Spring Travel Guide 2025 by The Advocate

TRAVEL GUIDE

Spring 2025

CoastalGetawayAcadia

✜ 5 Natural Wonders within the US

✜ The Louisiana Oyster Trail

✜ Southern Music in the Spring

✜ Jefferson Parish Outdoor Adventures

✜ Louisiana Museums

✜ Best Spots to Kayak

Spring TRAVEL GUIDE

Here are five Natural Wonders within the US to satisfy your

5Spring Fever5

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

As the cozy sleepiness of winter melts away and the rivers and streams pick up steam, there is a feeling of restlessness in the air—a longing to take part in this exciting time. In the United States you are never far from wondrous landscapes that expand both heart and mind as they extend beyond the horizon.

GRAND CANYON

This spring, take a trip to the to experience one of the most stunning panoramic vistas in the world. The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no reservations are required. An entrance pass is required, and standard national park admission is $35.00 per vehicle. Whether it’s soaking in the sights from the visitor’s centers or riding a mule down the mile-deep canyon walls, there is a myriad of ways to take in the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon. More information: www.nps.gov/grca.

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

For those who prefer to be immersed in the beauty of the ocean, the views from below the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are easily accessible during the springtime months. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in the sanctuary which protects the only living coral barrier reef within the continental US. On the surface of the water, visitors also enjoy various boating activities, such as kiteboarding, fishing, and paddling. More information: floridakeys.noaa.gov.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

If the dry desertscapes of the western US have you yearning for spring blossoms, check out Acadia National Park, located in Maine. The rocky cliffs of this northeastern paradise come alive in late May and early June as wildflowers paint the stony crags with color. There is a plethora of hiking trails to enjoy with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, and for those who have an itch for nautical history there are three lighthouses to visit on park grounds. Experiencing the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is a bucket list item, as well. The most popular time to visit is June through September, but to experience a less crowded time at the park plan for the shoulder seasons which run from April to May and October to November. More information: www.nps.gov/acad

MAMMOTH CAVE

NATIONAL PARK

Within the US, wonders below the surface aren’t limited to underwater landscapes. In Mammoth Cave National Park, visitors are awed by the marvels of the cavernous underbelly of the continent. Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, is home to the longest cave system in the world, which can be explored via its various cave tours that encompass a range of skill levels. Reservations for tours are highly recommended as they often fill up weeks in advance. There are also plenty of grounds to explore above the surface, and the spring months of April through early June are the best time to visit the park due to fewer crowds, temperate weather, and the array of springtime blossoms. More information: www.nps.gov/maca

Last but certainly not least, there is nothing equal to the awe-inspiring power of a waterfall in springtime. Snow runoff from across the North American continent converges to leap from cliffs, creating striking spectacles such as the renowned Niagara Falls, which sits on the border of Canada and upstate New York. Year round, The World Changed Here Pavilion is an excellent area to experience the majesty of Bridal Veil Falls as you drench yourself in the beauty of the falls on “Hurricane Deck” or observe from a drier overlook. The Maid of the Mist also offers boat rides that bring visitors closer to the roaring waters, beginning in the month of May. More information: www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

NIAGARA FALLS

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Spring TRAVEL GUIDE

Take a trip on the Louisiana Oyster Trail! The Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. and the Louisiana Tourism Recovery Program created the Louisiana Oyster Trail in 2012. The trail is an experience focusing on Jefferson Parish restaurants serving Louisiana Oysters! Visitors and locals alike will experience local flavor, and as “lagniappe” (a little something extra) get to enjoy the whimsy of each participating restaurant’s 3-foot tall oyster sculpture hand-painted with flair by a local artist. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Louisiana flavor and flair throughout Jefferson Parish’s culinary gems.

The Louisiana Oyster Trail spans the parish, extending from restaurants in the metropolitan areas surrounding Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Grand Isle!

OysterTrail

Taste Your Way Through the Louisiana

In addition to supporting local restaurants and business owners, taking a trip along the Oyster Trail is also a great way to enjoy one of the most nutritionally well-balanced foods available. Oysters are low in fat, calories and cholesterol and high in protein, iron, calcium, potassium and several vitamins. Studies have shown they can boost metabolism, increase tissue repair and growth, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increase bone strength and improve energy.

A Seafood Lover’s Dream in Jefferson Parish

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

Presently, the Trail has 19 participating restaurants and businesses and continues to grow, which means more great oyster eateries are showcased and more Louisiana oysters are eaten in a variety of ways! The Louisiana Oyster Trail spans the parish, extending from restaurants in the metropolitan areas surrounding Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Grand Isle!

Acme Oyster House

3000 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie

Balcony Ballroom

4738 Utica Street, Metairie

Boulevard American Bistro

4241 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie

Colonial Bowling Lanes

6601 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans

Deanie’s Seafood 1713 Lake Avenue, Metairie

Don’s Seafood 4801 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

232 North Arnoult Road, Metairie

Galley Seafood Restaurant 2535 Metairie Road, Metairie

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar and Catering

435 Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House

3117 21st Street, Metairie

New Orleans Marriot Metairie at Lakeway

3838 North Causeway Boulevard, Metairie

Perino’s Boiling Pot Restaurant

3754 Westbank Expressway,

Spring TRAVEL GUIDE

Music Cities

in the Spring

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

Austin

Austin, Texas is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and rightly so. The city hosts artists from across an ever-widening range of musical genres, spanning from Americana to electronic post-punk and pop. Two major music festivals that make their home in Austin are the South by Southwest Music Festival (www.sxsw.com) and the Austin City Limits Festival (www.aclfestival. com). However, to get your daily dose of tunes this spring, check out these popular Austin venues: Broken Spoke, Antone’s Nightclub, and The Far Out Lounge & Stage.

New Orleans

New Orleans is widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz, and year-round you can dance to the rhythms that resound through the streets. Blues, bounce, indie, Dixieland, and zydeco are all revered music genres within the city. Popular venues are Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, and Snug Harbor. Every spring the city welcomes visitors from around the world to take part in the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (www.nojazzfest. com) and French Quarter Festival (www. frenchquarterfest.org).

New Orleans to Nashville Southern

Nashville

Nashville, also known as Music City, stirs the hearts of many music lovers. With nearly 200 music venues, ranging from the Grand Ole Opry to more intimate singer/songwriter paradises like Listening Room Café, there is always a place to immerse yourself in the beauty of music in Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (www. countrymusichalloffame.org), Record Store Day (recordstoreday.com), and Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Nashville (www.runrocknroll.com/nashville) are all great ways to experience Music City this spring.

Memphis

The southern city of Memphis pulses alongside the mighty Mississippi River as the home of blues, soul, and rock n’ roll. This May don’t miss the second annual RiverBeat Music Festival at Tom Lee Park overlooking the river (www.riverbeat.com). On Beale Street, visitors can get a taste of the city’s musical flavors while also grabbing a bite to eat. Iconic venues to check out are B.B. King’s Blues Club, The Rum Boogie Café, and Silky O’Sullivan’s. For lovers of music history, the legendary Sun Studio is worth a visit. Tour the studio where Elvis Presley made his first record and where so many other greats left their mark on music history (sunstudio.com).

Outdoor ADVENTURES IN JEFFERSON PARISH

The diverse region of Jefferson Parish allows you the ability to explore nature yet remain close to the action of New Orleans. In fact, the parish is just 10 minutes away from downtown! Here are some of the best ways to get outside in Jefferson Parish. Head to www.visitjeffersonparish.com/outdoors for even more ideas.

Beaches

Craving a relaxing getaway? Jefferson Parish boasts seven miles of gorgeous white sand beaches in Grand Isle. Visit Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge and see the beautiful tract of barrier beachfront located on the southwestern tip of Jefferson Parish. At the east end of Grand Isle, visit the pristine beaches of Grand Isle State Park, which include a 400-foot fishing pier, nature trails and overnight camping.

Fishing

Fishing is a year-round adventure in Jefferson Parish and with generous limits, there will be plenty to bring home. Whether saltwater or fresh — Jefferson has the perfect fishing hole for you. Bass, speckled trout and catfish are bountiful between April and June. Don’t have a boat or a reel? No problem! Hire an experienced charter boat caption for the trip of a lifetime.

Parks

Jefferson Parish is home to the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and two state parks, Grand Isle and Bayou Segnette.

The Barataria Preserve features beautiful nature trails, birding trails and a visitor center featuring a kids’ activity center, a Junior Ranger program, a bookstore, and more. Guided tours are offered.

Just a 30-minute drive from New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park has camping, boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, playgrounds, and swimming in the wave pool, as well as an ecosystem that offers you the chance to spot plants, trees, and wildlife from both swamps and marshland. Sixteen floating cabins on the canal adjacent to Bayou Segnette include two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living/dining area, and a screened-in porch overlooking the canal.

Grand Isle State Park features the last wild beach in Louisiana along with great local fishing. The pier is the only one in Louisiana that extends into the Gulf - a 900-foot-long public fishing pier with a nearby fish-cleaning station. The camping area features 49 campsites with a nearby bathhouse with running water and an adjacent dump station. There are three miles of hiking trails with prime bird watching.

Barataria Preserve

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

Spring TRAVEL GUIDE

Enrich

your Louisiana Travel Experience with a Unique Museum Visit

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

Agreat way to explore the history of this region is to visit one of the many living history museums or a historical homes around the state. The LSU Rural Life Museum (www.lsu.edu/rurallife), located in Baton Rouge, spans 25 acres and contains 32 historic buildings to tour. Vermilionville, situated in Lafayette, also includes a living history exhibit where guests can tour seven historic homes and interact with costumed craftsmen who share demonstrations and oral histories (bayouvermiliondistrict.org/vermilionville).

SPORTS & CULTURE MUSEUMS

Sports are an important part of the state’s culture, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches is an exciting way to witness the major role sports have played in Louisiana over the years. More information: louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/louisiana-sports-hall-fame-northwestlouisiana-history-museum.

Another exemplary avenue to experience the culture of Louisiana is to enjoy a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint where exhibits celebrate the influence jazz has had on the cultural fabric of the world. Be sure to catch one of the many live performances or master classes available on site. More information: nolajazzmuseum.org.

HISTORY MUSEUMS

The Cabildo, a legendary government building which hosted the transfer ceremonies of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, is a must-see museum for anyone visiting the French Quarter. This Louisiana State Museum is located directly beside the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, and its exhibits educate visitors on monumental happenings in Louisiana, such as the Battle of New Orleans. More information: louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/ cabildo.

On the other side of the St. Louis Cathedral, an equally elegant Spanish colonial building, known as the Presbytère, also opens its doors to those interested in learning more about New Orleans. Exhibits

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

If your travel crew is down for quirky and campy roadside museum attractions, The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum, outside of Shreveport, is a perfect place for a pitstop (www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10864).

Another fascinating off-road diversion is the Abita Springs Mystery House which is situated on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. This zany collection of art, arcade games, signage, and toys is a refreshing reminder that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure (abitamysteryhouse. com).

center on the cultural phenomenon of Mardi Gras, as well as the effects Hurricane Katrina had on the city. More information: louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/ presbytere

At The National World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans, visitors can immerse themselves in the American experience of World War II. With multimedia exhibits, stirring films, and live performances, this iconic museum allows guests to experience the music, fashion, and history of the 1940s in a unique and all-encompassing way. More info: www. nationalww2museum.org.

A great way to explore the history of this region is to visit one of the many living history museums or a historical homes

ART MUSEUMS

The Ogden Museum of Art (ogdenmuseum.org) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (noma.org) curate interesting and informative art collections that treat guests to southern-focused art, as well as art from around the world. Right next door to the New Orleans Museum of Art, and also within the perimeter of New Orleans City Park, are the Besthoff Sculpture Garden (noma.org/besthoff-sculpture-garden), and the Louisiana Children’s Museum (lcm.org).

If you find yourself roaming through the Acadiana region, don’t miss out on the Hillard Art Museum (hilliardmuseum.org), located in Lafayette, or the Alexandria Museum of Art (themuseum.org).

around the state. The LSU Rural Life Museum (www.lsu.edu/rurallife), located in Baton Rouge, spans 25 acres and contains 32 historic buildings to tour. Vermilionville, situated in Lafayette, also includes a living history exhibit where guests can tour seven historic homes and interact with costumed craftsmen who share demonstrations and oral histories (bayouvermiliondistrict.org/ vermilionville).

The Whitney Plantation features a historical home and has solidified its place in south Louisiana as a museum dedicated to educating the public about the history and legacies of slavery in the United States. More information: whitneyplantation.org.

Kimberly Ha, A Family Affair, 2022 Hoa Tay (Flower Hands) Southern Artists of the Vietnamese Diaspora - Ogden Museum

Riley Hal Burriss, Don’s Bar –Regal Beer, 1945 Crescent Cityscapes Collection - Ogden Museum

Knute Heldner, French Quarter Rooftops, 1923 Crescent Cityscapes Collection - Ogden Museum

Drummer Baby Dodds The New Orleans Jazz Museum collection is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world.

The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum – Gibsland

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world.

Paddle

Kayaking

TO KAYAK IN LOUISIANA

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful way to connect with nature, an intense workout, or an exciting adventure, kayaking offers something for everyone. Here’s why kayaking is such a great activity.

A Full-Body Workout with Low Impact

Kayaking is an excellent form of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups. Paddling works your arms, shoulders, and back while engaging your core for stability. At the same time, your legs help control balance and movement. Unlike high-impact activities like running, kayaking is gentle on the joints, making it a great option for people who want to stay active without risking injury. Plus, the resistance of the water adds an extra challenge, helping to build strength and endurance.

A Fun and Accessible Way to Explore Nature

No matter where you are paddling, kayaking provides a unique perspective that you can’t get from land. It’s a fantastic way to see wildlife, from birds and fish to dolphins and sea turtles. Because kayaking is relatively easy to learn, it’s an accessible way for people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.

Great Way to Relieve Stress

Spending time on the water has been shown to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. The rhythmic motion of paddling, the sound of water lapping against the kayak, and the fresh air all contribute to a calming experience. Whether you’re paddling alone for some quiet reflection or with friends for a social outing, kayaking provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Bayou St. John, New Orleans: An easy and scenic paddle with views of historic homes, parks, and wildlife. The calm waters make it a great spot for beginners, and kayak rentals are available nearby.

Honey Island Swamp, Slidell: Paddle through cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss while spotting alligators, egrets, and turtles. Guided eco-tours are available for those who want to learn more about the ecosystem.

Atchafalaya Basin, South Louisiana: With its maze of bayous, lakes, and cypress forests, it offers a truly wild and remote paddling experience. Wildlife sightings include alligators, otters and bald eagles.

Bogue Chitto River, Franklinton: This scenic river winds through sandy banks, rolling hills, and lush forests. The gentle current makes it great for beginners, and several outfitters offer kayak rentals and shuttle services.

Cane Bayou, Mandeville: A beautiful, quiet paddle from Fontainebleau State Park to Lake Pontchartrain. You’ll see diverse wildlife, including osprey, deer, and turtles. The trip ends with stunning views of the lake.

Ready to test the waters? Bayou Adventure offers self-serve kayak rentals. (www.bayouadventure.com).