Author: Emily Gautreaux

How to Spend Your Time in St. Louis, Missouri

If you’re looking for a great midwestern vacation destination, St. Louis is the perfect place to visit, especially when you’re supplied with this travel guide from Explore St. Louis.  Known as “The Gateway to the West,” St. Louis, Missouri is the most populous city in the state, and it reliably attracts those who want to explore America’s frontier past, look onward to its future, and bask in the present moment.

If you are looking for a new destination to explore, St. Louis might be the perfect place for you. This historic city is home to plenty of opportunities for fun activities and sightseeing, as well as local restaurants and attractions. Read on to find out more about what this amazing city has to offer!

Citygarden

Citygarden is a stunning public park located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. This oasis features 24 acres of manicured gardens, fountains, sculptures, and walking paths. Citygarden is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some fresh air, as the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Missouri History Museum

The Missouri History Museum is a great place to learn about the utterly rich history of the state of Missouri. The museum has interactive exhibits that tell the stories of Missouri’s people, places, and events. The museum also has aresearch center where you can find resources for your own family history research.

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the United States. Founded in 1859, the Garden now covers 79 acres (32 hectares) and is home to more than 6,000 different kinds of plants from all over the world. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, the Climatron geodesic dome greenhouse, and the Victorian-style Linnean House. The Garden also has an excellent education program, with classes and workshops for all ages.

Grand Center

Grand Center is one of the most vibrant areas in St. Louis, with a variety of things to do for all ages. The area is home to the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, and The Grandel Theatre, as well as many other smaller venues. There are also a number of museums in the area, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum. In addition to all of the cultural attractions, Grand Center is also home to a number of restaurants, making it a great place to spend an evening.

Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is a free attraction in St. Louis, Missouri that features over 900 animals from around the world. The farm is open daily, and visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including animal feedings, wagon rides, and camel rides. In addition to the animals, Grant’s Farm also features a number of historical buildings and exhibits. Whether you’re interested in animals, history, or you just want to spend a day outdoors, Grant’s Farm is a great place to visit.

Saint Louis Science Center

The Saint Louis Science Center is a great place to visit if you’re interested in science and technology. The center has many interactive exhibits, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater. You can also see live demonstrations of scientific principles in action. The St. Louis Science Center is a great place to learn about the world around us, while also being uniquely enjoyable.

Laumeler Sculpture Park

The Laumeler Sculpture Park is a great place to visit if you are looking for a place to see some amazing sculptures. The park is home to over 100 sculptures, which were created by artists from all over the world. The sculptures are made out of different materials, including stone, metal, and glass. The sculpture park is open to the public year-round, and there is no admission fee. Visitors can explore the park at their own pace, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park for visitors to take a break. There is also a small pond in the park that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you are an art lover or just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the Laumeler Sculpture Park is definitely worth a visit.

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Grant Awarded to Nicholls for New Engineering Technology Program

In order to create a brand-new degree program in the field of engineering, Nicholls State University has been awarded a $1.8 million grant, according to this press release from the school. As an integral part of the South Louisiana H2theFuture Energy Transformation Coalition, Nicholls will offer students the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology and thus provide career-ready training for students to join the emerging clean energy workforce in the state.

H2theFuture, a 25-organization large partnership of institutions and businesses across South Louisiana, of which Nicholls is a member, has been awarded a $50 million federal grant by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Greater New Orleans Development Foundation and its affiliate, Greater New Orleans, Inc., are leading the H2theFuture project. This project will create jobs in Louisiana by implementing a clean hydrogen cluster strategy that is designed to lower carbon emissions in the South Louisiana industrial corridor.

Nicholls University is set to develop a new engineering technology curriculum that will be focused on serving the needs of the generation and delivery of new energy in South Louisiana. As a result, the school will be supporting incumbent, dislocated, and fresh workers that have emerged from Hurricane Ida, restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the oilfield downturn.

Dr. John Doucet is the Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology as well as the Director of Coastal Initiatives and Project Leader. Dr. Doucet spoke about the grant by saying, “t​he H2theFuture grant will fund a brand new engineering technology degree program at Nicholls focused on preparing students for the emerging renewable energy industry in Louisiana. With this funding, Nicholls will be providing high-quality engineering technologists to satisfy workforce needs as well as preparing our students for high-paying technical jobs and careers.”

Multiple of Nicholls’ advisors from the energy and engineering industry have indicated that this type of program’s produced graduates will be some of the most employable in the future. Nicholls’ collaborative degree program will supply its students not only with project-based electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering skills, but they will also be able to coordinate construction projects, conduct building and equipment inspections, and use unmanned aerial vehicles for data collection.

Recently, other non-industry partners have supported Nicholls State University in the development of its Coastal Center, which is a research and education center that will be focused on science-based solutions to problems in coastal areas and estuaries.

Because Louisiana has the highest per-capita use of industrial H2 in the United States, as well as other factors, the state may be the best choice for a clean hydrogen cluster. Some of the state’s other advantages include it having the densest pipeline system in the country as well as the largest hydrogen system that stretches over 700-miles from Galveston Bay in Texas to New Orleans. Additionally, Louisiana is home to the second-largest port complex in the entire Western Hemisphere.

The state also has the fourth-largest offshore wind energy potential in America. Lastly, outside of Louisiana partnering with various universities that are skilled in energy training, the state is also home to major private sector industrial companies that are already on the frontlines of the hydrogen revolution, such as DOW, Shell, and CF Industries.

Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune commented on the University’s new program made possible by their being a part of the South Louisiana H2theFuture Energy Transformation Coalition by saying, “we are proud to be a member of the H2theFuture initiative and so appreciative of this generous grant. Engineering Technology is a field in demand in our service region, and this will provide the opportunity to earn a degree at Nicholls for these ever-important jobs.”

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Over The Next Two Years, Lake Charles Is Expected to Grow Economically

In the past two years, Lake Charles has been hit with a series of setbacks. First, there were pandemic restrictions that changed and slowed normal proceedings, and then tumultuous natural disasters struck the area. The local economy has been pummeled as a result, but according to this article from The Advocate that details an economic forecast released by the State of Louisiana recently, things have finally begun to show signs of turning around.

In his annual report, economist Dr. Loren Scott predicts that over a period of the next two years, the Lake Charles area will be the fastest-growing area in Louisiana. When asked about his prediction, Dr. Scott said, “the total percentage improvement is, actually, remarkably large,” and he also indicated a projected 7% increase in employment growth over the next two years.

The Lake Charles metropolitan area, which comprises both Cameron and Calcasieu Parish, has seen some growth over the years, but it still has a lot of “catching up to do” in order to account for much of the dramatic growth that’s projected for the area over the next few years.

Other areas of the state have been able to recoup most of the employment losses from the pandemic, but Lake Charles is still second only to Houma in terms of jobs lost. They both slowed their recovery process by dealing with Hurricanes Laura and Ida in 2020 and 2021. Today, the employment rate in the Lake Charles area remains at 57%, which is below the pre-pandemic employment rate.

Dr. Scott, who has done research on natural gas and petrochemical construction projects, predicts an estimated $36 billion worth of capital spending in the Lake Charles Metropolitan area to be made by Spring 2023, which will be attributed to final investment decisions on construction projects. Essentially, by 2023, large construction projects in the natural gas and petrochemical sector, which are expected to carry much of the area’s projected growth, will create a significant demand for construction workers.

Not all of that demand will be met locally, but Dr. Loren Scott argues it will still provide a much-needed jumpstart to the local economy, thus providing a much-needed huge jolt. Temporary construction jobs and the much-lower permanent jobs created by these projects in the region will, in turn, stimulate other economic sectors, primarily in the areas of retail, leisure, and hospitality.

Even though other sectors struggled at first due to the restrictions brought on by a pandemic and later because of the population loss that came as a result of Hurricanes Laura and Ida in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the oil and gas industries have been able to provide a steady stream of tax revenue and employment for Lake Charles these past two years. Dr. Loren Scott said, “they’ve got a lot to recover from and because they have a lot to recover from, that’s going to boost their numbers up.”

Jim Rock is the Executive Director of the Lake Area Industry Alliance, a representative of the energy and petrochemical companies operating locally, and he commented on the resilience of the oil and gas industries by saying, “their resiliency is what distinguishes them. The sales taxes paid, the property taxes paid, they’re very constant, very dependable.”

Often overlooked for its potential impact on the region’s economy, the Chennault International Airport is also poised for significant growth in the next few years. Chennault International Airport is not a transit hub for passengers; instead, it is a maintenance resource that services and repairs airplanes while also serving as an “overhaul site” for airplanes in the area.

Northrop Grumman and LandLocked Aviation are currently in discussions to create contracts that would allow them to hire 375 new employees for their Lake Charles operation. In order to help with the projected economic growth, there are expected to be some major changes made in the regional workforce housing stock, a process that has been brought about due to the delaying of federal aid.

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Nicholls State University Renames Two Buildings after Alumni

Recently, Nicholls State University announced that they will be officially naming two buildings on campus in honor of two alumni of Nicholls who have had a significant impact on the University, according to this news release from Nicholls. Towards the start of the Fall semester, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System officially approved the renaming of the two Nicholls buildings, and it was announced that an official ceremony commemorating the change is set to occur later in the Fall 2022 semester.

Nicholls State University will be renaming their College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building to Dr. O. Cleveland Hill Hall. The building will be named after Dr. O. Cleveland Hill, a Mississippi native who was initially offered a scholarship and recruited to play basketball at Nicholls in 1968. Dr. O. Cleveland Hill became the first black athlete to wear a Colonel uniform, and as a sophomore, his teammates voted him team captain. This made him the first non-senior to serve in that position in school history.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1973, he joined the army and then returned to Nicholls as a student assistant basketball coach while completing his Master of Education degree. Dr. Hill served as the head basketball coach and assistant football coach at East Thibodaux Junior High School before being hired on as an assistant basketball coach at Nicholls. He stayed at Nicholls State University as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education, and in 1999, he became the Dean of the College of Education.

Dr. Steven H. Kenney, Jr. is the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and Title IX Coordinator at Nicholls. Dr. Steven H. Kenney, Jr. commented on the appropriateness of naming the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building after Dr. Hill by saying, “placing Dr. Hill’s name on the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences building, from what he represents, gives all Nicholls students the audacity to hope that if Dr. Hill can go from a student to the dean of a college, I can do this as well.”

Nicholls will also be renaming the College of Sciences and Technology Building to Dr. Marilyn B. Kilgen Hall. The building will be named after Dr. Marilyn B. Kilgen, who dedicated more than four decades of her life to Nicholls. After she had received her bachelor’s degree from the university in 1966, Kilden earned her doctorate from Auburn University before returning to Nicholls. She went on to teach Biology at Nicholls for 41 years.

Outside of teaching Biology at the university, Dr. Kilgen is also known for being a nationally renowned microbiologist and seafood safety scientist who has received more than $7.5 million in research funding. Her research has been reported in over 80 presentations and over 90 scientific publications; furthermore, she has served on committees for the United States Department of Education. Dr. Kilgen served as the head of the Nicholls Department of Biological Sciences for 12 years where her substantial impact was seen in the Department of Biological Sciences winning one of only 17 Departmental Excellence Through Faculty Enhancement awards, making Dr. Kilgen’s department the only undergraduate program in the state of Louisiana to win the coveted award.

Nicholls Dean of Sciences and Technology, Alcee Fortier Professor, and Distinguished Service Professor Dr. John P. Doucet also spoke about Dr. Kilgen’s impact by saying: “not only was Dr. Kilgen one of the foremost scientists and accomplished faculty members in the 75-year history of Nicholls; she is also the architect of the modern biology department, having renovated the undergraduate curriculum and created the graduate curriculum from scratch, both of which we still use today.

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The Best Barbecue Restaurants in the American South

The United States is a big country, and that means there are a lot of barbecue restaurants to choose from. But which ones are the best? Thanks to this excellently researched travel blog post from Southern Living that counts down the 50 best barbecue restaurants in the Southern United States, there’s never been a better time for a barbecue road trip. From Texas to Tennessee, these restaurants will satiate your cravings for slow-cooked barbecue, savory side dishes, and southern hospitality. So whether you’re looking for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, be sure to check out this list before your next BBQ road trip.

There’s no denying that the South has some of the best barbecue food in the country. The following are just a few of the reasons why the South has the best barbecue in the United States. First, the proof is in its history. Barbecue has been a part of Southern culture for centuries, and it’s something that locals take great pride in. When it comes to barbecue, the South simply knows what they’re doing. Secondly, the flavor; southern barbecue is all about slow-cooking meats over low heat to get that perfect balance of smoke and flavor. This cooking method lets the natural flavors of the meat shine through, and results in some of the most delicious barbecue you’ll ever taste.

Thirdly, there are the excellent side dishes. No Southern BBQ meal is complete without a heaping helping of coleslaw or baked beans on the side. Lastly, the hospitality is simply unmatched. When you eat barbecue in the South, you can expect to be treated like family. Whether you’re at a casual roadside stand or a fine dining restaurant, southern hospitality will make you feel right at home.

If you find yourself in Texas wanting to seek out some excellent barbecue, you’re in luck. The state is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country. Franklin Barbecue: Located in Austin, Franklin Barbecue is widely considered to be one of the best barbecue joints in Texas (and the country). The line to get food here can be long, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Elsewhere in Texas, be sure to check out the Pecan Lodge. A favorite restaurant of Dallas, the Pecan Lodge has won numerous awards for its delicious barbecue, and its notable brisket. Lastly, Texas has Killen’s Barbecue, which is located in Pearland (just outside of Houston). Killen’s Barbecue has been voted one of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas by multiple publications.

Mississippi has no shortage of excellent barbecue restaurants. In particular, one of the prides of the state and Ocean Springs, Mississippi is The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint. This restaurant has been serving up some of the best barbecue in Mississippi for over 25 years. The Shed is known for their pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, and they also have a great selection of sides and desserts. Located in the Mississippi towns of Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Ocean Springs is Murky Waters Blues and BBQ. This restaurant is also a vibrant blues club that serves up an authentic Mississippi atmosphere alongside its world-class smoker.

If you’re looking for some of the best barbecue in Arkansas, look no further than Sims Bar-B-Que in Little Rock. While the original restaurant was started in 1937, the modern-day Sims is still satisfying customers with its world-famous Sims Bar-B-Que Sauce. Check out Sim’s pork shoulder, as it’s slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Another can’t-miss barbecue destination in Arkansas is Whole Hog Cafe, also located in Little Rock. As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in whole hog roast, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of pulled pork. The meats are smoked over hickory wood for hours until they’re perfectly tender, and the resulting sandwiches are absolutely awesome.

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A Lighter White Bean Chili Not Short on Taste

One of the best things about chili is that it tastes just as great in the fall and winter. One particular chili dish that is perfect for the colder months is this delicious and comforting recipe for a healthier white bean chili, courtesy of the Half-Baked Harvest food blog, that you’ll want to make all year long, even when the temperatures start to rise. It’s surprisingly light, considering it’s labeled as chili, but it tastes amazing!

This chili is a delightful blend of flavors that you’ll find are very different from the traditional, canned fare. Turkey that’s browned on the stovetop, smoothly textured broth, and the use of apple butter as a key ingredient truly make this recipe something special.

Ingredients For White Bean Chili:

  • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 14-ounce can of white beans, drained
  • 2 pounds of ground turkey, browned
  • 2 small yellow onions, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and then minced or grated
  • 2 red peppers, seeded and chopped finely
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • ¼ cup of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of apple butter
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ a cup of cheddar cheese (for serving)
  • 1 avocado, peeled (for serving)
  • ⅓ cup of green onions, chopped (for serving)
  • 3 tablespoons of cilantro (for serving)

Directions for White Bean Chili:

  1. In order to begin cooking this recipe in your slow cooker, you’ll first want to heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onions and cook them for about five  minutes or until they begin to caramelize around the edges. Afterward, you’ll stir in your minced or grated garlic and then cook the caramelized onions and garlic for another minute. Then, you can add in your turkey andbrown the meat all over on all sides. As you’re browning the turkey, you’ll break up your meat and continue to cook for about five-minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. This extra step may seem like a hassle, but trust that browning your meat before cooking your chili will be well worth the additional step.
  2. Next, you’ll transfer your browned turkey meat to the inner bowl of your slow cooker. Add in your chopped red bell peppers, chipotle peppers, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir in about two cups of chicken broth, your tomatoes, the apple butter, the tomato paste, and your two bay leaves. Stir the seasoning and vegetables together in order to combine them. Cover your slow cooker pot with its lid and cook it on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or alternatively, you can cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours. Either way, you’ll want to stir in your white beans during the last hour of cooking. If your chili is too thick for your liking, you can thin it by adding the remaining chicken broth.
  3. Once you’re ready to serve your chili, remove your two bay leaves, ladle your chili into serving bowls, and garnish the tops of your chili bowls with your preferred toppings. This recipe suggests that the perfect way to enjoy this chili is to add a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, some sliced avocado, and some bits of green onion to the top of your bowls.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes:

  • If you’d like to save this recipe, cool the leftover chili and then freeze the cooled chili in freezer containers.Once you’re ready to eat them, you’ll want to partially thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, heat each through in a saucepan while stirring occasionally, and add a little broth or water to the pot if necessary.
  • A good chili deserves to have a plethora of good toppings; use all of your favorites for a flavorful finished dish. I serve my chili with jalapeno (fresh or pickled), fresh cilantro, sour cream, and/or cornbread.

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