Passports from the Heart

Travel Guide: Lafayette, Louisiana

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Located in Louisiana, situated in the heart of Cajun Country, is a gem that’s been labeled the ‘Happiest City in America’. After visiting, it’s no surprise why Lafayette has been given this title. From foodies to history buffs, there’s truly something for everyone. Here is my guide to what to see and where to eat while visiting Lafayette.

Where to Eat:

The French Press 

214 E. Vermilion St. Lafayette, LA 70501

(337)-233-9449

The French Press is a great place to grab breakfast (or lunch). James Beard nominated, Chef Justin Girouard, creates his own versions of traditional cuisines inspired by his Cajun, French, and Italian heritage. I highly recommend the Cajun Benedict. Share it with your loved one as it’s certainly not a small portion. This casual dining spot has been named one of the Top 100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat by SAVEUR Magazine and rated as one of Urban Spoon’s Top Breakfast Restaurants in the country.

French Toast
Cajun Benedict: Toasted french bread, Herbert’s Boudin, American Cheese, and two poached eggs. Topped with chicken and andouille gumbo with fresh scallions.
Sweet Baby Breesus
A local favorite. Praline Bacon with Tabasco sauce.

Olde Tyme Grocery

218 W. Saint Mary Blvd Lafayette, LA 70506

(337) 235-8165

I’ve been dreaming of the Olde Tyme Grocery poor boys since my trip to Lafayette. You can’t get more ‘local’ than this place. This family-owned restaurant is especially busy on Ash Wednesday and Friday’s during Lent. Crawfish and shrimp poor boys are extremely popular on these days due to Catholic’s abstaining from meat. Seafood becomes the staple. It’s such a busy time that after the 40 days, Olde Tyme Grocery employees are rewarded with special Lent t-shirts.

Dat Dog

201 Jefferson St Lafayette, LA 70501

(337) 330-4860

In 2011, Dat Dog was opened in a post-Katrina New Orleans and over time has spread to multiple locations including Lafayette. From Polish Kielbasa to Bratwurst and even Alligator Sausage, there’s something for all taste buds. Their menu also includes vegetarian and gluten free options. I decided to go with ‘Chef’s Choice’ where all of the toppings were chosen for me. This is a great casual spot to hang out, have a beer, and watch sports.

What to See and Do:

St. John Cathedral

515 Rue Cathedral Lafayette, LA 70501

(337) 232-1322

You don’t want to miss seeing this beautiful Cathedral that’s been a downtown landmark for over 200 years. The on-site Cathedral Museum features memorabilia of the early bishops, historical documents, liturgical vestments, and vessels of the pre-Vatican II era.

 

TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory

Hwy. 329 Avery Island, LA 70513

(337) 359-9560

Avery Island,  located right outside of Lafayette, is home to the most famous pepper sauce in the world-TABASCO. Invented by Edmund Mcllhenny in 1868 it’s still owned and operated by his descendants. Not only can you tour the TABASCO museum but you have the opportunity to tour the factory and greenhouse to learn how the sauce is made. If you are brave enough, have a sample of their hottest sauce on the market- Scorpion.

Jungle Gardens

Louisiana 329 & Main Road Avery Island, LA 70513

(33) 369-6243

Avery Island, home to TABASCO Pepper Sauce,  is also home to Jungle Gardens and Bird City. Edward Mcllhenny wanted a place where others could enjoy and study nature for years to come. There are beautiful live oak trees through the gardens but one of my favorite things about this area is the Buddha statue. It was gifted to Mr. Mcllhenny in 1936. It’s said to be more than 900 years old. He created a beautiful shrine for the Buddha which has now become a focal point for visitors. It has also become an active place of worship for local Buddhists.

 

Rip Van Winkle Gardens /Joe Jefferson Mansion 

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd New Iberia, LA 70560

(337) 359-8525

This beautiful home was owned by American actor Joe Jefferson in the 1800s. Mr. Jefferson was known for his portrayal of Rip Van Winkle on stage and eventually silent films. On Jefferson Island, you have the opportunity to tour this beautiful mansion, the Rip Van Winkle Gardens, and dine at it’s on-site cafe (where you must have the Seafood Cream Bisque). The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the gardens sit among 350-year-old oak trees.

Vermilionville

300 Fisher Road Lafayette, LA 70508

(337) 233-4077

Vermilionville is an incredible living history museum exploring the Acadian, native American, and Creole cultures from the time periods of 1765-1890. The park sits on 23 acres and has seven restored original homes and over 13 local artisans on site. Vermilionville also offers summer camps (in French and English), weekly Cajun jam sessions, and boat tours of the Bayou Vermilion.

Paddle Tour of Lake Martin with Bayou Teche Experience

17 E. Bridge St Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

(337) 366-0337

I love to be out on the water so my guided paddle tour of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin with Bayou Teche Experience was a great time and extremely educational. This ecosystem supports a variety of water birds and native plants. It’s also the home to a large population of alligators.

Looking for a place to stay while in Lafayette? 

Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette

1521 W. Pinhook Rd Lafayette, LA 70503

(337)-235-6111

Interested in attending Mardi Gras in Cajun Country? Read about my recent experience http://passportsfromtheheart.com/2018/03/mardi-gras-cajun-country.html

Travel Guide: St. Simons Island, Georgia

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All it takes is one visit to the beautiful St. Simons Island to immediately fall in love. In fact, last year I visited the island twice. Voted America’s #1 Favorite Romantic Town and America’s #1 Favorite Beach Town, St. Simons Island is the perfect place to experience authentic southern charm. It’s a special place whose history dates back to the 1800s. There’s a plethora of activities to participate in locally, incredible restaurants, and accommodations with the perfect view.

Where to Stay: King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the King and Prince has gone through many changes over the last 80 years. One thing that’s for sure, there’s a reason this resort is a favorite among so many. With beautiful accommodations, oceanfront dining, and a host of amenities everything you need for a perfect vacation is right at your fingertips.

Where to Eat: Southern Soul BBQ 

2020 Demere Road St. Simons Island, GA

912.638.SOUL (912.638.7685)

In 2017, Southern Living Magazine named Southern Soul Barbeque the best in the south! The locals and visitors clearly agree because on the day I visited there was a line waiting out the door. If you are looking for a true southern meal then you really can’t go wrong with their chicken, mac & cheese, and okra. Delicious and definitely hits the spot.

Georgia Sea Grill

407 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522

(912) 638-1197

 

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Georgia Sea Grill. This locally owned restaurant and wine bar is located on the pier village. I took my family for dinner here last summer and they were so kind to allow my daughter to play the piano in front of guests. She was of course thrilled. I have quite a few favorites on the menu. I highly recommend the escargot, crab maison, crab stuffed hushpuppies, and of course the corn battered fried Georgia shrimp.

Echo

Located in the King and Prince Beach Resort

(912) 638-3631

Chef James Flack will not disappoint you at the King and Prince Beach Resort restaurant ECHO. From presentation to quality, your dining experience will be outstanding. ECHO has something for everyone and is great for drinks after a day at the golf course, lunch with the girls with a sea view, or dinner with a loved one. I also love that you can find the recipes for your favorite menu items on their website.

What to Do: Ocean Motion & Barry’s Beach Services

1300 Ocean Blvd

(912) 638-5225

I love to be out on the water every chance I can get. Ocean Motion offers paddle boarding, kayaking, sailboat rentals and lessons, and bicycle rentals. Kayaking through the salt marsh with a guide was not only an educational experience for my children but also lots of fun for everyone.

Lighthouse Trolleys and Boat Tours

(912) 638-3333

Cap Fendig has been leading fishing trips for over 40 years. In fact, his family’s presence on the island dates back to the 1800s. His company Lighthouse Trolleys and Boat Tours has been voted as the best dolphin tours by locals. In addition to boat tours, Cap offers tours of St Simons Island and Jekyll Island. That includes ghost tours of these areas of the region that are rich in history.

St Simons Island Lighthouse

610 Beachview Drive St Simons Island, GA 31522

(912) 638-4666

Located near the village is the St. Simons lighthouse which was built in 1872 to replace the original lighthouse from 1810. This place has incredible history behind it but rather than give it away I highly recommend stopping by the museum. Visitors can also climb the 129 stairs to the top for a beautiful view of St Simons. It’s worth every step.

John Krivec Photography 

(912) 602-8882

St Simons Island is a special place that should be experienced with special people. What better way to remember these moments than by having a photographer capture them. Local photographer John Krivec is an expert with over 20 years experience, I am confident he will exceed your expectations. I have worked with many photographers over the years and his work is by far some of my favorite. Just take a look at his website!

Finally, one thing not to miss during your time in St. Simons Island is the beauty around you. Bud St Pierre , Director of Sales and Marketing at the King and Prince, shared something with me that I have not been able to forget. ‘Never miss the sunrises on the beach and the sunsets over the marsh.’ Such a true statement. St Simons Island is a gem.

 

Rescue Ranch:Teaching Compassion for Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership

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Tucked away just over 40 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina is an incredible animal sanctuary and education center called Rescue Ranch. Located in Statesville, this organization was founded in 2012 by Ryan and Krissie Newman. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to learn about the incredible things they are doing and also meet some of their adorable Animal Ambassadors.

What I love about this center is that education is extremely important to them. Most parents have heard their children beg for a rabbit, guinea pig, or even snake. But do they know what it means to care for such an animal? When my son was much younger he begged us for a snake. My husband agreed only under the condition he create a power point presentation of why he wanted the snake, how would he care for it, how would he pay for it, and how it would benefit our family. After the first slide, our son admitted we were right and he had no clue what it meant to care for a snake.

The center specializes in programs meant to educate children about animals. They learn about pet ownership, where they come from, what type of care they need, how they survive in the wild, and why it’s important we be the voice for animals.

As you know, Easter is right around the corner and those cute bunny photos often times lead to a surrendered bunny. Over 80% of rabbits after Easter are turned into shelters!

The Rescue Ranch team has taken in snakes, iguanas, geckos, birds, steer, pigs, turkeys, chickens, among many others.

Don’t tell the others but Jordie was my favorite bird. Shhh…..

One story shared with me about the ranch’s founder, Krissie, truly showed her heart for animals and community. In 2004, while at a Nascar race in Virginia, a young girl approached Krissie with a letter. The girl explained in the letter her family had taken in a stray dog who had gotten out and ended up pregnant. They were struggling financially to care for 15 dogs. However, she wasn’t asking for help for her family. She was asking for help for the community. Krissie found the girl in the crowd and the next day arrived at her home with supplies such as food and beds to help care for the dogs. This young girl ended up being one of Krissie’s greatest inspirations.

In addition to animal education, the Rescue Ranch has recently built the largest inclusive playground in the area at 10,000 sq feet. It truly is special. Not only is it wheel chair accessible but it’s also sensory friendly.

Did you know that there are over 1 billion people with disabilities in the world. “Nearly 15% of the world’s population experience very significant disabilities.”-World Health Organization

It’s difficult to find an inclusive park for these children to play. The Rescue Ranch now can offer them a place where they can feel included. Where they can find a sense of normalcy and belonging.

The ranch has some incredible projects in the works including hiking trails which will also be wheel chair accessible and a memorial garden.

Learn more about the programs provided at the Rescue Ranch HERE.

About Rescue Ranch:

Rescue Ranch promotes, through its education, respect for all animals, as well as agricultural, environmental, and wildlife conservation, and facilitates rehabilitation, rescue, and responsible pet ownership in order to enhance the human animal bond. 

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