Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Louisiana's Coastal Region: Top Places to Visit

 

Louisiana's coastal region is a destination like no other. From the bustling city of New Orleans to the serene beaches and natural parks, this area has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, you will find plenty of attractions to enjoy. Here are some of the top places to visit in the Louisiana coastal region:

Beaches

Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about beaches, but this southern state has a unique coastline that offers visitors a different kind of beach experience. From the wild and rugged stretches of sand to the calm and serene beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has a lot to offer beach-goers.

Holly Beach

Also known as the "Cajun Riviera," Holly Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is known for its calm waters and soft white sand. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the shoreline. The area is also popular for crabbing and fishing.

Rutherford Beach

Rutherford Beach is a quiet and secluded beach located in Cameron Parish. The beach is known for its calm waters, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visitors can relax on the sandy shore or go for a swim in the clear blue waters. The beach is also a great place for fishing and crabbing.

Johnson Beach

Located in Barataria Preserve, Johnson Beach is a secluded spot that offers visitors a unique beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and visitors can take a hike along one of the many nature trails before cooling off in the water. The beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Rip Van Winkel Garden 

Rip Van Winkle Gardens - This botanical garden is located on Jefferson Island and features a stunning collection of exotic plants and flowers. You can also tour the Joseph Jefferson Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address:

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560

Admission:

Home Tours: 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Tickets: $12.00 Sr. & Groups $10.00

Avery Island

Avery Island - Home to the famous Tabasco sauce, Avery Island is a must-visit destination for foodies. You can tour the factory and sample some of the spicy sauce, or explore the beautiful Jungle Gardens.

 

Address:

32 Wisteria Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513

 

Tabasco factory & Jungle Garden Admission:

$12.50 Adults

$9.50 Children (4 and under are free)

Grand Isle     

This barrier island is known for its pristine beaches and excellent fishing. You can also visit the Grand Isle State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities.

New Orleans

The Big Easy is one of the most popular destinations in the region. From Bourbon Street to the French Quarter, the city is full of historic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture.

 Fontainebleau State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also explore the ruins of a historic sugar mill and a beautiful lagoon.

Address:

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

Admission:

$3 per person

Free for seniors (62 & older)

Free for children (3 & under)

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

 

 

Tropical Backyard Garden 2021 Tour in Arkansas

 

  

I am late on posting a garden tour from last summer. After the hard winter, it took most of the summer for what did survive to grow.

 

In February 2021, we had ice, snow, high winds, and negative nine-degree weather for a week. This is not something that you would ever expect to experience in southern Arkansas.

While we did enjoy playing in the snow, I was concerned about the damage it was causing.

I knew that the palm and banana trees would suffer, but I was not sure about the more native plants and trees. Six out of the eight palm trees died. Most of them being over ten years old.  

I cleaned up and set back to see if anything would put back up.

Slowly, the banana trees and a few other plants started to grow.

The crape myrtles, loquat, and some bushes struggled to put out new growth in July. Normally, this would happen in April. 

 

Everything continued to struggle throughout the summer, but by August, my lush paradise had returned. Well mostly..... things were smaller than normal and some of the trees still had dead limbs mixed with the green ones. The hibiscus and sun coleus that I had wintered in the greenhouse performed extra well, making up for the lack in the rest of the garden.  

This past winter was mild as usual and the trees and plants continue to recover. We have added new hardscapes and plants to the garden this year already.  I am hoping this summer will be better since I am already seeing a lot of green and new growth from the established plants and trees.

Happy Gardening!!!

   

 

The Mysterious Black Sand Beach in Minnesota: Exploring the Unique Natural Wonder

When you think of a beach, you probably imagine white sands and turquoise waters. But did you know that Minnesota has a beach with black sand? Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the Black Sand Beach is a unique natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the country. In this blog post, we will explore what makes this beach so special and why it is worth a visit.

The Black Sand Beach is in Silver Bay, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior. The beach is not entirely made up of black sand, but rather a mix of black and white sands. The black sand comes from the nearby Palisade Head, a basalt rock formation that has eroded over time.

The beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and there are many activities to enjoy. Visitors can swim in the cool waters of Lake Superior, go fishing or kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

Why Visit the Black Sand Beach?

 

The Black Sand Beach is a unique natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to experience something truly special. The contrast between the black and white sands is striking and makes for some stunning photo opportunities. The beach is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including forests, cliffs, and the expansive waters of Lake Superior.

 

In addition to its beauty, the beach is also a great place to learn about geology and natural history. The basalt rocks that make up the black sand were formed over millions of years, and the beach is a living example of the powerful forces of nature.

Tips for Visiting

 

Wear sturdy shoes, as the beach is rocky and uneven.

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as the beach is exposed to the sun and bugs.

Be careful when swimming, as the waters of Lake Superior can be cold and rough.

Respect the natural environment and leave no trace behind.

The Black Sand Beach in Minnesota is a unique and stunning destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the power and beauty of nature. Whether you are a geology buff or simply looking for a beautiful and unusual beach to visit, the Black Sand Beach is worth checking out. So, grab your camera and head on over to this amazing natural wonder!

 

Address:

Water Plant Rd, Silver Bay, MN 55614

*Watch for a sign on the main road.

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discovering the Beauty of Hollow Rock Island and Beach in Minnesota

Located along the north shore of lake superior is a beautiful place where wild flowers bloom along a rocky shoreline and an unique island sits just off the beach.

Hollow Rock beach is located in Grand Portage, Minnesota just behind the Hollow Rock Resort.

The place gets it's name from the Island/Rock formation that sits just off the beach.

Quaint cabins are scattered throughout  the wildflower covered grounds of the resort. The place is very peaceful. I could see myself staying here for a week or so! 😊

Reserve Cabins here

You do not have to stay at the resort to access the beach. The rocky stretch, which offers an amazing view of this little island, is open to the public. 

Address:

7422 E Highway 61
Grand Portage, Minnesota 55605

Happy Travels!