Celebrating Cory's 40th in New Orleans

Last Friday, I surprised Cory with a weekend getaway in New Orleans to celebrate his 40 birthday.  I started planning this trip back in May and was able to successfully keep it a secret for almost three months!   When he got home from work, I had his suitcase packed and waiting for him with a little note telling him about the surprise.  He was shocked and for once I can honestly say he was speechless!

I did not tell him where we were going until we got to the airport and he was excited when I told him we were going to New Orleans so he could go to the World War II Museum.  Our plane didn't arrive until almost 8pm that night so we didn't have much time to explore but we did take a walk to Bourbon Street.  It was loud and crowded and completely not my scene but I can now say that I have been to Bourbon Street.  

We got up early on Saturday morning ready to start our busy day.  We knew that we only had one full day to explore the city and we had to pack as much as we possibly could into that day!  We started with breakfast at Café du Monde to try their famous beignets and they did not disappoint! 

From there we took a cab to the World War II museum.  Cory and his dad went to the museum over 10 years ago when it opened but they have added three new buildings since then and Cory was excited to see the new additions about the Pacific side of the war. 

He met and visited with a WWII veteran that was in all of the major European theaters of the war.

Museums have never been my favorite things so while Cory explored the museum, I played on my phone and got caught up on some current events!!

After Cory was finished at the museum, we took another taxi to Jackson Square in the French Quarter.  We walked around and enjoyed the New Orleans culture and then found a great restaurant called The Gumbo Shop where we sampled several local cuisines.  The gumbo, shrimp creole, jambalaya. and red beans and rice were all incredibly tasty!

We finished the day with some shopping, a little gambling at the casino and one last birthday treat- white chocolate biscuit pudding!

We had a very busy and fun day in New Orleans!  It was a great way to celebrate Cory and the start of new decade!  Happy 40th Cory!  I'm glad you enjoyed your surprise getaway!