Shreveport, Louisiana Skyline

The sportsman’s paradise of North Louisiana is home to Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only designated national forest. The region, traversed by Interstate 20 from Shreveport and Minden, through Monroe and West Monroe, to the Mississippi River, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. North Louisiana’s rural communities like Bastrop, in Morehouse Parish, offer premier duck-hunting habitat, swamps and bayous for nature lovers. Shreveport and neighbor Bossier City call travelers year-round with the excitement of riverboat casinos and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs horseracing. Events like October’s Red River Revel Arts Festival liven up the Shreveport riverfront, adding to the excitement of the city. Northern Louisiana has adventure for everyone.

Shreveport and Bossier City call their corner of northwest Louisiana – Louisiana’s Other Side. With a proud heritage combining southern charm, Cajun attitude and east Texas spirit, you’ll find great fun and good times on your visit. Barksdale Air Force Base on the east banks of the Red River is a proud contributor to the community. Barksdale AFB is the home of oldest bomb wing in the US Air Force and headquarters of the Eighth Air Force and the Eighth Air Force Museum. The museum is open to the public and features multiple versions of the B-52 among its aircraft exhibits.

Board the Spirit of the Red for a cruise down the Red River and Cross Bayou. Relax and enjoy the sites of Shreveport from the comfort of the riverboat, while Captain Sandy Jackson shares the history of the city and river. Cruises run through October and depart near Sci-Port, Louisiana’s Science Center, located on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.

The Rotary Club of Shreveport sponsors the 2011 Red River Dragon Boat Festival September 10th. Join the Shreveport and Bossier City community as teams of twenty paddlers compete down the Red River. North Louisiana’s largest arts festival begins October 1st on Shreveport’s riverfront. The 2011 Red River Revel runs October 1st through the 8th, showcasing more than 140 artists from across the US. Visit and browse the artist tents, enjoy headliner entertainment including The Band Perry, The Hunt Family and Sister Hazel. Red River Revel is a great family event.

Home of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Warhawks Athletics, Northern Louisiana's Monroe and West Monroe never lack activities. Enjoy a full fall schedule of Volleyball, Golf, Soccer and Football. The Warhawks football home season opener is September 10th against the Grambling State Tigers.

Remember to make plans early for the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council 2012 Ag Expo. Hosted in West Monroe at the IKE Hamilton Expo Center on Main Street, the 2012 expo is January 20th and 21st - bring the kids to see the mini farm, and everyone enjoys the miniature cow show and junior livestock show.

In the heart of Louisiana, travelers discover Alexandria on the south bank of the Red River. The region, known as Cenla, comprises greater Alexandria - the geographic center of the state. Opposite the river from Pineville, the area’s natural gifts can be seen from the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Events like Labor Day’s Cenlabration draw residents and visitors out to celebrate the heritage of Alexandria and Pineville. Northwest on Interstate 49, Louisiana’s oldest town – Natchitoches makes a delightful destination - visit between Thanksgiving and New Year's for the Christmas Festival of Lights. To the south DeRidder is a wonderful example of a traditional Louisiana Parish seat.

Spot Louisiana wildlife as you paddle down Bayou Rapides in Alexandria, or visit Alexandria Zoological Park – Louisiana Habitat is a must see either way. The Zoo located on Masonic Drive is the sure bet to see all Central Louisiana's wildlife. Alexandria Zoo celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2011. Zoo Fest on September 25th honors the 85th anniversary with historic displays, fun and entertainment.

Experience authentic Louisiana in October at the Beauregard Parish Fair. Hosted in DeRidder at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds, this is one of Louisiana’s oldest agricultural fairs. Along with exhibits of central Louisiana's best agriculture and livestock, enjoy live entertainment, carnival and amusement rides and plenty of Louisiana home cooking.

Natchitoches is a must see destination in Central Louisiana. Home of Northwestern State University, Cane River National Heritage Area and Fort St Jean Baptists – the calendar is filled with events and activities. Travel back in time visiting Oakland Plantation or the Magnolia Plantation Complex, two exquisite examples of Creole-style plantation life and architecture. Join the Natchitoches community mid-September to celebrate its heritage at the 2011 Meat Pie Festival.Hop on your motorcycle - the annual Natchitoches River Run is held the same dates.

Up for a Halloween adventure? Visit Natchitoches American Cemetery on Second Street, Saturday October 22nd. The Natchitoches Historical Foundation hosts guided tours of the cemetery and its most colorful residents. Perhaps Isabella, the Ghost of Louisiana Normal will greet you, and stay out of the path of US General Napoleon McLaughlin – he is looking for his murderer.

Athletes have a wide selection of events in Central Louisiana for 2011. Natchitoches, famous for the chant “Hotta meat pies”, hosts the Meat Pie Tri September 25th. This 9th annual sprint triathlon features the ½-mile swim, 20-mile bike and 3.1-mile run – a great beginners event. Komen Alexandria Race for the Cure 5K is mid-October – a fun run for a good cause. Alexandria also hosts the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival 5K and Family Fun Run, November 5th and the Run Wilds Night Life 5K, on November 11th. Woodworth, south of Alexandria, is the site of the Run Wilds Half Marathon and 10K of Central Louisiana, November 20th. By now you'll be set for some wonderful holiday cheer at the Cenla’s Festival of Lights.

Louisiana Plantation Home

Experience Louisiana’s Plantation Country beginning in the state capital Baton Rouge. Home of Louisiana State University and their Tiger Athletics, as well as Southern University and the Jaguars, life is never dull in Baton Rouge. Catch the excitement of fall football at Tiger Stadium or SU’s Mumford Stadium. Head indoors for Basketball action at the Southern Campus Mini-Dome or LSU’s Deaf Dome – the Maravich Center. Don’t miss the "Taste of a Tiger Tailgating Party" the end of August, kicking-off the season. Hosted at the Baton Rouge River Center, this is the biggest tailgating event of the year - Sports are just one good reason to put yourself in Louisiana’s Plantation Country.

The rich traditions of Plantation life greet visitors along the Great River Road. Following the path of the Mississippi River, antebellum plantation homes bring Louisiana’s heritage to life. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is called the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road. Tour the grand antebellum estate and gardens, browse the rooms of the main house coined “The Sugar Palace” and have a delightful meal or brunch at Le Petite Houmas Restaurant – you’ll love plantation life!

The 2011 Greater Baton Rouge State Fair opens October 27th and runs through November 6th. Located between Interstate 12 and Interstate 10 on Airline Highway at Bayou Manchac, this late season fair makes a great getaway. See Baton Rouge areas top livestock and agriculture and enjoy live entertainment, rides and games.

Anyone for Andouille? LaPlace, 25 miles west of New Orleans is the Andouille Capital of the World. Join the Celebration at the 2011 St John Parish Andouille Festival in LaPlace. Held at St John Community Center on Highway 51, come and enjoy the gumbo and jambalaya taking top honors for best use of Andouille sausage. Run off the calories at the 33rd Annual Andouille Run and meet 2011’s Miss Andoille and Teen Miss Andouille. Bring friends and family October 14th through the 16th for some authentic Louisiana food and fun.

Evergreen Plantation and San Francisco Plantation are located in St John Parish not far from LaPlace. Both Plantation homes are open for visitors and have been restored and filled with period antiques from America’s antebellum period. After a plantation tour, don’t miss a swamp adventure and enjoy authentic Louisiana – spend a couple of hours in the moss-draped Manchac Swamp spotting alligators, eagles and waterfowl.

Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The urban heart of Cajun Country – Lafayette, it’s time for a getaway. If Lafayette is the heart of Cajun Country, coastal Louisiana is the lifeblood of Southern Louisiana. Rich natural resources abound, from the Atchafalaya Delta and Marsh Island State Wildlife Refuge to the Rockefeller State Game Preserve and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Feast on famous Cajun and Creole cuisine at Prejean’s Restaurant in Lafayette or Billedeaux’s Cajun Kitchen in Lake Charles. A tour through the Atchafalaya swamp is a must for visitors to Cajun Country. Experience Louisiana’s most unique and famous ecosystem, including moss draped cypress trees and sleeping alligators.

Lafayette is the hub city of Acadiana (South Louisiana or Cajun Country), and one of the region’s largest cities. Experience region culture at Lafayette’s Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in October. The 2011 festival runs October 14th through the 16th, featuring the Bayou Food Festival, Louisiana Craft Fair and Festival de Musique. There is no better event to celebrate the riches of Louisiana culture and heritage.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is the state’s second largest campus. UL Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns athletic teams are the pride of the city. Catch one of the Ragin’ Cajun fall football games at “The Swamp” or Cajun Field and don’t miss a men’s or women’s basketball game at the Cajundome. If you’re on campus in October, the Acadiana Wine & Food Festival is hosted at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.

Celebrate the shrimp harvest in Morgan City at Louisiana’s oldest chartered harvest festival - The Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival. Honoring two critical industries providing economic lifeline to Cajun Country, the 2011 festival is the 76th year for this Labor Day weekend event. Have your fill of authentic Cajun cooking including fried alligator along with the jambalaya and shrimp. Take a seat under the oaks at Morgan City’s Lawrence Park for your favorite music, run a 5K, join the golf tournament or browse more than 100 arts and crafts tents showcasing the south’s finest craftsmen.

Visit Morgan City for a magical Christmas experience. Tour magnificent antebellum homes dressed in traditional Victorian holiday décor. Travel down tree lined streets lined with twinkling lights to catch a holiday performance or see a festive holiday parade.

Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana sits on freshwater Lake Charles featuring a rare inland white-sand beach. Known for an abundance of festivals, a getaway to Lake Charles is always in order. For an old time country fair visit Sulphur west of Lake Charles. 2011 brings the 87th Annual Cal-Cam Fair, a fall tradition showcasing the riches of Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. The fair runs October 12th through the 16th.

Bourbon Street - New Orleans, LA

What’s your New Orleans? French Quarter, Garden Distict or Tremé, NOLA has something for everyone. The Crescent City’s central business district is the commercial and financial hub of the greater New Orleans area. The CBD, also close to the French Quarter, is home to several of New Orleans’s most popular restaurants and watering holes. Metairie, between the south shore of Lake Ponchartrain and the Mississippi River, is the first and largest suburb of New Orleans. Convenient for air travelers to Kenner’s New Orleans International Airport, Metairie is the heart of Jefferson Parrish. Convenient to NOLA’s destinations and attractions, Metairie also offers its own authentic Louisiana festivals, events and fun.

Travel west from New Orleans on Interstate 10 and Gonzales greets you about mile 60. Gonzales lays claim to the nickname Jambalaya Capital of the World. The city is not just a destination for Jambalaya, shoppers flock to the area hunting for bargains at the well stocked Tanger Factory Outlet Mall. Outdoor retailer Cableas, is also established in Gonzales, making a great destination whether you are a shopper or not.

The Lamar – Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales is the place to go for outstanding events and performances. The Gonzales Expo Center hosts the 46th Louisiana Indian Heritage Association hosts Powwow November 19th and 20th, with the George Carden International Circus following on November 23rd. The Louisiana Quarter Horse Association hosts the 2011 Cajun Classic Quarter Horse Show at the Lamar – Dixon Expo Center November 24th through the 27th. Get into the holiday gift giving spirit in Gonzales at the Expo’s Jolly Jingles Christmas Show. January brings Ascension Parish 4-H Pet and Livestock shows to Gonzales – there is fun for everyone at the Lamar – Dixon Expo Center.

Metairie’s St Clement of Rome Parish hosts the Oyster Festival mid-November, a typical parish fair with live music, rides, games and food. Metairie’s Holiday in the Park at Lafreniere is on display December 2nd through January 3rd, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and light displays. Bring the holidays alive with a trip to Lafreniere Park.

Enjoy a family Mardi Gras celebration in Metairie at Family Gras. February 10th through 12th Jefferson Parish hosts Family Gras at Metairie’s Festival Plaza. Feed on Jambalaya and crawfish at Flambeau Court, browse the works of Metairie and Jefferson Parish artists at the Art Walk and let the kids loose at the Jester Kid’s Tent. With live music on two stages featuring Louisiana’s best performers, Family Gras is a Festival full of fun.

Sitting across Lake Ponchartrain Slidell is a classic Louisiana town. Home of Slidell Little Theater and Slidell Cultural Center, visitors have plenty to see and do. Shop for that special holiday gift at over 15 unique antique stores in Olde Towne Slidell, or visit the Slidell Factory Stores to complete your holiday gift list. Convenient to New Orleans, yet worlds away – a visit to Slidell makes a great getaway.