[VelVeeta]

Hi yall!!! I am thinking about going down to Louisiana this summer with some friends and i need some help as to what all i should do with them. Can yall give me suggestions of your favorite places to visit, eat, good things to do while i am there? I am trying to be very creative in planning as some of them have never been down there before. Thanks for the help.

[Cafe Ole]

Where abouts in Louisiana? Sorry trying to narrow down the ideas

[VelVeeta]

Well I am from Baton Rouge so i will take them there and show them around LSU, and the state capital. Other Suggestions? I also need some ideas for Lafayette and possibly and any advice of course about New Orleans. (besides Pat O'Brien's) I would like to take them all through southest Louisiana, i think it will be great to put some money back into the economy, since Katrina.

[Cafe Ole]

(Well if they are still open that is )--- Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. on Decatur in New Orleans -- oh yum! I honestly don't know how much in New Orleans is still open and unfortunately I lost my friend to Katrina so I have no clue what is open or reopened. But our favorites were: The Aquarium, Bubba Gumps, the zoo, I heard there is a voodoo museum (didn't go there LOL)

Lafayette - Avery Island you can go on a free tour of the Tabasco hot pepper factory or the art museum.

[VelVeeta]

Thanks Cafe Ole for the suggestion, that is exactly why i asked for recommedations. I completely forgot about the option of taking them to Avery Island!! That would be perfect! I am sorry to hear about your friend you lost in Katrina, that is terrible. It is so sad how everyone was affected from the storm. I have several friends who have lost family members and their homes were damaged. I think if we do make it down there, it will be great to put money back into the economy and keep Louisiana going. Take care

[Cafe Ole]

Thanks

In her honor my husband and I took down 2 travel trailers in a caravan to help out some of those who lost homes.

oh no problem - if I think of more I will let you know

[bluedevil]

Most of the French Quarter is up and running again, as I understand it. I'm pretty certain that Bubba Gump's has re-opened. A lot of the local, non-chain places have re-opened as well. Check out Mother's Restaurant, particularly for breakfast. I doubt the aquarium is open, since, from what I hear, it was completely demolished. I think the Garden District has recovered fairly well too. I'm heading there for a conference next month (first time back since another conference the week before Katrina), so I can give a better, first-hand account then!

[VelVeeta]

Yes, I heard most of the marine life was lost after Katrina. Mothers is one of my favorites, if it's open, i will definitely try to take my friends there. Thanks for the suggestion. Please let me know after your visit how your trip went. Have a great time in the big easy!!

[happydaisy]

It would be cool to donate part of a vacation day to relief efforts if you'll be in the area. Or if you're driving maybe you could bring some donated stuff?

[VelVeeta]

Originally Posted by happydaisy

It would be cool to donate part of a vacation day to relief efforts if you'll be in the area. Or if you're driving maybe you could bring some donated stuff?

That is a good idea. Do you know of any organizations to go through where we could volunteer? I will look into it and see what i can find, if you see anything please let me know.