Expressnews
Louisiana is a culture-seekers dream destination, with many incredible places across the state offering ample opportunities for exploration, nature, history, culture, food, and much more. As fall arrives, Louisiana takes on the sultry seasonal colours of autumn inviting all to experience breathtaking nature walks, cultural hotspots, and culinary delights that will leave you captivated and inspired.
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Head to Baton Rouge for the Old State Capitol, a gothic revival-style building that was created to look like a medieval castle. The building’s eye-catcher is its gorgeous stained-glass dome, offering an Instagrammable kaleidoscope of colours.The ornate spiral staircase inside the building is also a sight to behold. Rumour has it that the place is haunted by Civil War-era woman, Sarah Morgan, so take a tour and catch the “Ghost of the Castle” show to add a layer of spooky adventure to your trip.
Great River Road
Driving this 70-mile stretch between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is like travelling through time. The Great River Road area is lined with gorgeous oak trees and evocative Southern Spanish moss that are a feast for the eyes, and you can stop to snap photos of historic plantations and natural beauty along the way. The sugar plantations and landmarks bordering the Mississippi River have inspired travellers and history buffs for years, and the famous writer Mark Twain even wrote about the experience of traveling through the corridor. You can tour several of the plantations such as Laura Plantation, Houmas House Estate and Gardens, and Oak Alley Plantation to gain a deeper understanding of the history and stories behind some of the iconic homes.
Chauvin Sculpture Garden
In Chauvin, located southeast of Houma in the southern part of the state, curious, art-loving travellers can stroll through this folk-art treasure created by reclusive artist Kenny Hill, a bricklayer who left behind more than 100 sculptures on his bayou property. The Chauvin Sculpture Garden is a whimsical sight that includes colourful Cajun-style artworks that chronicle moments from the artist’s life, and the 45-foot-talllighthouse, made with 7,000 bricks, is lined with intricate sculptures. There is a small museum on-site at this “only in Louisiana” gem, and you can take in Hill’s life story while discovering some of the region’s most fascinating folk art examples.
Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
The cooler months bring about ample opportunities to get outdoors and explore what is referred to as “America’s Foreign Country.” Imagine paddling through the morning fog, floating past cypress knees, and keeping a lookout for both creatures above — bald eagles, ibises, cranes, and roseate spoonbills — and below as well. Alligators call the region home, and these shy creatures are safely viewed from a distance. The Atchafalaya Heritage Area is massive, spanning 14 parishes and encompassing one of the nation’s most ecologically diverse regions. In addition to the numerous hiking, biking, and birding trails through the swamp, there are innumerable streams that are perfect for exploring via kayak or canoe.
Outdoor Dining
As the weather starts to cool, take advantage and take your meal outdoors. Curbside Burgers in Baton Rouge has a fun outdoor space and often hosts live music in their “Pig Pen.” For beautiful waterfront views, head to Pat’s Rest Awhile in Mandeville or Waterfront Grill in Monroe and feel the cool breeze wafting over the water. Or have dinner and drinks out in the award-winning Jewel of the South’s classic New Orleans courtyard.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Head to the northern part of the state to discover the Poverty Point World Heritage Site. This true Louisiana marvel has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside wonders like the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty and it was only the twenty-second place in the USA to receive the distinction. It was home to an enormous Native American settlement, and this ancient city still holds engineering marvels, artworks and earthen monuments that will fill curious travels with wonder and awe. There are plenty of places to eat and stay nearby, making this a truly unique destination in a state brimming with culture.
