Louisiana | Beyond Bourbon but still about the Bayou
Famous for the food and unique décor New Orleans and its French Quarter is often all that comes to mind for Louisiana. So much more, Louisiana is the true deep south with roots that run just as deep.
A Night Out on the Town – coming down to the deep south means there are plenty of options for after the sun goes down
Claiming to be your "one-stop-shop for all things Cajun” Randol’s is exactly that and more. Open for more than 35 years, the restaurant that rightfully calls itself “an experience” it’s a historic restaurant tucked bank in Layfette and probably one of the best-kept secrets of the state. Serving some of the best Cajun seafood this side or anywhere, they are famous for their dancing 7nights a week. Randol's is known to play some of the best Zydeco dancing music around. The rustic-looking restaurant also has its mascot a -fake- gator you are more than welcome to take your picture on after tearing up the dance floor. The perfect local spot for anyone.
The Music of Frenchman Street in New Orleans is, unlike anything you have ever moved your body to. While Bourbon is the famous face, Frenchman is the famous music. The place locals flock to hear the good stuff, it almost doesn't matter where you go into, there isn't a bad venue. In fact, some tourists and locals spend most -if not all of their time on the street and not in one venue. The perfect New Orleans vibe with the music and warm southern air dancing in the street doesn't get much more freeing or relating than that.
Red Stick Social in Baton Rouge is one of the newer ideas in live music venues; a great place with an intimate setting. Aside from being a live music venue Red Stick Social focuses on the social part; grab a cup of coffee, connect with a group of friends, need to get some things off your to-do list, this is the perfect place. Anchored in all the basic needs like local favorites for dining, the ambiance options are endless, outside seating that is covered – or not!- a beer garden and rooftop patio. All the food choices: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the most important Sunday brunch, and the one you always need as an out-of-towner – the late-night nosh session. This place is sealed to perfection with a bowling alley. A must-play type of place in Baton Rouge.
Take the Day - with its balmy weather most of the year, being outside is almost a requirement!
San Francisco Plantation in Garyville is set on the bank of the Mississippi River and is by far the most ostentatious of the plantations still standing. Set in a distinct creole opulence both in design and architecture it’s hard to imagine the wealth that the owners had in its heyday. Set on the famous River Road that houses a few other plantations in the area (all within about 45 minutes) the drive to the grounds is lovely. A great way to spend some time outside and out of the city enjoying rich Louisiana history.
Lake Martin in Lafayette is owned by the Nature Conservatory and is open all year long, free of charge. Set in the heart of Cajun and Creole Country the theme seems to be a very French saying which means "let the good times roll." Which here means gliding along the lake in a vessel of your choosing amid gorgeous and romantic moss-draped trees. A nesting place for alligators and birds alike the opportunity to see wildlife is high. Spend a day getting back to nature.
Located in New Orleans, Audubon Park is set along the hard-to-pronounce until you hear a local say it, Tchoupitoulas Street the city municipal park is a gem. With a zoo, an aquarium, nature center, golf, and children's section modeled after Alice in Wonderland it’s hard to imagine New Orleans without part of a day or two spent strolling along with the parks. With beautiful and opulent fountains and playgrounds galore, Audubon is a great reprieve from the business the city can hold. Perfect for the traveler wanting a real and affordable experience the park is fully accessible but the open-air New Orleans Streetcars.
The last authentic steamboat on the Might Mississipp’, Steamboat Natchez out of Port New Orleans will make anyone feel like a Southern Belle or Dapper Gentleman. With jazz cruises options for the day, night, and Sunday brunch any antebellum ambiance can be had. With craft cocktails and a toe-tapping good time, the two-hour cruise will seem like it’s over in a snap. Seeking all the traditional and of-era pomp and circumstance, stepping aboard the Natchez will have the captain barking orders and the calliope tweeting sweet sounds into the air. A fun way to get on the water the long-standing Louisiana river ride will leave you wanting more.
Rest Your Weary (and Happy!) Feet - Louisiana is full of hospitality here are a few stays that will make anyone come back for more!
The Southern Hotel in Covington is everything you want in a deep south hotel, modern, classic and unique. Designed with all the modern amenities it's sprinkled with classic four-poster beds, monogrammed linens, and small southern touches. Chic and regal the sleek furniture has a midcentury modern and French colonial feel all at the same time. If you want to step into today’s southern luxury this is the place to rest your head.
John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen is quaint and perfect and like staying with a friend, who happens to be very very good at hosting. In Washington, set with authentic antiques and gorgeous heavy draped windows and French doors everywhere, the hardwood and chandeliers seem to be plucked right for this colonial Creole house. Such perfect southern hospitality will await you that mint0juleps await you on your check-in along with small snacks. Feel free to dine with the Guesthouse namesake and chef or simply sit back and listen to the tales of the early lives and social escapades of those who first settled the land.
L'Auberge in Baton Rouge is opulent Louisiana elegance at its best. The beds are piled high with decadent fabrics and most rooms overlook the Mighty Mississippi. An entertainment mecca the hotel has an on-sight casino and rooftop pool to take the edge of the Louisiana humidity. This four-star hotel has friendly and helpful staff to cater to any request you may have.
Step back into the opulence and history of the deep southern roots of Louisiana when you stay at St Francisville Inn. A truly unique stay, and the only boutique hotel in the area you, the French and American décor will transport even the most current of travelers to a slower pace with the large, moss-draped oak trees.
Louisiana can almost always beckon someone to its strong southern roots and rich storied history. The weather is almost always wonderful and the fun that travels have goes much further beyond the streets of its compelling French Quarter; it just may be time for a trip!
Links:
Southernhotel.com
Lbatonrouge.com
Nottoway.com
Randols.com
Neworleans.com
Redsticksocial.com
Steamboatnatchez.com
audubonnatureinstitute.org
creoleguesthouse.com
