Consider Visiting the 1850 House

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.
  

Tips:   Consider pairing this with some of the other nearby NOLA adventures on our blog to create  more adventures for your Frugal Family Travelers:

1.  Historic New Orleans Collection and other area museums.
2.  Pack a lunch and visit Crescent Park after your visit to the 1850 House. 

Directions: (click address to see Google Map)

523 St. Ann St.Lower Pontalba Bldg., Jackson Square

View from the courtyard 

Having fun in the gift shop!

Enjoying beignets and coffee after our visit. 

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.

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2020 Luna Fete Free Light/Sound Installation

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.  

Luna Fête website

Cost:   Free 

Date and Times:

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.  

https://lunafete2020.squarespace.com/weekend-1

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 travel.  

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center to Host Free Christmas Event

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
  

Directions:

246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS (Click for directions in Google Maps)

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.

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2019 Holiday Events Not to Miss

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
  

Directions:

739 Canal Street at Bourbon

New Orleans, LA

(Click here for Google maps)

2.  Pioneer Christmas  (click here for details) 

Cost:   Free

3.  Luna Fete (click here for details)

Cost:   Free

4.  Miracle on Fulton Street (click here for details)

Cost: Free

Open Daily, NOV 29- DEC 21, 2019 Fulton Street is transformed with twinkling holiday lights.   

 Hourly Snowfall 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

*Gingerbread Display in the lobby of Harrah’s.  

5.  Mississippi Coast Model Train Museum: 36 Days of Christmas and Trains 

(click here for details)

Cost:  Free

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover

Living History: The Nina and Pinta to Dock in Biloxi, MS - 2020

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.

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Cool Temps at Couturie Forest!

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 letterboxing Click 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!

Directions:

Harrison Ave. New Orleans inside City Park 

Some of the Wildlife to be Encountered!

Relaxing at City Park after our Hike!

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover

Low Cost Family Festival: Talented Arts Program Celebrates the Arts

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!!

Be sure and like us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/frugalfamilytravelers

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover