Louisiana Points-of-Interest

Information sources: A=AAA Travel Guidebook, AC=AAA Camping Book, H= Highways magazine (Good Sam Club), L=loop tours book (Readers Digest, hardbound), X=Xerox copy, T=1992 Texas travel soft-cover book, NOTE: Key to map-location numbering system: A=2005 trip B=2006 trip C=2007 trip No letter = 2008 trip & later trips NOTE: Info may NOT contain CURRENT phone numbers, prices, times of operation, etc. due to publication dates for info sources. ALWAYS check with the attraction / location / venue for updated info rather than drive to the location and be very disappointed !

LOUISIANA
AAA Gem Sites:

2007

Avery Island: Jungle Gardens Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Capitol LSU Museum of Art LSU Rural Life Museum Shaw Center for the Arts Darrow: Houmas House New Orleans: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Audubon Zoo The National World War II Museum New Orleans Museum of Art The Ogden Museum of Southern Art Preservation Hall St. Louis Cathedral Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden St. Francisville: Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site St. Martinville: Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church Shreveport: R. W. Norton Art Gallery Vacherie: Oak Alley Plantation White Castle: Nottoway Plantation

LA001 D !Avery Island (A94) A) Jungle Gardens Gem Site is off SR329 and features sub-tropical flora, aged live oaks, mirror pools, and sunken gardens covering 200 cares. Also camellias, irises and azaleas are usually in bloom November thru June. Theres a Bird City housing 20,000 herons and egrets. Also Chinese Garden and a Buddha dating to 1000 AD. Allow one hour. Daily 9-5. $6.25; $4.50 ages 6-12. Ph: 337-369-6243 B) McIlhenny Company (A94) is off SR329. Company founder Edmund McIlhenny, who received a special red pepper from Central America as a gift from a friend in 1868, developed the fiery Tabasco brand pepper sauce. Guests view factory operations, a 10-minute film, multimedia displays and historical artifacts. Allow one hour. Guided factory tours daily 9-4; closed major holidays. FREE. Ph: 337-365-8173 OR- 800-634-9599. LA002 D !Baton Rouge (A94-97) [see city map page A95)

Louisiana Points-of-Interest

A) (A96) Gem Site is on State Capitol Drive at Third Street. The 34-story-high building is said to be the nations tallest state capitol. Flanking the steps are statues. An observation deck is on the 27th floor offering a panoramic view of Baton Rouge. Allow 30 minutes. FREE. Daily 8-4:30. Observation deck 8-4. Ph: 225-342-7317. B) LSU Rural Life Museum (A97) Gem Site is east on I-10 to Essen Lane exit (Exit 160). This outdoor folk museum is a recreation of an 1800s plantation with more than 15 relocated or recreated buildings on 5 acres. Also includes the 25-acre Windrush Gardens. Allow 1.5 hours. Daily 8:30-5; closed Jan 1, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Dec. 24-25. $7; $6 ages 62+; $4 ages 5-11. Phone 225-765-2437. C) Shaw Center For The Arts, (A97) Gem Site at 100 Lafayette Street, is hoe to the LSU Museum of Art, the LSU School of Art Gallery, the Manship Theatre, and other places of interest within the 125,00 square foot building. Visitors may see a panoramic view of the river and the Old State Capitol District from the sixth floor terrace. Food available. Mon 9-5, Tues-Wed 9AM-10PM; ThursdaySaturday 9AM-11PM, Sunday 11-5. FREE. Ph: 225-346-5001. LA003 D !Darrow (A99) Houmas House Gem Site is at 40136 River Road (SR942). Once the seat of a 20,000acre sugar plantation, built in late 1700s. Mansion expanded in 1840. Furnished with antiques. Has been used as a movie set. Food available. Allow one hour. Guided tours. Mon-Wed 10-5, Thur-Sun 10-8; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, & Dec 25. Mansion & gardens $20; $15 ages 13-18; $10 ages 6-12. Gardens $10. Ph: 225-473-9380. LA004 D Houma (A101) A) A Cajun Mans Swamp Cruise located 15 miles west on SR182 to 251 Marina Drive. Alligators, deer, possums, raccoons, and waterfowl can be seen on this narrated tour of the Louisiana swamps. Allow 2 hours. Trips depart Tues-Sat at 10 & 2, Mon at 2PM, March thru November; Mon-Sat at 2PM rest of year (weather permitting). Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, & Dec 25. Schedule may vary; phone ahead. $20, $10 ages 0-12. Ph: 985-868-4625. AAA member discount implied. B) Cajun Tours and Cruises at 709 May Street. The Cajun way of life on Louisianas bayous is reflected in several tours: visit to a seafood factory, bayou community, American Indian fishing village, Cajun Village. Various native animals may be seen. Tours range from 1.5 to 5.5 hours; multi-day tours also available. Open daily at 9AM. Fare = $5-$100. Reservations recommended. Ph: 985-872-6157. AAA member discount implied. LA005 D !Jennings (A101) W. H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum (A102) at 311 N. Main Street. Museum houses entire inventory of a rural store that closed in 1949: toys, games, clothing, fabric, patent medicines, antique auto parts and hardware. Also within the building is the Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum, which chronicles a century of phone communication. Allow one hour. Mon-Fri 9-5; closed holidays. Merchandise and Phone Museum $3 ($1 students). Ph: 337-821-5532. AAA member discount implied. LA006 D Kisatchie National Forest (A102) Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, also known as Louisianas Little Grand Canyon, is an area of mesas, cliffs, and canyons. The forest can be enjoyed by car as well as by foot. The 17mile Longleaf Scenic Byway, beginning at the junction of FR337 and SR117 and ending on SR119, winds through some of Louisianas most rugged forestland. LA007 D Kraemer (A102) A) Torres Cajun Swamp Tours departs from 101 Torres Rd., (SR307). Guided 1.5 hour tours offer glimpses of local swamps, animals and bayous. Daily 9-6. Fare = $15; $13.50 ages 66+. Ph: 985-633-7739. B) Zams Bayou Swamp Tours departs from 135 Kraemer Bayou Rd. Narrated boat tours. Guided 2 hour tours offer glimpses of local swamps, animals and bayous. Daily 9:30-4. Fare = $15. Ph: 985-633-7881.

Louisiana Points-of-Interest

LA008 D Manchac (A104) Mockingbird Swamp Tours is off I-55 exit 15, then 1.25 miles southeast on US51 to departure point at Gators Den. See animals while cruising Manchac Swamp. Allow 2 hours. Tours depart daily at 10, noon, and 2, Apr-Aug. Fare = $25. Reservations are required. Ph: 985-748-7637. LA009 D 088 A Many (A105) Hodges Gardens State Park is 14 miles south on US171 in Florien. Winding roads take visitors within this 700-acre park past 70 acres of gardens, a 225-acre lake, greenhouses, an island memorial to the Louisiana Purchase, pastures with deer, sheep, buffaloes, also hiking & biking trails, picnic facilities, food, fishing, boat rentals. Allow 3 hours. Daily 9-7; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. $5; $4 ages 62+; free ages 0-3. Ph: 318-586-3523. 088 A Hodges Gardens (p 172) like Callaway Gardens; 10-mile paved bike/hiking drive; 60-acre formed gardens; largest collection of antique roses in America. LA010 D New Iberia (A108) A) Joseph Jefferson Home and Rip Van Winkle Gardens is 6 miles south from junction US90 and SR14, then 1.5 miles west to 5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd. Joseph Jefferson was an acclaimed actor in the late 1800s known for his role as Rip Van Winkle; his home was built as a winter respite from his stage performances. The 22room mansion features a cupola, period paintings and fine furniture, plus many varied flowers in the gardens. Allow one hour. Daily 9-5; closed Jan 1, Good Friday, Easter, July 4, Dec 25. House tours given daily on the hour 9-4. $10; $8 ages 9-17 and 65+. Ph: 337-359-8525. B) Konrico Rice Mill is at 309 Ann Street. Opened since 1912, Konrico is said to be the nations oldest rice mill still in operation. Features 20-minute slide show before guided tour. Allow one hour. Tours Mon-Sat at 10, 11, 1, 2, and 3; closed Jan 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. $4; $3.50 ages 63+; $2.25 ages 0-11. Ph: 337-364-7242 or 800-551-3245. LA011 D New Orleans (A110) A) Audubon Zoo Gem Site (A126) at 6500 Magazine St. just south of the park. 58 acres, more than 1500 animals. Louisiana Swamp exhibit with 1930s Cajun settlement. Narrated feedings and animal shows are offered daily. Allow 3 hours. Tues-Sat 10-5. Closed Mardi Gras Day, the first Friday in May, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. Last admission one hour before closing. $12; $9 ages 65+; train $4, carousel $2, combination ticket with aquarium and Entergy IMAX theater $28, $24 ages 65+, $18 ages 2-12. Ph: 504-581-4629 or 800-774-7394. B) Blaine Kerns Mardi Gras World (A126) is on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from downtown New Orleans in historic Algies Point at 233 Newton Street. A free ferry leaves Canal Street on the hour and half-hour and is met by a Mardi Gras shuttle bus. This designer and builder of Mardi Gras floats, costumes, props, and figures offers guided tours through workshops where artists and sculptors work on their creations. Allow one hour. Daily 9:30-4:30; closed Mardi Gras Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. $17; $13 ages 63+ and students with ID; $10 ages 4-11. Ph: 504-361-7821 or 800-362-8213. AAA member discount implied. C) New Orleans Botanical Gardens (A127) is on Victory Avenue in City Park. Designed during the Art Deco and WPA periods, the garden is arranged in a series of rooms, some of which are accented with fountains and statuary. The train garden presents a miniature replica of New Orleans. A conservatory showcases a tropical rain forest and a living fossil exhibit Allow 30 minutes. Tues-Sun 10-4:30; CLOSED MONDAYS and major holidays. $5; $2 ages 5-12. Ph: 504-483-9386. D) New Orleans Museum of Art Gem Site (A127; color ad same page) is at 1 Collins Diboll Circle in City Park. Funded by millionaire sugar broker Isaac Delgado in 1910, the Greek Revival building is home to 46 galleries including Western and Non-Western art from pre-Christian era to present. An entire floor is dedicated to Asian, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art. Food available. Allow 1.5 hours. Wed-Sun 10-4:30; CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY and major holidays and Mardi Gras Day. $8; $7 ages 55+ and students with ID; $4 ages 3-17. Admission may increase for special events. Ph: 504-658-4100. AAA member discount implied.

Louisiana Points-of-Interest

E) Syndey and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden Gem Site (A127) is at 1 Collins Diboll Circle in City Park, next to New Orleans museum of Art. Gardens contain 50 sculptures on 5 landscaped acres, along with wellplaced pools, footbridges, and paved paths. Picnicking is NOT permitted. Allow one hour. Wed-Sun 10-4:30; CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY and major holidays and Mardi Gras Day. FREE. Ph: 504-488-2631. F) Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (A128) is off I-10 on Causeway Blvd. The worlds longest overwater highway bridge crosses 24 miles of open water, taking passengers out of sight of land for 8 miles. The bridge supports a four-lane divided highway with pullover areas for sightseeing and an opening span at mile marker 16 to accommodate ships. Toll $3 southbound. Ph: 504-835-3118. G) The National World War II Museum Gem Site (A128; ad page A129) is at 945 Magazine Street. The stories of World War II soldiers are told through a vast collection of artifacts, film footage, photographs, personal effects, diaries and oral histories. New Orleans was chosen as the site of the museum, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate, to honor Andrew Higgins, a local boat builder whose amphibious landing craft was credited by Dwight Eisenhower with winning the war. On display is a Higgins Boat used in Normandy. Extensive exhibits are mentioned. Food available. Allow 2.5 hours Tues-Sun 9-5; closed Jan 1, Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. $14; $8 ages 66+, students, active or retired military w/ ID, free to military in uniform. AAA member discount implied. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Parking $6 at visitor lot adjacent to museum on Camp Street. Ph: 504-527-6012. H) New Orleans Glassworks And Printmaking Studio (A130) is between Girod and Julia Streets at 727 Magazine Street. Observe glass blowing master craftsmen, metal sculptors, and print makers. The adjoining New Orleans ArtWorks Gallery exhibits the finished works by local and international artisans. Allow 30 minutes. Mon-Sat 11-5, Sept-May; Mon-0Fri 11-5 rest of year. Closed Jan 1, Mardi Gras Day, and Dec 25. FREE. Ph: 504-529-7277. I) The Ogden Museum of Southern Art Gem Site (A130; ad same page) is at 925 Camp Street. Displays Southern art from 1700s to present, more than 2700 pieces in 22 galleries including painting, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, glass, photography, wood, metal, etc. Guided tours available. Allow 1.5 hours. Thurs-Sun 11-4 (also Thurs 6-8PM), CLOSED MON-WED. Hours may vary; phone ahead. $10; $8 age 65+ and students with ID; $5 ages 5-17. Ph: 504-539-9600. J) Various cemeteries listed A130-131. K) 148 A New Orleans (p168) French Quarter has Jackson Square. St. Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the USA. Two blocks away is the French Market where you can buy hot pepper sauce, gumbo-to-go, and other items in a 24-hour market and bazaar. Can also tour many of the fine house museums in New Orleans, such as Gallier House Museum, Beauregard-Keyes House, Hermann-Grima House. Riverfront has the Aquarium of he Americas. Just minutes from downtown are swamp tours reserve at least 24 hours in advance! Cajun guides take you deep into bayous. The Garden District has antebellum homes, and Audubon Park is near Audubon Zoo (we went to this before). New Orleans vicinity LA012 D Abita Springs (A147) Abita Mystery House At The U.C.M. Museum at 22275 SR36. Paint-by-number masterpieces, postcards, pocket combs and more than 250,000 bottlecaps are among the most unusual displays at this folk art museum housed in a vintage filling station, a Creole cottage and the House of Shards, a building covered in mosaics. Includes animated scenes of Southern life by Louisiana artist from found and recycled objects. Allow 30 minutes. Daily 10-5; closed Jan 1, Mardi Gras Day, Ester, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. $3; free ages 0-2. Ph: 985-892-2624. LA013 D Marrero (A149) Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours is 3.5 miles south on Barataria Blvd (SR45) to SR3134 (Lafitte LaRose Hwy), then 5 miles east. Tour guides narrate the history of the Louisiana swamps as a boat winds through the bayou. Allow 2 hours minimum. Trips Fri-Sun at 10 and 2, weather permitting; closed Mardi Gras Day,

Louisiana Points-of-Interest

Thanksgiving and Dec 25. $23; $15 ages 3-12. Ph: 504-689-4186 or 800-445-4109. AAA member discount implied. LA014 D Slidell (A150) A) Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour is 7.3 miles east on US190, then .3 miles east on US90 to departure point. Tours are guided by a native who imparts detailed information about swamp wildlife. See bayou, its environs, and a Cajun village from small boats that carry 14-25 passengers. Allow 2 hours. Departs daily at 9:30, noon and 2:30; closed Mardi Gras Day. Phone ahead for schedule updates. $23, $21 ages 66+, $15 ages 3-12. Transportation to departure point is available for a fee. AAA member discount implied. B) Honey Island Swamp Tours is 2miles east on US190 to SR1090/Military Road, 1 miles north to Crawford Landing/I-10 Frontage Roads, then 1.5 miles east to departure point. The ecologist-guided, 2-hour flatboat tours emphasize the ecology and natural history of Honey Island Swamp, one of the countrys least altered rive swamps. Morning & afternoon trips are offered daily; call for specific schedule. Closed major holidays. $23, $15 (ages 0-11). Van transportation is offered from New Orleans for an additional charge. Reservations required. Ph: 985-641-1769 or 504-242-5877 in New Orleans. AAA member discount implied. LA015 D Vacherie (A150) Oak Alley Plantation Gem Site is 3 miles west off SR20 on SR18. The Greek Revival mansion was named for the two rows of live oaks planted in the early 1700s. The oaks form a quarter-mile alley from the Mississippi River to the house. Costumed guides do tours of house and you see period furniture. Grounds map is available. Allow one hour. Guided tours daily 10-4; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Schedule may vary, phone ahead. Allow one hour. Guided tour 10-4. $10, $5 (ages 13-18), $3 ages 6-12. Ph: 225-265-2151 or (800-442-5539. AAA member discount implied. 150 A Oak Alley Plantation (p172) Oak Alley is now operated as an inn & restaurant. LA016 D Westwego (A151) Cajun Critters Swamp Tour is at 363 Louisiana Avenue. Two-hour tours depart from the end of Bayou Segnette. A Cajun guide shepherds passengers thru the backwatered of New Orleans. Allow 2 hours. Departs daily at 9:30, 1:30, and 3:30, early Apr-late Oct; at 9:30 & 1:30 rest of year. $22, $15 (ages 4-12), Transportation to departure point available for a fee. Reservations suggested. Ph: 504-347-0962 or 800-575-5578. (end of New Orleans vicinity) LA017 D !St. Francisville (A154) Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site Gem Site just east of SR10 and US61. 16-room house of famous rich cotton planter. Wife created 28 acres of gardens inspired from their European honeymoon. Many details in house and original furniture. Picnicking permitted. Allow 1.5 hours. Site open daily 9-5; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. Guided tours depart on the hour 10-4. $10; $8 62+ yrs,, $4 ages 6-17. Ph: 225-635-3332 or 888-376-1867. LA018 D St. Martinville (A155) Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site Gem Site is north on SR31. 157-acre site. Borders Bayou Teche in region settled by Acadians from Nova Scotia. The plantation home, Maison Olivier, was built around 1815 of cypress, brick and bousillage (a mixture of mud and moss packed between beams). Guided tours offered of house. Depicts Creole plantation life. Gardens surround house with fruit, nut and shade trees, vegetable & herb gardens. Outdoor kitchen storehouse, and reproduction of an Acadian cabin on grounds. Allow one hour. Daily 9-5; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. $2; free ages 0-11 and 63+). Ph: 337-394-3754 or 888-677-2900. LA019 D Shreveport (A156) A) Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum is off I-20 exit 19A to 601 Spring Street. Vintage vehicles, period costumes, and memorabilia displayed in former 1920s auto dealership. Exhibits change twice per year.

Louisiana Points-of-Interest

Allow one hour. Tues-Sat 10-5. CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY. $6, $5 age 55+ and military w/ ID. Ph: 318-222-0227. AAA member discount implied. B) Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is at 3015 Greenwood Road. Museum houses murals and displays about Louisiana history, agriculture, industry, natural resources, wildlife and recreation. Exceptionally large relief map. 22 dioramas. Four frescoes illustrate 1930s Louisiana labor force. Allow one hour. Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat-Sun noon-4. Closed major holidays. FREE. Ph: 318-632-2020. C) R. W. Norton Art Gallery Gem Site (A158) is off I-49 Pierremont Ave exit, 1/4 miles east to Creswell Ave. European and American paintings, sculpture, & decorative arts. Galleries devoted to Flemish tapestries. Rare books, antique dolls, Wedgwood pottery, Paul Revere silver pieces. Allow 1.5 hours. Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 1-5, closed Jan 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. FREE. Ph: 318-865-4201. D) 091 A Shreveport American Rose Center; 44-acre rose garden. LA020 !White Castle (A159) Nottoway Plantation Gem Site is 2 miles north off SR1 via signs. Considered one of the wonders of the antebellum South. John H. Randolph, wealthy sugar cane planter, commissioned New Orleans architect Henry Howard to design & build the most palatial home on the Mississippi. When completed in 1859, Nottoway, the center of a self-sufficient 7,000-acre plantation, was the largest house in Louisiana. Three stories, 654 rooms, blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Had modern conveniences such as gaslights, indoor bathrooms, and bell intercom system. Food available. Allow 1.5 hours. Tours daily 9-5. Closed Dec 25. $10, $4 (ages 5-11) Ph: 225-545-2730. 149 A Nottoway Plantation (p171) Many old plantations along River Road, also known as Great River Road. Now operated as a house museum & historic inn. LA021 089 A Natchitoches (p 173) (NAK-a-tush) 60-block historic district; site of many movies including Steel Magnolias; cruises on Cane River Lake; view/visit old southern plantations Rogue House, Cane River Plantation, Melrose Plantation, Big House Plantation, Yucca House and Africa House. LA022 090 A Mansfield (p 173) Mansfield State Commemorative Area; museum with Civil War weapons & personal diaries. LA023 !092 A Monroe Bible Museum; Elsong Garden with song melodies played as you tour; Louisiana Purchase Garden & Zoo. LA024 !093 A Poverty Point Poverty Point Commemorative Area six concentric earth ridges date to 1200 years before Christ; tram tours in warm months. LA025 !151 A San Francisco Plantation (p172) One of USAs more ornate mansions. Does not say whether it can be toured, but it can be viewed from exterior, maybe inside, too.