Have You Ever Been To Louisiana?

Lived in Louisiana for awhile.
I love New Orleans French Quarter!!

Hi Susan, when did you live there and where did you live? Salud.

Been there, it was a memorable experience - man Louisianan's can COOK!

hi TK - yes, indeed they can and I have hips to prove it - lol Salud.

I love the French Quarter...mostly for all of the tukced away places. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is definitely one of my favorites. I always feel like I've stepped back in time 200 years there. City Park is also great for an afternoon of lounging.

Well, as you know my hubby is from LA...He took me to a few of his favorite places, let's see, hmmmmmmmm.....Mulate's in Breaux Bridge, Evangeline Memorial Park in Lafayette, his Aunt in Thibodaux etc. Course we visited New Orleans, hit O'Briens and drank three hurricanes and listened to a bit of zydeco. But the best part of the trip was the ride across the Atchafalaya in a pontoon...I wanna go back!

I've never been there.

I've never been to Louisiana. I'm sure I would like it, especially New Orleans. :-)

We stopped in New Orleans when we took a cruise about seven years ago.

In '95, my ex husband and I did a long trip from Washington as far as South Carolina and Georgia and then came back through the south with the goal of Dallas, Texas. We helped move my daughter back home from there. We spent about 3 nights in New Orleans. We went down to the Cafe du Monde every day and loved that.

One highlight (not) was the day we were leaving and had to make it to Dallas, our car got stuck in the hotel car elevator for several hours. Actually, I have several unhappy memories associated with the visit, totally unrelated to the city itself. Maybe I can go back sometime and hope for a better time!

My BFF and I made a quick trip to Avery Island, south of Lafayette. At the time, she owned a butcher shop and catering business. We picked up a pickup load of stuff at the Tabasco factory. I loved it. We took pictures of each other standing in the sugar cane, pelicans, swamps, cypress trees, spanish moss, just everything. We asked a local to recommend a restaurant where the natives ate, not the tourists. We had a fantastic meal. There is such a difference between freshly caught seafood and seafood that's been frozen, it's amazing. And of course, I've "been there" many, many times in the James Lee Burke Dave Robicheaux novels. My favorite is In The Electric Mist with Confederate Dead.

Miz Vicky - my favorite as well and I'm waiting for it in the mail right now as I made the huge mistake of shipping it bookrate along with many other books from La. two weeks ago - How long does bookrate take???

I love Avery Island - girl that's close to my mama's house - on the other side of New Iberia...you best come down when I'm there next year.

Miz Wilma - you know sometimes if you go back to a place, all kind of good things happen to make up for the last trip!

Brad, how did you like it?

Tina and Amanda - Yall have got to visit -

Salud

Lynn - sounds like you hit all the right places - now, you know I'm nosey - so where is the husband from again? Who's his mama, is he Catholic and can he make a roux? Also, who owned the pontoon boat cause I know that Atchalfala basin pretty well. I want details, girlfriend. And, you best come back when I'm there. Salud.

I have been to La and new Orleans but always wanted to be there duing the mardi gra but so far never made that time year, I have a neice that lives in Slidall across the Bridge.

Sharon - it's always fun and the smaller towns each have their own Mardi Gras which is a blast as you get so many neat throws from the float riders...of course, everyone has to see Mardi Gras in New Orleans at least once! It's a blast Salud.

Hello, Friend - - I have only experienced Louisiana from the water. Years ago, in my "former life" I travelled for 14 days on the dear Mississippi Queen from New Orleans to St. Louis. I accompanied a patient of mine (was a home health nurse at the time) as her travelling companion. I was in my mid-20's and had the time of my life!!! This was my first (and last, sadly) foray into the South. There's no question why you love LA so much. = )

Blessings!

Ok Judy - I'm sure I've invited you to come down - but oh dear you may have way more fun than you're used to - lol - kiddin but there's loads to see and experience especially if you like the country...I'm a country bumpkin - but I do clean up good. However, I would take you to my church and girl for an hour and a half you will have a blast - we're talking about musicians who have played with the best -
Your trip sounds absolutely fantastic and something I would love to do someday. Thanks for coming by to see me! Salud.

I have driven through Louisiana but never to New Orleans.
I hope to see it someday.

I've never been thre but had discssed going with DH. I always love being shon around by a local and seeing non-tourist parts, the real people parts.

I have always wanted to visit the area. Although I would really like to see the French Quarter, I am fascinated with the little tucked away places. I like to visit the places that are off the beaten track. I hope to make it there some day, but until then, I visit it through your stories and pictures.

Awww Thanks so much Sue D. I hope you make it down there too and if you or anyone else has any questions, please give me a holler!

Thank you Miz Dorine for stopping by - maybe someday you can visit!

Marianne - you'd enjoy it I'm sure - it has an old world flavor and a bit of third world and lots of charm - you'll love it!

Joy, next time you've got to get off the well-beaten path and take a break!

Thanks Penny for commenting - I love Lafitte's as well. And, for anyone who hasn't read Penny's articles about New Orleans, please do so. Thanks so much for dropping by! Salud.

I've been to New Orleans three times, as a business tourist. Did the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, the ghost tour, Lafitte's, the flower district (I can't remember the real name), and Cafe DuMond.

Loved it. So much history, so little time.

Thanks for dropping by JC and I think it's called the Garden District. I went to a party there at Anne Rice's house - great time. Salud.

No ...but will plan sometime.

I was in New Orleans years ago with my mom and girlfriend. We had a nice time for 4 days. Stayed on the edge of the French Quarter at a small hotel. One night we walked home and the desk attendent in our hotel really freaked out and told us never to walk on the back street at night again. We felt safe but I guess we may not have been. We also took the trolley through the garden district to the end of the line and went to a little cafe some guy told us about. It was great, tiles on the dirt floor, waiters with gloves and you sat at a counter and had pie. I think it was called the Magnolia. We loved all the food and sitting in restaurants with open walls late at night. I loved looking through the upstairs doors and windows at all the gilded walls and chandeliers and antiques. The iron work and umbrellas hanging off the railings was magical. Very cool stuff. I was chicken to go into the voodoo stores or adult shops. A lot of wild history.

Ahhhh Penashe - a second trip is needed so you can go into Marie Laveaux's and experience the voodoo shops - and also St. Louis Cemetery - well, sounds as if your first trip was rich with delightful images - I'm glad you had a wonderful and memorable time. Hope you come back! Salud.

I visited the French Quarter and found the people friendly, and the music and the food superb! I'd love to come and visit more places off the beaten path so to speak. :)

I would love to spend time exploring Louisiana - I've only ever been in the Northwest corner of the state and I know there is so much more to see.

Acme Oysters, dancing at some zydeco cajun club...big dance floor and two step dynamite dancers...a man made my night there asking me to dance and all I had to do was follow...boy did my heart get beating and beer and fried okra and the band was raised up on a stand, seafood Italian style somewhere near the garden district, a private tour of the outlying plantations and lunch the same day at this place where you could see the slave quarters and eat a "secret recipe" buttermilk pie and buy the recipe for a few bucks. We had an amazing time there!

But the best part was the music in the clubs...

Eunice... a fadodo, THAT was FUN

On a few rare occasions, In my deepest sleep, I have dreamed of being there a few times. Each new place in my "dream state" is my favorite :->

I went to New Orleans on a band trip when I was in 7th grade. That was back in 96. Since I was young and on a school trip, I didn't really get to do much.

We do have Barksdale down on my husband's dream sheet for places we would like to be stationed. So maybe someday we will live there.

Yes, Mariana! I lived in LA for about 5 years. I have been down to New Orleans and Bourbon Street. It was one of the most amazing places I have ever been!! And I love those hug Magnolia trees when they are in bloom! And the cotton fields ~everywhere!! And I also love cajun cooked food!!! Crawdad boils, yum!!

I lived on the other side of Louisiana for a few months back in the early 80's and have visited NO twice but very briefly (a few hours) and actually have very few memories at all of the city except in the inside of a hotel room. Bummer... maybe someday, though.

No I have never been to this state, maybe one day. I like the picture of the giant tree though. Talk to you soon!!!

never been, but sure would like to. will you be my guide, miz boo?

so where is the husband from again?

He was born in Port Arthur, TX, but lived most of his life in LaPlace.

Who's his mama, is he Catholic and can he make a roux?

His Mama was a "Louviere" his Granny a "Provost" and yes he WAS a Catholic and received a good ol fashioned catholic grade school education. Complete with nuns who rapped his knuckles if he didn't write properly. No, he can't make a roux, but his Uncle Levis sure can (and he taught me how).

Who owned the pontoon boat? Not sure, I'd have to hunt around for the guys name on the brochure. I do remember he told us he was born on the swamp and didn't leave it until he was six years old! He was a funny lil guy, with skin like leather...and told us the most wonderful stories and jokes.

Happy Thanksgiving Mariana!!

I've been in the South (several areas) but not long enough to be called a tourist.

I want to agree with you that I will avoid touristy places as far as I can. When I was in Paris I went into those areas where the ordinary Frenchman ate onion soup and had a whale of a time.

PS Mariana...I loved every minute in the South and I have some wonderful stories to tell.

Gracious good morning Gather folks and friends - it's always nice to wake up to comments! Let me try to thank each of you: Fred Hose, my dear old friend, who writes so well, you must come back adn I'll take you to some places on the backroads. Every bar serves food on certain days of the week, of course, I know each one so I know when to show up! Also, love to hear your southern stories.

Miz Lynn, LaPlace - ok now I remember you telling me about him before. A good lil cajun man - and I hope he can dance! He must miss the bayous though huh? How did you hook up with a cajun? Well, I taught my ole man how to make a roux cause he likes to stir and drink beer at the same time - lol...well, if his grannie was a Provost and his mama a Louviere well, I prolly know some of his relatives. I bet the pontoon boat owner was over there on Black Bayou - no telling. Anyway, back at you with the Thanksgiving Wishes Boo boo.

Miz Mona - you have a place to sleep and I'll even turn on the a.c. You know that you and I can have a blast down there and Miz Krista is more than welcomed too. Leave your men home though, we want to find some good dance partners...lol.

Charles - yes, it's a must!!! I'll be back later folks. Thanks so much. Salud.

Julie, you'll have to visit again so you see more than just the inside of a hotel room - there's so much to see. I make it a habit to find little towns and get to know the folks there. To me, the people make the town and that's how you find out about all these dicey little places on the backroads!

Hi Deb J. Yes, loads of cotton fields more in the middle of the state around Alexandria area - in my area, mostly sugar cane fields all over the place - that's where everyone used to park - cane fields or around the oil wells....lol...


Carla, where did your 7th grade class arrive from? We went to N.O. as well but we were only two hours away and that was a real joy!

Robb- you're funny - in your deepest dreams huh - ok gotcha - lol.

Linda g. A fais-do-do - ahhhh those wonderful dances which I totally love...well, Eunice is a great little place - has a nice theatre with loads of good bands and other entertainment! It's about two hours from my little town.

Jan, I can close my eyes and remember two stepping all night long in some little joint - I loved dancing with this guy who just said relax and he whirled and twirled me all over the dance floor. I've danced with many guys but I want to say he was about the best ever. I will cherish that night forever. I never saw him again but wherever he is, thank you! You sound as if you got a good taste for La. - do you remember any of the plantations or can you think of where the buttermilk pie place was?
Tonia and Debbie - yall are so close to La. but it's a long state and we're at the bottom of the boot - it's a whole different world down there in that region - we're swamps, canefields, big live oaks, shrimp boats and bayous...up there, Pine trees, hills.
Yall come back now, ya heah! Salud.

Mariana, I have been almost everywhere in the world, and all around the US, but one place we've never been is Louisana. Especially now with all the sad things going on iwth Katrina and all, I'd really love to visit.

hi there Edward - well, Louisiana welcomes all who would like to come and visit - lovely state and we'd enjoy your company! Thanks for commenting. Salud.

I lived there for two Mardi Gras back in 1979 when Mardi Gras was canceled due to a police strike. My husband and I visited there about 4 years ago. There are too many memories to mention here. I worked with the Cajuns I love the down-home feeling that the people give. The food and music are fabulous. I loved to go to Felix's Oyster house. We also had so much fun at Acme Oyster. Gallatoire's and Antoine's are two memorable restaurants. Driving down to Grand Isle and having a bowl full of craw fish is a treat. Charles street cafes with old-time jazz and the Louis Armstrong Park, The French Quarter, and of course, start every morning with a begniet and cafe au lait at either Cafe Du Monde or any other shop on Decateur. There are the antique shops on Royal. My favorite spot is the fountain with all the Coats of Arms at the very end of Canal Street where the ferry goes over to Patterson Street on the levy of Old Algiers where I lived for a little over a year. I could go on for a very long time but I'll stop here. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

We honeymooned in New Orleans many moons ago, and I had been a few times before that. We always talk of going back...but just haven't done it. I loved the food, and the artists around the square....I went to my first strip club there!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

my family is from Alexandria, La. a little more up north near Monroe. gotta love the only state with parishes instead of counties!

hi Mariana... we stopped there for a few hours when we took a cruise to Mexico about 5 years ago... we spent time at the 'riverwalk" mall??
it was very nice...
When Katrina came, i felt so terrible for all those people... such a tragedy...
Blessings to all...

Laurun - you sound as if New Orleans was a great experience - I think it's great and I hope that you come back and visit someday!! Lots of strip clubs still around - lol....Awww Thank you Bhawana!!! and to you as well....Hi Mrs. Nobles, yes, I know Alec quite well - I have a friend from Dry Prong!
The Riverwalk is nice - did you visit the Aquarium? Blessings Necee. Salud.

We lived in New Orleans for a couple of years back in the 70's in the Garden District. My husband worked for Amoco Oil at Lee Circle. They were going to transfer him to Oklahoma I believe it was, and he wanted to go back to college some more, so we went back to college at home. Then had a baby. Never went back to live there. But we have visited, most recently in May right before Katrina hit that year. 2005 I believe. We liked a little hotel on a side street right almost at Bourbon. The St. Louis Hotel. We ate a very delicious dessert one night at about midnight. The most beautiful dessert I've ever seen. The chef must have been an artist. We like to go to Cafe Du Monde every time we're in New Orleans. I just don't feel like we've been there if we don't get the donuts and coffee. We made a mad dash down last year to pick up our daughter. We didn't get to really visit, but it was nice to see all the work done on the area next to the French Quarter. They are really making it a fantastic place to be. Marigney? Something like that. I'll think of it.

The Oceana Grill, that's where it was the dessert was like a work of art. I've often wished I knew the man who made it. It was that beautiful.

And I have to say Melrose... and Natchitotches..... I have family there, that i love dearly. And there is nothing better than Melrose on a hot sunny august afternoon... hot hot hot and the pecans just ripening before your very eyes...

and Marksville or Clouterville... for some boudin - OH I miss Louisiana

Had to come back to say Happy Thanksgiving, Mariana. Hope the day is a wonderful one for you and yours.

Mariana, your comments on Ruth's articles warmed my heart. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

My first trip to Louisiana was in 1989 when my brother was stationed at Fort Polk. While there we went to New Orleans. I have since been back to New Orleans 4 times (three Mardi Gras). Mardi Gras is a grand ol' party. I love it. I haven't been there since Katrina hit. I would love to go back.

My husband is from Hammond La, which is not to far from New Orleans. He sure can cook. His mother just passed away. My in-laws used to send us spices and those french donuts, which I cannot spell properly.,that we couldn't get here. They even sent us a King Cake one year. It was so good. My husband has me eating mud bugs and several of the traditional Louisiana dishes. I love the food.
Thanks, for commenting on one of my articles.

Hi Miz Vickey - so nice to meet you!!! Yes, of course, I know where Hammond is and I'm so sorry about your mother in law's passing. Glad you had so many good memories of the food and stuff they sent you!

JoAnn - I hope you get a chance to come back to New Orelans - I think we should have a big Gather meet there next summer!

Debbie - many blessings thanks my friend.

Awww Lynn you are a prize!

Thank you Linda - I love your description of pecans ripening before your eyes - signs of a good writer - Thank yall. Salud.

I have never been to any southern states, but because you live there, Louisiana must be wonderful.

I've never been to your fair state, Mariana. Sending a 10 your way!

I've been all over Louisiana, from New Iberia to Monroe, and I've always found the folks and the food to be the best!

Ah, Mariana! I live in greater New Orleans. This was such a fun read through the thread.

And for everyone who's every wanted to visit or who wants to come back again, please do!! All the sections on both the south and north shore of the New Orleans metro area where most visitors would go spend time are doing fine now and we're definitely in need of more visitors! You'll be amazed at just how warmly you'll be treated because we are so grateful -- visitors are helping our economy get up off its knees post-K.

If anyone's wondering if something specific is open again, etc., just send me a message and I'll let you know what I can find out!


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Two Birds, One Stone

'Never been but it's not over yet! My brothers toured in the Big Easy with a jazz band way back when and they loved it. I can't think of lovely Louisiana without thinking of you, dear girl and all the vivid images you've conjured in my poor, snow-ridden head! Keep those pictures coming!

No, I've never been that far south.

Unfortunately I've only driven through but I'd like to spend some time there.

Cinnamon - hello - it's been a while since I've seen you - thank you very much!!! You too Beverly - thank you Krista - the invitation remains open - Thanks Ann B. Salud.

I was there once. New Orleans was a stop on a cruise the hubby and I took back in 2000.

hi Kathy D. Thank you for your comment on this age old article but I still love hearing about folks visits to Nawlins! Salud

I just moved to Lafayette, near Scott, 2 weeks ago from Indiana. It is very different here, but I think my little family and I are going to love it! My husband is running the Stanley Steemer here and they cover a large area of southern/central LA, so if you need carpets, rugs, furniture, automobiles, ...or anything else cleaned let me know! I am excited to visit Avery Island, we hope to go this weekend.

Last weekend we went to the Zoo of Acadiana and we loved it! With Halloween approaching, and being from historic parts of Indiana and Ohio, I have been looking for "haunted" homes and sites around the area. I was surprised to find that the famous Bonnie and Clyde were killed not too far from where I am. From what I have read New Orleans seems to be quite historical and is home to many spirits! I think that is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Lafayette, but I would love to visit soon.

My daughter loves all of the lizards here, and we can't believe how GIGANTIC these bugs are! lol

Amy - welcome to the bayou country - I'm not there anymore - I stretched it to Nov. 4th this year but now back in Santa Barbara my other house...Yes, you have to go to New Orleans and all the little towns in between - there's lots of books on hauntings - just go to your local library and look at the Louisiana section. Keep in touch and I'll try to fill you in on things! Salud

I'm just seeing your comment for a Gather get together in NOLA. Since it didn't work out this year - how about next summer? I'm in.

Half of my family lives down in Lousiana, so I've been several times. I love visiting though I haven't been in three years