Festival day 5 plus departure

 April 15, 2024

Isle of New Iberia - site 54

New Iberia, Louisiana

Gosh Momma, I'm already in Mississippi for a one night stay as we begin heading back east and I haven't even gotten around to writing about the last day at the Cajun Festival.  You took so many pictures on Monday...wow...hard to choose from!

You see Momma and Dad went to Rip Van Winkle Gardens and Mansion.

Actor Joseph Jefferson played the part of Rip Van Winkle in the play named Rip Van Winkle.  He was visiting the area and heard that the property was for sale and purchased it, building in 1870 this charming Victorian style mansion with a fourth story cupola. The cupola was designed to keep the house cool in the summer.  Located in the center of the home, it would open to let the rising heat escape.  With most everything at sea level, it is unusual that the house is 75 feet above sea level but it was positioned ontop a salt dome.  Joseph Jefferson took advantage of this fact and included a basement in the design.  The tour guide was enchanting, sharing a wealth of knowledge about the home that changed hands a couple of times with one owner naming the property after the character Joseph Jefferson played in over 4500 performances, in honor of Jefferson.  

The 15 acres of gardens are gorgeous displays and designs located amongst the 350 year old oaks.

One of the numerous peacocks

 What a bonus!  The cafe had outdoor seating with wonderful offerings.  

Everyone enjoyed the fresh from the oven home baked rolls with butter served in a basket along with the incredible Creamy Seafood Bisque, loaded with seafood swimming in a deliciously seasoned bisque.  Momma asked for the recipe, but they are keeping it a secret.

Some of the Golden Triangle group we are traveling with drove an hour plus to the crawfish farm where the farmer was gathering crawfish that were then taken to the sorter.  Some even got on the boat that collected and bagged the crawfish. 

Not only were the crawfish sorted, but they were washed as well.

It was a farm to table experience as crawfish were on tonight's menu at the festival.

In line to pick up their tray holding 4 pounds of crawfish, corn on the cob and boiled potatoes.

It was a labor intensive meal, but enjoyed by all.

More winners at tonight's drawings.

It was the final night of music and partying.  Everyone donned their party gear and took turns grabbing pictures. 

Check out Dad's party hat.  Is that really Momma behind that mask?

The band for the evening featuring Chubby Carrier played Zydeco music.  The band even included a washboard player.

The following morning, we hooked up and headed east,

stopping off at Gulfport, Mississippi for a night to break up the trip.  Everyone arrived in time for happy hour,

but some were late to happy hour as they were working on a repair project.  

As a fifth wheel passed Rick and Louise, it clipped Rick's passenger mirror shattering the mirror. 

The guys took it to a glass shop to get a replacement mirror for a temporary fix so they can travel safely.

The two legged may not have liked this campground due to all the I-10 road noise but I found a nice grassy area where Dad and I could play ball so I'm pleased with our overnight stop!!

I'm Chloe