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.
We’re Easin’ Along (burp).
Easin’ Along
Sounds absolutely perfect! Great memories of New Orleans for me– Cafe du Monde & Pascal Manales! Top favorite is Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace and a muffaletta at the grocery near Jackson Square. Hope it was as cool in the mornings as it’s been here.
Cheers to your next adventure !
Hi, Carolyn,
We haven’t been to Commander’s Palace in years–will have fix that next trip. We had surprisingly cool weather in New Orleans. Texas is a different story. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week. Joe
Sounds like you and Helen enjoyed an absolutely delicious stop in New Orleans, Joe – all I can say is, “Yum!” 😋 Alan and I have sampled the beignets from both Café du Monde and Café Beignet, and Café Beignet won us over. Plus, we love their location in the Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street. As for Destin . . . I’d be in one of those chairs at the water’s edge watching the sunset every night! Safe travels – and the best of luck with your new rig!
Mary,
We enjoy the atmosphere at Cafe du Monde as much as the beignets. The jazz group was a lot of fun and we had great seats. We went to Destin to chill out by the water…the rockers were an asset. We’ve encountered a few hiccups on this trip. Hopefully they’re few and far between. Always great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Joe
Joe, I like your style – it’s protein shakes and cottage cheese for us right now. Our indulgence lasted a bit longer than yours.
Those oysters look fantastic.
Suzanne,
Welcome home! I enjoyed following your last voyage, and admittedly was a tad envious. I understand the temptations of travel as much as anyone, hence the protein shakes, but you looked fabulous in the pictures I saw. Whatever you did pre-travel worked! Thanks for checking in, and have a great week! Joe
Greetings Happy Travelers! I really enjoyed the last 2 articles. Getting all aspects of life settled & re-arranged in the first and living it up in this article. You made my stomach growl with the descriptions of NOLA meals! Have fun in Gracie and talk soon!
Lou!
We’re on a kinda fast pace trip to California, but still have time to enjoy the fine life when we encounter it. The food in Nawlins was scrumptious, and we pigged out. Thanks for checking in, and please stay in touch. Big Daddy
GREAT ‼️ I remember the Acme – wonderful ‼️ Safe travels ‼️❤️
Good morning, Ginny!
Acme oysters are fresh, cold, and BIG! We loved it! Have a wonderful week! Joe
So you ate your way through New Orleans, Joe, how fun! Glad the campground accommodated the new RV! Happy trails!
Hello!
We had our fair share of what New Orleans has to offer and enjoyed it immensely. We’re in Texas now–hot and windy. Always great to hear from you. Enjoy your week. Joe
Joe, you and Helen look fantastic! And so does that shrimp. A self-directed culinary tour of New Orleans is exactly the kind of trip we love. So glad your new rig is working out for you two. Happy trails!
Laurel,
Thanks so much for checking in…I thought I had lost you. Guy Fieri couldn’t do New Orleans any better than we did. We went in as tourists and came out as cargo! We’re slowly getting used to the new trailer. It doesn’t have the storage space of our last fifth-wheel, but it’s also not falling apart like that one did. I would love to meet up with you and Eric sometime so, please stay in touch. Hope y’all are doing well–have a great week. Joe
Wonderful article… it brought me back to several trips to New Orleans and the great foods they have there. Thanks.
Good morning, David,
There’s a lot to like about New Orleans. We always have a pleasant experience. Thanks for stopping by. Joe
After all those years with a Cajun transplant, I can say I’ve been to all those places. Best food I have ever had. Thanks for the memories. Have fun!!
Good morning!
We had a blast and waddled out of town! Have a great weekend!
I’m glad to see that you and Helen are still “livin’ it up”, Joe.
Gosh, it’s been eons since we toured Carlsbad Cavern (1980, I think)
I’m glad you took the time. Carlsbad Cavern is one of those roses you need to “stop and smell”. (By the way, you found some worthy words for your Carlsbad ‘journal’…. and you exhibited some great photographs.)
I now understand you’ve been quite busy for several weeks, though I was afraid you were near to hanging up your traveling shoes. I’m sincerely glad you’re back on the road!
Your old BHS friend.
Hey there!
The Caverns are indeed a rose. I’ve explored caves all of my life and crawled on my knees through most of them. The enormity of Carlsbad was a helluva experience. You, being an experienced photographer, I appreciate your kind words about my pics. I’m still learning, but I love learning. We were close to hanging RV travel up, but Helen and I love the lifestyle so much, my motto is, “Do as much as I can, while I still can!” Hope you can make it to the reunion in November. Thanks for stopping by, and please stay in touch. Joe