New Orleans
Reunion Outside Tours
TUESDAY, JULY 31
EARLY BIRD: CAJUN
DINNER
SOLD
OUT
Contact Rebecca
Bittle if you want on the wait list
6:00pm
Tuesday, July 31
What better way to start this New Orleans Reunion than with an authentic
Cajun dinner. Take the short walk
across the street to Mulates for a delicious Cajun dinner.
Sit in the main dining room/dance hall, where the sights and sounds of
the Cajun culture come alive in this authentic atmosphere.
Your dinner includes salad, a choice of entrees including catfish, shrimp
or chicken, and dessert. After
dinner, stroll back to the hotel for the Early Bird Reception, take a spin on
the dance floor or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the band.
Don’t miss it!
This tour is limited to 80 people.
WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 1
NEW
ORLEANS
CITY
& FRENCH QUARTER TOUR #1
9:00am-11:30am
Wednesday, August 1
Board your luxury coach and travel through three centuries of history as
you tour some of
New Orleans
’ top attractions. Absorb the sights & sounds of the world famous French
Quarter and historic Jackson Square,
home of the Cabildo and
Presbytere
Museums
. Visit one of the historic
cemeteries referred to as “Cities of the Dead,” and learn about this unique
above ground burial system. Marvel
at stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou
St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, as you
make your way to the shores of Lake
Pontchartrain, where you will see the longest bridge over water in the
world, the Lake Pontchartrain
Causeway. Follow the path of the
St. Charles Avenue
streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the
world, past the homes of former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions and the world-famous, exclusive Garden
District. Tour includes a drive through the Lower 9th Ward and
the Lakeview area, two of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The tour will end near your hotel, in the French Quarter.
Following
the guided city tour you may take the bus back to the hotel or spend some time
on your own in the French Quarter. If
you stay in the Quarter, the bus will pick you at
1:45pm
to return to the hotel or you may return on your own later.
NATIONAL
WWII
MUSEUM, LUNCH & VICTORY BELLES
SHOW
SOLD
OUT
Contact Rebecca
Bittle if you want on the wait list
9:00am-2:30pm
Wednesday August 1
Dedicated in 2000 as The
National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's
official World War II Museum. This
remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era
with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive
displays. From the Normandy Invasion
to the sands of Pacific Islands and the “home front”, the museum brings to
life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won
the war and changed the
world. You will have the morning to
visit the Museum at your own pace. Your
tour includes the film “Beyond All Boundaries”,
narrated and produced by Tom Hanks, a unique and powerful film about the Greatest Generations journey. Then relax in the Stage
Door Canteen for a very special lunch and show. The Victory Belles is a
charming vocal trio who will take you on a nostalgic journey through World War
II era musical classics. Enjoy a
trip down memory lane with their spirited performances of such hits as Boogie
Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, I’ll be Seeing You,
and
Chattanooga
Choo Choo.
Prior to the show, enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet.
Victory
Belles show seating is limited.
WWII
MUSEUM
ONLY #1
9:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday August 1
Dedicated in 2000 as The
National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's
official World War II Museum. This
remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era
with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive
displays. From the Normandy Invasion
to the sands of Pacific Islands and the “home front”, the museum brings to
life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won
the war and changed the
world. You will have the morning to
visit the Museum at your own pace. Your
tour includes the film “Beyond All Boundaries”, narrated and produced by Tom
Hanks, a unique and powerful film about the Greatest
Generations journey.
VICTORY BELLES
SHOW
ONLY
SOLD
OUT
Contact Rebecca
Bittle if you want on the wait list
11:30am
-
2:30pm
Wednesday August 1
For those of you who are interested in the lunch and
show, but not the Museum, this is your tour!
Transportation will be provided to the Stage
Door Canteen, located in the WWII Museum in time to enjoy the lunch and
show. The Victory Belles is a
charming vocal trio who will take you on a nostalgic journey through World War
II era musical classics. Enjoy a
trip down memory lane with their spirited performances of such hits as Boogie
Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, I’ll be Seeing You,
and
Chattanooga
Choo Choo.
Prior to the show, enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet.
Victory
Belles show seating is limited.
COMBO TOUR:
NEW
ORLEANS
CITY
TOUR & VICTORY BELLES SHOW
SOLD
OUT
Contact Rebecca
Bittle if you want on the wait list
9:00am-2:30pm
Wednesday, August 1
Enjoy the city tour as described above, following the city tour you will
be taken directly to the Victory Belles Show & lunch at the World War II
Museum. Please note you will not
have time on your own in the French Quarter if you choose this combo tour. You
will not return to the hotel between the 2 events.
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 2
Golf Tournament
7:00am-2:00pm Thursday, August 2
Attention golfers, this is your chance to show your friends how good your
golf game is. The Annual VHPA Golf
Outing will take place at the Lakewood Golf Club. A recent
multi-million dollar renovation makes Lakewood
Golf Club one of the most exciting courses to play with challenging
fairways, tees and greens. Nestled among beautiful
Louisiana
cypress and oaks, Lakewood Golf Club
is one of the South's premier golf destinations.
The day will begin with a continental breakfast at the club followed by a
shotgun start at 8:00 am, and end with lunch at the Club House.
The fee includes use of practice facility, greens fees, cart, lunch,
roundtrip transportation, all taxes, and gratuities. Golf clubs are available
for rent for a fee of $55. For those
who sign up to play you will be contacted by the golf coordinator, Vic Lent with
additional information.
PLANTATION
TOUR
8:30am-4:30pm
Thursday, August 2nd
NEW!
With
great pleasure we are able to open the
Plantation
Tour for sale. Since the
demand for this tour was so high we have worked closely with the Laura
Plantation and the Oak Alley
Plantation
to alter the schedule so we can increase the tour limit to 160 people.
We expect this tour will reach its maximum capacity within the next few
weeks. If you are interested in
taking this tour, we suggest you register as soon as possible.
Today,
you will experience a bygone era at 2 of the South’s most spectacular
Plantations. Begin at the Laura
Plantation, located on the banks of the
Mississippi
rive and in the middle of New Orleans Plantation Country.
The home is surrounded by the sugar plantation, gardens and slave cabins.
Your specialty tour takes a close look into the daily lives of 4
generations of this plantations Creole female owners, their maternal ancestors,
resident slaves and children. The tour includes the Big House, gardens, and
slave cabins. You will have some
time own your own to visit the grounds before boarding your coach for the short
drive to the Oak Alley Plantation.
Built in 1839, Oak Alley is one of the most photographed plantations ever.
Upon arrival, marvel at the unbelievable quarter-mile long alley of 28
magnificent oak trees, each over 250 years old.
Your plantation visit begins with Cajun luncheon buffet in the turn of
the century open-air pavilion (the pavilion is air conditioned).
The luncheon menu includes gumbo, etouffee and jambalaya. Following the
lunch you will be taken on a guided tour of the mansion which will reveal the
fascinating stories of the home and its history.
After the guided tour, there will be time to stroll the well-manicured
grounds at your leisure, sit on the porch and sip a Mint Julep as well as visit
the Oak Alley Gift Shop and the Blacksmith’s
Shop. This is going to be a wonderful day out with your friends. Don’t
miss it.
This tour is limited to 160
people.
NEW
ORLEANS CITY
& FRENCH QUARTER TOUR #2
9:00am-11:00am
Thursday, August 2
Board your luxury coach and travel through three centuries of history as
you tour some of
New Orleans
’ top attractions. Absorb the sights & sounds of the world famous French
Quarter and historic Jackson Square,
home of the Cabildo and
Presbytere
Museums
. Visit one of the historic
cemeteries referred to as “Cities of the Dead,” and learn about this unique
above ground burial system. Marvel
at stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou
St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, as you
make your way to the shores of Lake
Pontchartrain, where you will see the longest bridge over water in the
world, the Lake Pontchartrain
Causeway. Follow the path of the
St. Charles Avenue
streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the
world, past the homes of former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions and the world-famous, exclusive Garden
District. Tour includes a drive through the Lower 9th Ward and
the Lakeview area, two of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The tour will end near your hotel, in the French Quarter.
Following
the guided city tour you may take the bus back to the hotel or spend some time
on your own in the French Quarter. If
you stay in the Quarter, the bus will pick you at 1:30pm to return to the
hotel or you may return on your own later.
PADDLEWHEEL LUNCH CRUISE
11:00am-2:00pm
Thursday, August 2
Board
your authentic steamboat and take a step back in time, when cotton was king
and life was as slow as the current on the Mississippi
River.
As you cruise on New Orleans' only authentic steamboat, you will be
amazed by the sights of one of the world's most active ports and the beautiful
view of New Orleans from the comfort of your steamboat.
Your narrated 2 hour lunch cruise includes an all-you-can-eat buffet
which includes 3 entrees, several side dishes, salads, and an extensive
dessert display.
There are 2 seatings for lunch; 11am and 12:15pm.
Before or after you dine, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the
view from the upper deck as you relax to the sounds of the "Dukes of
Dixieland" jazz band. Don't miss this wonderful day out on the river, and
the chance to spend time with your friends and family.
Lunch seatings will be pre-assigned, information will be included on
your cruise tour ticket.
COMBO TOUR:
NEW
ORLEANS
CITY
TOUR & LUNCH CRUISE
9:00am-2:00pm
Thursday, August 2
Enjoy the city tour as described above, following the city tour you will
be taken directly to the paddlewheel lunch cruise.
You will not return to the hotel between the 2 events and will not have
time on your own in the French Quarter.
NEW
ORLEANS: MARDI GRAS & MAYHEM #1
2:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday, August 2
New Orleans
is renowned for Mardi Gras Celebration, in recent years the city has also
become known for the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Today you will learn about
both. Since 1699, when Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville celebrated his arrival
at the mouth of the Mississippi on Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras has been
integrally linked to Louisiana's cultural heritage. Your tour begins at Blain
Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Mardi
Gras World is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made. Step
inside the giant warehouse filled with the famous Mardi Gras floats and props.
Walk among the towering figures of fantasy, and watch the artists of
Blaine Kern Studios, the world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float
building, at work in their shops. Mardi
Gras World is a world of wonders, and the most unique expression of the
spirit and culture of this annual Carnival.
Then take the short ride to the Presbytere
located in
Jackson Square
. You will see two fascinating
exhibits: the Mardi Gras Exhibit and
the Katrina Exhibit.
Based on original research, the Mardi Gras exhibit traces the emergence
of
New Orleans
' parades and balls to the present-day statewide extravaganza that attracts
millions. The vast scope of the Museum's collection appears in three focus
galleries complete with favors, souvenirs, invitations, which are displayed in
huge cases and “open storage” cabinets. The most dazzling focus gallery -
the Crown Jewels Vault - houses an astonishing array of tiaras, scepters,
necklaces and other baubles worn by generations of royalty.
Katrina & Beyond is a must-see exhibit on the history and
science of this awesome storm. Eyewitness
accounts, state-of-the-art multimedia displays and iconic objects collected in
the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, provide an unforgettable
experience of loss and devastation. This
exhibit will inspire you; it is ultimately a celebration of the spirit of
service and resilience in the face of catastrophe & Mayhem.
Please
note: A small portion of this tour is not air conditioned; you will be required
to walk 4 blocks from the bus to one of the Museums.
MARDI GRAS WORLD DINNER
6:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday, August 2
Step off the coach, and walk
through the stunning Mardi Gras floats and props stored at Blain Kerns Mardi
Gras world. You will be awed at the
creations which bring Mardi Gras to life. Then
step into the
Grand
Oaks
Mansion
,
New Orleans
’ only indoor antebellum mansion replica. Enjoy a cocktail among the brick
walkways, moss-draped oaks, starry night sky and winding waterway.
Make your way up the mansions grand staircase to the River City Ballroom
for dinner. As you sit among some of
the floats and props, enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet and beautiful
view of the
Mississippi River
. After dinner, dance to the sounds
of the band, or just relax and enjoy the music and time with your friends.
Don’t miss this dinner which will be as spectacular as Mardi Gras
itself. This will be an
unforgettable evening, don’t miss it.
For those interested in attending the
“Dust Off” Movie at the hotel, early bus departures will be available.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
SPOUSE/GUEST EVENT: NEW
ORLEANS
COOKING DEMO & LUNCH
9:30am-1:00pm
Friday,
August 3
“Make Your Mouth Happy” – Welcome to the Fun, Food & Folklore
of the
New Orleans
School
of Cooking! Don’t miss this
entertaining class where you will learn the basics of
Louisiana
cooking in a way you’ll never forget. Fun
is the primary ingredient in this kitchen! The
Creole/Cajun experts will demonstrate how to cook some
New Orleans
specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole and Pralines.
Your chef demonstrators will also tell of
New Orleans
history, some tall tales and trivia. The
event will take place in the beautiful Riverview room, located in the Jax Brewery, overlooking the
Mississippi River
. After the demonstration,
enjoy a luncheon of the foods prepared by the chefs and of course, recipes to
take home. Don’t miss it.
Event
Capacity is 200, don’t miss out, register early.
QUILTERS OUTING
1:30pm-4:30pm
Friday,
August 3
Attention Quilters, don’t miss this
opportunity to visit one of the best quilt shops in
Louisiana
. The Quilted Owl offers a warm,
friendly quilting environment, while paying homage to the quilters of the past
and their creativity by specializing in a vast collection of reproduction
fabrics and patterns. Bring your
quilt and enjoy the “sit and sew” and this unique opportunity to spend some
time with your friends. There will
be ample time to sew as well as shop at Quilted Owl, known as the “quilter’s
destination”. There is no cost to visit the Quilted Owl, there
will be a cost on site for transportation to the shop.
VHPA will arrange for taxi transportation, you will be responsible for
the round trip taxi fare on site (approximately $15 per person). Tour is limited to 15 participants.
NEW
ORLEANS
CITY
TOUR & FRENCH QUARTER #3
1:30pm-3:30pm
Friday,
August 3
Board your luxury coach and travel through three centuries of history as
you tour some of
New Orleans
’ top attractions. Absorb the sights & sounds of the world famous French
Quarter and historic Jackson Square,
home of the Cabildo and
Presbytere
Museums
. Visit one of the historic
cemeteries referred to as “Cities of the Dead,” and learn about this unique
above ground burial system. Marvel
at stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou
St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, as you
make your way to the shores of Lake
Pontchartrain, where you will see the longest bridge over water in the
world, the Lake Pontchartrain
Causeway. Follow the path of the
St. Charles Avenue
streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the
world, past the homes of former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions and the world-famous, exclusive Garden
District. Tour includes a drive through the Lower 9th Ward, one
of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Lakeview area.
The tour will end near your hotel, in the French Quarter. You have the
option of staying in the Quarter or returning to the hotel on the coach.
If you choose to stay in the French Quarter, you are on your own for
transportation back to the hotel.
Following
the guided city tour you may take the bus back to the hotel or spend some time
on your own in the French Quarter. If
you stay in the Quarter, the bus will pick you at
5:00pm
to return to the hotel or you may return on your own later.
WWII
MUSEUM
#2
1:30pm-5:00pm
Friday,
August 3
Dedicated in 2000 as The
National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's
official World War II Museum. This
remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era
with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive
displays. From the Normandy Invasion
to the sands of Pacific Islands and the “home front”, the museum brings to
life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won
the war and changed the
world. You will have the afternoon
to visit the Museum at your own pace. Your
tour includes the film “Beyond All Boundaries”, narrated and produced by Tom
Hanks, a unique and powerful film about the Greatest
Generations journey.
FRENCH QUARTER ON YOUR OWN
1:30pm-5:00pm
Friday
August 3
We will provide round trip transportation from the hotel to the French
Quarter. You will have the afternoon
to explore the French Quarter on your own. Try
a hurricane, enjoy some Cajun food, shop in one of the voodoo shops, take a
walking tour or just walk down
Bourbon Street
and take in the sites. The bus will
depart from the designated location at
5:00pm
to return to the hotel. If you wish
to stay longer you will be on your own for Transportation back to the hotel.
SATURDAY,
AUGUST 4
HANDS ON COOKING
CLASS
9:30am-1:30pm
Saturday, August 4
Today you will learn how to cook some New Orleans Specialty items.
Join the chef at the
New Orleans
Cooking
School
and create your 4 course luncheon. This
private class is a great opportunity to spend some time with your friends while
learning new recipes. You will be
preparing an appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert.
Menu items (subject to change) include
Shrimp Remoulade, Corn & Crab
Bisque, Etouffee, and bread pudding.
Of course after you make the
lunch, sit down and enjoy the meal you have just created.
During the preparation and lunch you can enjoy unlimited Abita Beer,
wine, iced tea and coffee. You will
take home the recipes, a souvenir apron, and wonderful memories.
Class
is limited to 20 participants
so
register early
WWII
MUSEUM
#3
9:30am-1:30pm
Saturday, August 4
Dedicated in 2000 as The
National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's
official World War II Museum. This
remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era
with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive
displays. From the Normandy Invasion
to the sands of Pacific Islands and the “home front”, the museum brings to
life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won
the war and changed the
world. You will have the morning to
visit the Museum at your own pace. Your
tour includes the film “Beyond All Boundaries”, narrated and produced by Tom
Hanks, a unique and powerful film about the Greatest
Generations journey.
NEW
ORLEANS: MARDI GRAS & MAYHEM #2
10:15am-1:15pm
Saturday, August 4
New Orleans
is renowned for Mardi Gras Celebration, in recent years the city has also
become known for the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Today you will learn about
both. Since 1699, when Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville celebrated his arrival
at the mouth of the Mississippi on Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras has been
integrally linked to Louisiana's cultural heritage. Your tour begins at Blain
Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Mardi
Gras World is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made. Step
inside the giant warehouse filled with the famous Mardi Gras floats and props.
Walk among the towering figures of fantasy, and watch the artists of
Blaine Kern Studios, the world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float
building, at work in their shops. Mardi
Gras World is a world of wonders, and the most unique expression of the
spirit and culture of this annual Carnival.
Then take the short ride to the Presbytere
located in
Jackson Square
. You will see two fascinating
exhibits: the Mardi Gras Exhibit and
the Katrina Exhibit.
Based on original research, the Mardi Gras exhibit traces the emergence
of
New Orleans
' parades and balls to the present-day statewide extravaganza that attracts
millions. The vast scope of the Museum's collection appears in three focus
galleries complete with favors, souvenirs, invitations, which are displayed in
huge cases and “open storage” cabinets. The most dazzling focus gallery -
the Crown Jewels Vault - houses an astonishing array of tiaras, scepters,
necklaces and other baubles worn by generations of royalty.
Katrina & Beyond is a must-see exhibit on the history and
science of this awesome storm. Eyewitness
accounts, state-of-the-art multimedia displays and iconic objects collected in
the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, provide an unforgettable
experience of loss and devastation. This
exhibit will inspire you; ultimately it’s a celebration of the spirit of
service and resilience in the face of catastrophe & Mayhem.
Please
note: A small portion of this tour is not air conditioned; you will be required
to walk 4 blocks from the bus to one of the Museums.
Sign
up here.
