Visiting Plantation Country

Welcome to the Capital Area: Baton Rouge is the heart and soul of Louisiana Plantation Country. The City is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, midway along the Great River Road, amidst the splendor of the former sugar plantations and their owners’ homes. Only a few of the regal and lavish plantation homes remain today, however, they will take you back in time to the heyday of the unique period in America's history. The plantations are a must stop for anyone visiting the area or just passing through.

Now it's time to enjoy the modern life of Plantation Country. Any event in Louisiana remains true to its roots and heritage and there are many events and activities to enjoy this winter and spring.

For high school rodeo fans, the SE High School Rodeo is held in March and is a pre-qualifying event for the Louisiana State High School Rodeo Finals in June. Both rodeo competitions are held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Later in March, serious bull riding fans can see professional riders compete for $25,000 in prize money. This is held at the same venue.

Chili Cook-Offs are a hit in Louisiana, and the Plantation's regional event is held on the LSU campus March 27^th and followed by the state Cook-Off the next day on March 28^th. This is a sanctioned event, and benefits the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. There will be much more than cooking, including a classic car show, talent shows, children's areas and door prizes. A terrific family event!

Experience the best of both worlds at the Art Gumbo Market, held at the Houmas House Plantation. This is a local market featuring arts and home grown food from the region. A beautiful setting to shop the best in local and regional offerings and creations.

Mark your calendar for the 43^rd Annual Jambalaya Festival, held in Gonzales, over the Memorial Day Weekend. With live music, rides, games and activities, bring the entire family for a fun long weekend. Jambalaya will be served daily along with a variety of other food, so come hungry.

Donaldsonville to the southwest was at one time the state capitol. Today it holds the largest celebration of Emancipation in the state. This is the Juneteenth Freedom Festival scheduled for mid-June. Come celebrate the end of slavery in America over a three day weekend. The schedule includes a talent showcase, music, home cooked food, arts, crafts and exhibits. Lots of fun is packed into this weekend and there will be something for everyone in the family. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful pre-Civil War era architecture among the town’s buildings.

St John Parish in the region, is the US home of the Andouille sausage, but you will have to hold the celebration until fall. The Andouille Festival is held in the city of La Place.

Take a trip back in time with all the excitement of today in Louisiana's Plantation Region. Best Western Hotels are throughout the area, convenient whether you are there overnight or for a vacation. With affordable accommodations, easily accessible off major roads and highways, Best Western Hotels are there to meet your needs.