Louisiana

"Laissez les bon temps roulez!"

This common refrain in Louisiana is French for “Let the good times roll!” Louisiana residents enjoy having a good time, and it shows in the hundreds of festivals in towns across the state, in the many Mardi Gras parades in cities large and small, in the fine cuisine found everywhere, and in the friendly, welcoming nature of natives and transplants alike.

Mardi Gras, an annual celebration of parades, music and food, occurs every February or March in many Louisiana communities.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held each year in late April and early May, is a showcase of Louisiana music, cuisine, crafts, and good times, enjoyed by natives and visitors the world over.

Originally settled by the French during the colonial period, Louisiana is home to a mélange of cultures including Spanish, English, African-American, Native American, Irish, Italian, and German.

This cultural mix is evident in the languages and cuisines of the state. This polylingual state speaks Cajun French, Spanish, and Italian, among others. Local foods include seafood, Cajun, Creole, Italian, French, Mexican, and nouveau cuisine.

If history is your thing, the state is home to numerous museums and historic sites. If architecture tempts you, the many plantation homes and other landmark structures will appeal to you.

The arts are another of Louisiana’s assets, as found in our many museums, galleries, concert halls, and theaters. Called the “sportman’s paradise,” Louisiana is known for its rich natural resources for hunters and fishermen.

Louisiana’s state parks offer a variety of attractions for campers, birdwatchers, hikers, and boaters. For sport enthusiasts, Louisiana offers lush, challenging golf courses, the New Orleans Saints professional football team, and the New Orleans Zephyrs minor league baseball team, among others. Hockey fans will enjoy the state’s three minor league teams, the Louisiana Ice Gators, the New Orleans Brass and the Baton Rouge Kingfish.

Visit Louisiana and you’ll see why the good times are rolling – every day!