The Great River Road, which runs on either side of the Mississippi River, leads to Plantation Country. The oldest and closest to New Orleans is the Destrehan Plantation (13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA 70047, +19857649315, www.destehanplantation.org), while Laura Plantation (2247 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, +12252657690, www.lauraplantation.com) is also excellent.

South Louisiana is Cajun Country (Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau, +18003461958, www.lafayettetravel.com), home to the largest French-speaking minority in the country and endless festivals, Cajun music and zydeco (Cajun-influenced rhythm and blues).

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