lafayette

Y not.

Our recent adventures lead us less than an hour west of Baton Rouge to Lafayette, LA. Our main purpose was the 2nd Saturday ArtWalk. The 6:00pm start meant that we had plenty of time to explore on our way there. Everything starts with food, so lunch was up first. 

Olde Tyme Grocery Goodness

A co-worker of Eric's, who is from Lafayette, once took him to Olde Tyme Grocery. He remembered getting a really good roast beef po-boy there, so we decided it would be the perfect stop. You enter to find coolers of drinks and stocked shelves of chips, candy and snacks. You order from the at the counter, grab your drinks, give them your name, pay and find a seat. The place is really popular, so finding a table can sometimes be a challenge. We lucked up to snag the last one (in a back corner). A worker walks around with orders, calling names. 

Please call my name next!

I went traditional south Louisiana style with the fried shrimp po-boy. Eric had the Old Tyme Special (ham/turkey/roast beef/swiss). They did not disappoint. Delicious. And a word to the wise on the size: order the half and not the whole. Though, the other half would be a good idea for leftovers. Nevermind, get the whole and bring the other half home. 

This is what it's all about!

Bellies full, we stumbled back outside into the Louisiana heat to think up our next stop. We were kinda winging things on this trip. We decided on the local university's Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. I'm a big fan of architecture, so I was excited that they had an exhibit of famed Louisiana architect A. Hays Town. The exhibit included photos, drawings, models, and so much more. 

Museum waterfall y'all!

Eric's favorite exhibit was Salvador Dalí's Stairway to Heaven. The museum is first stop of the exhibitions U.S. tour. Dalí's works are inspired by Dante's "The Divine Comedy" and Comte de Lautréamont's "Les Chants de Maldoror". The works are much different than the surreal artwork for which he's most famous. If you can't make it to Lafayette then try to make one of the exhibitions other seven stops.

Is he trying to touch it with his nose?

Feeling properly cultured, we decided to go for a drive. We ended up going south to nearby New Iberia. We really had no specific destination in mind. It turns out that the town's historic district contains a replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, France. New Iberia's is much smaller in scale and just really popped out of nowhere on us. 

Not France.

The historic district also surprised us with the Sliman Theater for the Performing Arts. Its best years behind it, the theater was donated to the city, restored and now serves as a music and performing arts theater. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, so we had to settle with peeks inside to the lobby and pictures of the fantastic exterior.

Historic charm.

A previous stop in the area lead us to a restaurant that was serving some really good sausage. When we asked about it, we were told it came from Nunu's Market. So of course, knowing it was nearby, we had to stop. They have all kinds of specialty meats. We passed on the (intriguing) low-carb cauliflower boudin. We left with their smoked boudin, smoked pork and Steens sausage (a little sweet thanks to that Steens) and shrimp stuffed chicken breasts. Oh, and a styrofoam cooler, because we did not come prepared for Eric's meaty shopping spree. 

Stuffed with anything and everything!

Cooler packed with goodies, we headed back to downtown Lafayette for the art walk. But of course we ran into something else that made us stop. We're suckers for murals. We grabbed pics of a couple here and there. Then we stumbled into graffiti at the abandoned Charles Boldt Paper Mill. It is popular enough that, next to the keep out sign, is a sign for the website to book your photo shoot. 

Where'd everybody go?

Not creepy at all.

Creepy abandoned paper mill checked off my bucket list, we finally made it back to downtown Lafayette. We started at the Wurst Biergarten. This was a pretty cool open air market for local artists that had large choice of beers. Eric grabbed a one of the local beers on tap and we strolled the grounds. Now if only Baton Rouge could get their act together and not just talk about beer gardens.

Graffiti Love!

More Graffiti Love!

More Graffiti?

Yes. More Graffiti.

The time of the walk had come, and the Acadiana Center for the Arts was open to the public, so we started there. From there, we walked up and down the street to visit the nearby businesses that were hosting local artists. Now here's where I have to be honest. It wasn't really living up to what we hoped. I think the long day just had us a little worn out, so we were only there for about an hour. We sometimes pack too much into our days. Maybe one day we'll learn. Maybe.

Eyes closed. Not drunk.

houston we have a problem

Houston, 48 hours just isn't enough.  We asked for trip suggestions, on Instagram and Facebook, before heading to Houston. We received lots of fantastic suggestions. Thank you!  

Everybody say Buc-ee's! BU-CEE'S!!!

First things. It ain't a Texas trip if there ain't a Buc-ee's stop! According to Eric, that is. The boy has an obsession. He was going to buy something and this trip it was another t-shirt. I think he's starting a Beaver T-shirt collection. We also grabbed two sandwiches from the Texas Round Up (aka, BBQ zone inside of Buc-ee's). It's not the best bbq you'll find in Texas, obviously, but it definitely hits the road trip spot. These stops are never quick, because Eric has to make sure he has seen every piece of merchandise with Buc-ee's face on it before we can leave. Seriously, I think the boy needs help. Suggestions welcome.

Another Buc-ee's Shirt for Eric'c Collection

Because we're planners, neither one of us had cash on us and avoiding toll roads became the name of the game. No tolls + Time to Kill = Galleria. Eric was really curious about the celebrity that, in his mind, must have been in the Gucci store. No celebs. Only two people are allowed into Gucci at a time. This concept was foreign to Eric. This was a mall. Eric judged those people in line. To himself. But there was judgment. Nordstrom has a Gucci goodness. They're just not as pretentious, perhaps? Eric made me say that. 

Where's the Famous Person? Just Kidding. It's only the Gucci Store.

We snagged another great hotel deal on Priceline. We stayed at The Hilton - Americas Houston. Side note: Did you know you can actually only bid on hotels now on Priceline? RIP cheap rental cars, and flights. Anyway, we arrived an hour early at our hotel, but the friendly staff got us in our room early. Settled in our room, we started to check for tickets to the Astros' game on Stubhub. The Astros were having a Star Wars themed night so Eric was suddenly living his best life Star Wars and baseball!

The force is strong with this pic.

The walk to Minute Maid Park from our hotel was less than 10 minutes. If you're ever in town for a game or a weekend series then this is a great hotel for you. You're right next to Discovery Green and (another selling point) there's a Starbucks in the hotel lobby! We headed to the park a little early, so we could survey the lay of the land (ie. food and souvenirs). We did not know ahead of time, but to Eric's dreams come true, it was Star Wars night. 

Evil empire was in town.

Star Wars night at Minute Maid Park was fun. You could take photos with members of the Republic or Resistance. God help me for knowing that much Star Wars information. The JumboTron had the players mocked up in Star Wars costumes instead of their uniforms. The food offerings at the park were mostly standard (though, there were the Tex-Mex exceptions). The Astros played a great game and defeated the Cleveland Indians 4-1. However, it was a Friday night and this meant fireworks. These weren't just any post-game fireworks. These were Star Wars choreographed fireworks! Eric added the exclamation point. 

Star Wars Fireworks

Saturday morning we took our time getting up. We headed to the Cullen Sculpture Garden. A friend suggested it and she made mention of the Cloud Column. Apparently, Houston's version of the Chicago Bean. We enjoyed looking around the garden, the art, and taking photos. We were glad we went in the morning. It would get pretty warm later in the day. Side note, the garden is free (whoop whoop!).

Shiny

After taking in the sculpture garden, we popped into the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. The museum is free, but they gladly accept donations. I love art, but I just didn't love the art in here. I almost felt sad and uninspired viewing the art. I mean at least the art made me feel something, and that is the point of art, but feeling sad and depressed isn't how I like to spend my time. 

Eric making friends.

We headed to MidTown for lunch and to meet up with friends of mine. They moved to Houston a few years ago. I so miss Megan dearly. I was happy when she suggested that we meet up for lunch at a chill spot. We met at Luigi's Pizzeria. It shares a beer garden/courtyard space with Axlerad. The pizza was delicious and Eric appreciated the beer selection (at Axlerad). The beer garden is filled with hammock chairs and other fun seating. We hung out for a while, but ultimately found a picnic bench in the shade to enjoy the pizza with friends.  

Chillin' in the Beer Garden Hammock Chairs

Stuffed bellies, after catching up, we headed back to the museum district. This time to The Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Park in the parking structure if you're impatient, because parking is hard to come by especially (in the afternoon). We had only two hours here, as the museum would be closing. We needed more and one of us needed a nap (looking at you Eric, not to mention names). The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, we will be back! 

The Rocks by Van Gogh 

Old Stuff we Whizzed Past (we only had 2 hours) 

We had noticed, when leaving from the hotel parking garage, graffiti a few blocks from our hotel. Naturally, we headed over that way. Graduation season upon us, it seemed every high school graduate was in cap and gown and camera crew (aka mom and dad) in tow ready to take photos. We managed to get some good shots and enjoy the art so much that we went back the next day when we were headed out of town.  

Proof we were in Houston.

Vibrant Graffiti Walls

Now it's time for some truth. Dinner was the main reason for this trip. You see, over a year ago we watched an episode of Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods show. Crawfish & Noodles was featured. We then made a pact to go. However, crawfish season eventually ended and we never made it. Then, it was everywhere! Anthony Bourdain was featuring Vietcajun crawfish! David Chang's Ugly Delicious went to Crawfish & Noodles! We had to go! Especially since Vietcajun was slowly starting to trickle its way over to Louisiana (see the evidence). We had to experience this for ourselves from the Godfather of the Vietcajun Crawfish. 

Vietcajun Crawfish Coated in Butter Magic Sauce

Spoiler: GO! Eric was, unknowingly, feeling extra bold with his spice choice when he ordered for us. We had a late lunch, so we both had 2 pounds each. Eric ordered Spicy for me and medium for himself. It should be noted here, I probably would have ordered medium for myself and mild for Eric. When I am trying a new place, I usually go medium to play it safe. I can eat Thai hot with the best of them, but sometimes I just like to get the lay of the land first. The crawfish arrived piping hot. Bibs and gloves were options, but we're from Louisiana. We're experienced. We turn our noses up at such trivialities. Neaux, thank you.  

So Good...So Spicy!

So we semi-scorched our fingers peeling the piping hot crawfish. They were so good! Unlike any crawfish I've ever had! The buttery, hot, spicy, garlicy, lemongrass touch was so delicious! I'm not sure I can go back to traditional crawfish. No joke. If I'm invited to future crawfish boils then I hope people don't mind when I show up with my own Vietcajun butter magic sauce. Sorry folks. I see your tradition, but I prefer this amazing magic sauce now! We strongly suggest the crawfish. They have a special if you order 5 pounds you get the 6th pound free. Also you have to get them cooked all the same spice level. However, if you want Spicy you can request the spicy sauce on the side. Tables around us were also ordering the Salt and Pepper Crab. When we make it back to Crawfish & Noodles, I plan to order. It is supposed to be the second must-have on the menu. Tips: arrive hungry and arrive early! We got there on a Saturday around 5:30. When we left at 7:20, we had to push and shove to get out the door. Please let us out. It just means a table for you! Logic is lost on so many.

Discovery Green

Discovery Green's Monument Au Fantome 

Discovery Green was having its 3rd Saturday of the Month Flea Market. We hit the hotel room to digest. Our hotel room overlooked The Green, so we could see the festivities building below. We headed down after recuperating from the Crawfish & Noodle goodness. We walked through the goods for sale and checked out the food stalls. A band was playing, so we sat on the lawn and enjoyed them. Nearby people were enjoying the setup they had for a movie in the park. Jumanji was the movie they were showing. Everything in the park was free. My friend suggested we bring chairs and bug spray. We were pretty fortunate that we didn't need either.  After the band wrapped up their gig, we called it a night.

Cover Shot if Eric had a Rap Album

We woke up the next morning, showered and had one last walk through Discovery Green. It's a hotspot for joggers and the fountain seeking youth alike. We checked out of the hotel and headed on to see the graffiti murals in a different light. Then we hit I-10 and we didn't stop until we saw Buc-ee's in Baytown. We grabbed a few things at Buc-ee's before heading back to Louisiana. We still didn't get to cross everything off our list but we had a great time!  So Houston we have a problem we just didn't get enough time to enjoy you this trip.  We will however be back soon, once the weather cools down!  

   
         

graffiti tour of baton rouge

Art, graffiti, murals and bright colors. I guess my fascination with these things trace back to my roots growing up in Saudi Arabia. It was a desert, sure, but it was full of color. Gaudy and all things bright. In 2015 I visited the Museum of Public Art (MOPA) for the first time. I've returned multiple times to share the spot with family and friends (some visiting from as far as Japan).  

 Museum of Public Art
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Across the street from MOPA is The Lincoln Theater. When we started our blog we thought it would be fun to showcase MOPA and some of the murals around Baton Rouge. This is an introduction to our city of Baton Rouge. It is a side of our great city that even many residents have yet to discover. Playing tourist and adventuring around town, parts both new and old, is highly encouraged.

Historic Lincoln Theater

Along Government Street, throughout Mid City, downtown Baton Rouge and off Scenic Highway there are quite a few murals by one of our favorite local artists, Marc Fresh.

Set back on Government Street, you'll find Eric's favorite Marc Fresh piece (so far).

Another hidden gem is located off North Street and should not be missed. Some of the world's best graffiti artists were flown in for the project. The piece spans the entire side of Iron Design's studio and is too large to even fit in one pic.

Egoless -Bonzai

Egoless -Sofles

Egoless -Koka

Egoless -Odeth

Our city also has The Walls Project. They rely on public and private resources to create innovative and sustainable public art. Their most recent event was the MLK Festival of Service 2018. 

A Marc Fresh and Jo Hines, Jr. collaboration from the recent MLK Festival of Service.

It should be noted: I recently messaged the MOPA via their Facebook page and I was informed they are permanently closed.  You can still get lots of shots of the buildings exterior and the Lincoln Theater and other murals in the area. Peek inside the front doors for incredible pieces of Muhammad Ali and Richard Pryor. 

The Doors are Now Closed

Thanks for touring around some of the Baton Rouge murals with us.  Do you have any favorite murals in your city that you want to share?  Please comment and share the pics! 


SaveSave