Chicago- The Windy City

What is it that makes Chicago one of the best visited cities in the world? Maybe it's there mouth-watering deep-dish pizza, or their world famous Chicago dog. Well, there's a lot more to Chicago than just their delicious food. For the time of me being there, which was one a weekend to visit a friend, I learned a lot about Chicago and it really wasn't what I expected--meaning that in a good way.  The EL train was probably my most favorite, and simply because you get to see the people of Chicago--from hipsters to business people.  Yes, Chicago may have some of the most spectacular buildings in the United States but it's not the material things that should be appreciated, it is the nature that is most beautiful.  The parks where you see many people running alone or with their dogs, having a picnic atop a hill looking out at Lake Michigan, reading a book sitting on a cliff looking at the best view Chicago has to offer (in my opinion), or maybe it is just sitting in a park admiring the beautiful fall foliage.  Although I didn't get to experience riding on the water taxi across Lake Michigan nor riding the carousel at Navy Pier but I can't complain about the things I did do!  Walking everywhere was a plus, it was nice not to have to use gas in a car, plus the workout we get walking everywhere is awesome! Countless trips to Starbucks were in my itinerary for the weekend, there were ones literally on every boulevard; the coffee-lover will never go thirsty I must say.  A must is to make a trip to the Sears tower (even though it is called a different name now, everyone still calls it the Sears tower) and check out the skydeck--the view is best when it is clear but even if it is foggy it is still a nice view--and see if you are brave enough to step out onto the glass ledge! When you're leaving don't forget to stop by the gift shop where they have some yummy Chicago dog's--my Chicago native friend I was visiting even said these were the best--and although I am not a hotdog lover, I am glad I tried one. Everything to me was beautiful about Chicago.. the city, the people, the fall foliage, and believe it or not the peace and quiet.  Make sure to put Chicago on your itinerary one day, it is a great place to see!

Whether you are looking for a one day trip to New Orleans, a weekend trip to either Gulf Shores, Alabama or Destin, Florida, or maybe a week long trip somewhere like Daytona Beach, Fl; Southhaven, MS; Memphis, TN; or Montgomery, AL; I will plan the most exquisite and exciting trips for you.  Whether you are traveling with family, a friend, or maybe even a youth group or a school group!  I will not only plan the best activities and dining experiences, but I will add a little touch of history to each trip!

Mississippi Gulf Coast: Biloxi

Since I spent almost every summer living here with my pawpaw, I decided to add it to my list of destinations. With amazing history and activities, a lot of people would be suprised what all Biloxi has to offer! Resting on the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Biloxi was first discovered by French settlers in the lower valley, and new Biloxi was the capital of French Louisiana but was later replaced by New Orleans.

Never had Barq's Rootbeer? Well, you gotta try it! Biloxi is also known to be the home of the Barq's Rootbeer! =] One tasty treat you'll never forget is Barq's Rootbeer & Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream..... TOGETHER!!! Better known as the "rootbeer float"!!

Gaming and tourism are probably Biloxi's leading economic industries. Biloxi is the 3rd largest gambling sites in the U.S! People from everywhere travel to Biloxi just to gamble at our top-notch casino's, such as the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel, and the Beau Rivage Biloxi Resort & Casino! Even celebrities such a Britney Spears & Christina Aguilara have been seen here!

Another leading economic product is the seafood industry-- shrimp being number one, followed by oysters, menhaden, and crabs!

If you ever get a chance, head over to Keesler Airforce Base and try to catch a show of the Blue Angels in action! Something you will never forget! Atleast I didn't anyways! :) It's like a reinactment of Top Gun!

Biloxi is home to some of the most beautiful Antebellum houses, including one originally owned by confederate President Jefferson Davis! If you ever want to visit this beautiful Antebellum home, Beauvoir, it is located on Beach Blvd.

Other historic Antebellum homes are now restaurants including:

• Mary Mahoney's Old French House
• Half Shell Oyster (Gulfport)
• LookOut Steakhouse (Gulfport)

If you ever happen to visit Biloxi during the summer, try to make room to travel to Ship Island-- a lot of people may not know this, but Ship Island was a union fort during the Civil War! Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, because after I left, I looked like a lobster!! If you burn easy, not a good place of interest!

Eco tours are also a great thing to experience while down on the Gulf Coast! While there are a wide variety of different types of tours, there is sure to be one that fits in your category. Do you like to kayak? Da Beach House is a specialized company specializing in outer or overnight kayak trips, and even if it is your first time, you can always start at their beginning level! If you have an itch to fish, and then cook them after you catch 'em, than this is the place for you!

Another great tour Biloxi has is the WhipaSnapa Sighseeing Trips! You are sure to catch a fish, or more than one even, guaranteed 110% by captain Robert E. Mcdaniel!

If you have a wild side and a love for gators, head over to the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Tours-- located in Moss Point/Pascagoula, it is surely a ride on the wild side!

Hurricane Katrina being the worst disaster in history, go and check out the carved angels left behind located in Bay Saint Louis!

Before I forget, stop by for dinner at the Silver Slipper and try some of the best jumbo shrimp & snow crab!

There are many things to do in Biloxi, but these are some of my favorites
Hope you enjoyed!!!!

Visiting Mississippi: Belzoni-- Heart of the Delta

           If you have a love for tasty, fried catfish, you can't not come here! Belzoni is a small, low-key town, yet it is home to a lot of interesting things!Belzoni is also known as the catfish capitol in Mississippi, home to the The Catfish and Visitors Museum where you will find the largest catfish ever caught, measuring 40 ft!! You will also find the Ethel Wright Stitchery Museum--also known as Grandma Moses; at this museum, you will find intricate stitches made by Grandma Moses. These stitches are not just ordinary, but they are extraordinary with each one of them telling a story of her family's life.

If you enjoy plants and flowers, or any type of outdoor activites, you might want to go see the largest cypress measuring 46 ft in circumfrence at Skylake! You might even get a chance to see some of the wildlife roaming around such as mallard ducks, white tailed deer, and alligator(but let's not hope you see that!!)

Another great place to see if you're interested in plants & gardening is Wister Gardens, also known as the Delta's Garden. This garden is the prettiest garden in the state, voted Mississippi's "Best Garden" in July 2008!

If you're with family, bring your little one's over to the Jaketown Site Museum. After this trip, they might decide to be an archeologist one day! =]

Now that we have went over some of the must-see places in Belzoni, now it's time for the best part...

CATFISH!

You may try Catfish One, or if you come at the right time you can catch the Catfish Festival---where Belzoni even hosts a catfish eating contest! Talk about all you can eat catfish! How good can it get!!

While you may not be in the mood for catfish, or seafood in general, there are also other restaurants that will be sure to satisfy your cravings!

You can try 107 Restaurant--in the heart of the Delta. People come a long way to eat here, and one of their favorites is the fried catfish and the fried green tomatoes! I'm making myself hungry writing about this place! There is a wide variety of things, not only seafood but also burgers! It's sure to fit in the category of any of your favorite foods!

Tuck's Place is another restaurant with a little bit of everything!

Like me, I am always in the mood for a little BBQ-- you too?? Stop by at Little Whimp's Bar-B-Q house! You can find pulled pork sandwiches, and some amazing ribs too! It's located on Martin Luther King Rd., so it's sure to be good!

Other spots of interest:

• Los Molcajetes Mexican
• California Club (Southern/Soul)
• Long Delta Deli
• Varsity Restaurant
• John Wob Grocery & Chinese
• Pizza Pro
• Annie's Sweet Shop

.Shopping in Belzoni.

You will be sure to find lots of interesting shopping stores in Belzoni; check out Yazoo Garden Center & Back Porch where you can find unique iron works, old virginia candles, bath accessories, garden books, lamps, and pottery.

Also, stop by at Indianola Pecan House where you can find some of the freshest pecan pies. Don't want to make a fresh pecan pie? Then head right in to Annie's Sweet Shop where you will get some of the best hospitality treatment ever! Oh and the pies, one of every kind!

If you're big on antique items, try to make time for the Antique Rug Center. You may even find the "Magic Carpet,". Life is just full of wonderful suprises!



HOPE YOU ENJOYED!

American Barbeque Burgers Diners Italian Pizza Sandwiches Southern Steakhouses

Visiting Mississppi: Tupelo, Mississippi

While visiting Tupelo, you will not only discover Elvis Presley's birthplace, but you will also discover the amazing history of how Tupelo was discovered.

First of all, let me share a little history of Tupelo, Mississippi.

Discovered by European-American settlers in the beginnings, Tupelo was first named Gumpond due to the many Tupelo trees found on this land called Blackgum. The name later changed to Tupelo after the American Civil War. Tupelo's economy came from the crossing railroad that encouraged much industry in the town, but now many tourists come to this historic city for the birthplace of Elvis Presley and The Natchez Trace. The Natchez Trace is known for the connection of Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee.


Tupelo National Battlefield              Elvis Presley's Birthplace             The "Tupelo" tree

On a budget?  Why not visit the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley's birthplace and museum. While it's only only a five minute tour, why not take the time to explore all of the beauty of this place! The best time to visit would be the fall, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful color changing of the leaves!

Are you interested in antique automobiles? Why not visit the Tupelo Automobile Museum where you can see 120,000 square feet of automobile displays!

If your day is starting early, why not stop by Shockley's for some breakfast, located on S Gloster St., or grab a cup of joe at Joe Joe's Coffee.

While Tupelo has many lunch spots, there is a restaurant for your favorite type of food, from American, Italian, Greek, Japanese to mama's kinda cookin.

If your like me, I love mama's kinda cookin, so why not try Connie's Fried Chicken! Tourists say it's the best fried chicken in the south! While there's amazing fried chicken and fried onion rings, they also have very popular blueberry donuts! While it's not a table-service restaurant, if that is up your alley there are a range of different restaurants.

If you are looking for a table service and memorable restaurant experience, you should try Woody's. Voted top 10 Mississippi Steakhouse by Mississippi Business Journal and 2010/2011 Best Dessert by Mississippi Magazine, you should stop on by for an amazing steak, seafood, or old family recipes!

Tupelo has some of the most unique shops anyone can find from pottery shops, bookstores, consignment shops and much more! The mall at Barne's Crossing is one of the largest shopping venues in Northeast Mississippi! If you enjoy outlets, visit the Factory Stores of America!

Over the years, consignment shops are growing more and more popular. If you're are shopping for a child, visit Shakespeare's, Magnolia's Boutique & Consignment, Resale Therapy, Shabby Chic Boutique, and Mommy and Me Boutique.

If you are bringing kids, there are a few kid spots to bring them for a little family fun! Start the day off by stopping in at the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo with exotic animals that your kid will surely enjoy seeing! Almost like a safari ride, the giraffe's will actually eat out of your hand! After the zoo, bring 'em over to Dairy Kream, as it is sure to be in everyone's budget! While you can get a nice juicy burger and fries, you can also get a shake, maybe even a yummy chocolate chip shake all for $5!!

While Tupelo has a wide variety of activities for both adults & children year-round, the best time to visit this historic Mississippi town is in the fall. You'll not only be in cool weather, but you will get to see how amazing the fall leaves look! Something you'll never forget!

Hope you enjoyed!!!