Trip to Louisiana: Nice places to visit (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: purchase, live)

[cgballer]

Hi all,

We are planning a trip to the deep south w/ a few German friends in Spring '08 and we were wondering which cities, national / state parks you can recommend in your state. Things of interest:
- historic districts / sites
- beautiful nature, hiking, beaches
- southern culture, festivals, food, sea food
- nice towns / coastal towns
- live country music / dance halls
- do you know if there's a chance to go on a boat with shrimp fishermen? Are there nice fish markets?

We are interested in the must-see places but also in areas off the beaten path.

We're looking forward to hearing from you,
Christian

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by cgballer

Hi all,

We are planning a trip to the deep south w/ a few German friends in Spring '08 and we were wondering which cities, national / state parks you can recommend in your state. Things of interest:
- historic districts / sites
- beautiful nature, hiking, beaches
- southern culture, festivals, food, sea food
- nice towns / coastal towns
- live country music / dance halls
- do you know if there's a chance to go on a boat with shrimp fishermen? Are there nice fish markets?

We are interested in the must-see places but also in areas off the beaten path.

We're looking forward to hearing from you,
Christian

This one is under the "beautiful nature, hiking, beaches":

1. In North Louisiana, Longleaf Vista, which is off Exit 119 on I-49
Kisatchie National Forest - Longleaf Vista Trail

2. Technically, it's in Mississippi, but Clark Creek/Tunica Hills is best reached through St Francisville
Friends in St. Francisville, Louisiana: HIKING THE HILLS

3. There is a nice biking trail called the Tammany Trace in St. Tammany Parish. I typically start in Abita Springs (the trail has a stop next to the Abita Brew Pub) and ride from there
Tammany Trace - Tour the Trace

Hope this helps.....

[SBCmetroguy]

Great list, BRMan!

As far as "historic districts/sites," Shreveport is second only to New Orleans in the amount of buildings we have listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and we have a total of six registered Historic Districts, which is an extremely high number for any city. We have the McNeil Street Pumping Station, a municipal waterworks facility dating back to the 1880s. This particular facility is actually a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest historic distinction possible. Our entire 64-square block downtown is also a registered Historic District.

So for history, if you tour the state, make sure you have Shreveport on your list, which I'm certain will also include New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by SBCmetroguy

Great list, BRMan!

As far as "historic districts/sites," Shreveport is second only to New Orleans in the amount of buildings we have listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and we have a total of six registered Historic Districts, which is an extremely high number for any city. We have the McNeil Street Pumping Station, a municipal waterworks facility dating back to the 1880s. This particular facility is actually a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest historic distinction possible. Our entire 64-square block downtown is also a registered Historic District.

So for history, if you tour the state, make sure you have Shreveport on your list, which I'm certain will also include New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Just trying to give all parts of the state their due. I'll admit I don't know a lot about most of the stae west of Lafayette/Alexandria, but I visited Longleaf Vista once and found it an awesome place.

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by BRMan

Just trying to give all parts of the state their due. I'll admit I don't know a lot about most of the stae west of Lafayette/Alexandria, but I visited Longleaf Vista once and found it an awesome place.

I agree it's a good idea. Why not? If someone is visiting Louisiana let them get the whole flavor. I feel sometimes I have to push my area harder since it's easy to overlook with it being 5-6 hours north of New Orleans.

[jguillot]

Originally Posted by cgballer

Hi all,

We are planning a trip to the deep south w/ a few German friends in Spring '08 and we were wondering which cities, national / state parks you can recommend in your state. Things of interest:
- historic districts / sites
- beautiful nature, hiking, beaches
- southern culture, festivals, food, sea food
- nice towns / coastal towns
- live country music / dance halls
- do you know if there's a chance to go on a boat with shrimp fishermen? Are there nice fish markets?

We are interested in the must-see places but also in areas off the beaten path.

We're looking forward to hearing from you,
Christian

If you are interested in south Louisiana, the New Iberia area has Shadows on the Teche plantation home. You can go on a tour of the plantation home. In this same area, you will find Jungle Gardens and the factory where Tabasco sauce is manufactured. You can go on a tour of this factory and visit their gift shop. Try their Tabasco flavored ice cream. This area is part of south Louisiana where many people speak Cajun French. You will find a lot of restaurants that specialize in cajun food. If you are interested in a swamp tour, you'll find swamp tour operators in the area as well.

If you visit New Orleans, don't miss the French Quarter and Jackson Square. There is a World War II museum in New Orleans that is quite interesting. You'll find a lot of excellent restaurants in New Orleans.

I hope this helps.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by cgballer

Hi all,

We are planning a trip to the deep south w/ a few German friends in Spring '08 and we were wondering which cities, national / state parks you can recommend in your state. Things of interest:
- historic districts / sites
- beautiful nature, hiking, beaches
- southern culture, festivals, food, sea food
- nice towns / coastal towns
- live country music / dance halls
- do you know if there's a chance to go on a boat with shrimp fishermen? Are there nice fish markets?

We are interested in the must-see places but also in areas off the beaten path.

We're looking forward to hearing from you,
Christian

Well hi there Christian! Fancy finding you over here instead of on the NC board!

Guess you may have missed it, I'm a Louisiana girl. I would love to help you with a list of things for you to do on your visit - I'll get back with you on direct message in the next day or so

[cgballer]

Thank you all for the information, this helps a lot. We're looking forward to visiting Louisiana!

[Southern Gal]

I think that Natchitoches is a must see. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. It is a beb and breakfast community with quaint shops in the downtown area. It was where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. You can check it out at http://www.natchitoches.net.