Travel with Grandkids

 As usual, I'm working on an article for Christian Living Magazine for next winter. The story will feature South Dakota destinations that can be enjoyed in the winter months. We based ourselves in Rapid City for most of our trip due to its proximity to the big monuments (Rushmore and Crazy Horse). The little, as usual, tagged along. She was not impressed with standing in the cold staring at people's faces on the sides of mountains. So, we promised her that if she was very good, we'd spend the last day of the trip doing things she wanted to do.  She was very good. So, the last day of the trip was spent eating mac 'n' cheese and visiting the Watiki Indoor Waterpark Resort . I am not usually one for waterparks, but even I'll admit that relaxing in a hot tub in a balmy 85 degrees was a pretty good way to spend a day, especially because it was well below freezing outside.  We opted for the VIP package so we could have reserved seating and towels. The package even cam

We were ready to get out and about again with the little. While New Orleans seemed a bit too crowded for us still, we enjoyed a lovely day trip to Louisiana’s Plantation Alley, a stretch between Baton Rouge and New Orleans where many historic restored plantations are open for tours. We chose to visit Laura Plantation, one of the largest sugarcane plantations in its day, which pays homage to its creole heritage. The tour itself was interesting enough for the little to pay attention (quite a feat, in my opinion), and it encompassed the colorful main house, the gardens, and slave quarters. We were impressed with the safety measures in place, and our tour group was small, giving the little more room to wiggle. When you visit, be sure to pick up a copy of  Memories of the Old Plantation Home  written by the plantation’s namesake, Laura Locoul Gore. Learn more about the plantation here:  https://www.lauraplantation.com/