GCSAA 2009 Conference Brochure - (Page 68) Mysteries of Louisiana Swamplands WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, AND FRIDAY, FEB. 6 1 – 4:30 pm $56 Adult/Child (lunch not included) Join us for an incredible journey into the mysterious swamps and bayous of Southern Louisiana. On this swampboat tour, you will be introduced to the interesting history of the Louisiana wetlands and the rich Cajun heritage of the people who inhabit this region. Photo courtesy of Louis iana Office of Tourism plain intriguing — you may even get a glimpse of the spirits who call it home! Was this the graveyard known as the Druids cemetery? Find out all about this and other secrets buried within the oldest fraternal cemetery in the South, the Odd Fellows Rest. You’ll enjoy a captivating and educational morning with New Orleans spirits as your guides. Open since 1910, Acme’s Oyster House, a French Quarter landmark, is favored by locals for its fresh shucked oysters and perfectly fried seafood plucked fresh from the Gulf. The fun and funky Reef Room, with a balcony overlooking Iberville & Bourbon streets, will serve as the setting for a private buffet lunch featuring favorite local dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, Sugarmill chicken, fried oysters, shrimp, catfish and more. As lunch concludes, you’ll be invited to board the motorcoach for a return trip back to the convention center. Watch out for any spirits who may wish to tag along! DISCOVER NEW ORLEANS Cajuns are descendants of the French Acadians who fled to Louisiana after the British deported them from Nova Scotia in 1755 for refusing to pledge allegiance to England. They are stubborn, to be sure — however, the people of Acadia are warm and friendly with a “joie de vivre” matched by none. As your swampboat travels into the depths of Cajun country, you will hear the tales of the Cajun folks and how they reap the bounty of their surroundings by trapping nutria, mink, otter and muskrat; hunting frogs and alligators; and fishing for catfish and crabs. You will also soon discover the respect and knowledge the Cajun people have for the wildlife and vegetation indigenous to the swamp. As your swampboat glides through the waters, gently breaking the tranquility of the ancient swamp, you will also see exotic tropical plants and wildlife only found in the Louisiana wetlands. Majestic herons, nutria and large turtles sunning themselves on tree stumps are abundant, and the swamp’s favorite son — the alligator — will be witnessed in its glory as it eases quietly through the murky, cypress-shrouded waters of Louisiana. You will leave the swamplands with a true appreciation of the Acadian people and the unique region they call home. Photo courtesy of Louisiana Office of Tourism Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler on the Mighty Mississippi THURSDAY, FEB. 5, AND SATURDAY, FEB. 7 10 am – 1 pm $77.50 Adult/Child (lunch included on the steamboat) The majestic paddlewheeler Creole Queen will dedicate a private room to you for a brilliant morning cruise. Experience a taste of an era gone by, when mighty paddlewheelers choked the river delivering all types of trade — a time when New Orleans was truly one of the world’s busiest ports, and still today remains one of its largest. Start out with a short trip on a famous New Orleans riverfront trolley car, which will deliver you New Orleans style from Julia Street (Hall A of the convention center) to the Spanish Plaza where the Creole Queen is docked. As you lazily cruise down the Mississippi past the skyline of New Orleans, your captain will offer a narration outlining historic sights such as the famous French Quarter, and the picturesque St. Louis Cathedral, Presbytere, Cabildo and Pontalba buildings. As your paddlewheeler ventures farther downriver past Algiers Point, you will pass by large tankers flying foreign flags, the sugar refinery and the Chalmette Battlefield. Upon your arrival, the captain will welcome you onboard and direct you to the “King’s Room,” which is reserved exclusively for the tour. The King’s Room features windows on three sides with the paddlewheel churning away in the middle window. A private buffet, open throughout the duration of the cruise, will feature New Orleans cuisine and a wide selection of “child-friendly” fare, plus complimentary soft drinks. A must-see is the expansive upper promenade deck, which offers optimum viewing opportunities as you cruise down the mighty Mississippi. Spirits and Cemeteries of New Orleans THURSDAY, FEB. 5 9 am – 1 pm $111 Adult/Child (lunch included at Acme’s Oyster House) The morning begins with a stroll through the French Quarter as you experience the history and architecture of the area, as well as see some of the venues and residences in which many unbelievable events took place. It’s an eerie and chilling, yet fun-filled adventure — an excellent opportunity to shake out the cobwebs with an eye-opening encounter. Your experienced tour guide will deliver a not-to-soon-be-forgotten description of the spirits and history of New Orleans. Next, enjoy an insider’s look at the incredible New Orleans cemeteries. This portion of the tour is part architectural, part historical and part just Register at www.gcsaa.org/conference 65 http://www.gcsaa.org/conference
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