While New Yorkers were perpetually running around in “The Big Apple,” laid-back life in New Orleans reigned, hence, “The Big Easy.” We make a short stop in Tallahassee to pick up Cassy on her way in from Tampa, Florida. On the way to New Orleans we stop off at the Gulf Islands National Seashore before landing at Bayou Segnette State Park.
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Native Southwest Trip: This post is yet another stop along a 38 day journey through the Southwest. Check out the full itinerary!
Tallahassee Florida
We found a quiet little campground on Lake Talquin called Coe Landing County Park Campground. Here we relaxed the day away on the lake fishing the day away. After a quick stop at Walmart to up our fishing game we headed back to the lake.
Although we did not catch any live fish, we did manage to catch some items. Our results. Live Fish: 0, Lake Sticks: 3, Lake Muck: 2, Fishing Lures: 1, Dead Fish: 1.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
On the way to New Orleans we took a stop at the Gulf Islands National Seashore William M. Colmer Visitor Center for a one hour adventure learning about the interesting Gulf Islands off the cost of Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. These important islands establish a barrier, protecting the marsh, and enable wildlife in the area to flourish.
Exploring the Bayou and the French Quarter of New Orleans
Bayou Segnette State Park – Floating Houses
Our home base for the New Orleans area is Bayou Segnette State Park, which is famous for it’s unique floating cabins. Situated about 20 minutes out of down town New Orleans, we camped at this serene and picturesque setting that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ferry and Trolley Ride with the Jazzy Pass
We rode the ferry from Algiers Ferry Station only a 20 minute drive from Bayou Segnette State Park. The scenic ride gave us a great view of the city and was a fun way to travel between attractions. With our Jazzy Pass on the Le Pass app, we can hop between the ferry and trolley all day long for $3.
Café du Monde – Beignets and Coffee
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café du Monde. We indulged in the famous beignets, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired them with rich, aromatic coffee. It was a sweet treat that lived up to the hype!
Lincoln’s Street Art from Ricco Rideaux on Jackson Square
Next, we headed to Jackson Square, a hub for local artists and performers. We couldn’t resist purchasing a piece of street art from Ricco Rideaux, a talented artist whose work caught our eye. Lincoln’s vibrant artwork now has a special place in our home.
Po Boy and Muffaletta at The Napoleon House
All that exploring made us hungry, so we made our way to The Napoleon House for a classic New Orleans lunch. We savored every bite of our Po Boy and Muffaletta sandwiches, soaking in the historical ambiance of this iconic eatery.
Daddy’s Encounter with a Shoe Cleaning Busker
While strolling around, Daddy had a memorable encounter with a shoe cleaning busker. Despite wearing tennis shoes and the Author’s insistent declines to his offer, the busker persisted and gave his shoes a shine with hotel shampoo, making for an unusual and unexpected experience. A friendly reminder that Bourbon Street is not the best place for kids.
Sweet Saint Ice Cream
We started our second day with a visit to Sweet Saint Ice Cream. The kids loved the creative flavors and the friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect stop for a family treat.
Jean Lafitte National Park – Two Badges Earned
Our adventure continued at Jean Lafitte National Park, where the kids earned two badges. They enjoyed learning about the local wildlife and history through interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs.
Hard Rock Cafe New Orleans – Kids Food!
Lunch was at the Hard Rock Cafe, where the kids enjoyed meals tailored just for them. The lively decor and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia made it a fun dining experience for the whole family.
Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo on Bourbon Street
One of the most intriguing stops was Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. The kids were fascinated by the Marshmallow Man and learned how to activate it with incense, talking to it, and essential oils. It was a fascinating peek into the mystical side of New Orleans.
Jazz Performance by Jean at the Museum of Jazz
We wrapped up our trip with a jazz performance by the talented Jean at the Museum of Jazz. The live music was mesmerizing, and it was a fantastic way to experience the cultural richness of New Orleans. There is even a Jazz National Historic Site that has it’s own official Jr. Ranger Badge.
New Orleans offered us a blend of history, culture, and fun that made for an unforgettable family trip. From floating houses and street art to delicious food and jazz, every moment was a new adventure. We can’t wait to come back and explore even more of this vibrant city!
