Sat - Apr 28/12

Today was a "Surprise Day" for Charlotte. When I plan a "Surprise Day" I do not let her know what is on the agenda.

Our first stop was the Central Market in Historic Downtown Lancaster. Here Charlotte found a few "Fat Quarters" (material in squares for quilting) and some sewing notions at a neat little store in the market. Then we went to the main "Farmer's" Market. We could not believe how crowded the market was - we could hardly move!

We enjoyed some fresh apple cider and Baklava (Almond and Walnut) from vendors. Then we were off to destination #2 - Shady Maple Market and Smorgasbord. These facilities are beyond large! The market is the size of two Walmart SuperCenters combined. The meat counters alone would fill any of our grocery stores back home. The grocery store has both a restaurant and a snack bar. The "Home Goods" store,  in a separate building, is also the size of a Walmart Store. Equally as large is the Gift Shop that is situated under the "Smorgasbord" which is on the second floor of a building larger than most hotels.

The "Smorgasbord" is not only the largest in Lancaster County, I believe it is larger than all the others combined. The entrance is more like that of a 5 Star Hotel! I am still amazed at the size of this complex!

Yes, we managed to once again "find items we didn't know we needed". Now it was time for a few familiar stops that are a must on any trip to the "Pennsylvania Dutch Country". We filled a box with quart jars of preserves from the Intercourse Canning Company. They will be moving to larger quarters just a few blocks away in June.

Our next stop was at the Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market. Again, we had a sample of apple and apple/cherry cider (small cup for $0.25). A few purchases later we were on our way to the two Outlet Malls a few miles away in Lancaster, PA. Again, a few purchases at each before moving on to our last destination of the day.

Our final stop was for supper at Bube's (boo-bees - okay - "Boobies" if you prefer - grin) Brewery in Mt. Joy, PA. This was a unique experience to say the least.

We had reservations for supper at 6 pm in the Catacombs. The Catacombs Restaurant is several stories below the surface of the street in the ageing (in more ways than one) cellars of Bube's Brewery. A costumed guide greeted us and lead us on a tour of the brewery on our way to dinner. We descend 43 feet under the building into the stone-lined vaults of the Catacombs. There, years ago, the beer brewed above was stored in casks to age for about 6 weeks in the natural coolness of the cave like catacombs. 

Rumour has it that the entrance to a tunnel through the Catacomb wall beside where we sat was used for a hiding place for slaves on the "Underground Railroad". It is also rumoured that alcohol was hidden here during prohibition (a likely story - I mean - really likely - grin). A third rumour is that their are "Spirits" (another grin) in the Brewery - of the ghostly kind. In fact, a few weeks ago paranormal researchers detected "presences" in the building.


Bube's current Micro-Brewery is located within the original brewery's icehouse. The mash/lauter tun and kettle have a 3.5 bbl capacity (approximately 110 gallons.) The brewers usually brew two consecutive batches to meet the capacity of the 10 bbl fermenters. In the brewery there are two 10 bbl fermenters and one 10 bbl conditioning tank for lagered beer.



The selection of Bube's handcrafted beers on draught changes frequently - the favourites are described as:

• Kolsch: Clean, crisp, easy drinking Colonge, Germany style ale. Kolsch's smoothness comes from special Kolsch yeast, German Hallertau hops, a slow fermentation and lager like conditioning.
• Red Ale: This was the first draught on tap in November 2001. It has developed to a very quaffable ale. the slight sweet malt flavor is balanced with East Kent Golding hops to produce this delicious reddish-amber ale.
  
• Stout: This dark full bodied stout is perfect with a meal or as a meal. Rolled oats give this beer an enjoyable mouthfeel while chocolate and roasted malts lend to its distinctive flavor.
  
• Brown Ale: Another one of our first recipes, which we have improved with experience. This ale is pleasantly malty with nutty and toffee like undertones. East Kent Golding hops were used to compliment this English style ale.
  
• Heffweizen: This traditional German-style wheat beer is rich in banana and clove undertones, with a wonderful frothy head.
  
• India Pale Ale (IPA): Bube's rendition of this classic style is made with fine 2-row malted barley and West Coast hops. A wonderful malt finish with a delicate citrus aroma, reminiscent of its Old-World cousin. 
• 
  

Charlotte order a draught sampler which consisted of 5 of the above brews each served in a small glass. 


For supper Charlotte ordered the "Brewmaster's Special" which tonight was pork tenderloin with a Rosemary/Mustard glaze served over mashed potatoes with green beans. I had the 8 ounce Certified Angus Filet Mignon (Medium-Rare) served au poivre (pan broiled with a cracked peppercorn, mustard brandy sauce). I also opted for the sautéed mushrooms. It was also served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

The meal began with an excellent salad and ended with an equally excellent chocolate pecan pie. What an excellent dining experience in a unique candlelit (only) setting. Perhaps next visit we can have "The Feast" (Sunday's only) or come for the "Murder Mystery".

A few off-and-on light showers on the way back to the RV. Tomorrow we are heading for home after being away for over 4 months.We should arrive before dark. It will be good to be home again!

Fri – Apr 27/12

Set the TV to wake us at 7:00 am. Breakfast in the RV and we were off to York, PA for the Harley-Davidson Factory Tour.

On the way out I noticed the park was full of Class B Motorhomes (Van Conversions). It was a RoadTrek Rally! There must have been 30 or 40 in the park that I saw.

The Harley-Davidson Factory offers two tours. The regular tour runs Mon-Fri at regular intervals from 9 am-2 pm. The tour is free. The factory basically runs on a 4 day week meaning the regular production line was not running today although several machines and areas did have activity.

The Steel Toe Tour only runs Mon – Thu at 9:30 am and 12 noon. This tour costs $35 and has a “dress code”. Check the website for details.

Our tour started with a short video history. An ID Pin (a keeper) and Safety Glasses and a communication earphone are provided. The last to items are returned at the end of the tour. Cell phones must be turned off and all cameras are required to be left in a secure (deposit) area before proceeding to the factory floor. The tour had several viewing areas with informational videos. We were required to stay between the yellow lines (walkways). Part of the complex even had traffic lights which must be obeyed. A guide leads the tour and provides instructions and descriptions while a second (Safety) guide follows. We really enjoyed this excellent informational and visual tour.

Our next stop was the Family Heir-Loom Weaving Factory in Red Lion, PA only a short distance away. This tour was a step back in time. David Kline, the owner, provided an insightful and educational tour. The modest $5 admission goes to charity (World Hunger) which was very thoughtful.

This is perhaps the last facility in North America that provides custom weaving on looms that date from the 19^th and early 20^th century. David’s years of expertise are evident as he stopped, started and demonstrated several unique looms and bobbin winders from various eras. The workmanship is flawless and in high demand. Historic homes showcase many of his products or authentic reproductions of era carpet and stair runners. When Dvid found out we were from Ontario he showed us a carpet that was just completed for Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, ON) which is less than 15 minutes from our home. It is a small world!

The store next door was actually a home that showcases many carpet, runners and materials (Huck Toweling) that is for sale. Charlotte found a lovely runner that will grace our hall entrance table when we return home.

Our next stop was another Factory (Tour). This was Wolfgang Candy Company in York, PA. This is a small family operation that has a quite interesting history. An early delivery truck was on display.

We bought some neat individually produced chocolates (Turtles on a Rock, Pigs in Mud, Ducks in Pond, Cows in Grass, a Shark and a Penguin to mention a few.) One package of Cashew Brittle didn’t even make it to the next stop.

The temperature had warmed up enough that we took the top of the Del Sol (Honda) and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. We made a few other “Factory” stops today. Included were the UTZ and Snyder (Hanover, PA) Factories that produce snack foods (Potato Chips, pretzels, cheese puffs, etc.). Of course, we sampled and made additional purchases.

We returned to Gettysburg, PA and parked at “The Square” (actually a roundabout) downtown. We took a picture at the Lincoln (and friend) Statue. This is the most authentic in existence as the head and hands were made from actual casts of these features taken from Lincoln during his lifetime.

We decided on supper at Cafe St-Amand just a block away on Baltimore Street. This French Bistro appears to be a local favourite as there were several tables already reserved when we arrived. The atmosphere was charming and the food (and service) was excellent. We both enjoyed the (classic) French Onion Soup which was a blend of caramelized onions and red wine in a rich beef broth that was topped with garlic crostini and gratineed gruyere cheese.

This was followed by the Warm Goat Cheese and Apple Salad which was a mix of spring greens, goat cheese, Fuji Apple slices and Walnuts with a very tasty Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing.

Our Entrée was the Beef Bourguignon. The slow braised beef in a Burgandy Wine au-Jus with lardon bacon and root vegetables served on mashed potatoes was also excellent.

Our choice for dessert, Crème Brulee was the perfect light finish to the meal.

While talking with our waitress we found that she and her husband (the chef) were from Watertown, NY which is just a short distance (across the border) from our home. It is a small world! (again).

It only took a few minutes to make our way back to the Drummer Boy RV Park just a few miles away.

It was an enjoyable day in PA!

Thu – Apr 26/12

Woke up to rain on the RV roof and it was heavy.

On the weather channel the bottom of the screen was scrolling a Thunderstorm Weather Warning! Quarter size hail and 60 mph winds going through the area.  We decided to wait for a few hours as it was moving fast and to the east.

We left around 10 am when the rain lightened significantly. A few miles later and we were on I-81 heading north. The driving wasn't too bad. I settled in at 55 mph while it was raining. We did pass a transport being pulled out of the median on the other side which had the traffic backed up for miles.

A few slow downs for patches of heavy rain and construction and we soon arrived at the Flying J at Max Meadows, VA. This flying J did not have a dedicated RV lane like most. It indicated for RV to “Please use the outside lane”. I declined and took the inside lane. My gas filler is on the driver’s side of the back end or the motorhome and the gas pump hoses would not have reached. There was truck parking for the transports in the diesel side but not RV parking like most Flying J’s so we passed on Denny’s for lunch. This stop is right at the I-81 exit so it was a quick off and back on.

I programmed the GPS for the closest Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Christiansburg, VA. Most Cracker Barrel Restaurants have RV parking spots in the back. They are suitable for a pickup with a boat or short trailer; but not for a Motorhome with a Toad (car-in-tow) totaling nearly 60’ in length. 

I usually find an empty row and take up 8-10 regular spots. If none is available, at least I know the parking lot is set up so I can get back out. Unlike RV’s with trailers a motorhome with a toad cannot be backed up. It must be unhooked. This is not as easy as it sounds as turning takes a lot of room. It is best to try a situation where to avoid you cannot turn around in the first place.

We noticed the Motorhome that came in to the RV park and set up across from us last night was already at the Cracker Barrel – what are the odds of that? We saw the motorhome leaving as we ate.

Charlotte enjoys Thursday at Cracker Barrel – the lunch special is Turkey Breast w/Dressing and Cranberry Sauce. We both ordered the special. Good thing it was only lunch size as it was a large portion. After lunch Charlotte went through the store which always has a neat array of various items. She found a sign for the RV that she liked: “Wherever You Go…There You Are!” (How True!)

There was another slow down several miles down I-81. Traffic was down to a single lane. Two fire trucks were at the scene. Wow! It involved a Fedex Tandem (Double) Trailer and ….the same RV from the RV Park and Cracker Barrel….even more of a coincidence? Thankfully, it did not appear to involve injuries.

A few more construction sections slowed us down. The RV park in Gettysburg, PA closes the office at 7 pm. We made it with just 5 minutes to spare. Whew! We will be here until Sunday morning.

As mentioned (often) before - RVers are a great bunch. While hooking up a neighbour saw I was looking for the cable TV connection. I was looking for a green post on which the lady at the office told me I would find the connection. I assumed it was a wooden post. He pointed me to a green cylindrical metal structure and informed me the connection was at the very bottom. 

After all was set up and the car was disconnected we decided to just take it easy instead of going out for supper in Gettysburg. The leftover pizza from the previous night (RV Park Delivery) was even better tonight. 

It didn't take us long to fall asleep.

Wed - Apr 25/12

We were up and out of the Walmart parking lot before 8 am. We crossed under I-40 to fill up at the Pilot Truck Stop. A few Pilot truck stops, like this one, have an RV lane.

Once filled we were back on I-40 eastbound to visit the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. We arrived about two hours later at 10 am. The museum tells the story of energy, in particular, atomic energy. It gives the history of the Oak Ridge, the "Secret City" where Y-12 was created. Y-12 was the World War II code name for the electromagnetic isotope separation plant that was secretly developed to produce enriched uranium as part of the "Manhattan Project".

Construction began in February 1943 and by the early summer of 1945 enough uranium 235 was obtained for "Little Boy" which was dropped on Horishima, Japan by the "Enola Gay" (Superfortress Bomber).

Imagine keeping the construction of an immense facility a secret! Amazingly, it was so secret, only a few knew the real reason for it's existence other than it was for "The War Effort". Those few did not even include the Vice-President of the United States. Harry S. Truman was only told of this facility when he became automatically assumed the Presidency upon the death of FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt).

Initially the plan called for a population of 13,000. It soon blossomed to 75,000 requiring  thousand upon thousands of  "Flat Top" pre-fab houses be brought to the area for the workforce in the new community. All this was constructed in just a few years. An authentic house of that era is on display at the museum.

Y-12, in it's modern version, still exists here. Visitors still require special clearance that may take up to 18 months to be approved. Workers, besides their scientific expertise, also require an extensive background check that may take even longer to process. Today the facility has over 550 security personal - Wow!

This was a very worthwhile and interesting stop and reasonably priced (Senior - $4) as well.

We returned to I-40 after the museum visit and continued eastbound to connect with I-81. We were now northbound. Our final destination for today was the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) Bristol / Kingsport RV Park where we arrived shortly after 5 pm.

As a treat we ordered a Pizza, Wings and Mozzarella Sticks for supper from the park restaurant. Like Domino's - they delivered to the site! It arrived just after we were all set up and settled down.

We still haven't decided on our next destination. We will have to do that by tomorrow - check-out is at 11 am.

Tue - Apr 24/12

We left Movietown RV Resort around 8 am. There were many trailers and motorhomes in the park; but only a few had an accompanying vehicle. Many folks probably rent by the season and come on the weekend.

We gassed up a few miles from the resort before getting back onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. The price - $3.64 - was $0.40 cents less per gallon than in Arizona.

We continued to enjoy the light traffic, slow speeds and lovely scenery on the Trace. One section of forest that extended on both sides for several miles was just recovering from the devastating effects of a  tornado that struck in April (last year). Thankfully, this was an unpopulated area.

Our planned stop for the day was to exit the Trace at Tupelo, MS to visit the Elvis Presley Museum. Having been to Graceland twice we could not pass Tupelo without a visit to the birthplace of  "The King".

The museum displayed interesting artifacts of his early life including the two room house were he was born. We couldn't resist sitting on the porch swing!

The "Assembly of God" church that Elvis regularly attended is also on the grounds. A multimedia display of a typical church service of that era is shown throughout the day.

We next made a stop at the Tupelo Walmart for lunch at their "Subway". Soon we were back on the Trace enjoying the drive north. We were brought back to reality a little over 3 hours later when we arrived at the terminus of the Trace at SR-100 southwest of Nashville, TN. Traffic!

We followed SR-100 until I-440 which we took to connect to I-40. We continued east on I-40 until we exited at Lebanon, TN to see if we could "overnight" in the Walmart parking lot. Following the "Boondocking Protocol" we checked with the Walmart "Duty Manager" to get permission and instructions as where to park. As at most Walmarts it was on the "Garden Department" side of the store at the far edge of the parking lot.

Once parked we walked to the Applebee's (Restaurant) that bordered the parking lot. After a relaxing meal we returned to the RV and were soon asleep.

Mon - Apr 23/12

Departed Cajun Country Campground in Port Allen, LA headed for the Natchez Trace Parkway's southern terminus in Natches, MS. We have taken the parkway previously (going south) by car. This is the first run in the RV.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. Used by American Indians, "Kaintucks", settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace played an important role in American history. Today, visitors can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. There are many areas that allow access; but, be careful if you are in a motorhome towing a car. Some areas are not RV accessible.

The speed limit is general 50 mph with a few small sections and the northern end (about last 20 miles or so) at 40 mph. The traffic density is very low with a car, bicycle or motorcycle encounter about once every 2-3 miles on average except near large cities where clumps of 5 or 6 commuters use the trace as a regular route someplace. Commercial traffic is not allowed (Hooray - no 18 wheelers). The road itself is well maintained; but narrow so large RV's  (Class A's) require that you pay attention as their are no shoulders. It is like driving on the top of a levee (earth dam) which has been built above the low lying ground.

An 8-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway was closed to vehicular traffic due to a major safety hazard that developed near milepost 94.8 between Ridgeland, MS, and Clinton, MS. Engineers have identified the potential for collapse of the roadway due to instability in the embankment. The detour was well marked and it took less than 10 minutes to get back on the trace.

Much of the trace runs under a tree canopy that meets in the center of the road. A few areas open to lowland meadows with wild flowers just beginning to bloom. They should be out in full force in a week or two. This is a "Dream Drive"! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip which we broke into two days.

We got off the Trace as Canton, MS. Had supper at "Sizzler's" and pulled into Movietown RV Resort for the night. Many RV parks in the "Pre-Season" are open. After hours the protocol is to pull in and check at the office for posted instructions. You leave the required fee (honour system) in a deposit slot and take any available site.

Soon we were set up and watching cable TV and relaxing for the evening. Tomorrow - the rest of the Trace!

Sun - Apr 22/12

Back to NOLA today via the same route. We had reservations for the "New Orleans First and Only Movie Tour" for 1 pm.

Plans were to arrive and hour and a half early, park in the French Market lot, do the French Market then cross the road from Cafe du Monde to take the tour.

No such luck! After not being able to find a parking spot after trying I dropped Charlotte off at the NOLA Movie Tour rendezvou point across from Cafe du Monde. I then continued on to park the car - or so I thought. After several tries at all lots with a mile I was beginning to panic. Even all the street "No Parking and Loading Zone Only spaces were being illegally used. By 12:45 pm I knew I could not even get back up Decatur Street to the meeting location on time for the tour so I continued North to Chartres Street and turned East. At least this way I thought I might get there on time in the car to try an make arrangements to park at a location on the tour route and get picked up as they passed.

Luck was with back with me. I found the one and only parking spot left in the city! A "Handicapped Only" spot was available in front of K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen - probably only because it is not open on Sunday. Bonus: Handicapped spots are few; but free, in NOLA.

I had less than 10 minutes to make it nearly half a mile to the meeting place. I hurried as fast as I could on the crowded sidewalks and arrived at a minute to 1 pm at the rendezvous. There was no van in sight! I was again in a panic!

Then - my phone rang! It was Jonathan Ray (tour owner/operator). Charlotte had given him my phone number and he was calling to check on my status.

Charlotte should have know! She often calls to see when I will be home when I am either turning the corner or pulling into the driveway. I answered the phone standing on one side of the corner of the building while they stood only two feet away around the corner. Now - that's funny!

I was so happy to get in the van which was around the corner. I needed to sit in the air-conditioning. Charlotte had already bought a soft drink to cool me down upon my arrival. It certainly helped. Soon we were on our way on the tour accompanied by a great group of knowledgable movie buffs.

I must point out that this tour is not just for movie fans. It is a great city tour, as well. I will describe the tour concept; but not the content, as it varies and may include your "must see" locations upon request. Each tour has it's unique aspects that even include interesting input and anecdotes from fellow tourists.

We watched video clips on the monitors located in the seat headrests while visiting the actual filming locations. We also snacked on complimentary popcorn (what else) and bottled water as we toured.

Our tour included visiting locations in the Garden District, the Warehouse District and the Central Business District.

We also visited the French Quarter, The Treme, and famed St. Louis Cemetery #1 

and Lafayette Cemetery. In each location we viewed movie clips and then the actual sites in each of these areas. We experienced over 30 different locations while be filled in on "behind-the-scene" details, as well as city history. 

We viewed houses of movie stars and writiers, as well. Jonathan discussed the art of film making and everything that goes into creating movie magic. On completion of the tour we received a listing of the tour locations we had visited.


Hey! I even won a prize in the in-van trivia contest!


This was a great tour, It was relaxing, interesting, well-paced and fun. Jonathan made the tour come alive with his insight and comments. If you take any tour in NOLA - make it this one!

The tour ran an hour over schedule, due in part to the unusually heavy traffic. Jonathan commented that he had never seen the traffic this bad - ever! He thought it might be due in part to this being "Navy Week" in NOLA. The Air Show was cancelled (twice) due to the weather leaving many who came for the show massing at the River Front to view the Naval ships and the visiting "Tall Ships" docked in the harbour. No wonder there were no parking spots!

Jonathan is not only a great guide and host, he is an actor and extra in the local movie scene as well. NOLA is third behind New York and Los Angeles in the total number of movies produced. Over a hundred movies last year with a real possibility of that number doubling this year.

Jonathan did not have to return to the pick-up location. He was so accommodating that he was able to drop everyone off on the way back near a point that they requested. We were dropped off right at the car in front of K-Paul's. 

Anecdote: Last time we were at K-Paul's we met friends from our home town who were leaving just as we arrived - small world! 

P.S. The four of us (daughters - Kat and Liz) all shared tastes of each others meal choices as they were all so good!

We stopped at the Tanger Factory Outlet just off I-10 (Exit 177)   on the way back to the RV Park. A few purchases and supper at Chili's had us returning to the RV just as the sun set.

We will hook up for departure tomorrow morning. We will relax and watch TV before bed. It has been a hectic; but most enjoyable few days in Louisiana.

Sat - Apr 21/12

A light rain during the night left us with a cloudy and cool morning. We slept in a little before continuing our Louisiana adventure. We decided on Cajun Country RV park due to it's proximity to New Orleans and (of course) Cajun Country - duh! It is also 1/3 the price of the parks in NOLA (as New Orleans, LA is common referred to down here).

I met true Louisiana hospitality in the person of Gary and James when I went outside the RV this morning to turn on the water. I hooked it up last night but forgot to flip the lever on. Folks like these are what makes RVing so enjoyable. Being friends and neighbours in the park they were chatting over morning coffee (as I'm sure they often do) at Gary's RV and did not hesitate to give me a big Louisiana welcome which included some BBQ'd alligator sausage. (Can't wait for supper! - grin)

My theory on the loss of "socializing" in our communities is a direct result of developers after WWII seeking to maximize profits while making homes for the returning servicemen affordable by removing the sidewalks, front porches, picket fences and garages at the end of driveways from their new subdivision designs. Everyone migrated to the backyard or the "Rec Room" in the basement (or back of the house) to watch the newly arrived sensation - Television. The double garage under the house bedrooms or attached to the side of the house was not quite the same meeting place as the one in the back yard that housed the refrigerator with cold beer. People stopped communicating and kids no longer played in the streets. Remember when word about where you were or what you did got home (often over a (telephone) party line) quicker then you did.

Today if you wave and say hello to a total stranger in most cities you get a strange look and a quick departure which probably would also include (as Robert De Niro would say) - - "You lookin' at me?!!!"

Thankfully, these old fashioned friendly values are alive and well today in RV parks across the country! In fact, I have met several folks who spend more time living in their RV than in their home because of this very reason (as well as the good fishing). Meeting nice folks is like real cream in your coffee - it sure enriches the flavour (of life).

Our first destination this morning was Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, considered the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road" in Darrow, LA. This is one of several plantations along the "river" that is open to the public either as a tour, museum or bed and breakfast. Houmas House; however,  is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. It is "The Sugar Palace" and displays the splendour of the south when "sugar was king" in Louisiana. The tour (16 of the rooms) is a showcase for period antiques and Louisiana artwork. It's 38 acres of lush gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley are beautiful to behold. Rumour has it that the signature southern drink, the Mint Julep, may have originated here. |(If not, I am sure many were served!)

Prior to our tour we had lunch at "Latil's Landing Restaurant". The were crowded and without hesitation squeezed in an extra table and two chairs to seat us. This is one of the three restaurants on the property. It is located in the French House, built in the 1770's by Alexander Latil and is now the rear wing of the Houmas House Mansion. The 230 year old house, complete with original beamed ceilings, cypress mantels, wood burning fireplaces, and original wood floors, is set between the Garden Carriageway and the Hampton Fountain and Gardens. We were surrounded with museum quality art and furnishings and served on replicas of the original "Houmas" French Limoge china and dinner service which was first created for Wade Hampton, a later owner, in the 1830's.

"Cafe Burnside" and "Le Petit Houmas" are the other two restaurants on the property. The Houmas House also has excellent reception facilities which were being utilized by two weddings parties that were now arriving by chartered coach. These restaurants at Houmas House are considered in the top 20 in America and feature the talented creations of Award winning Executive Chef Jeremy Langlois. After dining we can easily understood why.

Charlotte and I each enjoyed the Chicken and Andouille (Sausage) Gumbo and the Bourbon Shrimp (crispy sauteed jumbo shrimp tossed in a Jack Daniels Glaze and served over roasted potatoes and sweet peas).....mmmm good!

After lunch we self-toured the fabulous gardens while waiting for the next guide (every half hour) to ring the bell to summon us to meet.

Our guide, Susan, was dressed in period attire. Her wit,charm and knowledge, not to mention her southern accent, made the tour a step above exceptional.

I thought the Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC ("Tara" in "Gone With The Wind") had a tremendous free standing spiral staircase. The one at Houmas House spiralled up 3 stories - Wow!

Next we were off to NOLA. As in past visits I like to park in the French Market parking area accessed beside the JAX Brewery. This is long term parking that is close (relatively speaking) to everything. It is also less expensive than turning to the right even though both are labelled "Public Parking".

Once out of the car our first stop was "Aunt Sally's Pralines". The smell of sweet pralines bubbling as they are being stirred in an old copper pot then poured out to harden is one of our favourite sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans. The original recipe is now being made by 4th generation family members. We think these are the very best pralines, bar none! (Yes Girls - we are bring back some for you, too).

Next door, another "must" stop on our "To Do" list for every visit  to NOLA is "Cafe du Monde" - the "Original French Market Coffee Stand". There are 8 other locations; but only the original has such a unique atmosphere. This is the one to visit. Don't let the line on the street keep you away - it is worth the wait! The original opened in 1862 and is open 24/7 except for Christmas Day (and the occasional hurricane - grin). Each serving of it's signature "Beignets" (bay-nay: French style square doughnuts - no hole) comes with a heaping load of confectioners sugar. The dark roasted coffee and chicory only comes black or "Au Lait" (mixed half and half w/hot milk). Being veterans of this venue we come to the back entrance (take-out line area) and enter here. It is much quicker than waiting in line with a hundred or more others on Decatur Street. (Ooops! maybe I should not have said that?)

Like going to San Francisco and not riding the Cable Cars would be considered gross negligence - coming to NOLA and not riding the (St. Charles Street Car would be equally as sinful. The RTA (Regional Transit Authority) Riverfront line runs between the French Market and the water. Get a $3 pass that is good for the day (12 hours?). Take the street car to RiverWalk/Harrah's Casino stop (Canal Street) then get off and walk to the Canal Street boarding area nearby for a short trip up a few blocks to St Charles Avenue. Get off and cross the street to the St Charles (Avenue) Line which runs down the grassy median through the historic section of New Orleans. The "Avenue" ride encompasses the great houses (and Universities) of New Orleans. At the end you get off, cross the street and catch the next street car coming back. Relax and enjoy the sights!

Our driver stopped to get a coffee at a convenience store. I couldn't resist the opportunity for a picture in his seat! How often can you do that?

After switching street cars and returning to Canal Street we walked over to Harrah's Casino to play the slots. Our limit is $20. We consider it an entertainment fee. Where else can you play video games for a few hours for so little?

Walking across the street from Harrah's to Riverwalk we caught the Riverfront Street Car back to the French Market. Our car was just steps from the stop.

An little over an hour later we were back at the RV.  Bed was soon to follow.