New Orleans is one of those cities that you must come to visit at least once in your life. I find that once you visit, you will always have a sweet spot for the city and return whenever possible. One thing that I love about living right outside the New Orleans area is that my family gets the best of both worlds. We live in a small town (actually, outside “town limits”) but live just a short drive away from everything that New Orleans can offer so many tourist.
Memorial Day weekend, my family played “tourist” in New Orleans and booked a hotel room in the French Quarter so we can enjoy everything a “tourist” can enjoy. One of the attractions my family visited was the Steamboat Natchez. From the sounds of French Quarter to enjoying the peace and serenity of the Mississippi River, our family had an amazing 2 hour cruise. Aside from the natural beauty of the area, we were entertained by a Jazz Brunch & given a brief history lesson as we rode the current of the Mississippi River.
For my son, the best part of the day was watching the paddle wheel of the boat go round and round. I’m not surprised because his favorite toys include anything with a wheel & hitch! Can you tell he’s a country boy?
But more importantly my husband , 2 children & I had a chance to reconnect. We detached ourselves (including the teen) from our devices, time clocks & deadlines and focused on the moment. I’m not going to lie, spending the weekend anywhere is hard on our schedules not to mention a budget buster. But we make it a point to spend time as a family unit, without grandparents or my children’s friends that may spend the night or day at my house. Our trip was about us…..
The city we love – New Orleans
And our time to reconnect.
Ghada says
I so wanted to take that ride when I visited. You are really lucky to be so close to NOLA, yet not directly in it. It is how I feel about living in Brooklyn, just outside Manhattan
Jennifer Medeiros says
My favorite thing about New Orleans is the gumbo! But that steamboat looks fun!
Angela@AboutAMom says
My mom keeps going on about how she wants to plan a trip to New Orleans. She would just flip over that steamboat!
Monty says
Love your photos. Makes me want to come to the Bayou
Mitch says
Great tips, New Orleans is on our USA must see city trip list!
thanks,
Mitch
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
how cool for you guys. I think its so important to re-connect sans devices and others –good for you making it a point to do so–there are just so many other things now a days competing for our special time–glad you enjoyed–looks like a great family day out.
thanks for sharing
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters says
I loved visiting NOLA last year. I’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to convince my family that we need to vacation there- or at least road trip through it.
Victoria says
It looks like you and you family had a wonderful time! I have never been to New Orleans it looks like a great place to visit.
Melissa says
Ah, this looks like so much fun. We really want to visit NOLA. So glad you had a great time to reconnect.
mel says
I can’t wait to visit NOLA!!!!! Looks like a wonderful time!
Kathleen says
My sister and I will be taking the dinner jazz cruise on the steamboat Natchez next week. I have not been on a steamboat before, so it should be amazing. It is one of the things I am looking forward to the most on our trip.