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The pace is unrushed - take your time, you have no schedule or deadlines. Enjoy long beach walks, mooching around museums, admiring the timeless old south architecture and indulging in some of the best southern cooking! Music is also a huge part of life in this area of the USA and you won't be disappointed by the live entertainment available. And, of course, Southern hospitality is the friendly, welcoming glue that holds this entire region together.
The Houston Museum District is one of the largest museum campuses in the USA. Consisting of 18 museums, all within walking distance of each other, they cover art, history, culture, nature and science.
Get a bird’s eye view of Houston at The JPMorgan Chase Tower, the 75-story skyscraper. It is the tallest building in Texas and the tallest five-sided building in the world. Discover a network of pedestrian tunnels lined by shops and restaurants that form Houston’s vibrant underground city. And don't forget to a spot of retail therapy - Houston is known for it.
Another day to explore Teaxas' largest city.
Hermann Park is a great place to start. It surrounds the Houston Museum of Natural Science and encompasses the Houston Zoo - a lush tropical landscape known for it's ethical and great care of animals.
In the early evening, you can take a Twilight Tour of Minute Maid Field, home of the Houston Astros OR take in a game if there on during baseball season.
Moody Gardens is an ideal spot for the families to start. Made up of various pyramids - Aquarium Pyramid houses penguins, sharks and thousands of tropical fish. The Rainforest Pyramid offers thousands of tropical plants, complemented with exotic fish and birds. The Discovery Pyramid displays the mysteries of science. Then it's a cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, a 19th century style sternwheeler. Galveston does a particularly good job delivering guided tours on and off the water. Take a harbour or an Island tour, a dolphin spotting sail, a carriage ride, tour train, party bus or a bicycle ride.
More of the island’s rich history comes alive at the Galveston County Historical Museum, housed in a restored 1919 bank building. And don't forget the thirty-two miles of Gulf Coast beach that awaits.
The trail is a journey through a wild and rugged terrain unique to Louisiana, America and the world. Pack a picnic lunch, load up the car, and don’t forget your binoculars. On the west side of the trail, you can venture to the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and take a stroll through the marsh on an elevated boardwalk to experience Mother Nature first hand. On the east side the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and its newly renovated and interactive exhibits will spark the imagination before driving along Pintail Wildlife Drive.
Settled in 1718, New Orleans was the commercial hub of the Louisiana Territory purchased by the United States in 1803. Before that, it went back and forth between the Spanish and the French until it was bought by Napoleon who ultimately sold the land to the United States. New Orleans dominated trade between the US and the Caribbean for decades accounting for the many residents who are descendants of West Indian families.
Another day to explore this vibrant city. Start the day with a beignet and cafe au lait. See the city from the sky at Vue Orleans - a one-of-a-kind interactive museum experience with amazing views.
The music starts early in this city, mooch the French Quarter and find a fun spot to sit and listen - no doubt there will be a number of street performers too - the talent here is epic.
Visit Napoleon House for proper local delights - the po-boy or muffuletta sandwiches are to die for and the Creole Jambalaya - divine. Wash it all down with a signature New Orleans cocktail - the Sazerac.
And don't forget to take a sail along the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheeler. Jazz lunch, brunch and dinner cruises are available every day.
Remember when you talk to the locals that the correct pronunciation of the city’s name is “Mo-beel” given the soft emphasis on the second syllable by its French founders. And, having lived under six different national flags, culture, “cul-cha,” as they call it here, is a rich conglomeration of influences reflected in everything.
The USS Alabama, a decommissioned World War II era Battleship, is surrounded by a submarine, aircraft pavilion, flight simulator and other interesting military artifacts. Right off the coast of Mobile, Dauphin Island, first mapped by French Explorer de’Iberville in 1699, is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. A living marsh boardwalk lets you experience the habitat up close and personal.
And let's not forget the food - Creole, soul food and all-you-can eat FRESHLY-CAUGHT seafood buffets are not to be missed!
Beaumont is known as the museum capital of Texas, with more than a dozen to visit. The Texas Fire Museum, provides an ideal photo opportunity - take a selfie in front of the world's largest working fire hydrant.
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum commemorates the discovery of oil at the Spindletop Hill salt dome in Beaumont in 1901. The discovery sparked an oil boom in Texas that continues today.
And you definitely will not go hungry in Beaumont, especially along the Cajun Trail, where you can get your fill of authentic Southern étouffée and gumbo throughout the city.