where to visit in Louisana? (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: hotel, house, university)

[downey2]

We are flying into Houston and planning a drive through Louisana, we had planned to visit the southern part of the state. But as I read through some of these threads I'm beginning to wonder if its worth it after Rita. We are not interested in seeing the destruction from the hurricanes. I was hoping to stay in Cameron and make my way up to New Iberia then onto Houma.
We have 2 weeks just to drive around, with no itinerary, we can go anywhere. We were in Louisana just before Katrina and we loved it, visited mostly the northern part of the state. Any advise, or ideas would be greatly appreciated. We will be there is early April.
Thank you

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by downey2

We are flying into Houston and planning a drive through Louisana, we had planned to visit the southern part of the state. But as I read through some of these threads I'm beginning to wonder if its worth it after Rita. We are not interested in seeing the destruction from the hurricanes. I was hoping to stay in Cameron and make my way up to New Iberia then onto Houma.
We have 2 weeks just to drive around, with no itinerary, we can go anywhere. We were in Louisana just before Katrina and we loved it, visited mostly the northern part of the state. Any advise, or ideas would be greatly appreciated. We will be there is early April.
Thank you

Head to Lafayette for great food and things to see and do! Start researching the city on the web now and you'll come up with some great places to see. While in the area check out the little town of St. Martinville and see the Evangeline Oak. For a great day tour head over to Avery Island and visit the McIlhenny Co to see where Tabasco is made. You'll want to check out live cajun music every Saturday morning at Fred's in the little community of Mamou. Head over to the town of Eunice and check out the Liberty Center on a Saturday night. From the Eunice website:

Every Saturday night from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Liberty Center, a live radio and TV show is held featuring both Cajun and Zydeco music in the Grand Old Opry/ Louisiana Hayride format. Cajun French is the language of the show with enough English spoken so that everyone can enjoy this unique and one of a kind experience. The show is family oriented. Tickets are sold beginning at 4:00 pm on Saturday, the day of the show and seating is general admission.

Plenty for you to see and do, hope you will enjoy! If you feel like making the drive over to New Orleans, April is the annual Jazz Fest there - great music and the French Quarter has never looked better than it does these days
Enjoy your trip!

[downey2]

Hi Thanks for the info, we were at McIhenny's last visit, well worth it. We also stayed at Breaux Bridge for a couple of days, had a swamp tour. I know we missed St. Martinville so we will stop in this time, I'm checking out all these spots on the web as I type this out, sounds like exactly what were looking for:
I copied this from trip advisor "drive from Lake Charles to Abbeville taking state highway 82 (through Grand Chenier). and have a picnic while watching literally thousands of alligators. " I was wondering if anybody has any recent info on this route, regarding hurricane damage.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by downey2

Hi Thanks for the info, we were at McIhenny's last visit, well worth it. We also stayed at Breaux Bridge for a couple of days, had a swamp tour. I know we missed St. Martinville so we will stop in this time, I'm checking out all these spots on the web as I type this out, sounds like exactly what were looking for:
I copied this from trip advisor "drive from Lake Charles to Abbeville taking state highway 82 (through Grand Chenier). and have a picnic while watching literally thousands of alligators. " I was wondering if anybody has any recent info on this route, regarding hurricane damage.

No recent info I'm afraid, but this used to be a great drive for sure!

[lululed]

St. Francisville...Historic..antebellum homes...very pretty

[DeborahWhite]

I agree with the other posters - all the places they recommend are great. Baton Rouge has so much to offer for tourists, now. Of course the beautiful Art Deco Capitol that the Huey P. Long administration built in the 1930's is a must and the ladies who give the tours there are extremely friendly as are the folks at the Old Sate Capitol on North, the "castle looking" building that Mark Twain disliked so but that the rest of us find so handsome. No entry fees at either place.

There is the USS KIDD, a Fletcher class Destroyer with a great Museum. Avoid the Casino, next to it - what a waste of time and money.

Go back to North Street and look for a bldg. which resembles the White House - that's Huey's, too but is now open to the public for a lovely tour.

Up Nicholson is Magnolia Mound, a working plantation with open-hearth cooking. Hard to believe how old it is....Great guides, there, too.

The Rural Life Museum is off Essen Lane just a few minutes away and what a treat it is. Come back downtown through LSU, a top University and so beautiful. Mike the Tiger's compound sits between the football and basketball facilities right across from the baseball field.

We have a Swamp Tour just outside of the city, Jim and Frank have Alligator Bayou and it is a great visit. You can sto at the Cajun Village just ahead in Sorrento and shop before crossing the Sunshine Bridge to Donaldsonville , a very historic town where the Primitive Artist, Alvin Batiste lives and works - he is delightful and so is the little town.

You are right there on River Road and all the lovely plantations are yours to visit and dine at most of them, if you wish.

Nightlife in Baton Rouge is very good these days. Maybe dinner and a play or performance at the Shaw Art Center right on the River- a restaurant called Tsunami's" with a great view of the MS River and all the lights is upstairs.

Stay at the Hilton downtown for the best service in BR and walk to a pub or two for some local Jazz and Blues. Or out to Bluebonnet and dinner at Boutin's - a Cajun Band plays most nights and everyone dances.

The Baton Rouge Area has a lot to offer. Call the BRACVB for other suggestions. They are very helpful. Have a great trip!

[TraciK]

I'm not sure if you will be in the North part of LA but, there is a great board walk. They have tons of stores. There are also several casino boats with lots of food choices. Have fun!

[downey2]

Hi, Thanks again for all the info, we have booked a hotel in Abbeville for one week and will take day trips from there. Then it sounds like off to Baton Rouge and take in some of the ideas from Deborah.
We may get to Northern Lousiana, Tracik where is the "board walk"?

Thanks for all the ideas, I know were going to love it.

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by downey2

Hi, Thanks again for all the info, we have booked a hotel in Abbeville for one week and will take day trips from there. Then it sounds like off to Baton Rouge and take in some of the ideas from Deborah.
We may get to Northern Lousiana, Tracik where is the "board walk"?

Thanks for all the ideas, I know were going to love it.

The Boardwalk is in Bossier City on the riverfront, across the railroad tracks from Horseshoe Casino and right across the river from downtown Shreveport. Drive across the Texas Street Bridge from downtown Shreveport and you end up next to the Boardwalk. Just make a couple of turns and you're there. There are signs all over down there so you can't miss it.

[gagrl31520]

Hello. Does anyone know anything about New Iberia, LA? I've never been there and my fiance wants me to move there soon.