Travel

Holiday Shopping Hotspots

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to shop and Louisiana delivers. We’ve compiled a few shopping districts throughout the state offering everything from antiques and collectibles to clothing and furniture.…

Museums Galore

When sprawling Houston comes to mind, you might think first of sporting events or rocket ships — even traffic. But in fact, the culturally-diverse city reigns as one of the world’s top destinations for arts lovers. With seven cultural districts…

Bringing an Ecosystem Back

Wafer Creek, the landmark for which the ranch was named, runs through an intact bottomland forest. For more than a century, it has been left mostly uncut, meaning that Wafer Creek Ranch thrives in its natural…

La Nouvelle Louisiane

While it may also be known as Sportsman’s Paradise, Louisiana is home to more than just natural beauty. From top restaurants and breweries to music venues, museums and dance halls, the state is brimming with individuals keen to make Louisiana…

Eureka Moments

It’s believed that when Greek Archimedes understood how to determine the purity of gold he exclaimed, “Heureka,” meaning “I have found it!” Today, we use that expression as…

Natural Escapes

When we think of a cabin getaway, mountains and deep woods spring to mind. In Louisiana, visitors may find similar escapes — although actual mountains may be hard to find — but…

Summer at the Lake

Tree stumps in the lake at Toledo Bend are one of the reasons the area has become a hot spot for fishing.                             …

Moving Up

At first glance, walking across a suspension bridge above Gatlinburg, Tennessee didn’t raise my anxiety levels, but when kids moved past enjoying the rollicking motion of the bridge, my heart skipped…

Pet Friendly Staycations

We love our furry friends, so why not take them on the road when we travel? Recent polls show that pet owners want to bring their dogs and cats with them when they travel, which is why many accommodations, attractions…

Wine and Dine

photo courtesy delta biscuit; herons on the bayou; landry vineyards We must admit we’re skeptical when people rave about Louisiana red and white varietal wines. Most vineyards in the Deep South produce sweet muscadine or fruit-based wines. But we…

Top Fun

Photos Courtesy: Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum Hold on, St. Augustine. You may be the oldest town in Florida, but Pensacola has a few bragging rights too. Spanish conquistador Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano landed in the Panhandle in…

Mountain Time

Asheville, a small city in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, is known for its quirky charm and beauty. With a thriving culinary and arts scene, a walkable downtown bursting with shops, art galleries and restaurants, and…

Big skies & wine

Drinking and driving? That’s dangerous! But nobody says you can’t shuffle a few steps from the wine bar to your comfy bed using your own two feet after a few tipples. Romantic, beautiful to behold, and a way to…

Coastal Vibes

A chill in the air doesn’t hamper the fun along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Even when temperatures drop too low for walks on the world’s longest man-made beach, there are indoor activities, including great dining and casinos. Coastal Carnival…

Outdoorsy Escape

  On a recent visit to Memphis, I had the pleasure of exploring not only the music scene in Blues City but also top-notch accommodations, decadent restaurants and other fun attractions. Just a short flight from New Orleans (or a…

A City with Soul

While barbecue and the rich music scene are reasons enough to visit Memphis, it turns out that the Bluff City has much more to offer. Of course the hopping nightlife on neon-lit Beale Street shouldn’t be missed, nor should…

Gulf Coasting

Mention Louisiana and most people identity with New Orleans, Cajun Country, casinos and LSU. When it comes to the state’s coastline, a fog often settles in their gaze. Sure, our coastline is famous for its fishing and surrounding marshlands teeming…

Beach Bound

Festivals are coming back in a big way to Alabama beaches, including the enormously popular Hangout Music Festival May 20-22, which combines music, food and activities such as roller disco and beach volleyball. Speaking of volleyball, the National Collegiate Women’s…

Beach Reads

Coming of Age The Crocodile Bride “The Crocodile Bride” follows 11-year-old Sunshine Turner as she navigates the difficulties of growing up and the secrets of her family’s past in the tiny town of Fingertip, Louisiana. With the world around her…

Best Coast

In the Deep South, March comes in like many things, not restricted to being a lion as in other regions of the country. When the sun warms our faces and winter seems to have left us for good, it’s time…

Head for the Hills

Photos Courtesy: Hubba hubba smokehouse; flat rock playhouse Louisiana residents don’t have to be told how hot and miserable the deep coastal…

Charming Towns

Take a road trip through Louisiana and visitors will find the most charming small towns scattered throughout the Bayou State. Nestled among bayous, fields of sugar cane and cotton, and filled with historic properties, these small towns provide for outstanding…

Farther Flung: Traveling through the Gateway

Doth Union and Confederate troops had Corinth in its crosshairs during the height of the Civil War, due to its two strategic rail lines. The small town in the northeast corner of Mississippi was originally named “Cross City” for the…