Author: Emily Gautreaux

Discover Top Places to Visit in Bristol, VA/TN

Are you looking for a destination that offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities? Look no further than the dual city of Bristol, located in both Virginia and Tennessee. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this twin-city has something for everyone – from outdoor adventures to historic sites to delicious food and drink. Thanks to this expert travel blog on how to best enjoy Bristol’s history and present from Southern Living, you’ll certainly be prepared to be wowed by this hidden Southern gem in the near future.

Welcome to Bristol, VA/TN! These charming twin cities offer visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Bristol is rich in natural beauty and has a long tradition of music and arts. The city is also home to a number of excellent museums and historical sites. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Bristol, from hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking. And be sure to check out our world-famous racetracks. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway or a longer vacation destination, Bristol has something for everyone. So come on in and explore all that our wonderful city has to offer!

Bristol is home to a number of historic sites that offer insight into the area’s past. The Bristol Historical Association operates a number of these sites, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which chronicles the history of the Bristol recording sessions that launched country music in 1925.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a must-see for music lovers visiting this interesting city. The museum tells the story of how Bristol came to be known as the “Birthplace of Country Music” through exhibits on the city’s musical history and culture. Visitors can learn about the Bristol Recording Sessions, which were responsible for introducing country music to the world, and see artifacts from some of the most famous country artists who got their start in Bristol. The museum also hosts live music performances and events throughout the year, making it a great place to experience authentic Appalachian culture.

The Paramount Theatre is a historic theater located in the Downtown State Street District of Bristol, VA/TN. The theater was built in 1931 and is one of the few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture in the region. The Paramount Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Landmark. The theater hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, movies, and special performances.

The Downtown State Street District is a historic district that includes a number of businesses and buildings located on or around State Street in Bristol, VA/TN. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Many of the buildings in the district date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are examples of Victorian-style architecture. The district is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Bristol Train Station, and The Cameo Theater.

The city is chock-full of amazing historic neighborhoods and landmarks, and travelers will definitely want to add a few of these spots to their itinerary. For a taste of the local history, be sure to check out places like the Historic Bristol Train Station, which was built in 1856 and is now home to a number of shops and restaurants. Another must-see, notable landmark is the Bristol Caverns, which are some of the oldest caves in the country.

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Louisiana Farm to School Program Provides Knowledge and Resources

A Louisiana Farm To School program from the LSU AgCenter has been promoting school gardening practices, gardening education, and local food procurement to Louisiana students and educators, and it’s set to expand its operations. According to this article from The Advocate. Since 2017, the program, Seeds to Success, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Louisiana Department of Education, is set to provide expert training of agricultural literacy and knowledge to both students and teachers.

Today, 981 schools throughout Louisiana are participating in the Seeds to Success program, meaning that over a half a million students are being reached by the program and its benefits. In addition to this participation rate, nearly 70% of the participating schools are serving food that is locally or regionally sourced. Additionally, 52.9% of the schools are providing food, nutrition, or agricultural education to their students, and 36.5% of the schools have their own edible gardens on campus.

Crystal Besse is the Program Director of the farm to school program, Seeds to Success, and she describes one of the design aims of the program by saying, “Seeds to Success is designed to increase access to fresh, local foods while strengthening local communities and their economy.” Carl Motsenbocker is the program’s executive director, and when describing how the program is operating at this time of year, he said, “it’s like I’m busier than I’ve ever been. It’s like … isn’t it time to slow down a little bit? But there’s just so much work to do, and that’s been a great thing for us.”

Motsenbocker began the Seeds to Success program after years of recognizing that there was a growing need in the state for more widespread, healthy eating practices. Motsenbocker had also worked on a similar program at Slow Food Baton Rouge; the program involved school gardens growing seasonal produce. Slow Food Baton Rouge eventually led to the founding of Seeds to Success. In describing the origins of the idea, Motsenbocker said, “I started back in the 1990s doing service projects and putting in gardens at schools, working with kids growing food. I realized we needed to start younger, that we’ve got to get the kids when they’re little to eat better fruits and vegetables. They’re supposed to be eating five servings a day, but the average American eats barely one.”

At Seeds to Success, they boast of a plethora of programs, although it is worth mentioning the two main ones that have captured their current attention. It is impossible to overlook the Louisiana Harvest of the Month program, which meticulously showcases a myriad of Louisiana crops that can be locally and seasonally grown. The program is renowned for its superb high-quality videos that have been produced by the local PBS affiliate LPB. The videos cover a wide range of topics, from crawfish to rice, and ingeniously demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between the two crops. The program also offers a rich assortment of resources on how to grow and cook these crops to perfection. Another notable program that has taken center stage is Seeding LA, which was launched in 2021. During its inception, Seeding LA generously distributed more than 1,600 seed packets to various Louisiana schools, and in addition, over 1,000 seed starter kits were also distributed to deserving teachers.

At Seeds to Success, their farm to school endeavors are not solely concentrated on students. A significant portion of the program is geared towards farmers, with the aim of assisting them in expanding their reach and selling their products to a broader range of institutions, such as schools and hospitals. Through this program, not only does it promote healthy eating habits, but it also creates a substantial economic stimulus, making it a win-win for everyone involved. By providing the necessary resources and support, Seeds to Success helps farmers maximize their potential and develop sustainable business models, which in turn helps boost the local economy while providing nutritious food options to communities.

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Discover the Best of What California has to Offer

The Golden State never ceases to amaze due to its natural beauty, diverse culture, and endless list of attractions. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, California offers an unforgettable road trip experience that will leave you spellbound, especially thanks to this travel blog article from The Travel. From stunning beaches to majestic mountains, bustling cities to quaint towns, there’s something for everyone in the land of sun-kissed dreams. So pack your bags and hit the open road as we take you on a journey through some of California’s must-see destinations!

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The desert oasis offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or hiking in the nearby mountains. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Palm Springs is home to some of the best vintage stores in California. You can find everything from mid-century modern furniture to one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. When it comes to dining, Palm Springs has something for everyone. From casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And if you’re looking for a quick bite, there are plenty of food trucks to choose from. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Palm Springs is the perfect destination for your next road trip.

Antelope Valley

Nestled in the high desert of California’s Mojave region, Antelope Valley is a place of natural beauty and contrast. Snow-capped mountains give way to vast fields of wildflowers, and Joshua trees dot the landscape. The area is also home to the iconic California poppy, the state flower. In addition to its stunning scenery, Antelope Valley is rich in history and culture. Native American petroglyphs can be found throughout the valley, and there are several important historical sites to visit, including the site of the first European settlement in California. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Antelope Valley is an ideal destination for your next California road trip.

Monterey

If you’re planning a road trip through California, you won’t want to miss out on the beautiful city of Monterey. Nestled between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Monterey is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the best of what the Golden State has to offer. There’s plenty to see and do in Monterey, from enjoying the city’s stunning coastal views to exploring its rich history. And of course, no visit to Monterey would be complete without sampling some of the delicious seafood for which the area is known.

 Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular destinations in California. The park is known for its unique landscape and Joshua tree forests. Visitors can explore the park through hiking, camping, and rock climbing. There are also many opportunities to see wildlife in the park, including desert bighorn sheep and coyotes.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must-see destination for any California road trip. Located in the heart of San Diego, the park is home to over 3,500 animals from more than 650 species. Visitors can take part in a variety of safari experiences, including an African Plains Safari, where they can see lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Other highlights include the park’s cheetah breeding program and its popular baby animal nursery.

California is a stunning state with an abundance of natural wonders, iconic landmarks, and exciting attractions. From the Redwood Forests to Hollywood and beyond, there’s something for everyone in this wonderfully diverse state. We hope that our list of must-see destinations has inspired you to plan your own road trip adventure through the Golden State. So start planning your route now, pack your bags, and get ready to explore all that California has to offer!

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A Recipe for Mushroom Ragù Sure to Please Anyone

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Want to impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-worthy meal? Look no further than this delicious mushroom ragù recipe from 101 Cookbooks. This savory and hearty sauce is perfect for elevating any dish, from simple spaghetti to gourmet gnocchi. But how do you make it like a pro? In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips and tricks for mastering the art of making mushroom ragù. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, these notes will help take your culinary skills to the next level. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ -2 pounds of mixed mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
  • 5 dried red chiles (chile de árbol), stemmed and torn into small pieces
  • 1 cup of heavy cream or cashew cream, room temperature
  • 3 stalks of celery, finely diced
  • 3 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 1 large yellow or white onion, finely diced
  • 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ cup of porcini powder
  • 2 vegetable bouillon cubes or 2 tablespoons of homemade bouillon powder
  • 7 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of white wine
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of fine-grain sea salt
  • Zest of one lemon

 

Directions

  1. Begin this delicious mushroom ragù recipe by preheating your oven to 250° F. Then you’ll want to prepare your mushrooms by chopping them very finely. If you’re finding that it’s taking too long to chop it by hand, you can use a food processor while working in batches. Just ensure that you don’t overuse the food processor or else you’ll make a mushroom paste.
  2. Next, take a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven and heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot enough, stir in your onion, celery, carrots, garlic, red chile, and salt. Cook these ingredients down while stirring occasionally, for about ten minutes or so. Cook until the vegetables have softened a bit and the onions are translucent.
  3. At this point, stir in your chopped mushrooms as well as the porcini powder and allow them time to cook so that the mushrooms can release their moisture. This should take about 5 minutes or so. After 5 minutes, add in your wine, water, and bouillon. If you need to, break up the bouillon and cook the ingredients for another 3 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes next and bring everything to a simmer. Crush the oregano between your two palms and add the pieces in the pot. Depending on whether or not you’d like your ragù to be creamy or not, you’ll sit in the optional creme.
  5. Taste the ragù and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed and stir in the lemon zest. Cover the pot and transfer it into the oven, allowing the pot to cook for 1-3 hours. Ideally, you’d like the ragù to have thickened and concentrated before removing it from the oven. You can then either eat the ragù immediately, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating it for up to a few days, or freeze it for a couple of months. Enjoy!

In addition to being delicious on its own, mushroom ragù is also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different side dishes. Polenta: This traditional Italian dish is the perfect accompaniment for a hearty ragù. Serve your mushroom ragù over a bed of creamy polenta for a truly satisfying meal. Roasted vegetables: For a light and healthy side dish, roast up some seasonal vegetables to serve alongside your mushroom ragù. Try pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a nourishing and flavorful meal.

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New LSU Health Shreveport Expansion Will Benefit Students and Medical Field

It was recently announced that LSU Health Shreveport will be expanding with a new 155,000-square-foot Center for Medical Education and Emerging Viral Threats, a facility that will greatly benefit students and the region at large. This feature article from the LSU Media Center details that the new Center for Medical Education and Emerging Viral Threats is more than 75% complete and on track to open this fall. According to the feature, students, faculty, and leaders at LSU Health Shreveport are already beginning to see the impacts that the new addition will have on them, their careers, and North Louisiana health in general.

Louisiana State University is the primary source of new physicians in Louisiana, which has three medical schools. Each year, LSU Health Shreveport graduates 150 doctors, New Orleans School of Medicine graduates 200, and Tulane University School of Medicine graduates 190. Additionally, two out of every three physicians in Louisiana are LSU alumni, so this expansion of the LSU Health Shreveport campus will undoubtedly only have positive impacts on students, education, and the medical field in Louisiana.

Louisiana Senator Greg Tarver, who is a longtime champion of LSUHS and an undertaker by profession, spoke about the new expansion by saying, “LSU Health Shreveport has been instrumental in getting Louisiana and the country through the pandemic. We’re so fortunate to have it up here. It’s a cherry for North Louisiana. It drives economic development for this entire region, and I’ve seen it.”

This new LSU Health Shreveport expansion will be the first new building on the LSUHS campus in over 15 years, as it will be replacing and expanding facilities that were built in 1970. Last year, the Louisiana legislature gave $18.7 million in additional support toward the completion of the center to LSUHS. This was in addition to $2.1 million that was given to modernize and expand its Gross Anatomy Lab with a minimum of 50 dissection stations, pathology camera, and ventilation that’s state-of-the-art.

LSUHS Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and Chief of Staff Markey Pierre spoke about the program and the upcoming expansion by saying, “we create our own workforce here in northwest Louisiana—we train, educate and grow our own excellence for this region and for our state. We’ve been in separate buildings, so we’ve barely seen each other.”

Pierre went on to say, “the new center will allow us to work together in teams, more like in the real world where you have doctors, nurses, techs, and therapists working together. I’m especially excited about the new simulation labs that will give students more hands-on experience and the ability to communicate and work as a team for more patient-centered care. As a result, whenever someone goes to a hospital in this region years from now, their care is going to be better and more seamless.”

Over the past 50 years, the number of student cohorts at LSUHS have grown incrementally– from 32 to 150. Despite this, the homegrown supply of new physicians has continued to struggle to meet state demands. This is due to the fact that while half of all LSUHS medical students go on to practice in Louisiana, all but six of the state’s 64 parishes are medically underserved, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

The new center’s classroom will be able to accommodate up to 250 students, and the new auditorium will be able to hold 500 students. The new center will have four floors with the first three dedicated to medical education and the top floor will reportedly include the “Center for Emerging Viral Threats, or CEVT, and BSL-2 and BSL-3 biosafety labs for the study and diagnosis of pathogens, including potentially hazardous viruses, bacteria, cell cultures, parasites, and fungi.”

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Must-See Destinations in Arizona

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Arizona is a state filled with breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor activities. From the Grand Canyon to Sedona’s red rocks, this southwestern gem has something for everyone. Thanks to this excellent travel blog from Travel and Leisure, you’ll embark on a journey through some of Arizona’s must-see destinations that will leave you in awe and inspire your next adventure.

The state of Arizona is home to a diverse landscape, which includes the Sonoran Desert, an array of national parks, and several mountain ranges. Arizona also has a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Arizona. Some of the most popular attractions include hiking in the Grand Canyon, exploring Sedona’s red rock formations, visiting the Petrified Forest National Park, and taking a scenic drive along Route 66. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Arizona has something to offer everyone. So start planning your trip today.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. The canyon is massive, and its size is staggering. At 18 miles wide and one mile deep, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.It is truly a sight to behold. There are many ways to explore the Grand Canyon. Hiking is a popular option, and there are trails for all levels of hikers. For those who want a more leisurely experience, there are scenic drives and lookout points throughout the park. There are also boat tours available that take visitors down the Colorado River that runs through the bottom of the canyon. No matter how you choose to experience it, a visit to the Grand Canyon is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The red rocks of Monument Valley stand in stark contrast to the vastness of the Arizona landscape. The tribal park is home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni. The park is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the famous Mesa Arch. Monument Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. The park receives over one million visitors each year. Visitors can explore the valley by foot, horseback, or Jeep. There are a number of guided tours available, or visitors can choose to explore on their own. The best time to visit Monument Valley is during the spring or fall. The weather is cooler during these months and the crowds are thinner. However, even during the busy summer months, the views are worth the effort required to get there.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a must-see destination in Arizona. The park is home to one of the world’s largest and best-preserved petrified forests. The petrified wood dates back to the Late Triassic period, and the forest was once a part of the Pangaea supercontinent. Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. The petrified wood is truly a sight to behold, and the park offers many opportunities to view and learn about this amazing natural phenomenon.

Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark

Situated in the heart of Arizona’s desert country, Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark is one of the most unique and visually stunning destinations in the state. The crater was formed 50,000 years ago when a large meteorite struck the earth, leaving behind a massive hole that is nearly a mile wide and 600 feet deep. Today, the crater is a popular tourist destination, offering up close views of the impact site as well as hiking trails and educational exhibits.

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