Exploring South Louisiana – Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin’

For stop number two, we did a little exploring in the state capital, Baton Rouge. Even though the weather station called for thunder storms all day long, we decided to head out to Blue Bayou waterpark anyway. We hadn't been there in over five years so we were really excited and thought it worth the risk. I guess a lot of people saw the forecast as well because when we pulled up into the parking lot the place was a ghost town.
Of course we arrived just as they opened at ten, but on other occasions they already had lines at the door.

We went through the security check at the gates and got our tickets within a couple of minutes, then went through another five minute line to get our season passes. It was a really quick and easy process today.
After we rented a locker and got all our stuff stashed away we headed up the staircases to the waterslides. I’ll be honest here and say I am somewhat a chicken and did not experience all of the rides. I skipped a few in fear of death. I’d have to say my top three favorites rides would be the Voodoo, the Conja, & the Lazy River! Well, maybe the Lazy River isn’t a ride, but lying on a tube while floating down the stream felt amazing.

After a few hours of riding the rides we decided to grab some burgers and fries at the Fuel Dock. The food was pretty good and prices decent. You’re not allowed to bring your own food or drinks in the park, but you can get back into the park once you leave with a hand stamp. So you can make a picnic lunch and leave it in your car if you’re on a tight budget.



After lunch my husband and older kids continued to go on more water slides so I took my 11-year-old, Tracie, to Pirates' Cove, which is a waterpark for children. I laid out in the sun cooking to a crisp, wondering when the rain would come. They do have shade, but I am weird -- I love to sit in the sun.

Two o’clock rolled around and it was time to go gather my family up and head to Dixie Landin, which is the theme park attached to Blue Bayou. The two older girls ran off right away to the roller-coasters and other fast scary rides, while my husband and I rode the smaller rides with Tracie. After spending a few hours at the theme park we all headed back to the waterpark until six, which is when the waterpark closes. The day was absolutely perfect and the rain never did come. Everyone had the most amazing time and we can’t wait to go back again!

Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin is open during the summer months. Check their website for more information on times and prices.


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Exploring South Louisiana - The Chalmette Battlefield

The first stop on my list, the Chalmette Battlefield is the site of the final major battle of the War of 1812, where American forces lead by Major General Andrew Jackson defeated the British Army that was invading New Orleans. The Battle of New Orleans is known as the greatest American land victory. They have many great stories of action and romance about this battle, some true and others not. But it truly is an amazing place to visit and an important part of our New Orleans history.



I don’t drive to Chalmette often but finding the battlefield was an easy shot, my GPS led me straight to the gate with no problems. We first pulled into the Chalmette National Cemetery, which was so much bigger than I expected it to be. I thought it would be a small graveyard with a few headstones but the headstones went on for miles. I looked it up after I got home and it’s 15,300 headstones. That means 15,300 soldiers who died for our country in this one cemetery. Now that’s mind blowing. After driving through the cemetery the next road over was the Chalmette Battlefield. My 11 year old, Tracie, who begged me to let her stay home so she could swim, runs out of the car to explore the cannons that are laid out before this massive field where the battle took place, asking a thousand questions I honestly couldn't answer. Even my 15 year old, Tabetha, left her phone in the car and took in the sight, which was beautiful. The wind was blowing hard so the American flag, flying strong next to the Battlefield Monument, was breathtaking. Inside the museum were all the answers to Tracie’s questions. They had photos, displays, documents, and even a short film on the Battle of New Orleans -- we learned a lot. After viewing the museum we walked over to the Beauregard House, which was built on the battleground after the war. They leave the doors open so you are able to go inside and look around. It was really an interesting place and I highly recommend visiting it. I definitely plan to go again when they do one of their Battle of New Orleans reenactments! That would be a lot of fun.

Check out the The Chalmette Battlefield Photo Gallery on FineArt.com.

The Chalmette Battlefield is open daily 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed December 25 and Mardi Gras (Tuesday, February 12, in 2013).


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*Side note: Listen to Johnny Horton’s The Battle of New Orleans, you will love it.

Summer 2013 - Exploring South Louisiana

During the summer of 2013, I am going to post a blog of different spots I find interesting here in South Louisiana. I am going to dedicate one day per week to explore a place and tell you my thoughts on it. So if you’re interested in learning more about this area subscribe to my blog. 

Stay tuned for my first adventure… Coming very soon!!