Entree Louisiane!

Discover Your Louisiana!

Part One: New Orleans and the North Shore

By Danny L. Young

World travelers are often the last to know about or experience what is right in their own backyard. Here in Louisiana we are blessed with many historical, cultural and recreational opportunities worthy of any travelers’ attention and now is an excellent time to explore our own state.

Following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Louisiana has been trying to rebound economically and reclaim the visitor market share it enjoyed prior to the storms. Millions of dollars have been spent on advertising to bring tourists back to our state, but it will take time to overcome the images that the world saw for months on television and the Internet.

Weekend getaways to nearby places and week long tours of different areas of Louisiana will surprise many and help bolster our state’s economy. Summer gets competitive and that means it is a good time for travel bargains in Louisiana. In coming issues we will explore our state with recommendations on what to see and do all across the Bayou State.

New Orleans

The No. 1 tourist attraction in Louisiana is still New Orleans.

Most tourist areas are back and open for business. Not only do they provide a quality experience, but they are also not as crowded now, or as expensive. Much has been made of rising crime in the Crescent City, but like any other big city, if you stay in populated, well-lighted areas you should not see that side of the Big Easy.

Hotel rates in the French Quarter and Central Business District are as reasonable as ever and interstate properties are even more economical. There is nothing to compare to a visit to the D-Day Museum or the Aquarium downtown, then a streetcar ride up St. Charles Avenue to the Audubon Zoo with a cruise back downtown on a Mississippi River boat.

Some of the finest restaurants in the world are in New Orleans and all you really have to do is select your favorites or pick a few new ones you’ve only heard about. Live entertainment is making its way back to the clubs and no matter how old you are – the French Quarter is always good for a night of memories that can’t be matched anywhere else.

North Shore

Years ago wealthy New Orleanians would summer on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The fresh air and country atmosphere that attracted them still makes it a special place for couples or families. Covington has a unique historical downtown with shops and bistros to explore and Old Mandeville has its share of charming boutiques and eateries awaiting the unsuspecting visitor.

Global Wildlife near Folsom is home to hundreds of exotic animals roaming freely in the compound traversed by tour trams daily. The Pearl River Swamp on the Louisiana-Mississippi state line offers a number of excellent swamp tours and ecoadventures with affordable lodging in Slidell and an interesting downtown area called Old Towne.

Madisonville is a cute little river town on the Tchefuncte with several marvelous museums, the Otis House at Fairview-Riverside State Park, and the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of old time Madisonville. Two of the top restaurants on the North Shore are a block apart on the riverfront.

Abita Springs

In Abita Springs the Abita Brew Pub offers samples from the local beer maker, the UCM Museum and a couple of other outstanding restaurants, the Abita Café and the Longbranch. Nearby is Insta-Gator Alligator Ranch and Hatchery, which is a great trip for the kids, while Pontchartrain Vineyards can entertain the adults.

If you decide to go to New Orleans or the North Shore visit their Web sites for details and planning help. New Orleans information is also available at www.neworleansinfo.com and the North Shore is found at www.LouisianaNorthshore.com.

For information on all of Louisiana visit the state Web site at www.louisianatravel.com.

In the next issue we will visit Louisiana’s famed Cajun Country!