Remembering New Orleans

The first and only time I visited New Orleans, I was on a road trip from Florida to Minnesota to try college on for a try.

This was New Orleans in all its pre-Katrina glory, although there was a hurricane on the horizon while we were there (it was the fall of 2000).

Even though my traveling companion wasn't that great (there are many, many reasons why I left him) The Big Easy became my favorite city, both for fond memories and my own fantasies. Before Katrine, The Advocate was my first choice paper to work at, because I wanted to be close to the city.

I love cities steeped in history. Walking through the picturesque streets and seeing the old brink buildings with wrought iron railings and accents was a perfect way to enjoy the day. Because we were there during the off-season, we got discounts almost everywhere we went.

I loved the altars at Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo and Reverend Zombie's Voodoo Shop. I bought witchy trinkets, a bright green feather boa, and a House of Voodoo poster I eventually traded for a Minnostan's soul.

I had Po' Boy sandwiches and frog legs in dive bars and found a used bookstore off the beaten track, where I bought a collection of Shakespeare for under a dollar.

I have so many fond memories of New Orleans, yet I regret I never got to take a tour. A historical walking tour or ghost tour would have been perfect.

The next time I go, I'm going to consider Trusted Tours & Attractions. There's even a Trusted Travel eNewsletter. If you sign up for the newsletter before Dec. 31, you can enter to win a free iPod Nano.

Cool Place: Amelia Island

I've been to Amelia Island once or twice, but it was when I was a kid, and I've been meaning to get back for ages. I might go soon, because now and through the end of February, the hotels and inns on the island are offering a Lodging Special.

For a reservation for two nights, you can get a third free.

I've never spent the night at Amelia, so I think this would be a fun getaway for me. I've been to their nature parks, and family members have brought in pretty impressive fish and oyster hauls.

While I do love the nature, and they offer eco tours, I think, for my dream stay, I'd do things quite differently.

Fernandina Beach looks like my kind of place. A small town lost in time.

The Ash Street Inn looks like it would be my hotel of choice for my dream getaway. They have a spa. They have cozy porch breakfasts. They even have wireless internet access.

I would probably go horseback riding on the beach during my stay; I can't even remember the one or two times I went riding when I was younger. I'd definitely check out the walking tour of the island and try to catch a river cruise that goes to St. Mary's Georgia.

I would eat at the sushi bar, because I'm weird like that and never pass up the chance for sushi. I'd also check out Cafe Karibo's gumbo.

At night, I'd settle in, turn on the television, and snuggle in my lush bed and breakfast bed. In the morning, I'd eat cut fruit on the porch right before a relaxing massage.

After earning a degree in a dying career field, I could use a vacation.