2018 Guide to Halloween Camping in Louisiana
It’s finally October in Louisiana and it is finally cooler outside, and that can only mean one thing– HALLOWEEN CAMPING!
In our family, Halloween camping is signal of the start of the ideal camping season here in the Bayou State. Campgrounds across the state go all out for the spooky holiday and to usher in cooler temps, campfires, and fun with the family. Every year we look forward to the Halloween fun that campgrounds put together for their guests that include activities from trick or treating and pet parades to scavenger hunts and everything in between! Since Halloween camping weekends typically book up far in advance, we thought it would be a great idea to share info on the places we know of that offer something for the holiday– just in case you wanted to go ahead and make your reservation for next year (or even look for a possibly opening this year!!!) Also, it is worth noting that most private campgrounds have 2 night minimums and increased rates for Halloween weekends. Many state parks may be doing something unofficial, which may be organized by campground visitors, but information is not readily available.
This list is also a base list of what we know is available this year and what we have found for details on upcoming Halloween events at campgrounds within a 2 hour drive from the New Orleans metro area. This list is in no way complete, so if you know of any more places that are offering something fun for Halloween, please let us know with details!
It’s time to put our costumes on and buy some candy– and take a peek at our 2018 Halloween Camping Guide!
St. Tammany Parish
Land o’Pines Campground – (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, and Oct. 26th-28th)
Every weekend includes trick or treating, costume contests, site decorating, live bands, and a dance. However, other events vary weekend to weekend. Some notable events include a Sugar Skull Costume & Pumpkin Decorating Contest, a Great Pumpkin Slingshot Hurl, and a find the “Great Pumpkin” contest.
Tangipahoa Parish
Reunion Lake RV Resort – (Oct. 12-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, and Oct. 26th-28th)
Events each weekend include trick or treating, Spookiest RV Contest, a haunted house, hay rides, costume contest, and Halloween movies on the big screen.
Jellystone Park – (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, and Oct. 26th-28th)
Events every weekend include Trick or Treating, Site decorating contests, a Haunted Attraction, a Monster Mash dance, and more. Other activities that vary by weekend include a Golf Cart Poker Run, Karaoke, Night Vision Volleyball, and more!
Hidden Oaks Campground– (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, and Oct. 26th-28th)
Events include trick or treating, costume contest, pumpkin carving & pumpkin decorating contests; rides aboard the Hidden Oaks Express, and live music every weekend along with a dance.
Indian Creek Campground – (October 12-14th, October 19th-21st, and October 26th-28th) Events include Pennies in a Haystack, karaoke, costume contest, trick or treating, and coloring, site decorating, and pumpkin decorating contests.
Acadiana
Cajun Palms RV Resort– (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, and Oct. 26th-28th)
Events include trick or treating, child, adult, and pet costume contests as well as site decorating, pumpkin decorating, and coloring contests. Other activities include Haunted Train Rides, a DJ and dance, family scavenger hunts and visits from characters.
Hidden Pines Campground – (Oct. 19th-21st and Oct. 26th-28th)
Events include trick or treating, a cornhole tournaments, live music, a haunted house, costume and site decorating contests, and kids’ games and activities.
Palmetto Island State Park– (Oct. 27th)
Campground guests can participate in a site decorating contest and trick or treating from 4-6 PM.
Frenchman’s Wilderness Campground– (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, Oct. 26th-28th)
Events include trick or treating, a Monster House, pumpkin and camper decorating contests, and a costume contest.
Central Louisiana
Indian Creek Recreation Area (Oct. 27th)
Events include a Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, horse & pony trail ride demonstrations, costume and site decorating contests, face painting and free treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
Mississippi
Little Black Creek Campground– (Oct. 20th & Oct. 27th)
Events include a costume contest, golf cart parade, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, and trick or treating.
McLeod Park– (Oct. 27th)
Events include trick or treating, games and food.
Paradise Ranch and Resort (Oct. 12th-14th, Oct. 19th-21st, Oct. 26th-28th)
Events include trick or treating, a haunted house, haunted hayrides, pumpkin carving contest, and a costume contest.
So tell us camping friends, are you going Halloween camping this year, and if so, is it on this list? What are you looking forward to the most?
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Super Easy Stovetop Popcorn
There is nothing quite as awesome as freshly popped popcorn next to the campfire when you are camping, especially during the fall season when the weather finally cools off and you can have a campfire in Louisiana. Ha! Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks when camping along with s’mores, but in our family, we only like it made on the stove (or over the fire) instead of in the microwave or with a bulky air popper.
I have been making this recipe for over five years and it takes the same amount of time as microwave popcorn, but it tastes way better, is free of chemicals and additives, and it always pops up completely (no leftover kernels in the bottom of the pot!) and it doesn’t burn (well, as long as you don’t let it!) My favorite type of popcorn is the CampMasters Mauve Popcorn Kernels that my son sells through Cub Scouts every fall. These kernels pop completely and do not leave pesky hulls that get stuck in your teeth. Also, they pop up light and fluffy and taste delicious. The best part is knowing that the money raised through popcorn sales goes right back into my son’s Cub Scout Pack to provide programming, advancements, activities, and education for the scouts in the pack. It’s actually popcorn time right now, so if you haven’t bought some from your favorite scout, it’s not too late to do so!! I know I am about to buy a year’s supply to store in our pantry since we’ve become partial to this brand only.
But let’s get this show on the road… Here’s the recipe for SUPER EASY Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients:
2 TBSP canola oil
2 TBSP Seasoning (we like Slap Ya Mama and/or Jane’s Crazy Salt)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (CampMasters Mauve is our fave!)
Directions:
In a saucepan, heat 2 TBSP of oil on a medium-high heat. Add 2-3 kernels of popping corn to the pot and put the lid on the pot. Let the oil heat up until the test kernels pop and then add the remaining popcorn, return lid to pot. Gently shake the popcorn while popping to ensure that it does not burn. Remove pan from heat when most kernels have popped and the popping sounds have slowed. Toss popcorn into a large bowl. Melt butter on the stove on low heat and add seasoning. Pour into the bowl and toss and/or stir to coat your popcorn. Enjoy!
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Stone Mountain {Dixie Delights Guest Post}
One of the first blogs I ever started reading many years ago was Amanda’s blog, Dixie Delights, which is my go-to for Disney Tips & Tricks, incredible recaps of travel and tips around the us, great recipes, and sharing the day to day of a fellow Southern mom. Her blog always makes you feel at home like you could pull up a chair on the porch with a glass of sweet tea. I was thrilled when she agreed to share her family’s experience camping at Stone Mountain!
Hello campers! I am Amanda from Dixie Delights and I was *delighted* when my friend Andie asked me to share about our camping experience at Stone Mountain.
Stone Mountain is located just outside of Atlanta and is “Georgia’s most popular attraction”. The 3,200 acre park features a variety of family activities and many natural and historical sights. In the heart of the park is also Georgia’s #1 campground – Stone Mountain Campground. When I started perusing their site and laid eyes on the yurts, I knew my boys would be in heaven! We booked our yurt eight months in advance. Campsites, especially in the fall on the water, are limited and do book up in advance.
We traveled with our best friends and booked two side-by-side yurts. A yurt is a circular tent on a collapsible frame that has beds, furniture, AND air conditioning. We had lovely sweeping views of the lake and Stone Mountain itself that were enjoyable from both the front and back decks.
Inside was a tall vaulted ceiling with sky light, a fan, beds for 5, a rocker and table and chairs. It was extremely spacious and comfortable.
We had spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets from our little corner of the campground.
The lake was so calm and peaceful. The littles loved the ducks, and we usually awoke to find the lake peppered with stand up paddle boards, kayaks and fishermen.
We arrived Friday afternoon and stayed until around lunch on Sunday. We spent Friday night at the campground, went into Stone Mountain Park on Saturday, lounged back at the campsite Saturday afternoon, attended the Laser Show Saturday night, and hiked the mountain Sunday morning. The kids loved their time at the campsite and were entertained with enos, Pokemon Go, card games, ducks, chase, a scavenger hunt, riding scooters and just hanging out being kids.
The adults played cards, cooked, talked and relaxed.
As far as the rest of the campground, everything was well run and VERY clean. There was a General Store for basic supplies, a pavilion with a complimentary breakfast social on the weekend, a nice pool, volleyball courts and a playground.
If you go:
- Yurts are a fantastic way to stay! They easily sleep 5 and all you need to bring is your sheets (or sleeping bags) and pillows. They are very clean and comfortable. Yurts come with a fire pit and charcoal grill. Of course, you will need wood, charcoal, food and all of that stuff.
- Yurt site 1 is the best. It is perched right on the corner with sweeping views of the lake. You reserve your site when booking. Yurt site 2 does have the best concrete pad, as it is handicap accessible. If going with others, I would definitely try for Yurts 1 and 2 for the best of both worlds.
- There are only 6 yurts – book early!
- We did the Stay and Play package which included 2 nights in the Yurt, four 2-day park tickets (don’t have to be used consecutive days so we will go back this fall or winter!), four slushies and a bundle of firewood. When it was all said and done, our total was around $325. Park tickets alone for two days would have run us around $235.
- The yurts do not have bathrooms. There are comfort stations available and, while they are VERY clean, they are extremely hot. Yurts 1 and 2 are the farthest walk to the bathroom, but still not far.
- If you are looking for a campsite for a tent, number 69 looked amazing. It was right below us and more private than most. It had great views of the lake and Stone Mountain.
- If not having a bathroom is not acceptable, they were just finishing a handful of RVs that will begin renting next week. They sleep 4, have TV, a kitchen and a bathroom.
- There is a bus that runs to the laser show from the campground. This would be a fantastic way to get there. We wished we had taken it.
- Garbage picks up every day.
Thanks again, Andie, for having me! You can learn more about me and Dixie Delights HERE.
Stone Mountain Campground | Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Christmas | Snow Mountain
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Disney Cruise: Castaway Cay
One of the reasons I think so many people repeat cruises aboard Disney Cruise Line is because every single one of their Caribbean cruises always features a stop at Disney’s very own island, Castaway Cay (prounounced Key), an island in the Bahamas that Disney has turned into their very own island paradise, which, like all Disney properties, has been cleverly imagineered to provide enjoyment for guests of all ages.
Our cruise was one of the few “double dip” cruises that DCL offers. What this means is that there are TWO stops at Castaway Cay for guests sailing on the cruise. Most of their cruises only feature one stop, so this was especially nice. What we enjoyed about this was that on our first stop, we were able to just enjoy the island as a whole. We relaxed on the beach and in the water, had a nice BBQ lunch at Cookie’s, and took a walk around the island to see what it had to offer. We rented tubes for a small fee and went snorkeling as well. Our second visit included a shore excursion at Castaway Ray’s Stingray adventure, and more relaxing on the beach and in the plentiful hammocks they have in the shade all around the island. We also saw a lot of guests doing the Castaway Cay 5K, which we had considered, but sleeping in was far more appealing! When we were tired of walking after a fun but tiring day at the beach, we just took the tram back to the port entrance and it was a snap! 
Our son even took in the Oceaneer’s Club on the island and had a blast! There was always character meetups around the island, dance parties, and even a DJ to entertain guests, and this was all included. One thing I highly recommend doing: stop at the Castaway Cay post office and send off a few postcards to yourself and friends and family at home…. and wait…. because it’s a nice, unexpected surprise when the postcards finally arrive!
Lunch at Cookie’s BBQ was also included and plentiful and featured BBQ ribs, chicken, burgers and hot dogs, along with many delicious sides and desserts. There was also a fruit stand with fresh fruit and the favorite of the kids: the unlimited ice cream, which one day featured a mango flavor (that was DELISH!). I highly recommend the ribs, which were fall off the bone delicious, as well as the fruit salad that they offered.
My ONLY complaint about Castaway Cay, is that the shore and beach was rough on your feet. Because we live on the NW Gulf Coast, we are spoiled with our soft, sugar white sand beaches. The beach on Castaway had a lot of rocks, coral, etc. so if you were swimming or walking on the shoreline, you risked getting cuts and such on your feet. Water shoes of some sort are definitely needed! But this is something I wasn’t aware of going into it, and it was probably just because I was expecting soft sand like back home! Otherwise, the water was beautiful, and the service and detail to everything there was top notch!
Overall, we really enjoyed our visits to Castaway Cay. All of the Disney cast members on the island were incredibly friendly, helpful, and excited to be there to make our vacation as memorable as possible. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, and the details were well thought out. We definitely look forward to going back!
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Disney Cruise: Dolphin Encounter
Probably one of the most memorable parts of our summer Disney Cruise vacation was undeniably our shore excursion to Blue Lagoon Island for the Dolphin Encounter. Scott and I had done it before many moons ago on a previous cruise to the Bahamas and we knew that we wanted our son to have the same experience we did, since this was a special vacation. We booked the excursion directly through our Disney Cruise Line account, as the price of booking through them was not much more than booking independently, and because it was booked through DCL, we knew that if there were any troubles with returning back to port to embark the ship, the cruise line would be aware.
We knew that this excursion would be a bit more pricey given the nature of the 
experience, but in our honest opinion, the price paid is well worth the amazing experience of being able to connect with dolphins and learn about them in very safe and memorable way. The current rate through Disney Cruise Line is $158.00 per person age 10 and up, and $143.00 per person age 4 to 9. This includes transportation to and from via boat to Blue Lagoon Island, access to the island’s beaches and on site water activities, access to the facilities, and of course, the dolphin encounter, life vests, and locker rental. In addition, the boat ride to the island is quite an excursion in an of itself. During our ride over, the boat captain gave a mini-tour of celebrity homes and history along the way and another boat crew member got the on board guests moving with a mini Macarena dance party!
The day of our excursion, thunderstorms threatened Nassau and the surrounding area, but we were fortunate that Blue Lagoon Island was far enough out that we only experience sunny, pleasant weather! Debarking from the Dream and getting to the excursion was a snap, armbands were provided to guide you to where you needed to go in order to board your shore transportation and the process was seamless.
Once we arrived to our destination, we rested on the beach and snorkeled and played in the water while we waited for our excursion time. The water at the island was so clear that you could see fish all over swimming around you. The water was also very still and not deep, so children could play freely without much worry. There were paddle boats, inflatable amusements, etc. available for an extra fee as well. Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon also offers a Dolphin Swim and a Sea Lion experience as well!
Before we knew it, though, it was time for our excursion. We were able to lock up our 
valuables in a small locker at no extra charge and we were required, of course, to sign a waiver. Life vests were provided and required for everyone’s safety. Groups of 10 were typically included in each area devoted to the encounter and a photographer and trainers were available to teach guests about the dolphin’s habits, life span, intelligence, etc. We were able to feel their bellies, teeth, feed them, and the best part, give them hugs, kisses, and even dance with them. It was incredible to see these magnificent animals up close and personal. Seeing the joy on my son’s face with a giant smile was probably the best part of the whole experience! After we were done, the staff gave us details on where we could go online at a later date to download and order pictures. We were with a group of friends and we all split the cost for the photos. The photo package was around $100-$150 and it even included videos and digital images of everyone in your group. It was well worth it, especially if you are with a large group that can split the cost.
My son is STILL talking about his experience with the dolphins and he keeps asking when we can do it again. If you are taking a Disney Cruise (or any cruise for that matter) to the Bahamas and you are debating a shore excursion to Blue Lagoon for a Dolphin Encounter, we highly recommend it, as it was a wonderful experience that will remain in our memories for years to come!
A few tips for your visit:
- Bring the bare minimum needed in your bag. The lockers are small and can only really hold your wallet, phone, camera, etc.
- Cameras and phones are not permitted during the encounter.
- There are bathrooms, showers, etc. available if you need to use them after the experience is complete
- Unless you plan on buying a few snacks, etc. do not bring a lot of $$. You also do not need to pay for your photos up front. They upload them to a server and give you a slip of paper with your download info. When you go to download them, you pay!
- If you have a small child you think may be freaked out by the dolphins, there is an option for them to just be a “viewer” or “guest” – the website has more details.
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2018 Disney Cruise: Stateroom Category 8A
I remember one of the first things that I was super curious about when we booked our Disney cruise was the accommodations on the ship. Because we were paying a premium for our vacation, I was really curious about all of the resort style qualities that the ship had to offer as well as the size, quality, and comfort of our cabin.
Originally, when we were booking and planning this vacation, our first thought was to book a stateroom with a veranda, that way we could sit outside and enjoy the sea breeze in the mornings and in the late afternoons, but the more we thought about it, we were kind of concerned safety-wise about our 6 year old daredevil. While I don’t think he would ever try to climb over the edge of the rail, I was still nervous and concerned about that possibility. Then a friend shared a little tip with me about the Category 8A Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line, and as soon as we saw the details, we were sure to book it, and we were VERY pleased with this setup.
On the Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy, there are a small quantity of these staterooms available. They are considered Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and they offer two large portholes and a split floor plan. This means that there is typically a wall or a pole dividing the stateroom into two “rooms” – a bedroom and a sitting room to give a sense of a “suite” without being an actual suite. Their square footage is slightly larger than the other Deluxe Oceanview rooms, with approximately 320 SF vs. the 241 SF on the others. 
I think some of these come with bunks, but most only come with a sofa that converts into a twin bed, which was perfect for our little fella. These rooms have large closets along a wall and very large desk area as well for storage. There is a refrigerator, safe, etc. for storage, etc. It is worth noting, however, than unlike other cabins on the Dream, we DID NOT have a split bathroom. So we only had one toilet, one sink, one tub. Some of the other 8A cabins have showers only. We stayed in room 5020, which was forward on the ship and was one of the 8A cabins that had a privacy wall to divide the two areas. Other rooms in this category on the Dream are 6016, 6514, 5022,5050, and 5522. From what I gather, only decks 5 & 6 have these rooms and they are always either forward or aft on the ship…never centrally located. That is something to consider if you prefer to be centrally located on a cruise ship.
We found the room to be incredibly spacious and roomy and we never felt cramped or uncomfortable. In fact, we had friends come to visit us and even with them in our space, we didn’t feel overly cramped. The sitting area was actually great to just relax and look out of the window if you wanted (and if you wanted, you could even sit in the porthole!) There was lots of space to store our luggage under the large queen size bed (which was AMAZINGLY comfortable) and we had ample storage in the closets for our clothing and other incidentals. There was also a clothesline in the shower to hang our swimsuits to dry as well as really awesome toiletries provided that can only be found on DCL… and there were even a hidden Mickey in the bathroom! Every night, our stateroom attendant (who was awesome, Hi Mr. Tan!!!) would turn down our bed and also turn our sofa into a super comfy bed for our little guy, and it was a perfect setup for the week along with some super creative and fun towel and blanket animals! 
The chocolates were certainly a nice touch, as well!
While this stateroom was in the forward location of the boat, we did not encounter a ton of movement or discomfort in this location, Even on the one night where we had a little bit of rough seas, we did not noticed a ton of extra movement or sway… just a smidge, and that was easily remedied with some sea bands.
Also, someone really awesome did a youtube tour of our stateroom… so if you are interested in this category, you can also check this out!
While we didn’t spend tons of time in our stateroom, as there was tons to do on the cruise all day, it was nice to be able to relax in our stateroom without feeling like we were in a sardine can. When and if we cruise on DCL again, we will very likely try to get another Category 8A, because we loved it on this cruise!
Have you ever cruise with Disney Cruise Line? What kind of stateroom were you in and did you like it? We are curious to know!
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2018 Disney Dream Cruise Overview
Like I have mentioned before, sometimes our travels take us beyond what we can do in our travel trailer- usually once a year we will try to take a nice vacation that might take us somewhere beyond the continental US or even maybe somewhere too far to tow the camper (which is a whole post in and of itself!). Back at the beginning of June, we sailed on our first cruise with Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Dream. The Disney Dream was completed in 2011 and is one of the largest ships in the DCL fleet until they introduce their newest ships, the first of which is to arrive in 2021! 
We took one of the few 5 day “Double Dip” Bahamas cruises on DCL’s schedule. Because this cruise was during prime vacation and cruise season, our rates were somewhat higher than average. Because of this, we opted to book our trip well over 18 months in advance to be able to save and make payments in preparation for this extra special vacation. When reserving a cruise with DCL, there is a deposit of 20% required when you book your trip…. so keep that in mind! We booked our Disney Cruise with a travel agent so that we would be in contact with someone who was knowledgeable about Disney Cruise Line, the tips, tricks, advice, etc. about sailing for the first time. Amanda with Delightful Destinations is our choice for a top notch agent with tons of tips, info, and amazing service with booking your Disney cruise vacation- we highly recommend her and if you haven’t already, take a peek at all of her blog posts about Disney!
Having cruised in the past on Royal Caribbean, we made a joke that the Disney cruise better be amazing, as it was significantly more expensive than those cruises we took in the past. I can say, with confidence, that there is a reason why cruises with Disney Cruise Line are pricier than others- the seamless embarkation & debarkation procedures, attention to detail, amazing guest service and experience, cleanliness, variety of activities for all ages and interests, and the entertainment alone were top notch and far exceeded our expectations for what we had experienced in the past on other cruise lines. When people talk about the extra “magic” that Disney has to offer its guests, they are not kidding. Just those extra touches made such a difference in the quality and enjoyment of our trip and we can now understand why so many people say that once you cruise Disney, you have a hard time cruising elsewhere. 
We had an amazing trip full of memories and fun and I am looking forward to sharing some of the highlights with y’all in the next few weeks I know that in the months leading up to our trip, I was scouring blogs and the internet to read about the trips of other families and what they loved, what they recommended, and any tips and tricks they had, so I figured I’d pay it forward!
If there is anything you’d like to know, please feel free to drop us a line and ask! Stay tuned!
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#DiscoverJuly: National Parks & Recreation Month 2018
Did you know that July is National Parks & Recreation Month? We didn’t! We recently discovered that the National Recreation & Park Association created this month to encourage the public to get out there and explore and discover what local parks, recreation sites, and historic sites have to offer the community.
“ This July, explore everything your local parks and recreation has to offer! Playgrounds, rec centers, sports leagues, summer camps — these are just a few of the things that come to mind when we think of parks and rec. But, parks and recreation is so much more than that. During Park and Recreation Month, NRPA challenges you to explore the “undiscovered” roles of local parks and recreation, like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming; senior programs; innovative health and wellness opportunities; community celebrations; outdoor education; flood mitigation; maintenance; and more! Redefine how you think about your local parks and rec, and uncover a lifetime of discovery!”
While we are nearing the end of the month, we still have one more week and now is as great a time as any to get out there and explore with the kids before school starts back up at your local state park, recreation area, or historic site. There are several ways you can celebrate!
2018 Parks & Recreation Month Activity Book If it’s too hot outside at the moment to head to the park? No worries… get them started inside at home with this neat activity book provided by the NRPA. It’s a free download and has lots of good activities for learning about the outdoors in your region!
#DiscoverJuly – Check out this hashtag across social media or check out the NRPA Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for neat information and updates on what is going on around your community and region!
#NRPADiscoveryChallenge What is really cool is that the NRPA has a really cool photo contest going on RIGHT NOW! From now until July 30th, 2018, you can enter your photos via Instagram, Twitter, or on their site with the hashtag #NRPADiscoveryChallenge and be entered to win neat prizes, the grand prize being a GoPro!
This week’s challenge wants you to share pictures that lets them know… “What did you learn?
Show us something that you learned or lessons you took away from your discoveries to be eligible to win an Osprey Farpoint travel pack!
HOW TO ENTER
Take a photo in your local or park or recreation area — make sure it follows the weekly theme—this week’s is “What did you learn?”
Submit via Twitter or Instagram using #NRPADiscoveryChallenge or on the submission site.
The winner will be chosen by a panel of esteemed judges. The photo that best demonstrates the theme will be dubbed the winner! NRPA will reach out to award the prize. Winners will be chosen July 9, 16, 23 and 31.
At the end of the month, one winner will be chosen for the grand prize — a GoPro Hero5 action camera and 3-way mount! The grand prize winner will be selected and notified on August 1, 2018.
Sounds like a pretty cool contest, and I guess that means we need to go take a look and see what we have learned recently on our visits to local state parks and recreation sites! It’s not too late to enter, so go check it out and enter, and be sure to check out all of the other photos from the contest!
What are you waiting for? Go head out and #DISCOVERJULY with local parks and recreation!
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REVIEW: BUCCANEER STATE PARK
Louisiana friends, if your family wants to try camping near the beach without having to take a long drive to Alabama or Florida, there is an option in Mississippi for you. Located in Hancock County on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Buccaneer State Park is a coastal campground that has something for everyone.
Completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Buccaneer State Park was rebuilt and overhauled to include a water park, campground, playground, nature trails, disc golf, and waterfront camping to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone. An hour from New Orleans and its surrounding areas, Buccaneer State Park is easily accessible via I-10 or Highway 90. Traveling to the park does require driving over railroad tracks; the tracks on the exit prior to the park are not good for a truck with a trailer or a motor home. We highly encourage taking Lakeshore Drive to S. Beach Blvd. to prevent any damage. The park is easy to find and has adequate signage to guide to the camping area; once you pass Buccaneer Bay Water Park and the playground, you will come up on the campground office, which is also gated. 
If you are visiting Buccaneer and would like to explore the nearby coastal areas, there is a nice shopping and dining area right down Beach Blvd. in Bay St. Louis as well as a pier and a paved bike trail along the Gulf of Mexico. If the weather is nice, this is a great option for exploring the area and/or spending the day at the beach.
There is an attendant at the main gate and the campground is immediately to your right. The attendants are pleasant, but on all of our visits, we did not see any other park personnel. Almost all of the roads and campsites are concrete and level and all RV campsites include full hookups. In some of the loops, the arrangement of the sites can make backing in a little tricky. Campsites are in loops, which are cleverly named with pirate references. If you are looking for a shaded campsite, the Treasure Cove area is the most shaded, however it is closest to the railroad tracks, so you may have a lot of noise when trains come through. We have found that the Barataria Bay & Jean Lafitte areas get the least amount of noise from trains. 
The Blackbeard loop is the only one in the campground without paved sites or picnic tables and it is also near the train tracks. This loop is also somewhat shaded, however the sites are very close together and there is not much room to the campsites. If you have more than one vehicle, you will have to park at the entrance of the loop, near the pool. If you are looking for a beach view, there are a handful of campsites that are not paved but face the Gulf of Mexico and have basic hookups, but no sewer, and are considered “walk up” and do not take reservations. All sites with the exception of those in the Blackbeard loop also include a picnic table and charcoal grill. Campsites are reasonably priced, with variations due to seasonal rates. Average rates are around $25/night in the fall, maxing out with $28/night in the summer for a site with full hookups.
Amenities at Buccaneer include disc golf, beach access, a water park with a wave pool and slides, a wading pool that is part of the campground, a game room, bath houses, and nature trails. The campground wading pool is large, clean, and well equipped with umbrellas, pool chairs, and a lifeguard and is about 3′ deep for those wishing to use it. However, there is an additional fee of $6 per person, per day, to use the campground pool. The game room is right next to the pool area, as well as a camp store. There are lots of paved roads for bike riding and generally the traffic is not heavy throughout the campground, so children can ride safely. Nature trails are pleasant and well maintained. The playground is not in the campground, it is near the entrance in the day use area. It is well equipped and maintained with equipment for all ages, including swings and a merry-go-round. Our son is a big fan of the playground and it provides hours of entertainment for the kids. Depending on when you visit Buccaneer, be forewarned that because it is located near the marsh, you may encounter lots of mosquitoes and/or biting gnats. We have been fortunate the last few times we have gone that there were not many, but we have also been when the gnats bit so much we couldn’t spend much time outside. Be sure to bring lots of bug spray and or repellent lamps to deter them.
Entrance into Buccaneer Bay Water Park is NOT included in your campground stay. In
order to use the water park, it is $13 per person under 48″ tall and $19 per person over 48″ per day. This rate also includes access to the campground pool should you wish to use it on the same day. There is also a “twilight” rate from 4-6 PM that makes entry $13 & $11. The water park closes at 6 PM. Wristbands are provided so that you can come and go from the water park to your campsite, which is good, as no outside food or drink is permitted. The water park includes a wave pool, small children’s pool, and 2 two water slides. Children must be 48″ to ride the slides. While we did really enjoy ourselves at Buccaneer Bay, we did not feel like the water park is a good value when camping at Buccaneer State Park… simply stated, the expense of the water park entry fees for a family of four along with the campground fees could total up to $208.00 for the weekend… which is incredibly costly, most especially since the water park does not have many activities – just the wave pool, 2 water slides, and a small baby pool. While this was adequate entertainment for us on our camping trip, we did not feel like the water park was a good value for what was provided. Specifically, had our child not been tall enough to ride the slides, the rate would have been $13 for him to play in a 
baby pool and in the wave pool, which would be very disappointing. When compared to other water parks, the cost per ride at Buccaneer is approximately $6.33/per ride, per person. Right down the road, at Gulf Islands Water Park, there are 11 rides available for guests; all slides are good for kids 42″ tall and up, and the rate is $3.181/per pride, per person. (Rate during prime season is $34.99 and includes 8 more rides/attractions). We did enjoy our visit to Buccaneer Bay Water Park and we felt that the pools and slides were well maintained, cleaned, and well staffed with lifeguards, however, we couldn’t help but feel like the water park was missing something or just a little bit “meh” with regards to what it had to offer for the price charged.
There are bath houses at every loop, except the Blackbeard loop. All of the bath houses we encountered were adequate but not preferred. While they are newer, they are not well ventilated and get very hot/steamy and/or really cold depending on the weather. There was no hand soap or paper towels available either, which we found sort of pointless. Also, on our last visit, it looked as though the shower had not been cleaned in a while, there were hairballs all over and mold growing on the tile. There is also nowhere to hang a towel. But, if in a pinch and you need them, they are okay enough to use.
If you are looking to camp somewhere this summer near the Mississippi Gulf Coast or New Orleans, but with the option for water or beach fun along with the traditional part of camping, head on over to Buccaneer State Park- there is literally something for everyone!
AMENITIES: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
BATH HOUSES: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
KID FRIENDLY: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
CAMPSITES: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
PARK STAFF: ⭐ ⭐
OVERALL RATING: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Summer Update
just the other day I realized that it has been a good long while since we posted here at Savoie Faire- between closing out the school year, going on a really cool Disney Cruise Line vacation and then working on our home along with wacky weather and such- we had not been taking a lot of trips in our camper! Unfortunately, the summer is winding down and our little fella is heading back to school in a few short weeks, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t still exploring and checking things out!
Stay tuned, though, because we have some highlights and details from our Disney Cruise coming soon, as well as another campground review, some recipes, and maybe even an update on a project we completed in our home with our fireplace! We hope you’ll stick around!
Of course, I can’t do a blog post without at least one picture…. this was before dinner one night on our cruise and it is one of my favorites.
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A Visit to Ms. Heather’s Strawberry Patch
Sometimes camping trips can be a fun opportunity to not only explore the outdoors, but also the surrounding towns and landmarks in the area where you are having your getaway. Just recently, we took a short weekend camping trip up to Indian Creek Campground with friends, and while we were there, we decided to take a trip over to Ms. Heather’s Strawberry Patch in Albany, Louisiana.
Located about 45 minutes up Interstate 55, Ms. Heather’s provides a fun and inexpensive family outing that is sure to entertain everyone in your family. Since April is prime strawberry season in Louisiana and the farm was only about 15 minutes from the campground, we took a short drive over on a Saturday morning to see what they had to offer. he location was easy to find if you follow the directions on their website (don’t follow Waze, it takes you to the wrong entrance!) and there was plenty of parking in a grassy field next to the farm. Rates vary from $12.00 for a bucket or half flat to $20.00 for a full flat of strawberries. They will provide you with a box or bucket to take your goodies home. The fee also covers play activities on the grounds as well.
When we arrived, the line was not long and we were promptly helped and 
obtained our family bucket. Once you have your bucket in hand, you are free to pick as you wish. There are ample berry patches to pick from around the farm. Surprisingly, both my son and husband went to it enthusiastically and really enjoyed scoping out the berries and harvesting them! It didn’t take very long for us to pick our bucket full, maybe 30 minutes? There is not much shade in the berry patches, however, so be sure to bring lots of sunscreen, a hat, and cool, comfortable clothes.
When we were done we took advantage of the other fun activities available for the kids (and the kids at heart) as well as had a nice break to sit in the shade and have a refreshment. There snacks available for purchase- homemade strawberry shortcake, strawberry preserves, smoothies, and chocolate covered berries . There were also cold drinks available for purchase. You can bring your own water and drinks should you want. Because it was nearing lunchtime, we decided to grab a strawberry smoothie, which was amazing and tasted like strawberry ice cream, and our friends sampled the shortcake which they said was very tasty as well. Unfortunately, we were so hungry, we forgot to take a picture to share!
While the adults enjoyed our refreshments while resting in the shady tent areas provided, the kiddos had a blast playing and exploring on the expansive play area. The play area is including in your cost of berry picking and includes everything from playground equipment, tractor races, a giant pillow, and the most popular- the zip line. My son, along with our friends’ daughter, really enjoyed the zip line! Tractor races, a fun slide that was made from a ripply drain pipe also provided a lot of fun for the kiddos! There were trees to climb, giant rocking horses, and so much more. We were pleasantly surprised at all of the good classic fun was that there was to be had at Ms. Heather’s.
If you and your family would like to spend a nice spring day visiting Ms. Heather’s, you can check on their berry availability, get directions and updates on their Facebook Page.
Have you ever been berry picking? Are there any other local places you recommend? Do you have any great recipes to use with our strawberry harvest?
Ms. Heather’s Strawberry Patch is located at 31458 Highway 43, in Albany, Louisiana.
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10 REASONS WHY CAMPING IS HEALTHY FOR KIDS
I am always talking up going camping to local friends, especially when they seemed bogged down when they feel like their family needs a break from the stress and doldrums of daily work & school life. Many times families will complain that their kids are irritable, lethargic or just plain difficult… I always say one of the best cures for that is to go camping!
I decided that next time someone tells me “I can’t go camping,” or “We do the outdoors” I wanted to give them a list that they could reference that will give them at LEAST 10 good reasons why they should take their kiddos camping, and much of it is backed up by credible, scientific research!
Unplugged.
One of my favorite parts of going camping is the fact that most campgrounds have virtually non-existent wifi connections. Sure, they may have a wifi network, but 99% of the time, their connection is spotty and not worth the effort. Given that a large portion of today’s younger generation spends a lot of time on screens, it’s incredibly refreshing to be able to tell them, oh well, there is no internet access, so get off your tablet and get on your bike! (And to be honest, I love this for myself, as well… it’s nice to be able to avoid emails for a few days and have a good reason for it!) Scientific studies have shown that screen time for children can become addictive and detrimental to healthy development.
Educational Opportunities
When you are outdoors on a camping trip, there are unlimited educational opportunities available. Many science lessons can be taught with regards to biology, ecology and geology, just to name a few. Math lessons can be taught with regards to symmetry in flowers, Fibonacci sequences in flowers, or using math equations to determine the distance of a hike. Of course, many lessons in conservation just by teaching the rule of taking care of the space around you, and most importantly, social and emotional skills can be taught easily during free play opportunities while at the campground.
Independence
Camping fosters independence in our children. Generally, campgrounds are incredibly safe environments because they are contained environments with easily defined parameters. Many times, campsites can provide parents with a wide space and viewing area for children to play freely without much adult intervention. The availability of new spaces and territories also allow children to develop creative ideas and games without being prompted by adults, as often is the case at school and in extracurricular activities. Often, leaving children to their own imaginations can foster a sense of independence, but also help them develop important problem solving skills as well.
Sensory Input
Recent articles and research have made significant cases against current school practices that require young children sitting upright in desks all day, thus preventing adequate development of their sensory systems. There has been a drastic increase in the amount of children developing SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and of children requiring Occupational Therapy due to underdeveloped sensory systems. The increase of screen usage and lack of adequate sensory input because of more time at a desk instead of at play has created a problem where children have no core strength, fall out of chairs, need frequent movement, and a load of other problems. Camping is an excellent way to easily, and naturally, increase much needed sensory input in children so that they can get a better sense of the spaces around them. Climbing trees, learning balance while bike riding, jumping in mud puddles, practicing parkour from rock to rock, and so much more are ways to help children gain the input needed. There is a reason why children are so well adjusted after going camping, and one of them is due to the increase in their sensory input.
Physical Activity
Along the same lines as sensory input, another great health benefit for kids while camping is ample opportunity for physical activity. We all know that with the decrease of recess in schools, increase of screen time, and the increase in obesity in our country, that exercise is definitely a great benefit to our kids (and us!). Camping trips provide opportunities for bike riding, hiking, tree climbing, and so much more because the distractions of screens, television, etc. are not available. Because there is limited “indoor” space, kids have to entertain themselves outside! Of course, because they are out exploring all day, kids automatically increase their activity and then the next benefit occurs….
A Good Night’s Sleep
Camping and being in the great outdoors is always a recipe for great sleep for our kiddos. Our son always falls asleep quickly and deeply when we go camping and this is due to the first 5 reasons listed in this post. Between the increased sensory input, physical activity, free play, and developing social and emotional skills, childrens’ bodies and brains are tired and happy with the stimulation and increase in movement and we all know kids can benefit from a good night’s sleep to help them grow!
Safety & Survival Skills/Problem Solving
Going camping also shows kids that you can survive without everything at your fingertips. We don’t stock our camper with every little thing possible for survival, so sometimes we have to “make do” with what we have on hand. No BBQ grill, no worries, we will cook over the campfire! If it is getting chilly outside? Ok, well lets go source some firewood and then build a campfire, and while doing so, we’ll learn the key components of fire safety. While on a hike, you can teach children how to use a compass to find their direction and get back to safety. Going hiking and for walks can also be beneficial for showing them poisonous plants and berries as well and if they get stuck in a rut while riding bikes, encourage them to get out on their own!
Mental Well Being & Emotional Connection
Probably the most beneficial reason to take our kids camping is the mental & emotional benefits. Studies show that being in nature helps increase concentration, relax the mind, and help to recharge our brain and bodies to perform better in stressful situations. Spending time in nature can help our kids with ADHD, anxiety and even just the mental stress from life & school expectations. Also, being unplugged while camping with your family also opens the door to more emotional connections with our children, thus leading to a more balanced, loving relationship and experience with our kids.
It is Fun!
Let’s just make it simple. Camping is FUN. Whether you are on bike rides, exploring a ravine, taking a hike, or even playing make believe, camping enriches the mind, the heart, and the soul of our children. It gives them freedom and an outlet to explore and make friends and to just have a good time.
There are so many more reasons why camping is good for our kids- what are some of your favorite reasons?
