Louisiana: Ready for company
Despite the “one-two punch” Hurricanes Katrina and Rita delivered to Louisiana in late 2005, hard-hit sections of the state have shown remarkable resiliency and a spirit of undaunted determination in their recovery efforts. Fifteen months after these twin terrors carved their paths of destruction through the state’s southern regions, the rebuilding of lives, homes, and the economy are in full swing. Under the literal banner, “Louisiana: Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth,” the state has declared to the world that it is open and ready for company.
TRAVEL REGIONS
Louisiana’s 64 parishes – or counties – are divided into five travel regions: Greater New Orleans, Plantation Country, Cajun Country, Crossroads and Sportsman’s Paradise. The flavor of each of these regions is distinctly different. Yet, like a savory pot of gumbo, they combine into a culturally rich blend of inhabitants as vibrant as the heritage of a state that boasts Native American,
Spanish and French influence.
Traveling though Louisiana promises visitors a mélange of beautiful sights ranging from the waters of the Mighty Mississippi River to the delicate Spanish moss draping from the branches of ancient live oak trees. Each region’s music, culinary
experiences and even the strong Tabasco pepper-scented breezes wafting across Avery Island’s Jungle Gardens blend into a concoction “gua-ron-teed” to both intrigue and intoxicate the collector of exotic travel experiences right here at home.
New Orleans
In its nearly 300-year history, New Orleans has played numerous significant roles in both the development of Louisiana as well as the United States. From 1722 to 1849 it was the state capital and from its settlement in 1718 until today, it remains one of the nation’s leading port cities. With its exotic mix of the old and new, the city exists as one of America’s most treasured gems, worthy of far more than a legacy named Katrina.
Recovery continues at a pace far exceeding the most optimistic expectations,
with tour groups, large conventions, and sporting events returning to the city. After welcoming back its first home-ported cruise ship this past October, the Port of New Orleans recorded December as its busiest month on record with more than 95,000 cruise passengers visiting the city.
Volunteer groups from all over the United States have played a key role in speeding the city’s rebirth by coming down to aid in two ways: by rebuilding
devastated neighborhoods and spending their money with tourist venues in dire
need of visitors.
In addition to volunteering in the city’s surrounding area, there are new things to see and do in 2007. Motorists entering the French Quarter from Interstate 10 will find themselves on Basin Street, face to face with the magnificently restored Basin Street Station, which serves as a welcome center and not-to-be-missed first stop before hitting the Quarter.
By Melinda Hughey
For full story please click here
Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com
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