Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot has gotten more and more like the Food and Wine Festival… but I'm not complaining. In fact, I think it's a wonderful thing. 

Flower and Garden Festival started this year on March 2 and runs until the end of May. I got to go this Saturday and the weather could not of been more perfect. Seriously, it was a beautiful day. I mean just look at the picture. 

The flowers are everywhere, the sky is blue, and then don't forget all the food and beverages that there are to offer.

Oh, you wanted to see food pics? I thought you'd never ask. Just where do I begin?

These fine samplings come from France and China. The strawberries are back again and I'd recommend giving these a taste! Delicious. Strawberries coated with a sesame candy coating and they are juicy and delicious. 

And for those of you on Untappd, like myself, there's even a cider tasting. TheMcKenzie's  Black Cherry smelled so delicious that they really could make a perfume out of it as well. You'll find these goodies in America at the Smokehouse.

You want more? Take your pick. From salad to ribs, they have it all!

 

And there's nothing wrong with squeezing a little bit of spiced nuts, bourbon infused chocolate and caramel deliciousness in the mix as well.

I must say the watermelon slushy was the bomb with a little splash of Hendricks Gin. Having an awesome bartender made the experience even better.

Did you want to try some fish? The grouper was The perfect texture and taste to leave you wanting more.

But I should stop there. I've got you all drooling and ready to go adventure around the World Showcase eating your way through. Don't forget to get your passport and check off as many things as you can. And somebody go see the butterflies. I didn't get a chance to and that's one of my favorite things.

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I've got to tell you...

Well, I've got to tell you what Mardi Gras means to me. It's so very hard to explain to everyone the vast variety of things we do and see when we go home for Mardi Gras. I've written about it once before here but there is always more to say and some of it bears repeating.

We do go home to see my family and friends. That's a given. I get to experience Mardi Gras with my Mom, my 88 year old G'ma, my daughter and putting 4 generations together like that is reason enough.

But.....

There are just so many more reasons.

There's Candace.

My Family and their willingness to dress up steampunk style while braving the cold.

The Rolling Elvi. Scarf and doll acquired this year!

Music on the street corner. We really do run towards it when we hear it!

Seeing the end of St. Anne and St. Cecelia at the river. Aways something I wanted to see.

 

The food. Oh, the food!

Then there is Dusty. I've know him for 20 years. We live 6 miles apart and find each other in NOLA every year. Tradition.

The political floats.

The awesome, creative costumes.

Cafe Du Monde... 

Crawfish from Rouse's.

Oh, the Marching 100, how we love you!

Finding Lindy's Dad accidentally was awesome too!

And those lovely 610 Stompers! 

The look on this face. 

Coffee on tap! Yes, on tap at District!

Doubloons. Always Doubloons!

Trying new things. Calas cakes and their history.

Finally seeing Orpheus and Harry Connick Jr. 

This one.  

The awful things they say while teaching my daughter that not everyone speaks the truth.

And The Half Fast guys. 

Then there are random strangers telling you "Happy Mardi Gras!"

The Fearless Foursome.

Cady hearing and speaking with local musicians.

And truthfully, those are just a few of the reasons we go. Just a few. 

NOLA Bound

Yes, yes, yes. I know most of my adventures are Florida based but every now and then a girl has to go home, see the family and get back to her roots. It was that time. After a loooooong drive in (plan for about 10 hours from Central Florida) we had a nice visit with friends and family! I never get to everything but it is sure fun to try!

A girl has to eat! Yum!!! Crawfish, mushrooms and potatoes. Yes, please. 

And nothing wrong with some beignets and cafe au lait from Cafe Du Monde. 

There has to be a trip to the French Quarter to soak in the city and view the cathedral.

Finally was able to see the George Rodrigue gallery full of Blue Dogs. 

  

Another Finally!!! Celebration in the Oaks at City Park with Mr. Bingle. 

 

Because one view of the Cathedral is never enough. 

Catching some live music in Jackson Square. 

 

Even the cemeteries are beautiful. 

 

Yep, more food. Just look at that gumbo.

 

More lights. This time in Lafreniere Park.

 

 

Always room for more beignets!

 

Finally got in to Storyland to see some of the spots I played when I was a child. This was my favorite. 

 

More lights. This unicorn was actually in a fountain I played in as a kid. 

Ahhhh, the beautiful carousel in City Park. Always beautiful. 

Well, those are just a few of my memories from going home for the holidays. If you're ever in need of NOLA suggestions just let me know. Best city ever. 

As Chris Rose once said, 

“Dear America,

I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana...You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard. 
We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly,we're suspicious of others who don't.”