Again in 2016, I went to go to a buddy in New Orleans for 2 weeks and I ended up staying for five months (I left as a result of I used to be supplied a press journey in India!). For some purpose, Louisiana — and particularly, New Orleans — resonated with me. I nonetheless dream of proudly owning a shotgun home sometime. In any case, a fellow journey blogger supplied this text and I grabbed it. I’ll all the time suggest visiting that a part of the USA!
There’s nowhere fairly like Southern Louisiana. That is Cajun nation, with the biggest swamp forest in the USA and among the nation’s oldest plantations. And it’s on the doorstep of New Orleans. If you’re seeking to lengthen your metropolis break with historical past, nature, and vibrant tradition, learn on and study what to see and do in southern Louisiana.
Why Discover Southern Louisiana?
You can spend your total trip in New Orleans, exploring the French Quarter and completely different areas of town. However, in case you have a bit of extra time, there’s a entire different world to discover in Southern Louisiana. The realm is characterised by a unprecedented panorama, lengthy historical past, and distinctive combination of Creole and Cajun heritage.
The swamps and countryside are a nature lover’s paradise. You can simply spend days exploring the area’s plantations and studying about southern tradition, historical past, and delicacies. Then there are the cities, every with their very own character. Each Lafayette and Baton Rouge are a simple drive from New Orleans, good locations for a weekend getaway.
Swamps, Countryside, and Nature
Louisiana is thought for its swamps (or “bayous”), wonderful sights in themselves, and residential to many various kinds of animal and vegetation. If you’re on a street journey you might be prone to drive over the 18 mile (29 km) Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which carries you excessive above the biggest wetland and swamp within the U.S., a spectacular and other-worldly panorama.
The realm is crisscrossed by rivers in every single place; look out for footpaths and boardwalks that can take you thru the swamps.
Within the Houma on the Terrebonne basin, the place a nature stroll led to a viewing platform over a big bayou with a number of wildlife. There have been egrets and herons and many dragonflies. You may see fish leaping out of the water, and observe the astounding number of crops.
There are purported to be alligators right here, though you possibly can’t all the time be fortunate sufficient to see them. If you wish to get a style of Louisiana’s swamps with out hiring a automotive, you would take a guided tour or boat trip from New Orleans.
Take observe that some guided excursions are extra questionable than others. They feed the alligators to ensure vacationers see them, which isn’t good for the wildlife. Go as a substitute for small corporations like Lost Lands Tours, which take small teams solely and by no means feed the gators.
Historic Plantations of Southern Louisiana
The opposite principal sight of the southern Louisiana countryside is the plantations. Traditionally, the Mississippi was a significant commerce route, and the river delta was dotted with plantations. These had been giant farms that grew money crops resembling sugar cane and cotton for export.
Though the plantation households — and the slave commerce that supported them — at the moment are consigned to the previous, you’ll nonetheless see enormous tracts of sugarcane fields.
Right this moment it’s doable to go to among the former plantation homes and discover their historical past. You can do that by taking a day journey to one of many higher recognized homes resembling Oak Alley Plantation from New Orleans. Or you would journey independently to take a tour and even keep in a single day at one of many mansions.
The Nottaway Plantation, which claims to be the “South’s Largest Antebellum Mansion,” had a peaceable location by the Mississippi River. The home and the small show about slavery are very fascinating, however it isn’t vital (nor advisable) to remain there in a single day.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, located on the Mississippi River, halfway between New Orleans and Lafayette. It is a historic metropolis based by French settlers in 1721, and two sights to not miss are the Previous Governor’s Mansion and the Previous State Capitol Museum. The latter is exceptional as a lot for its luxurious Artwork Deco inside (see photograph under!) as for its shows of state historical past.
Elsewhere in Baton Rouge you’ll discover an artwork museum, parks and a riverside stroll. And — in fact — there are many locations to get pleasure from conventional southern delicacies.
Lafayette
On the coronary heart of Cajun and Creole nation, round 135 miles (217 km) from New Orleans, Lafayette is typically often known as the “happiest metropolis in America.” It’s actually a full of life place, with music and festivals seemingly occurring all year long.
As you may count on, Mardi Gras is a vital competition, however you’ll additionally discover occasions celebrating native music and delicacies. And the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in October brings collectively native music, meals, and crafts in a three-day extravaganza.
In addition to the music, you’ll discover a number of public artwork in Lafayette. You may discover town’s heritage on the dwelling historical past museum of Vermilionville. And across the metropolis you can see parks such because the Acadiana Park Nature Station with woodland and nature trails.
Round 30 miles (48 km) south of Lafayette is Avery Island, the house of Tabasco sauce. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from nature and countryside and study in regards to the well-known sizzling sauce.
What Else to See in Southern Louisiana
That is only a small collection of locations to go to in southern Louisiana. You can additionally drive throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (the longest steady bridge over water on the earth) to the parishes on the lake north of New Orleans. Or you would head south to Jefferson Parish with its historic websites and pure locations beside the Gulf of Mexico.
Aleah additionally extremely recommends you go on a ship trip to Barataria Bay, the place you possibly can see pods of dolphins and tons of of pelicans simply chilling on Queen Bess Island. Certainly, nothing actually beats Louisiana for its pure magnificence, tradition, delicious cuisine!
Textual content by Karen Warren. All pictures by Aleah Taboclaon.
