What. Is. That? There's a CASTLE over there?…read more Driving over the I-10 bridge from New Orleans back to Biloxi, we spotted it and I had to know what was going on so when I came back a few days later, I went out of my way to visit here. Built in 1981 for the World's Fair, the castle is quite small by castle standards. Only two bedrooms and a one and a half baths on the inside. It is private property so if you're coming to visit, please be respectful and only view it from the street (or the lake). [Review 14204 overall, 1526 of 2020, number 22 in Louisiana.]

As you drive down the I-10, east of New Orleans, you may have a WTH moment. There's a castle off in…read morethe distance (well on Hwy 11). It is a private home, for now, with aspirations for more that never quite materialize. Still the history of the place; it's recent vintage and it's singularity in the swamps of South Louisiana make it something special. You have to love a man with a dream. In 1981, Simon Villemarette decided he wanted a castle. Was it supposed to be at tourist attraction? Or was it just going to be his home? Whichever he built it well. He passed and his family had to sell. Yes it survived Katrina when most buildings did not. The official assessor's description says "concrete castle" so maybe even the K winds were intimidated. Some folks from Virginia owned it from 1995 to 2014, maybe they planned to make an inn out of it (according to news stories at the time), but that never happened. Now the current owners post to the official FB page that they too want to make it an entertainment/photo shoot/bed & breakfast spot. BUT the FB has been saying be patient since 2016. Still it's a fun spot to see. It is private property so don't be a creeper. And I decided this bit of unique architecture should be my review #2400. Enjoy!

Built in 1822 as part of the "Third System" of the seacoast defense plan that was enacted in the…read morewake of the War of 1812, it was one of 42 forts constructed. Later, the fort was occupied by Confederate Forces during the Civil War. The fort was decommissioned and abandoned in 1871 following a fire four years previous. The ruins were further damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Due to its dangerous and deteriorating condition, the fort is currently closed to the public. You can still get quite close to it by parking at the nearby harbor and walking down a pretty nasty little road that is cluttered with debris and litter. From there, you can see the brick walls and the magnitude of this impressive fort. Or you can take your chances and trespass but I don't recommend it. [Review 14203 overall, 1525 of 2020, number 21 in Louisiana.]

Don't know why my photos keep disappearing from this "business" but this is the twin span bridge…read moreover Lake Pontchartrain. Photos taken at high speed. BOOM chakalaka! The entryway to NOLA. Yay! :)) Laissez les bons temps rouler! OuiOui. Drive safely y'all!

I like bridges and this one is no exception. I am a fan of getting from place to place swiftly and…read moredefinitely not driving around the long way. Bridges make that happen! The I-10 Twin Span Bridge is two three-lane bridges that carry Interstate 10 across Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Slidell. 5.4 miles long and 60 feet wide with 30 foot clearance across most of the bridge and 80 foot clearance at the bascule section. The bridge was opened in 2009 with one of the bridges and then the other in 2010 with the completion of all work done in 2011. I crossed this bridge three times - once each coming and going and then the third time was just going. I took US 90 the other time and that review is coming soon. It is smooth and easy and very, very straight. As such, the speed can be a little intense. New Orleans is a big city and they not only drive fast here, they lane jockey. Crazy! [Review 14136 overall, 1458 of 2020, number 8 in Louisiana.]

Cleaning restroom. Got to see alligator. They also have instruments for the kids to play. The…read morestaff very friendly and helpful.

Very nice building with friendly staff. This welcome center is huge and clean. There is a station…read morewith community coffee to enjoy. There is also a small seating area. Nice to make a stop here and make use of the clean restrooms. Outside are covered benches where you can enjoy your food and relax a bit.

I learned so much on this tour--especially about the different brands. I had no idea that several…read morebrands I've tried before are actually connected to Sazerac Company, which was a really interesting surprise. One of the highlights for me was a modern twist on the classic Sazerac--an elderberry and amaro version that was complex, unique, and unexpected. I also tried a coffee-inspired Sazerac that was incredibly smooth, with rich espresso notes that balanced perfectly with the bold flavors of the original. It was so good it honestly made me forget about Patrón XO Cafe. Each floor includes a tasting sample along with a recipe card, which was such a nice touch and makes it easy to recreate the drinks at home. The space is very well set up, with elevators and bathrooms on every floor, and you can even see parts of the distillery during the experience. Overall, it's an engaging, well-organized tour that's both informative and fun. Definitely worth it if you're interested in cocktails or want to learn more about spirits.

We came here on a whim because it was raining heavily and outdoor plans were limited. Since it was…read morewithin walking distance, we decided to check it out and I'm so glad we did. In hindsight, this absolutely deserved a spot on our itinerary. It's a unique combination of a liquor shop, museum, and immersive experience, where they walk you through the history of some of the iconic drinks that originated in New Orleans. The entire experience from the visuals to the storytelling to the tastings comes together beautifully. I was genuinely amazed that something this well done is offered for free. After the tour, we wanted to pick up a few bottles, but unfortunately they were out of what we were looking for. We even came back the next day, but it was still out of stock, which was a bit of a letdown. The staff was incredibly friendly and took the time to answer all our questions. Overall, this is a must-do experience if you're in the area.

The massive white columns and Greek Revival architecture make it one of the most striking homes in…read morethe neighborhood. This is the titular exterior of Miss Robichaux's Academy in American Horror Story: Coven! Definitely worth a photo while exploring the Garden District.

The Buckner Mansion is an incredible place to see if you're visiting New Orleans. I really enjoyed…read moreseeing it in person since it was featured in American Horror Story Season 3. The mansion looks amazing and is definitely worth stopping by.

Just an amazing overall presence here. If you are a fan of Rice, you feel like you are near her…read moreeven though she is gone. They have repainted the home sadly but it is beautiful. We were so fortunate to have an amazing writer like her.

Anne Rice's former home, in the Garden District, is known for its connection to her vampire novels…read more She lived in this historic mansion, built in 1857, that was once owned by Albert Hamilton Brevard. Rice reportedly spent a lot of time writing in a small observatory room at the top of the house.

You down with JBB? Yeah you know me…read more I wouldn't plan a trip to New Orleans just for this, but it is just 200 feet from Cafe de Monde, along a riverwalk perfect for walking off a corner of one beignet. It's just a placard designating the Execution Of Jean Baptiste Baudrau II, a local trader killed at the site by the breaking wheel. That means he was strapped down for agonizing mutilation, by breaking his leg bones, then arms and ribs. If the operator was "nice", he'd do the neck next. Otherwise, he'd braid the limp limbs into the wheel and let him hang out for up to 3 days before getting decapitated or lit on fire, the body left there for the animals. All this for locking his Blue Bike out of the designated area. (Actually, he was implicated in officer death and prison mutiny where he was locked up for illegally salvaging wrecked ships). Jean's remains were thrown in the river. Nice photo op. Side note: He was the great-great-great-great-great grandfather of cousins Jimmy Buffett and actress Diane Ladd (Laura Dern's mom). The placard won't say that- obviously, the City doesn't want people to break out in "Margaritaville" at a memorial.

If you're on the St Louis Cemetery tour, which you need to be to get into this cemetery now you'll…read moresee this tomb. You used to be able to walk around and take in the experience but after theft and vandalism, an organization took over the cemetery and you need to pay to enter and go on the hour tour. The tomb is very unique and sits right in the middle of the cemetery.

The tour was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had great stories to tell. But if this is…read morethe only draw you have to go on this tour you'll be mildly disappointed. Go for the full experience not just for Nicolas Cage.