishes such as Cajun chicken have become favorites among returning visitors, while a menu of classic offerings—including bouillabaisse, steak frites, and Caesar salad—ensures there is something for every palate.

For travelers seeking a relaxed café atmosphere, Little Ruby’s at Ruschmeyer’s provides a lively alternative. Led by chef Angelo Womack, this Australian-inspired café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day. Popular dishes from the brand’s city locations—such as avocado toast and crispy rice salad—share the menu with locally sourced seafood and specialty pizzas created specifically for the Hamptons outpost. The casual setting pairs perfectly with the laid-back beach culture of Montauk.

Beyond shopping and dining, the Hamptons has become an increasingly popular destination for wellness retreats and fitness experiences. One of the most distinctive locations is Shou Sugi Ban House, a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic health. The property spans three private acres and features guest studios, hydrotherapy pools, a spa, a fitness center, and an organic garden. Visitors can participate in wellness programs designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, including yoga sessions, guided meditation, and plant-based dining experiences created by renowned chefs.

Another notable stop for self-care enthusiasts is the FaceGym pop-up at SoulCycle in Bridgehampton. Known for its sculpting facial workouts, the brand combines massage techniques and specialized tools to stimulate facial muscles and improve circulation. Treatments such as cryo contour and medi lift provide a refreshing experience that leaves visitors feeling revitalized after a day in the sun.

No Hamptons weekend would be complete without waking up near the Atlantic Ocean. Marram Montauk embodies what it calls “barefoot luxury,” combining simplicity with exceptional coastal views. Situated directly on the beach, the hotel features 96 guest rooms—many overlooking the water—along with a pool, comfortable loungers on the sand, and a casual outdoor restaurant serving fresh seasonal dishes.

A long weekend in the Hamptons blends coastal scenery, stylish culture, and restorative wellness experiences into one memorable getaway. From browsing boutiques in Southampton and savoring waterfront dining in Sag Harbor to relaxing at oceanfront hotels and rejuvenating at spa retreats, the region offers countless ways to enjoy summer on Long Island. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to familiar favorites, the Hamptons continues to embody the timeless appeal of a seaside escape.

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Louisiana Crawfish Sliders Perfect for Parties

Few foods capture the spirit of Louisiana cooking quite like crawfish. These small freshwater crustaceans have long been celebrated across the Gulf South, especially during the spring crawfish season when backyard boils and festival tables fill with bright red shells and bold Cajun spices. This recipe for Crawfish Sliders from Louisiana Cookin transforms those familiar flavors into a rich, buttery seafood sandwich that feels both comforting and impressive. The combination of crawfish tails, shrimp, herbs, and Cajun seasoning creates a savory seafood patty that pairs perfectly with soft toasted Hawaiian rolls.

These sliders also offer plenty of opportunities for customization. While the recipe suggests dressing the rolls with lettuce, tomato, and onion, many cooks like to add their own favorite toppings. A spoonful of crawfish dip, a drizzle of pepper sauce, or even a light remoulade can enhance the flavor even further. Soft Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy seafood filling.

Ingredients:

Directions

  1. 1. Set a colander over a large bowl. Empty the crawfish tails and their liquid into the colander and gently squeeze the tails so most of the liquid drains through. Reserve the crawfish tails and pour the collected liquid into a small saucepan. Heat the liquid over high heat until it reduces by about half.
  2. 2. Place the shrimp in the work bowl of a food processor. With the processor running, slowly add the softened butter pieces, allowing them to blend gradually into the shrimp until the mixture becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the reduced crawfish liquid and continue processing until a smooth seafood paste forms. Roughly chop half of the reserved crawfish tails and leave the remaining tails whole for added texture.
  3. 3. Transfer the shrimp paste to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped and whole crawfish tails, garlic, green onions, parsley, minced jalapeño, Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, black pepper, pepper sauce, and salt. Fold the mixture together gently—using clean hands works best—to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. 4. Heat a large cast‑iron skillet over high heat and add enough peanut oil to coat the bottom. Place a small ball of the crawfish mixture in the skillet to test the seasoning. Once the mixture begins to sizzle, reduce the heat to medium and cook until browned. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. 5. Using a ⅓‑cup scoop, form the remaining mixture into evenly sized balls. Increase the skillet heat to high again and add oil if needed. Place the balls into the skillet and gently press them with a flat spatula to form patties. Reduce heat to medium‑high and cook, turning occasionally, until the patties are browned on both sides and cooked through.
  6. 6. To assemble the sliders, spread Crawfish Dip on the toasted Hawaiian rolls. Add a seafood patty and top with Bibb lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion. Serve immediately while warm.

Crawfish sliders bring together many of the flavors that make Louisiana cooking so beloved. The sweetness of crawfish and shrimp, the richness of butter, and the heat of Cajun seasoning combine to create a seafood sandwich that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether served at a casual cookout, a game‑day party, or a festive spring gathering, these sliders offer a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the Gulf Coast.

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Louisiana Sets the Standard for Transparent School Accountability

Louisiana’s approach to evaluating schools recently earned national attention after being highlighted as a leading example of education and school accountability in the United States. In the 2026 Education Policy Playbook, released by ExcelinEd, the state’s revised school grading system was praised for its transparency and focus on measurable student outcomes, as per this news release from LDOE. That recognition, also highlighted by the Louisiana Department of Education, positioned Louisiana as a model for other states seeking clearer and more effective ways to evaluate school performance.

Education leaders in Louisiana have spent years refining how school performance is measured. According to State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, the state’s reforms reflect a broader effort to strengthen academic achievement while ensuring families have clear information about school quality. The revised system aligns with the state’s larger education priorities and presents accountability in a way that is easier for the public to understand while still maintaining rigorous expectations.

The recognition came from ExcelinEd, a national education nonprofit known for advising state policymakers on reforms designed to improve student achievement. Its annual Education Policy Playbook outlines accountability ideas and policy strategies that state leaders can use when developing school systems. In that report, Louisiana was identified as the national exemplar for how states can measure and communicate school performance effectively.

The playbook specifically pointed to Louisiana’s accountability framework, Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The system was praised for using a formula that is both rigorous and understandable. Rather than leaning on overly technical measures that can be hard for parents and communities to interpret, the framework centers on three core goals that track student success across multiple stages of schooling.

Louisiana’s revised accountability model focuses on helping students progress academically, reach proficiency in core subjects, and graduate ready for the future. The Louisiana Department of Education describes the framework through three clear priorities that give schools and families a shared understanding of success.

  • Grow focuses on yearly academic progress. Schools are evaluated on whether students demonstrate meaningful improvement in their learning from one year to the next. This part of the framework recognizes that growth matters greatly, especially for students who may begin below grade level.
  • Achieve measures whether students meet grade-level proficiency standards in key academic subjects. By emphasizing proficiency, the system keeps schools focused on helping students master foundational skills in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Thrive looks at long-term outcomes, especially whether students graduate prepared for what comes next. In Louisiana’s model, readiness includes preparation for college, career pathways, or military service. This final category connects school performance to the practical question of whether students are leaving high school with real options and real preparation.

Together, those three priorities create a balanced scorecard designed to measure both immediate academic progress and long-term readiness. That balance is one reason the ExcelinEd playbook held up Louisiana as an example other states may study.

The revised framework will begin generating official school performance scores in late 2026, reflecting data from the 2025–2026 school year. When those scores are released, families, educators, and policymakers will gain a clearer picture of how schools are performing across the state through the lens of Grow. Achieve. Thrive.

Supporters of the system believe the framework will provide a stronger and more useful picture of school quality than older accountability models. By emphasizing growth, proficiency, and readiness after graduation, Louisiana is aiming to show not only how students perform on paper, but also how well schools prepare them for life after high school.

As Louisiana moves toward releasing its first official results under the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. framework, the state’s national recognition suggests these accountability reforms may shape broader conversations about how school quality should be measured in the years ahead.

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