Lake Charles

Our morning started with a walk along Lake Charles.  It got great reviews on Trip Advisor and we need to get more steps in on our fitbits.  There is a 9-11 memorial by the lake with stone from the Pentagon and steel beams from the World Trade Center. 

The wall bordering the memorial is decorated with pieces of glass.  Very beautiful.

After our walk, we explored the historic district.  Some majestic old houses.  And some that could use a little love.  

I read an article about restaurants in Louisiana that will blow your taste buds away.  Not sure that's a good thing, but this hot dog place was mentioned, so I wanted to try it.  It's called Botsky's.  Don't ask Siri to help you find it.  (Directions to Botsky's.  Okay, here is where you can buy skis.  No, Botsky's.  I don't understand box keys.)

Cassie found it.  There's not even a sign outside.  They open at 11. We were there by 11:10 and there were already several people there.  You can get a beef hotdog, a Kobe beef hotdog, smoked sausage, turkey dogs, alligator dogs, or vegan dogs. There are a dozen toppings to choose from (even pulled pork or bacon), and lots of sauces.  I had the smoked sausage with Cajun kraut and creole mustard on a wheat bun with sweet potato fries.  I would go back and have that again!  Cassie had a beef frank on a white bun with catsup and fries. She enjoyed it. 

We went to mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  I'm loving all these ornate churches. 

And then found the Mardis Gras Museum.  It wasn't easy to find, but it was amazing!  You could spend all day there, but they're only open from 1:00 to 4:00.  As predicted, Cassie loved it!

Kathy does a wonderful job explaining all about Mardis Gras and the balls they have leading up to the parade.  

The museum even has some animatronics, which can be startling.  Lots of fun here.

After the museum we got on the interstate for what should have been under a four hour drive to Pearl River.  Six and a half hours late, we finally arrived.  

Thanks to the Reaves family for generously hosting us for a couple of days!