Showing posts with label National Parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Parks. Show all posts

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Natchez Mississippi for Families

Established in 1716, Natchez is one of the oldest European settlements is the lower Mississippi valley. The history alone makes this an amazing destination!   However, the opportunities for exploration and hiking  abound with the gateway to the Natchez Trace Parkway being nearby.    In addition to the many historic homes that are open for paid tours, much of what our Frugal Family Travelers explored on a recent trip, were free.   The pictures blow highlight these offerings and share the details needed to recreate the itinerary or some variation for yourself.   


In the pictures below you will see us exploring the historic streets of downtown Natchez and then Historic Jefferson College.  



St. Mary Basilica is a minor basilica, once the cathedral for the state diocese. The oldest Catholic building still in use in Mississippi, the church received its first blessing in 1843.










First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of South Pearl and State Streets is home to "Natchez in Historic Photographs," a collection of photographs of early Natchez from the Gandy Collection. Open daily from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visitors may also tour the historic church through the chapel during these hours.











Our walking tour continued with a visit to the William Johnson House which is run by the National Park Service.  It tells the story of a freed slave who became a business owner in Natchez.   Most importantly, he kept an detailed diary of his life which allows visitors a glimpse into the past.   The picture below is just outside.    We were having fun with the leaves!  


100 year old fountain in Memorial Park!



King's Tavern has long been regarded as the oldest building in Natchez ca 1789.   It’s a great place to eat and visit!  Ask about the ghost!  
613 Jefferson Street, Natchez, MS 39120


After we completed our walking tour we headed back to the car for a short drive to Historic Jefferson College!   This is an amazing place!  What more can one ask for, free admission, history and great hiking!  The trail was used by the cadets when the college was still open.  
















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.








Saturday, June 9, 2018

Take a Walk on the Wild Side!



Recently, our Frugal Family Travelers did a little exploring on the Northshore just outside of  New Orleans.    We discovered the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Headquarters.  Positioned on the bayou in Lacombe, Louisiana, the headquarters is located on the grounds of a former Catholic Retreat Center.    We spent our morning exploring the hiking trails and discovered many picturesque views of the bayou, as well as numerous fountains and springs.   The grounds were teeming with wildlife of all kinds.  Azalea and Camellia are abundant on the property and would therefore make this a great a place to visit again while in bloom.  The headquarters also has a wildlife museum with all sorts of interactive exhibits and videos which showcase the diverse ecosystem of the refuge.     It is no surprise why this place was chosen as the headquarters for the refuge.  Sadly, Frugal Family Travelers find that many of these types of places are underutilized by the public, who seem to be seeking more fast paced activities.   “Take a Walk in the Wild Side” and plan a visit here!   You won’t be sorry!


Directions:

61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445


Cost:   Free


Note:   Pack bug spray and sunscreen!   Don't forget pack a picnic lunch!   This is a great place for a picnic!  

Combine this with other hiking opportunities, just a short drive away, to creat a full day of adventure.... click link below for details:

Big Branch Marsh Hiking























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.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Unexpected places on the Northshore for a Kayaking Adventure

It is no secret that natural beauty abounds across the lake from New Orleans on the Northshore!  From the many parks, trails, Tammany Trace, St. Tammany Fishing Pier and particularly Camp Salmen Nature Park, there is no shortage of places for outdoor enthusiasts.  However, many people forget or  do not realize that there are some great spots for water exploration via a kayak or canoe! Whether you own your own kayak/canoe or choose to rent one,  a day of fun on the water can be created for your Frugal Family Travelers by exploring some of the locations listed below.  

Note: Check with the rental companies for rates and water access points.   Rental companies may not provide transportation to all of the areas indicated below.  

1.  Bayou Liberty

If you are a frequent reader of our blog posts, you already know that our Frugal Family Travelers love Camp Salmen.   However, we recently discovered a bayou access point for kayaks and canoes, directly across from the playground area and are now even more thrilled to have this amazing place available to visit!    Also, the parking lot is adjacent to the launch, which makes it and easy place to launch a kayak.   Pack a lunch and plan to explore the park after your float trip.  

Directions:   Camp Salmen












2.  Bayou Cane 

For those who remember the local chef Justin Wilson and his Cajun cooking shows, keep him in mind, while you float the Cane Bayou.    His 8,000 sq. ft. home can be viewed through the trees a short paddle down the bayou on the left from the boat launch.    Also, this float will take you all the way to Lake Pontchartrain.   

Directions:   









Click for details regarding Kayak rentals!


3.  Bayou Bonfouca

Access this area at Heritage Park in Slidell.  This boat launch is suitable for motorized boats as well as kayakers and canoes.  If you have kids, this park has a great splash area for cooling off after you canoe or kayak.  Call the Bait Shop in Slidell to see about canoe/kayak rentals! 












4. Bayou Lacombe

At the the end of Main Street in Lacombe, LA is a great boat launch, suitable for both large boats, canoes and kayaks.  

Directions:  







Sunday, April 9, 2017

Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 2: Little River Canyon National Preserve





Frugal Family Travelers have been taking readers on a journey through the Lookout Mountain Parkway and along the way have been highlighting areas off the beaten path!   At the heart of the Lookout Mountain Parkway is the Little River Canyon National Preserve.   Within the preserve you will have access to numerous trails, swimming areas, the Little River Canyon, Little River Canyon Center and the spectacular Little River Falls.  Beauty abounds in the preserve.   You will want to plan adequate time to soak up all that it offers.   

Little River Canyon, Little River Canyon Center and Little River Falls

Cost: Free or honor box when applicable. 

Directions to the Little River Canyon Center:

4322 Little River Parkway, Fort Payne, AL 35967 (Note: The canyon may be viewed from various places within the preserve directly off the main road; Little River Falls is a short hike from the Canyon Center or a short 2 minute drive.) 

Little River Canyon Center Hours: M-S: 10-4; Sun.: 1-4
The center features an HD movie about the canyon, exhibits, hiking trails, information about the preserve and a gift shop.  Adjacent to the center, by hike or short drive, is the spectacular Little River Falls!  One can observe the falls from a decked area with seating or take a short trail to get your feet wet and have a closer look.  Be sure to check the center's website for special programs offered throughout the year.  










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.