What is better than celebrating a birthday? Celebrating with my birthday twin, The New Orleans Saints! This weekend was a fun-filled trip to one of my favorite places, New Orleans. Highlighting the journey was going to the Dome with the ultimate Saints fan, Kelley Lee.

For our family, tripping to south Louisiana is almost a ritual journey of food, shopping, and laughing. We started the trip by stopping at Not Your Momma’s in Livonia. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Next, we stopped at the Cajun Village in Sorrento. We stocked up on jams, olive oil, and presents made by local artists. This stop is a must for anyone who craves Louisiana unique items.

Then New Orleans. The sights and sounds of this city always bring joy to my heart. Not so much the heat of the summer, but at least looking at it from air-conditioned car windows. Saturday afternoon was a time of shopping on Magazine Street. Antique shops, local artists, and the ever-exotic Fluerty Girl store for a new Saints game-time shirt.

Of course, New Orleans is no place to worry about a diet. For us, we hit Joey K’s. Lordy, lordy, the food was excellent. When in the Big Easy, the trick is to find where the locals eat. That is where the best food is found. We ended the shopping effort with sweets from Sucre’. Divine.

Sunday was Dome Day! The sights and sounds of the Dome are like no other: the people, the energy, the fun, from the start of the Who Dat cheer to ‘Stand up and get Crunk’ and the costumes of devout fans. It doesn’t hurt that the team looked so good against the Superbowl champs.

Our final stop of the trip was Billy’s in Krotz Springs. We have to stock up on boudin; pepper jack wraps, and, my favorite, cracklins. I live for a trip to get cracklins.

This birthday trip renewed my love for my favorite city and team. Thank you to Kelley, Ginger, and Kaitlyn for a fabulous time. WHO DAT!

Karen Squires

---