5 Hidden Gems In Louisiana, According To A Local

Many people know my home state for its devoted football fans, soul-mending seafood, and lively New Orleans streets. But after living in Louisiana for half my life, I’ve come to love The Boot for all the less obvious reasons–like the ‘Here you go, loves,” when I pick up my morning coffee, and the vibrant sunsets that greet me when I step outside after a long day. I’m convinced it’s the little, everyday things that truly make a home state special, and some of the greatest gifts Louisiana has to offer can be found in the most subtle places. Here are five hidden gems that will help you love the state the way I do.

Creekwood Gardens

Roughly 30 minutes from Ruston, Louisiana, in the tiny town of Simsboro, Creekwood Gardens is a botanical paradise that's been welcoming visitors onto its lush, green grounds since 2000. On this privately owned yet publicly accessible property, you’ll find a collection of beautifully manicured gardens and scenic walking trails. Adorable cabins are sprinkled all over the grounds, and they are available for short-term stays. Creekwood Gardens is a bed and breakfast, RV site, and wedding and event venue all rolled in one. The views are breathtaking, but another reason this garden is a gem is its friendly owners Gary and Amy Cathey.

creekwoodgardensvenue.com; 2146 LA-147, Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-263-2518

Avery Island

This 2,200-acre island is home to world-famous hot sauce. That’s right—Avery Island is the birthplace of Tabasco. Situated on top of one of the world’s largest salt domes, the island has been owned and operated by five generations of the McIlhenny family dating back to 1868. Self-guided tours allow you to explore the Tabasco factory, which includes access to the museum, pepper greenhouse, barrel warehouse, and more. Beyond its iconic hot sauce, Avery Island is also known for its amazing variety of flora and fauna. The island is home to the wildfowl sanctuary Bird City, which is located inside the equally beautiful Jungle Gardens.

tabasco.com; 32 Wisteria Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513; 337-373-6139

Mandeville Lakefront

While this gem isn’t necessarily hidden, it can be easy to overlook if you’re just passing through. The Mandeville Lakefront, located on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain and stretching for 1.5 miles in historic Old Mandeville, never fails to lift my spirits. For me and many others, this lakefront holds memories of sitting by the water with friends and watching the sunset paint the sky in beautiful colors. A paved walkway lined by tall oak trees sits along the water’s edge, making it a popular spot for bikers, joggers, and even roller skaters. At the east end of Lakeshore Drive at Jackson Avenue, you’ll find a sandy beach, a playground, and a charming historic gazebo. With stunning homes and restaurants lining the other end of the street, Mandeville Lakefront is the spot I eagerly share with anyone new to Louisiana.

cityofmandeville.com; 2623 Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-3144

Kisatchie National Forest

Located just southwest of Alexandria, Kisatchie National Forest is the only national forest in the state. Between the diverse wildlife, rolling hills, and rugged terrain, a trip here feels like scoring a front-row seat to see Louisiana’s greatest natural wonders. This 600,000-acres forest spans seven parishes, offering 40 developed recreation sites and more than 100 miles of hiking trails. If you’re anything like me and crave a waterfall sighting on every hike, Kisatchie is the right place. The rapids of Kisatchie Falls create several small pools perfect for dipping your feet in.

fs.usda.gov; 318-473-7160

Barataria Preserve

When I want to give my out-of-town friends a true feel for Louisiana’s ecosystems, I take them to Barataria Preserve. A 30-minute drive from New Orleans, this site is one of six that make up the ​​Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Barataria Preserve spans 26,000 acres and allows you to get up close and personal with Louisiana swamps, bayous, marshes, and forests. You can wander along the boardwalks and dirt trails for a chance to see alligators, over 200 species of birds, and a gorgeous variety of wildflowers and plants. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday, with parking lots providing daily access to the trails (except on Mardi Gras, of course!).

nps.gov; 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072; 504-689-3690