The Outback: any remote or sparsely populated region (not just in Australia) Most people think Australia when they hear the word…. but you don’t have to travel that far to see spectacular scenery, unusual creatures or expansive marshland. Tucked away in Southwest Louisiana, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offers 180 miles of quiet, natural beauty […]
Mardi Gras: 5 lessons we all can learn
What’s your first thought when you hear the words Mardi Gras? Do you think Bourbon Street? While that craziness might be what makes the national headlines each year, that’s not the whole story. I just got home from celebrating Mardi Gras in Louisiana, and the experience shattered my stereotypes! In fact, I think if we […]
Grosse Savanne Ecotours: Creatures great and small
The alarm woke me at 5:15 a.m., far too early for my night owl tendencies. While it was still dark, I dressed for adventure as a cup of strong coffee brewed on the credenza. With cup in hand, I headed to the van waiting outside the hotel — to be whisked away to, well…. someplace […]
Red Stick Farmer’s Market: Buy fresh. Buy local.
When our family went to Paris back in 2012, we wanted to shop like the locals at the street markets: fresh fruit, breads, meats and flowers. I had a romantic notion of this Parisian experience, and I was not disappointed! Ever since, I have found exploring farmers’ markets to be one of the best ways to […]
Louisiana: More than beads and beignets
I traveled to Louisiana on business, and most of my trip was paid. All opinions are my own. First, my deepest apologies to the State of Louisiana! I confess I never visited before, because… well, I stereotyped! I took New Orleans, with the French Quarter and bawdy Mardi Gras celebrations, and kind of (well, totally) […]