Tour Description

The only thing separating you from the famous, beautiful sandy beach is the walk from your hotel room after you book your well planned travels with Making Memories. Pensacola, Florida proudly boasts 52-miles of beaches, but do not be preoccupied by the idea of lying beach side all day long. We will explore the National Naval Aviation Museum, the largest in the world, and also a visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum. A trip highlight indeed, is to enjoy the New Orleans School of Cooking where fun is a primary ingredient in the kitchen! While this trip is designed to give you your day at the beach, also plan to enjoy soaking up new experiences in new environments from the very first day on your adventure.

Day 1:

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Lodging: Drury Inn & Suites

With great anticipation we depart early to make the most of our journey which lies ahead. We travel through Missouri and Arkansas and “land” for the evening at Horn Lake, MS.

Day 2:

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Lodging: Hampton Inn

Meals: Breakfast

Our first destination will be in Jackson, MS, where we are treated to the award winning Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. This is anything but a traditional museum experience offering nature trails, open-air amphitheater, life-sized displays showcasing the state’s diverse habitat, a 100,000 gallon aquarium network with over 200 living species, a 1,700-square foot greenhouse called, “The Swamp”, plus over 30,000 square feet of well-maintained permanent exhibits. You have time to explore this campus at your leisure. The night’s lodging in Mobile, AL will put us one step closer to our beach-side stay.

Day 3:

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Lodging: Hampton Inn

Meals: Breakfast

The morning will be enjoyed as we explore the wondrous blooms of spring at Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Mr. Bellingrath once said, “The Gardens are like a beautiful woman with a different gown for each week of the year.” Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65-acre estate of year-round beauty which was established in 1932. See the nationally-known azalea season, Easter lilies, hydrangeas, marigolds, salvia, fuschia, impatiens, delphiniums, geraniums and more! Upon departing the beautiful garden grounds in early afternoon, we will arrive at Pensacola Beach mid-afternoon giving you plenty of time to nestle in your beach front hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Enjoy the next few days along side the beautiful Pensacola Beach.

Day 4:

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Lodging: Hampton Inn

Meals: Breakfast

Experience the thrill of flight while visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum. This is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited sites in Florida. Share in the excitement of the Naval Aviation’s rich history while seeing more than 150 restored aircraft. The historic aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation are displayed both inside the 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and outdoors on 37-acres. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum easily boasts the claim of having the best view in town! Built in 1859, the top tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass (where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico), three forts, the Pensacola skyline and the historic Navy Yard. The fully restored Keepers’ Quarters, built in 1869, is home to the museum and gift shop. The 177 steps in the lighthouse offers one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Visiting this historic spot in America’s First Settlement, established in 1559, is a place worth spending a slice of our afternoon. Plan your own agenda for your free afternoon exploring the many attractions of Pensacola Bay Area.

Day 5:

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Lodging: Hampton Inn

Meals: Breakfast

Today is your day in Pensacola! As an art enthusiast, birdwatcher, golfer, foodie, history buff, water enthusiast, fisher or shopaholic, you’ll find meaningful ways to spend your time in the Pensacola area. This is your last night in Pensacola, so spend your evening wisely!

Day 6:

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Lodging: Beau Rivage Resort and Casino

Meals: Breakfast

Leaving Pensacola this morning with exciting adventures ahead, we pause our day enjoying Biloxi, MS with our own step-on guide, telling the story about the people, culture, connection to the water and cultural diversity of Biloxi. Biloxi has an identity all its own, including destruction and rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina. The gift shop is a treat featuring many items created by local artists and craftsmen. With a mid-afternoon arrival at our lodging spot in Biloxi, MS, you’ll have time to splurge and pamper yourself in a variety of ways, including a trip to the spa and salon, various restaurants, shopping niches and pool-side lounging – not to mention trying out your luck at the slots in the casino.

Day 7:

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Lodging: Drury Inn & Suites

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today we arrive at the much anticipated city of New Orleans. As we roll into town, we will be introduced to the city with an in-depth guided tour of New Orleans. After lunch, we will arrive and check-in to our hotel on Poydras St, New Orleans, where we will have time to freshen up for our evening headline event, the cooking demonstration at The New Orleans School of Cooking. Located in a historic and renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s, it is a beautiful backdrop to discovering the food, fun and folklore of New Orleans. For night owls, we end our evening early enough for free exploring.

Day 8:

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Lodging: Drury Inn & Suites

Meals: Breakfast

Spend today exploring and enjoying the City of Celebration!  There are multiple ways to discover the rich history of this city.  One of which is the 8^th annual Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival in Armstrong Park.  This free event celebrates the cultural diversity and the melting pot of traditions that give rise to the unique music associated with New Orleans.  By no means feel pressure to attend this festival; use the day to make unique memories for your trip.

Day 9:

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Lodging: Drury Inn & Suites

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Our last indulgence in New Orleans will be a unique jazz brunch at Court of the Two Sisters; this dining event alone will stand out as a magnificent memory from this great trip.  This restaurant was voted 2013 Best of the South, Best Outdoor Dining Spot by AAA Southern Traveler Magazine.  As we wind our way back home Horn Lake, MS will be our home for the night.

Day 10:

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Meals: Breakfast

This marks the day we are homeward bound.  A full day of travel will involve multiple breaks and reflections of memories made with new friends.  Recall the wonders of Mississippi discovered at Museum of Natural Science, the elegant Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the awe-inspiring aircraft pieces, the magnificent view from the Pensacola Lighthouse, relaxation of the sandy beach and ocean, a walk through the deep south in Biloxi, Mississippi and the fantastic host city of New Orleans where entertainment abounds.