Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Blues Clubs & Bars
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. The Gator Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
From blues to country to zydeco and beyond, great music of all kinds graces the stage at the Gator Lounge, a stylish bar that provides guests with a regular schedule of free entertainment from a fabulous roster of the best local and regional acts.
2. Teddy's Juke Joint
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
This is a classic Blues Juke Joint
Reviewed By SammeQ - Dublin, Ireland
Came across Teddies while researching a two week road trip visiting all the major music cities Nashville memphis Clarksdale etc . Teddies came highly recommended and so we ended up booking a night in Zachary on a Friday night. We to a ve arrieved to a verry quiet bar . What we had not bargained on was that there was a big football match on in Baton Rouge so the apart from 6 or 7 people who dropped in we had the place to ourselves. Teddie still put on a brilliant set on the decks,, This one is for the couple from Eyeland " he has been a DJ for 53 years and he knows his stuff, and Nancy served up some great food . We had an absolute brilliant time, listening and dancing to incredible music and a great chat Teddie and Nancy over the course of a few hours and can truthfully say it was one of the best highlights of our trip. Wonderrful place , food music and especially our hosts with the mosts Ted and Nancy . If you get a chance just go !!!
3. Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
4. The Funky Pirate Blues Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Cherribum - Atlanta, United States
This place is a little walk down Bourbon Street in the direction of Esplanade. I stumbled across it by accident due to the fact that the opposite side of the road was closed off due to construction. But I am glad I did! Being of the older crowd- over 35- I didn't think I would actually go into any of the clubs on Bourbon, they were mostly filled with the 30 and under demographic. It was fun just to have the experience of walking up and down Bourbon and trying a few of the drinks that only New Orleans have to offer. But this place, at least that particular weekend, had an older crowd with more of a bluesy vibe which is more my speed. The music was lively and the band was interactive with the audience, which always makes for a more fun and entertaining experience. The drinks were good and average price for any of the bars on Bourbon. You can order food as well but I didnt try any at that visit. I will go back there when I visit New Orleans again.
5. Maison Blues
6. B B Kings Blues Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By 666diannar - Kalkaska, United States
good food and great bands happy hour was nice great deals had my 48th anniversy there and they wished us well
7. Rick's Sporting Saloon
8. House Of Blues
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 645 reviews
Reviewed By LaurenSpiritual - Miami, United States
We had a great time here! Awesome scenery inside the restaurant and in the outside area. The food was delicious. Make sure to get the bread pudding and jalapeño cornbread. Just a great atmosphere, good food and friendly people. We will be sure to come back soon!
9. El Sido's Zydeco & Blues Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
This Lafayette club features a lot of zydeco, Creole boogeying music, guaranteed to get you up out of your seat and dancing.
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