reccomended cajun vacation
 

hi could anybody tell me the best places to visit in southern louisiana i am over on vacation from england may 2003 sites, river trips,quiet towns.etc.<BR> regards Nobby

I am interested in this also. My husband and I are considering going to New Orleans next spring, and since this will be our 2nd trip, we are thinking of taking a couple days to explore southern LA. <BR><BR>On our last trip to New Orleans we took a plantation tour with Spinato Tours that took us to Laura and Oak Alley plantations, which we really enjoyed. This time we are thinking of driving the river road ourselves, checking out a couple plantations and towns along the way, then staying in Baton Rouge for the night. If anyone has a better suggestion about where to stay, let me know. <BR><BR>I have heard that Evergreen plantation and the rural history museum are very well done and worth a visit. <BR><BR>On our last trip we also took a swamp tour out in Bayou Barataria which we enjoyed. This time, after leaving Baton Rouge (or wherever we decide to stay that night) we are thinking of heading south through the Cajun country and then back to New Orleans. <BR><BR>Any recommendations on what to see, where to stay, or which route to take are greatly appreciated. <BR><BR>

Hwy 90 will take you from New Orleans to Lafayette right through the heart of Cajun country via Houma, Morgan City and New Iberia. Some of the towns are more scenic than others. You might want to do a Google (or some other) search on Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes to check out specifics for each. Other options include picking up Hwy 1 near Raceland and going south to Grand Isle or taking the road north along the river toward Baton Rouge. I would suggest Avery Island both for the flora and fauna as well at the Tabasco Bottling Plant.

Springtime is the perfect time to visit south Louisiana. Take I-l0 west toward Baton Rouge. Exit the Sunshine Bridge exit and explore several plantations on the River Road. Stop at Hymel's for boiled crawfish or take Sunshine Bridgeacross the Mississippi River and eat in Donaldsonville. Bittersweet Plantation, owned by Chef John Folse,justearned the Mobile 4 Star Rating. Once in Baton Rouge, you can visit the downtown area - Old State Capital, New State Capital, newly opened Farmers' Market, Louisiana Arts and Science Center, Rural Life Museum (a must), LSU Campus, and Magnolia Mound Plantation. Nottoway Plantation, across the River, north of Donaldonsville, is also a must. Try a day trip to the Lafayette area which is 45 minutes west on I-l0. Lafayette is truly the heart of cajun country. Avery Island would be an adventure to see the Tabasco Plant. Along the way, there are wonderful cajun french speaking towns to explore and taste the food. You could stay in Baton Rouge - new Sheraton downtown on the river, next to casinos, several Mariott's, etc. Baton Rouge has great restaurants: Juban's, Mansur's,Mike Anderson's (best casual seafood), Diguilio's (neighborhood Italian), Parrain's (neighborhood seafood), etc. South Louisiana is an adventure. Enjoy! P. S. Check out the dates of the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans in late April and May. It's an experience and I know that visitors from other areas of the world usually love it!

I like St Francisville near Baton Rouge. We stayed at the Butler Greenwood House B&amp;B there. There are several nearby places of interest. JJ Audubon did many of his bird sketches in St Francisville. A very quiet town but charming.<BR>As for Cajun, try going to Vermillionville near Lafayette. It is a restored Acadian settlement with lots of fun &amp; historical things to see &amp; do. There are tons of good places to eat in the area &amp; Spring is a beautiful time.

Thanks for all the advice!

Am just back (today)from a wonderful<BR>long weekend in New Orleans and surrounding area and must reiterate that<BR>the Nottoway Plantation is a rare treat,<BR>especially to spend the night. They greet you with Champagne upon arrival &amp; in the morning serve sweet potato muffins and coffee to the room before a full plantation breakfast is served downstairs. Most magical, tho, is the chance to step back in time and spend the night in this wonderful historic masterpiece. Laura Plantation between<BR>the Nottoway and New Orleans is a fascinating visit as well (no chance to B&amp;B there, tho) Good luck!

I agree with Ben, St. Francisville is wonderful. I stayed at the Barrow house and my room literally had everything anyone could want.