Author: Emily Gautreaux

The Best Stops Along Maine’s Acadia All American Road

Some of America’s most unforgettable road trips stretch for hundreds of miles, but one of New England’s greatest scenic drives proves that spectacular scenery doesn’t require an epic journey. According to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure, the Acadia All American Road, the only federally designated All-American Road in New England, packs rugged coastlines, charming harbor towns, mountain summits, historic carriage roads, and one of the nation’s most beloved national parks into just 40 unforgettable miles. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a leisurely weekend getaway, this scenic byway offers one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience coastal Maine.

Beginning near Trenton, Maine⁠ and winding across Mount Desert Island⁠, the route follows portions of Routes 3, 198, and 233 before connecting with Acadia’s famous Park Loop Road. Along the way, travelers encounter everything from rocky shorelines and quiet forests to bustling waterfront villages and panoramic mountain vistas. Every curve seems to reveal another postcard-worthy view, making the drive feel much longer than its modest distance suggests.

The heart of the journey lies within Acadia National Park⁠, where the 27-mile Park Loop Road introduces visitors to many of the park’s signature landscapes. Granite cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, evergreen forests blanket rolling hills, and scenic overlooks invite frequent stops for photographs. Popular destinations such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond are all conveniently connected along this scenic route, allowing visitors to experience the remarkable diversity that has made Acadia one of America’s most visited national parks.

One of the drive’s most celebrated highlights is Cadillac Mountain⁠, which rises 1,530 feet above sea level as the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Reaching the summit requires only a short drive, rewarding visitors with sweeping views over Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and countless surrounding islands. A paved walking path circles the summit, making the breathtaking scenery accessible to visitors of all abilities. During the busy season, however, access requires advance planning, as vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are required from mid-May through mid-October through Recreation.gov⁠.

Water is never far away along the Acadia All-American Road, and Frenchman Bay serves as one of its defining features. Throughout the drive, scenic overlooks reveal expansive views of sparkling blue water dotted with lobster boats, sailboats, and small islands. Pull-offs along the eastern shoreline allow travelers to pause, breathe in the cool ocean air, and appreciate the dramatic meeting of granite cliffs and Atlantic waves that has long inspired artists and photographers.

No visit to the byway feels complete without spending time in Bar Harbor⁠, the lively coastal town that serves as Acadia National Park’s primary gateway. Historic architecture, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and inviting waterfront parks create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger. The town also serves as the launching point for whale-watching excursions, kayaking adventures, sightseeing cruises, and boat tours exploring the surrounding islands.

Before reaching Mount Desert Island, consider making a stop in Trenton, the unofficial gateway to the scenic byway. This small community offers an ideal place to stock up on supplies or enjoy a classic Maine lobster roll before beginning the drive. Longtime favorites such as Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound⁠ and Gateway Lunt’s Lobster Pound⁠ have earned loyal followings for their simple, authentic coastal fare.

Although the Acadia All-American Road can easily be completed in a single day, allowing extra time makes the experience far more rewarding. Summer brings the largest crowds, particularly around Bar Harbor and Acadia’s most famous attractions, where parking lots often fill early in the morning. Travelers seeking a quieter visit may prefer late September or early October, when pleasant weather lingers and visitor numbers begin to decline. Those willing to wait a few more weeks are often rewarded with spectacular autumn foliage, as Mount Desert Island transforms into one of New England’s most colorful fall destinations.

Compact in length but enormous in scenic beauty, the Acadia All-American Road demonstrates that some of America’s finest road trips aren’t measured in miles but in unforgettable moments around every bend.

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Louisiana Studios Are Building the Future of Virtual Production

For years, Louisiana earned the nickname “Hollywood South” thanks to its generous film tax incentives, experienced production crews, and diverse filming locations that ranged from moss-covered bayous to bustling city streets. Major television shows and blockbuster films transformed the state into one of America’s busiest production hubs, as per this article from Nola.com. While the pace of filming has slowed in recent years, a new generation of technology is helping position Louisiana for the next chapter of digital filmmaking, virtual production.

Known as virtual production or extended reality (XR) production, the technology rose to prominence with Disney+’s groundbreaking series The Mandalorian. Rather than relying heavily on traditional green screens, producers filmed actors inside massive LED walls capable of displaying realistic digital environments in real time. Instead of adding backgrounds months later during post-production, performers could interact with immersive virtual landscapes while cameras captured nearly finished scenes on set.

Louisiana has embraced that shift. Several organizations across the state have invested in LED video walls, camera-tracking systems, and real-time rendering software designed to attract filmmakers seeking flexible and efficient production environments. Together, these facilities are helping modernize Louisiana’s entertainment industry while expanding opportunities beyond traditional location filming.

One of the state’s pioneers is LSU’s XR Studio in Baton Rouge. Established in 2021 with support from a $1.25 million state grant, the facility serves both as a teaching laboratory for students and a professional production studio for outside clients. Since opening, the studio has supported hundreds of projects, including music videos, interviews, sports marketing campaigns, and commercial productions for organizations such as NBC News and Fender.

In New Orleans, startup LucyXR has developed a virtual production facility inside the headquarters of WYES-TV. The company has invested heavily in modular LED technology capable of creating large-scale immersive environments for feature films, music videos, commercials, and branded content. Among its recent projects are music videos for Jon Batiste, television commercials featuring New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, and the independent feature film Exalted, a psychological thriller scheduled for release in 2027.

Rather than constructing elaborate physical sets, production crews combine carefully arranged props with photorealistic digital environments displayed across the towering LED wall. Entire restaurant interiors, city streets, and landscapes can be created digitally, allowing filmmakers to complete multiple scenes far more efficiently than traditional production methods.

Another newcomer, FoxDog Studios, is bringing similar capabilities to Baton Rouge. The year-old company recently completed installation of its own XR production system inside a renovated 10,000-square-foot facility near the Mall of Louisiana. Designed primarily for small- and medium-sized productions, the studio focuses on commercials, branded content, marketing campaigns, and digital media.

The growing investment comes at an important time for the state’s entertainment industry. After experiencing a surge of production activity following the pandemic, film and television projects have slowed nationwide as studios reduce content spending and international competition intensifies. Although Louisiana’s long-running film production tax credit programcontinues to attract projects, states such as Georgia now compete alongside countries including Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom for major productions.

Industry leaders believe investments in virtual production infrastructure can help Louisiana remain competitive despite those changing market conditions. Modern studios equipped with XR technology complement the state’s experienced crews, established production vendors, and iconic filming locations, creating a more complete package for producers considering where to shoot.

Louisiana may always be known for its bayous, live oaks, and historic architecture, but the future of filmmaking in the state may rely just as much on digital worlds created inside LED walls. As virtual production becomes increasingly common across television, film, advertising, and online media, Louisiana is positioning itself to remain a destination where creative storytelling and technological innovation meet.

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Rustic Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Focaccia Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a loaf of fresh focaccia at home. With its crisp, golden crust, airy interior, and generous drizzle of olive oil, this classic Italian bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. This Tomato and Olive Focaccia recipe from Louisiana Cookin elevates the traditional recipe with colorful fresh tomatoes, briny mixed olives, and fragrant thyme, creating a rustic loaf that’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or centerpiece for any meal.

One of the defining characteristics of focaccia is its soft, open crumb and signature dimpled surface. During baking, pools of extra-virgin olive oil collect inside the dimples, creating an incredibly flavorful crust with a crisp exterior and tender, chewy center. Combined with juicy tomatoes and savory olives, every slice offers a wonderful balance of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Although homemade bread may seem intimidating, focaccia is one of the most forgiving yeast breads to prepare. The dough requires very little kneading, relying instead on a series of gentle folds during the first rise to develop strength and structure naturally. The result is a bakery-quality loaf that looks impressive while remaining approachable for both beginning and experienced bakers.

Ingredients:

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Add the bread flour, kosher salt, instant yeast, and thyme leaves. Stir with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, use lightly oiled or damp hands to gently stretch one side of the dough upward and fold it over the center. Repeat on all four sides for a total of four folding sessions.
  4. Lightly oil a 10-inch square cast-iron skillet. Transfer the dough to the skillet and gently stretch it toward the edges using your fingertips. Cover and allow the dough to rise for another 30 minutes, or until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough. Using your fingertips, press deep dimples across the surface without tearing the dough.
  6. Evenly distribute the olives, tomato strips, and sliced grape tomatoes over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is deeply golden and the center reaches approximately 205°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Allow the bread to cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

For even more variety, consider adding roasted garlic, caramelized onions, fresh rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, or roasted red peppers alongside the tomatoes and olives.

This savory bread pairs beautifully with a wide variety of meals. Serve it alongside pasta dishes such as creamy Alfredo, baked ziti, or spaghetti with marinara for an authentic Italian-inspired dinner. It also complements hearty soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or roasted red pepper soup. For lighter meals, pair the focaccia with Caesar salad, Greek salad, or a fresh arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan. The bread also makes an excellent accompaniment to charcuterie boards featuring cured meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, marinated artichokes, and fresh fruit.

Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, sandwich bread, or part of a holiday spread, this focaccia is versatile enough for nearly any occasion. Once you discover how simple it is to make and how delicious it tastes fresh from the oven, this Mediterranean-inspired bread is likely to become one of your favorite homemade baking projects.

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Hit the Road: Most Unforgettable Scenic Drives in Colorado

There are few better ways to experience the American West than from behind the wheel on an open highway. Winding through soaring mountain passes, alpine forests, deep canyons, and historic mining towns, Colorado offers some of the country’s most breathtaking road trips, according to this travel blog article from Travel +Leisure. It’s no surprise that the state leads the nation with 13 federally designated National Scenic Byways, including two prestigious All-American Roads. These routes highlight Colorado’s remarkable diversity, from rugged peaks rising above 12,000 feet to prehistoric fossil beds, colorful desert landscapes, and centuries of cultural history.

Established in 1991, the National Scenic Byways Program recognizes highways with exceptional scenic, historic, cultural, archaeological, recreational, or natural significance. Today, 184 America’s Byways are recognized across the United States, but no state offers a greater collection than Colorado. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong adventure through the Rockies, these five scenic drives belong on every road trip itinerary.

Among Colorado’s most celebrated drives, the San Juan Skyway showcases nearly every landscape that defines the Rocky Mountains. Covering 236 miles through the state’s southwestern corner, this unforgettable loop connects alpine forests, mountain passes, waterfalls, historic towns, and dramatic canyon scenery.

One of its most famous stretches is the legendary Million Dollar Highway, which winds between Silverton and Ouray. Steep cliffs, tight switchbacks, and panoramic mountain views make this section one of America’s most photographed highways. Although the entire route can technically be completed in a single day, spending two or three days allows time to enjoy scenic hikes, natural hot springs, waterfalls, historic museums, and local restaurants.

Travelers exploring the southern end of the route can also detour to Mesa Verde National Park, where remarkably preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings provide one of the nation’s most significant archaeological experiences. For travelers seeking high-altitude scenery, the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway offers an unforgettable journey through Colorado’s highest mountain landscapes. Stretching 115 miles between Copper Mountain and Twin Lakes, the route climbs over both Independence Pass and Tennessee Pass while rarely descending below 9,000 feet.

History lovers will appreciate a stop in Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America. Beautiful Victorian buildings and museums preserve the city’s rich silver mining heritage. Nearby Twin Lakes offers kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, and spectacular views of the snow-covered Collegiate Peaks. Western Colorado tells a much older story along the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway. The Colorado portion spans 134 miles before continuing into Utah, taking travelers through sandstone cliffs, colorful mesas, deep river canyons, and fossil-rich badlands that reveal millions of years of Earth’s history.

The route’s centerpiece is Dinosaur National Monument, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils remain embedded within exposed rock inside the famous Quarry Exhibit Hall. Hiking trails throughout the monument reveal dramatic overlooks, ancient petroglyphs, and river canyons carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers.

Running through Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is one of North America’s greatest scenic drives. Although less than 50 miles long, the route climbs to an astonishing elevation of 12,183 feet, making it the highest continuous paved highway on the continent. Beginning near Estes Park and ending in Grand Lake, the road gradually rises from dense forests into alpine tundra above the tree line. Numerous overlooks, including Forest Canyon Overlook and the Alpine Visitor Center, provide sweeping mountain panoramas.

The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway offers a completely different perspective on Colorado by combining dramatic landscapes with fascinating cultural history. Running 82 miles between Trinidad and Walsenburg, the route passes forests, mountain meadows, volcanic formations, and sweeping prairie beneath the towering Spanish Peaks.

Colorado’s scenic byways prove that the journey can be just as memorable as the destination. Whether driving above the tree line through Rocky Mountain National Park, discovering ancient fossils in Dinosaur National Monument, winding through historic mining towns, or following dramatic mountain passes, every route reveals a different side of the Centennial State.

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Strong Teacher Preparation Begins at Nicholls

Preparing future teachers to help children become confident readers begins long before they enter their own classrooms. That preparation starts in university teacher education programs, where aspiring educators develop the instructional knowledge and practical skills needed to teach literacy effectively. Nicholls State University recently earned national recognition for its commitment to this mission after receiving an “A” rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for the quality of its elementary teacher preparation program in reading instruction, as per this news release from the school.

The recognition places Nicholls among institutions nationwide that have demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing future elementary educators using evidence-based literacy practices. The university’s elementary education program was highlighted in NCTQ’s national report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, which evaluated how effectively colleges and universities prepare teacher candidates to teach reading using research-supported instructional methods.

Rather than relying on outdated approaches, the report found that Nicholls fully aligns its curriculum with the science of reading, an evidence-based framework supported by decades of cognitive science, education research, and classroom practice. The science of reading focuses on five essential components that help children develop strong literacy skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Together, these foundational skills help students learn not only how to decode words but also how to understand and analyze what they read.

Faculty within the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences have prioritized building a program that equips graduates with practical instructional strategies they can implement immediately upon entering Louisiana classrooms. Dean Dr. Kimi Reynolds explained that the college has focused on ensuring future educators graduate fully prepared to make an immediate impact on student learning. She noted that the national recognition reflects the faculty’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges by preparing teachers with the knowledge and instructional practices children need to become successful readers from their first day in the classroom.

To determine its ratings, NCTQ conducted a comprehensive review of Nicholls’ elementary education curriculum. Evaluators examined course syllabi, lecture materials, assigned readings, classroom assessments, and student teaching experiences to determine whether future teachers were being trained using instructional methods supported by current literacy research. Programs also were evaluated on their ability to avoid outdated teaching practices that research has shown to be less effective for developing early reading skills.

The university’s recognition also reflects broader efforts occurring across Louisiana to strengthen literacy instruction. In recent years, the state has expanded its focus on evidence-based reading instruction through teacher professional development, literacy screeners, instructional coaching, and high-quality classroom materials. Universities such as Nicholls play an essential role in these statewide initiatives by ensuring newly certified teachers enter the profession already familiar with these instructional practices rather than learning them only after beginning their careers.

For aspiring educators, strong teacher preparation offers benefits that extend well beyond graduation. Programs grounded in research help future teachers develop classroom management skills, effective lesson planning strategies, assessment techniques, and instructional flexibility needed to support learners with diverse backgrounds and abilities. This preparation is particularly important in elementary classrooms, where early literacy instruction influences long-term academic success across every subject area.

As schools continue working to improve reading achievement, the quality of teacher preparation programs will remain a critical factor in student success. By earning national recognition for its reading instruction curriculum, Nicholls State University has demonstrated its commitment to preparing educators who are equipped with the knowledge, practical experience, and evidence-based instructional strategies necessary to help Louisiana’s youngest learners become confident, capable readers.

Readers interested in learning more about the national rankings can explore the full Teacher Prep Review through the National Council on Teacher Quality. Additional information about teacher education programs offered through theNicholls State University College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is also available online.

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Summer-Proof Herbs Every Louisiana Gardener Should Know

Anyone who has gardened in Louisiana knows that summer can be unforgiving. High temperatures, intense humidity, and frequent rainfall create challenging conditions for many popular herbs. While cool-season favorites such as thyme, parsley, sage, lavender, and French tarragon often struggle through the hottest months of the year, plenty of herbs actually flourish in the subtropical climate that defines south Louisiana, according to this article from Nola.com.

One of the best performers for Louisiana gardens is garlic chives (Allium tuberosum). While traditional chives often slow their growth during the hottest months, garlic chives continue producing throughout the summer. Their mild garlic flavor makes them useful in many recipes, and the clusters of white flowers add ornamental value to herb gardens and flowerbeds alike. Because the plants readily self-seed, gardeners should remove spent blooms if they want to limit spreading.

For gardeners looking to add fragrance to their landscape, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) remains a reliable choice. A member of the mint family, lemon balm produces bright green foliage with a strong citrus aroma. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade and can be used in teas, desserts, and herbal remedies. Many gardeners also appreciate its traditional reputation as a natural mosquito deterrent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on exposed skin.

No Louisiana herb garden would be complete without the versatile bay tree (Laurus nobilis). Known by names such as true bay, bay leaf, and French bay, this evergreen shrub is a staple ingredient in countless Cajun and Creole dishes. Bay trees can be grown in containers or directly in well-drained garden beds, and their leaves can be harvested and dried for year-round use in soups, stews, and gumbos.

Another excellent summer performer is lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a favorite ingredient in many Asian dishes. Its citrus-flavored stalks are commonly used in soups, marinades, and teas. Lemongrass grows into attractive clumps reaching several feet in height and width, making it equally useful as an ornamental landscape plant. Although winter freezes may damage the foliage, established plants typically return from their roots each spring.

Among culinary herbs, basil remains the undisputed star of Louisiana’s summer gardens. Sweet basil varieties thrive in the heat and produce abundant harvests when grown in sunny locations with well-drained soil. From pesto and pasta dishes to salads and sauces, basil’s versatility makes it one of the most popular herbs for home gardeners throughout the state. New transplants can often be added well into early fall for an extended growing season.

For those interested in fragrant plants rather than culinary herbs, Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) offers highly aromatic foliage that retains its scent long after being dried. The plant is often incorporated into wreaths, sachets, and potpourri projects, making it a popular choice for craft enthusiasts.

Gardeners seeking bold flavor may want to consider Mexican oregano (Poliomentha longiflora). Unlike traditional oregano, this heat-loving shrub produces attractive lavender-colored flowers while delivering an intense flavor prized in both Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired cooking. Its ornamental appearance makes it especially well-suited for containers and decorative beds.

Finally, Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida), sometimes called Mexican mint marigold, offers a practical alternative to French tarragon, which struggles in Louisiana’s climate. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Mexican tarragon thrives in heat and humidity while producing flavorful leaves throughout the growing season. By late summer and fall, clusters of bright golden flowers transform the plant into a colorful garden feature.

Louisiana’s climate may challenge many traditional herbs, but it also creates ideal growing conditions for a unique collection of plants that actually welcome the heat. By selecting varieties adapted to long summers and high humidity, gardeners can enjoy fresh herbs, beautiful foliage, and abundant harvests throughout the season.

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