Louisiana is one of our favorite states. We go back again and again and are always surprised by how much we missed in the last times we visited. The state always has new things to offer and excite us. Louisiana is one of those places we visit that always feels like a non-stop party while still managing to feel warm and comfortably like home. Here is The Constant Rambler list of 5 Must-see Attractions in Louisiana.
Louisiana in Abita Bottle Caps
1. NOLA
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Louisiana is New Orleans. It can’t be helped. The non-stop party city that is famous for Mardi Gras and music keeps us coming back time and time again. At the heart of the city is a vibrant music culture that energizes your very spirit. New Orleans is the site of the First Opera House in North America as well as being home to the 10-day celebration that is Jazzfest.
Carriage rides in NOLA
New Orleans isn’t all about debauchery and libations though. There are many family friendly things to do in the city as well. We had a wonderful time visiting the Aquarium of the Americas where we saw this little guy. There is also the Louisiana Children’s Museum that chock full o hands-on exhibits and fun activities for kids.
Sea horse at NOLA Aquarium
2. Abita Brewery
The Abita Brewery is found in Abita Springs, LA. This is a must-see attraction for any beer drinker and a definite “top-o-the-list” for a beer lover. Found just 30 miles North of New Orleans, Abita is the place to go to take in some crafty brews and learn about how beer is made.
Abita Brewery
If a brewery tour seems not so fun, you can always grab a beer and some fantastic grub at the Abita Brew Pub found in downtown Abita Springs. The brew pub serves up great creole inspired dishes and a great selection of Abita’s beer even some hard to find seasonals.
Abita Brew Pub
3. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is a historic plantation complex and museum in Darrow, Louisiana. The grounds were a sugar plantation in the 1800s and now feature lush gardens, amazing restaurants and an eclectic and fun museum.
Houmas House Plantation
In the planation house you can take a guided tour where you can find this weird mix of fascinating antiques. Take a stroll in the gardens and you can even bring your own lunch and picnic on the grounds.
Antiques at Houmas House
4. Avery Island
Avery Island is home to two must-see places in Louisiana. The first being the Tabasco plant. Every bottle of tabasco sauce in the world starts here. Clearly you can see that we have a great fondness for their product and the tour was short but spicy. Everyone left with tiny bottles of tabasco sauce that are perfect for one time use or to keep in the car when in a hot sauce pinch.
Kenin meets his match
Jungle Gardens is also found on Avery Island. This 170 acre garden and bird sanctuary is a gorgeous place to spend the day taking in some local flora and fauna. You can even stumble upon this Chinese garden that houses a Buddha statue if you are on the lookout. There is a small fee to enter the gardens but it is absolutely worth it. The lush tropical surroundings are a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic.
Jungle Island
5. Boudin
I admit that sausage is not considered an attraction, but anyone in their right mind that has consumed Boudin would disagree. Boudin is a pork sausage of epic tastiness. I would classify boudin as an event, an attraction, a gift sent from the heavens. Boudin sausage can be made into sausage rolls (something like an eggroll wrapper stuff with sausage) or balls (coated in batter and deep fried).
Nothing to see here :)
Our favorite are boudin balls that come from a small little convenience store in Scott, LA. Look at this truck-sized sausage ball. This ladies and gentlemen can definitely qualify as an attraction and is worth the drive.