Bountiful Bayous of Louisiana
Explore the Home of Creole and Letting the Good Times Roll
Spilling over with vibrant cultural attractions, history and locals who live for festivals and food, Louisiana is always a unique visit. From north to south, the regions of Louisiana each hold something intriguing, that all together make the state the perfect location for an adventure this summer. Kayak the many waterways, stroll the main historic grounds of plantations, get caught up in the chains of history just about everywhere you turn. There really isn’t anything you can’t do in the Bayou State
A Sportsman’s Paradise
We start at the top of the boot in what is known as Sportsman’s Paradise. Old South elegance and gleaming glass skyscrapers nestle comfortably amid the natural splendors of Sportsman's Paradise, bearing rich testimony to Louisiana's amazing diversity. Named for the rolling, wooded hills and the plentiful lakes, rivers and bayous that have yielded their bounty to eager hunters and fishermen since prehistoric times, Sportsman's Paradise is home to sophisticated cities, historic towns and abundant entertainment.
For the outdoor enthusiast, you can find some of the best mountain bike and ATV parks in the South. While various kinds of museums will satisfy history buffs. If it’s stars you have in your eyes, navigate the universe at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center in Shreveport, or spend the day like a Duck Commander in Monroe-West Monroe while visiting the Robertson’s favorite stops. If it’s treasure you seek, find it on a visit to Antique Alley, or try your luck at one of the many casinos in the area.
Crossroads
Louisiana’s heritage runs deep in this region. In fact, the Creole, French and Indian influence is so strong you can taste it. Eat the meat pies in Natchitoches and you’ll enjoy the unique flavor. Those aren’t the only pies to tempt your taste buds. Lea’s Lunchroom in Lecompte serves up unforgettable pecan and coconut delicacies, among others. Looking for something more than food? Several plantations are still intact, including Frogmore, a cotton gin started in the 1800’s that is still operating today. Don’t forget to take in the great outdoors with a visit to Kisatchie National Forest. One of the oldest areas of the state, the Crossroads region is the site of much history as well as some of the state's best fishing and outdoor recreation. From historic Natchitoches, founded in 1714 and considered the oldest European settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, to the Toledo Bend Reservoir area, a favorite of serious anglers everywhere, Crossroads is the preferred destination of many outdoor enthusiasts.
You can hike, fish, bike and enjoy birding and nature trails. Most State Parks feature a waterfront location, campsites and picnic areas. Several have air-conditioned cabins and/or group camps which, like other buildings in the parks, were designed to reflect each park's cultural environment and ambiance.
Cajun Country
There’s so much to experience in Cajun Country that you may find yourself doing two things at once. Like dining & dancing at several of the restaurants that also double as dance-halls. If you have two left feet, don’t worry. Head over to Avery Island and learn how TABASCO® hot sauce is made and take in the beauty of the Jungle Gardens, 170 acres of breathtaking semi-tropical foliage. If you really want to get handson, visit the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. This 180-mile stretch of pristine refuges and sanctuaries house abundant wildlife and offer numerous opportunities for hunting, fishing, crabbing, shrimping, birding, shelling and priceless photo ops. Explore the exotic beauty of the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the US and home to a myriad of wildlife including several endangered and threatened species on a swamp tour. Spectacular bass fishing, a variety of panfish such as bream and sac-a-lait, as well as an abundance of catfish are ripe for the catching! Wildlife abounds and easy to view along the St. Mary Loop of the America’s Wetland’s Birding Trail or by paddling on one of the Cajun Coast’s paddling trails.
Plantation Country
Feast your eyes on grand gestures as you take in the sights of the Mississippi River region. In Baton Rouge, visit the tallest state capitol building in the United States and tour historic plantations, their manor homes, gardens and slave quarters. If southern charisma doesn’t inspire you, enjoy modern day attractions like art galleries, shopping and spas. If sports are your passion, attend an LSU or Southern University game and get ready for tailgating like you’ve never experienced. No matter what you do, you’ll work up an appetite and you’ll be glad you did. The food scene here offers everything from fine dining to greasy spoons and a robust food truck scene.
Greater New Orleans
There’s just “that little something extra” about everything you experience in the Crescent City region. What is called “lagniappe” in Louisiana. You’ll notice it in everything from the food to the architecture. Take Mardi Gras World for example, where you can get up close and personal with the grandiose floats that roll down the streets during carnival season. There’s more, much more, to this region than Mardi Gras. Take a haunted history tour and hear about the eerie accounts of the area’s past. If that’s not the type of thrill you seek, try a gospel brunch or join the procession of a second line and boogie in the streets.
Gulf Coast
Sure, there are the famous Gulf Coast beaches of Florida and Texas. But in Louisiana they have some gorgeous sandy spots of their own. While the Spring Breakers amass in Panama City and Galveston, such unexpected oceanside treasures as Grand Isle and Holly Beach offer more nuanced surprises. Travel two hours south of New Orleans, you’ll soon find yourself on Grand Isle, a tiny oceanside town and barrier island overlooking Caminada Bay. Cypremort Point State Park is home to this picturesque beach overlooking Vermilion Bay. Windsurfing and fishing are popular here; for boat-less visitors, Cypremort Point has a great fishing pier. Overnight visitors to the area should check out one of the six cabins on site. North Beach, located in the southwest Louisiana capital of Lake Charles, is your best bet at finding a true urban beach. The fact that it’s located more than 20 miles from the ocean highlights its distinction as the only inland white sand beach between Texas and Florida. You’ll find a boardwalk that connects three of Lake Charles’ well-known parks, including Millennium Park, the September 11th Memorial and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Urban beachcombers never had it so good. Families and sunbathers delight in the beauty of the white sand beaches of Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. Stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain provide a beautiful backdrop for a lazy day on the beach. Or more active types will enjoy exploring the park's sugar mill ruins, hiking the 6 miles of trail, biking the Tammany Trace or a paddle along the lakeshore. Bring the family and camp for a fun-filled weekend.
The options for discovery and a good time are seemingly endless, making Louisiana the perfect place to plan a vacation that has it all.
