I really love being from Louisiana. I love to share the stories and the flavors that make my state unique. We love to eat here and we love to live life. There’s always a reason to celebrate and we’ll open our homes up to just about anyone.
We may not always be PC, but we definitely have our own personality. We have our own style. We cook good food. We make awesome music. But the most important thing is, visitors always leave with a little bit of Louisiana in their hearts.
I want to share a few things I love about Louisiana and I hope you’ll share some of your favorites too. Read at the end of this post on how you can win a few of these items I love.
Coffee – I’ve been drinking Community Coffee since I was two years old. No kidding! My mom used to fix me coffee milk on Saturday mornings while I watched cartoons. This company has been around for 90 years and has been a part of Louisiana daily life for generations. In fact, my grandmother, who moved to another state 30 years ago, asks for 10 lbs of Community Coffee every Christmas and birthday. The company name says it all – Community. That’s what we’re about in Louisiana.
Jambalaya – We don’t eat to live around here, we live to eat, and nothing is better than cooking up a big ole pot of jambalaya that feeds a large number of people. This is a dish that is served in fine dining restaurants around the world for a pretty penny, but on any given Saturday in a parking lot somewhere in Louisiana, you’ll be able to pick up a plate for around $5 (and probably help a good cause). Chef Joh Besh has a tip for vegetarian jambalaya: “For a delicious vegetarian jambalaya – that packs all the flavor of a meat-filled version – add eggplant, zucchini, squash, and plenty of onions and garlic.”
Do you love jambalaya and have a rockin’ recipe? Zatarains is holding the Jambalaya Throwdown where you could win $2500. Check out all the details at Zatarains Jambalaya Throwdown.
Stories – Boy do we like to tell some good stories around Louisiana. Every little town has their legendary characters, but the state of Louisiana has some larger than life history too. We’ve got Bonnie and Clyde in the northern parishes and the King Fish down here in Baton Rouge. There’s also this fantastic children’s book available called “Good Night NOLA“. It is in the style of “Goodnight Moon”, but brings together some of the special things that make New Orleans and Louisiana memorable.
Festivals – We have festivals and parties for everything. Many towns have their own claim to a food item, such as the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival to the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival. Whatever the reason, be it happy or sad, there will be a gathering of people and anyone standing around is probably invited.
Spirits - Louisiana has spirits in abundance. Whether you are looking for ghosts and haunted places like The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville or Brennan’s in New Orleans, all the way to spirits of the consumed type, you can find it somewhere around.
Animals – Okay. Okay. I know the people around here sometimes act like animals, but this place is really awesome for wildlife and ecology too. You should check out Bayou Woman’s blog, where she brings readers into her life as a boat captain in the Louisiana Wetlands. We have critters in our ecosystems that can’t be found anywhere else. And don’t forget about the zoos and wildlife centers located around the state. The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans even has its own song. You can get on down to the Audubon Zoo by taking advantage of the W New Orleans Dino-Snore Package.
Football - Are you ready for some football? I know my family is ready for kickoff of the 2009 season. Our life in the Baton Rouge area revolves around the LSU and SEC football schedule. If you plan on getting married in Baton Rouge during an LSU game, don’t be surprised if the guests are sparse. Sure, there are other football teams in the state, but at our house, we only recognize one!
I’d like to invite you to share some of your favorite things about Louisiana. If you have a special memory or a place that is dear to your heart, please leave it in the comments. Feel free to leave a link if you’ve written a story about Louisiana. Each comment will be entered to win goodies from my home state. Prize includes a Community Coffee Gift Pack (pictured above), a Zatarains Jambalaya Throwdown Kit (so that you can cook some tasty vittles and enter their contest), and a copy of Goodnight NOLA.
One entry per email address. Tweet your favorite memory about Louisiana with the hashtag #LouisianaLove to get an extra entry. Just be sure to place a link to the tweet in the comments so your tweet will count. US Residents only please. One winner will be chosen randomly through Random.org and will have three days to respond with their mailing address to Shannon at ShannonLane.com. Contest ends Tuesday, July 28 at midnight CST with winner being announced in this post sometime the next day. Laissez les bon temps roullet!
Winner Update: Congrats to Sarah who won the giveaway. Sarah commented that she has yet to visit Louisiana. Hopefully these goodies will entice you to make the trek. Thanks to everyone who left a comment. I read each one and have to say that I y’all made me even more proud to be from Louisiana. Please make plans to come back here.
{ 154 comments… read them below or add one }
Coffee YES – I need coffee
My very first Mardi Gras celebration, some 25 years ago, in NOLA won my heart, and I have loved La. since.
While I have never been to the state of Louisiana, I have mail ordered the foods and am looking forward to visiting sometime soon.
we have friends bring crawfish up from LA…we were scheduled to visit right after katrina and things got cancelled but never have been
I grew up in Marksville, and all my Cajun family still lives there. I miss it!
We love New Orleans – plan to go there this fall!
I lived down in Cajun country a few years ago and loved the more relaxed attitude to having fun. I especially enjoyed The Daiquiri Factory, a drive-through for daiquiris, that was on my way home from work. There were many times that I stopped after work for a frozen strawberry margarita. At first the drinks were served in a paper cup with a plastic lid and straw. Then a law was passed that liquor had to be served in sealed containers. Not to be outdone, The Daiquiri Factory began serving the drinks by putting masking tape around the bottom of the plastic lid. Voila! We had a sealed container!
Love Louisiana cooking love Zatarains Jambala and coffee sounds like a great prize, I’m a big crawfish lover too.
I spent a good amount of time in NOLA about 20 years ago when I was learning to cook. It was the best time of my life and I have loved New Orleans since then. I also love the independent spirit of the residents in the bayou and other areas outside the city-they are a unique and proud people-and their food rocks!
My first time to attend a LSU football game. Boy, was I in for a treat!!
One of my best friends is from Louisiana!! Not only is she VERY special but can she ever cook cajun.
I lived in Louisnna for a summer growing up. Never got to see New Orleans though but I do love Cajun cooking! Shrimp and okra gumbo is my fave thing in the world!
The beignets! Ah……..what’s better?
We donated to some very nice folks from Louisiana while they were staying in our city from New Orleans after Katrina. They couldn’t have been more grateful for the help. In fact, some of the folks settled here! I’ve had the Louisiana coffee and love it!
I have never been to Louisiana, but I learned a lot about it in 3rd grade when I was assigned that state for my school project
Nothing beats Cajun food.The beignets.
I still call my friend in Lake Charles to hook me up for cajun supplies.
ever since I started reading anne rice books years and years ago (Wow, has it been almost 30 yrs) it has always been a dream of mine.
My favorite memory of Louisiana was when we went to New Orleans the week after Mardi Gras. My daughter was probably about 5, and she was totally in awe of all the necklaces and frisbees and things that were strewn all over the streets and trees. I don’t even want to think about how many hours we spent collecting all this stuff or how many bags of it she took home with her. And what was really funny was that as she was picking them up, some man came over to us and said that they should PAY us for cleaning up their streets!
I will never forget the Mardi Gras back in 2000. I saw so many interesting and colorful and barely there costumes.
Visited Shreveport and loved it!
My very first Mardi Gras celebration, some 25 years ago, in NOLA won my heart, and I have loved La. since.
well there are two reasons i love LA. i conceived my daughter there about 8 years ago… and her father lives in Ft. Polk.. I have always loved their food and down southern attitude about life.
This would take me right back to the French Quarter.
I love coffee what a neat prize pack.Thanks
I have never been there but am thinking of going. My brother-in law says that NO is a great city ande a fun ,inexpensive place to go. It is on the list for me.
I have never been there, but would like to visit. I have a really good Jambalaya recipe.
The best music festival I’ve ever attended was the Voodoo fest in New Orleans.
NO is on my bucket list hope to get there someday. not sure if never being there qualifies for an entry if not i understand would love to win these fine products ty for hosting this giveaway
Have never been there, would love to go and experience the fun. Great gift pack!
My memory of Louisiana is the wonderful people there and their resilience. I worked in the emergency animal shelter at LSU after Hurricane Katrina. The people were wonderful and made me feel so at home. I made some great friends. LOVE Community Club coffee and used to stop and get morning coffee on our way to work at the shelter. Sad times for the people after the hurricane, but they were so positive and hopeful.
Louisiana is another lifestyle it is NOT just a place but a state of mind.
She is laid back and restful, I have lived elsewhere and came back to her restful and peaceful ways. I know everyone talks about New Orleans and Baton Rouge, but the Louisiana I know is the small rural areas that just seem real! I live in Northwest Louisiana and would not change it for the world. I am 1 mile from the oldest State Park in Louisiana and it is a tranquil peaceful place to reflect on yourself and Louisiana. I believe if you have never visited you need to but make sure you put the back roads on your list. The city may be all that people want but if you experience the “true” Louisiana you will come back and stay.
I love Louisiana and I was born way up North! Pennsylvania to be exact.
Ya’ll come see why Louisiana is a different way to live.
I love going home to SW Louisiana to see my family, especially in October for the Rice Festival. Gotta pick up some Evangeline Maid bread, boudin, and Community Coffee (it’s cheaper there
). We try to get home at least twice a year.
I love beignets and Paul Prudhomme seasonings!!!
Having been born and raised in southern louisiana, (Gueydan), we take for granted our culture and heritage. Since I have now moved north, it amazes me that people up here can survive. They don’t know what community coffee is, much less tex joy steak seasoning, and bless their soul if they actually can figure out where a brisket comes from. My “Northern family” has become hooked on the things i have introduced here. My father-n-law is from tennessee, and we put on a cajun/hillbilly bbq every year for friends and family. We are up to 139 guest. They are amazed at the taste from the south. from the fried corn on the cobb to the fried boudin balls and the okra gumbo. And then they hit the brisket platter, with both smoked and oven baked syles.!!!
Community coffee, Zatarain’s fish fry, texjoy steak seasoning, and Torro long grain rice from crowley are staples from the south that creates a remembered tradition!!!!!!
I moved from Louisiana to Florida seven years ago and there isn’t a day goes by that I don’t miss Louisiana. My family is still there so I try to get back whenever I can. What I miss most about Louisiana is the people. People are just so friendly and will talk to you when you talk to them. People here, not so much. Yes, I miss the food, the culture, the music, but it’s the people I miss the most!
You gotta love Louisiana!
Wish I could travel I would love to explore Louisiana
I love the beignets and creole.
Love lazy days in St. Francisville exploring the beautiful plantations!
The cemetaries are beautiful with their stone statues. I also loved oak alley plantation and wanted to climb all the trees even though I was in my twenties. And of course the food is wonderful. I ate at Cuve and it was soooo good.
Fave LA memory: a great day of crabbing with a wonderful crab boil dinner afterwords in Slidell, shortly after Hurricanes Katrina/Rita… We helped friends kick start their tourist fishing business, and had a totally magical afternoon & a delicious dinner…
what a great giveaway will be going to tweet now under username stealsdeals
Wonderful LA food memories from Baton Rouge: an Amazing smoked duck gumbo at Juban’s… 25 cent oyster night after work… TOTALLY MARVELOUS soft shell crab Po’ Boys at Po’ Boy Lloyd’s for lunch… and dancing at Boutin’s with friends on my birthday…
Great LA memory- the Angola Prison Rodeo- and the truly great art and craft that’s made by the Very talented prisoners!!! Turned wood vases, hand-made belt buckles and leather goods, furniture… I bought Way too much stuff!
Another fave foodie memory from LA: tasting all the delicious things at the Tabasco Store on Avery Island that you Never see anywhere else- esp. the Tabasco ice cream and chocolate! And again, I bought WAY too much stuff! I even filled my suitcase with bags of Tabasco wood chips for my husband the grill-&-smoker king!
(My fave LA restaurant sign: “Anything Fried : $4.00″)
I Tweeted Lots of my wonderful LA memories and experiences: @elkhorninn
I have a rescue cat from Katrina, saved on the streets of New Orleans. While she is a daily reminder that love can spring from horrible circumstances, I have a great memory of eating Beignets in New Orleans with my husband…..powdered sugar everywhere!!!!
Tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/2799669102
I’ve only visited once, but I LOVE Louisiana. The Neville and Marsalis families are my favorite muscial families in the WORLD! The fact that you have go cups in bars is awesome, too
Have you ever tried fried chicken steak with cream gravy and grits? Well, you haven’t lived until you try some in Louisiana. I ate until I was about to pass out, couldn’t stop myself.
I had the best fried chicken in alllll the world in New Orleans at The Scotch House…you could die and if that was the last thing you ever ate,it would be worth it ! The building was ruined in Katrina,but,they re-built and I dream of the day i can return just to have that CHICKEN!!
There’s no place like home, in my dreams, whatever happens, it almost always takes place in my childhood home.
I’ve never been to Louisiana, but we have some good friends that live there, and are hoping to visit them soon! I could add another thing to your list…I love those Louisiana accents!!
I have family in Louisiana. I always enjoyed the slower pace and more relaxed, comfortable lifestyle than at home (in NYC).
love new orleans
I’ve never been fortunate enough to travel to Louisiana. But Hank Williams, Sr. made jambalaya and crawfish pie famous. Some day I hope to taste both!
I’ve been to New Orleans several times. My favorite memory is taking my kids there and seeing them fall in love with it too.
i love madri gras just a great time mverno@roadrunner.com
My favorite memory from visiting in the 60s is the wonderful food.
I love so many things about Louisiana…first and best – the people! Next the food. Once you’ve lived here, food everywhere else tastes bland! I carry Tony’s with me when I travel now. And of course, the coffee. Nothing but Community. The climate does grow on you – there’s really something to be said for only the very rare snowfall, even if you have to endure a hurricane or two.
Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory — the island is gorgeous with so many types of azaleas — go in March. Then tour the factory and wait for your eyes water when you enter the warehouse where the sauce is aging in oak barrels.
I moved to LA in 1981. I lived there for many years until Katrina…I moved to the Northwest.This is a beautiful country but I can’t tell you enough how much I meet my friends, crawfish, crabs, and even the lightnings and thunders in the afternoons in summer time.LA will always have a especial place in my heart:D
tweeted pattie43 Latest: Fifteen years ago Mom and I spent a week in New Orleans. We rode the trollies. visited the French quarter and dined on deliciou…less than 5 seconds agoFiftenn years ago Mom and I spent a week in New Orleans. We rode the trollies. visited the French quarter and dined on delicious food. … less than 5 seconds ago from web
Honestly, besides New Orleans Mardi Gras, I dont know too much about it. Had a good time in New Orleans though, I will say that
don’t know how to tweet but i do know LOUISIANA LOVE! they say that north Louisiana and south Louisiana are two different countries. not when it comes to a love of life, food, or COMMUNITY COFFEE! (what accent? they’re the ones with accents.)
I turned 21 on a Sunday and no one wanted to go out and celebrate with me because they had to work the next day. So my brother put me in a car and we drove for three hours to New Orleans. We had dinner at Brennan’s. Phenomenal. And proceeded to drink from bar to bar. Since it was “off” season, if there is such a thing, it was less crowded than normal. Out of all my birthday’s it was my favorite. Mainly because my brother took the time to make it special.
Actually one of my favorite “moments” was in the french quarter. I’d gotten up very early and went for looking for a cup of coffee. What I found was the real folks of the quarter brining in the day, washing off the side walks, commin in for work. It was a wonderful moment in a wonderful place.
We went to New Orleans a few years ago and I remember getting up in the mornings and walking to Cafe du Monde to have cafe au lait and beignets. We did this every morning. The other memor was taking the trolley/tram to the French Quarter. It was raiing one day and we were getting wet so we got off at a stop near Tulane University and found a little japanese restaurant and had a fantastic meal while waiting for the rain to stop. Then we went back to the Quarter. What a lovely time we had.
I lived in Louisiana for two years Shreveport. I really miss it!
Went to high school there and made some of the best memories.
Returning to New Orleans for the sights, sounds, foods, and smells that I miss.
Preferred time to visit the City (NOLA) of New Orleans is in the late morning and early afternoon on weekends, or anytime when the temperatures are cooler than 80 degrees. Catching a ferry ride from the West Bank or taking a streetcar from Mid-City into the Vieux Carre’ begins a day’s adventure. The mixture of industrial barges, boats and cruise ships docked or maneuvering the Mississippi currents. Distinguishing views of old town Algiers peaking over the levee from the ferry in contrast with the blended towering hotels and corporate buildings bordering one side of the French Quarter are views to behold. Or, finding the appropriate change to catch the streetcar on Canal Street or Saint Charles Avenue before traveling among the shady trees and magnificent old and new architecture is worth going through every pocket. Taking almost any route with the windows open you can hear music traveling louder in the air. Once in the boundaries of the Vieux Carre’s “neutral grounds”, begin viewing into the shop windows and artful alleys. Searching for uniqueness in the spirit and talents of the locals does not take long.
Brunch time is a great time. Continuing to enjoy the experience of the people & food, I like Acme Oyster House, Felix, Petunia’s, Mother’s, or Deanne’s – typical New Orleans fare. Even if the buttons pop from the bottom of a shirt, taking a stroll through the streets to get a cup of coffee and a saucier of beignets at Cafe du Monde before trekking to Pat O’s for tunes and libations, is worth the effort. Not far away is the French Market (recently renovated) and further “down the river” is Faubourg Marigny a wonderful area with its own unique ambience, art, food, and music. [Another favorite eatery is the Port of Call.]
For an early evening meal, Irene’s is worth the wait in line. The old Mediterranean flavor of their Italian specialties and a fine wine moves the soul into a different atmosphere. It is the added flavorful touch to begin the evening.
If the French Quarter is not for you in the evening, taking a streetcar to Vincent’s Restaurant or Jacquimo’s in the Carrollton Avenue area is a unique change. Hold off on dessert because Brocato’s has unforgettable Italian desserts.
On a crisp cool day, taking a bike ride up and down St. Charles to visit the zoo or pedal through the universities and numerous old churches, I love taking in a deep breath of air to smell the sweet olive blossoms. For me the fragrance IS unique to being in my hometown. Along Magazine Street, there are several places to fill the hungry and quench the thirsty before shopping for antiques, clothes, art, old books and videos. ….
Alternatively, hiking the trails along Bayou Coquille & Kenta Canal in Jean Lafitte National Park located on the West Bank is not something a visitor would imagine seeing in an area so close to Bourbon St. The spring irises and other wild colorful foliage growing through the marshes set the adventure apart. Capturing a few other “things” growing or swimming in the cool or warm waters is not surprising to a local artist or photographer. Always keep your eyes open.
I mostly enjoy cabin camping at Bayou Segnette in Westwego. Listening to the animals, watching the moon reflecting onto the bayou flowing below the cabin porch is very relaxing or exciting, depending on the “visitors”. There’s crabbing in the mornings, if lucky to remember to bring the bait and traps. On the other hand, taking a visit to purchase local seafood from nearby vendors fulfills a family tradition. Boiling crabs, shrimp, crawfish, garlic, onions, sassafras, corn, bay leaves, potatoes, sausage, celery, lemon, cayenne pepper, and liquid seasonings does not end the fun for many friends and family. The night falls slowly on the bayou. Listening to the sounds and noises of the insects, reptiles, animals, and friends only increases the uniqueness of the stay…..
To friends and family members who returned to the City, you are bravely a true New Orleanian full of warm spirit and love.
I’ve never been fortunate enough to travel to Louisiana,but I would love to visit someday. jelly15301@gmail.com
I have never been to a more humid location than New Orleans but the market, the food, the entertainment and the sites more than made up for the heat.
what a great prize, thank you
i’ve never been but i’ll get there some day!
I’m not very well traveled and have not made it to LA yet. I do, however, intend to make it to New Orleans within the next few years. It’s one of the places to visit on my “Bucket List”! Thanks for a great giveaway.
I’ve been to New Orleans twice. The biggest memory that stands out in my mind is the friendly people. We got lost trying to enter the city and when we stopped for directions, people could not have been any nicer.
We go to Louisiana each year for the Harley rally. It changes locations every year, but it is always a wonderful rally. Some of my favorite places are the Scarlet Scoop in Houma, Prejeans in Lafayette, The Palace in New Orleans, and Sphar’s Seafood in Des Allemands. The food in Louisiana rocks and so does the weather in March. I also recommend having 1 hurricane at Pat O’Brians. The are the best, but very strong.
Pralines are not Pralines unless they come from Louisiana.
I had a best friend that lived in New Orleans for a while and I visited her there. It was always a blast. The best food I’ve EVER had. We ate at all the famous restaurants–pricey but worth it!! I had one of the famous hurricane drinks (still have the glass!!) also. Don’t recommend that if you’re driving LOL. And we did go to the French Quarter at night–eye opening yet fun! Now you’ve got me wanting to go back! Thanks.
i love the food in louisiana but my favorite memory of all was going to the aquarium in NOLA as a child!
First time I went to NO was when I was 16. Rode the train with a friend down from central MS. In those days 16 yos could legally drink in LA. Big mistake to let a 16 yo go to Pat O’Brien’s unsupervised. But, have been back on several occasions.
Used to love to go to Brennan’s, or stop for beignets and coffee.
I love that Harry Connick, Jr. is from Louisiana! Anything that delicious served up speaks well for the whole entire state; that man can sure play an instrument, act, and sing.
I’ve never been to LA but we have a long weekend trip planned for October with some friends – can’t wait to try the delicious food!
I had a couple friends in college from new orleans they always made it sound so magical
All I can say is beignets in the morning and muffalattas the rest of the day (maybe I could squeeze in a Po’ Boy or gumbo). I know New Orleans is not all about the food but then toss in the music, the people, the fun, the mystery, and the excitement and you could say the N.O. is a gumbo itself of one of the best times my hubby and I ever had (great place for a Honeymoon).
We love the gumbo and pralines
Definitely the food and the hospitality! Gumbo, crawfish, hot sauce, and I can’t leave out Louisiana oysters, yum!
tweet http://twitter.com/Jessilyn82/status/2848212036
I been born and raised in North Louisiana. I love Louisiana: the people, food, coffee, the fishing, the hunting, the bayous, rivers and lakes, the music and also Louisiana Church. At 49yrs of age, plan to spend the rest of my life here in Louisiana. Please enter me in your great contest.
Rodney Meeks
Bastrop, LA
I was a teenager traveling with my mother, we went to the Morning Call Cafe (I believe that was the name), first time I ever had coffee. Was going to get chocolate milk, saw a cute boy and wanted him to think I was older, so I ordered the coffee. Have been a coffee fan ever since. Never did talk to that cute boy.
I remember having dinner at Commander’s Palace on expense account. Goodness what good food.
I will be honest, I have never visited Lousiana (ducks head in shame). My friends have of course for Mardi Gras, I’ve always missed out. I hope that doesn’t eliminate me though because I would love to try a little slice of Louisiana in my own home! Thanks for the giveaway!
First time I ever went to Louisiana was for a fraternity formal, and it was just as outta control as you would expect.
I like going to Mardi Gras with my grandchildren.
Seeing it through their eyes reminds me of why I love Louisiana.
tweeted http://twitter.com/sweepcoupon
I have not been to New Orleans and that is a disappointment that I hope to relieve in future. My mother introduced me to all of Frances Parkinson Keyes books set in New Orleans and I loved them and want so much to see the places she wrote of and to myself have dinner at Antoine’s.
I miss New Orleans so much sometimes! I remember that Time Sava Sav Time . . . Time, time sava come on! Is Rosemary still makin’ dem po’boys? I hope so. Miss dem Ros beef. Anybody have a recipe?
I have never been there but it is one of the places that I plan to travel to before I die. It looks like so much fun and has such a deep history. I know this gift set would make me want to go even more than I already do.
My husband and I love to stop in Louisiana on our way to our yearly vacation spot – Florida. We love to look at the cemeteries and how old and different they are from where we live (Missouri). We also love to walk down Bourbon Street and visit the shops.
I subscribe to your blog and I recently moved to Louisiana and I love it and I can not imagine living anywhere else although it took me a long time getting used to the differences. What makes life here so good is that they have down home family is everything feeling! It is the people that makes it such a great place to live and visit
We heart Mardi Gras!
My son lived in Louisiana for about ten years, so I have a long, long list of things I love: Community Coffee, cafe’ au lait and beignets at Cafe Dumonde, King Cake from Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery, Live Oaks Plantation, Arzi’s in Baton Rouge, Jambayala that I make myself…these are a few of my favorite things.
Most fun was going to Cafe Dumonde and having beignets with my parents. Were great, lots better than sugar dipped donuts.
COFFEE! My mom loooves Community Coffee, and it’s often hard to get outside of Louisiana. Whenever I come across somewhere nearby selling it, I always have to call her straight away and usually end up buying some just in case!
I liked to smell coffeee and taste it.
thanks.
OMG!!! I miss Louisiana soooooooooooo much and trying to get back! I really miss the coffee!!! Thanks so much for the giveaway! I hope I win!
I went to Louisiana when I was 10. It was special for me because I got to see my Great Great Grandma before she passed, she was 107!
I have never visited LA but have always wanted to see New Orleans and Mardi Gras, hopefully someday soon I will get there. Thanks
I would love to visit your state but haven’t had the opportunity yet! Our youth group at church just got back from the Lutheran Youth Gathering in New Orleans where they did building and repairs. Great giveaway! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net
I LIVE IN TEXAS ,BUT WAS BORN IN LOUSIANA AND IT IS A PLACE DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER AND ONLY ONE THAT WAS BORN THERE WOULD KNOW.I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS
My first visit there a number of years ago I stumbled on a flea market of handmade goods. I bought a antique bottle that was covered in a single pace of shedded snakeskin. I have it on my curio shelf to this day and everytime I look at it, I think of the people who I bought it from.
madamerkf at aol dot com
My grandparents lived in Metairie so I have a lot of fond memories of visiting them and spending time in New Orleans when I was a little girl. I remember it was always hot, the food was strange to me but good, and the music was amazing. My grandparents are long gone, but I go back to New Orleans with my husband whenever we can because it’s such a romantic city with so much history and the food and the music are still wonderful.
Never been there, but hopefully will in the future.
Hello,
I would luv to win this package. I have never tried this coffee. I enjoy trying new coffee. And I used to live in Arkansas and Loved my Lousiana neighbors. I miss the flavors of the southwest and this prize would be a reminder of great memories…
Thank you for this offering~
Sher~
I have never been lucky enough to visit either but it is on top of my list;) I would love the food and the spirits!
I cant think of that Famous cafes’ name in the mardi gra district but that’s my memory.
TY 4 THE ENTRY
LOOKS AND SOUNDS LIKE A NICE PLACE 2 VISIT.
My brother in law is from Louisiana and he and my sister got married there in a very nice Victorian home. THankyou
I have not been to Louisiana, but we love Cajun food.
I love New Orleans food, crawfish, hush puppies etc.
yummy coffeee
Great prize as we LOVE coffee here!
Sorry to say I have never been to Louisiana…hopefully someday.
It sure appears to be alot of fun though.
I would love to take a trip to Louisiana. I could go to New Orleans for some of that cajun cooking! Oh i want to visit an old plantation for sure. Community coffee is Great. Thankyou
I never been to Louisiana, but had some of their coffee and home cooked meals when some neighbors moved here from there. Yum Yum.
We go to Shreveport often to the VA center. The people are always friendly.
I haven’t had the pleaseure of experiencing Louisiana.
The Beignets are the best. The sugar gets all over your mouth but they are ymmy..serve with coffee!
New Orleans, yes, I do have memories! We lived in Metairie for 8 years and all of our kids were born there. I think my favorite memories were all of us being together and my children being little. I was able to be a SAHM and it was the best time of my life. I have 2 little girls and one little boy and life was sweet. We were forced to move in the 80s and now life has changed. Our daughter is deceased and everything is differnt and will never be the same. Those were the years-the times with the kids when they played at the parks and slid down the levees in diaper boxes! The zoo and riding the elephants! The food-shrimp, crab and Community coffee-which I so miss!-and the beignets! And of course eating Zatarains! School and friends, family, food and yes, good times!
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Have never visited, but would love to go to mardi gras!
My favorite memory is visiting New Orleons and eating delicious food. Thank you for the contest.
I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Louisiana yet, but hopefully within the next few years, or after I retire, I will.
Thanks for the giveaway!
3 of my daughters were born in Louisiana, talk about some memories.
The first time I saw someone sucking the head of a crawfish is something I will never, ever forget.
I miss the constant fairs, festivals and fais-do-dos.
The only post I have about Louisiana is one I did this last year on our quest for a King cake- we ended up making our own then doing a blog about Mardi Gras traditions, etc…
Hope you enjoy it.
I love Zatarains Jambala and Crab Cakes wow haven’t had that in so long.
Once upon a time we were stuck in traffic in New Orleans and the car was “nudged” several time. Our kids were in the back seat and started laughing: “Dad, there’s a horse trying to eat our bumper!” They thought it was hilarious but my husband wasn’t quite so amused.
I haven’t been since I was very small but I remember taking a trip through the swamps and bayous and it was kind of mysterious.
My husband and I visited Natchitoches last month. It was absolutely a great little town. We enjoyed the history of the town and the surrounding plantations, the historic buildings, the cute shops, the beautiful gardens and of course, the meat pies! I wrote about it on our blog as well.
http://littletravelnotebook.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/natchitoches-louisiana-meat-pies-and-then-some/
Thank heavens Zatarains is in my local market. Louisiana living at its finest is jambalaya. Beignets from Cafe du Monde! And a warm breeze rolling in off of the Mississippi.
The best thing about Louisiana is LSU tailgating, we all here know how to have the best time, when it comes to game time. GEAUX TIGERS
The things I love about Louisiana where do I start…I love the football season and tailgating, the food, the people and being able to go down to New Orleans on Bourbon Street and let loose!!!!
I love Louisiana because this is my home, Louisiana’s are very polite and outspoken citizens. We welcome and treat all our vistors like there part of our family. I wouldnt call any place else home.
I first went to Louisiana with my family in 1984 for the Worlds Fair. I have been back several times since and love it there!
I had a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s at the age of 17!
I’ve never been to Louisiana, but I like Cajun Food and I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans.
While I’ve never been to LA, a HUGE part of my upbringing is LA inspired. I’ve been eating Dirty Rice since I was little, my mom was given a recipe by a coworker years ago and she’s been making it ever since, it’s become her signature dish.
Never been actually.
The Casino in Kinder !
I won $3500 in one night!
I went with 450 was down to $10 playing nickles…..
hit $175…..
so I was tired & decided to play $75.00 on the dollar slots & go home.
I put in a Ten & on the second spin got $500!
I had only bet $2
While waiting to collect that .
I put ten in another & bet $3 & got the Sizzling 7’s again this time $1000.
By the time I was done ~I left with $3500.
Never had that kinda luck before or since!
Well I did win a Big Screen TV years ago from the Pelican Gameroom in Vinton.
I lived on the TX/LA line, will be visiting the great stae of LA in 2 wks. Can’t wait! Cajun food ..YUM!
I love their pralines!
Nice post i love the coffee especially Louisiana is a lovely city having something different in it festivals are fabulous and great .
I have been to New Orleans three times and once did a tour of the bayou, but I have always suspected that this state had so much more to offer. Your post makes me want to get in the care and drive there right now!