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Home » Louisiana » Louisiana: More than beads and beignets

Louisiana: More than beads and beignets

August 14, 2014 by Karen Dawkins 18 Comments

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Louisianians -- more than #NOLA, #MardiGras or #Beignets
I traveled to Louisiana on business, and most of my trip was paid.
All opinions are my own.

First, my deepest apologies to the State of Louisiana! I confess I never visited before, because… well, I stereotyped! I took New Orleans, with the French Quarter and bawdy Mardi Gras celebrations, and kind of  (well, totally) ascribed it to the whole state. I realize now that I was wrong. And I’ve been missing out for years!

Are you like me?

If all you know about Louisiana can be summed up in Mardi Gras, Hurricane Katrina or Emeril Lagasse’s “BAM!” you should really give it another look. The people of Louisiana know how to live. In fact, the five happiest cities in the United States are ALL in Louisiana: Lafayette (1), followed by Houma, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Alexandria.

You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Here’s Brian Williams, from NBC:

What makes Louisiana so happy?

Lucky me! I spent a whole week in Southwest Louisiana discovering what makes it so happy! Here’s what I found, in no particular order.

1. Louisianians embrace their heritage.

In a world where conformity is encouraged and secrets are hidden, Louisianians embrace their heritage. They admit to a history of slavery and acknowledge its influence on the region today. They remember where they came from, whether Creole or Acadian (Which is where “Cajun” comes from, a people who emigrated from French Canada in the 1700s to escape British rule), celebrating their heritage in food, culture and life. If you, like me, don’t know your Louisiana Creole from your Cajun, read this article!

2. Louisianians are friendly.

Can I generalize and say happy people are friendly? I know when I’m in a good mood, I smile more, hold the door for others and slow down enough to engage. In Louisiana, I met lots of happy people! Michelle, who works at Rabideaux’s Sausage Kitchen in Iowa (pronounced I-O-Way), is getting married this October. She saw me taking photos and asked where I was from and what I was doing. Next thing I know, we’re exchanging stories like old friends. Let me tell you, she’s a sweetie and her husband-to-be is one lucky man!

Louisianians Boudin Balls

I met a lady from Houma (Merely the second happiest place in America) who explained it this way: “We slow down to enjoy a cup of coffee on each other’s porch now and again.” She said working people don’t need their own table at lunch. They sit together as they come in. And I thought this only happened in sweet novellas set in small towns!

3. Louisianians love their food!

And so do I. Now! Well, not the seafood, but that’s just because I’m allergic! (HINT: If you are allergic to shellfish, bring an epi-pen on your Louisiana vacation. I didn’t need mine, though better safe than sorry!)

I did get to enjoy beignets, fried bits of heaven covered in powdered sugar. I savored iced tea, not sweet — Louisianians are French, y’all, not British! Though, they have sweet tea if you want it, since they’re so friendly. I even liked the boudin (boo-dan), a Cajun dish described most easily as pork and rice stuffing served as a steamed sausage or deep fried as a boudin ball. It’s good stuff — and so popular there’s even a boudin trail!

Louisianians beignets

Beignets — so good!

4. Lousianians appreciate nature.

In Louisiana, I held an alligator in my bare hands! So what that he was only 12″ long. He had sharp teeth!

Many Louisianians I met shared how when they were kids, they’d water ski on the bayou because gators were so scarce (Kind of like the Florida Gators last football season… sorry, couldn’t resist). They laugh and say anyone who does that today is nuts! The gators have made a comeback, thanks in large part to the efforts of the people of southwest Louisiana.

Louisianians Gator

I got to see the gator’s resurgence myself on a bayou boat tour with Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours. While enjoying our leisurely ride through the marshland, we didn’t see a single alligator — and we were looking! Then, a sweet baby bird lost his footing. His wings, not yet strong, couldn’t save him. He tumbled in — and the gators swarmed! Let’s just say I witnessed the circle of life.

bayou alligator tour

5. Louisianians know how to throw a party!

Now, it’s not all NOLA (New Orleans, LA) crazy everywhere you go! Still, Mardi Gras is important throughout the state. Each town has its own celebration, with a local flair that makes it different from the rest. I’m told (though I haven’t experienced it yet) that the Lake Charles Mardi Gras is a family friendly affair.

Louisianians mardi gras

Beyond Mardi Gras, the state has more than 200 festivals each year. I met several of the “festival queens” and was I ever impressed. They were friendly and proud of their festivals. They shared that at one festival where all the queens gather, the sailboat queen (and friends) will fill the hotel pool with small sailboats. The crab queen fills it with toy crabs… and you get the idea.

Louisianians celebrate life! Year-round. I think we’d all be happier if we did just that!

Start planning your Southwest Louisiana vacation HERE! You will come home happy! (My kids pointed out at dinner last night that I haven’t yelled at them once all week — and it’s been raining. Laissez les bond temps rouler!)

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Filed Under: Adventure, Arts/Culture, Destinations, Food, Interests, Louisiana, Louisiana, USA

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Comments

  1. Morgan says

    August 22, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    We’re planning a trip through there this fall!

    Reply
  2. Eliz Frank says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Louisiana is a friendly state and they have great food… My only regret is that I’ve never been to Mardis Gras?

    Reply
  3. Lexie Lane says

    August 16, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks for sharing this Karen. I have actually heard that Louisianians do live it up and are really friendly. Life is really enjoyed there. It also appears like they’ve got their own culture going on, doesn’t it? This is a truly lovely post and a great way to share what they are about.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 16, 2014 at 9:32 pm

      Thanks, that’s quite a compliment.
      I’m honored that I get to share the stories of people and places with my readers.

      Reply
  4. Pam Rote says

    August 15, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    I have never been myself but we had a few military transplants in NY who’s home town was Shreveport and they always raved about it—“the food…no place like it, but Buffalo was trying! LOL” A Family Friendly Mardi Gra sounds like a great vacation plan!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 15, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      Pam,
      We have friends here who are from Lafayette, the happiest place in America, and I never believed them that Louisiana could be THAT good! To say I’m eating crow now is an understatement. They approved this post (YAY!) and invited us over for some cajun cooking lessons. I’m so excited to learn more — expect some great recipes over the coming months.
      Karen

      Reply
  5. Payal Bansal (@TrendsnHealth) says

    August 15, 2014 at 5:38 am

    Feel pity on myself.. never thought of having a vacation at Lousiana. Its such a beautiful place for food lovers, who wanna relax and have a good time

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 15, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      I never considered it before either! I hope you’ll add it to your bucket list now that you know about it. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Uplifting Families says

    August 14, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    I think Louisianians got their bad rap after Hurricane Katrina. Which I understand, people got trapped because they stayed and had those who were saved had to be moved to temp locations for a time being. I am glad that they didn’t give up hope and rebuilt their city.

    I have been through LA a few times but never stayed for very long, most traveling through to other states. I would love to go to Mardi Gras one day when I don’t have the kiddos.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 14, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      In the southwestern part of the state, specifically Lake Charles, Mardi Gras is family friendly! They even have a kids Mardi Gras parade. The region is laid back and celebrates family life — definitely someplace to consider. Then you don’t have to wait so long! I’m hoping to go in 2016!

      Reply
  7. Kiera @EasyTravelMom says

    August 14, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    It’s so sad as I’ve been all over the world and yet I’ve never been to Louisiana! It’s on my bucket list, and now that I live back in Texas I hope to make it there one day sooner than later!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 14, 2014 at 1:54 pm

      Kiera, Louisiana was never on my bucket list — and now, I’m trying to figure out how to go back! Lake Charles is only 30 miles from Texas and has a family friendly Mardi Gras. Something for the kids in a couple of years! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Rebecca Swenor says

    August 14, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Sounds like you had an amazing time. I don’t think I would hold any gator even a baby one. Thanks for sharing. I hope to visit there some day.

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 14, 2014 at 11:53 am

      Up close and personal, he was really cute. As soon as I got him in my hands he was super calm! I’ll take gators over squiters (aka mosquitos) any day! Well, baby gators anyway. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo says

    August 14, 2014 at 10:52 am

    I want to go to Louisiana. Right now. This very minute. I’d even hold a gator.

    Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see where you end up next!

    Besos, Sarah
    Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 14, 2014 at 10:58 am

      I think you should go. Right now. This very minute. AND holding a gator is awesome. They’re smooth…. and you can feel his heartbeat!

      Next up (I think): Niagara Falls!

      Reply
  10. Amanda Marcell says

    August 14, 2014 at 9:48 am

    So glad you had a great time! Being from Lafayette myself (the happiest city), I can attest that we love to share our goodness with others! Thanks for the article and doing us proud!

    Reply
    • Karen Dawkins says

      August 14, 2014 at 9:53 am

      Amanda, I only wish I knew this years ago. Louisiana is fabulous, especially for people who enjoy being active, eating well and ending vacation relaxed! That’s not how I feel after many vacations! 🙂

      Reply

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Meet Karen Dawkins

An avid traveler, I enjoy discovering new places: history, culture, and adventure. I love it all! Well, not bugs. I don’t like bugs very much, so I probably won’t visit a bug museum.

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