It is the French who have had the
greatest impact in Louisiana. The largest group of early
French settlers (called Acadians) arrived in 1755 when the British
exiled them from Nova Scotia during the French and Indian
War.
The Acadians influence in New Orleans is pervasive. A vibrant
lifestyle that always seems to afford time for an
afternoon glass of wine, cup of steaming gumbo, or an after-dinner flaming cherry
jubilee. Life sets the tempo of business. And from the
state's name to its unique cuisine and architecture, the
influence of the French people and their culture is very apparent in Louisiana.
Amidst its cosmopolitan population is
the city's architectural charm. Reflections of the
influence of 18th century Spain and France.
There is the overwhelming presence of the Old World in
the round arched hallways and cast iron balconies. While
on the outskirts of New Orleans lies the picturesque and
stately sugarcane plantations of the Old South. Roman
pillars and lush subtropical gardens line the pathways to
these lavish sugarcane estates. The best time to visit
Louisiana is in February when azaleas begin blooming
followed shortly by gardenias and jasmine.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a
nationally recognized annual extravaganza.The city
opens its doors every year on the Tuesday, 47 days before
Easter, for this February event. People from across the
nation parade down the streets in costumes, singing and
dancing to the tempo of jazz. Mardi Gras is held in the
heart of the French Quarter section of New Orleans. It is
here that the surreal is reborn and inner fantasies are
embellished. Dreams come alive. 
The newest addition to New Orleans' attractions is the "Aquarium of the
Americas". An aquatic theme park that is home to thousands of fish in hundreds of aquariums. One of the
newest and largest collections of marine life in the
nation. Taking you on trips to
the Caribbean Sea, Amazon Rainforest, Mississippi River Delta, California Coast and the Gulf of Mexico through its intricate recreations of these marine habitats. Along
with Baltimore's National Aquarium and the Texas State
Aquarium in Corpus Christi, the Aquarium of the Americas
is one of the best designed aquatic theme
parks in the country. Located in the French Quarter
district on Canal street.
A preview to your bayou explorations
can be afforded at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.
It has the largest display of reptiles and swamp
creatures in America. Offering an in-depth portrayal of
life in the bayous. Many of the animals living here were
taken directly from nearby swamps. The zoo's premier
guests are its rare "white alligators" which are quickly gaining the same notoriety as that of Miami Metrozoo's white tigers.
Both extremely rare displays of natural selection and the
hallmark of these zoos. The New Orleans Audubon Zoo
contains 60 acres and 500 species of animals.
Traveling west from New Orleans is the
Scenic Swamp Highway (Hwy 90). A newly constructed
thoroughfare that loops south in much the same fashion as
I-10 loops north. Both roads intersecting in Lafayette.
Little travel time is lost on Hwy 90 compared to
continuing on I-10. Highway 90 spans over 50 bridges on a
route that takes you through the heart of the cypress
swamps. Cottonmouths, alligators, and excellent bass
fishing await the adventuresome who choose to avail
themselves of the many boat ramps along the way.
Old World architecture and New World
flair. From its formal French gardens and gourmet
restaurants to its flamboyant parades, New Orleans offers
a rare glimpse at a unique blend of Spanish, French, and
American cultures. Of all the cities in the United
States, New Orleans is foremost in preserving the living
history of this country's earliest European settlers.
