New Orleans
Johnny has family in New Orleans that he hadn’t seen in years, so we decided it was time to head that way for a long-overdue visit. It was so special watching everyone reconnect, and I loved finally meeting Aunt Mary and cousins Renee and Leslie. We were also lucky to spend time with Renee’s husband John, her two kids, and their families. It turned into a wonderful few days filled with stories, laughter, and catching up.
We stayed at Fontainebleau State Park on Lake Pontchartrain and took a day to explore the park itself. It’s a beautiful spot with a fishing pier, sandy beach, and peaceful nature trails. Thanks to some unseasonably warm weather, the beach was surprisingly busy with people soaking up the sun. The alligators seemed to appreciate the warmth too. Smaller ones lingered in the water, while one larger gator stretched out on the grass behind the beach looking completely unbothered by the humans nearby. We kept a respectful distance.
Renee kindly planned the rest of our time in the area, which meant we were in very good hands. One highlight was a Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours adventure through the winding bayous of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Our guide, Jason, led a 90-minute tour through the swampland and did a fantastic job explaining the wildlife and ecosystem. February is usually too chilly for much gator activity, but thanks to the warm spell, we saw plenty. It felt like we had perfect timing.
We also visited at The National WWII Museum downtown. The museum was incredibly impressive and deeply moving. It walks you through the events leading up to the war, the rise of the Axis powers, and the long road to Allied victory. What stood out most was how thoughtfully it told both the broader history and the personal stories of those who lived through it, whether on the battlefield or back home. It’s not a quick visit, and it’s not a light one either, but it’s absolutely worth the time.
Of course, no visit to New Orleans would be complete without spending some time in the French Quarter. After the museum, Renee took us to Jackson Square for a late lunch and a stroll. We had a great meal at Landry’s Seafood House and then wandered around admiring the artwork set up around the square. We had hoped to grab beignets at Café du Monde, but the line wrapped around the corner and we needed to get back to the camper. That just gives us one more reason to return.
This stop in Louisiana turned out to be about more than sightseeing. It was about reconnecting with family, learning a little history, exploring new landscapes, and adding another layer of memories to this adventure. We left feeling grateful for the time together and already talking about when we might make it back.
