5 places you can’t miss in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana, founded in the 17th century and named in honour of King Louis XIV, is among the North American regions that attract most tourists from all over the world.
This state is heir to a multicultural diversity earned over years of being the home to European, African, Asian and Native American communities. Louisiana offers us an incredible journey in time through its picturesque European-style architecture and music arising from the mixture of African and Western rhythms.
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Below, I will talk to you about 5 places that you shouldn’t miss if you visit Louisiana.
The French Quarter:
This seductive place, also known as the ¨Vieux Carré¨ (Old Square), is located in New Orleans and is one of the busiest places in the city.
Many people identify the ¨Vieux Carré¨ as the essence of New Orleans, where the majority of its buildings date back to before 1803 and a large part of the architecture reflects the French and Spanish styles that were fashionable back then.
Its attractions include numerous bars and restaurants where you can try the food, strongly influenced by the city’s Creole roots. Moreover, in this city there are more than enough clubs where jazz and the blues invite us to spend some unforgettable moments. The city’s second-hand shops are also very special since you can purchase unique objects that reflect New Orleans’ unique history.
Your trip to this interesting district has to include a visit to Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is one of the area’s liveliest streets, housing the most traditional places steeped in the bohemian atmosphere that characterises the city of New Orleans.
Capitol Park Museum:
Since the colonisation of Louisiana by the French until the present, this museum, located in Baton Rouge, relates the history of a territory that has evolved over the years, with a mixture of cultures from all over the world.
The museum houses both temporary and permanent exhibitions of objects belonging to an intense past that bore witness to the cultural background that is so representative of the United States today.
You will find exhibitions that tell of the defence of the black community’s civil rights, the long years of slavery and the subsequent racial discrimination.
Personal objects of many great artists who were born in this state, such as the famous jazzman, Louis Armstrong, are among the invaluable pieces that you can see in this museum.
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The museum also organises many activities that allow us to get first-hand knowledge of the state’s economic and social development, as well as its contributions to the United States.
Jungle Gardens:
The Jungle Garden is located on Avery Island and consists of 170 acres of semitropical gardens, offering visitors a setting dominated by nature.
The Jungle Garden was founded by the naturalist, Edward Avery McIlhenny, who initially created a private bird sanctuary in 1895 known as ¨Bird City¨, for the protection of certain endangered species of birds. Over the years, the garden became bigger, until, in 1935, it opened its doors to the public as the Jungle Gardens.
As well as the birds you can see during your visit, you will also see animals like American caimans, black bears and white-tailed deer.
It is so big that to get around the whole route you need to go by car, although, if you prefer, you can participate in small walks visiting the most important places in the gardens.
There is also a space dedicated to a Buddhist temple. It can be found in a Chinese garden and is frequently visited by people seeking a moment of complete tranquillity and harmony with the environment.
If you are a nature lover and enjoy being in direct contact with nature, you should definitely pay a visit to the Jungle Garden. You can visit any day of the year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Jackson Square:
You cannot go to New Orleans without visiting this magnificent architectural work of art. Jackson Square was designed by the landscaper, Louis H. Pilié, and was originally called Place d’Armes or Plaza de Armas. It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that it was given its new name in honour of President Andrew Jackson.
In its early days, this historic square was the location of military parades and public executions. Over the years, it has become the scene of cultural events such as music and visual arts. Many establishments like restaurants and shops surround the square, adding to its charm.
Although it is a short but interesting visit, Jackson Square can be the starting point for you to go on to see emblematic buildings in the city, like the Saint Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère.
Jackson Square is a compulsory stop for anyone who wants to learn a little more of New Orleans’ exciting history.
The National WWII Museum:
We can find this interesting museum in the centre of the city of New Orleans. It is largely dedicated to telling the story of the United States’ participation in the Second World War.
The museum has five enormous rooms where multiple exhibitions are presented with testimonies, objects, photographs and film projections showing the reality of those who participated in this important event.
Another of the museum’s attractions is that you can see inside planes and boats used by the United States during the war.
If you decide to pay a visit to the museum, please note that it opens every day between 09:00 am and 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Mardi Gras Day.
If you are just passing through Louisiana, or you are planning your next holidays, these five places are brilliant options to include in your list of compulsory visits. Each of them will guarantee you unforgettable moments.
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