FL to Texas Gulfcoast

[greatlakes]

We are planning a 3-week trip this spring that will wrap around the Gulf Coast from SW FL to Texas. Two key points of interest is to spend some time in south Louisiana at the best time to savor the Cajun food/festivals. Will continue on to San Antonio and the King Ranch further south in TX.
Any suggestions as to the best time/weather to venture out on this?

Thank you in advance.

Frank

[Lily&Me]

Don't know the dates of the Cajun food/festivals, but March and April in Louisiana should be beautiful. You could get online to find those through Louisiana tourism.

Trees will be blooming and the heat and humidity shouldn't have yet set in too badly.


Maggie

[slowmover]

Before May.

[bwoodtx]

Late April will be Fiesta in San Antonio-kinda like a mexican mardi gras. lots of fun!!

[moosetags]

I would also do March and /or April. That should be the best weather. Don't forget that about a third of the trip will be within Florida. Be sure not to miss the finest beaches in the country between Panama City and Pensacola.

[sandlapper]

We have made the SW Florida to Tex trip twice. Great camping, especially in Florida. Hugged the shoreline as much as possible. Moosetags is correct, the Panhandle area of FLA has some world class beaches. Great food all along, especially the farther west you go. We travel in summer months, it was hot, & plenty of bugs, but we loved it anyway.
Early Spring should be an ideal time. Enjoy yourselves. John

[Lily&Me]

You will come by both the Gulf Island National Seashore locations, too, which we like.

Be sure to poke around Louisiana a bit, maybe do the Great River Road. Spectacular antebellum plantations to see, and to tour if you are interested.

Maggie

[Protagonist]

Below is a partial list of Louisiana festivals. A reasonably comprehensive list for the entire year can be found at Clarence's List of Louisiana Festivals 2012.

Spring Food Festivals:
March 23-24, Smokin' Blues & Barbecue Challenge Festival, Hammond, LA;
March 25, Crawfish Etouffe Cookoff, Eunice, LA;
April 8-10, Strawberry Festival, Ponchatoula, LA (my personal favorite);
April 8-10, Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, New Iberia, LA;
April 14-17, Catfish Festival, Washinton, LA;
May 6-8, Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, LA;
May 12-15, Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura, LA;
May 26-29, Jambalaya Festival, Gonzales, LA.

Spring Music Festivals:
March 8-11, Lagniappe Dulcimer Fete Festival, Port Allen, LA;
April 7-10, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, LA;
April 26-May 8, Contraband Days, Lake Charles, LA;
April 29-May 8 (two consecutive weekends), Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (Expensive!);
May 7, Blues Week Festival, Baton Rouge, LA;
May 28-29, Bayou Country Superfest, Baton Rouge, LA.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Below is a partial list of Louisiana festivals. A reasonably comprehensive list for the entire year can be found at Clarence's List of Louisiana Festivals 2012.

Spring Food Festivals:
March 23-24, Smokin' Blues & Barbecue Challenge Festival, Hammond, LA;
March 25, Crawfish Etouffe Cookoff, Eunice, LA;
April 8-10, Strawberry Festival, Ponchatoula, LA (my personal favorite);
April 8-10, Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, New Iberia, LA;
April 14-17, Catfish Festival, Washinton, LA;
May 6-8, Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, LA;
May 12-15, Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura, LA;
May 26-29, Jambalaya Festival, Gonzales, LA.

Spring Music Festivals:
March 8-11, Lagniappe Dulcimer Fete Festival, Port Allen, LA;
April 7-10, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, LA;
April 26-May 8, Contraband Days, Lake Charles, LA;
April 29-May 8 (two consecutive weekends), Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (Expensive!);
May 7, Blues Week Festival, Baton Rouge, LA;
May 28-29, Bayou Country Superfest, Baton Rouge, LA.

How nice of you to do that!

We went to Jazz Fest a couple of years ago. Was on our to-do list, and was absolutely fabulous. I think the Beach Boys, of all people, are going to be there this year!

It was expensive and hot. Even through SPF 50, I incurred a severe sunburn on all exposed skin.

However, a one-of-a-kind experience for us, and completely worth it.

We have also poked around a few local festivals in LA, great music and wonderful food to be had.

Such a great state.


Maggie

[kingfisher24]

one of the highlights...once got to see stevie ray vaughn and albert king together on a riverboat....absolutely outa sight.......

[greatlakes]

Thank you all for your inputs. We are leaning toward the weeks after Easter in early April. It should be pleasant travel weather, indeed.
I remain open to any additional suggestions.

Frank