Discover Louisiana's Charms - Feel The South's Beating Heart
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Travel Notes: North America - United States - Louisiana Travel Notes.
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Louisiana Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Escape the crowds and discover the best of Louisiana, from quaint small towns and charming bed-and-breakfasts to scenic byways and hidden historic sites.
About Louisiana
A fascinating place to explore and experience, Louisiana is a popular travel destination known for its diverse culture, music, food, history and natural beauty.
Louisiana is also known as the Pelican State; a tribute to the brown pelican, native to Louisiana.
States neighbouring Louisiana: Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.
Mapping Louisiana
Map of Louisiana
Louisiana is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and shares borders with Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east.
The state capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge.
Louisiana Overview
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States.
It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and unique blend of traditions.
Cajun and Creole Culture
Louisiana is famous for its Cajun and Creole cultures.
Cajuns are descendants of French-speaking Acadians who settled in the region, particularly in south-western Louisiana.
Creole culture has African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.
Both cultures have distinct music, cuisine, and traditions that contribute to the state's cultural richness.
Cuisine
Louisiana is renowned for its flavourful and diverse cuisine.
Some popular dishes include gumbo (a hearty stew), jambalaya (a rice-based dish with meat and vegetables), crawfish étouffée (a spicy seafood dish), po'boys (sandwiches), beignets (French-style doughnuts), and the famous Louisiana-style hot sauce, Tabasco.
Festivals and Celebrations
Louisiana hosts a wide range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
The most famous is Mardi Gras, a carnival season culminating in a grand parade and street party in many cities across the state.
Other notable festivals include the Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Essence Festival, and the Louisiana Crawfish Festival.
Geography
Louisiana is known for its distinctive geography, including bayous, swamps, and the Mississippi River Delta.
History
Louisiana has a fascinating history influenced by various cultures, including Native American tribes, French and Spanish colonial periods, and African, Caribbean, and Creole influences.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States and brought the state under American control.
Natural Beauty
Louisiana is home to unique and diverse ecosystems.
The state is known for its expansive wetlands, including the Atchafalaya Basin, which is the largest swamp in the United States.
The bayous and marshes provide habitats for various species of birds, alligators, and other wildlife.
New Orleans
The city of New Orleans is a major cultural and economic centre in Louisiana.
It is renowned for its vibrant music scene, especially jazz, and hosts numerous festivals, including the famous Mardi Gras celebration.
New Orleans is also known for its unique architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife.
Sports
Louisiana has a strong sports culture, particularly in football.
The New Orleans Saints, a professional football team, are beloved by fans across the state.
College football is also popular, with Louisiana State University (LSU) having a passionate fan base.
Additionally, Louisiana has a rich tradition of horse racing and hosts the renowned Kentucky Derby prep race, the Louisiana Derby.
Visiting Louisiana
Also known as the 'Pelican State', Louisiana is a vibrant and culturally rich state located in the southern United States.
From its lively music scene and mouth-watering cuisine to its unique blend of French, African, and American influences, Louisiana offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
Louisiana Highlights
Louisiana is known for its warm hospitality and a distinct blend of cultures that make it a truly memorable destination.
Whether you're interested in history, music, cuisine, or natural beauty, Louisiana has something for everyone.
Atchafalaya Basin
Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the Atchafalaya Basin, one of the largest swamps in the United States.
Take an airboat tour or kayak through the serene waterways, spot wildlife like alligators and various bird species, and learn about the ecology and significance of this vast wetland ecosystem.
Baton Rouge
Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge, offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.
Visit the Louisiana State Capitol, explore the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, and stroll along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront.
Don't forget to try some delicious Southern cuisine at local restaurants.
Bayou Country
Explore the enchanting bayous and marshes of Louisiana's bayou country.
Take a swamp tour to see alligators, herons, and other wildlife, and learn about the unique ecosystems and the history of Cajun trappers and fishermen who call this area home.
Cajun Country
Head west to Lafayette and immerse yourself in the heart of Cajun Country.
Discover the unique Cajun culture, music, and cuisine.
Visit Vermilionville, a living history museum that showcases Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures.
Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee.
Festivals and Events
Louisiana is famous for its lively festivals throughout the year.
If your visit aligns with one, such as the Jazz Fest in New Orleans or the Zydeco Music Festival in Lafayette, be sure to join in the festivities.
These events showcase the state's vibrant music, food, and cultural traditions.
Louisiana Experiences
New Orleans
Start your Louisiana journey in the lively city of New Orleans.
Known for its iconic French Quarter, vibrant music, and spirited festivals like Mardi Gras, New Orleans is a cultural hub.
Explore the historic streets, indulge in delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, listen to live jazz music, and visit attractions like the St. Louis Cathedral and the National WWII Museum.
Plantations Along the Mississippi River
Take a scenic drive along the Mississippi River and explore the beautiful antebellum plantations that showcase the Louisiana's rich history.
Destinations like Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Houmas House provide insight into the region's plantation era and offer guided tours of the grand mansions and lush gardens.
New Orleans
It may not be the official capital of Louisiana, but New Orleans is the cultural capital of Cajun, Dixieland Jazz, and Mardi Gras; with a spicy helping of lacy architecture stirred in.
New Orleans Cooking Class
The Creole/Cajun experts teach you New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines; seasoned with history, trivia and tall tales.
French Quarter Walking Tour
When in New Orleans, don't miss a visit to the Vieux Carre.
Bourbon Street can seem a little sleazy at night, and the wait to get in to hear some jazz at Preservation Hall is lengthy.
Crescent City Nights Walking Tour
If you don't feel like going it alone, let a local tour guide take you down world famous Bourbon Street on your way to a local nightclub to hear some native jazz music; after a three-course dinner at Tujagues Restaurant, a New Orleans tradition since 1856 and the second oldest restaurant in the New Orleans.
Garden District Walking Tour
The Garden District has many attractive 19th-century houses, some of them converted into hostels and B & B accommodation. Take the St. Charles Streetcar.
Visit New Orleans in the Spring or Autumn for the lower humidity.
Hurricane Katrina
In the early hours of Monday, August 29th 2005 Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast of America - with New Orleans judged (at the time) to be somewhat lucky that the eye of the storm seemed to veer east of the city.
However, the low-lying, slowly sinking city suffered widespread flooding when the 17th Street levee at Lake Pontchartrain gave way.
The swift rebuilding of New Orleans means that many of your favourite French Quarter restaurants, shops, bars, music clubs, museums and attractions up and running.
Tour Big Easy
There's so much to do in and around New Orleans that you could select a tour for every day of the week: walking tours, plantation tours, haunted and ghost, swamp tours, river boat cruises, city tours, airplane and helicopter tours, air boats and cemetery tours.
New Orleans Accommodation
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Bourbon Orleans
Bourbon Orleans Hotel: 717 Orleans Street, New Orleans, LA.
Once the 1815 Orleans Ballroom the lobby has kept its 19th-century charm; complete with marble floors, a grand spiral staircase, columns, chandeliers and Queen Anne style furniture.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Bourbon Orleans features classic Southern charm with styling reminiscent of the French opulence of the early 1800's.
Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Monteleone: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA.
This venerable New Orleans hotel has been providing luxury and historic accommodations for visitors to New Orleans since 1886.
Located on Royal Street, in the centre of the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone is just a block from the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street and Canal Street.
Hotel St. Marie
Hotel St. Marie: 827 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA.
Many guest rooms enjoy balconies that overlook the scenic vistas of the French Quarter and hotel guests can relax in the lush, tropical courtyard or take a cool break in the hotel pool.
The Hotel St. Marie offers a warm and accommodating atmosphere deliberately designed and maintained to give guests a feeling for the real style of its historic neighbourhood.
Le Pavillon New Orleans
Le Pavillon New Orleans: 833 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA.
In a world of steel-and-glass skyscrapers and cookie-cutter design, the age of grand hotels seems long gone. This is a rare exception.
Built in 1907, Le Pavillon New Orleans is a member of Historic Hotels of America and maintains membership in the exclusive Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.
Place d'Armes Hotel
Place d'Armes Hotel: 625 St Ann Street, New Orleans, LA.
Beautifully restored 18th and 19th century buildings surround lush tropical courtyards, a sparkling swimming pool and fountains.
The Place d'Armes Hotel is an intimate, historic hotel property located at Jackson Square; in the heart of New Orleans' fabled French Quarter.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Royal Sonesta New Orleans: 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA.
Lace wrought-iron balconies allow guests to enjoy the charm of Bourbon Street while the courtyard features an outdoor pool and deck.
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans is located in the French Quarter and is built in the traditional French Quarter style; complete with gabled windows, French doors and wrought-iron lace balconies.
Royal St. Charles Hotel
Royal St. Charles Hotel: 135 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
Located just one block from the French Quarter, on the streetcar line, and a short walk to the Convention Center the hotel features luxuriously appointed rooms and suites.
The Royal St. Charles Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel featuring modern amenities and spacious guest rooms.
Windsor Court Hotel
Windsor Court Hotel: 300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA.
The hotel successfully combines traditional English decor with modern amenities; providing soothingly appointed rooms with soft, subtle colours and comfortable upholstered furnishings.
Located blocks away from the French Quarter and the Mississippi Riverwalk, the Windsor Court Hotel is across the street from Harrah's Casino.
Around Louisiana
Louisiane was the name given to the former French territory west of the Mississippi River by the French explorer Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, in honour of King Louis XIV.
Louisiana Travel
Get the scoop on everything from casinos and nightlife, to plantations and museums, to restaurants, music venues and marinas.
There's a lot to do on vacation in Louisiana.
Covington
Close enough to New Orleans for some spicy sightseeing, Covington is far enough to offer a more relaxing taste of the South's turn-of-the-century, country-style charm.
Recreational opportunities and numerous special events attract thousands of visitors to Covington annually.
Where to Stay in Covington
Best Western Covington
Best Western Covington: 625 North Highway 190, Covington.
Conveniently located near I-12 and close to popular attractions including Abita Brewing Company, sports fields and Covington’s historic downtown with its terrific restaurants, antique shops and galleries.
The Best Western Covington is located on the Northshore side of New Orleans in the charming city of Covington.
Lafayette
The Cajuns of Louisiana are actually Acadians -- French Catholics expelled from Nova Scotia after refusing to pledge loyalty to the British Crown.
The story of the Acadians, and the equipment they used for craw-fishing, is shown in the Acadian Cultural Center.
Baton Rouge
The red stick, in French, moved up from stick in the mud to state capital when evangelical politicos made it the capital of Louisiana in 1849.
Map of Baton Rouge
State Capitol
Every American capital has one, but the one in Baton Rouge is extreme.
Huey P. Long, Franklin D. Roosevelt's biggest political threat, ordered the construction of a massive 34-storey State Capitol in 1931. It was completed in 14 months.
The big cat was gunned down in one of the back corridors of power, and his body is buried here too.
Louisiana Travel Guides
Louisiana Travel Guides - Louisiana Maps.
About Louisiana - Louisiana Weather:
Find out more about Louisiana before you travel there.
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