About this Trip
Day 1
We started our journey with a drive from Dallas to New Orleans, making a detour to visit Houmas House along the way. This plantation estate is beautiful, with lush grounds and an interesting history. As we walked through the gardens, we were surrounded by exotic birds and stunning scenery. The best part was that after the tour, we were free to wander the grounds as long as we liked. It was a peaceful, relaxing stop before continuing our drive. We caught a 6:00 p.m. tour, which was the perfect timing to explore the house and the grounds. There are many plantations in this area that you can tour. We liked this one but be sure to research the different options before you go.
After Houmas House, we drove on to New Orleans and checked into the Embassy Suites. With it being New Year’s Eve, we were lucky to grab a last-minute dinner reservation at Sofia, just a short walk from the hotel. The margarita pizza was a hit with the kids, and our food was great too. They even had champagne and caviar "bumps" as a special for the night, which was a fun New Year’s Eve touch.
Later that evening, we got to watch fireworks all up and down the Mississippi River from our hotel room. It was an amazing way to ring in the new year, with a perfect view of the celebrations across the city.
Day 2
We started the day at the National WWII Museum. This museum is incredible but intense, especially for younger visitors. It’s one of the most detailed and well-curated museums I’ve ever visited, offering a deep dive into the history of World War II. The exhibits cover everything from the early stages of the war to its aftermath, with sections on the European and Pacific theaters, as well as the home front. Some areas are very graphic, with vivid depictions of the horrors of war, so I’d definitely say it's not for everyone—particularly for kids under 10, like our youngest. But despite the heaviness, it’s an incredibly educational and powerful experience. The museum does a fantastic job of balancing history with personal stories, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in WWII.
After the museum, we headed to Mardi Gras World for a lighter, more fun experience. The tour starts with a short video about the history of Mardi Gras, and they even give you a piece of king cake to enjoy as you watch (a nice touch!). Then, we got to explore the artist’s studio where they make and paint the Mardi Gras floats. You’re encouraged to take as many photos as you want, which is great because the floats are massive and colorful—so much creativity goes into them. The tour guide shared some fun stories about the history of Mardi Gras and the floats, making it all even more interesting. If you’re in New Orleans, this is an experience I highly recommend! It’s a unique look behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous festivals.
Day 3
We kicked off the afternoon with a swamp tour, and it was a blast. The highlight was definitely the alligators—we saw plenty of them sunning themselves along the banks and even some swimming right next to the boat. The kids were totally fascinated by them, and it made for such a fun experience. Our guide was great, offering lots of information about the local wildlife and swamp ecosystem. It was a unique way to see another side of Louisiana, and we all loved it.
After the swamp tour, we headed to JAM NOLA, a funky and colorful spot that offers a deep dive into the culture and history of New Orleans. One of the exhibits featured a video on the Indian Mardi Gras chiefs and the traditions surrounding the Mardi Gras Indians, which was both informative and fascinating. The whole place is full of vibrant displays, and there were plenty of photo opportunities with the incredible, larger-than-life costumes and art installations. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but snap a ton of pictures—it’s as much an art experience as it is a cultural one. Definitely a great stop for anyone looking to learn more about New Orleans culture in a fun, interactive way!
Day 4
We started the day with a stop at Café Du Monde for beignets and coffee. The beignets were, of course, delicious—light, fluffy, and absolutely covered in powdered sugar. The kids got it everywhere, but that’s all part of the fun. The café was busy, as always, but we found a table and enjoyed the lively atmosphere with music drifting over from the French Market.
After breakfast, we walked through the French Market, checking out the shops and vendors. There’s a little bit of everything—local art, souvenirs, and some interesting snacks. It was a nice way to wrap up our time in New Orleans before hitting the road.
The drive back to East Texas was pretty straightforward. We made it to Nacogdoches by dinnertime and found a local spot to eat. The food was good, and it was nice to sit and relax after the drive. After dinner, we checked into our hotel and called it a night. A simple and smooth day!
Day 5
We drove next to Nacogdoches, and I was so excited to visit my alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). Walking around campus brought back so many memories—the iconic pine trees, the brick-lined pathways, and, of course, the beautiful Baker Pattillo Student Center. It’s always amazing to see how the campus has grown and changed, but it still felt like coming home. I couldn’t resist snapping some photos at the SFA sign, and I made sure to show the kids the places that meant the most to me when I was a student.
While we were in the area, we also stopped by Millard’s Crossing, a historic village that is a collection of beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, from log cabins to a church and a schoolhouse. The kids loved exploring the old structures, and we enjoyed wandering the grounds and learning about the history of the area. The whole place had such a charming, peaceful vibe, and it was a great complement to our trip down memory lane at SFA.
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