Bourbon Street ~ New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, the center of the robust New Orleans Metropolitan Area, covers the southwest corner of Louisiana - straddling the Mississippi River. We all know New Orleans as the city of the nation's most famous Mardi Gras celebration. But it's also host to the renowned New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival - one of the country's largest, along with many popular jazz and Cajun food festivals throughout the summer. It's here that you'll find the Louisiana Superdome, home to the NFL's New Orleans Saints, as well as top Universities; Tulane, Loyola, and the University of New Orleans – attracting educators and students from around the globe.

The 2010 Mardi Gras Season, through mid February, kicks off a season of authentic jazz and local food events all across the greater New Orleans area. Visitors in early March may want to check out JAMFEST10, this year combined with the Loyola University Jazz Department's Jazz Ensemble Festival. This duo should make for an outstanding educational and performance event.

St Bernard Parish, just five miles from downtown New Orleans, hosts the Crawfish and Redfish Cup Festival at the end of March. The parish offers a beautiful and rich historic venue to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine - along with a weekend of local music, arts and crafts.

Look out for the 27th Annual French Quarter Festival held in April. Here, the world's largest Jazz Brunch tops off a weekend jammed with over 150 concerts across 15 stages. The area's best local restaurants provide the sumptuous food and drink. Or check out the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held over 10 days at the end of April and into May, drawing some of the world's most talented musicians and their legions of fans. Based at the Fair Grounds Race Course, with festivities throughout the City, the Festival brings focus to the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana - considered the birthplace of Jazz.

Visitors' Tip: Simon and Garfunkel will make their first appearance at this year's festival - joining world famous artists like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and Lionel Richie.

For Saints football fans in New Orleans, the 2009/2010 season has been the best on record for the team. But this time of year the Saints aren't the only game in town for athletes and spectators. The NBA's New Orleans Hornets are mid-season with the home games played at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets' regular-season games continue into April. Looking for something different? How about the New Orleans Blaze, beginning their 2010 season in April. This is Women's Football and the Blaze are one of the first established teams. Check them out!

Over Easter weekend, the Crescent City Classic has become the tradition in New Orleans. This year marks the 32nd annual 10K run. The flat course is perfect for serious runners looking to set a faster pace, yet it's also a fun event for others to get active. Be sure to stick around after the race because true to New Orleans, the Classic is a great excuse to throw a party.

Golf fans; don't miss the PGA's annual stop in New Orleans for the Zurich Classic golf tournament. In typical New Orleans style, the biggest names in golf - join the best musicians (along with great food) on the links for a world-class golf event and, surprise - a party! The Classic, sponsored by the Fore!Kids Foundation, is not just for fun. It's an important fundraiser for children's services organizations in the Greater New Orleans area.

And for the more genteel traveler, take in the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival – now in its 24th year. Held in the French Quarter for five days the end of March, the 2010 Festival highlights include conversations with Edward Albee - the author of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and ABC News commentator Cokie Roberts. The schedule includes an opening night Gala, master classes, theater, and food events. This festival is a great tribute to the New Orleans culture and heritage much loved by Tennessee Williams.

With locations convenient to the New Orleans locale, we hope you choose Best Western when staying in the area.

Louisiana Plantation Home

Welcome to the Capital Area: Baton Rouge is the heart and soul of Louisiana Plantation Country. The City is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, midway along the Great River Road, amidst the splendor of the former sugar plantations and their owners’ homes. Only a few of the regal and lavish plantation homes remain today, however, they will take you back in time to the heyday of the unique period in America's history. The plantations are a must stop for anyone visiting the area or just passing through.

Now it's time to enjoy the modern life of Plantation Country. Any event in Louisiana remains true to its roots and heritage and there are many events and activities to enjoy this winter and spring.

For high school rodeo fans, the SE High School Rodeo is held in March and is a pre-qualifying event for the Louisiana State High School Rodeo Finals in June. Both rodeo competitions are held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Later in March, serious bull riding fans can see professional riders compete for $25,000 in prize money. This is held at the same venue.

Chili Cook-Offs are a hit in Louisiana, and the Plantation's regional event is held on the LSU campus March 27^th and followed by the state Cook-Off the next day on March 28^th. This is a sanctioned event, and benefits the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. There will be much more than cooking, including a classic car show, talent shows, children's areas and door prizes. A terrific family event!

Experience the best of both worlds at the Art Gumbo Market, held at the Houmas House Plantation. This is a local market featuring arts and home grown food from the region. A beautiful setting to shop the best in local and regional offerings and creations.

Mark your calendar for the 43^rd Annual Jambalaya Festival, held in Gonzales, over the Memorial Day Weekend. With live music, rides, games and activities, bring the entire family for a fun long weekend. Jambalaya will be served daily along with a variety of other food, so come hungry.

Donaldsonville to the southwest was at one time the state capitol. Today it holds the largest celebration of Emancipation in the state. This is the Juneteenth Freedom Festival scheduled for mid-June. Come celebrate the end of slavery in America over a three day weekend. The schedule includes a talent showcase, music, home cooked food, arts, crafts and exhibits. Lots of fun is packed into this weekend and there will be something for everyone in the family. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful pre-Civil War era architecture among the town’s buildings.

St John Parish in the region, is the US home of the Andouille sausage, but you will have to hold the celebration until fall. The Andouille Festival is held in the city of La Place.

Take a trip back in time with all the excitement of today in Louisiana's Plantation Region. Best Western Hotels are throughout the area, convenient whether you are there overnight or for a vacation. With affordable accommodations, easily accessible off major roads and highways, Best Western Hotels are there to meet your needs.

Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Louisiana Cajun Country is anchored by the city of Lake Charles in the west, Lafayette in the center and small towns like Houma and Galliano in the southeast bayou. Alive with a rich heritage and culture, Cajun Country beckons travelers for a visit. From Mardi Gras balls to boat rides through the bayou the region is filled with sights and sounds for everyone.

Lake Charles, in southwestern Louisiana, is easily accessible on Interstate 10 and is located on the shores of its namesake lake. Residents and visitors to Lake Charles enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and the excitement of a thriving urban environment. Winter and spring are full of interesting sights and events to enjoy and take part in.

Through March, the Arts and Cultural Center at Historic Lake Charles City Hall presents the “Frederic Remington Makes Tracks” exhibit. Remington is one of America's most famous artists, known for his illustrations and bronze statues depicting iconic themes of the American West. The Lake Charles Civic Center, in Downtown Lake Charles, hosts the Black Heritage Festival the first weekend in March. This is a terrific family event, featuring talent shows, a kid’s zone and games, along with a marketplace and performances by well known headliners. Special seminars will be scheduled on topics like genealogy and scholarships.

East from Lake Charles, the town of Iowa hosts a unique and fun festival with events nearly the entire month of March. The Iowa (Louisiana) Rabbit Festival celebrates its 24^th year in 2010, starting with the Tiny Tot Pageant and the Miss Bunny Pageant the first two weekends. The festival culminates with an exciting weekend of music, events, a parade and, of course, rabbit shows. There is even a rabbit cook-off in the schedule. Bring the entire family for a weekend of fun!

The center of Cajun Country is Lafayette. The region highlights the mixed cultural heritage of Louisiana with the influences of the French, Spanish, and Caribbean ancestry – all are reflected in Lafayette art, architecture, music, dance, food and festivals. April 21-25, Lafayette hosts the Festival International de Louisiane, the largest French speaking festival in the United States. Celebrating the French heritage of southern Louisiana, the Festival schedule reaches deep into the soul of the region to inspire audiences. You will be amazed by the exceptional cuisine, music and arts brought together for the weekend. As an added bonus, admission to the Festival is free.

Discover the mysteries of Louisiana's swamp in the wetlands south of New Orleans. Towns like Houma or Galliano sit in the heartland of the Cajun swamps. Popular activities include air boat swamp tours, charter fishing trips, wildlife viewing and, of course, eating Cajun food. Bring the family to Houma this spring and add a rodeo to the schedule. The Terrebonne Livestock Association has mid-month rodeos scheduled for March, April and May.

Best Western Hotels are conveniently located throughout Louisiana Cajun Country. With affordable accommodations for an overnight stay or an entire vacation, Best Western Hotels are a great choice for a visit to Southern Louisiana.

Shreveport, Louisiana Skyline

Louisiana is referred to as a sportsman's paradise by many, and Kisatchie, the state's only national forest, is located in Northern Louisiana. Filled with bald cyprus groves and old growth pine, the park provides a myriad of opportunities for outdoor activities; among them hiking and biking trails, campgrounds and picnic areas, and local wildlife and vegetation viewing. Coupled with a mild year round climate, Northern Louisiana is a perfect destination, particularly in winter and spring when summer crowds can be avoided.

The Poverty Point National Monument is located north of Interstate 20 off the Delhi exit. The Monument is perhaps the most significant and least familiar historical site in the state. An archeologists dream, the site was created nearly 3,000 years ago, and remains virtually unexcavated today. The monument consists of concentric mounds and aisles spanning over 600 feet, reflecting extremely advanced engineering and astrological insights. This is an amazing sight for ancient history

Gained a few pounds over the holidays? Poverty Point is hosting its 3^rd Annual Health Walk this year through May 27^th. Come out on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a walk around the site. All fitness levels are welcome and walks range from ½ to 2 miles. A terrific way to get in shape for summer.

Monroe is a vibrant and energetic city with help from its twin city, West Monroe. If nothing else, stop for a Coke. This is where Coca-Cola was first bottled. In reality, there is great diversity of events, sights, shopping, restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Bring the kids to the Monroe Civic Center Arena the end of March, the Barak Shrine Circus is coming to town! Lions, tigers and elephants; acrobats, clowns and the ring master – they will all be there. Come back in April for the Monroe DeltaFest at the Civic Center. 2010 is only the fourth year for the event, but it is drawing top entertainers to headline concerts, including; Tracy Lawrence, LC Smoove, and Ratchet. Come and enjoy the best regional food, arts, crafts and a weekend full of activities.

American history is celebrated midway between Monroe and Shreveport in Gibsland. On May 23, 1934, the notorious criminal couple Bonnie and Clyde met their end in a shootout just outside of town. The events are historically reenacted over the weekend closest to the anniversary. There is a small Bonnie and Clyde museum in town that features original paraphernalia from the couple. True crime fans will love this event, where facts are debated in a historical meeting, and relatives of the couple and the lawmen involved attend.

Plan now for one of Louisiana's best festivals. The Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Festival was named one of the top 20 June events by the Southeast Tourism Society. Produced by the cities of Ruston and Lincoln, the Peach Festival is a family event featuring a special family fun day in downtown Ruston.

The schedule includes a parade, car show, marketplace, garden party, 5K run, cooking contest and more – literally something for everyone. Country stars Shenandoah will headline the 2010 entertainment.

Travel Tip: Get to know the local Best Western Hotels, there is a lot to see and do across Northern Louisiana. With convenient locations and affordable accommodations, Best Western Hotels will make traveling easy and comfortable.