In the late summer of 2005, not one, but two natural disasters struck Louisiana – first Hurricane Katrina in August, followed closely by Hurricane Rita in September. Though an extreme amount of property damage occurred during each hurricane, today Louisiana has not only begun rebuilding, but now the unique bond of culture and traditions of Louisiana is stronger than ever. The Pelican State is divided up into five different regions, each with its own distinct mix of offerings that allow travelers to have vastly different experiences.
Greater New Orleans
Undoubtedly, the most notable region is that of the Greater New Orleans area. Southern charm, European influence, and Caribbean customs meet here to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience eccentricities like no place else.
For starters, New Orleans, or The Big Easy, is the home of Mardi Gras. Just the mention of the name brings images of colorful, crowded parades that overtake the streets of the French Quarter, with plastic beaded necklaces flying through the air as people party and have a great time. In reality, Mardi Gras parades rarely pass through the French Quarter, but run in the surrounding Uptown, West Bank, Metairie, St. Bernard, and Chalmette areas. Overall, it's a family-oriented event rather than the free-for-all, drunken party where women flash for beads that the news media portrays. If you do want to bring the kids out to enjoy the fun, the main parade routes are the place to go to enjoy fantastic floats, the crazy costumes, and the legendary music. It's the after-parties on Bourbon Street that tend to become lewd. If you can't make it for the actual Mardi Gras festivities, not to worry. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World at Kern Studios is open year-round for visitors to watch floats being made, view Mardi Gras props, and take lots of photos.
Music lovers, the Greater New Orleans area is the place for you. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and its streets are alive with rhythm. Whether it's sitting in on a jam session, checking out a bluesy night club, going to one of the many annual music festivals, or visiting the New Orleans Jazz Museum, visitors are sure to be impressed with the sounds of New Orleans.
You can't visit New Orleans without visiting the French Quarter. Founded in 1718, the French Quarter passed between French and Spanish control before being bought by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Over the years, French and Spanish colonists, Creoles, escaped and freed African slaves, Sicilians, and Haitians all took refuge in the French Quarter. This melting pot created a unique mix of architecture, cuisine, and traditions found nowhere else on earth. Today, the neighborhood's historic buildings are filled with famous restaurants, exciting clubs, and numerous shops. For a little taste of history and magic, walking ghost tours run at sundown, and psychics ready to read palms and tarot cards gather nightly.
Cajun Country
Just west of the Greater New Orleans area, in south central Louisiana, lies Cajun Country. Here, along the Gulf Coast and the famous bayous, French Canadian settlers made their homes.
Cajun Country is perfect for anyone interested in history. There are over 20 museums and cultural centers in the area, plus a number of 18th and 19th century plantations open for public viewing. History comes alive at Acadian Village. A living museum of area life during the 19th century, it includes actual homes from the era, as well as replicas of the village store and chapel.
Wildlife enthusiasts can tour the region's fascinating swamp lands or go deep sea fishing. Of course, this is the birthplace of authentic Cajun dishes like gumbo. Now popular throughout the U.S., this hearty stew combines a multitude of flavors that somehow manage to combine perfectly while at the same time standing alone. Restaurants throughout the area serve up fresh, local seafood and Cajun cuisine, and 16 annual festivals center around food, fun, and music. Speaking of which, Cajun Country is also where zydeco originated. Local Creoles developed this heavily syncopated, call and response folk music based on the accordion.
Plantation Country
While it's impossible to literally travel back in time, traveling to Plantation Country makes you feel as though you have. Here, visitors can experience what life was like for Southerners before the Civil War. This area of Louisiana abounds with still-standing cotton plantations and homes of the era that are available for touring. In some cases, visitors can stay overnight. If you're brave enough, you can even stay in the Myrtles Plantation, often called the most haunted home in America. Antique lovers, take note: Plantation Country is home to the best antique shops in the state. Also worth a visit is the tallest capital building in America, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital city.
Crossroads
In the center of the state lies the fourth of Louisiana's five regions, Crossroads. The area is so named because it's where two famous and historic trails meet – the El Camino Real and the Natchez Trace. This part of Louisiana is best known for the Kisatchie National Forest. Nature lovers will be entranced by its 800,000 acres of untouched land teeming with wildlife. Crossroads is also home to the Toledo Bend Reservoir, where lovers of the great outdoors can hunt, fish, birdwatch, and canoe.
If you're more town mouse than country mouse, head to Alexandria for plenty of great restaurants, shopping, and local tours. While you're there, check out the region's oldest standing structure, the Kent Plantation House. Fans of literature may want to visit the Kate Chopin House in Natchitoches, where Kate Chopin lived a scandalous life in the late 19th century before writing such acclaimed works as The Awakening.
Sportsman's Paradise
Finally, in the northernmost region of Louisiana is Sportsman's Paradise. Sportsman's Paradise offers the perfect blend of nature and nightlife. During the day, there's so much to do outdoors you'll have a hard time trying to fit it all in. Not only are there plenty of areas to birdwatch, hike, canoe, swim, and fish, but gardeners will want to visit the American Rose Center. Children and adults alike will be thrilled to plan some play time at the famed Toy Museum, housed in the caboose of a 1938 train. History buffs may want to check out the grave of the only man to survive the battle of the Alamo, Moses Rose, in the Ferguson Cemetery in Logansport. After a long day of sightseeing and nature watching, visitors can enjoy luxury hotels, superb restaurants, high-energy nightclubs for drinking and dancing, and for high rollers, a beautiful casino.
There's so much to do in Louisiana, it may be hard to choose what to do first. From jazz clubs to plantation tours, and from swamp tours to fine Cajun dining, Louisiana has it all. Experience eclectic Southern charm like you've never felt before, no matter which region you choose to visit. As they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps rouler – let the good times roll!
