FCICA, the flooring contractors association, announces on-line registration is open and its tour schedule is set for Convention 2013, 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 is 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 us for an incredible journey into the mysterious swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana.  As your swamp boat glides through the waters, you 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

Today’s excursion takes you into the river region of southeastern Louisiana to reminisce about the days of a bygone era. Our 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, you will next visit 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 for you at the Houmas House. 

Monday, February 25, 2013, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Cajun and Creole Cuisine Cooking Tour

New Orleanschefs can be colorful characters and today one of the best chefs will teach you the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking.  During the demonstrations which can include the following dishes – pastaletta, shrimp creole and pralines, traditional New Orleans-style coffee will be served with your meal. 

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.  Your menu will include:  Spiced Baked Apple in heavy cream, Eggs Hussarde (poached eggs with grilled Canadian bacon on Holland Rusk toast topped with Marchand du Vin and Hollandaise sauces) Flaming Bananas Foster and New Orleans dark roast coffee.  After breakfast, you will have a complete walking tour of this famous and historical neighborhood where your guide will point out the many prominent landmarks, tell you of the rich history behind them.  Your tour will include a visit a Creole mansion.

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 you with a full explanation of how and why the city of New Orleans flooded following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  We will start by walking over and experiencing “Living with Hurricanes, Katrina and Beyond” exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum.  Following this, the engaging tour will take you into the five notable residential neighborhoods destroyed by the flood waters and explore the community’s recovery process. Our tour will include guided tours through private homes in Marigny and the Lower Garden District.  We will tour the Global Green House, where Global Green USA made a dedicated commitment to building “green” and where FCICA has made a donation to allow this tour through the neighborhoods. As we travel throughout the day, the professional tour guide will provide a detailed history of each section and point out areas of interest along the way.