Spending four days in NOLA and wanted to head out of town for 2-3 days where we (man & woman 50-ish) can explore, see cool towns, be a local, eat fabulous food, stay in an amazing place and then... head back to the airport completely jazzed about Louisiana.

Where do you suggest we go, what to see, where to stay, for how long and most importantly, please tell us what NOT to do or pass on. Timing is end of March, 2017. We are foodies, love the best, into art, photography, jazz, blues, people, events, will rent a car after New Orleans.

If you have links send them over. Thanks, y'all. (We are practicing a little Southern, being from California, gotta get in the groove).

Don't act like a "damn Yankee" and don't tell them you voted for Hillary.
The 2 or 3 day driving route I like would be east on I-10 to Gulfport, MS then north on US 49 through Hattiesburg to Jackson. From Jackson west on I-20 to Vicksburg then south on US 61 to Natchez. In the Natchez area see the Antebellum homes. Continue on 61 down through the delta into Louisiana though Baton Rouge to get back to New Orleans.
Are you doing a one way car rental out of New Orleans?
To get back to California, either fly or take a train (my preference).

I'd head for Cajun country; we spent several days in that area after NOLA.

Well, shucks, this is mighty fine of you, thanks for taking the time to reply... keep it comin' folks.

As you're into music, you might want to extend Tom's trip to Memphis TN via I55, then follow US 61 down through Clarksdale, MS, to Vicksburg, Natchez, then to St. Francisville, LA, to Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Leave enough time at the end of the trip to see one or more of the plantations along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and NOLA.

Cajun country is a good option - we went to New Iberia/Breaux Bridge as a side trip from New Orleans several years ago and it was a lot of fun. We took a swamp tour on Lake Martin, checked out the Jungle Gardens on Avery Island (also home to the Tabasco plant, which we visited as well), wandered around a few towns, visited the the Shadows on the Teche plantation on Bayou Teche.

Why would you consider anything but a trip to Cajun country where you can (or so I hear; my trip is next month but I sent friends on the same trip last year and they loved it) eat well and hear great, live music and attend tapings for the radio stations?

Maybe this thread has some info for you:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ew-orleans.cfm

Good ideas and much thanks. Anyone want to chime in with the best places to eat now in NOLA and surroundings... off the beaten track or just plain amazing?

We had a great on Saturday morning at Fred's in Mamou, LA.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...Louisiana.html

The list of good places to eat in NOLA is very long, but we (after a refugee from Katrina tipped us off) always stop at Drago's Seafood at the Hilton Riverside for some chargrilled oysters.

My thread, linked above, discusses restaurants. I did a lot of reading and came up with this list for myself. I have booked them for an upcoming visit of 4 nights. Note that it does not include the old-line famous places.

HERBSAINT
SHAYA
KENTONS
PECHE