A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD

PLAY a day in the life of dad

Summer is Coming

BY BRANDON FOREMAN

ALRIGHT, here is the warning shot with a twist for all my Game of Thrones fans, SUMMER IS COMING. We must get ready. What does that mean? Well, I–being the optimist I am–believe we will be back to a much closer-to-normal summer than last year, with some restrictions still in place. Nevertheless, we need to prepare ourselves. After all, it has been two years since we did this. So, let’s cover the basics:

Activities

Who can watch the children? Who is still on the friends and family circle who can watch these children all day while we are at work, and on what days? We have spent a year doing just about all the possible indoor activities we can. We need to get outside, and if we can’t, it is absolutely time to get some new indoor activities. If you choose a new game to buy each time you visit the store and hide them when you get home, you can bring them out sporadically and it will not be too much at once.

Transportation Plans

Most of all, our offices have gotten used to the schedule moving, but the sooner you can get transportation plans laid out, the better for you and your office.

Camp or No Camp?

Camps are going full speed, as opposed to what some may say. Trust me, I have talked to them personally. The question is, are you going for a Day Camp, an Overnight Camp, or no camp? If camp is in the plan, the sooner the better to register, as they are at limited capacity this year. Shameless plug: Make sure to sign up for our Baton Rouge Parents Magazine Camp Fair from March 19-22. Well, I–being the optimist I am–believe we will be back to a much closer-to-normal summer than last year, with some restrictions still in place.

So, there is so much more that needs to be done, but you now have been warned. If you don’t start now, trust me, things will not go as smoothly as planned. Best case, you mad-dash to get it all done and end up stressed out trying to find a last minute spot. Worst case? You’re back to a summer of 2020 all over again! But trust me, SUMMER IS COMING. ■

PIC OF THE MONTH

PLAY out & about

‘cause parenting is a trip Beaumont, Texas

BY JULIE ENGELHARDT

THE great state of Texas has a huge round-up of top-notch towns where you’ll experience a stampede of different activities to fill your day. Set your sights during this trip on Southeast Texas and head to Beaumont, located 85 miles east of Houston on the Neches River. Founded in 1835, Beaumont is the county seat for Jefferson County and features spectacular museums, gigantic gators, and mouth-watering meals. Take a gander at what this charming city has available for you to do on your next vacation.

WHERE TO STAY

The MCM Elegante Hotel is the perfect place to call “home” during your stay. A full selection of different rooms offers guests everything from an efficient Junior King Suite to their Whirlpool King Suite with a separate room that has a four-person whirlpool. The hotel has on-site amenities to make your stay so very comfortable, including places to dine such as Hemingway’s and Itza Pizza, or cook up your own meal at their Outdoor Grilling Patio. The family will love the hotel’s Tropical Outdoor Pool complete with private cabanas and pool-side food and drink service.

WHERE TO EAT The Toasted Yoke Cafe

Start your day with an absolutely hearty breakfast at this popular spot. Their motto is “We believe breakfast should never come from a box.” You’ll find lots of made-from-scratch items on the menu. Indulge in their specialties such as Granola Apple French Toast, Donuts “Churro Style,” or their Double Decker Four-Egg Omelette.

The Grand Oak Steakhouse & Bar

How-dy! You can’t visit Texas without heading to one of their famous steakhouses while on your trip. The Grand Oak Steakhouse & Bar is open for lunch and dinner, offering mouth-watering “grub.” For lunch, sink your teeth into the Grand Oak Beef Brisket sandwich filled with slow-cooked beef, mushrooms, and onions; or the Panini Toscano, a grilled sandwich with tomato, mozzarella and pesto. When the dinner bell rings, The Grand Oak Ribeye, The New York Strip, and the Filet Steak will be calling your name. Add a side of house-cut garlic rosemary fries to complete your dinner order.

Mabel’s Snow Cones & Mexican Treats

Ole’! Here you’ll find 40 different snow cone flavors, a multitude of candy toppings, fruit cups, cookies and fruit-covered brownies. Mexican treats include corn cups and Takis Lokos (a street dish consisting of corn chips with jicama, cucumber, lime juice and spices).

WHAT TO DO

Experience the grandeur of historic Texas by visiting the opulent McFaddin-Ward House, a historic home built over a century ago in 1906. This stunning museum offers free self-guided audio tours of the first floor where you can view original furnishings, plus the carriage house and gardens. Various displays appear throughout the year, including antique glass pieces, silver pieces, and stunning jewelry.

At Gator Country, you’ll find over 450 American alligators, crocodiles, other reptiles and mammals that have been rescued from abuse or abandonment situations. During your visit, you can actually wade with the gators and get up close and personal with snakes, lizards and tortoises.

Kids of all ages will have a blast at the Beaumont Children’s Museum. The museum features a variety of interactive displays, including Tot Spot, an area for children ages four and younger; Make It Applaud, where you can create your own music; and Make It Roar, an area where kids can become pintsized paleontologists.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is quite the tribute to the old West and oil boomtowns. During your self-guided tour, you’ll experience 15 replica buildings including a saloon, post office, general store and a livery stable. Historic objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are on display, depicting life during the Spindletop oil boom. ■

Coordinates: 30.084251° N, -94.12071° E Distance from Baton Rouge: 191 miles Flying Time: 51 minutes Driving Time: 2 hours 47 minutes