New Orleans? Mobile? The Gulf Coast?

The Chidester family is flying into New Orleans airport on Sunday afternoon and we need to be at a gathering of in-laws on Thanksgiving Day in Tupleo MS. We'll then fly back to Phoenix from Memphis on Saturday.

I'm looking for ideas on what to see and do along the Gulf Coast. It's been 30 years since I was in New Orleans and we could spend a couple of days there or we could head over to Mobile to Point Clear or elsewhere along the coast.

What are you're 'Don't Miss' recommendations in this area that can be seen in 2-3 days?

Lighthouses are probably NOT the big thing on this outing, although if we had a photo op at New Canal, Biloxi or Mobile Point, it might be nice.

If you want a photo op of West Rigolets better think about getting it now. Sounds as if it is on its way out.

In NOLA, you need to visit the Jackson Square area, which will include the Farmers Market and the Cafe du Monde (gotta get them beignettes). The setting at New Canal is pretty and really isn't a long drive from downtown (maybe 15 minutes). On the West Bank is a really neat Mardi Gras museum where you can see many of the floats and costumes worn. The history of and stories about Mardi Gras are always fascinating. While you are down by Jackson Square, you might want to take a riverboat cruise. You can go up river to the world class zoo, or go down river towards the battlefield where the last battle of the war of 1812 was fought (Ruthie may still have some newspaper clippings about that one - call her). In addition to the fantastic zoo, City Park is also a great place to visit.

Don't pass up the shopping centers, with daquiri stands at most entrances. Of course, there are also drive thru stands too . . . . . . . .

A visit to one of the plantations is also interesting. Oak Alley is one that sticks in my memory as a neat place.

Have fun.