Family Travel-Plymouth, Massachusetts

One of our favorite Family destinations is Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Plymouth is located approximately 40 miles south of Boston and is best known for Plymouth Rock where in 1620, the Pilgrims first set foot in our nation after arriving on the Mayflower and the site of the first Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite pictures taken in Plymouth.

There are several hotel chains represented in Plymouth for every taste and budget.   When travelling with family, I always recommend one that offers breakfast, it is cheaper and so convenient.  The closer to the waterfront the better because it can be tough to find parking especially in the summer months.

One of the best things to do with the kids is a visit to nearby Plimoth Plantation.  The Plantation was founded in 1947 as a living history museum.  It shows the how the original village of Plymouth looked in the 17th century.  The "historical interpreters", as the staff are called, have been trained to speak, act and dress appropriate to that age.  They speak with visitors, in the first person expressing viewpoints of the Pilgrims of 1620.  They often represent actual people that once lived in there.  They loosely follow the actual timeline of 1627 from March until November, celebrating events, deaths, funerals, births as they really happened in the past.  The museum also recreates the nearby village of the Wampanoag, the native people of this area.  These interpreters do not interact in character but they are in traditional dress and answer questions and offer information about their people of that time.  Plimoth Plantation also manages the reproduction the Mayflower that is anchored in town.  The Mayflower II, also has historical interpreters that represent real crew members of the original ship.  This is a wonderful history lesson for the kids and an enjoyable day for the adults.

Plimoth Plantation

Perhaps the most unforgettable thing to do in this lovely town is the Whale Watching tour.  The memory of my first experience with humpback whales off of this coastal Massachusetts town, is still vivid and moving. The size of these beautiful creatures is something that must be seen to be believed.  The trip out of Plymouth takes you about 25 miles out to Stellwagen Bank, an 842 square mile National Marine Sanctuary, where the migrating whales feed.  There are whales there all year but because of the migration, May and November are the best times to be there.  I have done the watch several times and I have never been disappointed.  I was even blessed enough to see whales breach (come straight out of the water) on a few occasions.  These wonderful mammals are a wonder to behold and everyone should see it at least once.  Tours are available every day, one morning and one afternoon departure.

Humpback whale breaching.

Of course, you have to stroll down the main street to see Plymouth Rock, which has great historical significance but is a bit of a disappointment.  I expected a huge rock and in reality it is quite small and this is just their best guess where the Pilgrims came ashore.  Even so, take the walk, if only to get a chuckle about its size.

 My husband and twins with the Plymouth Rock historic Monument in the background,

You can also take a boat ride over to Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, for the day.  P-town as it is often called is artsy, home to some great beaches and a real favorite of the LGBT community .  While we were there, we took a dune buggy tour of the enormous sand dunes around this popular tourist destination. It was not only interesting but great fun.

My twins rolling down the sand dunes in Provincetown.

Plymouth, like most tourist towns, offers endless options for dining.  I encourage everyone to go with the seafood dishes because what you are eating was probably swimming less than 24 hours ago.  The endless options of seafood has something for everyone.  There are lots of shops along the main street to wander through after dinner and you might even want to take a Ghost Tour through this very old city or perhaps, just sit oceanfront and watch the stars over the Atlantic Ocean.

Though I have been here often, I do plan to visit again, this time with grandchildren.  I want to watch yet another generation in awe as they see the incredible humpbacks off the Massachusetts coast and their endless questions as they explore Plimoth Plantation.   There is nothing quite like it.

Until next time, safe travels!

Ten Things For Your Bucket List

When, I was a young girl, growing up in a very small Canadian prairie town, I used to sit on the banks of a nearby lake.  As I watched the pelicans frolic, I would wonder where they would fly when they left the snowy north for their summer homes.  It was then that I began to make a wish list. Later, in my adolescence, now living in a suburban New Jersey town, I devoured everything that James Michener and others, wrote about different countries, their histories, their cultures and their people.  My list grew and grew. And, I confess, it continues to grow even now.

In my opinion, everyone should have a Bucket List.    It is so wonderful to imagine things for a very long time and then actually do them.   Below are some of the things that I have been lucky enough to do and they will remain with me for the rest of my life.  You might want to try them, too!


Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon-I often tell people that everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in there lives.  There, quite simply, aren't words to describe the stunning views.  The sunset changes the colors in the Canyon and if I close my eyes, I can still see it.  I am told that the sunrises are equally amazing.  I chose sunset because I wanted to see the stars at night, something worth doing also and who wants to get up that early, especially on vacation.

Sunset on the Canyon.

Feel the mist coming of Niagara Falls-It doesn't matter what time of year that I visit the Falls, it still manages to take my breath away.  They are best viewed from the Canadian side and what a view!!  Forget all the souvenir shops and the other tourist oriented things, just stroll along the Niagara River Gorge and feel the mist and enjoy the lovely gardens.  They also freeze from time to time and that is a sight not many get to see.

See the Mona Lisa in person-Everyone should see this iconic piece of art that hangs in the Louvre. Though encased in plastic and surrounded by a crowd, most of the time, it is still quite something to view the mysterious smile in person.

Sit and watch the world go by on the Champs-Elysee-Who hasn't seen those old newsreels of the troops marching down the Champs-Elysee when liberating Paris.  This is an absolute "must do" in the City of Lights.  You won't be alone, many Parisians sit and savor their beautiful city on this beautiful street.

Stand below Big Ben in London and listen to Westminster Chimes-It was a great moment when I heard that very familiar tune from its original source.  I had pictured that moment since I first saw a picture of the Parliament Buildings in London, at a very young age.

Visit the Anne Frank House-Though a very sobering experience, I wanted to pay homage to the      bravery of a little girl under horrific circumstances.  It did bring tears to my eyes but it is something that will stay with  me forever.

The room where Anne pasted pictures from magazines
(this is the room that just moved me to tears).

Walk on a glacier-I have been lucky enough to do this twice.  The Athabasca Glacier on the Icefields Parkway in Alberta is enormous. They take you up in a vehicle with wheels that are taller than the average person and they do let you actually walk on the glacier.  It is said that when you drink the water from the glacier it adds 10 years to your life, so I guess I get 20 more.  People always ask if it is cold....of course it is, you are literally standing on a mountain of ice!

Stand on the top of the Rock of Gibralter-Wow, what a view!!  It is not hard to figure out why the rock is such a strategic piece of real estate sitting at the entrance to the Mediterranean.  What I didn't know when I imagined visiting here was that the rock is the home to wild apes.  No one is quite sure how they arrived, the most common theory is they stowed away on a ship but now they own the rock.  They tolerate humans pretty well and leave us alone but it was such fun to watch the babies.  

To walk the ruins of Pompeii-I remember the first time that I heard the story of Pompeii, I was just fascinated. It was a lifetime later before I actually got there but my fascination hadn't ebbed.  Though it felt a bit morbid to be walking around what is, in essence, a tomb, what remains of the city is a wealth of information. Standing in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius and knowing the terror that befell these people was another sobering yet memorable moment.

Walk across the London Bridge-I remember wishing I could do this when I was a child.  Today it is a bit trickier than it was when I was a kid because the London Bridge is no longer in London.  It now stands in Lake Havasu City, AZ.  So that is where I went to cross another item off my bucket list.  When the City of London was going to dismantle the old bridge to make way for a new one, a wealthy AZ businessman bought it and moved the bridge piece by piece and reconstructed it.  The bullet holes of WWII are still in the bridge.  A real piece of history.  

So, that is just ten of the items that I have been fortunate enough to cross off my bucket list, there are many, many more that I will happily share in the future but in the meantime, start your own list.  It is a big world with so much to see, so what are you waiting for???

Until next time, safe travels!

Five Favorite Short Getaway Cities

This morning I woke up with the itch.  That familiar restlessness that I know can only be resolved in one way, take a trip.   I am so grateful for this wanderlust, it has taken me to wonderful places where I have met warm, welcoming people.  I have eaten exotic foods and tried new and different things which only leaves me longing for more.  I know it is genetic as my parents are the only people that I have ever known that have walked on all seven continents and they instilled that desire to see, feel, experience in me, for which I will always thank them.

I have just a few days but I will open this computer later this afternoon and look for somewhere that I have never been before and start making my plans.  It is a process that is almost as fun in the planning as it is in the actual doing.  I will look for charming, different with great food and lots to do and believe me, this country is full of such places as is our beautiful neighbor to the north, Canada.   I have been blessed to travel to 45 of the 50 states and 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces and there is so much that I haven't seen just yet.  So today, we will talk about some of my favorite short getaway destinations (not in any particular order, I love them all.)

1.  New Orleans-I have blogged about this beautiful city before.  I often travel here for a 4/5 day getaway.  It is a very short flight from the East Coast and it offers accommodations of every variety and food that just defies description.  But the thing that I love most about this wonderful European flavored city is the abundance of music.  You hear it on every street corner in the French Quarter.  There are street entertainers every where and I defy you not to smile as you stroll the streets lined with ancient and beautiful Pin Oak trees.

Jackson Square, New Orleans

2.  Quebec City-Another French influenced city that offers so much to see, do and eat.  There are all types of accommodations but when I travel to this lovely city, I stay behind the walls of Old Quebec at the majestic Chateau Frontenac.  Opened in 1893, the Chateau (which is currently operated by Fairmont) sits atop a cliff overseeing the St. Lawrence Seaway and the views are spectacular. It is by far, the most prominent structure in the Quebec City skyline and is said to be one of the most photographed hotels in the world.  The Old City is full of shops and restaurants and Rue du Tresor or Artists Alley where you can buy an original piece of art as a souvenir.  I will blog further about this lovely place in the future but it is a great getaway from the east coast.

Rue du Tresor (Artists' Alley)

Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City

3. Charleston, South Carolina-This city is loaded with Low Country southern charm.  Again, there are accommodations of every variety but my favorite is the Embassy Suites that is the site of the original Citadel.  It is lovely and historic and in a very good location right down the street from the Visitors' Center.  Again, the food is wonderful.  If you want real Low Country Southern cooking this is the place to go.  The city itself is full of history and a ferry ride over to Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired is worth the trip. Take some time to see one of the many plantations and a city tour and learn about this charming southern city.  Again an easy drive or plane ride from the east coast.

Sunset in Charleston

The Battery, Charleston

4.  Baltimore, Maryland- This is a city that I really have come to appreciate over the past few years.  There are accommodations of every type available but stay down at the Inner Harbor or up at Fell's Point.  Again, there is plenty to do and see, but make the aquarium a priority.  It is the finest that I have ever visited.  When in Baltimore, you must eat the crabs.  They have it in every possible form all over this great city but  crabcakes are my favorite though my husband is a big fan of Crab bisque soup.  Fell's Point offers  restaurants and bars of every variety and on a warm summer evening it is a very busy place.  I will blog in greater detail about this great east coast city in the future but suffice it to say, it is worth a visit.

Baltimore at Dusk

Fells Point, Baltimore

5.  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-In the interest of full disclosure, I live right across the river from this historic city but even I will cross the bridge and stay for a weekend.  Again, the variety of accommodations is endless but try to find something close to the historic district.  A trip to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Constitution Center is a must.  Of course, every tourist wants to run up the Art Museum steps (until they actually see them) and do the Rocky dance at the top, so go for it.  The restaurants run the gamut also but you must try a Philly soft pretzel and a cheesesteak before you head home.  Pat's and Geno's have an ongoing battle over "Best Cheesesteak in Philly" but there a plenty of places that make great ones.  Don't leave without trying one.  For the more adventurous, try Scrapple or Pork Roll and Tastykake's Peanut Butter Tandy Kakes, other Philly favorites.  If you are looking for a 4th of July trip, this is absolutely the place to be, The Birthplace of America, because Philly really knows how to celebrate our nation's birthday.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

Philadelphia Art Museum

Hope this will give a start when you get that travel bug and only have a few days to spend.  I will add more to this list in the coming months but right now, I am off to find another hidden treasure.  So until then, safe travels.

Vatican City

When I saw Vatican City, the smallest independent country in the world, it took my breath away.  I am a Roman Catholic so I am sure that it moved me in a way that it may not move everyone, but that being said, it really is a stunningly beautiful place.

St. Peter's Basilica has the largest dome in the world (second is St. Paul's in London, third is the US Capitol building) and it is so impressive.  Our first view was at night and it was lit up and was visible from a great distance.  We returned the next morning to visit the Vatican Museum that houses so many indescribable treasures that have been collected by the Popes for centuries.  It contains not only works of art but archaeological treasures as well.   Unfortunately, our schedule did not allow us to saunter through these wonderful rooms in a leisurely way.  I hope, one day, to remedy that and spend some time poking around this impressive collection.

Once we left the museum, we entered, the Sistine Chapel.  This small little chapel with its famous ceiling moved me in a way that I was totally unprepared for.  As I gazed at Michelangelo's ceiling, I suddenly realized that I was standing in the place where the Pope's kneel to pray, alone, immediately after their election. The historical significance brought tears to my eyes.  Despite being surrounded by tourists, that moment was very spiritual for me.  Whatever ones religious beliefs this is a place built to honor God, by true believers and it is a masterpiece that defies description.

Next stop, St. Peter's Basilica.  The central door dates back to 1455 with depictions of St. Peter and St. Paul.   I had to stop and take in the vastness of the basilica and noticed that most people paused for a moment.  I immediately spotted Michelangelo's Pieta on the right side which is now shielded by thick glass after being damaged by a tourist a view years ago.  This is the only piece ever signed by the artist and it can be seen on Mary's belt.  Though we have all seen duplicates and pictures of this piece, there is nothing like seeing the original work of art.  The basilica is full of entombed popes and saints including John XXIII, the benevolent and much beloved Pope of my childhood.  The more recent Popes, have been entombed beneath the Basilica with the first head of the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Peter.

As you leave the Vatican you pass the Swiss Guard (the Pope's personal detail) and enter St. Peter's Square that is familiar to all of us.  But like the Pieta, there is nothing like seeing it in person.  High above the balustrade and columns are sculptures of 140 saints.  The square is impressive in size and it was just swarming with tourists during our visit.  It was not hard to envision the crowds during a papal election.

I do recommend a visit if you are in Rome but try to get your tickets prior to your arrival as the lines are very long.  Or opt for a tour, they get right in and there is no waiting.  If you arrive in Rome without a ticket, speak with your hotel concierge and they will make arrangements for you.

Until next time, safe travels!

Central door into St. Peter's

Depiction of Christ and St. Peter

The Swiss Guard

A few of the 140 statues of Saints.

Paris

My very first view of the iconic Eiffel Tower was  from the backseat of a cab careening through the streets of Paris.  Despite the perilous ride, it was a wonderful moment.  I could not believe that I was finally in the beautiful City of Lights.

Like London, the accommodations in Paris run the gamut from budget hostels to five star luxury hotels.   The more impressive and expensive properties are located on the more formal Right Bank and they are gorgeous but costly.  I personally prefer the Left Bank where the hotels are more moderately priced and offer some old world charm.  You can find so real gems in the shadow of Notre Dame, St. Germain du Pres and even the Louvre.   Remember that hotel rooms in Europe offer little in the way of elbow room and may feel cramped to those of us that are accustomed to big, spacious American hotel rooms.  Most rooms offer TV with CNN and BBC in English and internet (not always free) and some are now offering air conditioning.  Traditionally, a continental breakfast which consists of a croissant or pastry and coffee is included with your hotel stay.

There is so much to do and see in this old city.  Of course, a must do is the Eiffel Tower.  It is the most visited paid monument in the world with almost 7 million visitors a year.  There are 1665 steps to the top but most of us opt for the elevators.   I always recommend a trip up the tower at dusk.  There is nothing like standing on the platform and watching the lights come up all over the city.  The view is spectacular and it becomes obvious why Paris is often called the City of Lights.  You can avoid the lines by reserving a ticket online prior to your visit.

Also, visit Hotel des Invalides, the eternal resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte.  His remains lay directly below the spectacular golden dome (said to be the inspiration for the American Capitol Building) in six coffins, one inside the other similar to Russian nesting dolls.  The tomb is very large and very impressive.  The building also houses the French Army museum, including Napoleon's uniform and tri-corner hat.

Of course, every tourist wants to take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Elysees toward the magnificent Arc de Triomphe which most of us remember from the newsreel movies of the liberation of Paris.  This historic landmark was built by Napoleon and was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus because Bonaparte considered himself the heir to the Roman emperors.  The Arc is known for its impressive sculptures and they are really something to see.  France's Unknown Soldier is buried beneath the arch and a memorial flame is lit every night at 6:30pm,  The traffic circle around the Arc radiates out into 12 avenues and is infamous for its traffic accidents.  Watching the traffic from the top the Arc de Triomphe is definitely not for the faint hearted.

A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to one of the most famous and largest museums in the world, the Louvre.  The most famous pieces housed in this historic gallery are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory.  Where you go after seeing these three amazing works of art depends on your personal interests.  Suffice it to say that you could literally spend days viewing these spectacular works of art so it is best to pick up one of the museums excellent color coded maps and prioritize according to your interests.  Passes for the Louvre can be purchased stateside to avoid the long lines.

While in Paris, we attended mass at the incomparable Notre Dame , the first cathedral built with flying buttresses. The mass was celebrated in French, we were surrounded by people from all over the globe.  We did not meet one French citizen on that Sunday morning.  To sit and take in the glorious stained glass window and to hear the incredible organ play familiar hymns was a very  moving experience for my husband and I.  Since our visit, they have installed nine bronze bells to celebrate the cathedral's 850th birthday which I am told are very impressive when they ring.  Leave yourself plenty of time to explore the cathedral and its grounds, it is well worth it.

Not too far from Notre Dame is Sainte Chappelle which is a small chapel that managed to survive the Revolution.  Try to visit in the afternoon to fully enjoy the stunning floor to ceiling stained glass windows as the sun shines through them.  Though a bit off the beaten track and not one of the top attractions, this was one of my favorites.  The windows defy description and you should make every effort to see them for yourself.

Like London, there is so much to do and see in the French city, that I will have to blog about it again in the future but I hope this gives you just a taste of what Paris has to offer.  So until next time, safe travels!

Notre Dame

Windows of Sainte Chappelle

Another shot of the windows

The Louvre

Another shot of the Louvre

The Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Venus de Milo

London

I will never forget the first time I saw London.  I had dreamed of seeing this old city when I was a little girl watching Peter Pan, as a teenager seeing My Fair Lady and as a young adult reading so many novels about the British Royals from Henry the VIII to the current house of Windsor.  Your flight will probably land in Heathrow, one of the largest international airports in the world and the airport itself is an adventure.  People from virtually, every corner of the globe, rush to claim their bags, speaking languages that I had never heard before.

From there, we took a double decker bus to transfer to our hotel.  The accommodations in this great city are as varied as the nationalities encountered at the airport.  Most rooms come with a full English breakfast every day.  The Brits early morning meal differs from ours, only slightly, offering tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans, but include also, eggs, sausage, bacon and toast with butter.  Of course, tea is their beverage of choice and I avoid the coffee in England, it is not the best.   This generous meal is a great way to start a day of nonstop sightseeing.

There is so much to see and do in London that I can only touch on the most popular sights today.  On our first trip we jumped on a Hop On Hop Off double decker bus to just get the lay of the land and it worked really well for us.  Our first view of the majestic Parliament Buildings on the Thames, took my breath away.  I had seen the pictures a million times but to see them in person is so different.  I sat on a bench for a few moments so I could be right below Big Ben as it rang Westminster chimes on the hour. Yet another, "goosebump" moment for me

 Among my first stops was St. Paul's Cathedral which has the second largest dome in the world (the largest is St. Peter's in Rome) and is an iconic feature of the London Skyline.  Climb to the top of the dome and experience the Whispering Gallery where you can speak lowly and your companion can hear you, clearly, on the other side of the dome.  Another "must see",  is Westminster Abbey, the site of so many royal coronations.  It also contains the crypts of many of them.  My favorite place in Westminster Abbey is Poets' Corner where the likes of Chaucer, Lord Byron, Dickens, Kipling and more recently, Laurence Olivier, among many others.  Though arguably the greatest of them all, Shakespeare is not buried here but is honored by a memorial.

From there, we moved on to the Tower of London.  We did the Crown Jewels tour and a tour given by one of the Tower's famous Beefeaters.  It was well worth doing.  If you are going and have planned your trip more that six weeks prior, you can arrange to do the Ceremony of the Keys, where you accompany them on the evening rounds as they lock up the allegedly, haunted Tower.  Though I have yet to do this myself, I am told that the Beefeaters consider it part of the job to scare tourists to death on this tour.  It is something I will do on my next visit.  It is a very eerie place when you can stand in the spot where Anne Boylen lost her head on the orders of Henry VIII.  Built in 1066, the Tower has a very long and sordid history that is well worth exploring.

Of course, no trip to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard.   The Guard has performed this ritual since 1660.  It takes about 45 minutes and is done daily from April until the end of July at 11:30am.  Any other time of year, check the schedule before your visit so that you sure to see it.

I also highly recommend a stop for high tea at Fortnum and Mason's or Kensington Palace.  This is a nice British tradition and it is still done today as it was a hundred years ago.  The tea sandwiches are very good and the sweets will satisfy any sweet tooth.  On the day that we schedule high tea, we always plan on a very light dinner because it is all that is necessary after this late afternoon snack.

Lastly, do not, I repeat, do not, miss London Theater on your visit.  I try to see at least one or two shows on every visit.  Tickets for the most in demand shows should be purchased prior to your trip but if you aren't picky about what you see, tickets are readily available through your hotel concierge or at the theaters themselves.

We love London and always eat in the Pubs.  We have met so many delightful people, both locals and other tourists. (Believe it or not, I once met a woman in a London Pub who knew two of my daughters.)    Pub fare is usually very good and reasonably priced and with the strength of the British pound, reasonable is a good thing.  Again, there is an unlimited variety of dining options for you to chose from budget to gourmet, or grab a delicious meat pie from one of the many shops, to eat as you explore.

Well, that's it for today, I will blog on London again, sometime in the future because I have just touched on the many things to do and see.

Until next time, safe travels!

Westminster Abbey

Tower Bridge

St. Paul's Cathedral

Tower of London

Beefeater at the Tower of London

Big Ben

New Orleans

Need a quick four day getaway, then try one of our favorites, the beautiful city of New Orleans.  We always, stay in the French Quarter so we can walk to just about everthing.  .

We love those walks past the many unique specialty shops and the antiques dealers.  Every corner provides some kind of street entertainer that perform to the delight of the tourists and music resonates through the whole area.  Be sure to stop by the French Market for souvenirs.  It is full of many vendors with everything you can think of, offered at a good price. After a leisurely stroll down the Mississippi River, a  "must do"  tourist stop is Cafe du Monde to snack on beignets, that are covered in powdered sugar complemented by the chicory flavored coffee that is served with them.  As you guiltily savor this New Orleans delight you are serenaded by the ever-present music.

After this savory snack, you can take a tour of the Garden District that is full of gracious and stunning southern homes and enormous Pin Oak trees.  Or take a horse and buggy tour that stops at the oldest bar in New Orleans where you can order a drink delivered right to your carriage. This is a wonderful way to learn the history of this lovely southern city.  Other tour options include a Swamp tour through the Louisiana Bayou which is like entering another world that is full of alligators.  It was well worth seeing.  Or you can opt for a Cemetery Tour.  New Orleans cemeteries are very unique because people cannot be buried underground as the city sits below sea level, so centuries ago, they designed a cemetery system that is really interesting and unique.  One of the highlights of these tours is a visit to the tomb of the Queen of Voodoo.  Voodoo has had a presence in the city for centuries and for those who are interested there are many museums and tours available to further explore the darker side.  A visit to the Mardi Gras Museum is educational and a nice way to spend some time.

The best time of day in New Orleans, is meal time.  The dining options are endless and the local dishes have to be tried.  A Po'Boy sandwich (NOLA's answer to a hoagie) for lunch usually consist of meat of some kind or seafood.  Of course the choices for dinner on at least one evening should be jambalaya or gumbo and the more daring among you, should try alligator.  I have tried all three while visiting and really enjoyed it.  One dinner should be reserved for a trip to Emeril's or NOLA, Emeril Lagasse's restaurants in his hometown.  It is well worth doing and I enjoyed every savory bite of it.

In the evenings, a stroll down Bourbon Street, while sipping a frozen margarita (or just about any drink of your choice) will provide you with some entertainment but when you want to settle in somewhere,  the options are endless.    We have spent many an hour at a piano bar singing along to show tunes.  Or on other occasions, we have stopped into a local Irish pub.   And of course, there are many local jazz clubs where you can enjoy the music that put New Orleans on the map.

I am always so sad to leave this lovely place but I always leave with great memories

Until next time, safe travels!

At the French Market

Jackson Square

Horse and Buggy tour