SOUTH LOUISIANA Abita Mystery House Abita Springs Hidden Gem Years after visiting Abita Mystery House on the Northshore you may wonder if you dreamed it all up or had one too many delicious Abita beers. This quirky roadside attraction in Abita Springs, also known as the UCM Museum , houses thousands of strangely fascinating objects, homemade inventions and fun folk-art pieces. And you thought it couldn’t get any better than the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine.” Nature Escapes The 600 acres at Louisiana State Arboretum in Ville Platte showcase almost every Louisiana landscape. As you quietly wander the nature trails, you’ll discover sycamores, maples, beeches, magnolias and crane fly orchids. Take your time and be on the lookout for the whitetail deer and migratory birds that call this site home. There’s even an on-site naturalist who can take you on a guided hike. 72 LouisianaTravel.com