West Bloomfield, Mich. – The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA), announced yesterday online registration is open and the tour schedule is set for the 2013 FCICA Convention, taking place at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, LA, February 24-27, 2013.
Saturday, February 23, 2013 – Golf at TPC Louisiana Golf Course
TPC Louisiana brings PGA Tour golf to New Orleans. TPC was named “the #4 best upscale public golf course” by Golf Digest Magazine when it debuted in 2004. The breathtaking scenery at TPC Louisiana’s golf course stretches over 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi River delta. This championship golf course is a grand representation of the natural local habitat. Tee times will be made by FCICA.
Saturday, February 23, 2013, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Mysteries of Louisiana Swamplands Tour
Join the incredible journey into the mysterious swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana. As the swamp boat glides through the waters, guests will see exotic tropical plants and wildlife found only in Louisiana wetlands. Majestic herons, nutria, and large turtles sunning themselves on tree stumps are abundant and the swamp’s favorite son, the alligator, will be witnessed in its glory.
Sunday, February 24, 2013, 8:45 am – 3:45 pm – River Road Plantation Tour
This excursion travels into the river region of southeastern Louisiana to reminisce about the days of a bygone era. The first plantation stop restored to its former grandeur is “Laura Plantation,” a remarkable mid-19th century Creole Plantation. Laura boasts one of the largest complexes on the River Road and embodies traditional Creole customs and enchanting tales of Creole plantation life. Traveling across the Mississippi River, the next stop is the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Upon its completion in 1840, Houmas House was designated as the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana ’s River Road.” Lunch will be provided at the Houmas House.
Monday, February 25, 2013, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Cajun and Creole Cuisine Cooking Tour
New Orleans chefs can be colorful characters and on this tour one of the best chefs will teach the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking. The demonstrations will include traditional regional dishes and New Orleans-style coffee will be served.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm – Breakfast at Brennan’s & French Quarter Walking Tour
A New Orleans tradition since 1946, world-renowned Brennan’s Restaurant, located in the heart of the French Quarter, offers delectable French and Creole cuisine. The menu will include: spiced baked apple in heavy cream, Eggs Hussarde (poached eggs with grilled Canadian bacon on Holland Rusk toast topped with Mar chand du Vin and Hollandaise sauces), flaming Bananas Foster and New Orleans dark roast coffee. After breakfast there will be a complete walking tour of this famous and historical neighborhood (including a visit to a Creole mansion) where the guide will point out the many prominent landmarks and tell the rich histories behind them.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm – The Faubourgs of New Orleans – Katrina and Beyond Excursion
This unique and customized tour will provide a full explanation of how and why the city of New Orleans flooded following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The tour will start by walking over and experiencing the “Living with Hurricanes, Katrina and Beyond” exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum. Next, the group will visit the five notable residential neighborhoods destroyed by the floodwaters and explore the community’s recovery process, including guided tours through private homes in Marigny and the Lower Garden District. The excursion will continue to the Global Green House. Global Green USA made a dedicated commitment to building “green” and the FCICA’s donation to the organization helped fund the tour through the neighborhoods. Throughout the day, the professional tour guide will provide a detailed history of each section and point out areas of interest along the way.