Last week we had the pleasure of exploring the Creole Nature Trail in Southwest Louisiana. It’s a 180 mile driving trail through one of our last untamed wilderness areas, Louisiana’s Outback. The trail offers many activities for visitors, including: birding, crabbing, fishing, hunting, photography, shelling/beaches and picnicking.

We downloaded the Creole Nature Trail audio/video tour for our trip. It really enhanced the visit by offering a personal tour guide. As we drove, we learned about history, birds, animals, industry, hurricanes and much more. Coming from IL it was quite a treat to drive through swamp, hang out along the ocean, see Live Oak trees and to see Alligator crossing signs along the road. We also enjoyed the ferry ride we took along the way.

You can also visit the Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Museum while you are in Lake Charles. We were amazed at the intricacy of the costumes. I couldn’t imagine wearing that with all the weight and I sure wouldn’t want to get them dirty. They have the largest collection of Mardi Gras Costumes in the world.

And, of course, if you are in Louisiana you must try the local cuisine. I had gumbo, jambalaya, red snapper, alligator and much more. Dang, the food is good. I was amazed to hear how much crab is exported to the East Coast from here. About 1/3 of the crab you eat on the east coast is from Louisiana and I always get crab when I’m in Baltimore.

A short stay in New Orleans was included in this trip too. I can’t help but share the most amazing thing I saw on Bourbon Street. I encourage you to visit! What unique places have you visited?