We greatly enjoyed our time in Destin, FL. We didn’t move around very much, and primarily used our three days there to better organize our new camper. As I wrote earlier, this camper has less space than our previous fifth-wheel, so Helen has worked very hard to find a home for our necessities. She did a great job, and Gracey is now functioning better as our second home on the road.
The Destin Army Recreation Center is an extraordinary facility. There are cabins, hotel and motel rooms, and a swimming pool. The Marina offers covered boat docks and rental equipment, such as Jet Skis, to military veterans and their families at affordable rates. The campground is very accommodating for large trailers like ours.
Along the sea wall at the Marina, rocking chairs sit in rows and make for an enjoyable evening of sunset watching over the surrounding bay. I took several shots to illustrate the view.
From Destin, we traveled to New Orleans, one of America’s great cities. There is a lot to do in New Orleans, and we have traveled there many times. We have driven through the Garden District to take a look at the lovely homes there. We have enjoyed the unique French Quarter experience and visited the World War II Museum, but this time, we came to eat.
We camped in the French Quarter RV Resort, about one mile from the Quarter itself. I admit, I was apprehensive at first about what this campground had to offer and whether it would be easy to tow our camper there. My fears were unfounded—the campground was perfect for our stay, and very convenient for what we had planned—finding good food. The only negative about the RV Park is that Interstate 10 runs next to it, and we heard a lot of sirens while there.
My tradition for day one in New Orleans is to rise early and head to Cafe du Monde for Beignets and coffee. We could have walked to the Cafe, but we were in a hurry for those powdered sugar delights, so we drove. Cafe du Monde was packed, but as soon as we walked up, a couple finished with a nice table near the sidewalk. A Jazz Band played softly beside our table. The morning breeze wafted through the open-air cafe. We were cool, comfortable, and in Beignet Heaven. They were as good as I remembered.
Oysters were on the evening menu, and we decided to try the selection at Acme Oyster House. We sat at the bar and watched as Jonas shucked our dozen and made sure we were taken care of. I got the raw dozen while Helen ordered a half dozen grilled and smothered with crab meat and a special cheese sauce. She allowed me a sample—made my day.
The following day, we chose to drive through the Garden District and land at Domilise’s Po-Boy Bar for lunch. My nephew recommended Domilise’s a few years ago, and I can’t thank him enough. The lunch place has been around for nearly 100 years and serves traditional Po-Boy sandwiches that are equal to or better than any found in the city. I ordered a fried Oyster Po-Boy, and Helen selected an Oyster-and-fried-shrimp combo. We washed them down with a local Amber Beer. That’s how to do lunch!
After a long nap, we agreed we should return to the Garden District for dinner at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant and Bar. This fine establishment is another oldie but goodie, opened in the 1920’s. Around 1939, a friend of the owner came in raving about a meal he had enjoyed in Chicago. Soon, the friend and the chef were in the kitchen for an all-night session and ultimately created the Famous Barbecue Shrimp recipe that put Pascal’s Manale on the map. I had to order it. Helen chose a grilled redfish dish with a side of barbecue shrimp. Our server was a delightful lady named Toi, who couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. She gave us a loaf of the fresh bread used for dipping in the shrimp barbecue sauce to take home. What a fabulous way to wrap up two wonderful days in the Crescent City.
Our next stop is Shreveport, LA, where we’ll be back to Protein drinks and tuna salad, but at least we’ll have the memories of some awesome food. Hopefully, you’ll join us there.
Our next stop is Shreveport, LA, where we’ll be back to Protein drinks and tuna salad, but at least we’ll have the memories of some awesome food. Hopefully, you’ll join us there.
We’re Easin’ Along (burp).
Easin’ Along
