Dear Friends, Words cannot express our gratitude for you joining us on this journey to New Orleans to celebrate Edward’s birthday. Your presence makes this occasion even more special, and we are truly honored to have you by our side. As we travel together on Amtrak, sharing laughter, and excitement, we know in our hearts that this will be a trip to remember. So, as we party all the way to the Crescent City, we want to extend our warmest welcome and deepest thanks for embarking on this adventure with us. Your friendship and support mean the world to us, and we are beyond grateful to be able to celebrate this occasion with such amazing people. As we immerse ourselves in the rich culture, savory cuisine, and soulful music of this remarkable city, we know that every moment will be cherished. We believe that this trip will be one for the books, a celebration of friendship, love, and the beauty of life. And so, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this adventure. Thank you, once again, for joining us; we are blessed to call you our friends. With heartfelt appreciation, Edward and Vikki Sturkie
TRANSPORTATION We will be traveling to New Orleans aboard Amtrak Crescent 19 leaving Birmingham on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 1:03 p.m., and arriving in New Orleans at 9:02 p.m. We will return via Amtrak Crescent 20, leaving New Orleans on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 9:15 a.m., arriving in Birmingham at 5:15 p.m. There is an option to catch the train in Anniston and wait in Birmingham for us to arrive. We chose the Birmingham departure because Anniston does not have parking. You can make these additional arrangements if it is more convenient for you. The address to the Birmingham terminal is: 1801 Morris Ave Birmingham, AL 35203 (800) 872-7245 Upon arrival in New Orleans, we will be met by Hotard Coaches and transported to the Sheraton in New Orleans in the French Quarters. Hotard will pick us up at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday to return to the terminal. The cost for this service is $28.00/person round trip (this must be paid in advance). Transportation once in New Orleans is your responsibility. Note: Parking for Amtrak is off of 16th Street and Morris Avenue. Parking is FREE!
ACCOMODATIONS Hopefully everyone has made reservations at the Sheraton New Orleans (French Quarters). The hotel is located at 500 Canal Street, New Orleans. If you have any questions, or need to make reservations please contact the hotel directly at (504) 525-2500.
ACTIVITIES Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours from City Sightseeing New Orleans City Sightseeing New Orleans is the most entertaining, informative, and fun City Tour you can find that offers transportation approximately every 30 minutes on an exhilarating open-top, doubledecker bus! HOP-ON! and in a single 1-hour 30-minute loop, experience a complete City Tour — 3 centuries of history, architecture, and culture narrated live in English by your very own Tour Host – see the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. HOP-OFF! at any stop along the way and explore New Orleans most popular neighborhoods, attractions, and shopping districts – or – take advantage of our Guided Walking Tours in the Garden District and French Quarter, included in the 2-Tour and 3-Tour Package or sold separately.
NEW ORLEANS SWAMP TOURS Take a New Orleans swamp tour of the famous Honey Island Swamp by Cajun Encounters. You’ll glide through gator territory on a small, flat-bottomed boat and hear all about the swamp and its natural inhabitants from our local, expert captains. We offer pickup services from many French Quarter hotels and visitor centers for your comfort and convenience. We have found the top experts in the field to give you an authentic tour of one of America’s most unique ecosystems. Many of our captains have lived on the water for most of their lives and have earned field degrees to give you the best experience possible. IF YOU THINK THIS WOULD BE FUN, PLEASE JOIN EDWARD AND JOYCE ON THIS TOUR!
DINNER CRUISE Saturday, July 29th we have reservations for a Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard the Steamboat Nachez! You may still purchase tickets at: https://www.steamboatnatchez.com/cruises/evening-jazz-cruise-with-dinner-option Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the Dinner Jazz Cruise. The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS decks, engine room, and bars will be open for your enjoyment either before or after dinner depending upon your seating time. Included in the Dinner Jazz ticket price is the cruise, buffet dinner, and entertainment by the Dukes of Dixieland Jazz trio. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
If we ever “disappear” LOOK HERE! There are so many restaurants, bars, entertainment, and other sights to see; and I will be delighted to help you set your personal itinerary. ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!!!! • I will get your shirts to you prior to leaving. Wear denim bottoms (shorts or pants)! • The train will NOT wait on you! • Parking for train is on 16th and Morris Avenue! It is FREE! • It will be HOT! • Bring comfortable shoes! • If you have not paid for the charter bus, please do so; It is $28/person! $Floyd5560 • Do not take pictures or share pictures of anyone on the trip without their permission! • Please do not go live without the expressed permission of those on the live. There are many people (mainly educators, LIKE ME who cannot be on live drinking and saying whatever might come out of my mouth… y’all already know!!! Everyone isn’t comfortable with their personal time on social media! • WHAT HAPPENS IN NEW ORLEANS STAYS IN NEW ORLEANS!! • If you’re going on the dinner cruise, wear all black….. YES, you can find a summer black… it will look great for the pictures. • Now I’m just trying to make this list longer! • Sitting on the train is not reserved. • Bring a light blanket and pillow… you will go to sleep before we get there!! NO ONE on this trip is “bout that life”…. We may have 3 hours, possibly 4 then we’re going to sleep! • Bring a deck of cards • Your presence is the GIFT!! • We’re so excited! • PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND COMPLETE A SHORT SURVEY! https://forms.gle/U7cQ3yAXfzfKtMpb9