The Louisiana Guide

is your guide to traveling the big cities, back roads, and bayous of Louisiana. The draw of the Bayou State lies in the pulse of the French Quarter, the lush nature of Sportsman's Paradise, and the history of Plantation Country. Throw in some Southern cooking and Cajun cuisine, and visitors spending a week may wish they could spend a lifetime.
Everyone knows New Orleans is famous for Dixieland Jazz, but the southern half of Louisiana has become increasingly famous for the unique sounds of Zydeco music. Zydeco music combines African American and Caribbean Creole styles using the accordion, wash boards, bass guitars, and drums to create its pulsating sound. Visitors can get a feel for Zydeco rhythms at local festivals, bars, music halls, and restaurants.

When you're out at a local music festival or concert listening to Zydeco music, you'll fit right in if you know how to dance the Cajun Two-Step. Read all about it, plus other dances of Louisiana, in our guide to Dance in the Bayou State.
Often used interchangeably when speaking of Louisiana's cuisine, Creole and Cajun cooking do contain many similarities. They are, however, two very distinct types of cooking, beginning with the different people who created them. (More...)

Part of Louisiana's culture remains a mystery to most, pulling visitors in with its alluring power and interesting objects - Voodoo. The art of practicing Voodoo includes making a number of sacred items for spiritual use. The Voodoo doll is the most well-known craft created by practitioners, though gris-gris bags, magic oils and other botanical products, jewelry, and artwork are also popular items. (More... )
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