Did I tell you that I grew up in small town Ponchatoula, La? I can’t imagine a more idyllic childhood. I was totally insulated from the rest of the world. I’m still friends with people I met in the 1st. grade. My grandfather took me to my 1st Mardi Gras when I was about 10 years old. It was more a family festival back then. After that, New Orleans was a favorite city to me.

I even studied Pharmacy there at Loyola University. I lived on St. Charles Ave and rode the trolly to school and to Canal Street to visit the French Quarter. I met Charlie Walgreen Sr and Jr while working at Walgreen Drugstores in Chicago where I moved to after I graduated from Loyola. That was the coldest I ever was in my life except for the last few days in Buford, Ga. Time sure flies by.

I’ve been to several French Quarter Festivals through the years. They are a lot milder than Mardi Gras festivals. The locals put on a grand show all along the River Walk of the French Quarter. Lots of good food will be there along with great music and just plain good fun. “The event will take place April 9th-April 12th, 2015 and employ over 1,600 world class, local musicians. French Quarter Festival is the largest showcase of Louisiana music, anywhere.”

I just got this info from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bueau and thought I’d share it with you.

Break out the party hats. Clink your glasses in celebration. 2015 marks the 32nd anniversary of the French Quarter Festival.

Back in 1984, this music event began as a small, neighborhood festival that organizers hoped would lure local residents back to the French Quarter. Today, it has grown to host more than half a million locals and out-of-town visitors.

There’s much to love about this longtime festival favorite, like its 23 stages and 400-plus hours of live entertainment. But a large part of its popularity is due to its price tag—it’s absolutely free to hear all of that outstanding music! It is known as the South’s largest free music festival.

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2015 WINE CRUISES

How about fabulous FOOD and WINE on a European River Cruise with AMAWATERWAYS? Sail 5 separate rivers on 6 different dates with land option extensions before and after each cruise. Wine, Wine Everywhere! Every day with Lunch and Dinner, at historic wineries & vineyards with acclaimed wine experts, Inspired wine & food pairings, Private wine cellar tours, Select premium wine tastings from celebrated European and North American wineries. These cruises are all about food and wine. IF FOOD AND WINE ARE YOUR THING, THEN THESE ARE YOUR CRUISES!!

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!   IF YOU DON’T WANT TO LEAVE THE USA THEN HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO

Celebrate the New Year with Our Exciting, Limited Time Offer!

American Rivers  Are  Beautiful and Interesting!  I can tell you from experience that I have sailed on The American Queen Steamship and she is exquisite and transports you back 100 years.  The food is gourmet and wine and beer flow freely.

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2014 Summer Savings

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Discover the pristine natural beauty of Northern Florida on an eight day Great Rivers of Florida Cruise. Spend your days sailing the serene waters of the St.John’s River aboard the American Glory, marveling at the gorgeous creeks, lagoons and lakes that stem from this unique river. The St.John’s River the longest river in Florida and one of only three rivers in the nation that flows North. It is celebrated nationwide for it’s rich history and wildlife, and has been distinguished as one of America’s fourteen Heritage Rivers. This is truly a one-of-a-kind journey and should not be missed!

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Are you weary of your hustle bustle world?

Leave your stress at home.  Reconnect with your spouse or best friend.  

Bring a good book and find a rocker on the front porch, or a plush chair in the lounge and relax to your hearts content.  Think outside the box–consider a river cruise in August!  

If you’re a history lover like me, you’ll appreciate knowing about another opportunity for great value on a river cruise in the USA.  A short flight from home will place you in luxury, relaxation and entertainment.  Oh, and did I mention gourmet food with wine at dinner?  

This is a great value–don’t pass it up!  

Your Educated Gypsy Travel Planner,

Susan

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! LEARN ABOUT USA SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES!
AS NANCY BLOUNT SAYS “GO WHERE THE BIG SHIPS CANNOT!”

With fewer than 90 passengers, you will have the chance to make new friends who share your interest in the outdoors.

You’ll have stimulating conversations and see gorgeous north eastern forests ablaze with colors of fall. I have sailed from New York harbor on numerous occasions. I never get tired of the thrill of seeing the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of the city as we glide by. I have long wanted to cruise the Hudson River from NYC up into Canada to Montreal and Quebec.

How about you? Would you like to come along?

Your Educated Gypsy Travel Planner,

Susan

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Ever wonder what life might have been like on a historic “show boat” paddle wheeler plying one of America’s scenic rivers? Here is your chance to step back 100 years.  Having sailed myself on the Mississippi, I can tell you it is a fine experience. Treat yourself and a loved one. – Susan

American Queen Steamboat Company   2014 River Cruise Specials Right Here is the Good Ole USA! SAVE 50% Per State Room* Select August – December Voyages The American Queen Discover America’s Hidden Treasures  Embrace the genteel pace of life on the river as you set off on a lavish, seasonal journey through vibrant towns brimming with character. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, cherished sites and local cultures all add up to an extraordinary experience with endless possibilities. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, cherished sites and local cultures all add up to an extraordinary summer American river Cruise experience with endless possibilities.   Pull up a rocker on the front porch or take a swim in the pool. SAVE 50%*   August 1, 2014 August 29, 2014 November 21, 2014 November 28, 2014 December 19, 2014 December 26, 2014

The American Empress Visit Multnomah Falls where snowmelt streams plunge over 600 feet in two tiered cascades down a sheer cliff face. Experience the raw power of nature in the collapsed volcanic crater of Mount St. Helens. The celebrated Walla Walla Wine Trail in the “Napa of the North” offers the tastes of Canoe Ridge, Cayuse, Leonetti and Five Star Cellars, among others. SAVE 50%* Portland to Clarkston August 23, 2014 October 4, 2014 October 18, 2014 November 1, 2014   SAVE 50%* Clarkston to Portland August 16, 2014 August 30, 2014 October 11, 2014 October 25, 2014 November 8, 2014   SAVE 50% – Learn More About the Details The American Queen Memphis Cruises Take some time to explore Memphis before embarking on your journey through the historic sites of America’s Heartland. Relive scenes out of the battle and siege of New Madrid. Learn the history and art of quilting in Paducah. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Henderson, hometown of famed naturalist John James Audubon, as you make your way to one of the nation’s top bird watching locations, picturesque John James Audubon State Park. SAVE 50% – Learn About Details Visit Cincinnati Experience an amazing summertime journey that begins and ends in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit the home of the Louisville Slugger and Churchill Downs in the spirited town of Louisville. Sample handcrafted, traditional wines at the Thomas Family Winery in Madison and enjoy a short tour of The Lanier Mansion, a Greek revival style abode built in 1844 and often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Madison’s historic district.” SAVE 50% – Learn About Details New Orleans to Memphis Explore the land of bawdy blues and Southern belles. This journey showcases the diversity and drama of the Lower Mississippi River. From New Orleans to Memphis, the river rolls slowly and expansively, smooth as a southern drawl. The bayous and woodlands along the shore create dramatic landscapes that are virtually unchanged since the days of the French fur traders. Gracious towns with palatial mansions and tree-lined streets abound. History is everywhere – in silent Civil War cemetaries, in the soulful gospel blues of Helena and virtually everywhere you turn in Memphis, best known for jazz, barbeque, and of course The King of Rock and Roll and his home at Graceland. SAVE 50% – Learn About Details   Popular Inclusions Included Shore Excursions in every port of call Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard history and culture expert Acclaimed cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients Nightly award-winning entertainment featuring rousing musical revues, high-energy cabaret and exclusive performances Complimentary bicycles and helmets (subject to availability)

2014 River Cruise Specials   SAVE 50% Per State Room*

*Offer valid on U.S. and Canada resident bookings only. Save 50% per stateroom on these American Queen voyage dates: 8/01, 8/22, 8/29, 9/05, 11/21, 11/28, 12/19 and 12/26; and on these American Empress voyage dates: 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, 10/04, 10/11, 10/18 and 10/25.  Offer expires August 31, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Full payment at time of booking is required to redeem this offer. Not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations; cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Offer is based on cabin availability and only while inventory lasts. Promotional fares are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, land transportation or airfare. Additional terms and conditions may apply – call for details.

We Love Referrals!! Please Share This With All Your Family and Friends!!   Call Susan Rogers Your Educated Gypsy Friend For More Details At 770-560-2411

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American Queen Steamboat Company 2014:June River Cruises

Special 2-for-1 fares* for residents in your area!

Discover America’s Hidden Treasures
Right in Your Own Backyard
Ports of call may include: New Madrid, Paducah, Henderson, Louisville,
Madison, Maysville, Huntington, Augusta, Point Pleasant,
Marietta and Wheeling

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