Love Louisiana
Louisiana is melting pot of French, Spanish, African, Sicilian, Caribbean, Irish, German and American Indian cultures, all of which bring their own spice to the recipe. From delicious cuisine to historic architecture and delightful inns, you’re going to love getting a taste of Louisiana.
Love the Cuisine
The medley of cultures in Louisiana makes for an exciting experience when it comes to local cuisine. There’s no state better known for their incredible food and flavors, from scintillating soft shell crab to emboldening breakfasts and the grandest of gumbos.
Juban’s
Baton Rouge
When the Juban family opened their restaurant in 1983, the culinary world took immediate notice as ESQUIRE magazine crowned Juban's one of the "Best New Restaurants in America." Without exception, Juban's continues to set the standard for culinary excellence in the Gulf South. Locals and international travelers alike seek out Juban's unique, creative expressions of Creole cuisine like Hallelujah Crab that is a flash fried soft shell crab stuffed with a mélange of Louisiana crawfish tails, shrimp and crabmeat, topped with Creolaise sauce, parsnip Yukon Gold mash, haricot verts. Wow!
jubans.com
The French Press
Lafayette
The French Press, a casual dining restaurant holding the distinctions of being hailed as one of SAVEUR Magazine’s “Top 100 Inspiring Places and Things to Eat” and rated as one of Urban Spoon’s “Top Breakfast Restaurants in the Country,” is located in downtown Lafayette - the heart of Cajun country. The restaurant, which offers brunch by day and fine dining by night, serves inventive versions of traditional Cajun and American cuisine with a focus on fresh, high quality ingredients and rich flavors. James Beard nominated, Chef Justin Girouard puts his own forward thinking spin on each dish, resulting in food that is both modern and comforting.
thefrenchpresslafayette.com
Mr. B’s Bistro
New Orleans
Mr. B’s is one of the brightest stars in the New Orleans restaurant scene and is nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Cindy Brennan and her famous restaurant family opened Mr. B’s in 1979 and it has become a true fixture famous for deft cooking of regional specialties in a casual bistro setting. Mr. B’s is known for such signature items as Gumbo Ya Ya, a super dark roux and spicy chicken and andouille gumbo, Barbequed Shrimp, a Worcestershire spiked butter sauce with garlic and black pepper, wood grilled local fish and Creole Bread Pudding with Irish whiskey sauce.
mrbsbistro.com
Flying Tiger Brewery
Monroe
It’s not just food that presents great flavors - there are so many places to get a great drink. Honor the legendary fighter squadron while sipping on handcrafted unique local craft beers at Flying Tiger Brewery. Opened in 2016, the brewery has become a local favorite, touting flagship staples like Burma Blonde and amber brew Man at Arms, as well as seasonal offerings like WarHawk. The brewery has also recently added hard seltzers, with Mango quickly becoming a customer go to.
flyingtigerbeer.com
Love the Culture
Louisiana is one of the greatest places to experience a colorful culture that you’re sure to fall in love with!
Oak Alley Plantation
Vacherie
From its beginnings as a mere land claim on a map, Oak Alley has been many things in it’s over 200-year history. Those who walked the grounds were French Creole, African, Portuguese, German, Irish, Italian and American. They were sugar planters, slaves, agricultural tycoons, real estate speculators and immigrant laborers. Today, Oak Alley is a historic site, dedicated to preserving and interpreting its history. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors walk under its iconic oak alley, experience the exhibits, interact with staff, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of what a plantation is.
oakalleyplantation.org
Randol’s
Lafayette
Claiming to be your “one stop shop for all things Cajun,” Randol’s is exactly that - and more. Open for over 35 years, the restaurant that rightfully calls itself “an experience.” It’s a historic restaurant found in Layfette, and probably one of the best kept secrets of the state. Serving some of the best Cajun seafood this side or anywhere, they are famous for their dancing seven nights a week. Randol's is known to play some of the best Zydeco dancing music around. The rustic looking restaurant also has its mascot: a (fake) gator you are more than welcome to take your picture with after tearing up the dance floor.
randols.com
Frenchman Street
New Orleans
The Music of Frenchman Street in New Orleans is unlike anything you have ever moved your body to. While Bourbon is the famous face, Frenchman is the famous music. The locals here flock to hear the good stuff. It almost doesn't matter where you go here, there isn't a bad venue. In fact, some tourists and locals spend most (if not all) of their time on the street, and not in one venue. The perfect New Orleans vibe with the music and warm Southern air dancing in the street doesn't get much more freeing or relating than that.
neworleans.com
Red Stick Social
Baton Rouge
Red Stick Social is one of the newer ideas in live music venues: a great place with an intimate setting. Aside from being a live music venue, Red Stick Social focuses on the social part - where you grab a cup of coffee, connect with a group of friends, and get some things off your to do list. Anchored in all the basic needs like local favorites for dining, the ambiance options are endless, outside seating so you can enjoy the sunshine, a beer garden, and rooftop patio. It offers all the food choices: breakfast, lunch, and dinner - plus the most important in the South, Sunday brunch - and even late night nosh. This place is sealed to perfection with a bowling alley.
redsticksocial.com
Houmas House
Darrow
One of the most acclaimed attractions in Louisiana, the Houmas House allows visitors to experience life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s. The crown jewel of Louisiana’s River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Houmas House has been meticulously restored to its antebellum opulence. A profitable estate in the 1880s, visitors are guided through the house’s 250-year history. Rare and period artwork, architecture, and artifacts are displayed throughout the home and the expansive gardens are the most exquisite in all of Plantation Country. With luxurious cottages available for overnight plantation experiences, three critically acclaimed restaurants, and a beautiful spot for private events and weddings, Houmas House is a one of a kind adventure in Darrow.
houmashouse.com
Love the Nature
There is one thing that you simply cannot miss here in Lousiana: the nature. The fun and excitement of urban environments may seem dazzling, but nothing will make you love this state more than its incredible offerings of natural encounters.
Kisatchie National Forest
Pineville
Northern Louisiana doesn’t corner the state’s outdoor activities. The sportman’s lifestyle is nurtured in Central Louisiana as well, where Kisatchie National Forest provides ample outdoor opportunity. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, or even motor biking, Kisatchie’s vast acreage has something for everyone to enjoy. The only National Forest in Louisiana offers 40 developed recreation sites and more than 100 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Grab your binoculars and be prepared to see wildlife, as the park is home to many species of animals including deer, armadillos, turkeys, raccoons, and Louisiana black bears. Be sure to bring a reel and rod to enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities on the Kisatchie Bayou or Kincaid Lake.
fs.usda.gov/Kisatchie
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
New Orleans
Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas immerses you in an underwater world. The colors of the Great Maya Reef come alive in the walk through tunnel, while the penguins and Southern sea otters are visitor favorites. Touch a stingray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at the gigantic sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. Watch for sea turtles throughout the Aquarium as coordinator of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, they prepare many of them for release to the wild.
audubonnatureinstitute.org
Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
Monroe
Opened in 2008, the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe is essentially two museums in one. Pay homage to the great American soft drink, Coca-Cola, two room Coke Museum, showcasing Coca-Cola memorabilia and historical items, including a Model T Coca-Cola delivery truck. Stand at the replica soda fountain where a friendly soda clerk relates the fascinating story of the man who put Coca-Cola in a bottle for the first time: “Mr. Joe” Biedenharn. Watch a demonstration of the original bottling process, grab a refreshing bottle of Coca-Cola from the original five cent soda vending machine.
bmuseum.org
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Farmerville
Spend the afternoon discovering the natural treasures of the area at Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Blending in with the natural landscape, this majestic 655-acre state park features piney forests and rolling hills, five fishing piers, and a beautiful lake. The sizeable lake is tremendously popular for local and visiting anglers alike; with over fifteen thousand fishable acres and record freshwater catches, it’s a fisherman’s dream come true. Take advantage of the many amenities of the park, and enjoy a day boating or waterskiing, take on a challenging bike ride or serve up a game of tennis.
lastateparks.com
Alexandria Zoo
Alexandria
Set off for adventure at and discover over 500 extraordinary animals representing 160 species from all over the world at The Alexandria Zoo! Experience life eye to eye with tigers, jaguars, lions, and more. For holiday fun, be sure to check out the Holiday Light Safari, where you’ll undoubtedly create lasting family memories as your stroll through thousands of sparking lights and whimsical lighted animal figures. Of course, no Holiday zoo excursion is complete without a train ride or a visit to Santa!
thealexandriazoo.com
Love the Accommodations
This state has everything you want when it comes to accommodations, whether it’s a luxury hotel, quaint bed and breakfast, or thrilling casino resort.
L’auberge Casino Hotel
Lake Charles
This casino resort is an all inclusive paradise with entertainment for both the young and old. The only public Tom Fazio golf course is located on the premises along with the famous Spa Du Lac where guests can let all their worries drift away. Adults are welcome at the exquisite casino floor, all while the kids enjoy the heated year round swimming pool. Other amenities include the arcade where you can have fun playing world class games and 1740 Barbier, where gentlemen can get that perfect cut before a night out. This casino hotel has everything a guest could need or want for a good time in Louisiana.
llakecharles.com
Nottoway Plantation & Resort
White Castle
Nottoway Plantation & Resort, a AAA Four Diamond property, and a member of Historic Hotels of America, is the home of the South's largest existing antebellum mansion. The massive white columns and grand balconies of this enormous mansion stand guard over the Mississippi River and its famed River Road, while on the north side, the spectacular three story Rotunda overlooks sweeping, oak draped lawns. The staff loves to share the fascinating history, the enchanting luxury, and the warm hospitality of Nottoway with visitors. This resort is truly the extraordinary crown jewel of southern antebellum plantations!
nottoway.com
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Opelousas
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is located in the heart of Cajun country in south central Louisiana. With more than 1,300 slot machines and a full racing calendar, Evangeline Downs is close to home but far from expected! This four story 117-room hotel is jam packed with entertainment. Live quarter horse races are available seasonally and three different restaurants allow guests to enjoy fine, casual, or quick dining options. Other attractions in the area include the Arlington Plantation and the Le Vieux Village that are both great spots to soak up the local culture.
evangelinedowns.com
John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen
Washington
John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen is quaint and perfect and like staying with a friend, who happens to be very very good at hosting. Set with authentic antiques and gorgeous heavy draped windows and French doors everywhere, the hardwood and chandeliers seem to be plucked right for this colonial Creole house. Such perfect Southern hospitality will await you on your check in, along with delightful snacks. Feel free to dine with the Guesthouse namesake and chef, or simply sit back and listen to the tales of the early lives and social escapades of those who first settled the land.
creoleguesthouse.com
Southern Hotel
Covington
The Southern Hotel has so many things that people want - it’s modern, classic and unique. Designed with all the modern amenities, it's sprinkled with classic four poster beds, monogrammed linens, and small southern touches. Chic and regal, the sleek furniture has a midcentury modern and French colonial feel all at the same time. If you want to step into today’s Southern luxury this is the place to rest your head.
the-southern-covington.hotelsone.com
Paragon Casino Resort
Marksville
The good times continue rolling, just like dice, at Paragon Casino Resort! Experience thrilling action with Vegas style slots and table games and lavish resort accommodations, with more than 500 upscale rooms and suites, as well as RV resort. The perfect place to relax and recharge, the Paragon offers so much more than just gambling. Spend the day lounging at one of the resort’s three pools - one of which has a swim up bar - or head to the spa for some serious R&R. For those looking for leisurely activity, play a round at the Tamahka Trails 18-hole golf course complete with practice facility, pro shop and resident golf pro. Cap a low key evening watching a movie at the onsite Cinema.
paragoncasinoresort.com
Wherever you go in Louisiana, we’re sure you will fall in love!
