Looking for unusual and fun activities for these weekly blogs can be a challenge at times. That’s one side of the equation – the other side is when you find something that is truly “new and different” you feel elated. At least, that’s how it works for me.

 I sift through a fair number of ideas before I can say “bingo” that’s the one. One approach I use is to throw ideas into a folder in a higgledy-piggledy fashion at least once a week. No editing at all. Then, when it comes to making up the blog schedule for the month I just toss all these scraps out and see what makes the cut OR what triggers an idea that’s even better. You can jazz this up by calling it “The Creative Process” – it doesn’t really matter as long as it works. And it does.

A VIP SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT

This is a way to add magic and romance to your sojourn in The Big Easy. It’s a fun combo of sightseeing in a small plane over New Orleans while sipping chilled champagne along with a heavenly selection of chocolates. Or, if you prefer you can have wine, artisan cheeses and crostini (crusty bread brushed with olive oil) as you take in the ever-changing scene below.

An experienced pilot will regale you with fascinating tales as you get a bird’s-eye view of the French Quarter and wing your way over the Superdome. Aerial views of winding bayous and lush greenery will add a touch of Mother Nature to your tour. “For us, it was an amazing experience,” says one New Orleans visitor. “Our pilot was very friendly and knew so much about the city.”

Interested? Call 888-651-9785 to find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ARE YOU BAFFLED BY PAIRINGS?

To be more specific: that’s wine-and-cheese “done right” which means that it’s time for a full disclosure: I really don’t understand how to do this. I’m a white wine person who loves almost every cheese going. I think I need help. And here it is.

I’ve just come across the VIRTUAL DINING EXPERIENCE AT COMMANDER’S PALACE. There’s just one hitch: one must live in Orleans parish and I’m 1,300 miles away in New York City. But that’s okay because I love the restaurant and really believe this is a terrific idea that they have created for this particular time – in fact, I think it’s so good they should think about continuing it when things get back to our so-called “normal” that we’re all looking forward to at some point.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

You can invite your family, friends or neighbors for a VIRTUAL wine-and-cheese tasting hosted by James Beard Award-nominated “Wine Guy” Dan Davis. Here is what this unique experience entails:

#1

Call 888-651-9785

#2

Each ticket is a tasting for four people. Remember: you must order by 11:00 pm on Sunday for the coming week.

#3

Commander’s Palace will deliver three bottles of wine with cheeses and crackers from the St. James Cheese Company (to read more about these cheese folks go online). The Palace refers to them as “our friends” – I’d add “in high places.”

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Your delivery address cannot be changed after your purchase is made. Deliveries take place on WEDNESDAY afternoon. The Palace will call you ahead of time to tell you when yours is on the way. Please remember: an adult must be present to accept it.

#5

At 6:30 pm on Wednesday everyone gets together on Zoom for “wine-and-cheese pairings” – courtesy of host Dan Davis. For added fun all participants can dress up, down or whatever. And if Fido, the dog or Calico the cat want to be in on the action – that’s okay. The Palace always includes everyone – royalty embraces all its subjects.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Did you know Commander’s Palace at 1403 Washington Avenue is only 10 minutes away from Rathbone Mansions? Royals like to hang with royals.   

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about the VIP Sightseeing Flight or the Commander’s wine-and-cheese pairings.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick