Family-Friendly Activities on the #CajunCoast
Temperatures are soaring and the kids need something constructive to do now that they’re out of school. Grab a snoball, put your feet up and review these family-friendly activities on the Cajun Coast.
Swimming/ Splash/ Spray Parks/ Beaches
—Morgan City Public Pool, 611 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Morgan City, LA 70380, Phone: 985-380-4652
—Splash Pad, 1300 South Rd. Bayou Vista, LA 70380, Phone: 985-395-6552
—Spray Park, 1333 Belleview Road Bayou Vista, LA 70380, Phone: 985-395-6552
—Lake End Park, 2300 Hwy. 70 Morgan City, LA 70380, Phone: 985-380-4623 (beach, fishing)
—Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Lane Cypremort Point, LA 70538, Phone: 337-867-4510 (beach, fishing)
Movies
—Fairview Cinema – 1515 Anthony Street, Bayou Vista, LA 70380, Phone: (985) 399-7469
—Lake Cinema – 1030 Ninth Street Morgan City, LA 70380, Phone: (985) 384-0280 *Free children’s summer movies through July 28, 2016. Click to see specific movies, dates and times.
Bowling Alley
—Charlie’s Lanes, 7722 Hwy. 182 East Morgan City, LA 70380, Phone: (985) 384-3510
*Summer Special: $5 All-You-Can-Bowl, Monday – Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 1p.m. to 6 p.m.
Skate Parks
—Morgan City Skate Park, 611 Myrtle St., Morgan City, LA 70380 Phone: (985) 380-4600
—The Swamp, 1300 South Rd., Bayou Vista, LA 70380, Phone: (985) 395-6552
—Franklin Skate Park, 1400 – 1410 Barrow Street, Franklin, LA 70538, Phone: (337) 828-3631
Mini Golf
—Noah’s Mini Golf Adventures, 1300 South Road, Bayou Vista, LA 70380 Phone: 985-395-NOAH – 6624
Petting Zoo
—Morgan City Petting Zoo, 725 Myrtle Street, Morgan City, LA 70380, Phone: 985-384-3343
Nature Trails
—Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge Trails, 1725 Willow Street, Franklin, LA 70538 (office)
Visit Friends of the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge for directions to trail heads.
#SmallTownProblems, #BigDatingIssues
This week’s post is courtesy of KeenVision, author of the blog #ibedamned.
When you live in a small community, dating can be somewhat of a daunting bid; like buying shoes at the one shoe store in town and later wearing them in public only to find out that everyone else bought the same pair. But, if you’re lucky enough to find a cute one-of-a-kind designer brand, consider yourself the belle of the ball.
Small towns may also lack in optional dating scenes. However, you don’t have to go out of town or spend a lot of money to have a good time. Sometimes, the best locale is off-the-beaten path and unspoiled. First dates may be awkward but they can also be fun, if both parties are interested in trying new things. Dating doesn’t always have to be dinner and a movie. Be adventurous and remain open-minded.
Check out the following list for ideas that can offer multiple opportunities that will help you “break in your new shoes” but not break the bank:
If you’re the competitive type, try a night game of basketball. A game displaying physical strength and agility could show a number of positive attributes and even some negatives, like his metabolism level; how soon does he get winded or if he has a propensity for good sportsmanship. Trash talking’s not so bad either. It’s a display of his competitive yet playful side.
Enjoy a nice stroll at a park near a lake or just go fishing together. It might seem cliché, but parks and waterways are typically serene spaces. It also forces both of you to engage in conversation; talk about your pleasant childhood memories, hobbies, interests and personal goals. Fishing can also show if a man is sensitive to the outdoors; a likely turn-off if you’re a rough and rugged kinda gal. And, sunsets! They’re a perfect end to any date; whether good or bad. It could either be a set up to a sweet smooch or a sweet goodbye.
Attend an outdoor concert or festival. Music speaks to the soul. Really, it does! Listening to music together can answer three things: 1) Does he have rhythm? 2) Do you have similar musical tastes? and 3) How well does he function around crowds? These are three important clues that may dictate the possibility of subsequent dates.
Go to a gun range. What woman doesn’t want to feel protected? And, what man doesn’t love a woman who can stand her ground in the face of danger? Some outdoor shooting ranges are free to the public. Just make an appointment, bring your own gun and ammunition.
Try a nature trail. This ain’t your regular bag of nuts and berries. It’s likely a testament to your potential future relationship. On this date, make it a point to get a little intimate…on a platonic level. Here’s how: spray and rub mosquito repellent on each other, bring a light lunch, take pictures of the scenery and of each other. While in nature, let nature do what it does best; allow it to take its natural course.
Watch thespians on stage. AKA, attend a play at a small theatre. There’s likely a fee attached but it’s nominal. And, often times, the money stays in-house to fund additional stage plays or renovations. Small theatre houses offer a quaint, quiet atmosphere and during intermission you can discuss the acts and actors as if you were play critics.
Go fly a kite, literally! Go to a wide open space like a nearby beach and fly a kite. It’s not an activity just for children, it’s for the kid at heart. At the end of your flight, pull out the blanket and have a picnic. It’s even more memorable if your date owns a pickup truck. Jump in the back and enjoy the sunset.
Dinner and a movie, why not? It’s not just any type of dinner. It’s Iron Chef meets Love Connection. If you’re pretty comfortable with the person, invite him or her over to your home and create a challenge that’s sure to get more than just your burners hot. Top it off with a movie. If you’re not a really good cook, that’s ok. I suggest a horror or suspenseful movie. That way, the scariest thing about the date would be the movie and not your cooking.
Go to a museum. You don’t have to be a hipster to enjoy fine art or exhibits. Art is all about interpretation. You might just learn something new.
Invite mutual friends over for a game night. Group settings are great ways to learn about each other as well as the caliber of friends he’s acquired. After all, birds of a feather flock together. Game nights are increasingly becoming the new adult craze in large cities. Why not make it an event in your own home or neutral site. And, if you don’t hit it off, maybe you help a fellow friend find the man of her dreams.
Who knew that living in a small town could offer such a plethora of date activities? Keep in mind that you will probably become hungry during the date, so make sure to be financially ready to fork over a few dollars for a meal, if you’re going dutch. Compiling the list was pretty easy. Now, it’s up to you to find the right companion.
Like this #ibedamned blog? Don’t forget to share the page with your friends and make sure to visit KeenVision’s home on the web.
KeenVision, is a journalist who moonlights as a blogger sharing stories often untold but worthy of attention. Follow the rantings of an introverted extrovert, people watcher and old soul at ibedamned.wordpress.com.
The Siren Song of Barbecue in the Summer
The smell of steaks sizzling on an open grill is a Siren song few can refuse.
It’s a summer staple built right into our DNA. Cooking with fire, which evolved into the modern barbecue, allowed early man to char his catch before digesting his protein.
Things have changed a bit since the early hominids’ version of cooking took hold.
In the U.S., there are several styles of barbecue that vary regionally. While there are 4 main styles, there are dozens of variations. Chefs cook their meat low and slow and usually use some kind of wood as their fuel, but the similarities end there.
–Memphis: Usually uses a dry rub that includes garlic, paprika and other spices. Meat, usually pork ribs, is cooked in a big pit. If Memphis-style barbecue is served “wet,” it’s typically served with a tangy tomato-based sauce.
–Kansas City: A wide variety of meats are cooked slow and low in a pit. The sauce is typically a thick, sweet molasses and tomato based mix. All meats are equally celebrated in Kansas City-style cooking.
–Carolina: Meat, typically pork, is slow roasted over fire pits and sauces vary from a pepper vinegar style in coastal areas to thicker tomato-based varieties in the Appalachians as well as the signature blend of sweet and tangy mustard, vinegar, brown sugar and spices.
–Texas: The secret to Texas barbecue isn’t a specific sauce or technique – it’s all about the meat which is smoked. Flavors vary wildly depending on which part of the state you’re visiting.
Think you’re a master of the grill?
You can prove it when you match up with barbecue teams from across the state at the 5th annual Bayou BBQ Bash will take place July 22 – 23. It takes place rain or shine, under the U.S. 90 bridge in downtown Morgan City.
The event, held at the corner of Second and Greenwood streets, is a BCA Sanctioned State Championship BBQ Competition. In addition to the competitive teams, locals can get in on the action. There will also be a Corporate Cooking Team Throw-Down Challenge for bragging rights as the best corporate company cooking team in St. Mary Parish and a local competition to name the top St. Mary Parish BBQ Team that anyone can enter.
The teams are competing for a minimum of $4,000 in prize money and a 10 karat gold ring – designed by Klutts Jewelers and valued at $1,400 – that will be awarded to the grand champion.
Also, on July 23, there will be barbecue competitions for children. Known as the Cannata’s Kids Q, children compete in two divisions: 13 – 17 years old will cook chicken legs and 12 years & under will cook pork chops.
For printable forms:
Remembering Their Sacrifice at ALR Freedom Fest
For Americans, Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of summer complete with barbecues, parties and parades.
The long weekends ensure those lucky enough to have the day off time to grill, travel and visit. But we tend to forget that Memorial Day is a time to remember American troops who didn’t get to come home after their tour was over or who couldn’t retire quietly from their branch of service.
On the Cajun Coast, we remember the sacrifice of those who died in active military service with the ALR Freedom Fest.
The American Legion Riders Post 96, Morgan City, will host the 2nd annual Freedom Fest and the 14th annual Freedom Ride May 28-29 at the Lake Palourde Judges Stand on La. 70.
The Freedom Ride is a scenic motorcycle trip through St. Mary Parish to lay wreaths at Blue Star Memorial sites. It begins at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium with registration at 7:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 8 a.m. Sunday. The ride ends at the Freedom Fest location in time for the first band at noon.
The festival has a full two-day schedule of live music including:
Saturday, May 28
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – The 4th Watch
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Old Soul
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – LA South
• 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – South 70 Band
• 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Natural Satisfaction
Sunday, May 29
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Hal Bruni and the Branded
• 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Blue Eyed Soul Revue
• 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Randy Jackson of Zebra
• 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Sledgehammer (Guy Gelso of Zebra and Steve Blaze of Lillian Axe)
Guest speakers in honor of Memorial Day take the stage between musical sets. In addition, enjoy food and merchandise vendors, children’s activities and more.
Net proceeds from the 2015 edition of the festival were donated to the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, American Legion Charity – Operation Comfort Warriors and a reserve fund for local veterans in need. Area non-profit organizations also raised funds for their needs via food booth sales.
5 Tips for Summer Travel in South Louisiana
Whether it’s a festival complete with live music and laissez faire fun or a lazy trip paddling through one of our bayou trails, there is always something to do and see on the Cajun Coast.
If you’re planning to visit in the summer, temperatures can soar and the humidity isn’t a joke. We’ve got 5 tips to make your next visit to South Louisiana one to remember:
1-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Both the heat and the tendency of visitors to imbibe sap reserves. It’s important to restore both water and electrolytes.
2-Pack Sunscreen. No matter what your plans are on the Cajun Coast, you’re going to be spending a lot of time under the hot Southern sun, and we all know that too much sun is dangerous. Protect yourself –and avoid a nasty sunburn – by using SPF 30 or higher as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
3-Come equipped with bug spray. Day or night, mosquitoes can be a bother this far south. Some Cajun Coast attractions (Brownell Memorial Park, birding, hiking, paddling, fishing and more) are directly in the swamp. That natural beauty comes equipped with a natural pest and bug spray is the best way to defend yourself.
4-Bring an umbrella or poncho. Typically, during the wet season (June to September) visitors can expect a rain shower during the afternoon.
5-Wear comfortable shoes. Save fashionable shoes for going out to one of our fabulous restaurants and the flip flops for the park. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes whether you’re spending the day touring, shopping or hiking. Your feet will thank you.
Golf The Atchafalaya at Idlewild
By Ed Selser
Discover the Cajun Coast’s premier golf experience overlooking the magnificent Atchafalaya Basin. Opened in 2006 and quickly regarded as the “must play” in Louisiana The Atchafalaya at Idlewild is an 18-hole public course surrounded only by nature. It was named a Golf Digest Top 10 Best Louisiana Course for 2013 and was listed in the Top 50 in the US by Golfweek. In fact, The Atchafalaya has been ranked one of America’s best five times!
Located along scenic Hwy 90, between New Orleans and Lafayette, in Patterson, The Atchafalaya is as close as you can get to Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin while enjoying a spectacular round of golf. Ecotourism abounds in this Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course with each of the 18 holes named for a cultural feature within the Basin where over 40 species of indigenous flora thrive.
The 7,533 course is appreciated by golfers of all skill levels for its exceptional course conditioning and expansive greens. For the traveler, top line rental clubs are available and the 2015 model cart fleet includes state of the art GPS (Visage) that lets you touch the screen and get the exact yardage to the pin. You can also place food and beverage orders right from your cart.
The cypress clubhouse is open to the public so you don’t even have to be a golfer to enjoy the celebrated Cajun food and spectacular views from the big Acadian back porch. While the dress code requires collared shirts and no jeans on the golf course, jeans are fine in the clubhouse restaurant. The popular Catfish Atchafalaya comes grilled or fried and covered with Crawfish Etouffee. The steaks are also a specialty.
The Atchafalaya is open 7 days a week with rates, online tee times and an Interactive Course Guide available at www.atchafalayagolf.com
Check out regular Cajun Coast Golf Packages.