Mississippi Delta History and Culture on the Way to New Orleans

This is a busy day, so you’ll just be stopping for a quick look around at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Check out the excellent Mississippi Delta art inside, and then take a short stroll to check out the plethora of migratory birds. If you get an early start and have the time, it’s also really fun to rent kayaks and paddle around.
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday.

This fun spot has an authentic Mississippi Delta vibe, with plenty of outdoor tables, delicious barbecue, and live blues music. While there’s not much time in this day's schedule to sit around for music, if you decide to skip another stop or have extra time, live bands play from noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, and Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They’re known for their ribs, but the sausage is no slouch either!
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

This small but mighty museum is a great way to experience the resilience of humanity amid environmental disaster. This was the only public building in the small town that was not entirely destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, so it’s fitting that it became a symbol and reminder of strength for the community. Waveland is considered ground zero of the hurricane, and the devastation was immense. This is a must-see stop on your way through.
Admission is free and Waveland Museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

While this is the longest drive of the trip, getting over to Whitney Plantation before the last tour is a crucial stop on this Southern colonial trip. The only plantation tour that centres the experience of slavery and enslaved Southerners, this stop is well done: an eye-opening look into Louisiana's past. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the grounds and, although the self-guided tour is still enriching, the guided tour gives you incredible insight into the history of slavery and this area.
For more information and to book tickets visit their website. Whitney grounds are open from 10:00 a.m., and the last tour leaves no later than 3:00 p.m.

Lucky you! Just in time to catch a free, self-guided tour of one of the best new stops in the Big Easy. If you’re in the mood for a drink, the Sazerac House offers free samples of the famed liquor and cocktails along the tour. This is a really fun way to experience the rich food and drink culture of New Orleans.
The last tour leaves at 4:20 p.m. and takes about 90 minutes to complete. More information here.

It wouldn't really be a trip to New Orleans without a visit to the French Quarter. Because the day has been so busy, relax on a bench or take a light walk around to view the colonial architecture, bustling crowds, open air art, and delicious beignets. The famed Café Du Monde is at the edge of the square so, if you need a snack, grab one here!

One of the truly stunning restaurants in this country, Commander's Palace is not to be missed when in town. This is Creole cuisine at its finest, and Commander’s famous blue exterior will stick in your memory along with the food. You cannot go wrong with the turtle soup, gumbo, shrimp and grits, or, really, anything!
Dinner hours start at 5:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, and 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday. They have a business attire dress code, with collared shirts and closed-toed shoes required for men. Reservations can be made here.

You made it through a busy, educational day – time to grab a bottle of wine and relax with some jazz. Bacchanal is a charming wine bar with a lovely outdoor setting. Unique in that you purchase a bottle from the small shop in front (employees will help you pick the perfect one), and then you bring it out back to enjoy. They promote the next up-and-coming jazz musicians in town, so the music is always fantastic.
Open Monday to Thursday until 10:00 p.m., and Friday to Sunday until 11:00 p.m.