Today I wanted to take a minute to remember the lives lost on September 11th, including the first responders who put their lives on the line in attempt to reach those in danger. If you have the opportunity to visit the museum I highly recommend it. 9/11 is a day Americans will never forget and I hope the museum continues to serves as a reminder to younger generations the impact this single event had on the world.
When the hubs and I and our favorite travel couple visited New York in 2015 we agreed we wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. To say it was the most humbling experience of my life is an understatement. Being a freshman in high school in 2001 doesn’t lend itself to acknowledging the magnitude of the event. As an adult I understand the impact it had from a community level all the way up to a global level.
The 9/11 Memorial is free of charge and open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The names of those who died in the attack in 2001 and 1993 are inscribed around the two memorial pools outside the museum. Also on the memorial grounds is the “Survivor Tree.” A single tree which emerged from the rubble, rehabilitated, and replanted at the ground in 2010.
Ticketing
It was recommended to us to purchase our tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. Tickets can be purchased online up to six months in advance. General Admissions for adults is $24.00 and they offer discounts for seniors, US college students, and FDNY/NYPD/PAPD to name a few. Free admission is given to 9/11 Family Members, 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Workers, and Active/Retired U.S. Military. There is also free admission on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets covering museum admission plus guided tours (45-minutes or 60-minutes) are also available.
What to Expect
Our visit began with a 15 minute video developed exclusively for the museum featuring key political members; George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, etc. Their recount of the day’s events was indescribable, you need to hear it for yourself. The first part of the museum reminded me of an art exhibit; soaring ceilings, dark wood floors, void of sound. The second part of the museum takes you through the timeline of the day, the artifacts, and the voices of loved ones lost and those left behind. Kuddos to the developers of the museum, they did a fantastic job. Photography was not allowed in most of the museum, but here are a few of the photos captured.
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” – Virgil
Until next post…xoxo Becca
Remember that time the hubs and I made an impromptu trip to Fort Worth? Well we did it again, but this time we headed off to New Orleans. Our friends (more like second family at this point) were headed that way for the weekend and invited us. We ate way too much while there! I even ate seafood! Which for anyone who knows me knows seafood is a no go in my book. New Orleans has some amazing seafood though. That’s why I’m sharing 5 must try restaurants in New Orleans.
Like the usual tourists, we rode the streetcar, had beignets, and listened to jazz music at The Jazz Playhouse. Unfortunately the rain (read as downpour) on Saturday kept us from doing the activities we planned. Since the weather cancelled our plans we visited the World War II Museum. I highly recommend it, it was well designed and huge. The hanger area which contained planes was fantastic. Museum guests are able to go to the 4th floor and look down at the planes below which is unique. Typically you only have the opportunity to see planes from underneath.
Now for the real reason we’re all here, the food!
Opened in 1862, Cafe du Monde is an open air restaurant you can’t skip. Visit the original location in the French Market. It’s open 24 hours a day. Known for their beignets, this piece of fried dough covered in powdered sugar is the stuff dreams are made of. Be prepared to be covered in powdered sugar! Tip: Go late at night, it’s cooler and you won’t have to wait for a table to open up.
This cute little restaurant with a friendly atmosphere originally opened in 1984 and reopened in 2010 after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Katie’s was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and known for their Cochon de Lait. I recommend the chargrilled oysters (after the first dozen we ordered a second dozen) and fried shrimp poboy. Want a drink? Order a Bloody Mary.
Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is another New Orleans landmark and a great spot for an award winning dinner. You really can’t go wrong with ordering at this restaurant. The menu changes from time to time. They’re known for turtle soup. We had the gumbo du jour which was delicious. The table-side bananas foster is the way to go when it comes to dessert. If you feel you need a second dessert, the cheesecake is a can’t miss too. 😉
As mentioned above, if you have time to tour the World War II Museum I highly recommend visiting. Otherwise, you can stop in The American Sector for their Happy Hour from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm daily. The happy hour features appetizers and half-priced drinks. The restaurant is open to the public without requiring admission to the Museum.
Next to the Ace Hotel New Orleans, it’s a great spot for brunch. Plus there’s live jazz music 11:00 am-3:00 pm on Sundays. Their focus is on seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. From the Weekend brunch menu, Breanne’s Pastry Board is a must if you like bread and carbs. 🙂 For entrees I recommend the shrimp and grits and fried chicken biscuit. If you’re visiting for a late brunch don’t skip the dessert menu which features Sweet Pea Panna Cotta, Peanut Butter Pie Budino, and Banana Pudding to name a few. All of which we ordered and loved 😉
If you’re reading this to get some ideas on where to eat in NOLA, just remember you walk enough that the calories don’t count. Enjoy eating your way across New Orleans! Until next post…xoxo Becca
Becca
born and raised Texan
Hi all and welcome to my cozy little place in the blogosphere. My name is Becca and I'm a born and raised Texan. After college I got married. Got a puppy. Got a house. And then I decided I wanted to share daily life, struggles, ambitions, and everything in between.
