The Old Louisiana State Capitol
The Old Louisiana State Capitol is full of some amazing historical items and displays including several rooms dedicated to the turbulent political career and assassination of the infamous Huey P. Long. Long was such a polarizing figure here in this state. In fact one room has a gigantic crack painted right down the middle with one side featuring all the modern improvements he helped orchestrate for the state of Louisiana and the other featuring the depth of his corruption.
The museum is housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot which has been exquisitely restored to its former grandeur. The depot is one of the most outstanding examples of the Mission Revival style of architecture in the South. The facility includes meeting rooms for public functions and may be rented for private events as well.
It's true, right smack dab in the middle of the University of Louisiana campus in Lafyette sits a 2 acre swamp complete with all the natural flora and fauna. The preserve known as Cypress Lake serves as place for students relax and soak in the natural beauty between classes.
A true Louisiana ghost story! Sarto Old Iron Bridge. The bridge is reportedly haunted by the ghost of the "Marlboro Man" a worker who died during construction. His image has been seen atop the structure for decades along with the sounds of a phantom horse crossing the bridge.
From what I witnessed this day I have no doubt that the Red River & Gulf will truly live again. The love and dedication on display for this historic old logging railroad is more than inspirational. It's a passion that's being passed down from the elder members of the group into the hearts of the younger generation in attendance. It was also heartwarming to see several children on site as well. Undoubtedly growing up around something special like this will inspire family traditions that will keep the RR&G alive far beyond the generations who are presently working tirelessly to bring it back to life.
The moment that I stepped onto the property I felt like I had been magically transported back in time to possibly the 1930s. Just about everything within my field of vision was perfectly period and almost perfectly preserved just as it was. It almost seemed like I had missed the family that lived there by mere minutes and not multiple decades.
The Natchitoches Classic Car show started in 2007 with a mere 88 cars and has been growing ever since. The event was created by the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association to attract tourists to the area.
Shreveport is one of the few places in the nation where you can leave your office or home in minutes later be casing in placid green waters for large mouth black bass or skimming across broad expanses of open water in a sail boat or motor boat.
A symbol of all airmen past, present and future, the England Air Force Base Heritage Park is a proud reminder of the Air Force's role in our nation's military history. Each of the five aircraft displayed here valiantly contributed to the defense of our country. They are suspended in simulated flight as a permanent reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country as members of the finest air force in the world.
When people outside the state think about Louisiana they often conjure up images of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, vast swamps and wetlands and crawfish cookouts. Those things a certainly part of the Louisiana experience, but there is way more to it than just that. There are backroads that wind through vast farmland and rugged forested areas that cover the majority of the state's territory. These areas are known to locals but travelers from out of state generally race through them without taking the time to get in touch with the natural beauty and serenity that Louisiana has to offer.
Directly across the street was the picturesque First Presbyterian Church and in-between was a lovely tree-lined green belt walking path. I ventured onto the path and began my walk westward toward the Mississippi River. Almost immediately I can upon the beautiful white house and property that once served as the original Louisiana Governor's Mansion. Further down the way I discovered a fascinating statue of Hebe (The Greek Goddess of Youth) across from the District Courthouse building.
The Mardi Gras du Couer de la Louisianne (Mardi Gras in the Heart of Louisiana) spirit has really taken hold of Central Louisiana since the first parade was held on Sunday, February 13, 1994. Alexandria’s Mardi Gras has grown from having a total of ten floats with participation of four Mardi Gras Krewes that first year, to presently having twenty-three floats and Krewes. The Krewe Parade attendance is estimated at 150,000 and the Children’s Parade attendance is estimated at 45,000.
For 97 years people from all over the world have traveled to the quaint central Louisiana town of Natchitoches for their Christmas Festival. Every holiday season the town becomes a literal City of Lights as every building is adorned with strand after strand of Christmas lights. The historic district along the Cane River becomes the site of a vast holiday light display and hundreds of shoppers flock to numerous stores, boutiques and restaurants to find unique gifts and satisfy their culinary needs. Boat and carriage rides are available both day and night to provide informative tours of the town. As soon as the sun sets, the sky over the river district become alive with drones and fireworks. It's a holiday experience that you will never forget.
If you are looking for a great place to eat while checking out these locations, check out:
Honestly we were quite delighted with the whole dining experience. The ambiance inside is just as retro and cool as the outside. The serving staff was cheerful, polite and helpful. The food came quickly and was absolutely wonderful. The prices were very reasonable for a trendy place like this.
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What can be seen today is one of the two pontoon-like boats that formed the bottom of the ferry. There was a flat deck on top for transporting goods and passengers. The boiler for the ferry can be seen in the mud just a few yards north of the main wreckage.
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Anyone who has ever traveled south on Louisiana Highway 1 towards Baton Rouge has undoubtedly traveled over the modern engineering marvel known as the John James Audubon Bridge that spans the Mississippi River between the towns of New Roads and St Francisville.
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In 1972 the Plaquemine Lock structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, an honorary designation for significant historic sites. In addition to the lock, the area includes the Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse, which serves as a museum and visitors center.
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Anyone who has ever traveled south on Louisiana Highway 1 towards Baton Rouge has undoubtedly traveled over the modern engineering marvel known as the John James Audubon Bridge that spans the Mississippi River between the towns of New Roads and St Francisville.
In 1972 the Plaquemine Lock structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, an honorary designation for significant historic sites. In addition to the lock, the area includes the Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse, which serves as a museum and visitors center.
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