Top Things to do in Louisiana
Top 5 Operas in Louisiana, United States
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. Grand Opera House of the South
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Located in the historical downtown district of Crowley, LA When The Grand was originally built and opened by David E Lyons in 1901, it was the major arts venue between New Orleans and Houston. For 39 years some of the notables performing on the opera house stage included Enrico Caruso, Al Jolson, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth, Buffalo Bill, and Madame de Vilchez-Bisset of the Paris Opera. After the death of Mr. Lyons in 1940 The Grand remained closed for over 60 years. In 1999 the family of local businessman Lazar J. Gielen purchased the building with plans to restore the opera house back to its original grandeur. The historic landmark, which is now The Grand Opera House of the South, was donated to the non-profit organization by the Gielen family and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. After a $4.5 million renovation the Grand Opera House of the South reopened its doors in September 2008. Since then thousands of enthusiastic patrons have filled the theater, embracing the quality performances rich in arts and culture. All donations to the on-going restoration fund are greatly appreciated. As with all tax deductible contributions, memorial gift giving is also available by purchasing Opera House Seats and Concert Grand Piano Keys.
2. Marigny Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By HistoryGrrl
If you are visiting New Orleans, be sure to check out what's playing at the opera house. The venue is glorious, an historic Catholic church in the Marigny behind the French Quarter stripped down to its beautiful, graceful old bones. Besides a varied calendar, this place has some of the best acoustics I've ever experienced (former music journalist; I've heard A LOT of live music). You may have the chance to hear the most excellent New Orleans Chamber Players, see local or visiting jazz musicians, or perhaps luck into a production of a play or dance performance. The bookers and producers seem to have excellent taste because I've never seen anything here that doesn't meet very high standards. New Orleans is full of "hidden" surprises, and this is one of them. The atmosphere is quite casual and very welcoming. Visit the Marigny Opera House website calendar, see what's on, and treat yourself to a delightful experience.
3. Louisiana Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
4. New Orleans Opera Association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
5. Shreveport Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
