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Beyond the Cruise - Why You Need More Than a Cruise Stop in Juneau Alaska

In 2018, we spent a week chasing the northern lights around central Alaska. It was everything we hoped for, and had us itching to get back to the 49th state. When we were given the opportunity to head to Juneau, we were quick to recall that we’ve both been (separately) to the capital city. Our visits were short (the typical 8 hour cruise port stop) and were full of seafood, hiking (Alli), and whale watching (Bobby). 

But as is usually the case with cruising, our knowledge of Juneau was minimal. We’d barely scratched the surface of all the food, adventure, and beauty this town had to offer! Whether you arrive by air or sea (the only way to get there - which is pretty cool) we’re here to say that you need more time… here’s why.  

We loved walking around downtown Juneau!

Alaskan Cuisine

Having only previously been to Juneau on a cruise, we weren’t sure what to expect in terms of the cuisine in Juneau. Would there be plenty of options for our 4 nights in town? Would we find fresh local seafood? Was there Alaskan food that we haven’t heard of?

Yes. Yes. And YES!

On our first day in town, we got our bearings by going on a Juneau Food Tour with Midgi Moore. The highlights were obviously feasting on Alaskan King crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, and then washing it down with an “Eagle Fart” (a shot of Bailey’s, Kahlua, and Vodka) at the Imperial Saloon. From Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos to Fish & Chips at the Alaska Fish & Chips Co., there was delicious fresh seafood everywhere.

Exploring the Juneau food scene with Midgi Moore

Deckhand Dave’s was the real deal

Reindeer corndog anybody?

Our absolute favorite meal may have been at In Bocca Al Lupo. Seasonally inspired Italian food that is so fresh and authentic that it has you questioning, “How is this here?” Well, the chef was a James Beard Foundation Semi-finalist and knows a thing or two about hand-made pasta and Italian pizza. We were in heaven! The only thing that could have made this dinner better was a babysitter. Noted for next time. 

And Alaskan food we hadn’t heard of… how about Reindeer corn dogs? Sorry Santa, these are incredible! Think hot dog with the perfect touch of gameiness. We’d go back just for these.

While it doesn’t fit as truly Alaskan Cuisine, we have to mention Pel’ meni. One of our favorite parts about traveling is experiencing foods and flavors that we can’t even imagine… this is true of Pel’ meni and their Russian dumplings. A local staple that has long lines long after everything else is closed, this is the best late night snack in town. They tasted like a combination of curry, sriracha, and some flavors I can’t describe. So. Good. Sorry, you’ll just have to go to try it out. 

Date night at In Bocca Al Lupo

Jude loves his pizza :)

Mountains and Glaciers at Your Doorstep

Coming from coastal California, this is pretty obvious. While you can explore many parts of Alaska and be surrounded by mountains, there is something special about the peaks surrounding Juneau. And there is plenty of hiking that you can do right from downtown. We left our room at the historic Baranof Hotel and could be meandering near a river in 15 minutes. If we didn’t have Jude we would have probably hiked the Mt. Roberts trail and taken the tram back down - again, noted for next time. 

We were so busy that we didn’t even visit one of Juneau’s famous attractions… the Mendenhall Glacier. We drove by it multiple times, but will definitely be back to spend more time admiring the glacier. 

Heading to Jude’s first tram ride!

He couldn’t see but he knew it was stunning!

Lively Locals and Downtown

When we arrived at our hotel late in the afternoon on a Thursday, it sounded like we had just arrived at a music festival. The Baranof Hotel is located downtown near Gunakadeit Park that is full of food trucks, and at the time live music and a ton of locals. We dropped our bags and hurried over, enjoying tacos at Deckhand Dave’s and meeting the local Juneau Crowd. 

While we experienced a variety of the local watering holes, The Narrows Bar was a nightly routine during our time in Juneau. With an elaborate selection of spirits that would be impressive anywhere in the country (let alone Alaska!), Bobby was in heaven. There we met Juneau natives nightly and swapped stories of our adventures in town for some of their recommendations for our following day. 

Along with the Narrows Bar, we also spent a few nights at the Alaska Griz Bar. This outdoor bar in downtown Juneau proudly serves all Alaskan beer and spirits. One of our favorites was the gin from Amalga Distillery - we even took some home!  

We were here every. single. night.

Whale Watching

This may be a no-brainer, but you MUST go whale watching. Even if you are on a cruise and only have 8 hours in Juneau, do it. It’s magical, and depending on the time of year it is very likely you will come across incredible wildlife.

For all of you who don’t have your sea legs (like Bobby), we learned a sea sickness fighting remedy that Alaskan boat captains even use! Here’s the trick, take Bonine the night before. Or if you’re headed on really rough seas, the morning before (24 hours plus in advance). Having it in your system is a game changer! 

Medicine aside, we went whale watching with Juneau Whale Watch and their boats are not very high off the water and have plenty of airflow. Sorry for all the seasick talk, it’s just part of how we do sea travel. 

Back to whale watching - we saw more than 10 different humpback whales during our excursions. Tons of mystifying spray blowing up on the horizon and then chasing them down to see their tails before they dove into the depths... even Jude was obsessed! 

We saw a ton of whales! Amazing!

We saw a ton of whales! Amazing!

Access to the Southeast

Aside from all that you have in Juneau, another huge draw is the access you have to the rest of Southeastern Alaska. Whether you hop on a seaplane and puddle-jump over to Ketchikan or take the slower route to Haines aboard a ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway, however you travel it’s going to be scenic and worth it. 

On the ferry from Juneau to Haines, I lost count of how many bald eagles, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping landscapes I saw within the first hour. The trip is absolutely stunning and would be quite the peaceful adventure if you’re traveling without a toddler - regardless, it’s a must do!

The views!

Jude was having SO much fun!

While our food-gawking and seasick remedies have kept this from being brief, we hope we’ve started to convince you of some of what Juneau has to offer. That’s the best part… it’s only a snippet. We could dedicate blogs to all the hiking, the wildlife, or the food, but we wanted to share the macro view of why Juneau is special. We’ll be back in the future as both cruisers and non-cruisers… meet us there? We’ll save a seat for you at the Narrows Bar and end the night at Pel’ meni. :) 

When You're Ready... Louisiana Northshore is Ready for the Whole Family!

When planning our first big road trip with the whole family, we were hesitant to go anywhere out of our comfort zone. We knew a baby and a newborn would be enough of a challenge, so adding in a wildcard destination seemed a little too risky. With that in mind, Louisiana Northshore was at the top of our list of places to head back to. Nestled along the banks of Lake Pontchartrain just 40 minutes north of New Orleans, the Northshore is a perfect destination to explore (or relax) with the whole family! While we know that Covid-19 is still very much a travel deterrent, here we’re sharing our favorite stay, eats, and activities from our second visit to the Northshore. And regardless of when you’re comfortable traveling, whether it be tomorrow or in 2022, the Louisiana Northshore will be ready for you!

Do

The tricky part about things to do on the Northshore is that many of the activities might make you want to move there. The sense of community and belonging is strong, even for visitors like us. From the energy of the concerts at the Dew Drop to the kindness of people you’ll meet while biking the Tammany Trace, you’ll feel like a local in no time. 

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, some highlights from our 2020 trip come back to the things we did with other people. On our first night in town, we went to the “Chillin’ at the River Concert” in Bogue Falaya Park, and watched people dancing the night away like Covid-19 didn’t even exist (in their socially distant circles). Another morning we biked the Tammany Trace, with Jude in a carriage, and chatted with several walkers/bikers as they obsessed over our chunky baby. I guess complimenting your baby will make anybody love a community…

A family favorite will definitely be the mule-drawn carriage tour of Covington. Royal Carriages will pull your family around Covington, sharing the rich history along with some of their recommendations for dinner, drinks, or coffee. It was a great way to see the town!

No trip is complete without doing a little shopping. Across their various communities, the Northshore has all the shopping you need. We love downtown Mandeville for the small businesses where we can find perfect souvenirs. Our favorites are Tallulah’s Vintage Market (where we scored some amazing holiday decor), Cameo Boutique (for Alli), The Wild Osprey, and Mae Antiques and Collectibles (for some exciting antiquing). 

Lastly, if this is your first trip, make sure to spend time strolling the parks. The trees here are jaw-dropping, so make it a priority. Our favorite spots for strolling among the live oak trees are Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville (on the lake), Bogue Falaya Park, and Fontainebleau State Park. 

Getting ready for a magical carriage ride!

Throwing Jude into the trees during a walk on Lakeshore Drive

Stay

With both coastal communities and lush towns situated a few miles from the water, Northshore has a wide range of options for accommodations. On our first visit to the area (in 2019), we stayed at About Trace B&B that’s located in downtown Mandeville. This pet-friendly B&B was walking distance from the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, along with plenty of restaurants and shops. We love downtown Mandeville!

During our 2020 visit, we stayed at the Abita Springs Hotel, centrally located in the charming community of Abita Springs. We loved the cute pink/peach exterior of the small inn, and were obsessed with the layout and design inside. Between the rocking chair on the porch happy hours (while Jude napped) and the big cozy bed, we struggled with ever wanting to leave. 

Next time we plan on staying in the overwater cabins on Lake Pontchartrain in Fontainebleau State Park. Sally may get to stay in her first overwater bungalow, as some of them have recently been designated pet-friendly! Who knew you could find an overwater cabin in Louisiana!?!

Love the design here!

Eat

We definitely have some favorite spots to eat on the Northshore, but have found some new gems on this trip! For breakfast, we loved Liz’s Back Porch! With tasty (and hearty) plates, colorful decor, and plenty of space between tables, this is a must-visit. Plus, you’ll probably meet Liz while you’re there. She’s a hoot! 

Abita Springs Cafe, just a stone's-throw from our Inn, is another go-to for breakfast (or lunch). Go for the tasty Abita Roasting Company coffee, and then come back daily for the beignet bites or massive omeletes! They have a spacious outdoor patio and even a mascot that lives in a chicken coop out back, Omelet the chicken - Jude was obsessed! 

While meandering downtown Mandeville, we stumbled upon Girod Street Market & Deli. The market is stocked with seasonal produce, fresh eggs (that were so pretty), and delicious sandwiches. We took a couple to-go and ate them among the live oaks on Lake Shore Drive. 

A new restaurant since our visit last year, The Anchor is an open-air, family-friendly restaurant that’s right on the water in Madisonville - they even have an on-premise dock with slips if you come by boat! Between the Fried Oyster Poboy, boat watching, and the rockin’ live music, we didn’t want to leave (but Jude had to nap). 

Another new spot (to us) that we dined at in Covington was PePe’s Sonoran Cuisine. The recently crowned “King of Louisiana Seafood”, Chef Robert Vasquez, was there to wow us with his authentic Sonoran cuisine fused with Louisiana flair. I (Bobby) had his crown-winning dish, a red snapper, crawfish sofrito that had flavors I’d drive all the way back for. The margaritas helped us relax despite the busy baby interrupting our otherwise romantic date night :) 

If you’re seeking out good beer, look no further than Old Rail Brewing Company or Abita Brewery. Old Rail has a variety of their own hand-crafted beers on tap, with the option to do tastings if you want to try a few. Our favorites were the Toil and Trouble and the Cow Catcher Chocolate Milk Stout! After your brews at Old Rail, be sure to make time for another at Abita Brewery. What started as a small microbrewery is now the largest brewery in Louisiana! While the typically have tours available and a spacious tap room, they temporarily only have their patio open due to Covid. Still worth the visit! Be sure to grab a case of “The Boot”, a crisp, light beer that they only sell in Louisiana. 

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It’s a delish as it looks!

Jude wants a turkey sandwich!

Who’s had a swamp pop?

Skipping nap time to enjoy this view :)

The Anchor is right on the water - such a great spot.

Cheers to the King of Louisiana Seafood!

Love a good beer flight!

We stumbled upon St. Tammany Parish, also known as Louisiana’s Northshore, on a road trip in 2019 and quickly new that it was special. The picturesque towns each have their own character, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all, and the culinary scene is bustling. Covid-19 may keep you from this gem for a few more months, but when you feel safe, it’s a perfect place to satisfy your travel cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekender or a family-friendly getaway, Louisiana Northshore is ready for you!

Sally the Bernedoodle Loves Louisiana Northshore... Here's Why!

The highlight of 2020 for Sally the bernedoodle must have been hoping in the car for a month-long road trip. She knows that a road trip means countless cattle to bark at along the way, tons of really yummy meals, and lots of snuggles sleeping between mom and dad in bed. While Sally is happy literally always, she is happiest when she’s outside and active. With two trips to Louisiana’s Northshore under her collar, she’s become an expert on what there is to do and see for all her canine peers. 

Where to Rest Your Paws (Pet-Friendly Accommodations) 

When it comes to where to stay, it depends on what you (the parents) prefer. If you want to experience the Northshore with your pup, Sally was a big fan of About Trace B&B. It’s situated in the heart of Old Mandeville, just a block from downtown shopping and the Tammany Trace. Other options that are dog-friendly include Splendor Farms B&B, the Best Western Covington, or the Residence Inn Covington. If you’d like to stay in Fontainebleau State Park, you have the option of camping or staying in a pet-free cabin… that’s where you’ll find us next time! 

If you’d like a little family time minus the pup, consider dropping him/her at PetSuites Northshore. We dropped Sally at PetSuites for a few days on this most recent trip, and it absolutely was the highlight of her road trip. Not only did she get to run around and play with dogs (and humans) all day, but she had her own suite with a comfy bed and Animal Planet playing on the TV all night. How spoiling! 

Sniffing, Running, and Going Potty (Things to Do)

Sally’s favorite part about the Northshore is that there is SO much for her to do. While we struggle some days to “get her wiggles” out at home, it’s easy to have her putting herself to bed right when we get back to our hotel after a day here. Here are a few of her favorite ways to spend her day: 

  • Making Friends at the Dog Parks - Louisiana Northshore boasts fenced-in, off-leash play areas with pools, water stations, sand and grass play areas. There are parks in Mandeville, Slidell, and Covington, and your pup is bound to make some friends. Sally could have played at Pelican Bark Park ALL DAY.

  • Canoeing with your parents - Canoeing is always a good idea, especially in the Louisiana wetlands! Rent a canoe (or kayak) from Canoe and Trail, and leisurely float along the river… it’s peaceful and relaxing, even with all of the things for your pup to see and sniff! We took a break at Bogue Falaya Park to let Sally run free! 

  • Stroll or Hike Through a Park - Sally recommends walking along the water on Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville, or exploring Fontainebleau State Park. Exercise for the whole family! 

  • Farmer’s Market - If you happen to be in town on a weekend, there are a variety of local farmers’ markets that will be full of artists, designers, farmers, and food from all over the Northshore. You can find pet-friendly soaps, apparel, and artwork if you’re in need. Not to mention all of the dogs you’ll meet walking around. We’ve been in town for both the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market and the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market… both were a hit for Sally!

Licks and Bites (Pet-Friendly Restaurants)

With everything that you’ll be doing on the Northshore with your pup, you’ll probably be ready for some good food. Fortunately there are plenty of dog-friendly options!

  • Abita Springs - If you’re staying in Abita Springs, Abita Brew Pub or Abita Brewery are a perfect spot to grab a beer, while Abita Springs Cafe is great for coffee and breakfast after a morning walk. 

  • Mandeville - After walking and shopping around Mandeville, we’d recommend the outdoor patio at Old Rail Brewing Company or The Barley Oak. Both boast tasty beers, good food, and plenty of space for the pups. The Barley Oak has waterfront views, too! 

  • Covington - While there are probably many more restaurants that currently have outdoor dining (due to Covid), our current favorites in Covington is The Chimes. Sitting the banks of Bogue Falaya, we ate here after canoeing with Sally. She loved the spacious patio and was delighted to have her fair share of hush puppies. 

All in all, Louisiana Northshore is a fantastic destination for those traveling with their dogs. It’s been “Sally approved” since our first visit in 2019, and she still has so much more to explore!

Lubbock, Texas - Bring The Whole Family!

Way back in 2019, we hopped in our Prius and took a road trip across the country. We hit the wide open road with our trusty dog Sally, and headed to West Texas. We spent four days eating incredible food, drank plenty of chiltons (IYKYK), and found as many puppy-friendly adventures as possible.

How our lives have changed. 

A new year, a new car, a new pandemic, a new kid… ha! 2020 was a whirlwind, and we were craving a little normalcy. Why not head back to some of our favorite destinations with the whole family? 

In November we hopped back in the car, with a few more bags, and headed back to our beloved Lubbock. And although we were in the midst of Covid-19 (right in between spikes), we found the same charm and flavor as our last visit. Whether you’re driving from California or somewhere in Texas, Lubbock is an amazing spot for the whole family. Here are some of our favorite Lubbock locales, including a few new names since our last visit! 

STAY

While there are plenty of solid hotel options in Lubbock, they really upped their game in 2020 with the addition of the Cotton Court. The Cotton Court is part of the Valencia Hotel Group, a small chain of laid back, trendy hotels that are scattered around Texas and California. Spread out over acres of landscaped courtyards, the Cotton Court has a stunning pool, lawn games, space for live music, fire-pits, and outdoor dining. Perfect for families! (And they are SUPER pet-friendly!)

And the rooms! They incorporate luxury, local style, and hip design… and they’re incredibly spacious. Smeg refrigerators, comfy beds, cool light fixtures… we could’ve stayed so much longer! 

The kids approve!

Love the design, the space, and the SNACKS!

Sally just wants to nap…

Sally just wants to nap…

Love the design and layout here!

How cute are they?

EAT

When we talk about Lubbock, we’re most often reminiscing on Evie Mae’s BBQ. This popular family-run establishment  gave us a new appreciation for BBQ, and we go back every time we are in town! When you go, try a little bit of everything… but our favorite is the brisket! (And don’t be scared of the line, it moves fast. And it’s SO WORTH IT.)

With the pandemic still in effect, we had to get creative with a few of the new spots we tried while we were in town. We had Thai Pepper’s to-go in our hotel room, and it was so tasty! The wait was long, but again, totally worth it. Another new favorite of ours is Dirk’s for fried chicken! We sat outside (due to Covid and Sally) and had a savory assortment of chicken, fries, green beans, and mashed potatoes. A true Texas feast! 

If it’s your first time in Lubbock, we’d say you can’t miss La Sirena Cocina and the Funky Door. At La Sirena Cocina you can indulge in scrumptious latin-fusion plates and a variety of “coctel artesenales” (we recommend the ones with tequila!). We love the salsa trio, the crispy brussel sprouts, and the chicken pot pie! If you want to get adventurous with your cocktail, try the “Last of the Oaxacans”. The Funky Door has INCREDIBLE fondue and tasty burgers. They currently have a “Quarantine Essentials” menu with great deals on both food and drinks. When life heads back to normal, it’s a perfect date night spot for a delicious meal and soothing live music. 

A trip to Lubbock without a trip to Evie Mae’s would be a disaster…

Go to Dirk’s for the chicken. Please.

DRINK

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that there are two types of drinks in our book… coffee and alcohol. For coffee, we were obsessed with Yellow House Coffee, Gold Stripe and Sugar Brown’s on our first trip to Lubbock. We visited them all again this time around, and loved the new “Lobby by Sugar Brown’s” that was a 2 minute walk from our room at Cotton Court. 

This time around we found two new coffee shops on the booming Lubbock scene— Monomyth Coffee and TOVA Coffeehouse. We said numerous times that Monomyth would be our spot if we were Lubbock locals. As I, Bobby, am a self-proclaimed coffee snob (I’m not proud of it, I just like good coffee), I was right at home at Monomyth. (Not among snobs, but really good coffee.) We went to TOVA one morning for breakfast and coffee, and loved the vibe and their mission - they’re a non-profit shop combating poverty in Lubbock and beyond. So cool!

Yellow House is a must-visit!

Yummy coffee and toast!

Coffee and fall? Alli’s fav…

Delish pop tarts and coffee at TOVA.

For the afternoons and beyond, there are two breweries that can’t be missed. We enjoyed both The Brewery LBK and Two Docs Brewing on our last visit, and we will on our next as well. The Brewery LBK has really good beer and is a solid date night spot if you order food from the West Table (or start at the brewery and end at the West Table). Their wraparound patio is also perfect for dogs or loud babies (hehe, our reality now). Speaking of being outdoors, Two Docs is a perfect spot for craft beer, four-legged friends, and the whole family. Two Docs consistently has a solid variety of beers on tap and rotating food truck partners serving up unique street food. 

If you’re more of a wine-o, head to Burklee Hill or McPherson Cellars. We got lunch and a bottle of wine to-go from Burklee Hill one afternoon, and the club sandwich was one of the highlights of our trip. Their dry rosé was easy-drinking and perfect to enjoy outside our room while Jude napped. We didn’t have a chance to get to McPherson Cellars on this trip, but may still have a bottle of Mouvédre from last year - we brought a few home :)  We’ve also heard English Newsom Cellars is a must for next time… we’ll be there! 

Note - all of the above restaurants, breweries, and wineries have Covid-safe protocols that make them accessible and safe in this new reality we live in. From takeout to socially distant patios, they have taken steps that made us feel safe during our time in Lubbock.

The whole fam at Two Docs… I think Sally had some beer ha.

Burklee Hill for lunch!

Look at that club!

Jude isn’t having a good time at all…

DO

If you’re in the mood for shopping, we are big fans of Mountain Hideaway and California T’s. Bobby was obsessed with the clothing and adventure gear at Mountain Hideaway, while Alli LOVED all the color at California T’s. We both came home with plenty of souvenirs. If you’re in the mood for an afternoon of shopping local and capping it off with dinner, consider Cactus Alley. There you’ll find several local vendors, as well as Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters and La Sirena.

With a child under one, our list of things to do typically revolves around eating and drinking since they’re usually pretty easy to entertain. But soon enough we’ll be seeking out all the family friendly activities a destination has to offer. During this trip, we loved exploring At’l Do Farms! From the barnyard, to the cow train, to the corn maze (!), Jude was in heaven! Another activity that was great for little kids was Prairie Dog Town. Jude was totally zoned in as the little prairie dogs pop in and out of their holes… So cute!

If you have older kids, 4ORE Golf is such a fun spot to spend an afternoon. A driving range with serious technology, there are a variety of games you can play. And they have really yummy food! If you want to go the more educational route for an afternoon, the National Ranching Heritage Center will allow your family to immerse themselves in the Wild West. They have replicated houses and cabins where families can explore and really feel what it would have been like to live in that time. Definitely an upgrade from reading about it in a book...

If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, Lubbock is very dog friendly! We have a whole blog that’s a guide to all the dog-friendly adventures Sally went on during her first time in Lubbock. This time, a highlight for her was running around Phil Hoel Park. And probably having a few nibbles of brisket from Evie Mae’s :)

Left with some goodies!

Love the color at California T’s!

Fun day on the farm!

All aboard the Cow Train!

So much fun and so much chaos!

Jude got over the maze and just wanted to play in the hay.

Escaping the maze!

Prairie dog town!

Look at that focus!

Golf and drinks? Yes, please.

Contemplating if it’s worth jumping in :)

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family and pets, Lubbock has something for you. The pandemic (and the newborn) slowed us down a little on this trip, so we’ll definitely be back again soon. We’ll be craving Evie Mae’s and Monomyth Coffee in no time! 

5 Family Friendly Adventures in Coastal Mississippi

In our pre-parent life, we spent most of our time in new destinations bouncing from coffee shops to breweries, with random activities sprinkled in throughout the day. Well, our lives have drastically changed with the addition of our son— so our travel norms have had to adapt! We’re still seeking out the best coffee and breweries, but we’re also constantly on the hunt for visually engaging adventures that can stimulate him more than watching YouTube (ha!). During our recent visits to Coastal Mississippi (both in 2019 and 2020), we have found plenty of activities that are perfect for our growing family! While we’re certain there will be more on our next visit to The Secret Coast, these are currently our 5 favorites: 

1. Mississippi Aquarium

The new (and BEAUTIFUL) Mississippi Aquarium is definitely a must for all families visiting Coastal Mississippi! With nearly one-million gallons of both fresh and salt-water, the aquarium has over 80,000 square feet of exhibits with landscaped walkways meandering throughout. You can learn about and see a variety of species covering the water (obviously), land, and air! Some of the highlights include the alligators, river otters, stingrays, and shorebirds! 

Jude was obsessed with the stingrays and the stunning giant viewing area that makes you feel so small! We loved the 360-degree tunnel where you could feel like you were right in the water with all the sea life! 

There really is SO much for the whole family at the Mississippi Aquarium. They have daily programming that could keep you there all day, or you can pick and choose your favorite spots and go at your own pace. If Jude was a little older (or if we left him at home), we’d love to go back for an “Otter Chat” or to watch the “Aviary Feed”. We can’t wait to go back!

Fun day at the aquarium!

Jude was obsessed with the sting rays…

Mesmerized!

In the 360-degree tunnel!

2. Museums and Murals

Your time in Coastal Mississippi will at some point have the elements of an art walk whether you like it or not. From the colorful murals you can find on your downtown walks, to the Walter Anderson or Ohr-O’Keefe Museums of Art, there is plenty of art to appreciate! 

On an art walk in Biloxi!

On an art walk in Biloxi!

Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art

Blown away by the detail at the Walter Anderson Museum.

Exploring Fish Bone Alley

Coffee gives us strength…

Coffee gives us strength…

3. Shrimpin’ with The Biloxi Shrimping Trip

If you have kids that are a little older than Jude (maybe 4+), the Biloxi Shrimping Trip may be the highlight of their (and your!) visit. This 70-minute “Living Marine Adventure” cruises the calm waters of the Biloxi shoreline and will teach you everything you ever wondered about a real shrimping expedition. They’ll put the shrimping net out upon departure, and will catch a variety of marine life for everyone to see (with shrimp being the main haul). If you’re a Forest Gump fan, it’s pretty epic to experience “a real shrimpin’ boat” (as Bubba would say). 

Identifying all that we caught with the captain!

Sally’s first shrimp! So focused…

4. NASA’s official visitor center for Stennis Space Center

Another highlight for families with kids that are in the 4+ range, is the INFINITY Science Center— it’s out of this world (hehe, I had to). With over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, families can experience a variety of education exhibits, hands-on adventures, and, my favorite, the MASSIVE section of a Saturn V Rocket (one that took men to the moon!). There’s also a Hurricane Prediction Lab, 3D Immersive Theater and the Biome Boardwalk, so it’s easily a whole day adventure!

Blown away by the size of the Saturn V!

Blown away by the size of the Saturn V!

5. Sweet Treats…

While we’re confident the whole family will find joy in the aquarium, shrimpin’, and the science center, there’s a chance that some may eventually get bored with all the history chatter. What’s a better way to resolve that than some tasty sweet treats! 

With plenty of options throughout the Coastal Mississippi area, here are our favorites:

Juders getting some pastry!

Sally wants a Pop Brothers at home :)

Sally LOVED the pops!

Bonus - The Beach!

Being Southern California natives, we often overlook that many people don’t have access to the coastline! With that in mind, Coastal Mississippi boasts twenty-six miles of soft white sand (the longest man made beach in the nation)where you can find massive stretches all to yourself! Grab your sunscreen and towel and go enjoy a snooze on the sand! Or build sand castles with the kids! 

Back when Sally was our only baby :)

For us west-coasters, Coastal Mississippi is an under-the-radar destination that we love visiting again and again. With new activities and good restaurants coming in constantly, it won’t be under-the radar much longer. This beautiful stretch of coast is perfect for the whole family, and we can’t wait to head back!

The Coastal Mississippi Promise: When you visit The Secret Coast, you will be met with warm welcomes and 62 miles of shoreline dotted by unique coastal communities. Here, you can expect excitement and relaxation in equal measure, with plenty of room to roam. You should also expect to see that our hospitality partners are implementing all necessary precautions to protect you, your loved ones, and our industry employees.