Caught on the streets of the French Quarter

Over the years we've spotted some unique people strolling the streets of New Orleans' French Quarter. We thought we would spotlight a few of the street performers today.

 

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer living in South Louisiana who is the author of several Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire and the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

This Juke Joint’s Hopin’

Clarksdale, Mississippi, rests in the heart of the Delta, an epicenter of blues history and activity. It’s one of the reasons why Morgan Freeman named his Clarksdale blues club, “Ground Zero.” The weekend of April 22 the blues and other music styles are celebrated on 13 daytime stages and 20 nighttime venues at the Juke Joint Festival. This annual fete attracts visitors from all over Mississippi, plus numerous states and at least 28 foreign countries, said festival co-organizer Roger Stolle.

"If this event doesn't make you smile, then your lips must be broken," Stolle said in a press release announcing the festival. "Blues music, juke joints, monkeys riding dogs — I mean, what else do you need to know? It's absolutely ridiculous — in the best of ways!"

In addition to the constant music Thursday through Sunday, there’s the Juke Joint Festival Kick-off at Delta Cinema at 5 p.m. Thursday, and the return of Thacker Mountain Radio to the New Roxy at 6 p.m. Friday. There’s Sunday’s Cat Head Mini Blues Fest and the Second Street Blues Party, a 5K/8K run, children’s activities, arts and crafts and, of course, lots of great Southern food. And yes, there will be monkeys riding dogs.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.jukejointfestival.com.

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer living in South Louisiana who is the author of several Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire and the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

Taste the donut rainbow

These donuts are so good it hurts. And they’re available 24 hours a day.

Hurts Donuts in Springfield, Missouri, are anything but ordinary, a delectable collection of sweet treats that are as humorous and colorful as they are delicious. 

There's the E.T. donuts with Reese's Pieces on top or the ones covered in sprinkles or smoothed over with brightly colored icing. Several have cereal pieces on top. The Nutella comes rich and sweet with a Nutella dollop in the center. One even smiles back. 

There's homage to Homer Simpson and the Jesus Donut is beige with brown stripes and we’re not quite sure why.

The walls feature famous photos with Hurts Donuts inserted, such as the famous Times Square kiss after V-J Day and the lineup of skyscraper workers enjoying lunch. There’s fun seating in two rooms, so those with time may grab a cup of Jo and sit and savor their unique creations.

If you’re in Springfield, you won’t want to miss a trip to Hurts. If nothing else, the view is incredible. Check them out below.

Photos by Chere Coen

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer living in South Louisiana who is the author of several Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire and the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

Spring blooming at Garvan Woodland Gardens

 

Photo by Cheré Coen

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Garvan Woodland Gardens at the onset of spring, viewing what seemed like endless rolling hills of daffodils and other spring flowers such as crocus and hyacinths. I’m a daffodil fan but I’ve been told that tulip days at the gardens outside Hot Springs, Ark., are a sight to see as well.

That’s why Garvan Woodland Gardens offers Tulip Extravaganza through April 30, showcasing more than 150,000 Dutch tulips, in addition to other spring annuals and azaleas in bloom. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with admission, $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and tykes 5 and under admitted free.

The gardens also offer a wide variety of workshops, special events such as bridal expos and musical performances, such as the upcoming “Celtic Spring” concert by the Muses Creative Artistry Project on March 12. Be sure and visit their website for more information at http://www.garvangardens.org.

Now enjoy the following spring fashion show:

Photo by Garvan Gardens

Photo by Cheré Coen

Photo by Cheré Coen

Photo by Cheré Coen

Photo by Cheré Coen

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer living in South Louisiana who is the author of several Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire and the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.