Top Things to do in Louisiana
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10 Shopping in Louisiana That You Shouldn't Miss
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Creole Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Fremaux Town Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market
4. Sunset Rail Stop Flea Market
5. Finding Our Roots African American Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Stagen - Massachusetts, United States
The museum has a LOT of great pictures and artifacts going back to before the Civil War. There is lots of detail about anything from daily life to major events. I learned a lot as well as have a greater respect for what happened over a couple hundred years. Margie and Alvin have done a fantastic job to find and arrange everything. This is a MUST SEE if you're anywhere near Houma, and even worth a day trip from New Orleans.
6. Levee Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Levee Gallery specializes in contemporary artwork created by emerging and established regional artists. The gallery also hosts events with the goal of broadening the understanding and appreciation of visual arts and culture. Most events are free and open to the public. The gallery is open Tuesday and Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 11am-4pm and Saturday 11am-3pm or by appointment.
7. Red Stick Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By BeachBums16 - Baton Rouge, United States
Pleasantly surprised by the quality of vendors, the variety of offerings and the kindness of the people! We’ve been to a few markets, and this one is definitely one of the better ones! Be sure to check out the mushroom stand!
8. Louisiana Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
The Red River is the picturesque setting for Bossier City's unique shopping and entertainment destination, Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. Across the Red River from downtown Shreveport, the project's first phase opened in November, 2003, with the state's first Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The remainder of Boardwalk opened in May 2005 and joined a vibrant casino district nestled along the majestic riverfront for nearly a half-mile. Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets is the first lifestyle center to open in the state of Louisiana offering outlet shopping, an entertainment district and riverfront dining.
Reviewed By DeeG00408
My sister and I had a great time walking, sight-seeing, and eating at Joe's Crab Shack! We also went back the next day to see a movie. We had a great time visiting Shreveport/Bossier!
9. Lagniappe Antiques Etc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MonroeLouisiana
Lagniappe is an antique/flea market lover's paradise. There are so many booths and vendors with something for everyone. We looked and looked for a couple of hours. My husband found some silver pieces that are probably worth at least 3 times what we paid for them. I got some smaller objects, a purse (brand new with tags), a book by Hawthorne, and a sizeable Corning Ware dish to match my 1970's pattern (a piece that I have been looking for quite a while). The variety is astonishing, and the owner was even willing to call a vender to ask to negotiate a price. I believe that they are open only on Saturdays presently, but I was glad we were in town at the right time.
10. Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Killg0re - New Iberia, United States
This is a beautiful shop filled with handmade items made by people from Louisiana. Buy local and help artists to keep doing what they love.
