Surrounding Louisiana's largest lake, historic cities and picturesque wetlands take turns bordering the brackish water.

In this region, a rich blend of old world French, Spanish, and Cajun culture is complimented by mysterious bayous and swamps - making for fascinating tours.

Jeff Richards from the Louisiana Office of Tourism is excited about the recent launches of the African American Heritage Trail and Louisiana Culinary Trails. He also recommends a selection of activities and parks.

"The downtown areas of the little towns of Pontchatoula, Covington and Slidell offer great shopping, antique hunting, art galleries and eateries."

"Another lesser known offering for adventure seekers on the Northshore is the Tammany Trace, a scenic 31-mile recreational corridor for pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, rollerbladers, and joggers," says Richards.

Inspired architecture in New Orleans' French Quarter

"Visitors can also visit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, which has exhibits on boat building and on the role that regional maritime resources played in Louisiana and the nation," says Richards.

Sights in Southern Louisiana

Abita Brewing Company
Microbrew fans can tour the oldest craft brewery in the Southeast and enjoy the accompanying Abita Brewpub.

African American Heritage Trail
Starting in New Orleans, discover centuries of African American history, ideas, art and culture that enriches Louisiana.

Tammany Trace
A multi-purpose public trail system created on a converted railroad corridor, stretching from Slidell to Covington.

Festivals and Celebrations

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival
Typically over 100 wooden luggers, trawlers, skiffs, and other types of boats ranging in size and age.

Mardi Gras
The world-famous celebration in New Orleans is costumes, beads, parades, and parties throughout the city.

Three Rivers Arts Festival
In the arts community of Covington, this festival draws acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, jewelry, and metal artists.

Richards recommends a great selection of State and National Parks in the area which offer amenities ranging from RV sites and campsites to canoeing and hiking.

"Tickfaw State Park's big draw is a nature trail that takes visitors through four distinct Louisiana ecosystems - a cypress/tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine/hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River - plus a water playground for the young and young at heart."

Richards also suggests a visit to the Barataria Preserve south of New Orleans.

"Part of the Jean Lafitte National Park System in south Louisiana, Barataria encompasses approximately 20,000 acres of hardwood forest, cypress swamp and fresh water marsh. It has nine miles of boardwalk or hard-surfaced trails and over 20 miles of waterways for exploration."

Tour Bourbon Street the old fashioned way!

Paddle softly through Bayou Country

State and National Parks

Barataria Preserve
An expanse of wetlands including bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests with wildlife including alligators, otter-like nutrias, and many species of birds.

Fairview-Riverside State Park
Features the historic Otis House, a great selection of camping options and access to the Tchefuncte River.

Fontainbleau State Park
Camping facilities including cabins and lodges, nature trails, and an old sugar mill to explore.

Tickfaw State Park
Cabin and canoe rentals with woodland trails, showcasing Pine and Cypress trees, as well as the Tickfaw River.

 

Historic New Orleans

Café du Monde
Try the traditional French flavours of coffee and chicory at a 24-hour café established in 1862.

Steamboat Natchez
Experience jazz and cajun cuisine on the Mississippi River aboard a steamboat.

National World War II Museum
The United States' official World War II Museum, featuring personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays.

RCI around Lake Pontchartrain

All 20 RCI resorts in Louisiana are located around or near Lake Pontchartrain; 17 of those are in New Orleans, aka, 'The Big Easy'. Here are the 4 Gold Crown properties in the area:

Carter Plantation Resort (#8644) 23475 Carter Trace Springfield, LA 70462 Phone: 225.294.7555 Frenchmen Orleans at 519 (#A435) 519 Frenchman Street New Orleans, LA 70116 Phone: 504.943.3100

Plaza Suites II (#6877) 2324 N. Hullen Metairie, LA 70001 Phone: 866.617.9500 The Quarter House (#3184) 129 Chartres Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: 504.523.5906

Climate and Seasons

Hurricane and storm concerns obviously dominate travellers' questions about Louisiana and other Gulf states. The region's weather is humid with frequent rain due to the sub-tropical climate. Long hot summers and short mild winters are the norm.

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes generally occur in the summer and fall, while late winter to early spring see tornados. Late spring and late fall seem to be slow periods weather-wise, but travellers should be aware of the risks in terms of encountering a storm.

In addition to variety of historical sites and parkland in Southern Louisiana, you can be sure to find live music, cajun cuisine, and unique arts in abundance. But wherever you go, be sure to take it easy and keep in step with the relaxed pace. It's a recipe for a Southern vacation experience like no other.

*Information on Southern Louisiana at en.wikipedia.org and louisianatravel.com, resort information at rci.com.

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