Woohoo Road Trippin’ 2021
Originally Posted: April 22, 2021
Jimmy Buffett lyrics, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”, was blasting on the truck radio as we headed out of Gainesville, FL on our 2021 road trip. So appropriate to cap off our amazing weekend in G’ville celebrating Kasey’s UF Grad School Graduation. It was a blast and it brought back so many memories of years celebrating Kyle, Kasey and Maude’s graduations and now we were back for another final celebration! Our boys loved their college life and UF provided a great education and fun Gator festivities. They spent a lot of late nights studying at the library as they liked to tell me during our weekly talks and I believed every word! (haha)
On the road again… we headed to New Orleans, LA for our first stop. We cruised through lots of Louisiana low land and bridges over the bayou’s into the city of New Orleans. Our hotel, La Provincial was a great spot on the edge of the French Quarter to relax in some historical architecture and quaint courtyards. The charm of brick, flickering gas lanterns, wrought iron, and Moon Flower vines was very enchanting. We settled into our private room in our own courtyard and unwound. The French Quarters is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans and appears to be a prime cultural attraction. We headed out late that evening to experience Bourbon Street, the life of the a party town, bursting with lots of good-ole-fashioned live music, neon lights, balconies of people throwing beads amongst all walks of life. Plenty of characters and Ghost Tour groups of people walking the streets.
Our morning started off at French Toast an incredible little spot, located right behind our hotel. The mimosa’s, crepes and brioche french toast was incredible! We took a long walk to Magazine Street a more secluded residential area of southern architecture, boutiques and small eateries. We hopped on the Trolley and headed back to the French Quarter. Stopped and had a drink to listen to the Dixie Horn band music at Jacksons Park. We strolled on over to the Mississippi River and then indulged in Sweet Beignets and Coffee at the Cafe Du Monde – powdered sugar delights while listening to live jazz music nearby. Definitely needed to walk and shop again after all that dough indulgence.
Later that evening, we enjoyed dinner in the courtyard at Muriel’s on Jackson Square, a haunted spot where the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jordan lives. My real southern creole Shrimp and grits, bread pudding and Vampire’s Kiss Martini hit the spot. The live music, street characters and nightlife came alive as we strolled along Bourbon Streets festivities. Neon lights, frozen concoctions and wild libations was an understatement. Feeling a bit older than the crowd but what the heck, age is all in our mind and we loved the live music.
The next morning, we once again indulged in breakfast at French Toast and I got my New Orleans Brioche French Toast which was out of this world! I had to unbutton my skirt cause it wasn’t happening!
Until next time, New Orleans… thanks for the warm hospitality!
Next stop San Antonio, Texas at Riverside…
