This is My Louisiana!

If you agree that “getting there is half the fun,” we encourage you to visit our regions on one of Louisiana’s Scenic Byways – roadways throughout the state that connect communities and cultures unsurpassed in hospitality and charm. Come see the grand plantations of Louisiana’s Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Explore Louisiana’s Outback, otherwise known as the Creole Nature Trail. It’s so spectacular that it’s been designated an “All-American Road.” Located along the trail, three national wildlife reserves, Sabine, Cameron Prairie and Lacassine, offer fishing, wildlife spotting and birding opportunities. If you’re an avidor even a casual birder, check out the America’s Wetland Birding Trail. Twenty-six loops include more than 250 prime birdwatching spots throughout Louisiana.

History buff? The Cane River Heritage Area near Natchitoches presents the Creole social and plantation history of Central Louisiana with 62 historical structures in impressive plantation settings. And we’re proud to announce that one of our heritage areas has recently received national designation: The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area encompasses the largest river swamp in the nation and is a natural treasury of nature, culture and history.

The African American Heritage Trail’s churches, museums and historic sites tell the tales of fascinating people who helped shape Louisiana. Of course, no trip through the Bayou State would be complete without sampling the delicious and unique cuisine. Seven Louisiana Culinary Trails cover restaurants and food shops that serve up everything from gumbo and sausage to meat pies and catfish.

While traveling our byways, take some time to visit our Main Street Communities along the way. New Iberia, we’re pleased to tell you, has just been designated an “All-American Main Street.” Come sit in the shade of ancient live oaks at stately homes like Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation.

Natchitoches received 2005 National Trust’s “America’s Dozen Distinctive Communities” designation. The Natchitoches Historic District is a mixture of late 18th-century, 19th-century and Victorian architecture. The city itself, the oldest permanent settlement in the state, actually dates from 1714. Bastrop’s historic downtown, in the northern part of the state, is anchored by the restored 1914 Parish Courthouse and Rose Theater.

St. Francisville is a charming town and is home to “America’s most haunted house,” The Myrtles. And Covington, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, has a lot of new trendy restaurants and shops to explore. From quaint towns to
funky urban centers, Louisiana has an eclectic mix of communities to visit, each charming in its own way.

Enjoy Main Street Communities all year ’round or join us in November for a statewide celebration of Louisiana art, music, food and architecture at Main to Main: A Cultural Road Show. For a calendar of events, visit louisianamaintomain.org. ...

Read the Digital Edition: Louisiana Official Tour Guide 2009

2009 Official Louisiana Tour Guide
Bobby Jindal, Governor
Mitch Landrieu, Lieutenant Governor
Pam Breaux, Secretary, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism

Louisiana Department of Culture,
Recreation and Tourism
1-800-99-GUMBO,
www.louisianatravel.com

Welcome to Louisiana
Our state has always been known as a wonderful place to visit, and in the past three years Louisiana has made significant progress in our recovery. In fact, the locals will tell you we are back in business. We possess a rich, unique and authentic culture known throughout the world. We are home to Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco and Rockabilly.

Okra gumbo, meat pies and boudin. Creole cottages, wrought iron balconies and majestic plantations. The Atchafalaya, cypress swamps and, of course, the Mississippi River. Our vibrant arts community, museums showcasing local and national history and state parks that highlight our natural beauty offer experiences for every taste.

We want to invite you to come enjoy the things we do every day. There is nothing we love more than having company. Come for a visit and let us show you what hospitality is all about.

Make our Louisiana your Louisiana. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Mitch Landrieu
Lieutenant Governor

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