'Joie De Vivre' Joy of Living in Cajun Paradise

"Hear the music. Taste the cuisine, enjoy the pristine outdoors. Experience every aspect of Louisiana's unique cultures."

Jeff Davis, Arcadia, St. Landry and Lafayette Parish in Louisiana are located in the center of Cajun Country where the French-speaking culture and society are part of the lifestyle for those who call this area home. Lagniappe (lahn-yop) is a Cajun French word meaning "a little something extra," and this area serves up a whole lot of it! Rich with history, dating back to the 1800s, this unique portion of the state is filled with bayous, swamps, wetlands and the best eating and succulent crawfish in the United States.

Gateway to the Deep South - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Full of history from the Civil War, Chattanooga played host to both Confederates and Yankees from August 1863 until the war ended in 1865. For the Civil War buff, this area to visit is a must. In the late 1960’s, this mining area was know as the dirtiest city in the United States, but with lots of hard work and dedication by the residents and the community, clean air and downtown revitalization has turned this area of Tennessee to “A Livable Community for All Ages.” Forbes magazine named Chattanooga in 2009 and 2010 as one of the top southern retirement towns given its affordable housing, lower real estate taxes, moderate climate, abundance of outdoor activities and outstanding health care system. With no state income tax, boomers are making Chattanooga their new home with 25% of the newcomers being 60 and better.

“Coming to the Promised Land” Detroit, Michigan

When one mentions the City of Detroit, Michigan, automobiles come to your mind or the phrase “Motor City.” The city name of Detroit comes from the Detroit River, le detroit du Lac Erie, meaning the strait of Lake Erie. While traveling up the Detroit River on the ship Le Griffon, Father Louis Hennenpin thought that the north bank of the river made an ideal spot for a settlement. It was here that Detroit was founded in 1701 by French officer Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac. By 1765, Detroit was the largest city between Montreal and New Orleans, boasting a population of eight hundred people.

Gunther von Hagens’ “BodyWorlds & the Brain” at the Saint Louis Science Center

“Making its St. Louis debut, Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS & The Brain unravels the mystery of the mind and the secret world of the brain,” through October 2, 2011 at the St. Louis Science Center. This exhibit focuses specifically on the brain and unscrambles the perplexity of the mind and hidden world of the brain, which on average weighs 3 pounds.

Tod's Travels

"Where the Road Ends, The Adventure Begins!" Canyon of the Eagles

“Escape to a place where there’s not a care in the world, and timeless hospitality blends with the best that nature has to offer. Our very special setting on the shores of Lake Buchanan offers travelers of any age a sublime Hill Country experience. We’re not just any resort - we’re a Calibre resort.”