SIGHTS, SOUNDS, SEASONINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

Did you know? Louisiana is the only state in the country that has parishes instead of counties. That detail dates back to when it was under Roman Catholic rule, and the territories were delineated by church parishes. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the gist! With that in mind, there’s no better starting point than St. Landry Parish , where Academy of the Sacred Heart resides. It’s not only the second-oldest school in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River, it’s also the site of a Vaticanrecognized miracle. In addition to its 225-acre grounds, formal gardens and oak-lined paths, there’s an educational tour that includes Le Petit Musée and the Shrine of St. John Berchmans. Here, photo opportunities abound!

St. Landry Parish is also a great place to dip your toes into an immersive swamp adventure. Cajun Customized Excursions, led by the highly knowledgeable Captain Mark, takes groups deep into the Atchafalaya Basin where there’s an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, as well as the likelihood of spotting a few gators. This activity is best planned with smaller groups, as their maximum on their “Wood Duck” vessels is six.

Other musts in the area include the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame, Creole Heritage Folklife Center, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, NUNU Arts & Culture Collective and Savoy Music Center. The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is also not to be missed, according to our experts. Round out your visit at Bayou Teche Brewing for craft beer and live music on the weekends and a tour at Tony’s Country Store, where Tony Chachere’s Creole spice blends are made and sold.

Next, venture south to Lafayette , known as the Happiest City in America. One of the draws that’s particularly popular with groups is Vermilionville, a historic park that recreates Acadian, Creole, and Native American life from 1765 – 1890. There’s also the 20-mile Azalea Trail, which is especially stunning when in bloom starting in March, but enjoyable year-round for its historic and cultural areas and wide variety of architectural styles. To take it all in, go on a trolley or self-guided tour that runs through downtown, garden neighborhoods and university districts.

An additional point of interest is Martin Accordions, which offers tours of the shop, a musical performance, and demonstrations of the instrument that’s central to the Cajun and zydeco musical sounds. For another classic Cajun experience, visit the TABASCO® Brand Factory and Museum. They offer tours, cooking demos, and a culinary course, plus they have an on-site restaurant. While there, head over to Jungle Gardens on Avery Island to see the birds, indigenous wildlife and botanical specimens that inhabit the 170-acre expanse. Before you leave Lafayette, don’t forget to stop at Gator Cove and have a taste of Wildcat Brothers Distillery’s craft rum and cocktails.

Next on the itinerary is Pointe Coupée , which is nestled amid the glistening inland waterways of the Mississippi River, Old River and the Atchafalaya River. As a community that’s older than the state of Louisiana itself, it has a vibrant history and many attractions that tell its early stories. The Pointe Coupée Parish Museum is a great jumping off point, where groups can tour the 19th-century Parlange Plantation on the banks of False River. Julien Poydras Museum and Art Center is another favorite stop. Home to the Pointe Coupée Historical Society, the 1924 school hosts history talks and exhibits, roundtable discussions, concerts, plays, films and more.

Also recommended is the New Roads Visitor Center for its many exhibits, featuring vintage boat motors, local art, agriculture and memorabilia from New Roads’ Mardi Gras of years past. While there, hit downtown Main Street, a hotspot for shopping and dining.

From there, venture over to Baton Rouge , Louisiana’s capital city and residence of Louisiana State University. Step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum, which offers insights into 18th and 19th century Louisiana life and culture. To get a view of an authentically restored 1792 French Creole plantation home, plan a trip to Magnolia Mound, which includes a historic museum