Discover Southern Louisiana, the Coronary heart of Cajun Nation
Again in 2016, I went to go to a good friend 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 motive, 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 at all times advocate visiting that a part of the USA!
There may be 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. In case you are trying to lengthen your metropolis break with historical past, nature, and vibrant tradition, learn on and find out about what to see and do in southern Louisiana.
Why Discover Southern Louisiana?
You would spend your whole trip in New Orleans, exploring the French Quarter and completely different areas of the town. However, when you have slightly extra time, there’s a entire different world to discover in Southern Louisiana. The world is characterised by a rare panorama, lengthy historical past, and distinctive combination of Creole and Cajun heritage.
The swamps and countryside are a nature lover’s paradise. You would 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 straightforward drive from New Orleans, excellent locations for a weekend getaway.
Swamps, Countryside, and Nature
Louisiana is thought for its swamps (or “bayous”), superb sights in themselves, and residential to many various kinds of animal and vegetation. In case you are on a street journey you might be more likely 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 world is crisscrossed by rivers in all places; look out for footpaths and boardwalks that may 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 plenty of dragonflies. You may see fish leaping out of the water, and observe the astounding number of crops.
There are alleged to be alligators right here, though you’ll be able to’t at all times be fortunate sufficient to see them. If you wish to get a style of Louisiana’s swamps with out hiring a automotive, you might take a guided tour or boat journey from New Orleans.
Take observe that some guided excursions are extra questionable than others. They feed the alligators to verify vacationers see them, which isn’t good for the wildlife. Go as a substitute for small firms like Lost Lands Tours, which take small teams solely and by no means feed the gators.
Historic Plantations of Southern Louisiana
The opposite predominant 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 have been giant farms that grew money crops reminiscent of sugar cane and cotton for export.
Though the plantation households — and the slave commerce that supported them — are actually consigned to the previous, you’ll nonetheless see enormous tracts of sugarcane fields.
At this time it’s potential to go to among the former plantation homes and discover their historical past. You would do that by taking a day journey to one of many higher identified homes reminiscent of Oak Alley Plantation from New Orleans. Or you might 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 obligatory (nor really helpful) 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 Outdated Governor’s Mansion and the Outdated 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 usually often known as the “happiest metropolis in America.” It’s definitely a full of life place, with music and festivals seemingly occurring all year long.
As you would possibly anticipate, Mardi Gras is a crucial 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 the town’s heritage on the dwelling historical past museum of Vermilionville. And across the metropolis you will discover 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’ll be able to get pleasure from nature and countryside and be taught in regards to the well-known scorching sauce.
What Else to See in Southern Louisiana
That is only a small collection of locations to go to in southern Louisiana. You would additionally drive throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (the longest steady bridge over water on this planet) to the parishes on the lake north of New Orleans. Or you might 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 journey to Barataria Bay, the place you’ll be able to 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 images by Aleah Taboclaon.
