Cross Country (Part 2)

September 22 - October 1: New Orleans, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona!

Kiel's mom met us in NOLA for a few days of fun just hanging around The French Quarter, sipping on Sazerac's, and eating way too many beignets! We enjoyed Po' Boys and fried pickles, grilled oysters, toured The Museum of Death, and listened to some great live music on Frenchman Street. It was both Kiel and Tonni's first time there and it was the quintessential NOLA experience. 

...And three days later and an ~8 hour drive, we were in Texas! 

In Dallas we explored the life and legacy of JFK at The Sixth Floor Museum , which was well worth the few hours of our time.

Later that evening we went to the Arlington Rangers game at Globe Life Park; home of the "Broomstick", a 2 ft., 3 lb. hotdog that we (thankfully) did not indulge in.  It was also the last game on our baseball stadium tour. 

The street where JFK was assassinated 

The next morning we were on to Austin, the city I've been longing to visit!

We stayed in this awesome Airbnb'd airstream in a secluded backyard, just a few miles from downtown. 

Kiel really enjoyed the BBQ at Rudy's (the best BBQ spots seem to be located behind gas stations!), and I finally got to visit Allen's Boots (No, I did NOT buy another pair of cowboy boots), but we honestly didn't do or see too much here that really impressed me.  Perhaps we need to come back when the weather is nicer and to see some live music!

It was so great to randomly meet up with my old friends Craig and Michael, also from New York and who I followed out to California. They were in Austin on a mini road trip and the timing worked out well.

We eventually made our way to New Mexico where we encountered crappy weather and not much else activity besides a visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. (It's worth it if you ever find yourself driving through NM). We spent a good 3 hours wandering and hiking through the caverns which was a good workout and break from being in the car. Since the weather wasn't in our favor, we decided to skip the White Sands National Monument and head to Arizona a day early.

Don't be fooled, it actually rained 90% of the time on our way to New Mexico

We stopped in Phoenix for a nice lunch and visit with my Aunt Kate and Uncle Marc before heading up to Prescott to stay with my Cousin Ann Marie for the night. Thank you all for your wonderful hospitality!

Since our time was winding down we didn't get to spend as much time (again) in Arizona as we would have liked, but I have a feeling we will be back in the future!

On the road again...CALIFORNIA BOUND!