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Information on attractions, accommodations, and dining in Louisiana - and much more, including things to see and do, parks and recreational areas, annual and special events, and climate information!
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Visitor Information
Louisiana Office of Tourism Attention: Inquiry Department, P.O. Box 94291 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9291 1-800-334-8626 or 1-800-261-9144 or 1-800-633-6970 for a brochure. fax 225-345-8390 Louisiana is a very interesting state from the land itself to the people who live there. The land is actually from the north. I know this may be hard to understand, but most of the state is delta that was formed as soil was carried down to what we now know as Louisiana from the central valley of the United States by the Mississippi, Red, Pearl, Sabine, and Ouachita rivers. And the people, well - most of them came from somewhere else also. Many from as far away as Nova Scotia (Acadia), who were Acadians and gave us the more popular name of the descendants of these settlers, the "Cajuns." Americans of English, German, and Irish origin also helped in the settlement of Louisiana.
The state is rather semitropical and beautifully unusual. It is filled with wonderful uplands, bayous and river banks, and ocean areas. The northern and southern areas of the state are as diverse as the people who populate them. The southern area is filled with fine old mansions and sugar cane plantation estates, while the north is quite rural with beautiful rivers, hills, forests, and old cotton plantation mansions. Click on New Orleans for travel guides, brochures, and money savers to help you plan your visit to Louisiana. Area Travel Packets was created to help travelers get the most out of popular destination and to help them plan their vacations ahead of time. |
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Climate and Weather Information
The subtropical weather in Louisiana is as diverse as the people who live there. For me, spring and fall are the perfect times to visit. I especially enjoy the month of April. Winters are also quite nice as the weather is normally quite balmy. However, during the summer (June through August) you better bring your shorts and other "cool clothing." Whatever the temperature you will find Louisiana is almost perfect for year-round fun.
For additional climate information on Louisiana, click on Climatologies
and then click on the map to find Louisiana.
Attractions and Things to See and Do
Click on New
Orleans for travel guides, brochures, and money savers to help
you plan your visit to Louisiana. Area Travel Packets was created to
help travelers get the most out of popular destination and to help them
plan their vacations ahead of time.
Mardi Gras! Perhaps the most famous celebration in the United States. The "party" begins two weeks before Shrove Tuesday and includes torchlight parades, street dancing, costume balls and masquerades, and lots of good food and fun.
Great Family Vacations South - Family-travel expert Candyce H. Stapen has taken the hassle out of vacation planning with Great Family Vacations South. Inside you'll find 25 complete vacations loaded with enough activities to keep every member of your family happy for weeks! Whether you're looking for museums and historic sites, thrill-a-minute amusement parks, animal attractions, natural wonders and the great outdoors, sporting events, or a healthy dose of all the above and more, here's everything you need to make your next family vacation a great family vacation. This information-packed guide includes hundreds of exciting things to see and do, valuable family travel tips, family-friendly places to lodge and dine, personally recommended side trips, important local sources of information and handy travel directions.
Vermilionville is a carefully crafted period area located on 23 acres beside Bayou Vermilionville. the area reflects Acadian and Creole life in the 18th century. Craftspeople and living history interpreters demonstrate arts and skills. 1.866.992.2968 or www.vermilionville.org.
Acadian Village is a recreation of a late 1800s Acadian village that includes either authentic Acadian homes with replicas of a general store, blacksmith shop, and a chapel. 337.981.2264 or www.acadianvillage.org.
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Driving Information
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the front seats of vehicles in Louisiana. Children under 5 years of age must be in an approved passenger restraint anywhere in the vehicle, and children ages 3-5 may use a regulation safety belt in the rear seat. However, in the front seat children must use an approved safety seat. Age 3 and under must be in an approved safety seat.
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State Parks and Recreation Areas
Louisiana has a fine collection of state parks where you can enjoy water-related activities, picnicking, hiking, and various other sports. A small vehicle use fee is charged for entering state park areas. There are also a lot of good camping areas
in the state. For additional information contact the Office of State Parks, P.O. Box 44426, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4426, telephone
1-888-677-1400
Louisiana is also a very popular state for hunting and fishing with both fresh and salt water fishing. For additional information, including all fee information, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, telephone 504/765-2887.
Annual
Events
January
The Sugar Bowl College Football Classic is held in New Orleans at the
Superdome. 504/525-8573
February
Mardi Gras! New Orleans may be host to what perhaps might be the most famous celebration in the United States. The "party" begins two weeks before Shrove Tuesday and includes torchlight parades, street dancing, costume balls and masquerades, and lots of good food and fun.
March
April
Artists from all over the United States and the world gather to celebrate Louisiana culture during the
Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette. 318/232-8086
May
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is held in New Orleans on about a dozen stages with everything from rock n' roll to jazz. 504/522-4786.
The Fest For All in Baton Rouge features juried shows and exhibits with over 100 artisans and crafts persons and over 1,000 performers. 504/383-1825.
June
July
In Natchitoches you can enjoy the Natchitoches-Northwestern Folk Festival at the Prather Coliseum. There will be music, dance, storytelling, crafts, and foods. 318/357-4332.
August
September
Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair Morgan City comes alive with amusement rides, a hands-on children's village, a coronation and ball, and the blessing of the shrimp and petroleum fleets on Berwick Bay. There will also be a parade, fireworks, and lots of good food. 504/385-0703.
October
The Baton Rouge Blues Festival is a three-day event featuring blues, gospel, zydeco, and Cajun music and lots of traditional Louisiana food. 504/383-1825.
Louisiana State Fair is held in Shreveport a the fairgrounds this is one of the largest fairs in the country. 318/635-1361
November
December
The Christmas Festival of Lights in Natchitoches. 318/352-8072.
Dining Suggestions
Bossier City
Joe Cobb's Bar-B-Q
This is one of those restaurants that you have to know about in order to find
it. It is a small, family-run place that just serves up some good food and
conversation. Your best bet, in my opinion anyway, is the ribs. Have them serve
them up with beans and potato salad or slaw, and then finish your meal off with
peach cobbler. Joe and Sue Cobb have been serving the folks in Bossier City
since 1952. And, not only is the food good, but you will enjoy Joe and Sue as
they engage in conversations with the local regulars as well as the occasional
visitor. I personally recommend this place. Located just off of I-20 on the
corner of Barksdale Boulevard and McCormick between Hamilton Road and Traffic
Street. Joe Cobb's, 203 McCormick, 221.6512.
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Some Favorites in Louisiana
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
