After an unhealthy dose of televised hurricane coverage convincing you that an upcoming storm is in some way different than its predecessors, and a diminishing adventurous attitude towards riding out the storm, you decide to evacuate.
You board up your windows, gather valuables, hit the grocery, spend your textbook money at the gas pump and, of course, track the storm path to decide on an evacuation destination. But where should you go?
Evacuations don’t have to be miserable. In fact, an evacuation should be more like a vacation -a hurrication, that is. Not only are the following popular evacuation destinations within relatively close proximity to New Orleans, each city also offers unique activities sure to soothe your storm stress.
HOUSTON
The Galleria5085 Westheimer Rd.Houston, Texas 77056713-966-3500.http://www.galleriahouston.com.
Because the refugee look hasn’t exactly caught on in mainstream America yet, you may want to abandon your rain boots, tank top and dirty tousled hair concealed by a baseball cap and hit the Galleria mall in Houston.
With over 375 stores and restaurants, two hotels, available valet parking and an eye-catching indoor ice rink, it’s no surprise that the Galleria is the number one tourist attraction in Houston. Ranked as the fourth largest mall in the nation and covering over 2.4 million square feet, this self-proclaimed “city inside a city” has something for everyone.
Mall hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. on Sundays.
NATCHEZ, MISS.Southern Carriage Tours 200 State St. Natchez, Miss. 39201 601-445-5913
Soak up the antebellum ambiance in Natchez, Miss., with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s notable historic district.
Natchez, known for its Southern charm and simple pleasures, will surely relieve your storm jitters. While on your 45 minute narrated tour of the city, take notice of the many activities the city has to offer, including historic homes and churches, history and photography museums, flea markets, ghost tours and premiere golf courses.
Your hurrication may not have been planned, but hurricane season just so happens to fall on the most exciting time of the year in Natchez. Many popular festivals and events occur in fall, most notably the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, which showcases hot air balloon rides and races.
ATLANTAThe Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. NWAtlanta, Ga. 30313 404-581-4000 http://www.georgiaaquarium.org
Your friends may be stuck in the slums of some never-before heard of city, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Instead, you should live it up in the “A.T.L.”
With an active nightlife and an evenly matched list of daytime festivities, Atlanta is capable of keeping you entertained around the clock. Without a doubt, Halo Lounge is the place to see and be seen. The posh, mod décor as well as its many faithful partygoers makes Halo one of the hottest lounges in Atlanta.
And with over eight million gallons of water, Atlanta houses the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world. It is open Sunday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission is $26.
After a whimsical afternoon downtown, continue on with a picnic across the street at the @subhead:Centennial Olympic Park.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. Chattanooga, Tenn. 37409423-821-2544 http://www.rubyfalls.com
Although you may love your highly frequented musty corner bar, let’s face it: at some point you need some fresh air. Larger than life mountains standing over sparkling creeks and wide-open spaces in Chattanooga, Tenn. set the stage for wonder and relaxation.
Ruby Falls, situated within Lookout Mountain, is a landmark visited in groves. The 145-foot waterfall is sure to catch the attention of even the most cultured world-class traveler. With an excursion time of approximately 90 minutes, entry is $14.95, and it’s open every day from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Rita West can be reached at [email protected].
