A Taste of the Bayou State & French Quarter

See the traditions of the region’s Acadian, Creole, and Native American communities come alive at this 23-acre immersive museum along the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. Enjoy a fascinating cotton program that details the crop’s historical significance, visit restored 18th- and 19th-century homes, interact with costumed artisans demonstrating timeless crafting techniques, explore the beautiful grounds, and listen to live Cajun and Zydeco music. The hands-on activities, storytelling, and dancing bring the vibrant folklife of Louisiana to life!

Explore the agricultural heart of Louisiana for a behind-the-scenes look at where their fantastic cuisine comes from. Start in beautiful Baton Rouge with a visit to the LSU Center for River Studies to learn about the Mississippi River’s vital role in the ecosystem, then marvel at a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler at Capitol Park Museum and explore the life of the 18th- and 19th-century working class at LSU Rural Life Museum. We also take a guided hayride through the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens to see how local plants thrive in this unique environment! Our time in this region concludes with an intriguing Sugarcane Program at West Baton Rouge Museum to learn about this essential crop’s cultivation and key role in shaping the economy.

Sit back and enjoy learning the basics of Louisiana cooking! Watch a skilled chef prepare authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine while learning about the dynamic history and tall tales of New Orleans. Sample a variety of colorful and distinct dishes, complemented by local beer or Southern sweet tea, and take a recipe card to impress your friends with these delicious delights back home.

Climb aboard a covered airboat for a thrilling ride through America’s largest freshwater swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin. Glide past ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and keep an eye out for wildlife like alligators, turtles, and wading birds in their natural habitat. As we journey into Louisiana’s untamed wilderness, our expert captain details the swamp’s unique ecosystem, history, and cultural significance.

In Lafayette, we dive into one of the state’s most famous locally sourced eats: crawfish. Enjoy a traditional crawfish boil dinner, followed by a farm and facility tour! Venture over to Avery Island for a behind-the-scenes look at the production process of the world-famous TABASCO^® hot sauce and taste fresh products at Conrad Rice Mill, America’s oldest working rice mill. Every day of our tour is filled with the incredible flavors of fresh, regional harvests!

Journey back to the 1800s at this historic landmark along the majestic Mississippi River. Stroll through the stunning gardens with vibrant blooms, then enjoy an exquisite farm-to-table lunch made with locally sourced ingredients and flavors that celebrate the region. Afterwards, tour the opulent interiors of the Greek-revival mansion to admire its intricate architecture, lavish decor, and artifacts that whisper tales of bygone eras.