I think that I am rested enough to detail our trip to the coast. After six nights of having way too much fun, we are somewhat rested. It is always a good trip when it takes a while to catch your breath. This trip was an anniversary trip celebrating 35 years. My BIL and SIL joined me an my wife for the trip. All nights were at the Beau with one night at Harrahs , NO. I will split this up in sections and I will probably ramble so my apologies from the start.

Travel
After the Skybus fiasco, we booked on Delta . Columbus- Atlanta- Biloxi. Had an early flight , 7:00 am so we spent the night at Hampton at the airport. This is convenient if you are leaving early. Used free room points so I was ahead the first night. They do charge $5 a day for parking , but still a savings over airport. Shuttled to airport and it was very easy. Delta did not charge going down for the extra bag but did charge coming back. Outbound flights were on time and uneventful until the pilot bounced us off the tarmac about 3 times. A few yelps around the plane but in my opinion any landing that is upright and can taxi to the gate is a good one ! The return flight was a little late getting to Atlanta. Unloaded on tarmac at E-36. The bus took us to the terminal . For those of you that know Atlanta airport, E-36 is about 5 miles from any other gate! It was an OJ run for B-21. We were the last to board and just made it. The crew was Boston based . No offense to any part of country , but these attendants need to learn some people skills the next time they visit the South. The sourest, grumpiest flight attendents I have ever ran across. Even though flying has become somewhat undesirable, I still expect pleasent treatment from employees.

The Beau
Took a cab from the Biloxi airport to the Beau. $41 plus tip. Next time will pick up car at airport instead of Beau. Arrived around 11 am. The lobby was stunning with all the blue hydrangeas. Long lines of folks checking out. Walked up to the infomation girl to ask if they were checking anyone in and she dropped what she was doing and took care of us. Nice service!
Rooms were available and she gave us a room on 19th floor , ocean veiw that looked west down the beach. Room was very clean and roomy. Burnt out bulb in closet that was fixed ASAP was only issue. Dropped bags and headed for casino.
All areas of the Beau were clean and well maintained. I did chuckle with a young lady that was using a stain pencil to color in scratches on the casino chairs. SHe had finished about 3 and she had a BUNCH more to go. We eat at the buffet, Terrace, Snacks, and Memphis Q. The buffet and Snacks were fine. The Terrace was painfully , I repeat, painfully slow. Food was good but service was questionable. The kitchen is quite a hike for severs from tables. The two times that there were mistakes on our orders, it took a long time to get them corrected. Having the kitchen prepare all room service seems to be what slows this place down. We will know next time to avoid this restaurant at room service time. Memphis Q made up for any lacking that we had at the Terrace. Excellant food and service. We enjoyed the ribs so much we went back for more. The fried green tomatoes were also very good. Service staff was professional and fast.
All meals at the Beau were charged to the room and comped at the end of our stay. Drink service was excellant in the casino.
We all really enjoyed the Beau during our first stay. Service and friendliness was good. We look forward to our next visit.

Gaming

I guess you could say that gaming was OK. I always expect a few jackpots but out of our group we only saw one which I will share in a bit. Over our stay there were many more Franklins go in then came out of the machines.
We played a LOT at the Beau. We have taken to playing a little video poker but did not do great at it. I for one don't have the patience for it I guess. It does slow down the loss of bankroll. We played mostly $1, $5, and some $10 machines. Had many 4 and 5 hundred dollar tickets but zero jackpots. Not a lot of jackpots hitting around casino except for the $25 's in the high limit room on Frid and Sat night. It does take a while in a new casino to find the machines that will give some play. Sometimes you get lucky and find them quickly, and other times like this trip it is a painful hunt. We did enjoy the casino at the Beau with all floor personnel being very friendly.
We spent some time at the Hardrock . We enjoy the casino and feel of the place. Had a couple of $800 to $1000 wins but no jackpots. They were not busy either time we were there. Had the buffet one morning on some free coupons and it was marginal at best.
Played a couple of times at the Grand . It is just so small that I get bored pretty quickly in there. Played some free play but did not do well there . Had dinner one night at LB's. Last time we were there it was very good. Not so much this trip. Annoying waiter and marginal food. We eat early. 6:00, and they were out of 6 items on their menu. We finally asked what do you have. The buffet for lunch was good as always.
My wife snagged a $800 ticket at the Isle of Capri one afternoon. Had some free play over there so we thought we would use it. The place is just lacking something. Again as in January a strong smell from the buffet smacks you in the nose when entering. Probabaly won't return to the Isle. Not a bad place , just doesn't strike us.
We did have a great time at the IP. We went over on Saturday night and the joint was a jumpin' . Also visited during the day. On our day trip my wife had learned to play 3 card poker on line so we found a $5 table that was empty and all enjoyed our first 3 card poker. It is my wifes new favorite game. Dealers were very friendly and helpful. Nice group of players came and went. We also played roulette at $5. My wife had amazing luck when she joined me from the 3 card table. She bought in and played $5 on our grand daughters birthday, number 24, and hit it 3 times in a row!! The pit boss , dealers , players and myself could not believe it. It was quite fun.
The IP on Saturday night was the only jackpot I had. I took refuge in the high limit room becuase it was so crowded. Ordered a Chopin and tonic, (yes my newest favorite vodka) and on the second Franklin hit Double red 7 Double red 7 , red 7, on a $5 double gold machine for $8000. Just one double red 7 shy of $25,000 but I did not complain. I played a bit more and watched a lady hit four jackpots on 2 $25 machines that she was playing . Remarkable! No more hits for me so off I went.
We are starting to find some machines at the different properties that would give us some play and we will remember them on our next trip.

New Orleans
We had been looking forward to our visit to NOLA for a few weeks. We left Sunday morning around 9:00 am. It is a very easy drive to Harrahs from Biloxi. I downloaded the driving instructions from Harrahs website and they wre right on. When leaving Harrahs to return to Biloxi it is very easy also. Just take Decatur all the way east untill you see the ramp for 10. Decatur turns into another street, ELY--------- something but you just stay on it . Very easy.
Driving in to NOLA it was unbelievable the condition of the east side. Just mile after mile of destruction and empty neighborhoods. I am angry that the Government of the greatest country in the world has not been more aggressive in the effort to restore this area. OK , enough political statements.
Our rooms were not ready so they took our cell number and called us when available.
We were at the casino when they called about 15 minutes later. Harrahs New Orleans has got to be one of our new favorites. It is big with good drink service and friendly employees.
Got checked into our rooms quickly. For those of you that have not stayed there , it is probably the nicest casino hotel we have enjoyed. Rooms were spotless with many extras. Very quiet in the rooms. Fridge, safe, and sound system. The bellmen and check in people are extremely friendly. By the time we left they were like people we had known for years. I 'll bet we were thanked at least 10 times for visiting New Orleans.
We had planned to go out for the last day of the Jazz festival but were pressed for time. We decided to get our music fix in the Quarter. My BIL had his taste buds set on chicory coffee and bienetts(sp) from Cafe de Monde so that was our first stop. We truely love the sights and sounds of the Quarter. We had not been here in 8 or 9 years but it has not changed much. A few more empty storefronts but many were being worked on . Walked many streets before turning to Bourbon Street. Bar after bar the music was wonderful. Blues, jazz, zydaco, R&B, rock and roll. We listened and enjoyed it all. Finally after way to many adult beverages we headed back to the hotel.
After showering and sobering up we were back to the casino. Had $200 in coupons for Besh Steakhouse which is in the casino. Nice restaurant and good food. Played till late after dinner and managed a few of those $500 to $800 tickets.
Next morning we went to the Court of 2 Sisters for their brunch. Not cutting edge food but a great ambeince and good service. Enough cajun/creole on the buffet to enjoy the flavors. They have a large courtyard dining area that is beutiful. This would probably be a nice romantic place for dinner .
It was time to head back to Biloxi and we all felt that we did not have enough time in NOLA . We decided that it would go down on our travel list for a future trip of a minimum of 3 days. We truely enjoyed New Orleans and will be back soon,

Misc.

The Biloxi airport is turning into a very nice facility. Very comfortable. The entire Coast will be a fantastic place in 4 or 5 years. We could only see opportunities for the future. If the gaming draw holds steady should provide tourist $$$ to continue growth.
We are currently thinking of another trip either late Summer or early Fall. We will return to the Beau for part of it but would like to try the IP for a couple of nights. Either way we are sure to have a great time.
Thats about it for this trip. pardon any spelling and punctuation misques. I think I might need another nap!
best of luck
jazzman