Kristy Christiansen 2017-01-14 02:24:04
Creole Nature Trail ©Brenda LaFleur Walk on the wild side of southwest Louisiana—try your hand at crabbing and gather ’round the picnic table for a crawfish boil. Venture into Louisiana's Outback along the Creole Nature Trail All- American Road and experience one of the greatest wilderness areas in the country. The state's only All-American Road scenic byway cuts through the heart of southwest Louisiana, linking Lake Charles with the Gulf of Mexico as it winds past four wildlife refuges, 26 miles of natural beaches and some of the finest Cajun food in the state. Abundant wildlife, including more than 400 bird species and too many alligators to count, can be seen right from your vehicle or on several walkways right into the marsh. And don't miss the abandoned Sabine Pass Lighthouse at Johnson Bayou, built in 1855 near the state's far western border with Texas. Bring your binoculars: Throughout the area you'll find migrating birds from both North and South America. The 55-mile driving trail known as the Flyway Byway is another place to find plenty of birds and wildlife in the swamps, rivers and plains of Je Davis Parish. In Eunice, get your crawfish fix at the 32nd Annual World Championship Crawfish Étouée Cook-O, held in March. Prizes are awarded for Amateur, Professional and Club-level étouées, and visitors can purchase the savory dishes directly from contestants. Then head on over to Lake Charles for the Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival in April. Complete with a crawfish eating contest, carnival rides, live music and a parade, the festival celebrates the history of crawfish and Louisiana’s close connection with the seafood industry. Children catching crabs in Lake Charles ©Michael Palumbo Crawfish boil ©iStock.com/Jay-Stevens Crabs on ice – courtesy of Louisiana Seafood Gator crossing ©Dan Everett If you miss the festivals, have no fear! Learn how to catch mudbugs yourself at Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast in Kaplan. Stay the night in a historic Acadian home built in 1903, then set out on a crawfish excursion before ending the day with a crawfish boil. For the ultimate resort, treat yourself to a vacation at Grosse Savanne Lodge in Lake Charles. Featuring luxurious accommodations in a plantation-style lodge, the resort sits on more than 50,000 acres of wetlands, prairies and fields. Choose from a wide range of hunting, fishing, birdwatching and golfing packages to complement your stay or participate in an eco-tour. INSTAGRAM.COM/LOUISIANATRAVEL We had the best time this weekend camping! #lakecharles. –kassiedavis24
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