May 4th Joey, Josh and Adam, three guys in their 20’s, took on a wild venture: to go on one road trip and hit all 48 contiguous states and never stop (except for gas). Josh’s father was the original planner who mapped the trip and was going to take the challenge himself several years ago. The trip never happened due to the death of his mother shorty before the journey was supposed to begin. And so the baton, or map rather, was passed on to Josh and his two buddies. The world traveled with them on their blog.

The trip began in Boston and ended at the Four Corners (Brilliant!). To make a very long story short here is what these three guys accomplished in FOUR DAYS:

• 7,008 Miles
• Exact time: 106 Hours and 43 Minutes
• Saw 90 cops
• And never got pulled over (Wow!)
• Highest gas price: $4.15
• Lowest gas price: $3.45
• Showers taken: Zero (I guess ya gotta do what ya gotta do.)

Congratulations, guys! While you are not mamas - you make us Traveling Mamas proud!

Travel On!

From the moment my kids hear we’re going on a trip they begin packing everything in sight: books, toys, pillows, favorite blankets, and three or four stuffed animals each.

When I heard about Zoobies Pets I knew there was a good chance a huge portion of my problem had been solved. And I was right. What exactly are Zoobie Pets? Zoobies are a brilliant three-in-one stuffed animal, pillow and blanket.

The new Zoo Line came out this year and let me tell you, they are adorable. My daughter is in love with her pink Hada the Hippo (in photos) and my son thinks his furry Bobo the Baboon is the coolest (he even has a pink bottom!). Some of the others are: Jafaru the Giraffe, Winda the Wildebeest, Cheche the Cheetah, Mashaka the Monkey, Kojo the Croc (I love this one), Gogo the Gorilla, Rhaxma the Rhino, and my personal favorite, Tama the Tortoise.

Are you curious how this fabulous innovation works? Let me explain:

The stuffed animal keeps its shape via two Velcro straps. When you undo the straps the animal transforms into to a pillow. On one side of the pillow there is a zipper opening where inside you will find the softest fleece blanket you have ever felt. The blanket attaches to the animal with a zipper. This makes for super easy washing. The best part: the blanket is huge!

I am seriously considering snagging one of my kids’ Zoobies for my long flights to and from Hawai’i with my fellow Traveling Mamas later this month. Seriously, the blanket really is big enough for an adult and oh so soft.

If you are traveling this summer this is one Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved item I highly recommend.

1. Because Zoobie Pets are all in one you won’t have to keep track of several items.

2. Did I mention the blanket is super soft?

3. Zoobies are easy to use. When my children are ready to pull out the blanket they can do it themselves. Hada and Bobo even helped make a successful road trip.

4. No more airplane pillows and blankets. In fact, the last plane I was on didn’t have blankets and it was freezing.

5. There is a wide assortment of Zoobies to match every child’s (and adult’s) personality.

6. On one final note, this Traveling Mama says,

Zoobie, Zoobie DO!

Happy Travels!

You forgot Mother’s Day? You’re not alone.

I’m sure there are many husbands and kids out there who forgot or at least procrastinated in planning this glorious day honoring every mother. This day is supposed to send mom into utter elation as the ones she loves pamper, dote and express their gratitude for everything she does all year long.

But you forgot. So, what do you do now? Her favorite restaurant is booked and you didn’t get her a gift or even a card. Well, don’t give up. Here are a few tips to help save the day for that dear Mama in you life.

1. Greet her with a big “Happy Mother’s Day” hug and kiss.

2. Gather the kids, some construction paper (fine, computer paper will do) and markers and make Mama a card.

3. Insist Mama stays in bed while you make her a cup of coffee and bring her the newspaper.

4. Make Mama breakfast in bed (pancakes, french toast, eggs, oatmeal) Come on you can do it!

5. Really? You can’t do it? Okay, pick up the phone and order breakfast to go! Yes, most restaurants really will pack your breakfast to go even if there is a line out the door.

6. Load up the family for a day at the zoo.

7. Pack a blanket and stop at your local sandwich shop before heading to that pretty park in town for a lunch picnic.

8. Give her coupons for a massage, warm bubble bath, clean kitchen, car wash- the only rule is they have to be used today.

9. No matter what you do today just tell her how much you love her and what a terrific, beautiful, lovely Mama she is.

I love the Kentucky Derby, with the big, fancy hats, Mint Juleps, and the thrill of the most exciting two minutes in sports. My son, daughter and I just cheered from home for our picks in the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The excitement was evident as Big Brown #20, the favorite, won the 134th Kentucky Derby. 

Sadly though, the filly who came in second place, Eight Belles #5, broke both ankles and had to be euthanized immediately. I admit I began to cry as I watched the teary-eyed doctor, who was on the scene when it happened, make the announcement on NBC. I just hope Eight Belles died doing what she loved best. We should all be so lucky.

A few days ago in the post Avoid Vacation Weight Gain I talked about healthy vacation foods, but it’s not just the good-eats we need to worry about when we’re away from home. Staying active is also very important. You can whine it’s vacation, and getting up to run on the treadmill is the last thing you want to do, but I can tell you now that you can stay fit and active on vacation and never see the hotel gym.

1. Join the Kids. Remember when you were sitting pool side while the kids and hubby were off riding waves? This vacation it’s time to get off your duff and join them. Didn’t you know a boogie-boarding mama is a hot mama?

2. Walking Tours. Leave the car behind and check out some local sites. Carlsbad, land of Legoland, has a painted fire hydrant walking tour, while New Orleans has numerous ghost tours.

3. Forget the Car. This is a great way to really experience a city. Many destinations have attractions that are within walking distance from hotels and most cities have terrific public transportation if you happen to find you’re too tired to make the trek back to the hotel – plus you don’t have to worry about paying for parking and you’re being good to the environment.

4. Inline Skate. One of my favorite vacation memories was rollerblading along the Galveston, Texas beach. This could be another “hot mama” moment. But try and practice before you give it your all, it may not be pretty if it’s you first time, especially if you wander into traffic.

5. Rent Bikes. This is fun for the whole family. And it doesn’t even seem like exercise. Pretty much every vacation destination has bike rental shops and many hotels and resorts offer free bikes to guests.

6. Rise and Shine. Some of you might think vacations mean sleeping in, but one of my favorite things to do is sneak out while the rest of the family is still snoozing and walk or run along the beach or hike the mountain trails. Sometimes a little alone time on vacation is a good thing.

Have you ever gained weight while on vacation? Okay, I can hear you laughing. I think most people find themselves staring at the scale with an open jaw after a trip. “How could this happen? I didn’t eat that much. Well, I did have a few pinches of the kids’ cotton candy, then there was that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cone and the all-you-can-eat buffet with those yummy little fried egg rolls. Did I really taste every dessert?” I won’t even mention those strawberry margaritas you had while lounging poolside while your husband and kids were off frolicking in the ocean.

This summer let’s avoid those chubby consequences of vacation eating and return home as hot mamas by watching how and what we eat. Who knows, you might even lose weight. Here are a few tips to keep us all on track:

1. Eat local. Part of traveling is enjoying the foods unique to the region, just don’t over-do it and order smart. Enjoy that bowl of clam chowder as your meal instead of eating it as a starter and order your shrimp grilled not fried. Try splitting your meal with your kids. Restaurant portions are so over-sized these days.

2. Don’t eat at the airport. I have spent enough time in airports to know there are very few healthy food options between gates. If you’re lucky, you might find a low-fat yogurt or piece of fresh fruit, but don’t count on it. Bring you own. By the way, those yummy Pecanbon Rolls by Cinnabon are a sin. They have 1100 calories and 56g of fat!

3. Know your “good” choices. Before I hit the road or air, when I know fast food is inevitable, I check out the fast food menus online and seek out the healthiest choices. Right now Taco Bell now has the new Fresco menu. None of the items are over 8 grams of fat or 350 calories.

4. Drink water. Not only does drinking water avoid extra calories (unlike soda or lemonade), it hydrates you. Playing in the sun and running between roller coasters means you need agua more than usual. Plus, water is great for the skin.

5. The healthy food really is there, you just have to know where to look and don’t think only you will benefit. On our last trip to Disneyland I was thrilled to find containers of fresh fruit, sticks of pineapple and trail mix at a tropical fruit stand by the Jungle Cruise in Adventure Land. My kids tossed their Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream for my grapes and strawberries. Next time, I’ll forget the ice cream and buy them their own fruit.

Last week, while I was on my way to Lexington, Kentucky, my sweet husband did a pretty daring thing. He took my two preschoolers on a seven-hour road trip to Palm Desert, California to see his folks. The trip was a success. How did a dad survive such a challenge? In case you’re wondering, we do not have “perfect” kids. In fact, we are often “that” family - you know what I’m talking about.

With that said, here are the six secrets that helped DesertDaddy survive this long road trip with a two and three-year-old in the backseat:

1. DVD player. We scored some $7.99 DVDs at Wal-Mart and let’s just say the kids were as happy as the Berenstain Bears they were watching.

2. Zoobie Pets. Stay tuned for a rave review on these three-in-one critters. Zoobies are a travel-friendly plush animal, pillow, and blanket. The new Zoo Collection just came out this year. The kids don’t even want to take the short ride to the gym without them. Actually, my daughter is cuddled with hers on the couch as I type this.

3. Snacks. This one goes with out saying. But how can dad dish out snacks while he’s driving? I simply packed them each their own lunch box with their favorite snacks in Ziploc bags for easy access.

4. Water. Just say no to sugar on road trips, especially if you have a son like mine who will bounce on a trampoline for three hours after one M&M. Enough said.

5. VTech Tote N Go Laptop Plus is a terrific educational, interactive toy with an LCD screen that teaches the alphabet and numbers. Both of my children have their own “laptop” and it keeps the kids entertained for quite a while.

6. Finally, DesertDaddy was simply a good daddy. He stopped when the kids were hungry, required a potty break, or just needed to get out of the car. And that, my friends, is how my wonderful husband survived a seven-hour road trip with two preschoolers in tow.

Last Monday I began a glorious adventure along the Bourbon Trail near Lexington, Kentucky. My timing was perfect, the rains had just departed, leaving behind sunny skies and fields of wildflowers. Before I tell you about my journey, take note that a window seat is a must when flying into the Lexington Blue Grass Airport. The views of lush rolling hills, green pastures, horses, church steeples and brightly colored barns are priceless.

My first evening in Lexington, the perfect base for touring the Bourbon Trail, my group and I ate at Dudley’s Restaurant. The building’s history dates back to 1852 when it opened as a school house. After a delicious meal (I had the recommended antelope), we headed to the lovely Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa for a good night’s sleep. Between the plush beds and the chocolates left on my pillow each evening, I was not disappointed. While I didn’t make it to the spa, I did hear it’s fabulous.

Just walking the grounds of Griffin Gate is a treat. The property sits on a former horse farm which explains the historic two-story antebellum mansion next to the hotel. Appropriately, it is called “The Mansion” and is the resort’s four-star restaurant. It has an extraordinary menu as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Don’t be surprised if you feel someone tapping your shoulder and find no one behind you when you turn around, it’s just one The Mansion’s ghosts teasing you.

My first morning in town we began our trek along the Bourbon Trail. The plan was to visit four of the seven bourbon distilleries over two days and to observe the bourbon making in its every stage, just as it has been done for generations. Each distillery tour is free, except Woodford Reserve charges $5 which includes a tasting.  

The drive to the distilleries is mesmerizing with the miles of charcoal black plank fences lining the roads and terrific views of the limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River. Our first stop was the rustic Wild Turkey Distillery where we went on a tour with the knowledgeable Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, a man who has been in the business a long time. Later that day we were greeted by the charming Master Distiller Chris Morris at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark. We toured the distillery and enjoyed an enticing lunch prepared by Chef David Larson who also guided us during our dabble in bourbon pairings (who would think Parmesan and bourbon paired well together?). The most fun was the opportunity to make this year’s Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep. Yummy!

That evening we relaxed with a spectacular dinner at the classy Jonathan at Gratz Park Inn and had the honor of meeting Chef Jonathan Lundy. The next day it was back to the Bourbon Trail. We spent the morning with Master Distiller Jim Rutledge of Four Roses Distillery (the photo of the blooming tree was taken on the grounds). Jim is a wealth of information and, like each distiller I met, has a deep passion for his craft. After an informative morning, we stopped in for a lovely lunch at Serafini’s Restaurant in Frankfort. The restaurant sits right across from the Old State Capitol. Sou Chef Asa Johnson took a few minutes to sit and chat with us for a bit. Nat is a man who is in love with creating the perfect dish and the sweetest part is his father was his inspiration.

After lunch we headed to the beautiful grounds of Buffalo Trace where my group, along with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley (the youngest of the master distillers), helped the Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau pick out their own bourbon barrel. That was great fun.

We ended our day with with a beautiful Kentucky sunset and bourbon cocktails on the patio of at the charming Holly Hill Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chef Ouita Michel is a delight and an extremely talented chef. She uses the freshest ingredients possible and favors local produce, making Holly Hill one of the area’s beloved restaurants.

The last few weeks have been very disheartening for the airlines. We said goodbye to Aloha Airlines, ATA, and Skybus. American Airlines has grounded over 2,000 planes to correct a wiring issue, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. I may be one of the unhappy passengers Monday morning when I’m supposed to board a flight to Lexington, Kentucky.

Today Frontier Airlines made headlines with the announcement the airline is filing for bankruptcy. The good news for Frontier passengers is the airline will keep flying. The problems Frontier is experiencing isn’t comparable to the other airlines’ problems. Rising fuel prices are not being blamed; instead the isssue is with Frontier’s principal credit card processor’s announcment to increase the “hold-back” of customer receipts, an action that could be a real blow to Frontier’s liquidity.

According to Frontier’s website: “Frontier Airlines intends to continue normal business operations throughout its reorganization process. Specifically, we expect to continue to:

When I was a kid, long before my first trip to Las Vegas, I heard about the cheap buffets and 99-cent shrimp cocktail Vegas offered. But years later my first trip there was a sore disappointment. Not only did I lose a few bucks, but the buffets were pricey and I didn’t see any 99-cent shrimp cocktail. (Hey when you’re in your early twenties a dollar is a dollar.) It ends up, I was just in the wrong areas. 

Today, I can’t even guess how many times I’ve been to Las Vegas. Between road trips, vacations, weddings, girlfriend getaways, visits to see family (my husband’s), and of course overnights with the airline I worked for, it’s well over 50.

After a little research on the ‘net recently I did find that the “cheap eats” are still in Vegas, you just have to know where to look.

The Super 8 Motel Ellis Island casino (located on Koval near East Flamingo) has a 10 oz steak, baked potato, vegetable, bread and get this - a microbrew (or an EO rootbeer) of you choice all for $7. It’s served 24 hours a day, but it’s not on the menu, so just ask. Think I’m kidding? I’m not.

Terrible Herbst Hotel and Casino (located on Paradise and Flamingo) has a cheap buffet, last I heard it was $5 for the breakfast buffet and $9 for the dinner buffet and on Sunday evenings the main course is prime rib and shrimp ($15). I stayed here many nights while serving peanuts and Cokes as a flight attendant. The multi-flavored fries (jalapeno, garlic, and cajun) in the bar on the main casino floor are pretty good for a late night fried-treat with a pint and the breakfast crepes were quite tasty.

Sadly, it looks like Chapter 11 for Terrible Herbst. Yikes! So get give ‘em some support and throw a few nickels and quarters in the slots while you’re there.

I know you’re wondering - What about the shrimp? The famous 99-cent shrimp cocktail is still in existence at the Golden Gate Casino downtown on Fremont Street or you can go big with the “Big Shrimp” for $2.99.

And yes, free drinks are normally offered to gambling patrons. To keep the cocktail waitress coming your way always tip at least $1-3 a drink if you tip more you are guaranteed to never go empty.

Now, go throw the money you just saved into the slot machines, just don’t let the money you brought to Vegas stay in Vegas.

A couple of months ago when my parents flew from Denver to Tucson for a visit my dad thought I would get a kick out of the fact that the voice on the Denver International Airport (DIA) train was that of Denver’s Mayor John Hickenlooper and apparently, a lot of Denver residents recognize the voice. Being that I once worked at DIA for Frontier Airlines I did find it funny.

It just so happens Denver isn’t the only airport using a famous voice at the airport. In fact, it’s been going on for quite sometime. Last month in USA Today columnist Harriet Baskas wrote an article about familiar voices on airport moving walkway PA systems. According to Baskas’ article, Lee Ann Womack greets passengers in Nashville and the Las Vegas McCarran Airport has been featuring entertainers over the moving-walkway PA system since the 70’s.

So, the next time you’re killing time in the airport, tune in and see if you recognize the voice. You might just be able to name that voice.

I’m planning a family road trip this summer up the coast of California. With two preschoolers in tow, I know I will need to be prepared. I love to pack food for the road and one item I will be using is made by Pampered Chef and called Cut-N-Seal ($9). (Love it!) This is a must-have if your kids aren’t crust lovers or if you are tired of peanut butter and jelly dripping down into the grooves of your kid’s carseat buckle.

Here’s what you do: Take two slices of sandwich bread, push the center of one slice down to make an indent. Fill the indent with your choice of filling, then put the other piece on top. Place the Cut-N-Seal on the sandwich and push down so it “cuts” the bread then push the spring “button” on top so it “seals” the sandwich. Ta-da! That’s it.  The kids love it because it’s fun and easy to hold. And there isn’t any bread sliding off the sandwich and onto the car floor.

Other handy road trip helpers from Pampered Chef: The Apple Wedger (2427) is ideal for easy apple sharing, the Color Coated Santoku Knife (1059) is great to bring along because it has a cover, and of course the nice-sized Insulated Tote (2137) will keep your items cold or hot (great for potlucks, too).

What do these products have to do with autism? A friend of mine who has a little boy the same age as mine was diagnosed with autism one year ago. It has been a very challenging journey for the family. April is Autism Awareness Month and if you purchase anything from Pampered Chef in March and April through any of the above links just enter Team (first name) and Tyler (last name) for the host name and 10% of sales will go to scholarships for training and education for families dealing with autism.

I know Jen and her family thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

Happy and Safe Travels!

In my previous Arts in New Orleans I and II posts I wrote about the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Today’s post is about the Contemporary Arts Center located at 900 Camp Street, across the street from the Ogden. Many years ago the building was a K&B Drugstore warehouse. Today, it’s a spacious, 10,000 square-foot multi-disciplinary arts center. The entire building shouts “creative”. Even the transition between the first and second floor is a cool circular ramp.

During my visit to CAC one of the exhibits was called “Something from Nothing”. 15 international artists were invited to New Orleans to create something from nothing. Jay Weigel, CAV Executive/Artistic Director, explained the artists started their projects without any supplies and were to beg, borrow, barter, or find the items used in their works. My interest was piqued. And that explained the hard-to-miss “cloud” suspended over the entrance. Moms, can you find the “Boppy” among the mesh of mattresses and pillows in the photo above?

Another display of interest consisted of stacks of filing cabinets filled with live plants and a water-fountain. Genius! Who would think unattractive office filing cabinets could be turned into something serene? Interestingly, the CAC’s eye-catching front desk (made of colorful glass plates and shaped in a semicircle) was designed by Gene Koss whose work is displayed in the Harrah’s hotel lobby where I stayed during this trip to New Orleans. Admission is $5 and students and seniors are $3. Be sure to stop in, you never know what may be on exhibit.

Everyone loves Southwest Airlines. They’re good to their employees, they have loyal customers, and they have always had a wonderful safety record. I know, I worked there for five years and loved every moment.

But, last I heard SWA had to ground 43 of their aircraft from their 737-300 and 737-500 fleets. Why? SWA found inaccuracies regarding their safety records and brought their findings to the FAA. Now the airline is facing a $10.2 million violation fine. Yikes!

The airline has canceled 4% of today’s Southwest flights due to the aircraft pull and some weather issues. SWA says they are being overly conservative by inspecting or reinspecting the aircraft. Fortunately, as of this afternoon almost half of the inspections are complete and some of the jets have already returned to the air.

The findings: So far, four of the aircraft did have cracks but they have been repaired properly. The one thing I know from my experience in the airline industry is that cracks in aircraft are common. Does that sound scary? Don’t fear. They’re just part of the wear of an airplane. That’s why regular inspections are necessary. And yes, Boeing released a statement saying the cracks on these aircraft never jeopardized the safety of the aircraft. Whew!

Should you worry? No. The aircraft in question are being properly inspected and are currently undergoing evaluations. In situations like this, we will be better off because the FAA and SWA are ensuring the aircraft are thoroughly inspected and 100% airworthy. The good news is SWA still has an outstanding safety record and if anything we should feel safer knowing SWA has been under recent scrutiny. Besides, this situation will soon be resolved and only make the industry require higher safety standards not just for the LUV airline but all airlines - and that’s a good thing.

Congratulations to our winner Jana Cox! Jana is going to be headed to Las Vegas soon, and now she’ll have a USATourist.com toiletry travel tote for her trip.

Actually, a lot of you are headed to Vegas and several places in Florida. Other destinations our readers are traveling to include Yellowstone, Waikiki, the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, Phoenix, Atlanta, Key West, Branson, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Washington D.C., Myrtle Beach, and the Pacific Coast Highway. (This is a fabulous drive everyone should do.)

Disneyland and Disney World were also mentioned several times. We love to travel!

A big thanks to our readers who entered. Please check back often for future giveaways. We have a lot of fun things planned.

Happy and Safe Travels!

Okay girls, it’s another girlfriend getaway offer. This one is in Georgia at the National Historic Landmark Jekyll Island Club Hotel on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

The Girlfriend’s Package includes traditional accommodations for two nights, daily breakfast, chilled Jekyll Island Club Hotel signature wine delivered to your room each day, Jekyll Island Club Hotel logo beach towels (one per person), bike rentals one day with a picnic lunch, Victorian tea one day, one hour massage per person (don’t forget to tip). The offer will be running between 3/14/2008-9/1/08: $845.00 (based on double occupancy) but if you want to add another girlfriend or two the extra cost is $322.00 per person.

A few days ago I wrote The Arts in New Orleans - Part I, and as you can tell by the title I’m not done yet. My second day in New Orleans was spent wandering the elegant New Orleans Museum of Art. Visitors can easily spend hours appreciating all NOMA has to offer, including the five-acre outdoor Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden with 57 sculptures sitting among beautiful Louisiana landscape. While indoors Fabergé is one of the most popular exhibits (who doesn’t love Fabergé Easter Eggs?) one of my favorite exhibits just opened this January by a local New Orleans photographer. Living Color: Photographs by Judy Cooper holds around fifty photographs which were taken over twenty years. The photos are divided into four sections: Women in Red, Local Color, Twins, and New Orleans Sunday. The vividness and character of these photographs are etched in my mind. They are truly extraordinary.

Another exciting exhibit featuring local artist George Rodrigue’s Louisiana: Cajuns, Blue Dogs, and Beyond Katrina just opened at NOMA on March 1st for a three month stint. You might know George Rodrigue from his Blue Dog series. If fact, the very first of the Blue Dog paintings, Watchdog, will be featured during the exhibit. Rodrigue has four studios, one located on Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter and you will se his work on the walls of Harrah’s Besh Steakhouse. The other three studios are in Lafayette, Aspen, and Carmel. The NOMA Rodrigue exhibition admission for non-residents is $10.00, Louisiana adults are $5.00, with $1 off for all seniors and 18 and under are admitted free courtesy of The Helis Foundation - so bring the whole family!

Travel in the U.S. is going to be picking up soon. We’re on the cusp of spring break and Easter and the glorious summer months are on the horizon.  USATourist.com has kindly provided us with this week’s prize – a plastic travel tote for your toiletries (or germ fighting strategies) complete with four TSA approved carry-on travel containers. To be entered to win, just post a comment below telling us where in the USA you are planning to travel or wish to travel in the coming months.  

If you feel compelled to enter a second contest, head on over to USATourist.com and sign up for the free monthly USATourist News Magazine (written by yours truly). After signing up you will be led to an entry form to win the Postcards from North America board game (ARV $29.99). Don’t you just love prizes?

We’ll take comments until midnight (EST), Tuesday March 11^th. The winner’s name will be drawn on Winning Wednesday, March 12th. Be sure to check back here to see who the winner is and find out about our next giveaway. Drawing is open to U.S. residents only; family members of TravelingMamas are not permitted to enter.  Good Luck and Happy Travels!

I recently had the honor of staying at the stunning Harrah’s New Orleans. The first thing I did upon entering my 20th floor room was run to the window and when I looked outside was I ever thrilled. Talk about a room with a view!

Over my several-day stay I watched tugboats, barges, and ferries make their way along the crescent of the Mississippi River. Observing the maneuvers of these floating apparatuses was like watching an artist at work.

Speaking of artists, New Orleans is brimming with talent and it has the museums and galleries to show for it. Even Harrah’s has a proud collection of artwork and photography displayed throughout the hotel. The lobby has a fabulous display by glass artist Gene Koss while my room was graced with breathtaking photographs taken by Lee Tucker and Richard Sexton.

The evening of my New Orleans arrival I was whisked away for an evening of New Orleans art and culture I will never forget. If you happen to be in town on a Thursday evening you must, must, must stop in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum comes to life through the weekly concerts performed in the museum’s atrium. (Over 400 musicians have performed here since Katrina.) From the moment you enter through the front door you will easily be convinced you’ve walked onto the set of a live Broadway musical. Toes are tapping, hands are clapping, and don’t be surprised when your neighbor stands up and starts dancing or maybe grabs you for a partner. Throughout the evening guests can roam the multi-level museum and its exhibits and stop at one of the many bars set up throughout the museum. The concert can be observed from the various floors. The evening is family friendly, complete with a crafts table for the children.