More of the South and other ruminations

The morning we were in New Orleans (from now on I am calling it NOLA), we had our beignets and I had my chicory coffee at the famous Cafe du Monde. I would spend a lot of money there if I lived in NOLA. We then decided to splurge on a buggy ride that was nice and quite interesting. We passed by the oldest bar in the US, the first pharmacy (where the idea for the song Love Potion No. 9 came from) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's house, dozens of beautiful houses with wraparound balconies (a sign of wealth was whether your balconies could wrap around on all sides), the place where Napolean was supposed to go for the end of his life (where Julianne had more gumbo and I had my mufaletta), and various other places. It was good to get another "taste" of the place so know what to do (and what I have already done) if/when I go back (which I am hoping to do).
The people of NOLA are so interesting - a lot seem to be transplants, but all locals seem to be very proud of the city. I saw many stickers that said "New Orleans: Proud to Swim Home". Living so far away, I didn't really understand why some people would want to stay there after Katrina destroyed their homes (among other things), but now I have a better idea of why they love their city. NOLA's blend of cultures and influences make it a really unique place that is nothing like anywhere else.
We left NOLA for Crestview, FL, where Julianne's aunt lives to say hello and stay for the night. We even were treated to dinner at a Japanese grill restaurant where the chef entertains you at the table.
After Florida, we drove northeast for the first time to Atlanta (through Alabama). We ended up going to a place owned by Gladys Knight and Ron Winans which had the most amazing chicken and other southern food, worth the hour wait. Over dinner we discussed how much of a "taste" of the US we have gotten, both literally and figuratively. We have made a point to at least get the essence of the places we have visited, whether by touring or eating or both. It has given me a good idea of places I want to spend more time in to appreciate them fully (the Northwest, California, Chicago, National Parks, New Orleans, the South).
I have realized that at the end of the trip, I would have stayed in or at least driven through 27 states - I am still amazed. I feel like at this point I should make it my mission to visit all 50 states by the end of my lifetime. If I end up on a political campaign at some point, that goal would be very feasible.
Speaking of traveling, I also realized that I have unknowingly traveled back (more or less) to the roots of my parents this summer - Budapest, Cleveland and Ithaca for my dad, Texas, Chicago, and Florida for my mother. Even though I didn't spend much time in any location (especially my mother's Texas - next time!), I still feel a bit closer to those roots.