Laid Back In The Big Easy – Nawlings Bike Adventures
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There is absolutely nothing finer than vacationing where your mind, body and soul are at peace. For us, the place to “pass a good time” has always been New Orleans, Louisiana. Call it the "City That Care Forgot," or the Crescent City. Either way, it’s a wonderfully eclectic and steamy gumbo mixture of food, music, people, fun things to do, and interesting things to see. But wait, you’ll never have time to fully undertake this casual and friendly place all on your own. Trust us, we’ve been to N’awlins so many times that we still haven’t experienced all the culture and history that continually beckons us to visit time and time again.
Never fear, for Laid Back Tours, LLC is here. With the expert guidance of the husband and wife owners and operators, Mousa and Veda, you too can tour New Orleans at a relaxed and easy pace. Take your pick from their many individually guided tour options as there’s always a lagniappe, or a little something extra, when you’re on a Laid Back Tour. Whether it’s a shorter kayak tour through the city’s only bayou — St. John, or a full day kayak trip through bayous, swamps, and wetlands, you will experience many of the gifts that this magnificent area has to offer. With this top notch adventure tour company, you will enjoy a unique view of New Orleans, the land of decadent pleasures, up front and personal while among an intimate group. Nope, no air conditioned mega buses full of touristy geezers here. That’s not the style of Laid Back Tours, sorry.
For us, we chose to try the road less traveled and experience New Orleans’ unsurpassed architecture and ambiance by bicycle while on a full day guided tour. Like baby ducks following their mommy, our eclectic and small sized group of six people set off behind our very friendly and knowledgeable leader, Veda, on our full day of biking. As we covered nearly 23 miles throughout the entire day, we kept pumped up by the positive words and attention we received everywhere we went — just by riding bikes. What? Not in shape you say. No worries, as they have three wheeled recumbent trikes that help you ease into the groove and make you feel just like Lance Armstrong. No matter what age or athletic ability you are, everyone looks sexy on one of these bikes and trikes because they’re cool to look at, and they’re very easy to ride, too.
Biking the Garden District.
On our pedal powered excursion, we were soon to experience everything the varied city of New Orleans had to offer up close and personal. We saw historic Creole plantations and heard their history. While under majestic oak trees, we learned what shotgun shacks are and why. Everywhere we rode, it seemed that the sweet scent of the many blooming magnolia trees followed us. Veda led us on a personal tour through and explained the mysteries of the St. Louis Cemetery.
We meandered like the Mississippi River through the outdoor hub of the city, the massive City Park, and learned of its many treasures. Of course, we cruised through the crowded French Quarter, as we were bound for two separate ferry rides across the mighty and murky Mississippi River. To end a gorgeous day, we rode down side streets and the neutral ground in the grandiose Garden District and took note of the numerous porches and patios for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. Foodies need not worry, as we also had an outstanding lunch fit for a Mardi Gras king.
Of course, when in N’awlins, it is almost mandatory that you eat, and eat, and then eat some more. With this in mind, for this adventurous biking trip we were taking a pre-emptive strike at burning off calories that we were bound to eat or drink at some time during our week long visit to this charming Creole city that one of our lifestyle mentors, Jimmy Buffett, affectionately calls, “the northernmost city in the Caribbean.”
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By Kim and Don Tatera, Southern California Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
About the Author
Kim and Don Tatera, Southern California Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents - Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com