We mapped out our summer road trip and set off early in our trusty white van (AKA "Snowball"). Our first stop was Greenville, SC. Dear friends moved last year and we were grateful to visit their new home and catch up in person.
After two nights in Greenville, we had another long day of driving to Stop #2: New Orleans. Being a Saints football fan, Ryan has always wanted to visit New Orleans. We timed it to arrive on father's day and celebrated our favorite dad with some delicious BBQ
Our full day in New Orleans started at the Superdome where the Saints play. Ryan picked out his own Father's Day presents in the gift shop =)
The rest of the day was spent basically eating our way through the city!
Cafe Du Monde
The "original" Muffuletta sandwich
After a lot of walking around and a visit to the aquarium while a storm passed through, we thoroughly enjoyed a cajun dinner: alligator nachos, fried shrimp, étouffée, blackened fish, etc . . . =)
From New Orleans, we headed west to visit the Payne homestead. Kevin and Deborah met us there, along with Kevin's cousin, who provided detailed history about Grandaddy IB, his nine siblings, and the generations of Payne history.
The family history lesson continued . . .
Later in the day, we made our way to Ryan's grandmother's house where she's lived for over fifty years. We enjoyed time with her, looking at old photos, hearing wonderful stories, and eating at a few of her favorite local spots. We also introduced her to one of our favorite places to eat: Smoothie King - it was her first smoothie! =)
Kevin and Ryan walked the kids to the neighborhood corner store where Kevin frequented growing up. The Maggio family has owned the store for years and still recognizes when a Payne walks in!
We love you, Grandmother!
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