Day 2 in the Big Easy

Upon reviewing some of the items on our list of things to see, we noted that there wasn’t much open on Sunday or Monday. Prioritizing that which would take the most time, we scheduled our tour for the 2 plantations for Monday and then set off with no particular plan for this day. We stopped off for a hearty brunch at Star Steak & Lobster (lunch menu was less elegant than the title of the restaurant sounds).
Wandering down Decatur Street we saw the horse and buggy rides for the cemetery. Since the cemetery is a local curiosity, we thought that sounded like a good way to spend some time. Unfortunately, the cemeteries close on Sundays at noon so we just missed our opportunity for that day. Bummer!
Wandering across the street we stopped in at Washington Artillery Park to check out the monument and view across the Mississippi River.

The view of St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square was pretty fabulous as well.
As we walked down the ramp from the park, lo and behold it was time for dessert at Cafe Du Monde! I was amazed to find out this place is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It doesn’t seem to matter when you go – this place is SO busy! We lucked out to find a table that someone was just leaving. Menus are posted on the napkin holder and are pretty straight forward – beignets, coffee, milk, or water. We decided that we could probably be satisfied with 2 beignets apiece and ordered. A short time later, the waitress showed up with our order hot from the kitchen and just enough powdered sugar to make them all the more delicious with a little extra for dipping if needed.
Leaving the cafe, we found ourselves walking past the horse and carriage rides once more. We made a quick decision to take the ride. We lucked out to have Clarence and his mule Sugar Daddy as our guides for a half hour ride. They pointed out plenty of places to listen to great music, eat wonderful food, or shop. Clarence also told us about the architecture and history of several buildings, pointed out Delta Burke’s home, etc. It was quite an entertaining and informational ride.
We walked along toward the Aquarium and thought to go in but decided against it. Instead we enjoyed a fresh squeezed lemonade, view of the Mississippi and a shaded bench. While we hadn’t done much with the day, we were all in agreement that it had been pleasant.
As we started back to the condo/hotel, we saw the Harrah’s Casino. Mom stopped in and hubby walked with me back to the room to pick up my Kindle so I would have something to do while they gambled a bit. I also picked up my Trader Joe’s canvas bag because I saw a convenience store placed in between the two and figured we could pick up some breakfast/snack items on our way back. Back to Harrah’s with hubby and I, where I settled in at a table in the Fuddruckers portion of the casino with my book for a little bit.
After the gambling bug was satiated for a little bit, we headed out to find some dinner. Fuddruckers would have been a convenient choice but Mom and I had hamburgers for lunch. A quick stop in the convenience store saw to some odds and ends that we dropped back at the room. Wandering down Decatur Street we stopped in for Bubba Gump’s for dinner.
By the time we were back to the room, we were all fairly exhausted from the walking and fine weather. Since we needed to get a fairly early start the next day, we turned in early and slept well.