Emily Gautreaux, Author at Arlen "Benny" Cenac Jr

Top Louisiana Cities to Live In

The 31st-largest state, you’ll find counties here in Louisiana. Instead, the state is the only place in the country to divide its areas into parishes. That’s not the only thing Louisiana does differently; the legal system is unlike in other states too. Louisiana is also home to the world’s longest water-spanning bridge and the USA’s tallest state capitol. The laid-back lifestyle and rich diversity of the state make Louisiana a great place to live. Below are some of the best places to live in Louisiana and you can click here to read about more.

1. New Orleans
The largest city in Louisiana, New Orleans comes in at top place for its wide variety of amenities and opportunities. With a population of around 400k, there is a lot of diversity from all walks of life. Don’t be surprised if you hear people describe New Orleans as a “Northern Caribbean city” because the inherent culture has its earliest roots in French culture. The city was founded in 1718 by explorers Iberville and Bienville then modified by infusions of residents from the Caribbean Isles, all before the Americans took over in 1803. And it’s why many say New Orleans feels more like Europe than the USA. Known as “The Crescent City,” and, of course, “TheBig Easy,” New Orleans offers a lifestyle that is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of most metropolitan areas. Situated amidst LakePontchartrain on the north, the Mississippi River on the south, and wetlands all around, the city is a bit of an island itself, a factor that has allowed local traditions to grow and develop during the past centuries so that NewOrleans has a quirky character all its own. The culture is reflected in the food, known around the world for its interesting spices and seafood base. From the haute cuisine of the fine French restaurants to earthy fried oyster Po’-boys at neighborhood restaurants, the cuisine reflects the diversity and eccentricities of this port city. There’s definitely no time to feel bored.

2. Inniswold
Coming in at number two, Inniswold is part of East Baton Rouge Parish. With a population of around 5,000, the area is especially known for its lower-than-average crime rate. Residents generally enjoy a good quality of life and there are many local amenities. The city’s top-notch restaurants especially are raved about. Try Stabb’s while you are there and opt for Hawaiian fare and go grab a bite at The Cove. There is a great public school system there and parents rave about the low teacher/student ratio. Some Louisiana residents choose to commute to Inniswold for the higher paying wages. With relatively short commuting times more and more arechoosing to drive to Inniswold! Interstate 10 runs to the south of the parish and the Jefferson Highway is also easy to access. Housing prices are fairly high, at $210,600 on average. The median monthly rental costs for a two-bedroom property are $1,192. Living costs are higher than the state and national averages, but remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for”, and this is especially true living in Inniswold.

3. Brusly
The town of Brusly is located within West Baton Rouge Parish. While you may need to travel a little way to reach your favorite restaurants and shops, Brusly offers plenty right there. Try out Louisiana BayouBistro or Athenos Cafe for a nice, tasty dinner. Grab your dog or your workout buddy and get some fresh air at one of the two local parks. Warm weather, high income levels, low unemployment figures, and low crime rates more than make up for a few extra minutes to reach certain leisure facilities and stores, though! Parents rave about the higher than average high school pass rate and Brusly turns out many college-bound students who often return and build up the community which is very tight-knit. The monthly rental price comes in under the national average at $765, although there are more privately owned homes in than rented properties.

4. Scott
Lafayette Parish’s Scott has a fairly large population, of around 10,000. The median age is 31, helping to create a place to live that has high energy and a mature outlook. Quality of life is great here despite the median income being under $49,000. Grab a bite at Fezzo’s Seafood, Steak & Oyster House that will knock your socks off or opt for more local fare at Billy’s Boudin. There is plenty to do including tons of free events and entertainment like festivals with food and entertainment, including the world renowned Festival International, one of the largest free festivals of its kind that brings in acts from all over the world. The area has some of the lowest living costs when compared to other popular places to live in Louisianaas well as some of the highest employment rates, with just 4.7% of thecommunity out of work. Scott’s a healthy place to live too; the air qualityscore is a low 33 helping it to earn the Clean City contest.

5. Baton Rouge
The state capital and second-largest city of Louisiana, the city is a major hubfor the medical, industrial, shipping, research, and petrochemical industries,and the technology industry is seeing rapid growth. Of course, there are manyother job opportunities as well. The economy is booming in Baton Rouge.Not only has the city been placed in the top ten destinations around the US tostart a new business, but it has also been named as one of the top ten placesoverall for young adults. Home of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge residents can take advantage of numeroussporting events and campus activities, many of which are free. BatonRouge has also been listed as one of North America’s top twenty cities when itcomes to economic strength. Entrepreneurs, investors, and young professionalsshould definitely keep their eyes on Baton Rouge. Try out Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant and bring your credit card to Perkins Rowe so you can shop til you drop.

6. Youngsville
The small city of Youngsville can be found in Lafayette Parish not too far from Scott. The population of over 10,000 enjoys a suburban vibe coupled with the facilities and amenities of city life. It’s the best of both worlds. The average age is 32, making it neither old nor young, despite the city’s youthful name. Nightlife may be somewhat lacking when compared to other cities around the state, but the opportunities for a happy family life attract a generally more settled crowd. 85% of Youngsville’s residents are property owners with higher than average household incomes and it’s considered a great place to buy a property. Locals are warm, welcoming, and friendly, and people take pride in keeping the city looking clean and tidy. Grab lunch at Zeus, a local chain serving Greek and Lebanese dishes.

7. Westminster
Not as highly ranking as Inniswold but still a great place to live, Westminster is another highly sought after area in East Baton Rouge Parish. In close proximity of the state capitol, you can benefit from easy access to the city and myriad opportunities while still maintaining a peaceful suburban home life. Schools boast high graduation rates and with two universities close by, many students become educated and remain in their communities which strengthens the areas commerce and morale. Those seeking further education opportunities have good options. The total number of crimes is significantly lower that the rest of the state – a whopping 81% lower. Although the high living costs may deter some people (15% higher than the state’s average figures), the median household income is significantly higher (87%) than the state average making Westminster a great choice for most. Try Albasha, a small local chain of Middle Eastern fare in a stylish setting.

8. Mandeville
Part of the greater New Orleans metropolitan area, Mandeville sits on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in the parish of St. Tammany. The population is a little over 12,100. Low rates of crime, high graduation rates, pleasant weather, and good household income levels combine to keep locals smiling. You won’t have to look far to find a decent selection of restaurants and shops, and you can work off all the delicious local food in one of the fitness centers. Try Nuvolari’s or Pat Gallagher’s for a delicious, upscale meal. Plus, the vibrant city of New Orleans is within close proximity.

9. Belle Chasse
Sitting on the edges of the Mississippi River, Belle Chasse is the biggest town in Plaquemines Parish. With some of the state’s highest property prices for both ownership and renting, it’s not a place for a typical first home. The prices do, however, reflect how sought-after the area is, making it a terrific choice for people looking to make an upgrade to existing living arrangements. Median rents are $1,130 per month in Belle Chasse, while the average home costs in the region of $227,200. The affluence of the area can be seen in the median annual income for a household: $66,730. When it comes to cutting loose and having some fun, Belles Chasse has great fishing spots, a shooting range, various sports facilities, a dirt-bike track, and restaurants that dish up some of the best Cajun food you’ll ever taste. And let’s not forget the great lineup of annual celebrations too. Belle Chasse hosts Crawfish Fest, Orange Fest, Gamers Fest, and more. Make rezzies at Zydeco’s Cajun Restaurant for dinner. You won’t regret it!

10. Metairie
Sandwiched between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, Metairie’s farming heritage set the stage for the gorgeous local parks that sit there now. The greenery is a nice aesthetic and helps to break up the cement and tall buildings. Metairie has a sporty vibe; it’s home to the New Orleans Baby Cakes baseball team and the NFL team the New Orleans Saints train in there. There are many sports facilities to encourage a fit and healthy community. The area also has more ethnic and racial diversity than many other parts of the state and the crime rate is lower than the state average by an impressive 47%. Home prices are fairly high, at $210,900.

For more on Louisiana’s top places to live, click here. For more articles similar to this one, click here.

Local Entrepreneur Benny Cenac Donates To The Oh La La Theater Series to Nicholls State

The “Oh Là Là” theater series will behosted by Nicholls this school yearthanks to private donor and philanthropist Arlen Benny Cenac, Jr. Cenachas always been a major proponent for the arts and education and jumped at theopportunity to help make that a reality for his community.

The donations went toward several funds and projects necessary to make the show a reality, including renovations on the Mary and Al Danos Theater totaling upwards of $9.6 Million. According to Dr. Bruce Murphy, Nicholls President, the name Oh Là Là is an homage to Al Danos, who enjoyed conversing in French. The Danos family, whose parents donated $1 million toward the theater’s renovation, released a statement in support of Nicholls’ upcoming series. “Mom and Dad would have loved this and attended every show,” The Danos family said. “Oh Là Là is exactly what Dad had in mind when he started raising money for the theater.”

In August the university hosted donors, lifetime alumni members and Nicholls Foundation board members at the newly renovated theater for a special preview and an opportunity to purchase season tickets, and spectators were blown away by its beauty, functionality and charm. Monique Crochet, Nicholls’ acting director of advancement, said the upgrades to the Danos Theater were the cornerstone and missing piece that made the theater series possible. Crochet said the improved theater allows Nicholls to bring high-quality, high-demand shows to Thibodaux, enriching the community by increasing exposure to the arts. “We noticed other universities were doing it. We thought it would be a great idea to bring this to our local area,” Crochet said. She said revenues from sponsorships and ticket sales will go toward maintenance of the theater and the purchasing of future shows.

The first show featured at “Oh Là Là” was back in September. Touring for over seven years and featuring six vocalists and dancers, the Frankie Valli tribute show “Let’s Hang On!” entails a live band that performs all the hits from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “December,” “Who Loves You” and “My Eyes Adored You,” among others.

In November, a Christmas show by the Dutton Experience, a 15-member family band that has been playing together since 1991, made its debut bringing a variety of genres from bluegrass to classical music to the Danos Theater. The next act to be featured will be the New Orleans-based Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on Feb. 15. Formed the very same year as the Dutton Experience, the LPO is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated professional symphony in the nation. After that in March, the acrobat troupe The Golden Dragon Acrobats will bring their aerial excellence to Thibodaux. This 50 year old Chinese act is recognized as the premier Chinese acrobatic company in the United States, according to Nicholls’ press release announcing the shows.

“Oh Là Là” finishes by featuring the timeless songs of the Fab Four. A Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band featuring four musicians handpicked by George Harrison’s sister will feature vintage instruments and iconic costumes from the Beatles’ collection. Crochet said she thinks the wide range of music brings a good diversity of performances, and she expects Nicholls to find different acts in the future. She said the university will start working on its booking efforts for the 2018-19 season in January when acts start revealing their schedules. Dr. Murphy attributed “Oh Là Là” as an important step toward successfully reaching the university’s goals. “Here at Nicholls, our vision is to be the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Bayou Region. The diversity of world-renowned acts coming to our campus as part of the Oh Là Là series fits perfectly with what we’re trying to accomplish,” Murphy said.

Season tickets are now available to purchase. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call Tammy Toups at (985) 448-4134 or email tammy.toups@nicholls.edu.

For more on Oh La La, click here.

Top 3 Holiday Dessert Recipes

Holiday desserts are my worst vice so I’m thankful that they are in abundance only once a year. When else do you find the glorious holiday flavors of gingerbread, eggnog or peppermint? It’s rare. Holiday desserts almost seem to take on the magic of the season. These desserts with their festive flavors and familiar aromas remind us of our childhood and we can’t help but recall making gingerbread cookies with grandma, sipping on some eggnog while adorning the tree with your favorite ornaments, helping mom make fudge for the neighbors. Holiday desserts are an experience, not just a treat, and they should be created with that kept in mind. Below, we have compiled a list of our top 3 holiday faves but you can click here for tons more. Which is your fave?

Peppermint Brownies

This minty chocolate deliciousness won our number one spot because of its ease, deliciousness and rarity. Surprisingly, we don’t see a lot of people making this dish even though it’s a completely logical mix. Boxed brownies- is there anything easier or more classic? The answer is a hard No. Mix in peppermint candies to give it that Winter Wonderland feel, and all your coworkers will think you are Martha Stewart and begin pressing you for your “homemade peppermint brownie recipe.” Tell them it’s your grandma’s secret, from-scratch recipe. Your secret is safe with us.

INGREDIENTS
1 box brownie mix (I used Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate) – mixed up according to package directions
9 peppermint bark candy chocolate squares, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS
Line a 9×9 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly with non-stick spray. Mix up brownie mix according to package directions. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and top with peppermint bark candies. Drop remaining brownie mix in spoonfuls over the top of the peppermint bark candies and spread gently. Bake according to the package directions (about 45 minutes) but be sure to not over bake. Allow to cool, cut and enjoy!

Red Velvet Cake

Our #2 winner is also a unique take on a classic recipe. RED- The official holiday color. So it makes total sense to whip up something with red velvet to fit in with the holiday theme. Fancy it up with sugared cranberries and you’ve won Christmas dinner with your fam.

Ingredients
1 2-layer size package German chocolate cake mix
1 8 – ounce container dairy sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup cooking oil
3 eggs
1 1 – ounce bottle red food coloring (2 tablespoons)
White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting
1 1/2 cups coconut shards, purchased coconut chips or flaked coconut, toasted
Sugared cranberries (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9×1-1/2-inch round cake pans or two 8x8x2-inch square baking pans or coat with nonstick spray for baking; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cake mix, sour cream, water, oil, eggs, and food coloring with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of the bowl. Beat mixture on medium speed for beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. Spread batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake cakes for 25 to 30 minutes for 9-inch pans or 30 to 35 minutes for square pans or until a toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
Spread White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and over sides and top of the cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Cover and chill cake to store. If you like, garnish with sugared cranberries. Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Roasted Pears with Lemon Cream and Roasted Pine Nuts

Our #3 winner is the show stopper. Complex enough to be served at a 5 star restaurant and embodying that old school holiday feel, this roasted pear dessert will be the talk of the Christmas celebration. It makes for an amazing presentation so be prepared to wow…. As long as you are up for the challenge. It takes about 45 min of prep time.

Ingredients
Candied Pine Nuts
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Lemon-Cream
1/2 cup lemon curd
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup whipping cream, chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Roasted Pears
1/2 of a lemon
8 medium Bosc pears
3/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 whole cloves
Pinch salt

Directions
Candied Pine Nuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a dry, medium heavy skillet, toast pine nuts over medium-low heat, shaking frequently, until golden and aromatic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a dish; set aside. In the same skillet, cook sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt. Shake pan occasionally, but do not stir. Once the sugar begins to melt, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until fully melted and golden brown. Stir in pine nuts. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break or chop into small pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Lemon-Cream

In a chilled medium bowl, beat lemon curd and sour cream with an electric mixer until just combined. Add whipping cream and vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and mounds. Chill, covered, for up to 8 hours.
Roasted Pears

Preheat oven to 400 degrees . Squeeze lemon into a large bowl half full of cool water. Peel pears, leaving stems, and cut a thin slice off bottoms. (Submerge pears upright in water as you work.) In a saucepan, combine apple juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until butter melts and sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Pat pears dry and arrange upright in a 3-quart baking dish. Pour syrup over pears. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender and beginning to brown, basting with syrup occasionally. (If syrup thickens too much, add water to pan.) If not serving immediately, pears can sit at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 hours. Rewarm slightly before serving. To serve, arrange pears on dessert plates or a platter. Drizzle with some of the syrup. Dollop Lemon Cream around pears. (Gently stir first if necessary.) Sprinkle with Candied Pine Nuts. If desired, pass remaining syrup, cream and nuts.

For more holiday dessert recipes, click here. For general recipes, click here.

Best Tropical Winter Escapes

Looking for a way to warm up your winter wonderland? Lots of people choose to forgo icicles and flurries and opt instead for a warm, bikini-clad holiday. If this is you, you’ve found the Holy Grail of travel blogs although this one has some great suggestions as well. Leave the parka at home and get your AC ready! Read on for the best tropical winter escapes and remind Santa to bring his shades when dropping your gifts this year.

Kampot, Cambodia
The provincial town of Kampot in southern Cambodia doesn’t look like much at first sight because it is small and sleepy with unpaved streets and run down buildings, but Kampot’s sleepiness is part of its charm. Traffic is light and it’s easy to get around on foot, bicycle or motorbike. Life is slow and unrushed, with hot afternoons meant for lounging in hammocks or swimming. The riverside location is at the foot of the Elephant Mountains and is a huge part of Kampot’s attraction. The river attracts everyone (both tourists and locals) at sunset for strolls. Just outside town you can swim and kayak from one of the riverside guest houses. Known throughout Cambodia as the coveted weekend getaway destination, Kampot is a much needed reprieve from the chaos of Phnom Penh. Try out one of the eco resorts like Ganesha and Eden Eco Village that line the river while secret lakes and waterfalls abound for early morning canoeing and swimming. Rent a moto and take a drive up the winding roads of Bokor Mountain or over to La Plantation’s organic pepper farm and sample some of the world’s best.

Honduras

Do you like waterfalls, scuba diving, mountains and untouched rainforests? Who doesn’t? This second largest central American country is for you. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Maya ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), a Pacific and Caribbean coastline, and the Bay Islands. These all offer great beaches and coral reefs where snorkelling and diving are exceptional by any standard. The country is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, El Salvador to the south and Nicaragua to the southeast. The Lodge at Pico Bonito lies in the middle of the gorgeous Pico Bonito National Park, putting some of the world’s most dazzling natural environments at your doorstep.

Mexico City

Mexico City is, and has always been, the center of Mexico in terms of population, events, politics and fun. Though it has a riddled past, these days the city is cleaning up its act. Revamped public spaces are springing back to life, the culinary scene is exploding and a cultural renaissance is flourishing. On top of all that, by somehow managing to distance itself from the drug war, the nation’s capital remains a safe haven of sorts. In the past few years, the ancient city has enjoyed a vibrant resurgence thanks to a close knit artist community and a world class food scene. Stay at the Four Seasons in the center of the city, enjoy the rooftop pool and the open courtyard, and save time in your trip to float the Xochimilco Gardens in the colorful trajineras.

Belize

Explore the ancient Mayan Ruins, an award winning historical site where you can get guided tours and learn more about Belizean history. After that, swim through translucent seas and be treated to a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, whale sharks and turtles, while divers go deeper, investigating underwater caves and walls and the world-renowned Blue Hole. With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, pint-sized Belize is packed with islands, adventure and culture. Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, after Australia’s, and with more than 100 types of coral and some 500 species of tropical fish, it’s pure paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Add to this island life on the sandy cays, where you can spend your days kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing or lazing in a hammock, and you’ve got a perfect tropical vacation.

Oman

These picturesque deserts are like nothing you’ve ever seen before this holiday season. Explore the great canyon of the Al Hajar Mountains and rip through the dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Head into Muscat to see the traditional architecture of the Royal Opera House Muscat and Grand Mosque, and be sure to take home some of the city’s famous fragrances. Oman’s capital is very family friendly, with malls having dedicated fun zones and parks with play areas. It is, however, the beach that draws most tourists, whether it is for a picnic, to swim, a game of beach football, or just to stroll and enjoy the sunset. Water sports activities such jet skiing or banana boat rides are available at Qurum Beach and most beachfront resorts. The afternoon can be spent watching dolphins frolic in the sea, followed by a beautiful sunset Dhow cruise starting from Marina Bandar Al Rowdah or Al Mouj Muscat.

Los Angeles

For some of us, the quickest way to cure the winter blues is to go where both the palm trees and the stars are. Los Angeles has something for everyone, with 75 miles of sunny coastline, a flourishing Downtown, lifestyle playgrounds for the rich and famous, acclaimed restaurants, trend-setting art and fashion scenes, and internationally flavored neighborhoods. One of the most popular ways to experience L.A. is by enjoying free activities, such as a scenic drive or visiting top cultural attractions. Los Angeles has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to green travel, from public transit to eco-friendly hotels. L.A. Tourism celebrates the city’s incredible diversity with its LGBT and ethnic guides. And you can bring your canine companion to L.A.’s dog-friendly parks, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Whether it’s luxury or budget, family friendly or singles, L.A. Tourism has the best itineraries and guides to explore this amazing city! To relight your inner fire, jump between tanning at Venice Beach and taking in LA’s burgeoning art scene.

Costa Rica

December ushers in the dry season, so you can enjoy the warm weather without getting caught in a torrential downpour. There’s also a number of local festivals from January through March, perfect for experiencing the culture. Costa Rica’s beaches offer the perfect escape from noisy cities. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or that special someone, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. From big hotels with comfortable facilities to ultra-posh boutique hotels, there’s something for everyone. Besides great accommodations, Costa Rica is increasingly renowned for its widely varied and delicious foods distinct to each region. One thing they all share in common is their excellent taste. Costa Rica’s beaches are surrounded by forests, and have great natural diversity. Many contain beautiful coral reefs, perfect for diving and exploring. Depending on the beach, complementary activities may include hikes to mangroves, diving, surfing, sport fishing, hiking on trails or horseback rides. With easy access to many beaches, you can make the most out of both coasts. Most have warm water throughout the year, so they can be enjoyed year round. If it’s variety you’re interested in, each coast offers different shades and textures of sand. White, yellow, gray and black beaches are the result of the constant crashing of varied seashells on coral reefs.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

December marks the off-season on Italy’s South Eastern coast. Though you won’t see temperatures as high as in June or July, you can expect days as warm as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t have to deal with quite as many tourists. Magically suspended between the blue sky and the iridescent colored sea, the Amalfi coast seems to be born from the palette of a painter. It is the land where the sweet scent of lemon blossoms mixes with lush Mediterranean vegetation and the salty sea air; where the brilliant colors of bougainvillea and carnations stand out among whitewashed houses, clinging to the last offshoots of the Lattari Mounts that plunge dramatically into the sea. A vertical landscape houses a picture perfect labyrinth of stairways and alleys. The shift from the sea to mountain is seamless: the mountain sides were terraced over the centuries, shaped by human labor to create flaps of arable land and already compared, during the Renaissance period, to the legendary Hesperides by the Italian writer and naturalist Giambattista Della Porta.

Miami

Get ready for sun-filled days and temperatures on the mid-70s. Miami hosts several winter events to make sure to keep the city alive during its off season. The largest holiday theme park in the world, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is back for another season at Tropical Park. Enjoy carnival rides, shows, games, a 92-foot tall Christmas tree and more than three million Christmas lights. Ride the ferris wheel, race speedy cars, or risk it all on the “Mega Drop.” The park is open until the beginning of January. Check out the Deering Holiday Wonderland located at the elegant and historic Deering Estate located on the edge of Biscayne Bay when it’s festively decorated for the holidays and decked out in beautiful Christmas lights. Highlights include story time and photos with Santa Claus and a Festival of Trees evening stroll. Lounge on idyllic beaches, take advantage of the city’s numerous water sports and explore the famous and colorful Art Deco District.

Hawaii

When considering a vacation to Hawaii for the month of December, choosing when to go greatly impacts both costs and crowds. The first few weeks are very quiet and relatively inexpensive, while the last week — including Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays — is a popular and expensive time. Hawaii’s weather is almost always wonderfully warm. Daytime temperatures typically reach the low 80s while evening temperatures dip in the middle to upper 60s. Even in December, tropical flowers continue to flourish as usual. You may also see poinsettia plants and shrubs growing and blooming outdoors. With the exception of Hawaii’s Big Island, December is the wettest month for Hawaii. That doesn’t mean that you’ll likely encounter rain all the time. From our experience, we’ve enjoyed some wonderfully sunny days in Hawaii in December. We do recommend that you bring a breathable, rain-proof jacket and/or an umbrella so that a passing shower typically won’t interfere with your plans for very long. Even though this time of year is one of Kauai’s busiest, but with sunny days in the high 70s, it’s worth pricier hotel rates. Don’t worry about dealing with pesky crowds: The rural island only has two highways and visitors are encouraged to travel on foot through the gorgeous, rural terrain.

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Top 2018 Holiday Events in Louisiana

Though Louisiana rarely gives its residents a white Christmas, there are still tons of fun holiday events for them to participate in. Louisiana Travel recently put out a full list of Louisiana holiday events and we have compiled our Top 10 favorites below!

Lake Charles knows how to get in the Christmas spirit. With parades, concerts, fireworks, food and Santa Claus, it is the place to be to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The annual Cajun Christmas festival begins Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2018. Some of its featured events are The Holiday House where you can enjoy an evening of good food, great music and an amazing holiday market from 6:30-9: 30 pm; $35 per person for the preview party. The Holiday House features more than 35 different shops with Christmas decorations, gifts, ornaments and plenty more; A Magic Cirque Christmas, a holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols with incredible live musicians on stage; Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, This beautiful story told through the wonder of classical dance and music is a Lake Charles tradition. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is originally choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus and founder, Lady Leah Lafargue Hathaway, the current production is directed by Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, Artistic Director of LCCB. Children of all ages will delight as they experience Santa and his elves working furiously to finish all the toys for the trip around the world and the triumph of Rudolph as he saves Christmas! From dancing toys and reindeer to Santa and his elves, this performance has it all – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic from the LCCB repertoire!; AND MORE!
Discover the 12 Days of Christmas in Sulphur that include holiday theatre and concert performances, carnival rides, a holiday market, live music, a balloon parade and the Spectacle of Lights. Have some Community Coffee and breakfast with Santa at the Christmas Under the Oaks of Sulphur Festival.
Don’t miss the Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration. The excitement kicks off at 6:30 pm with a street parade through downtown Lake Charles. The event continues with the lighting ceremony at 7:30 pm on the Civic Center’s front lawn. Round out the evening with the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade at the seawall at 8:15 pm, topped off by fireworks over the lake at 8:45 pm.
Discover even more Christmas events in Northern Louisiana on the Holiday Trail of Lights. Celebrate with eight cities across central and northern Louisiana. The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights formed in 1992 to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail runs along I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport and Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville. Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertaining at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Fifth Season Celebration and Old World Christmas Lights Spectacular in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches, and the Christmas parades and safari zoo tour in Alexandria/Pineville. The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant downtown and neighborhood lights, dine at local restaurants, dance at the festivals, and shop in all of the eight festive cities.
Head to St. James Parish for the Festival of Bonfires, in Lutcher on Thursday, Dec. 14 – 16, 2018. Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!! This tradition dates back to the 1800s and was a carryover from French and German traditions of lighting bonfires around the holidays. The bonfires are constructed as four-sided wooden plank structures that easily burn bright. The festival is, of course, accompanied by live entertainment, food and even carnival rides.
Lafayette rings of zydeco beats throughout the holiday season at their annual Cajun & Creole Christmas Celebrations from Nov. 18 – Dec. 31, 2018. The celebrations include everything from Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies, to symphony orchestras, carolling and shopping extravaganzas. Don’t miss the Noel Acadien au Village in Lafayette. LARC’s Acadian Village will host its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, new displays for our Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! All proceeds directly benefit LARC’s Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services at LARC. Enjoy nightly entertainment, local cuisine and photos with Santa.
Pineville, Louisiana, is jam-packed with Christmas-themed events, including the annual Christmas parade in early December. The time is upon us again! The Parade will be on Friday, December 7, 2018, beginning at 7 PM. The Parade this year will begin on Main Street at Hospital/Napoleon Blvd., in front of Huey P. Long. The parade will continue up Main Street to Military Highway and end at the Trotter Center (Military Highway at Claiborne Street). The parade features homemade floats with Santa and Mrs.Claus along for the ride. Spend your days in this popular vacation destination touring historic homes decorated to the hilt for the holidays or viewing the annual Holiday Light Safari in nearby Alexandria. The Alexandria and Pineville areas are known for decking the halls of the cities during their 12 Nights of Christmas celebration, complete with visits from Santa.
Start off your holiday season with a bang when opting for a vacation rental in the Shreveport and Bossier areas of Louisiana. Each year on the first Saturday of December, the Earl Williamson Park lights up with the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival. Spend the evening sampling southern cuisine from the local vendors, listening to live music, and browsing the gifts from the craft vendors. The festival offers entertainment for the kids, too, with clowns on-site and interactive games featuring a holiday twist. If you’re travelling in mid-November, don’t miss the Louisiana Boardwalk’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, located right on the banks of the Red River.
The annual Christmas Festival of Lights in Natchitoches brings visitors from near and far to see the 300,000 lights strung along the riverbank in November and December. The festivities for 2018 begin November 17th and continue with a variety of celebrations, entertainment, tours, food, music, shopping, and of course, Santa, through January 6, 2019. Book your room today for this season of lights and festivities where Natchitoches’ elegant past meets a vibrant present! The Landmark Historic District of the city hosts multiple events you can enjoy at this premier vacation destination for the holidays, such as carriage rides and visits with Santa. Time your vacation to coincide with the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade on the first Saturday of December to see live music, creative holiday-themed floats, and a light show. The Christmas celebrations kick off in late November with a fireworks display on Cane River Lake.
New Orleans is a magical place to visit anytime, but it is especially magical over the holidays. Start your trip with a visit to the Celebration in the Oaks, where City Park is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. The French Quarter is in close proximity to the Christmas concerts at the St. Louis Cathedral and the carolers who stroll down the downtown streets nightly singing classic Christmas medleys. Sightsee some more with tours of historic homes decorated for the holiday, such as the Louisiana Museum’s 1850s house or the Old Ursuline Convent. If you want a calmer experience in this busy city, opt for a Christmas Tea experience at the Windsor Court Hotel.

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The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Paris

Thinking about spending 3 days in Paris? That is an excellent choice because it is the perfect amount of time to spend in one of the best European cities, giving you the chance to see many of the top sights and attractions and really get a feel for the city. Of course, if you have longer, that’s even better, but three days is certainly enough to see a lot.

Let’s get started!

Day 1
1. Eiffel Tower
What better way to start of your trip to Paris than with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. This is without a doubt the most iconic landmark in Paris (if not France!). The construct is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Constructed from 1887–1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world; 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015.

2. Seine River Cruise
Another must-do experience in Paris is a river cruise on the Seine. Enjoy unique views over Paris on a Seine River Cruise and pass under top attractions from the Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Get a unique perspective on Paris and take a majestic trip along the Seine River on the Bateaux Parisiens to discover the City of Lights from the water.

Hop on Hop off Bus
Talking of sitting back and relaxing, we find that a great way to get oriented in a new city and get an idea of the sights we want to see is to take a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour. Paris is no exception to this rule, and you can pick up a HOHO bus in Paris from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which will then take you around Paris’s key attractions. There are multiple operators running different routes around the city. We took this tour and enjoyed it – it’s both an easy way to get around the city, plus you can learn about many of the sights as you go.

Paris Walking Tour
All this sitting around on buses and boats is great for getting oriented, but at some point you’re going to need to put your feet on the pavement! The company Paris Walks has amazing tour guides who are all certified multilingual and very knowledgeable of the area. All guides are university graduates and are enthusiastic about Paris and its history. Paris is an excellent city to tour on foot!
Tour Montparnasse
Last on our list for your first day in Paris is a trip up the Tour Montparnasse. This is arguably the location with the best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. This is particularly the case at sunset, so if you can time your visit for sunset, you will get to witness a wonderful sunset across the Eiffel Tower, and then watch the city lights come to life. The observation level is across two levels, one is inside and one is outside. The outside area is surrounded by glass, but there are cutouts so you can get reflection-free shots of the view. You can also bring a tripod up here!
Paris Itinerary: Day 2
Our second day in Paris takes in some more iconic sites including some of Paris’s most famous museums and churches.
Saint Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine in Paris, France. Construction began some time after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.
Notre Dame
No more than ten minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris’s most famous religious building. It is a medieval Catholic cathedral and is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The innovative use of the rib vault and flying buttress, the enormous and colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration all set it apart from earlier Romanesque architecture. Reserve your tour by using the “Jefile” app, available on iOS and Google Play.

The Louvre
The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. This is one of the world’s most famous museums, and is home to an incredible collection of art, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, to name but a few. True art lovers could lose themselves for days in the vast collection here!

Arc de Triomphe
We’re going to finish off the second day of our three day Paris itinerary with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, another of Paris’s iconic landmarks. From the Louvre you can either take public transport here, or you can walk up the Champs Elysees, Paris’s most famous shopping street. The Arc de Triomphe, built in memory of those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, is wonderfully photogenic. If you arrive in time, you can go to the top for an excellent view of the city, which includes the roads spanning out into the distance and the Eiffel Tower. As you journey up into the monument, you will also come to a museum which details some of its history.

Paris Itinerary: Day 3
On the last day of our 3 day Paris itinerary we’re heading out of the city center to take in one of Paris’s most famous Royal Palaces.

Versailles
First on the list for day 3 is Versailles, the incredible palace that was the seat of French political power and home to French Royalty, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. There is easily enough to see here to fill an entire day. We suggest starting off by touring the Palace. You’ll want to get here for opening time, as this is a really popular tourist attraction and it get busier as the day goes on. Afterwards, head outside, where there is a great deal more to see. A walk in the incredible gardens is a must.
Montmartre
Head to the Montmartre region to finish off your day. Montmartre is a large hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. It is 130 m high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Right Bank in the northern section of the city. This area of Paris was particularly famous as being home to artists, and folks like Dali, Picasso and Hemingway all either lived or frequented this area. It’s still popular with artists, and the Place du Teatre is the place in Montmartre is the place to go to get your portrait or caricature painted. Montmartre is a maze of cute little streets, cafes and shops.

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