With a motto like “Let the good times roll,” you already know that the state of Louisiana is more than just spicy food and mind-altering music. It’s a multicultural fusion of African, French and Spanish influence and inspiration. Friendly people, beautiful architecture, and some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent landscapes summon visitors to the state of Louisiana. Here is what you can look forward to in each region.
Sportsman’s Paradise
Located on the banks of the Red River in the north region of Louisiana, Sportsman’s Paradise is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers marvel at the bass they hook on the Red River. What’s more, there are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on Lake Claiborne as well as hunting on 20,000 acres of
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Here, you’ll find a small hometown feel mixed with big time fun. The smell of Cajun dishes fills the air, inviting hungry appetites to chow down on dishes like boudin and maque choux. On the weekends, you’ll find hard-working locals enjoying Zydeco music in every type of venue from barns and dance halls to bars and country clubs. During the week, stop by the Lake Charles Mardi Gras Museum to view hundreds of costumes being worn and on display. Other points of interest include the Acadian Cultural Center, Acadian Village, and …show more content…
The intermingling of Spanish, French and African influences meld together to bring one-of-a-kind dining, entertainment and shopping adventures. Beginning with Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans, shoppers dart in and out of boutiques, craft shops and antique stores carrying unique treasures. Next, the Warehouse District, home of art galleries and museums offers a range of exhibits including live performances at places like the Contemporary Arts Center and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Afterward, stroll through the Garden District and gaze at elegant mansions, feel the excitement of the place featured in numerous movies, and has drawn celebrities like Sandra Bullock and Nicholas Cage to live here. Before heading home, you have to stop at the hub that everyone raves about—the French Quarter. By day, visit Mardi Gras World to take a peek at parade floats. Watch ships cruise the Mississippi; discover marine life at the Aquarium of the Americas; and munch on delicacies made from bugs at the Audobon Insectarium. At night, visit laidback eateries, groove to the sounds of Cajun, zydeco, jazz, and blues, and prance along with a moving concert featuring street
T'S MARDI GRAS!!!!! Yes, New Orleans' famous Carnival season is this years' never-ending party and you're invited. Mardi Gras, famous for its colorful and cultural parades, is an experience you can't go any longer w/out! The Streets are packed with both tourists and Native Louisianans as they celebrate Mardi Gras in full color and sound. . The Huge Parades come flashing down the street we fresh music, an explosion of lights, and spectacular floats. Everyone is having a great time, enjoying the festivities of the parade. So you're new to Mardi Gras, but don't want to act like it? Here in brief, are the basic facts about Americas' greatest party.
Last year while traveling in Italy I was approached by a lovely lady who immediately started asking questions about the United States. When she found out my home was in Louisiana she got really excited. She had relatives in New Orleans but had never been able to go to visit them. We carried on quite a conversation. Telling her about the hot summers, Cajun food, and cool music made me miss my home.
Centerville lays one-hundred miles southwest of New Orleans, on current US 90. Here one experiences a small rural area along the Bayou Tech, part of St. Mary’s Parish, “Hoodoo country,” Louisiana! Even today’s National Register of Historic Places testifies to St. Mary Parish’s former glory as it has twenty-seven historic plantation homes and other buildings listed on the 2011 list.1 But
The rich cultures and traditions of The South can not be more easily displaced then in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana. The oldest city in Louisiana boosts many new and exciting attractions that keep tourists returning every year. From preindustrial store designs, Dolly Parton’s famous role in Steel Magnolia, or the newly designed Sports Hall of Fame museum, this town has many things to offer.
Lafayette Louisiana witch is the capital of the Cajun Country. Has the second biggest Mardi Gras celebration. This celebration has lost its meaning. More of a tourist profit to the state this celebration would be a very hard challenge to get the state to bring its meaning back. In the old days, Mardi Gras was not just the day before Ash Wednesday. It was a day that people rode on horseback or in their trucks going to town’s businesses and neighborhoods. Once the owner of the homes or businesses allowed these people to come in the masked people started to sing, dance, play around or even play pranks on the people who allowed them in. Before the masked people left the begged the owners of the business or home for rice or other things. If they gave them something such as money or things to make a gumbo, they allowed that person to a gumbo feast that was held that evening. And if they did not the masked people would destroy their home or business. They might even mock them for years to come.” This group of masked people was known as classed Les Mardi Gras, or in English the Mardi Gras.” (Ware, 2003) Today Cajun’s don't celebrate it this way anymore. Mardi Gras is considered to be paradise, festivals, drinking and getting as many beads as you can. The masked people can still be seen but not asking for things to make a gumbo or money but as a symbol in the
While the Quarter is the most famous, there are many other fascinating neighborhoods to explore including Audubon Park just adjacent to Loyola. Brightly and wildly painted Creole cottages cluster in the narrow streets, music wanders through the air along with the scent of the river and night-blooming jasmine. Narrow boulevards dotted with churches, old warehouses, chic cafés, eateries and watering holes create a culture and personality not easily replicated.
In Zeitoun and When the Levees Broke, it was evident that Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage to the Gulf Coast, especially to New Orleans. Many lives were lost, and the people were both physically and mentally distraught. However, after just six months the people of New Orleans gathered their spirits to celebrate Mardi Gras. This celebration proved that the city’s identity had not been forgotten. New Orleans’ identity was also evident during the hurricane, which highlighted the ways in which people cared for each other. Although New Orleans went through an environmental crisis, the city was resilient enough for the people to remember their history, jazz music, and their connection to their tight-knit community.
The town center is the best place to locate top shops and dining options. In addition to standard options like Chevron, Albertson's, dry cleaners and banks, you can check out Soul Shine Yoga and A Colorful Universe. Dining options include Yogurt Utopia, Hendo's Local Pizza & Pints, Cafe Stoked and the Relm Wine & Beer Bistro. Other stores in the area include French's Color Nails & Spa, the Scott Jacobs Studio Art Gallery and Silk Hair. If you are looking for a more unique experience, check out the cafes and boutiques in nearby
Blues for New Orleans: Mardi Gras and America’s Creole Soul by Roger D. Abrahams is a book about the upbringing of the New Orleans Mardi Gras carnival. This is one the most famous carnivals held in New Orleans. The festival Mardi Gras “Fat Tuesday” incorporates “such events as costumed float parades, neighborhood marches or second-lines, street gatherings, informal parties, and formal balls in New Orleans, Biloxi, and Mobile, among other Gulf Coast cities and towns.” (1) The author, Roger D. Abrahams throughout his book, speaks of the carnival from all differ perspectives and compares it to other countries held around the world. He also addresses, how before Hurricane Katrina and afterwards, the Mardi Gras festival and the culture/ tradition
It was a hot, muggy day like any other in southern Louisiana, right near the Atchafalaya Basin, and between the run-down gas stations and Spanish Moss-covered trees, there was something buzzing in the air, mingling with the hum of the mosquitoes. It was Zydeco, tricking out from the radios that were scattered around the rest station. Between the bars of the music, Louisiana Creole (a language with French, African, Spanish, and American Indian roots) intertwined with guitars and
I have decided to write this letter to you to help with the decision of buying the Louisiana Territory. I have very high views on the great piece of land. I hope that after reading this letter that you will decide to buy this land.
Vieux Carre Historic District, better known as French Quarter is an old area in New Orleans used as a prominent cultural center. Escaping to this place allows you to learn more about French colonialization in America, enjoy live music by street performers, and join the local jazz clubs. French Quarter is accessible to some cool spots worth visiting such as Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre, Preservation Hall, and Gallier House. Planning to see unique attractions? Be sure to hit the Historic Voodoo Museum -- this one is also within easy reach. To see the surroundings, just grab the streetcar. Check out these hotels and vacation rental near French Quarter New Orleans Louisiana.
The similarities of these two thrilling streets, is not only the entertainment, but the great times they both offer. Nevertheless, while the citizens that reside in the metropolitan area would agree that they cherish their street, just the same as Memphians do their Beale Street. While both present unlimited good times, they both hold special values that separates themselves. For Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras is the top event that is held at Bourbon and is primarily what Bourbon is known for. Mardi Gras is a festival that is held once a year, primarily after lent, which has originated from a catholic culture. During this festival, people are dressed up in exotic feathers, beads, and the unforgettable green and purple. Beale Street, is the birthplace of the blues and rock n roll, the original entertainment spot, and the home for some of the oldest bar and pubs. But, what makes Beale different from Bourbon is not only the music and the goats in Silkys, but the Beale Street
For people in Texas they get excited for rodeos or a Cowboys football game but, down in Louisiana on Bourbon St they have a 2 week span party called Mardi Gras. From Shrove Tuesday all the way to a day before Ash Wednesday. Each night has a small parade until the last 5-7 days this is when the big parades are. Social clubs like the Krews organize Mardi Gras. Girls who go can win prizes like get thrown mardi gras necklaces from the boys above. For the men their is only one big prize called The REX .
The Creole House - Inn on St. Ann is a thirty room hotel very close to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It was built in the 1830s, and has a few ghostly inhabitants. The classic French quarter inn features the Creole cottage once owned by Marie Laveau, a famous voodoo priestess.