Waaayyyy off topic

[Jay A. Kelley]

Ok so this is WAY off topic I am taking my kids on a driving trip. We'll go from St. Louis MO, head south through memphis and drive down with our camper to New Orleans, hang out there for a little bit, and then head easy along the ocean for a few hours. We'll camp at the state parks along the way "Roughing it" (If you can call a stove, AC and microwave roughing it).

Anyway they are 5 and 7 respectively and I would be grateful for any advice of cool things to do / see in the areas we'll be going through.

Since everyone knows that REDUsers are the smartest bunch of people in the known universe.. I figured I could not go wrong asking.

(Sometimes a little ass kissing can help)

Jay:w00t:

 

[David Rasberry]

New Orleans Aquarium is a must. Really cool to walk through polycarbonate tunnels under water.
Go for Beignets at the Cafe DuMonde. Take the trolley.

Driving to New Orleans through Mississippi, take the Natchez Trace scenic highway. There are some good stops along there and its a quiet pretty drive. Coming from Memphis you can pick it up at Tupelo MS.

http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

Have great trip!

 

[J Davis]

last week my kids (4 and 6) fell asleep on a beach under the stars lying next to me at a camp fire after we toasted marshmallows

doesn't have to be a beach but camp fires and the night sky are primal things, so wonderful and magical ti share with the little ones

 

[Jay A. Kelley]

last week my kids (4 and 6) fell asleep on a beach under the stars lying next to me at a camp fire after we toasted marshmallows

doesn't have to be a beach but camp fires and the night sky are primal things, so wonderful and magical ti share with the little ones

I agree.. David EXCELLENT info.. We're following your advice to the letter!
Thank you!

jay

 

[Clint Lealos]

Speaking of Natchez... when in New Orleans, take the Natchez steamboat for a spin. They have the last steam organ and the guy who plays it has worked on the ship since he was a boy. Cool stuff. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Greg M]

Jay,
There is no Ocean near New Orleans, did you mean the Gulf? If so the coast of La is not easy to visit via the highway. If you want to see the Gulf, the panhandle of Florida has some of the best beaches in the country.
I have a blog post somewhere on my favorite places to see in New Orleans...I'll dig it up and send a link when I return from vacation. Pass thru Baton Rouge and I'll buy you lunch.

+1 on the Natchez Trace...a wonderful drive...and tons of great food all around.

 

[Greg M]

Here is one:
http://www.digitalfx.tv/blog/2009/7/20/off-bourbon-st-hidden-gems-inside-and-outside-new-orleans

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

They have the last steam organ

What makes it "the last"? ...Last calliope still operating on a riverboat, maybe? Although, I saw one in Mississippi too... Of course, that was like 12 years ago. Anyway, did the Natchez Trace boat tour several years back. Good time.

 

[Clint Lealos]

I guess you are right Jeff. There probably is still some steam organs operating, but the Natchez claims to be the last one in operation on a steamboat. At least, that is what they told us when we shot a segment for Travel channel 5 or 6 years ago. Not sure if it is actually true.

 

[Jeff Coatney]

Don't miss the D-Day museum.

http://www.ddaymuseum.org/

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I guess you are right Jeff. There probably is still some steam organs operating, but the Natchez claims to be the last one in operation on a steamboat. At least, that is what they told us when we shot a segment for Travel channel 5 or 6 years ago. Not sure if it is actually true.

Yeah, could be the last one on a boat like that these days. Although, many of those old riverboats had them... Of course, few of those old boats still exist, let alone transport people. As for the whole steam organ (calliope) thing, there's still a handful of them out there and operational. And a number more that are in museums and private collections. I know an old guy who still services and maintains them, used to build them. One of the last ones he built was supposed to go to the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) in Scottsdale, AZ. Don't know if it's actually there. He also maintains one locally here that occasionally turns up at fairs, rodeos, local renaissance festival, things like that.

Anyway, it's usually pretty difficult to be the last or the only of anything. It's often better to just make your claim and let the tourists believe as they will... After all, Buffalo Bill is buried in at least three places I know of. The technology exists to settle that little debate forever, but no one seems willing to chance losing their claim...

 

[Jay A. Kelley]

I cannot thank all of you enough for all this great info. Tell me, what about places to eat? Greg I read your blog... Problem (Not a problem really) is I have my two young sons. That said they LOVE restaurants, adult ones (Wierd I know) as long as there is food there they can eat. They will try most things as long as it does not look scary (A lobster once sent my youngest running out of the building. I could not catch him cause I was laughing too hard.. I'm evil).

Jay

 

[David Rasberry]

I cannot thank all of you enough for all this great info. Tell me, what about places to eat? Greg I read your blog... Problem (Not a problem really) is I have my two young sons. That said they LOVE restaurants, adult ones (Wierd I know) as long as there is food there they can eat. They will try most things as long as it does not look scary (A lobster once sent my youngest running out of the building. I could not catch him cause I was laughing too hard.. I'm evil).

Jay

Might not want to order them the Crawfish gumbo then:ack2:

 

[Greg M]

I cannot thank all of you enough for all this great info. Tell me, what about places to eat? Greg I read your blog... Problem (Not a problem really) is I have my two young sons. That said they LOVE restaurants, adult ones (Wierd I know) as long as there is food there they can eat. They will try most things as long as it does not look scary (A lobster once sent my youngest running out of the building. I could not catch him cause I was laughing too hard.. I'm evil).

Jay

Pretty much all restaurants have kids menus, or will accommodate special requests. My kids are the pickiest eaters in the world, and Ive never had an issue.