Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Classes & Workshops

August 30, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

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. New Orleans School of Cooking

524 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130-2118 +1 504-620-9252 http://www.neworleansschoolofcooking.com
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7,515 reviews

New Orleans School of Cooking

We teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget. Fun is a primary ingredient in our kitchen! Our Cajun / Creole experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines, seasoning them with history, trivia and tall tales! We offer demonstration classes and hands-on classes daily! DEMONSTRATION CLASS: Watch, learn & eat! Sit back and enjoy watching our skilled, entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal for you while learning about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine - enjoy all the demonstrated items, as well as local Abita beer with your meal! HANDS ON CLASS: Cook & eat an authentic Louisiana meal! In this highly interactive class, our guests prepare a complete dinner with one of our expert chefs, and afterwards they are able to sit down and enjoy the meal they have just created. Served with red & white wine.

Reviewed By ebeeson - Darwen, United Kingdom

Great class learnt a lot Pat was amazing she has so much knowledge food was great super tasty what fab couple hours

2. Chef John Folse Culinary Institute

107 Gouaux Hall Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70310-0001 +1 985-449-7100 http://www.nicholls.edu/culinary/bistro-ruth
Excellent
92%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Chef John Folse Culinary Institute

3. Purple Penguin Art Company

702 W 3rd St, Thibodaux, LA 70301-3020 +1 985-446-0700 http://www.purplepenguinartcompany.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Purple Penguin Art Company

4. Crescent City Cooks

201 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130-2214 +1 504-529-1600 http://www.crescentcitycooks.com
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 289 reviews

Crescent City Cooks

Reviewed By MVBrady

Our group of spouses and guests of attendees of a meeting had a wonderful time learning to make our wonderful New Orleans-style lunch of vegetarian and non-veg jambalaya as well as crawfish étouffée, and bananas foster for dessert! Coordinating our private class with the staff was more than pleasant, as they were always available, helpful, and communicative in the weeks leading up to and during our visit. Would definitely do it again! Thanks for a great experience!

5. Mardi Gras School of Cooking

519 Wilkinson St Ste 101, New Orleans, LA 70130 +1 504-344-3977 [email protected] http://www.themardigrasschoolofcooking.com/hands-on-classes
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 231 reviews

Mardi Gras School of Cooking

Hands on Cajun and Creole Cooking Class. Right in the French Quarter. Come cook and eat with us. You will do all the cutting, prep work and cooking. You will learn great tips and tricks while learning about the history of cooking in New Orleans.

Reviewed By joy955 - O'Fallon, United States

Chef Conner was awesome. My 15 year old and I had the sauces class and he kept it educational, lively, funny and delicious. Come hungry! Have new techniques to work on, new recipes and new appreciation for southern cuisine.

6. New Orleans Photo Shoots

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

New Orleans Photo Shoots

Hi, I'm Crystal. I've been a photographer for over 15 years. Whether you're a visitor or a local I want to explore New Orleans with you, letting the city & all it has to offer to inspire us so, we can create wonderful photos, capturing memories to be cherished for years to come.

7. Langlois

1710, New Orleans, LA 70116-1933 +1 504-934-1010 [email protected] http://www.langloisnola.com
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 404 reviews

Langlois

We're hosting live cooking shows, private events and so much more!! Now we can travel to your airbnb, vrbo or private home. We also host small events for under 10 guests in our space. We are taking the show on the road all over New Orleans. Local restaurants, festivals, street fairs and even private homes. Please email us for more information about our public and private events. Think of Langlois as a traveling food show - we bring the best of New Orleans cuisine and Louisiana cooking to you. Our trained chefs are storytellers, food nerds, Louisiana natives, and culinary historians who make every event memorable, fascinating, and fun. We take guests on a journey through the history and ingredients of Louisiana's unique food culture, and our demonstrations explore all of the influences in Creole and Cajun cooking. Check out our facebook page for information on our public offerings and free demonstrations. Private bookings available upon request.

Reviewed By kayleighbaig2786 - Riverhead, United States

On our Culinary Vacation in New Orleans I booked a private in Home class, although I’d call it more of an experience, with Amy. She was absolutely fantastic. I am personally a chef myself but love to take classes or lessons with other Chefs to gain new ideas, experiences and meet others in the culinary world. I must say that the 3 hours spent together with Amy and my family wasn’t nearly enough to get inside of Amy’s brain and really see all of her talents and attributes in the culinary world. She is super knowledgeable when it comes to New Orleans cuisine and it’s history, she also has a broad view of different ways to prepare different dishes, giving me an immense amount of inspiration and ideas to take back home to my kitchen with me, all while teaching us the basics and variations of New a Orleans Gumbo. If you’re looking for a fun and creative cooking experience Amy is the way to go!

8. Rosetree Blown Glass Studio

446 Vallette St, New Orleans, LA 70114-1152 +1 504-366-3602 [email protected] http://www.rosetreegallery.com
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Rosetree Blown Glass Studio

Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery specializes in the creation of blown art glass in the Venetian style of furnace work. One of the largest contemporary art glass galleries in the South. 99% of the work in our gallery is created in our in-house studio. Watch masters of the glassblowing art manipulate molten glass using two-thousand year old methods. We are just a short 8 block walk from the Algiers/Canal Street Ferry terminal through a bucolic neighborhood. Stroll the quiet streets of the second-oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. See our gorgeous houses and churches and stop for an adult beverage at one of our top-rated bar rooms. The Ferry does not take passenger cars anymore, although some GPSes will try and take you on it. If you want to drive to the studio, please call for directions. The charge for pedestrians on the Ferry is $2 each way. We are open M-F 10:00-5:00 with a lunch break 12:30-1:30. Please call for Saturday hours. Call us to ask about our hands on classes!

Reviewed By L77WYjenniferh

You HAVE to check out this studio in Algiers Point! Just a quick trip across the river, you'll find the most beautiful views of the city, some amazing food, and this absolute gem in the Algiers Point community: Rosetree Blown Glass Studio. Shop for beautiful, one-of-a kind pieces or give yourself the ULTIMATE treat of participating in one of Mark's regular "Blow Your Own" events. What an incredible experience! Mark is a fantastic teacher who leads you the process of creating your very own piece. It is absolutely fascinating to see the whole process from start to finish, and I loved how "hands-on" it was. The entire Rosetree team is also incredibly friendly and welcoming; it feels like an afternoon hanging out with old friends in one of the cities most beautiful neighborhoods. You don't want to miss this! I've already signed up for my next event.

9. Pole Perfect Fitness

333 Canal St Ste 380 Inside Downtown Fitness, New Orleans, LA 70130-1108 +1 504-684-1054 [email protected] http://www.poleperfectfitness.com
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Pole Perfect Fitness

A Pole Perfect Fitness pole dancing lessons is a must do attraction for the ladies only in wonderful New Orleans! Pole dancing lessons are a very popular convention activity, bachelorette party, birthday parties and any ladies night out event.

10. Paint Dat New Orleans

933 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116-3030 +1 504-342-2177 [email protected] http://paintdatneworleans.com
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Paint Dat New Orleans

Paint Dat New Orleans is a locally owned business serving guests to New Orleans, locals and corporations. A unique and fun experience painting "en plein air" helps you discover the "artist within you". With some guidance and encouragement, and no experience required,you paint what you want to paint from the inspiration of New Orleans parks and history. All supplies provided.

Reviewed By pripripop

Gloria was flexible and accommodating host, and our entire party had a fabulous time! We met in City Park, where she thoughtfully surprised us with king cake. Gloria did a wonderful job talking us through the process of choosing what we would paint, and it was a relaxing experience, even for those of us who had never painted before. Everyone appreciated choosing their own subject, as that's usually not the norm in beginner painting classes. She had everything set up and ready for us in the perfect location and it was overall just a wonderful experience. After we finished, Gloria let us take some of her own beautiful art pieces home. Everyone thought it was very unique and memorable, and I'm very glad to have stumbled across her Facebook page. This was a much different experience than any Painting with a Twist type class, and that's a good thing! Absolutely beautiful way to start the day, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to have a relaxing encounter with their artistic side.

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