So, usually I’m all about sports writing. With the tournament going on and KU basketball in its prime, I figured I would have so much to write on this week. However, after my spring break trip, I came back to watch the sad loss in the tournament. The thing I have found to keep my spirits up from the loss is to just revisit my spring break memories, and after talking to my fellow Jayhawks, I think everyone seems to be doing the same thing.
This is going to sound super dramatic, but my spring break trip this year changed my life completely. I was like a whole new person this week. Oh, I know what you’re thinking, “everyone becomes a different person after 10 shots of Fireball whiskey.” No, actually, I was stone cold sober this entire trip (I know, not a very cliché college spring break). But, it was incredible and I feel like I just have to share all these amazing places with you and key spots to hit while you’re there.
Day One: Memphis, Tenn.
I wish I had more time here, but unfortunately Memphis was a 12-hour long vacation. I did get to experience Beale Street though, which was such an amazing experience. I went to B.B. Kings on the corner of Beale on a Sunday night and it still looked like a Saturday night.
The Preston Shannon Band (video below) was the band scheduled for the evening. They played everything from “Purple Rain” to “Wobble,” and there wasn’t a dull moment the entire show.
Day Two: New Orleans
Oh gosh, this was my favorite. I could literally write pages for days on how incredible “Naw’lins” was. I happened to roll into New Orleans on St. Patrick’s Day and, I kid you not, I am pretty sure that they just hadn’t stopped celebrating Mardi Gras yet. If you can’t make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, I would highly recommend St. Patty’s. It looks like Mardi Gras, part II.
Photo credit via yelp.com
I usually like to switch it up when eating out of town, but I ate at the same place for every meal while I was there. It was a cute, little French café called Café Beignet. String lights, cute outdoor furniture, a nice bar and a great band all come together to make Musical Legends Park. For dinner, I had both the gumbo and jambalaya (both were excellent) and for breakfast I had the beignets (they’re to die for). Not to mention, it was very affordable especially for its Bourbon Street location.
And Bourbon Street. I don’t even know how to sum this magical place up. I will say it is hands down the best place I have ever been in my life. Just while I was on Bourbon Street, there were at least three parades that came through. The city of New Orleans just loves any reason to celebrate and they really go above and beyond.
Not only that, but the people of Louisiana are some of the best people around. I immediately felt welcomed into the state and I never, ever wanted to leave it.
Day Three: Galveston, Texas
This hidden treasure of an island was so surprisingly close to Houston. It was maybe a 30-minute drive from where I stayed in Houston the following nights, but looks like a whole other world here. Seawall Boulevard is the place to stay. The entire boulevard was filled with beach resorts and hotels right across the street from the gulf and the view was beautiful, to say the least.
Photo credit via thespotgalveston.com
One of the coolest places to eat in Galveston was this big restaurant that actually had five different eating spots in it. The establishment, called “Island Famous”- also located on Seawall Boulevard- includes a tiki bar location, ice cream parlor, café and much more to suit any of your food cravings during the day.
Photo credit to Stephanie Lopez
A hot spot for the beach area is Pleasure Pier. It’s one of the most famous beachfront piers in the country with its wide variety of rides and restaurants for all types of tourists. Another major spot is “The Strand,” which is what they refer to their main street as. The whole street is filled with beach shops and island-inspired bars that will keep any tourist entertained all day long.
Day 5/6: Houston, Texas
My friends and I accidentally stayed two nights in Houston, because how could you leave such a great place? Okay, and our car was getting a little sketchy from all the driving. The first night we went to Rodeo Houston at Reliant Stadium. Rodeo Houston is not only a rodeo, but includes a performer every night the entire month of March from Usher to Blake Shelton to Maroon 5 to Luke Bryan. On the night we went, Florida Georgia Line was playing. So I just have to get this excitement out about this concert. I’ll be honest: I was totally fangirling for a good while. Not only was I seeing my favorite band, but also I was able to watch them in my favorite team’s stadium, The Houston Texans. Wow. So, that was incredible obviously, but it was also only $10 a ticket! I mean, it wasn’t “I could see the sweat dripping off them” close, but not too shabby for $10.
Photo credit via purl.theinlinegroup.com
The Houston Galleria is another one of my favorite things to do in Houston. With over 400 stores and restaurants, you’ll be sure to find plenty to do with your time at the Galleria. Not to mention, if you need somewhere to stay, the Westin in the Galleria is absolutely phenomenal.
That about sums up the major destinations of my trip and I honestly extremely recommend every place I stopped. They are all unbelievable destinations and the people are the friendliest people you’ll probably ever meet. However, since these places are all so wonderful, be prepared for major withdrawals after your trip. It’s definitely inevitable.
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Photo credit via newsroom.mastercard.com