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Oak Alley sometime gets all the publicity for the plantation home to see while visiting the south. Although Oak Alley is an incredible plantation home with the most beautiful oak tree lined path, Houmas House has it's own unique beauty that you don't want to miss. Houmas House History The first owners were the indigenous Houmas Indians, hence the name Houmas House and they sold the land to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid-1700s who built various homes on the grounds. By the time of the Louisiana Purchase, the plantation was established and producing sugar. The home went through a few owners, including Revolutionary War hero General Wade Hampton, Irishman John Burnside, and Col. William Porcher Miles. Under Miles ownership, the plantation was producing 20 million of pounds of sugar each year. The home fell into despair during the Great Depression, but was renovated by the new owner, Dr. George B. Crozat, who purchased it in 1940s. Dr. Crozat eventually opened the property up to tourists. In 2003, current owner Kevin Kelly, fulfilled a lifelong dream of acquiring the property in the Spring of 2003. Today it reflects the best parts of each period in its rich history alongside the big bend of the Mississippi.
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 We just go back from a long, hard work weekend in Kona, Hawaii setting up and tearing down a 5k race. Luckily it all paid off and the crew was able to squeeze in a well deserved visit to the beach.
We decided to try the beach right next to the former airstrip of the Old Kona Airport, but it was too rocky to walk into. One of the other crew members remembered some folks with beach gear walking through an opening in the fence at the soccer field at the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. That's the next spot we tried and it was glorious. The secret beach was hidden behind giant homes. There was a narrow pathway between two of the mansions that opened up to this hidden gem. We soaked in the warm water, checked out the tide pools, and took goofy photos. I brought my goggles to take a few laps in the ocean water and was delighted to see so many creatures swimming in the water. Read more to see how to get to this beach and enjoy it yourself. 
Five surprising things I learned while traveling through Costa Rica...It’s safe.
Like really really really safe. As a solo woman traveler I was able to walk down the main street of La Fortuna at night without being bothered at all. I never felt unsafe at all. No catcalling. No hustlers. No pickpocketers. No pushy salesman…
 it was No, literally, the sushi was on fire! Not just a metaphor for being absolutely delicious, it was a real hot, flaming, blaze that could burn you. It was also a delicious meal and some of the best sushi I've had.
After an amazing day at the beach, we met up with our gracious host, and brother from another mother, Daniel, at Hana Sushi, and although it wasn't all you can eat, it was inexpensive, delicious, and of course, gluten free.  My best friend Ashley asked me Thursday afternoon if I wanted to take a road trip to the beach the next day, and I of course said yes! I looked forward to tanning and splashing in the ocean. This was Foxx's first trip to the beach, so I was excited to see him enjoy the ocean.
Ashley's also gluten free, so agreeing on places and things to eat was easier than going out with non-gluten free friends. I packed up food for us to enjoy in the car and we found a pretty cool eatery along the way... |
