We'll be visiting Louisiana in early April '99 arriving Easter Weekend and after 3 days in NO will have 4 days for Louisiana. Which direction should we head?
Interests plantations, French influence, some nature.

You'll leave the state of Louisiana, but it's so close you won't mind. Just drive up Hiway 61 to the cities of Natchez and Vicksburg (ignore the communities being destroyed by casinos). The former surrendered to the Union during the Civil War without firing a shot, so it has dozens of antebellum homes. Vicksburg, on the other hand, fired quite a few shots before surrendering, so it has one of the best displays on the Civil War. Together they show interesting sides of history.

Consider Southwestern Louisiana for its marvelous French/Arcadian heritage. Start in Lafayette (about 150 mile west of New Orleans) which is the capitol of Cajun Country. The food in this region is utterly marvelous and very different from cuisines elsewhere. Check out Evangeline Park (yes, that would be Longfellow's Arcadian heroine!). There are mansions and gardens to tour -- and you'll want to see the gardens because the azaleas and camelias will be in bloom at Easter. Also old forts in the area. The countryside is gorgeous, wild flowers bloom on the levees, take a bayou tour!

French Louisiana is a very special part of the States, altogether unique -- don't pass up the opportunity to experience it!

Cheers,
Kat

We drove along the plantation route, toured several homes, stayed overnight in one, and ate in local restaurants. Well worth the drive and time.

I agree that a plantation tour with a night at Oak Alley (or one of the others) would be wonderful. Depending on your interest in outdoor activities, I would book a day with a fishing guide in the area. There are several that I know of within an hour drive of N.O. With one day on the water, you can take in the beauty of the Louisiana marsh, seeing the coastal industries at work, and sample some of the best fishing in the U.S.

I agree with the first guy who posted and I vote Natchez. And stay at The Guest House, a small hotel that is one of the historic homes. It has been completely redone and Natchez is a beautiful Southern city.

Dear David:Though I live just north of Lake Ponchartrain, if I had the extra four days you mention having to see more of Louisiana, I'd head for Acadiana. It is a particularly good time to visit there because this year marks the 300th anniversary of French settlement in Louisiana and there are all sorts of celebrations going on in and around Lafayette. Don't miss St. Martinville and New Iberia (where there is a five-star restaurant just across the highway from Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation). For me, four extra days just wouldn't be enough--but I hope you have a wonderful time. Joan