Cynthia Campbell - Explorers Guide Louisiana

AN EXPLORERS GUIDE

Louisiana

Southwest/Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau

AN EXPLORERS GUIDE

Louisiana

Cynthia V. Campbell

FIRST EDITION

Copyright 2012 by Cynthia V. Campbell

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages.

Interior photographs by the author unless otherwise specified.

Maps by Paul Woodward, The Countryman Press

Text and cover design by Bodenweber Design

Composition by PerfecType, Nashville, TN

Explorers Guide Louisiana

978-0-88150-980-9

Published by The Countryman Press, P.O. Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091

Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dedicated to my dear family and traveling friends,
who have never stopped looking beyond the horizon.

EXPLORE WITH US!

The entries in this first edition of Explorers Guide Louisiana are the personal recommendations of the author, an experienced travel writer and editor and a longtime resident of Louisiana. This book also includes tips from locals on the best ways to enjoy festivals, plan outdoor adventures, visit mansions and historic sites, shop for Louisiana-made arts and products, and simply have a good time. No guide can be all things to all travelers, but this book intends to help readers enjoy Louisiana and learn to love it as those of us who live here do.

This guide does all it can to include phone numbers, addresses, and basic information. Still, it is probable that by the time you read it, some of this information will have slipped out of date. For that reason, we suggest you always confirm dates and hours of operation and costs.

Here are a few notes about the organization of the book.

WHATS WHERE

At the beginning of this book is an A-to-Z listing of the basics, some highlights, and some tips that will be helpful when traveling through Louisiana. For a quick reference, youll find brief information on everything from area codes and alligators to zoos and zydeco.

Each chapter covers an area that can be easily explored from its listed inns. The chapters start with an overview, followed by general descriptions of the regional scenery.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES

This section gives details on Louisianas major cities as well as smaller communities that a visitor might enjoy exploring.

TO SEE

Worthwhile destinations may be small or large, but they must be interesting. They must be authentic and not exploitive. Your hosts may be wearing Cajun garb from past centuries, but there will be nothing put on about the dance halls and music.

GREEN SPACES

These entries describe in broad terms large city parks and giant sections of publicly accessible lands, and identify the best of the parks, recreation areas, trails, and camping spots.

TO DO

Louisiana is an outdoor playground that can be enjoyed all seasons. These entries list outside activities and include some sports that are quiet and noninvasive. The Audubon Golf Trail and the Birding Trail are among the major attractions.

LODGING

This book lists independent and historic establishments with high standards of comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality. Not every worthy establishment can be listed, but we try to provide a good selection of unique places. We make an effort to list places that are accessible to the disabled and are family friendly or pet-friendly.

WHERE TO EAT

These listings are divided into informal places, Eating Out, and formal restaurants, Dining Out. In Louisiana the distinction blurs. The listings include unique, casual cafes with gourmet menus, and historically famous restaurants that for generations have served meals fit for a king.

ENTERTAINMENT

These are places with regular entertainment. Listings include places that present authentic jazz and zydeco performed by local musicians as well as well-known and respected international artists. Also listed will be highly regarded regional theaters and regularly scheduled classical music series.

SELECTIVE SHOPPING

This section includes shops with Louisiana flair and/or unusual offerings, as well as worthwhile shopping districts.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Louisiana has more than 400 festivals every year, many celebrating the states agricultural, historical, and musical heritage. These listings include some of the most colorful and worthwhile. Also listed are major sports events that attract thousands.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

The book uses icons to denote entries with special characteristics:

	This symbol represents spots that perform above and beyond the call of duty in terms of quality, service, or unique offerings. In many cases, the symbol is used to indicate free admission.
	The crayon denotes a family friendly place that welcomes young children. Most bed & breakfasts have some restrictions or prohibit children younger than 12.
	The wheelchair is intended to note locales that either meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act or at least have ramps or paved paths.
	The dog paw indicates a place that allows petsvery unusual among boutique inns and bed & breakfasts. Most recreational vehicle (RV) sites require that pets be kept on a leash. An establishment with a dog paw might charge an extra fee or restrict pets to certain units or areas.
	This symbol represents places that arrange special weddings, such as parks, gardens, and plantation homes.
	Many sites in Louisiana are eco-friendly. The symbol denotes those that are easily accessible for children and families.
	WiFi accessible. The WiFi symbol appears beside lodgings and other establishments that provide wireless Internet access.
	Rainy day. The umbrella icon points out places where you can entertain yourself but still stay dry in bad weather.
	The martini glass icon appears next to restaurants and entertainment venues with good bars.