Our recent Frugal Family adventure found us in New Orleans admiring the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral while in route to the 1850 House. Just inside the historic Jackson Square, the 1850 House represents the oldest example of apartment living in the United States. The "row houses" were built to serve as sumptuous residences on the two upper floors with retail spaces on the ground level. The house is furnished with period pieces that depict 19th century living. One can discover stories of those who lived here and of the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, who was responsible for building the upper and lower Pontalba buildings which flank the square. Our Frugal Family Travelers enjoyed this adventure and the stop to Cafe du Monde for beignets. The best part about this adventure is it didn't break the bank!!
When planning your trip here consider the links listed in the "tips" section below which suggest other offerings nearby.
Cost: Admission: Adults - $3; Seniors - $2; Children 12 and under - FREE, (No Reservations Necessary)
Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-4:30 p.m.
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
Gallier Hall, with its stately columns, never looked more amazing as it did during the holiday season back in 2014. French artist team, La Maison Production designed a video and sound installation to delight viewers! The installation, entitled "Luna Fete" (which stands for "light up NOLA Arts") projected across the entire facade of the historic building.
LUNA Fête 2020 will be a bit different this year due to COVID but it will be held nonetheless.
6:00-10:00 p.m. nighthy, December 11 through December 18 and December 18th through 20th
Directions:
Due to Covid the installations will be smaller and at various locations. Read the information at the link below for details and locations regarding for weekend 1. Weekend 2 TBA.
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to travel.
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, MS will host "Kids Street Christmas", Wednesday, December 3rd from 5-7. This FREE event will take place on Kids Street, which is a miniature subdivision built especial for kids and located right on the grounds of the discovery center. At this event kids will enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, face painting, special performances and a visit from Santa himself. Lynn Meadows is an incredible place for kids of all ages! Our Frugal Family Travelers love this discovery center and yours will too, especially with all of the great activities slated for this event! A special thanks is extended to my friend, DL for sharing this information with me today!
Cost: Free Tip: Consider purchasing a membership. It is reciprocal and allows visitors access to the Associate of Children's Museums Network. Day and Time: Wednesday, December 3rd - 5-7
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
If your Frugal Family Travelers are ready to kick off the holiday season, then you may want to attend some of these great events for 2019
1. Canal Street Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2019. On Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 (5:30-7:00pm), at the Astor Crowne Plaza hotel in New Orleans, the "switch will be flipped" to light Canal Street with over a million Christmas lights. In addition, kids who bring an unwrapped gift can join Santa and decorate a Christmas cookie.
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 5:00-7:00 pm; lights on at 5:30 pm
6. New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the Krewe of Jingle, will once again delight locals and visitors with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt-walkers, Christmas characters, and many more magical surprises! December 7, 2019 - 1:00. See parade route below:
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
If your Frugal Family Travelers are a fan of living history, you will not want to miss an opportunity to visit what is called "the most historically accurate replica of the ship ever built", spoken of Christopher Columbus' the Nina, which will be docked, along with a replica of the Pinta, in Biloxi, MS from Feb. 20th-March 2nd, 2020
The Nina was built using hand tools and designed to be a floating museum to educate the public about the caravel, which was a Portuguese ship used by many early explorers. Both the Nina and Pinta travel to various ports of call to share the rich history surrounding Columbus' historic voyages in discovery of the new world in 1492.
Groups of 15 or more qualify for a $5 group rate. What a great opportunity to get up close and personal with history with YOUR Frugal Family Travelers!
Cost: Admission for self-guided tours: Adults - $8.50; Seniors 60 and older - $7.50; Children 5-16 - $6:50; 4 and under - Free (No Reservations Necessary) Hours of Operation: 9-5:00 p.m.
Note: $5 per person group tickets are available for 15 or more persons: Call or email: 787 672 2152 or ninapintatour@gmail.com
Directions:
The ships will be docked at the Schooner Pier Complex
Physical address: 367 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
If you are a fan of City Park in New Orleans and are planning to visit soon, consider exploring the Couturie Forest. Nestled within the park, Couturie Forest is an 80 acre paradise consisting of trails which outline 8 different ecosystems. The forest is also home to New Orlean's highest point, Laborde Mountain, which measures 43 feet above sea level. I know, I know many of you who were born and raised in this area are probably exclaiming that "Monkey Hill" in the Audubon Zoo is the highest point but in fact, that isn't true. Laborde Mountain surpasses Monkey Hill by nearly 16 feet!! :) Our Frugal Family Travelers recently paid a visit here. We enjoyed the scenery on the various hiking trails and loved exploring Laborde Mountain. This is also a GREAT location for those who enjoy bird watching! Combine this with our Crescent Park Itinerary and with a detour to Cafe' Du Monde and you will have a full day of adventures fit for any Frugal Family Travelers!
Tips: Pack water, sunscreen, and insect repellent!!
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!! To discover more about letterboxingClick Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
Note: We packed some great family board games and a blanket! After our hike in the forest we found a place to relax and picnic in City Park!
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
The Talented Arts Program of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System will have “A Renaissance Celebration" at their annual festival Saturday, October 13th at Lakeshore High School in Mandeville. The festival will take place from 9:30-1:30 pm and will showcase the learning which takes place in a Talented Art, Theatre and Music classroom. If you haven't attended one of the previous festivals in the past, you should certainly consider attending this year. Not only will you experience great music, art and theatre created by amazing students, but you will have an opportunity to create "make and take art", play games, purchase art and eat great food! This is an amazing festival suited for the entire family! Our Frugal Family Travelers look forward to this event every year and the best part is the cost! At $5 per adult admission and $1 per student, it won't break the bank!
Frugal Family Travelers gives this event four PLUS "waves of fun"!! Here are a few pictures taken at one of the previous festivals!!
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Tip: Bring the whole family and bring extra money for food and "make and take" art!
Cost: $5 Adults; $1 Students
Directions:
Take 1-12 towards Mandeville exit 68 go NORTH on 1088 and school will be on left
26301 LA-1088, Mandeville, LA 70448
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
As most South Louisianians know, hurricane Katrina caused heavy damage to the I-10 twin span, over Lake Pontchartrain, which connects Slidell, to New Orleans. Rather than completely remove the old bridge, the St. Tammany Parish Government decided to transform a portion of it for recreational purposes, particularly, fishing. Frugal Family Travelers recently paid a visit to the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier to view the beauty of Lake Pontchartrain. The pier is located specifically at the I-10, Oak Harbor exit and can be accessed by the road adjacent to Gulf Coast Bank. The facility has a welcome center with bathrooms and an automated kiosk to purchase entrance tickets. We were a bit disappointed to discover that the twin span portion of the fishing pier is not yet open. If you visit, you will notice a locked gate which prohibits access to that portion of the pier. That said, folks are allowed to fish on the boardwalk which will eventually provide access the bridge. Adjacent to the boardwalk are two covered gazebos, which provide much needed shade and areas for cleaning fish at the stations provided. Once full access to the bridge is granted, this will be an amazing place to access Lake Pontchartrain and spend a day fishing with your family! However, its worth a visit but do not be disappointed, as we were, that the old twin span portion is not yet accessible.
Tips:
Bring sunscreen and water, must have proper fishing licence
Note:
Prices: 12 years of age and older, if fishing from pier, $3; 12 years of age and over not fishing, $1; Under 12 years of age, free Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available.
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
**Unfortunately as of February 2015 Fort Pike was closed by the state due to budge cuts! This is sad for Louisiana!**
If you are an avid follower of our blog, you have probably discovered that Frugal Family Travelers love the state park systems, not just in Louisiana but in other states, as well. State parks provide folks with an opportunity to experience history, nature and outdoor recreation without breaking the bank! Investing in a Louisiana State Park Pass is a great way to capitalize on additional savings for your family, especially if you plan to visit many of the state parks in Louisiana during the year.
If you live in Louisiana or are a tourist planning a trip to this area, consider paying a visit to Fort Pike State Historic Site. Located just outside of Slidell, in the outskirts of New Orleans, on the Rigolets, Fort Pike was completed in 1827, after 8 years of construction. Frugal Family Travelers have visited this site numerous times, as it is close to our home. My son and I recently spent a dad-son day here exploring all of the areas of the fort. We even had a picnic! Whether touring the historic grounds, exploring the fort, experiencing the beauty of the waterfront or learning the rich history of this site, there is something for all ages to discover at Fort Pike State Historic Site.
Tips:
Pack water, sunscreen, and insect repellent!!
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!! To discover more about letterboxingClick Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
Note: This is a great place to picnic!
Directions:
27100 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
Touted as one of the "Top 10 Outdoor Museums in the World", by the British Museum, the Rural Life Museum, in Baton Rouge, LA will transport Frugal Family Travelers, like yours,back in time to life in 19th century Louisiana. The museum is run by Louisiana State University and features both an indoor area called the "exhibition barn", featuring artifacts from 20th century rural life, as well as outdoor exhibits, featuring authentic pioneer cabins, churches, Acadian buildings, etc., all in a rural landscape. Our Frugal Family Travelers LOVED exploring this vast property to explore all of the exhibits and trails. They especially loved seeing the old cars and carriages in the indoor museum!
Admission is $9 (ages 12-61), $8 (ages 5-11, 62+), and free (under age 5).
Note:
Harvest Days are two special days at the museum Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2, 2016- 8:00 - 5:00 pm both days! These two very special days will feature living history demonstrations which interpret activities that took place on Louisiana farms and plantations during harvest time in the 1800’s. Activities include; cooking, soap making, wood working and many hands on activities in which the general public can participate. Wagon rides and other activities are included. General admission charged.
A video highlight from our day! Note: The video and pictures are NOT from the "Harvest Days" Event.
Exploring at the grounds!
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the US. Whether it be swimming, hiking, waterfalls, history, or the beauty of the mountains in October when the leaves begin to change colors, there is always something to see and experience in the park, regardless of the season one chooses to visit. Our Frugal Family Travelers enjoyed the park this summer! In addition to some of the most frequented spots by the park's approx. 9,000,000 visitors a year, we chose to visit some of the less traversed areas as well. In doing so we discovered some amazing spots that we highly recommend to anyone planning a visit here in the future.
There are 4 visitor centers located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sugarlands, Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome and the Oconoluftee (near Cherokee, NC). In addition to a visitor's center, Oconoluftee offers the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill which features historic cabins and building collected from places throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and preserved on site for viewing, The visitor centers and the rangers who work there are an amazing wealth of knowledge and source for planning amazing adventures while visiting the park. Each center sells booklets for $1-$2 which focus on a particular area of interest within the park, such as waterfalls, auto touring, and hiking. We relied heavily on these booklets and bought everything we needed for less than $10! This was our ONLY expense for all of the adventures you see below. The rangers are also happy to help you with any and all questions. If you tell them what you are interested in seeing or doing, they are happy to point you in a direction to find those adventures. There is also a free quarterly newspaper published by the National Park Service which contains a calendar with interesting ranger-led activities and demonstrations happening throughout the park. Take advantage of these special program offerings as they will add yet another layer of excitement for your Frugal Family Travelers while visiting the park.
Another "secret" which may be obvious to some to keep these adventures affordable was to picnic nearly every day for lunch. There are picnic spots located throughout the park and almost every trail-head has a picnic area and restroom. Many spots also include barbecue pits and more than once we wished we had brought some grub for the grill!
A picture is worth a thousand words. View the pictures and links posted below to discover some familiar locations in the park and some locations that are "off the beaten path".
This site with multiple waterfalls is located just minutes from the Sugarlands Visitors Center. No hiking required--park right in the parking lot and walk just a few steps!
This bridge is located near the trailhead for Abram's Falls. Abram's Falls is a 2.5 mile hike (5 miles round trip) and is touted as a great family hike. We started out too late in the evening so we chose to hike to the Elijah Oliver cabin from this trailhead. This 1-mile round trip hike was easy and we all had a good time!
Trail to Hen Wallow Falls Note: Hen Wallow Falls was a new waterfall to the Family Frugal Travelers. After locating this waterfall on the waterfall guide provided by the National Park Service, we decided to give it a try! The trailhead is located about 30-35 minutes from Gatlingburg via Highway 321. The hike is 2.4 miles one way (4.8 round trip) and was moderate in difficulty. There were multiple stream crossings like the one below with bridges made from old logs. This was truly one of the favorite attractions for our younger travelers. The falls were stunning and truly made the hike worthwhile. There is a beautiful picnic area with restrooms at the trailhead where we also enjoyed a picnic after our hike.
Trail Behind Sugarlands Visitor Center: This trail is great for families who do not want to take a strenuous hike with small children. The trail head is right behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This short .9 mile trail links the town of Gatlinburg to the visitor's center. This was a great end of the day activity for us and a great place for skipping rocks across the stream.
Note: This waterfall is not listed on any park map but is one of the most beautiful hikes! Please note that this is very a strenuous hike with vary narrow paths at times adjacent to steep drop offs. In order to access the trail for Spruce Flat falls, follow the signs for the Tremont Institute within the National Park. The Institute is located near Townsend, TN. After parking in the parking lot, look for the sign for Spruce Flat Falls. Spruce Flat Falls was truly an amazing find because there are few hikers and the area is vitually undistrubed. Southern Living Magazine has named it the Best Photo Spot in the Smoky Mountains.
Look Rock observation tower is located on the scenic Foothills Parkway. An easy 1/2 mile hike leads to the observation tower which provides a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. The Foothills Parkway is not as busy as other roads in the park, so this is a great place to get away from the crowds and traffic, especially during the summer months or peak fall leaf color viewing times in October. The Parkway is 18 miles long with many scenic pull-offs. Look Rock is at the highest point along the Parkway. The National Park Service maintains a picnic area and a campground at Look Rock. Look Rock is a great alternative to the more lengthy drive to Clingman's Dove and offers a competing view!
(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.
