New Orleans: April 2015

I must say that living somewhere this far from home does have a few perks. Having so many new incredible places within driving distance has been a blast. This was our second trip driving through southern Louisiana, the first was a quick drive by through Baton Rouge on our way to Florida.

My advice if you ever visit Louisiana is to go to the bathroom before you enter the state. Not because their bathrooms are inadequate, but because it is just one long bridge over swamp land. There is no where to turn around, no where to stop, just miles and miles of bridge!

We were a little nervous about our pick of location when we got to New Orleans. We arrived late in the evening and the neighborhood charm was questionable. We decided to stay in the car until our Airbnb host came to let us in.

Airbnb for the win, again! The inside of this place was amazing!! It had character in every nook and cranny! Our concerns were allayed as soon as the sun came up, the neighborhood was quite pleasant and very close to the French Quarter.

 

New Orleans is the South's Las Vegas and I would have to say I like it better. The music is better, the laid back style is better, the people are friendlier, the drinks are cheaper and the food is fried. 

We spent much of the weekend exploring, drinking and relaxing. Mason even got me to try oysters. No matter how much he tries that, guy is not going to get me to like seafood. I am making a gag face just thinking about that slippery, slimmy, blahhhh!

The city is full of character and the people definitely make it come to life. While we were exploring the French Quarter, a parade came out of no where celebrating a wedding with an incredible marching band and plenty of dancing. The festivity quickly gained 2 new members.

A haunted tour is a must for any trip to NOLA. Unfortunately, there are just way too many to choose from. After spending way too long reading reviews and visiting various websites, we finally just picked one. We must have been lucky that day, because I think we picked the best one in town!

After a quick glass of glowing absinthe from a pirate's bar we were ready to meet up with our tour guide. Luckily, we got there a little early because we mistakenly forgot that this is NEW ORLEANS and you can't go on a haunted tour without an alcoholic beverage in your hand. Mason ran back to get our rum and cokes.

Our tour guide was a purple haired native who shared stories of growing up in New Orleans, including her family practicing Voodoo in the kitchen. 

Our purple haired tour guide (I really wish I remembered her name) shared wonderful stories and history about the French Quarter's haunted past. She had us running through the streets to get the the best spots before the other tour companies snatched them up. It was very entertaining.

Looking around at other tour groups confirmed that we had the best one. I don't want a guy from Nebraska dressed up in a top hat and speaking in some mismatch of accents telling me ghost stories. I want a born and raised purple haired old Voodoo queen!

A beignet! (I was really excited to try this... but it's a funnel cake people)

We went to the cemetery where Madam Lalaurie was claimed to have been buried. However, the story goes that her family was so ashamed by the horrendous crimes she committed that they erased her name off the tombstone. Unfortunately, there must have been a lot of families ashamed of some of their members because many of the tombstones were nameless.

Since we are only a few hours away, we will definitely be coming back to New Orleans in 2016. It is a great weekend getaway and the city offers so much character and history. Creole traditions, Voodoo culture, and no open container laws!? À la prochaine big easy.

North Carolina: March 2015

It was about a 4 hour drive from Charlotte to the area of the Smoky Mountains we were staying in. After a few stops and short hikes we decided to make our way to the VRBO, which we should have done before it was pitch-black out...

Turns out in the Smokies, having your brights on only finds you big-eyed raccoons and not your home for the weekend. After driving around in circles down narrow gravel roads, turning around in No Trespassing driveways, and venturing along sideways to a few 'well this could be it' front doors, we finally found our VRBO.

It only took a few falls down the dark stairs to unload our vehicle. Lucky for us, this hot tub and well-lit bed was waiting for us to fall asleep in. Very classy. Very 80's.

We woke up eager to finally see the outside of our rental. Again, we were not disappointed with VRBO. Notice the staircase that we conquered the night before.

I took one look at the hot tub, told Mason to brew some coffee, and that was my morning ritual for the rest of the stay. There is nothing like a cup of Joe in a hot tub surrounded by the Smoky Mountains - and yes, that is a waterfall in the background.

We enjoyed the rest of the weekend hiking, drinking Moonshine, and exploring the town of Gatlinburg, TN

We almost lost the camera and one of us on this last photo... I just read a statistic that more people have died this year from taking selfies than from shark attacks. We were almost an embarrassing contributor to that statistic.

After a few great days of hiking, we made our way back to Charlotte to see a few friends. Mason and I made it to the Aviation Museum which had the airplane from Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson River in 2009. It was compelling to realize how much damage there was to the plane, but that incredibly everyone on board survived. 

Mason and I had a great time exploring the city with our tour guide Annie! We will likely be back soon.

Road Trip to Swim with the Manatees: January 2015

Let the Road Trip Begin...

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida in 1 week. After work, Mason and I started the long drive through 5 states. State number one, Louisiana, which started off with a bizarre bridge that went on for miles with no escape except to jump into the alligator invested swamp below. It seemed like the entire Louisiana highway system was bridge. We narrowly made it over the bridge into Baton Rouge, which was high above the Mighty Mississippi River.

Part of the purpose of this trip was to tryout Airbnb and build our traveler profile on the site. Overall our Baton Rouge stay was a good experience. Our host was pleasant and gave us some good foodie tips for our very short stay.  

Baton Rouge was a lot bigger than I expected.The capital's grounds were beautiful with gardens that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. The city definitely had a college vibe. A lot of bars and restaurants to choose from, but Schlittz and Giggles got my attention. If you enjoy thin crust, greasy pizza that will leave you smelling of garlic for days...this is your place. Delicious! I'm drooling just thinking of it again. Plus, Schlittz on tap? Why not.

Day two had a few roadside attractions...

Abita Mystery House, Abita Springs, LA
*Also home to Abita Brewery*
The Mystery House was a very interesting establishment that I would describe as American Pickers meets Fun House. We spent a good amount of time in the maze of "stuff"often wondering, what the fuck? The older gentleman who owned the operation was pleasant, but I knew it was time to leave when he started to dis Springsteen. 

The Garden of Hope Cemetery, Gautier, MS
We drove around for a long time trying to find this cemetery, only to find a locked gate with a sign providing a number to call for tours. After 15 minutes of deliberation, we jumped the fence and starting running down a long grassy road surrounded by trees and a dilapidated house. After what seemed like an eternity, we came to the cemetery at the end of the path. 

The cemetery claims to be the home of children murdered by their father with an ax as well as a ghost named Bloody Sarah, a Mississippi werewolf, and a friendly grave digger. After no ghosts came to greet us, we started the jog back to the car but felt as though there was an audience in the trees.  

Pensacola, FL
We finally made it to the beach scene. Having never been to Florida, I was always skeptical with how desirable their beaches really were. Way to prove me wrong Florida. Although it was a unseasonable chilly, that didn't stop us from walking on the white sand beaches for awhile. 

We tried a second go-around with Airbnb in Pensacola. Our hosts were a little awkward, in fact the host from the website never even made an appearance.We just met the gadget building husband and their cat. We were provided a cheap and clean stay for the 12 hours we were there. The part of Pensacola we were in seemed pretty dead for the winter season. 

Day #3 on the road...

Over the past 2 days, we saw this guy multiple times. We finally got a picture and learned Jesus drives a Ford.

Bellamy Bridge, Marianna, FL
The south is full of haunted roadside attractions. The ghost of this bridge was a young bride who died after her wedding dress lit on fire; she waits for her fiance on the bridge. The bridge itself was pretty spooktacular but looked like the days of the structure itself were numbered. Again, no ghost. However, I did think that two more ghosts would be added to the mix if we didn't get out of there ASAP. We were in the company of some irresponsible hunters who were shooting way to close for comfort.

Gulf Shores, AL
Again, beautiful beaches but this is not a winter destination as everything was closed! That evening the fog was so heavy on the beach we almost didn't find our car or even the parking lot!

Crystal River, FL
Mason and I started our private tour early in the morning. We had a captain who made very insensitive comments and vulgar jokes but I didn't care once I saw the first manatee in the water. For quite awhile we were the only two snorkeling that morning. Our instructions were to float in the freezing water and wait.

Next thing I know, there is a manatee staring right at me! These things are HUGE! No wonder they are the cows of the sea. But these 2-ton animals are the most laid back beasts. The manatees would randomly swim up towards you, stare for awhile and once they were done investigating you, would swim off. Soon the manatees were stopping by every few minutes to investigate us on the way to the hot springs nearby.

At one point, a manatee swims up from below me and before I have time to get out of the way it is pushing me up out of the water and that's when I realized... I am riding a manatee!!!!

This was such an amazing experience. We spent the rest of the day standing over a bridge just watching the manatees swim in and out of the hot springs. 

As the trip came to an end there was a realization that we had a 13 hour drive home...luckily Serial Podcast saved the day! Is Adnan Syed innocent?!

Texas Hill Country (Lost Maples/Garner)

Home, home on the range...

After little debate, Mason and I decided to go on our one night camping excursion to Garner State Park in Texas Hill Country. With nightly temperatures reaching 40 degrees, we figured that with enough blankets and liquor we'd stay warm enough! And we did! 

Garner State Park is a great area to camp. It seems like camping is a common pastime in Texas, so most campgrounds have hundreds of campsites. We were lucky enough to get a decent sized plot and our neighbors were fairly considerate. It wasn't long after the campfire was going before the Texas wildlife came out to play.

The first animal to get the flashlight spotlight was a deer and her fawn. Next up, a confused armadillo who didn't quite know what to do about our shining light. Later on our trip we would encounter woodpeckers, a 3-legged dog, cows, goats, buffalo, bats, quickly evolving salamanders, a rattlesnake, and a bobcat!

An early morning hike in Garner was cut short due to a confirmed bobcat or puma growl. As Mason and I almost never stick to the designated trail, it was time to hightail it out of there once we heard the warning sound of the cat! It was exhilarating; but I am glad we got our camping out of the way the night before. It was time for a closed door. 

We made our way to Vanderpool, TX. The drive to our cabin made me feel like I was actually IN Texas. As much as I hate to say it, Texas offers some pretty great landscapes. We drove across endless ranches and up steep inclines. If it ever snowed here it would be great for skiing! The nearest town was full of antique shops and drive-thru liquor stores; we explored both. With so many dry counties in Texas, it wasn't a surprise we had to wait in line at the drive-thru.

It was a peaceful rest of the weekend. Zero cellphone service, the common sounds of gunfire in the distance and eating delicious BBQ an older woman was selling out of her Tupperware containers. We spent two more nights in a cabin located on a secluded ranch property. 

I wish I had the talent (and time) to take a picture of the night sky. Our host had recommended that we drive up to a scenic lookout in the middle of the night. I don't think I have ever seen that many shinning stars in the night sky. It was so tranquil until I remembered the possibility of a bobcat attack. I convinced Mason it was time to go after my realization. 

Lost Maples State Park is another great place for hiking and camping. I think if I ever wanted to do a short hike-in camping trip this would be the area to do it. I heard rumors that there were spots in Texas where the trees change colors in the fall. Although not as colorful as Connecticut, the trees were beautiful. I think the heavy rain and cooler weather the week before prevented some of the colors to pop this year. 

We made a detour on the way home to Cascade Cavern in Boerne, TX. Who knew you could find a cave 140 feet below a Texas ranch? Our expectations were low, but being the only two people on the tour we could make it as fun as we wanted to!

Our tour guide was a younger man who was enthusiastic about the cave. He was very knowledgeable and tried to answer all of our questions to the best of his ability. Looking back on it, he might have been one of the more knowledgeable tour guides I have ever had on a cave tour! I was impressed with the size and history of the cave. 

Parts of a prehistoric mastodon have been found and are featured in the cave. A visible, nonactive fault line could be seen running along the cave ceiling along with huge circular erosion holes from a recent flood that filled the cave a few years back. 

Imagine this over 100 feet above you. Many of the holes looked about 2 meters wide.

For being a cave, it was unusually 'alive'. We were told the cave grows abnormally fast compared to other caves. The animal that was the most astonishing was a threatened species of salamander. Appropriately named the Cascade Cavern Salamander, this little fella recently started to develop eyelids due to the large amount of light coming into the cave from organized tours. In more recent years, the owners of the cave decided to limit the amount of permanent cave lighting and provide flashlights to guests. It is a must see if you are near San Antonio! 

A few more things got crossed off the Texas bucket list this fall, but many more still subsist. 

Connecticut + 24 hours in Boston

My second time to the east coast this year and I am already in love. We arrived in Boston, got an Uber and we were on our way. The history of the city is immediately noticeable. I got even more excited when I realized how prime our location was (even if we were going to be in Boston for less than 24 hours). Our small room was located up a beautiful spiral staircase in this enchanting brownstone. (Hotel: 462 Beacon)

Mason and I decided it was time for a beer about 5 minutes after our arrival. To our benefit, there is a pub on every corner in Boston. After a two minute walk we arrived at a pub located down a narrow brick staircase. I have yet to find any place to my "pub standard" in Houston, so this place was a real treat (The Corner Tavern). The service was good, the beer was great, and the lamb taco special was delicious.

We had to get started early the next morning. I had a lot planned before we had to make our 5:30 train to New Haven. Fortunately, a train ride and short walk got us to our destinations. Fenway Park, The Freedom Trail, Paul Revere House, Quincy Market, and the Boston Public Gardens

Fenway Park

Paul Revere House

One of the many historic cemeteries located around Boston.

Walking through Boston's North End was like stepping into a small European town. This is where you truly got a sense of the history of this area and our country. I really did try to focus on that, but there were moments I felt like I was in Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. The people we encountered were incredibly friendly, the weather was a crisp fall day and I only bugged Mason about 50 times asking why we didn't live here. 

After a whoops of getting on the correct Amtrak, then getting off the correct Amtrak, and running back onto the same train...we were on our way to New Haven. It was my first Amtrak experience and I would have to say I am sold (...until our return trip).

Our VRBO accommodation in New Haven was another home-run. It was a small cottage located right next door to the owner's home. We were close to the water and located next to a great area for hiking. Our hosts Linda and David were wonderfully accommodating. 

The next day was filled with short hikes throughout New Haven, including East Rock - which offered extraordinary views of the city and Sleeping Giant - which offered panoramic views of the fall foliage from a lookout tower. 

East Rock

Sleeping Giant

Mason's brother Colin, was kind enough to invite us to the Long Wharf Theater to see a rendition of Our Town. I was very impressed with the performance, but I must say the elderly couple in the audience directly across from us was what made the performance real. Their reactions and interactions with one another throughout the play is what I will remember the most. I witnessed true love, real emotion, and authentic recognition that life is short, but often taken for granted. This is why I love the theater; it's better than therapy!

The next day I had planned out a road trip that would take us through quaint little towns, on hiking excursions and adventurous detours. Naugatuck State Park/ Beacon Falls and Mattatuck State Forest offered great trails and scenery. I wish I could remember all the towns we drove through or stopped in, but every one had something to offer. Just remember to bring cash because many of the shops do not except credit cards.

Once again, the East Coast proved to be beautiful and full of adventure. Mason and I were thankful to Colin for dropping everything and driving us quickly back to Boston to catch our flight after our inbound train unfortunately struck an individual and shutdown the Amtrak.

Connecticut, we shall return soon.

South Padre

Our 5+ hour trip to South Padre gave Mason and I yet another taste of the Texas landscape. It took us a while to figure out what the white stuff lining the side of the road was...cotton! There were also vast amounts of sugar cane. This is the part of Texas called "The Valley". The Valley is the southern most tip of Texas boarding Mexico, it is part of the lower Rio Grande River. 

It can be a long trip down US-77, slowing for every town, after town, after town. But if Dairy Queen is on your mind (if it's not it will be) have no fear there is literally one in every town, regardless of population size. Mason and I also got a kick out of all the fun water tower signs. To my surprise, we had to go through a few boarder patrol checkpoints along the route. Our excitement rose as we headed over the giant bridge onto the island. 

VRBO did it again! We found a great condo right on the beach. We were also a short walk away from the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. This place in incredible and it works off donations. When you walk in you see giant tubs throughout the partly enclosed shed-like area. Once you get close enough to peak inside the tubs, you see the turtles! Big ones, small ones, ones with back braces, ones with missing flippers...

Seeing the sea turtles was an amazing experience. I hope to attend a sea turtle hatch and release next summer!

When I think of South Padre, Spring Break is the first thing that comes to mind. Not Labor Day weekend, apparently that is FAMILY time on the island. Luckily, Mason and I were able to get there first thing in the morning to setup our chairs and.......not the umbrella?! We were stopped mid-umbrella setup and were told there is a rule you can't unfold your umbrella until 10AM. Most ridiculous rule ever!

I wish there were more fun stories so share about South Padre; but I'll be honest, there was a drink in my hand most of the time. It was just fun to people watch, walk along the empty beach in the morning, and soak in the sun.

Sand Monster.

The beach is so much better than Galveston, TX!

Interesting Man O' War we found along the beach.