Louisiana

Louisiana's rich history is full of Spanish, French and American influences. Each of these cultures, as well as that of the natives, contributed to what is now one of the most culturally diverse states in the country. Each of Louisiana's regions is brimming with rich flavors, exciting music and stunning architecture. The southeastern region is home to the most populous and most famous city in the state, New Orleans. Visitors flock year-round to the Big Easy to gaze at the incredible antebellum homes with private gardens and spooky tales from the past. Famous Bourbon Street runs the length of the French Quarter and is the heart of the city's all-pervasive music and nightlife. The party never stops in the endless rows of jazzy nightclubs in this home of the notorious Mardi Gras Carnival. But also important are the vast numbers of cafés and restaurants serving up flawless Cajun and Creole cuisine in generous Southern portions. Dishes like étouffée, gumbo, pralines and jambalaya are essential to a Louisiana experience. Outside of New Orleans, you'll find an endless trail of fascinating history. The beautiful mansions of the city are traded for magnificent plantation homes and all the tales of adventure and romance that come with them. The Southern landscape is an ecological wonder with the diverse bayous and marshes at the foot of the Mississippi. Further North the land gradually slopes upwards into green prairies and finally into the forested hills of the Sportsman's Paradise. These beautiful forests dotted with freshwater lakes and rivers are visited by campers, hikers, fishermen, bird-watchers, photographers and nature lovers from all over.