Bourbon Street ~ New Orleans, LA

Louisiana's largest city, New Orleans and the New Orleans metropolitan area cover seven parishes. Did you know that Louisiana is the only US state that is divided into parishes - the equivalent of counties in other states. The origins of New Orleans' nickname The Big Easy is obscure but it certainly describes the excitement of spring and summer travel to the city. Visitors have it easy to have a good time and it's easy to enjoy New Orleans many attractions. Katrina left its mark on the city, yet today, redevelopment has revitalized the spirit of New Orleans. Events fill the Superdome schedule, Minor League Baseball's New Orleans Zephyrs draw baseball fans to Zephyr Field, just fifteen minutes away in Metairie - Spring and summer are exciting times to visit the Crescent City and indulge in New Orleans rich culture.

The 2010 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is held May 25th through 29th. A spectacular event showcasing the culinary talents of local and celebrity chefs, as well as renowned winemakers from across the country. Foodies, mark your calendars and make your reservations. The dinners and wine parings have been exquisitely planned, and award winning vintages will be sampled at the wine tastings. Don't miss the weekends grand tastings at the Superdome, where over 75 chefs and 1000 vintages will be available.

New Orleans' Vieux-To-Do in June brings together three unique Louisiana festivals in one weekend. June 13th through June 15th, visitors to the French Quarter will enjoy the New Orleans Seafood Festival, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and the Great Creole Tomato Festival. Hosted at the Old US Mint and the Historic French Market, the events are in close proximity for visitors to take advantage of all three. Buckwheat Zydeco will headline the Cajun-Zydeco Festival, where you can celebrate the heritage, food and culture of southwestern Louisiana. Sample mouthwatering Cajun cuisine prepared by New Orleans best chefs while you dance the weekend away to a full lineup of entertainment.

New Orleans Best Western Hotels are convenient for travelers to the city. The Best Western French Quarter Landmark Hotel and the Best Western St Christopher Hotel are within walking distance of the French Quarter – great locations for accommodations, and to leave the car parked with no worries. The Best Western Landmark Hotel is ideal for spending the night in the city after a game at Zephyr Field or the Superdome. Relax for the night at a clean and comfortable Best Western Hotel.

Book your Best Western Hotel now for Tales of the Cocktail 2010. July 22nd through the 24th, this unique New Orleans event celebrates the history and artistry of the cocktail. Over twenty five New Orleans restaurants participate hosting Spirited Dinners and Lunches, which combine delicious savory selections with creative cocktail pairings. Festival events also include competitions, seminars along with awards for the most outstanding contributions to the craft of the cocktail. Don't miss the 2010 official festival cocktail; Death in the South Pacific.

Louisiana Plantation Home

Central Louisiana is steeped in history with towns like Natchitoches and Alexandria. The Cane River Lake along Natchitoches Front Street takes visitors back to a more genteel time. Alexandria, with the Red River, bayous and the Kisatchie National Forest nearby is a sports and outdoor paradise. Plantation homes like the Kent House or the Louisiana History Museum give visitors a glimpse at Alexandria and Central Louisiana’s history. The Toledo Bend Reservoir, along Louisiana’s western border, draws boaters and bass fishermen to enjoy its outstanding recreation. East along Highway 28 travelers pass Catahoula Lake towards Ferriday, Vidalia and the mighty Mississippi.

For a great Labor Day weekend of fun and entertainment the Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run is ideal. Enjoy the Zydeco bands in downtown Natchitoches, take a motorcycle ride through Natchitoches Parish to visit the stops on the Poker Run, and even enter the dance contest or motorcycle games. All proceeds benefit local charities, so come on out and join in the fun.

The Best Western Natchitoches Inn is ideal for travelers to the area. Located conveniently off of Highway 6, the Colonial Trails Scenic Byway, and Interstate 49 it is perfect whether you a just passing through or spending the weekend for the Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run. With affordable rates and comfortable rooms, make sure to stay long enough to enjoy historic downtown Natchitoches or tour the local Plantation Homes.

Music fans mark September 11th for the Rapides Symphony Orchestra performance at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater. The 2010 Pops on the River Concert is a spectacular annual event. You can enjoy fine food and drink along with the sounds of the symphony playing outdoors on the riverbank.

Jena, north of Alexandria, hosts Fall Fest mid-October. With live music, a tractor pull and games for all ages, this is a great fall family event. Enjoy a weekend of fun, with one day of trades and swapping. Fall Fest is held at the Jena Fairgrounds. The Best Western of Alexandria Inn and Suites makes a great place to stay in the Alexandria area. Convenient to Alexandria Zoo, the Kent House and events at Rapides Coliseum, book an extra day or two to enjoy the area.

Celebrate Halloween this year appropriately at the Haunted History Tour at American Cemetery in Natchitoches. Being the oldest settlement in Louisiana also means Natchitoches has the oldest cemetery in the state. Come out for a haunting evening featuring local actors portraying the most dramatic historical characters of Natchitoches. Meet Isabella, the ghost of a French aristocrat turned nun, and three generations of the L’Herrison Family, one of the regions first families. Halloween fans, this is the place to be for a real scare.

Alexandria celebrates Twelve Days of Christmas in December. For twelve consecutive nights Alexandria comes alive with events and activities for the holidays. Special chorale performances, caroling, a Christmas parade, re enactments of the Christmas story, bands and dancing to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays. The Twelve Nights of Christmas 2010 run December 3rd through the 20th.

Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Southern Louisiana is Cajun Country. Lake Charles set on the Calcasieu River is a busy port city and commercial center for Southwestern Louisiana. Diverse in its offerings, Lake Charles Charpentier District is full of historic Victorian buildings; there is horse racing, casinos and the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge nearby. Houma east across the deltas, wetlands and bayous, is a major fishing town and hosts the Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo. The Rodeo has been cancelled for 2010, but plans are for the fun and excitement to return in 2011. Lafayette is the largest city in Cajun country and center of the Acadiana area of Southern Louisiana.

Lake Charles is called the Festival Capital of the state of Louisiana. Over 75 fairs and festivals are held each year and events have not slowed down in 2010. September brings BooZoo’s Labor Day Festival in Iowa, just east of Lake Charles. The Cajun Bon Temps Festival in Carlyss is held over three days at St Theresa Catholic Church in Carlyss to the west of Lake Charles. St Margaret Catholic Church in Lake Charles hosts the Calca-Chew Food Festival the end of September. All are typical Cajun festivals so bring an appetite for shrimp etouffee, gumbo and barbecue and get ready for a lot of fun.

There are two Best Western Hotels in the Lake Charles area. The Best Western Executive Hotel and Suites in Sulphur is just four miles from Lake Charles just off Interstate 10. The Best Western Richmond Suites Hotel is also located off of Interstate 10 in Lake Charles. With affordable rates and comfortable rooms and suites, head to Cajun country for a festival and make it a weekend getaway. If the weather is nice, enjoy Lake Charles Beach, anytime is good for a walk along the Creole Nature Trail or take in a game at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.

Houma is not to be outdone and October is a great month to plan a visit to the area. The 2010 Cajun Heritage Festival and Louisiana State Woodcarving Championships are held mid-October in Larose. Larose also hosts the 2010 French Food Festival near the end of October. This is the 24th annual event, and one of the best in the south to experience Cajun cuisine, culture and heritage. Larose, located on the Lafourche bayou, is home to a strong legacy of the Lafourcheasie, which will be featured in folk life demonstrations as well as the food.

The Best Western Isabelle Court in Galliano is less than ten miles from Larose to the south, an ideal location for visitors, as well as travelers across southern Louisiana. The Best Western River Region Inn in Luling is central in St Charles Parish and convenient for air travelers through New Orleans. The Best Western Houma Inn in Gray is northwest of Houma on Highway 90. It is time to enjoy Cajun country with a getaway, book a Best Western Hotel and enjoy!

Shreveport, Louisiana Skyline

Northern Louisiana from Shreveport and Bossier City in the Northwest to small towns like Delhi and Bastrop in the Northeast is an outdoor paradise. Sportsmen and recreation enthusiasts fill Interstate 20 en route to their perfect destinations. Monroe hosts a unique charitable event mid-August. Come watch Police and Firefighters in action at the Battle of the Badges. Local and regional policemen and firemen participate in an amateur boxing show that benefits Monroe charities. Complete with ring girls and lots of boxing action – this is a rare opportunity to support the community and your favorite policeman or firefighter. The Best Western Airport Inn in Monroe and the Best Western West Monroe Inn are ideal locations for lodging. With affordable rates and comfortable accommodations, make a trip to Monroe for a weekend getaway.

The 2010 State Fair of Louisiana, held in Shreveport, is October 21st through November 7th. With the thrill of the carnival and midway, the traditional exhibits and top name entertainment, the State Fair of Louisiana is a great destination. See the best of Louisiana agriculture, forestry and livestock, enter a cooking contest, or take in the rodeo – the schedule is packed. Headliners include the Bellamy Brothers, Midnight Star and Jason Boland and the Stragglers among others. Remember the concerts are free with admission to the fair.

The Best Western Richmond Suites Hotel and the Best Western Chateau Suite Hotel are located along Interstate 20, convenient to the fair grounds. The Best Western Chateau Suite Hotel is downtown, close to attractions like the Louisiana Boardwalk or the Sci-port Discover Center. The Best Western Richmond Suites Hotel is just west of downtown near the Shreveport Regional Airport. Fairgoers spend an extra day or two and enjoy all of your favorite Shreveport area attractions.

Music Fans check your calendars for the 2010 Highland Jazz and Blues Festival November 13th. Held in Columbia Park in Shreveport, you can enjoy the best local and national musicians including Buddy Fleet and Shreveport’s native sons The Gourds. In addition to music, the Artists Alley returns with unique arts, crafts and jewelry. There will be plenty of food booths, so you can stay the entire day and enjoy all the talent. Two stages and six hours of non-stop music and it is free – can’t beat that.