Author: Image provided by The Charles L. Franck Studio Collection at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Acc no. 1979.325.5862

Louisiana Island Adventure

It’s one of the most intriguing and a surreal experience that Mother Nature has to offer in Louisiana – plus, it’s a national treasure. The Chandeleur Islands, a 50-mile long chain of uninhabited barrier islands, are part of the second oldest national…

Houma: How Sweet She Is!

There’s no question you’ve entered some place special when you drive down south into Houma, which lies in the coastal parish of Terrebonne.  Its one-of-a-kind topography is riddled swamplands, bayous, and wetlands; hence its title “Louisiana’s Bayou Country” is apropos. …

The (Tunica) Hills are Alive

Louisiana is home to one of the most natural geological marvels around, especially unlike anything you would expect to find in our state. It’s a feast for the eyes and can be discovered deep within the Tunica Hills in West Feliciana…

Washington’s Treasure Trove

It’s easy to imagine the town of Washington, Louisiana in its heyday, when it was a bustling steamboat port transporting goods and cattle to New Orleans from Cajun Country via Bayou Courtableau. Most of the town is listed on the National…

Cajun Riviera

  For more than half-a-century, Holly Beach has been known as "the poor man’s paradise" – hence its longstanding nickname the ‘Cajun Riviera.'  Families who are part of those ‘generations past’ who’ve made memories here still call it the ‘Cajun Riviera’,…

Affair with Los Islenos

  You don’t have to travel overseas to experience the authentic culture of the Spanish Canary Islands. You can do just that right here in America, and even better, in the multi-cultural state of Louisiana.  Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish is home…

Eagle Watch in the Pelican State

Admirers of the American bald eagle are flocking to the bayous and lakes in and around Morgan City to get an eyeful of this majestic bird in action This is the time of year the nation’s emblem bird is busy…

Port Fourchon, A Recreational Gateway

  It’s the southernmost point of Louisiana that’s reachable by automobile, a world unto itself: Port Fourchon. This massive coastal seaport, which sits at the mouth of Bayou Lafourche and the Gulf of Mexico, is somewhat reminiscent of a scene…

Magic of Marksville, Part II

  It’s been described as the Shangri-La for Native Americans, and could easily take credit for the state’s motto, “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Marksville, Louisiana, located in the center of the state, is a playground for outdoor lovers and promises an experience like no…

Magical Marksville, Part I

  Marksville, Louisiana oozes natural beauty. The city could easily take credit for the state’s motto: “Sportsman’s Paradise,” because of its astonishing playground for outdoor lovers. Couple that flora and fauna lure with its one-of-a-kind Louisiana history, and you can have an…

Louisiana’s Aurora Borealis

“It’s something to see at least once in your life.  You get goosebumps, and you’ll see some people with tears in their eyes because it is a sight to behold,” goes the soft Cajun accent of Elaine Bourgeois Brack.  The…

The Winter Wonderland of Natchitoches

There are few who wouldn’t want to experience an award-winning Louisiana Christmas tradition, especially one that has drawn hundreds of thousands to the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. If you have never experienced the Christmas season in…

Twin City Christmas

Make your way to the twin cities of Shreveport-Bossier this Christmas season for a truly one-of-a-kind, fun-filled and unforgettable experience for everyone. Among the myriad of Christmas festivities is the iconic Christmas in Roseland, a tradition in northwest Louisiana for…

Historic Hunter’s Retreat

Just as American pioneer Jim Bowie did, you, too, can take a boat ride to Giles Island. Only when he visited, back in 1827, the island was merely a wide sandbar in the middle of the Mississippi River. Today, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts…

Destination Gumbo

When a chill hits Louisiana’s thick, humid air, gumbo pots begin to simmer all across this culturally-rich state.  While the ingredients and the thickness may vary some from region to region, one thing remains: it’s traditional intrinseque magic that deeply ties all…

If Walls Could Talk

One of the most historic, colorful and story-filled sites in New Orleans can be found inside a hotel. Standing in the heart of the French Quarter, for nearly two centuries, is the iconic Orleans Ballroom, which is part of the…

River Parish Murder Mystery

It’s a ‘whodunnit’... only guests can solve. Iberville Parish is the site of a one-of-a-kind murder mystery dinner that, for the past five years, has intrigued and entertained visitors from all over the world.  Organizers of the Murder Mystery Dinner…

Basking in Bastrop

It could be the closest thing to viewing the exploding fall color foliage of New England, only it’s in Bastrop, Louisiana. This time of year, the northeastern corner of our state – specifically, the area around Bayou Bartholomew – can offer…

Charming Covington

There is something storybook-like about downtown Covington, Louisiana, which oozes Southern charm. From its age-old cottages filled with treasures to its picket fences and moss-draped trees, it can feel as though you’ve been dropped into the cinematic scene of "Steel Magnolias," only…

The Grand Dame of Louisiana

While Louisiana is riddled with plantations, especially along the mighty Mississippi River, the grand dame of them all – the largest plantation in the entire South – is Nottoway Plantation and Resort. This sprawling, majestic “White Castle” and its 15 acres of…

It’s Not Their First Rodeo

If you haven’t experienced a legendary Angola Prison Rodeo, you are missing out on a real Louisiana experience, which has been touted as the “Wildest Show in the South.” The Angola Prison Rodeo is one of the longest-running prison rodeos, and…

Bogalusa Magic

There’s certainly a lot of natural beauty and spirit oozing out of the small historic mill town of Bogalusa, Louisiana. “We are showing the world we have magic here,” exclaims Malinda White, founder and producer of the award-winning Bogalusa Blues…

River Retreat

On the banks of the Vermilion River in the heart of Lafayette lies a world-class oasis – River Ranch. This sprawling village drips in a stunning array of Caribbean, European, and Colonial architecture and offers some of the finest shops, restaurants,…

Rollin’ on the River

The Vermilion River – the historic lifeblood of Cajun country, which extends 70 miles as it traverses through the heart of Acadiana – is a geological rarity, dripping in history. Unlike many rivers, the Vermilion is unusual because it is a tidal river and…

Louisiana, The Historical ‘Trail’s End’ to Bonnie and Clyde

The world is still intrigued by the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, lovers who were destined to die together – and did – in northern Louisiana. Gibsland, Louisiana, located nearly midway between Shreveport and Monroe, was the duo’s last stop before they…

Lake Charles Repose

Surrounded by the Calcasieu River and the Port of Lake Charles is an oasis for relaxation. While there are loads of fun things to do and see in Lake Charles, L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles is a destination in and…

Jennings’ Treasure Trove

While you may not strike oil, in the town known as the "Cradle of Louisiana Oil," chances are you will find a treasure or two, or even three. (Fact: The reason Jennings was named the "Cradle of Louisiana Oil" is because…

The Science Behind Shreveport

If you are fascinated by the world of science, a visit to the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area will surely satisfy your yearning for fascinating discoveries. In fact, it’s home to some of the most captivating displays of science in the…

Delving into West Monroe’s Dynasty

There’s a lot more to West Monroe than being the home base of the famous American reality TV series "Duck Dynasty."  While droves of "Dynasty" fans continue to make their way to this northeastern Louisiana town, the fact is the…

Swept Away by Grand Isle

When you’ve got some of the best fishing, softest beaches and hypnotizing surf right off the coast of Louisiana, who needs anywhere else? Adding to its allure, Grand Isle oozes a presence unlike any place on earth – and is chock full…

Treasures in the Heart of the Rice Belt

"Welcome to the Rice Capitol of America!" That’s the proud title the prairie town of Crowley has aptly earned and, rest assured, almost everything here revolves around rice. Early pioneers harvested rice in Crowley with the intention of creating the town’s…

Moonlight Serenade: Downtown Baton Rouge

After decades of being a near ghost town – aside from its active political scene – there’s no question that Downtown Baton Rouge is having a revival.  It’s as if it has returned to its heyday, a time when the…

Antebellum Return

With the allure of the Hollywood epic, coupled with the historical worldliness of a fairytale, there’s no chance Oak Alley would leave a visitor with anything but awe. The near 200-year-old homestead is unparalleled to any place in America and…

Beyond a Sportsman’s Paradise

For a journey unlike any other in the state, head to Union Parish in north central Louisiana where you will be swept away by all it has to offer. It’s a journey that will please even the most discerning of travelers.…

Audubon Hideaway

Experience New Orleans’ French Quarter via historic accommodations, carriage rides and the city’s many museums