Day 8
This was a day of travel. We picked up our rental (Nissan Altima) in downtown New Orleans and began our 4 ½ hour journey northwest to West Monroe. The drive was uneventful as we drove Interstates and smaller highways, through cities, towns and the countryside. After multiple days of “local” eating, we opted for something familiar – Outback Steakhouse – for Caesar salad, steak, and baked potato. Yum! (No pics – too tired)
Day 9
This morning, we crossed the bridge that joins West Monroe and Monroe to go to the Biedenharn Museum. The Biedenharn Candy Company was the first to ever bottle Coca-Cola, and the museum is filled with Coca Cola memorabilia.
As we approached the area, we noticed quite a few of uprooted trees, large trees. Todd commented it looked like a tornado had been through.
Upon arrival at the Museum we saw a sign – Closed.
We noticed a man sitting on the steps and asked him what had happened. He told us that a tornado had ripped through the area last Monday. He has lived here over 31 years and never experienced anything like it (and never wants to again).
Although there were no major casualties, the damage was extensive. Over a week after, cleanup continues.
Next stop – Duck Commander Warehouse.
The large building houses a retail store in the front and the working warehouse in the back.
There is not much to see, as the warehouse is off limits to the public, but it was still interesting to be in the vicinity of where the show is filmed. Todd is pretty sure he saw one of the brothers driving off.
In the store, Todd bought himself a top and (Me – “you gotta get one”) Duck Call (neighbours will love this – lol).
Lunch was at (Me – “you gotta eat there”) Willie’s Diner. The restaurant is decorated with Duck Dynasty memorabilia and the show plays on numerous televisions throughout.
Todd ordered a tri-plate that included red beans and rice, jambalaya, and duck/Andouille gumbo.
I chose the roast beef, mashed potatoes, and salad. Food was simple, tasty, and filling. (No dinner needed tonight).
After lunch, it was off to one of only a handful of wineries in Louisiana (who would have thought there would be a winery in West Monroe?). Landry Vineyards has been around since 1999.
They currently have vines on 20 acres of vines on their property and are expanding across the road.
They create a number of wines from dry to sweet and from white to red using grapes from their vines and juice transported in from other areas in the US (like Washington and California).
We spent quite a bit of time tasting and talking with the owner, Jeff. He told us about the challenges to growing grapes in the area and the influence the Duck Dynasty phenomenon has had for West Monroe. Apparently, long before (20+ years) Duck Commander TV fame, Phil and gang were quite renowned for their educational, humorous videos about duck hunting.
The Duck Dynasty episode that dealt with Willie buying a winery was filmed at Landry Winery. Season 1, episode 9 was titled Sauvignon Beard.
Low key night….enjoying some wine bought today…