If 2020 taught us anything, it’s how to travel with style… and a face mask. My in-laws hit the road in their RV. They are living the retirement dream. We jumped at the chance to meet them on one of their stops. First destination: the one, the only—New Orleans, Louisiana. And let me tell you… it was electric.

Our Bayou Bungalow & Bourbon Street Beginnings

We rolled into the city. We dropped our bags at a charming little bungalow. It was right across the street from Grandma-D and Grandpa’s RV. Their backyard view? Literally on the water. Our view? A front-row seat to good vibes and even better stories.

And what did we do first? You already know—straight to Bourbon Street, baby! We passed the legendary Superdome. We hit every pothole the city proudly offers (shoutout to NOLA’s road crew—we felt every bump). We laughed until our heads almost hit the roof of the truck. I won’t blame the driver (Grandpa, you’re safe—for now), but those streets are definitely not for the faint of spine!

Mardi Gras World: Behind the Beads

On day two, we took a spontaneous detour. We visited Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry. It’s part of New Orleans’ most iconic tradition. Massive, decades-old floats filled the warehouse like giant works of rolling art. They create over 500 floats a year. Walking through their creative process felt like stepping into a vibrant, glittery time machine. A must-see.

And like all great adventures, we never show up with a full itinerary—we just roll with Grandma-D’s magic. And this time? She pulled out the big one…

Swamp Dreams & Gator Queens

Day three: airboat time! I was ready to channel my inner swamp queen and chase down some gators. We booked the smallest boat (only eight people), which meant every splash and snap felt real personal. Our tour guide, Jay (I think?), was phenomenal—part biologist, part comedian, part gator whisperer.

As we eased down the bayou, we spotted two gators lounging on the bank. Then Jay started calling them—yep, actually yelling in what sounded like French, Creole, maybe Spanish? I don’t know what language he spoke, but those gators understood. They slithered into the water and swam right to our boat like they’d RSVP’d.

He tossed marshmallows in the water and got one gator so close, he fed her from his hand! I nearly launched myself onto the poor lady next to me. The thrill was unreal. And after all that? Jay sent us to a hidden gem restaurant nearby that had just been revamped on the TV show Restaurant: Impossible. The episode aired the next day. Talk about VIP treatment!

The Great Escape… Room

On day four, after Grandma-D’s signature breakfast (seriously, Michelin-star-worthy), we hit an escape room. Masked up and ready for action, we took on our first full-room challenge with the in-laws.

Let me say this: If you’ve never done an escape room, the first 30 minutes feel like organized chaos. You pick up everything, question nothing, and pray you’re not solving clues that don’t matter. We eventually made it to the second room. However, we got stuck on the final puzzle. There was just one clue and one big lock to go. The game master gave us an extra ten minutes. We still didn’t make it out… but we walked out laughing, bonding, and already planning the next one.

Pedals, People & Powerful History

Our last day, we joined a three-hour bike tour through the city streets. Our guide, born and raised in New Orleans, brought the city to life through the stories only locals know.

We learned about Ruby Bridges. At just 6 years old, she became the first African-American child to desegregate an all-white school in the South. This happened right there in New Orleans.

We heard about Marie Laveau, the legendary voodoo queen, healer, and midwife, who mixed spiritualism with street smarts. The tour even touched on Delphine LaLaurie. She was a socialite turned serial killer. Her haunting legacy still sends chills down French Quarter alleys.

What surprised me most? In some parts of town, there aren’t traditional grocery stores. Locals rely on 24/7 corner shops. These shops sell everything from toilet paper to gumbo spices. That’s New Orleans for you: resourceful, rich in culture, and full of contrasts.

NOLA: Where Cultures Collide and Magic Lives

New Orleans is a city unlike any other. A place where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures collide to create something wildly unique. Where jazz floats down cobbled streets, history breathes through every building, and locals welcome you like family.

A Fun Fact from New Orleans + Your Puzzle Challenge!

There’s no place quite like New Orleans, right? This city doesn’t just sing with jazz — it shouts with soul. 🎺🎶 New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz. It was home to legendary musician Louis Armstrong. He grew up in the heart of the city. Armstrong turned its rhythm into a global phenomenon. 🌎✨

And let’s not forget: New Orleans is also home to America’s oldest continuously operating streetcar — the St. Charles line — still cruising its iconic route today! 🚋💚

You didn’t just escape a room here — you walked through living, breathing history.

This trip was more than a getaway—it was an experience of soul, spice, and stories we’ll carry forever. I’m so thankful for my family, our adventures, and every memory we’re making together.

🎭 New Orleans Puzzle:

We’ve cooked up a fun puzzle inspired by the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Crescent City. Each clue holds a little piece of New Orleans charm. When you solve them all, you’ll uncover a special word at the heart of the adventure. 🧩

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Think you can crack the code? Let’s play! 🎉

What do jazz musicians love to do in the middle of a song?
👉 Answer:

People yell this during Mardi Gras parades to get beads!
👉 Answer:

These are above the ground in New Orleans and hold the city’s past.
👉 Answer:

This spooky New Orleans tradition includes dolls and spells!
👉 Answer:

Sweet, sugary, fried dough — you can get it at Café du Monde! 👉 Answer:

✨ Now put the first letter of each answer together, unscramble… what does it spell?

🕵️‍♀️✨ Got it?
Have you uncovered the secret word hidden in the heart of New Orleans? 🎷
Drop your answer below. Claim your badge! Puzzle pros like you deserve to show off a little! 🏅👇
Let’s see who’s got that Crescent City brainpower! 🧠💥

Next Stop: Springfield, Colorado!

Don’t forget to subscribe and follow along as we explore more hidden gems across America! From gator marshes to ghost stories, every trip is a chance to fall in love with the road again.

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