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.

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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

St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier

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.

Directions:

54001 E. Howze Beach Road in Slidell (click link to access location on Google Maps)

(Oak Harbor exit off I-10)

(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.

Visit Fort Pike

**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 letterboxing Click 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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos o

Harvest Days Event!!

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. 

Rural Life Museum

4560 Essen Ln

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover