Look No Further Than Louisiana
There are infinite opportunities to get to know Louisiana, a state known for some of the nation’s (if not the world’s) friendliest folks, plus the kind of cuisine, music and culture that are found nowhere else. From north to south, let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you.
NORTHERN
Monroe
Nestled on the banks of the Ouachita River and Bayou Desiard, Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana has everything you need for an unforgettable North Louisiana vacation. Monroe is northwest Louisiana’s largest city, and home to The University of Louisiana Monroe. In 2012, A&E brought Monroe right into American’s living rooms through their hit show, Duck Dynasty. For five years, the show — filmed at locations throughout West Monroe and Ouachita Parish—featured the Robertsons, a close-knit, church-going Louisiana bayou family living the American dream as they operate a thriving business while maintaining their family values and lifestyle. Monroe also hosts its very own Mardi Gras. Don’t forget to stop by Antique Alley in West Monroe, where shoppers will be in hog heaven. Explore more than 5 blocks with over 50 stores full of antiques, furniture, home decor, jewelry, clothing and much more.
monroe-westmonroe.org
Poverty Point State Park
Delhi
Poverty Point Reservoir is a 2,700-acre man-made lake set against a backdrop of the wide, flat Mississippi Delta bottomlands. It’s a haven for anglers, birdwatchers, families, weekend adventurers and I-20 travelers looking to explore rural north Louisiana. There’s much in store for those groups and more. Largemouth bass, sac-à-lait (crappie), catfish and bluegill are plentiful in these waters, and on weekends, you’ll find boaters casting lines from dawn ’til dusk. The bass fishing is so popular at Poverty Point Reservoir that they are one of eight stops along the Louisiana Bass Trail. Visitors can also enjoy a vast array of wildlife, including several specials of native and migratory exotic birds, and the park’s shyest inhabitants: the Louisiana Black Bear.Overnight visitors are in for a treat, thanks to the man-made peninsulas stretching into Poverty Point Reservoir that contain waterfront cabins. Choose from one of eight deluxe cabins or four lodges. At the park’s south end, more than 50 RV campsites are available.
louisianastateparks.com
Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo
Greenwood
Take a walk on the Wild Side at Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo. Watch in amazement as giant alligators wrestle, battle and leap from the water during daily feeding shows. You might even want to get up close and personal with a gator to have your photo taken. More than 150 Louisiana Alligators are located throughout the park. These remarkable creatures will alternately awe and scare you as you view them in their natural habitat. If you are looking for something a little more tame, then wander on over to the exotic animal portion of the park for more cuddly adventures. Don’t miss the zipline adventure and go-cart experience. Check website for details.
Gatorsandfriends.com
CENTRAL
Brews and Bistreaux
Broken Wheel Brewery
Marksville
A passion for good beer is what brought owners Johnathan Knoll and Chris Pahl together to create Broken Wheel Brewery and Fresh Catch Bistreaux. The first commercial craft beer brewery in Central Louisiana, the brewery got its name from the hometown's storied origins. Unlike most brew pubs where food is just an afterthought, Broken Wheel Brewery’s Fresh Catch Bistreaux serves up a menu filled with authentic Cajun flare and seasoning. Not to mention, their dishes go best with their handcrafted brews. The pair took the time to learn how to brew what their patrons like and are turning heads with their Cajun-style beer. Broken Wheel Brewery regularly has three beers on tap with a fourth seasonal rotating beer.
brokenwheelbrew.com
Kisatchie National Forest and Wolf Rock Cave
Vernon Parish
The Kisatchie National Forest abounds with special areas of interest unique to the geography of Louisiana. Grand vistas, rippling water, scenic trails, and Archaic caves. One such cave is the Wolf Rock Cave, the only known cave in Louisiana used by its early people as a rock shelter. It dates to 2500-1000 BC. The cave is located just a short distance from the parking area down a scenic trail along Bundicks Creek. Dress for hiking in a wooded, rough terrain area.
louisianatravel.com
fs.usda.gov
Cypress Bend Resort
Many Louisiana
Whether you’re waking early to watch the sunrise over Toledo Bend Lake, telling cherished stories around the fire pit, or making a birdie on the 18-hole championship golf course, Cypress Bend Resort is the place to get lost in simple, yet unforgettable moments of splendor. The resort is the perfect location for a golf getaway among friends, training workshops and business meetings, or even hosting your wedding. You’ll find yourself surrounded by crisp country air and dramatic views beauty and immersed in tranquility. Fuel your game at the many dining options onsite, or feast on the Southern cuisine in the main dining room after your round. Skip the golf altogether and enjoy the services offered at the spa. From calming massages to cleansing facials to invigorating body treatments, you can count on being served by the most exceptional spa professionals in the Louisiana area.
cypressbendresort.com
SOUTHERN
St. Louis Cathedral
French Quarter, New Orleans
Enjoy your ride through the 90-square-block Vieux Carré, more commonly known as the French Quarter. Bordered by Iberville Street, Esplanade Avenue, Rampart Street and the Mississippi River, this 300-year-old neighborhood is one of the country’s most important treasures. One of the most picturesque buildings in the French Quarter, if not all of Louisiana, is St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Few cities in the world are so identified by a building as is New Orleans. The city is instantly recognized by our cathedral and its position overlooking Jackson Square. This venerable building, its triple steeples towering above its historic neighbors, look down protectively on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orleans. Named after the King of France, The Cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm with Daily Mass being at 12:05 pm. Self-guided brochures are available in the entrance for a $1.00 donation. Visitors can get an impromptu tour from our volunteer docents when available. Guided tours for groups are only available with prior reservations.
stlouiscathedral.org
The Cajun Village and The Cajun Village Cottages
Sorrento
Historic Acadian buildings restored to house unique specialty shops provide the perfect atmosphere to do a little shopping and unwinding. You may want to enjoy some beignets and cafe au lait while meandering through the stores, or just sip on a glass of sweet muscadine wine as you shop for art or souvenirs. Visit the alligator pond (yes, there are live alligators!) or relax on one of our many porch swings. When you fall in love with this place and just can’t leave — and I guarantee you won’t want to — spend a night or two in the cozy bed and breakfast, The Cajun Village Cottages. Full of history and charm in Plantation Country, The Cajun Village Cottages include eight Acadian-style shotgun houses dating back to around 1900. They were found and saved from near the historic area of downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana known as Spanish Town and moved to their serene surroundings in Sorrento, Louisiana. Restored with original wooden floors and decorated with authentic antiques, each Cajun country cottage has its own distinct furnishings and ambiance.
cajunvillageshops.com
The home of Louisiana State Penitentiary may seem an odd place to begin a journey, but Angola is a community with a colorful past. Explore the town and wildlife nearby. Rugged and winding, the Tunica Trace, near the Louisiana/Mississippi border, was once an important route for Indians, early explorers and settlers. Today, the Tunica Trace Byway, running along Highway 66 from Angola to just north of St. Francisville, gives travelers a sample of the hills, forests, winding roads and open green spaces that make this section of Louisiana unusual. The drive is especially pretty in the spring, when flowers bloom along the way. The byway itself is rural, but amenities lie at either end. Explore the wildlife and towns nearby.
byways.louisiantravel.com
Come feed your soul in Louisiana with experiences and moments that will make memories for a lifetime!
