wow! since it's been a few days since I (cathie/mom) last took time to post, I'm hoping I can remember all (or most) that we've done. My pen&ink journal, which is up-to-date, is in the car but this is a valet parking resort (san antonio) so we didn't bring everything up....relying on memory here, so we'll see how I do;)
But wait......I forgot........we visited the Donut Hole on Thursday, one more time (this etched glass artwork panel was as amazing as the tasty pies and flaky pastries!) and I reflected on how proud my dad and Uncle Tommy would have been of us for 'scouting out the competition' recalling countless visits to donut shops and bakeries throughout the south on car trips when I was young. For many reasons, mostly financial and sentimental, Daylight Donuts will always have a fond place in my heart, but the Donut Hole will be a fun Destin memory.
The Mississippi Welcome Center (back to the saturday road trip) boasted some beautiful carvings of indigenous birds......the carvings were done on the trees that had been ravaged by Katrina and would otherwise have been cut down.....
we got into The Big Easy in the early afternoon, too early to check in to the Avenue Plaza by a couple of hours, so we scouted out the surrounding Garden District neighborhood and had a great meal at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro before checking in and enjoying the resort for the rest of the day. We got some good information about the best way to use the following day (our only full day in New Orleans) and mapped it out. The St. Charles Streetcar is not running (track still being repaired following hurricane damage) so we revised our plans and secured route scehdules for the bus heading toward the French Quarter.
The next day (sunday) dawned lovely (40% chance of showers predicted for late afternoon) and we boarded the #12 St. Charles to Canal Street and then walked to the French Quarter, arriving early for our brunch reservations at Brennan's. Enjoyed mimosas in the sunny courtyard while waiting for our table.....
The three course breakfast at Brennan's (yes, appetizer, entree and dessert) did not disappoint! And you can bet there was plenty of showmanship to entertain the whole room when it was time for Bananas Foster!
When we ready to leave, the foyer of Brennan's was packed, not only with folks eager to dine, but those seeking refuge from the "40% chance of rain" I mentioned earlier which was now coming down in torrents! Rob/your dad didn't hesitate in insisting that I wait there while he head out to Walgreen's, a few blocks away, to secure ponchos or an umbrella. He didn't get any argument from me.....I'm so spoiled!
He returned in 15 minutes or so with enough gear to protect us, but he was soaked to the skin.....smiling, though and feeling very successful! We made our way to the Riverfront mall so we could dry out a bit and savor the memory of our wonderful brunch while we awaited the departure of our 2-hour SuperCity tour......the temperature had dropped with this rain and the thought of a comfy, warm bus was a happy thought.
The tour was outstanding! The guide, New Orleans native, was knowledgeable and witty and, as the tour progressed, the rain lessened such that by then end, we were able to walk about without the use of the umbrella and continue to enjoy the city. We learned as much in that two hours as we would have if we'd had a week here to do our own 'exploring' and 'investigating'...time and money well spent, for sure!
Although we thought we'd never need to eat again after the wonderful brunch at Brennan's, we couldn't leave without a stop by Cafe duMonde, which opened during the Civil War, is open 24/7 and has only closed during three 24 hour periods in its history (all due to hurricanes) for a taste of their famous beignets.....
and what about a cup of gumbo....yes, just a cup....."you try the chicken, I'll try the seafood"......The Gumbo Pot was right there on the Riverfront, so picturesque.....and boy, did that poor waiter need a listening ear!
On the way back to Canal and Bourbon Streets to catch the #12 back to the Avenue Plaza was saw New Orleans' answer to WalMart......
Thankful for the reliable public transport to take us back to our warm, dry bed....but if we'd had ol' Bessie there would have been places 'o plenty to tie her up during our day.....
and buskers with amazing talents to serenade us on our way.......
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