Louisiana in January

[Gauke]

We are planning a January trip to Louisiana. I know - it's a big state but would love to have some ideas on places to visit, etc. I've been doing some research and would like to visit some of the plantations. Will also probably end up in New Orleans before heading back to NC. Planning on being gone about 3 weeks but that's flexible. Suggestions?

[Gauke]

I have tried several times to send a thank you but couldn't get it to post. Hopefully this will go through. If you have any questions about our trip please let me know. https://galewalton.wordpress.com/ is a somewhat description. Thanks to all!

[PetVet]

Take a look at Fountainebleu state park in Mandeville.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Louisiana is kind of two states in one.

South of US-190 / Opelousas is Cajun country, and most of the post so far have been about that area. It is fantastic fun, and really different from any other area in the US.

North is a hilly woodland, with big farms along the Mississippi. Some very nice state parks, and interesting cities. Natchitoches is the gem of that region. Some really nice tours and such.

In my view, the best plantation homes are in Natchez, Mississippi. For one thing, they are close together, easy to see several. They were the homes of plantation owners, who commuted across the Mississippi River to the huge farms in Louisiana. Many of those farms are still in operation today. It is an amazing drive along US 425 or US 65 when the cotton is near harvest.

[Linda_VA2]

We enjoyed the Tabasco factory years ago. As soon as you hit the parking lot the aroma is fantastic. It is on Avery Island and the tour is really interesting. We love Louisiana. We stayed two times at the Coushatta Casino campground. Very reasonable, as they want you to gamble, but the facilities are excellent and they will provide shuttle to the casino and restaurants there.

[sele]

Enjoy we are in New Orleans about every other year something there just feels right for us. Park in a parking lot in the French quarter and use the trolley, A much easier way to get around. There is the open air market and Jackson square. Don't miss café Dumond and the city has great ghost tours if you like that sort of thing. The street music is excellent. Have Fun

[Charlie_D_]

Get a King Cake and don't forget the Muffaletta at Central Grocery near the produce market.

[Gauke]

Again, thanks everyone. Approaching Mobile now. New Orleans tomorrow and then the state! Woohoo!

[Kit_Carson]

magnusfide wrote:
Double ditto on Lafayette/Abbeville. Also Opelousas for plantation hopping.
Great Cajun culture/food/fun in those areas and excellent for immersion in all things Cajun.

Stop in the town of Eunice, Lousiana's Prairie Cajun Capital. It's just northwest of Lafayette. Find some Zydeco music and learn to dance to it. It's easy and great entertainment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO4LeqIlMq4

Cowboy boots and hats are a plus. :C

If you make it to Abbeville you must go to SHUCKS to enjoy some great Cajun food. This place specializes in oysters, hence the name!!

[littlemo]

Visit Avery Island:
Tabasco Capitol

[littlemo]

Dick_B wrote:
Do a Google search for `Louisiana tourism' and read what the experts recommend.

LOL. The experts are right here on this forum. Just my opinion!

[gft]

to Gauge..coincident, I grew up around Kinston, heading to Lafayette in February.

[Charlie_D_]

If you get to Louisiana early enough they may still have the Christmas lights in Natchitoches. Incredible lights that light up the town and bayou. Get a meat pie at one of the local diners. The town is where they filmed Steel Magnolias a local brochure will direct you to the houses they used.

[Gauke]

Oh my goodness - thank you all very much. Back to the computer now to research all of the tips you given me. You are so kind to take time to respond to my query! Merry Christmas.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Charlie D. wrote:
Lamar-Dixon in Gonzales puts you slightly below Port Allen and the beginning of the plantation tours. Outlet malls and Cabela next to Lamar-Dixon. There is a small park in Convent that will put you almost in the middle of the plantation routes. Plantations are on both sides of the river.

If you stay in Gonzales go to Sammi's at corner of Jefferson and Hwy 61 at Praireiville. Excellent Muffaletas and seafood. Also Mike Anderson's at the hotel-sorry can't remember the name-on Burnside/Hwy 30 south of I-10. I love the stuffed shrimp with crab meat. Ralph and Kacoo's in Baton Rouge. I lived in Gonzales for 30 years and the food-especially seafood-is as good as you will find in N.O..

Check out RVParkreviews.com for others.

I thought Ralph and Kacoos went downhill? I've been away a long time.

OP: Do some general reading and fire away questions.

One tip is Louisiana food is very regional. Know what you need to eat in each location. Even sausage is regional. Andouie in New Orleans and smoked sausage in Acadiana (Lafayette Region).

New Orleans: seafood gumbo, shrimp or oyster poboy, mufaletta, red beans & rice. Any of these at mom and pops. I could give recomendation if you want.

Upscale NOLA: lots of options. Commander's Palace is one of the older famous upscale restaurants but many choices. Good lunch specials at some that I won't call cheap but are affordable.

Lafayette/Opelousas/Eunice: Chicken and sausage gumbo (what I grew up on 45 miles north of Lafayette), boudin (a true local favorite), crawfish (you might get boiled in Jan but it may be early in season; can't go wrong with crawfish etouffe)

Lot's of bird watching in Louisiana if that is your thing. Estuary near Lafayette.

Lot's of state parks. Fairview in Madisonville and Fontainbleu in Mandeville (15 miles apart on north shore of Lake Ponchartrain); Chicot State Park north of Lafayette but not sure it's a great January option.

Nottoway and Twelve Oaks are famous plantations.

I'm biased to South Louisiana but Natchitoches is a wonderful town in North Louisiana. Oldest settlement in the state. Quaint shops, nice riverfront, old fort, etc.