I love introducing newcomers to the treasures available in Louisiana, and it's something I try to do whenever possible. The obvious starting point for me is food. If I were to tell someone about the perfect day of eating in Louisiana, it would be lunch at Lilette on Magazine Street in New Orleans. It's a great lunch spot, airy and light, with comfortable colors, great food and service. Then dinner at Olive Street Bistro in Shreveport. It's a casual place. A lot of fun with great food and great live piano.
Everything in Louisiana is richer - the history, the romance, the food. As you can see, there's a lot more to our B&B's than little blueberry muffins.
–John Folse
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Speaking of music, you can't miss Tipitina's on Tchoupitoulas in New Orleans. It's a famous place that offers a variety of performers. Also in New Orleans, Snug Harbor for jazz. It's in the Faubourg Marigny near the French Quarter. It has great views of Frenchmen Street.
Louisiana has got a fascinating history, so you should be sure to check out places like the Cabildo Museum in the French Quarter and the Cane River attractions in Natchitoches. Which reminds me - I'm a big antique lover, and Natchitoches has quite a few great antique shops. I'd also recommend the antique shops in Ponchatoula, Breaux Bridge and Bunkie.
And don't forget about outdoors activities. This state is called Sportsman's Paradise for a reason. For a taste of what Louisiana's outdoors are all about, have a visit to any of our state parks, especially Poverty Point, the Arboretum in Ville Platte (at Chicot State Park) and Fort St. Jean Baptiste. Louisiana is home to breathtaking natural beauty. Check out the Creole Nature Trail along the Cane River. Or take a ride to Grand Isle, Avery Island (home of the Tabasco hot sauce company), New Iberia (home of Bruce Foods and Shadows on the Teche), Kisatchie National Forest, St. Francisville or Lake Martin. I'll wager you won't be disappointed.
Of course, Louisiana's festivals are the perfect way to experience many facets of our culture - music, food, art and more - all at once! Check out the Washington Parish Free Fair, the Natchitoches Festival of Lights, Octoberfest at Robert's Cove and the Los Islenos Festival in Chalmette.
Louisiana is also a great trip for families. I like to take my family to historic cities like Natchitoches and Grand Isle. We also like to go to the farmer's markets, old meat markets and country stores. Generally, I love the small, off-the-interstate country towns, such as Cheneyville, Ville Platte, Thibodaux, Many (Toledo Bend), New Iberia and Abbeville.
Here's my top 10 things you must do when you come to Louisiana:
- Visit a plantation
- Walk Bourbon Street
- Eat boudin at Poche's in Breaux Bridge
- Eat a meat pie on Cane River
- Fish in Lake Bruin
- Chew sugarcane
- Shout "Throw Me Something Mister"
- Suck the heads at the Crawfish Festival
- Visit St. Louis Cathedral
- Eat at Commander's Palace
There is so much to see and do in Louisiana. Here are a few ideas to get you started.