First Church Of The Nazarene

The Afton Villa Gardens stand as proof that there can be beauty among the ruins. These breathtaking gardens rest on the terraced ruins of the palatial home built by Susan Barrow in 1849. These are 250-acres of trees, plants and flowers that line a winding walking trail. Take a stroll along this gorgeous path that always proves to be a calming, restorative exercise no matter what the season. And speaking of seasons, when spring brings the flowering and budding of these plants and trees, it also brings throngs of nature lovers to see the indescribable outdoor beauty unfold right before their eyes.

For anyone who has lamented the fact that art and dance have been under fire because of school budget cuts, the presence of Of Moving Colors Productions must be a source of comfort and reassurance. The entity is committed to creating and presenting excellent performances and community-based dance experiences that inspire, educate and stimulate. They also incorporate poetry, music, literature and visual arts to complement their stage presentations. They dance at various community events as well as put on dance camps and other events that allow future dancers a chance to familiarize themselves with the history and origins of their chosen art.

The Louisiana State Museum is just as good at preserving the area's culture as it is celebrating it. See various thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana's colorful history, industry and culture. See artifacts from the original Louisiana Purchase, a Civil War Submarine and an amazing 48-foot wooden shrimp crawler. See a captivating exhibit on the history and traditions of Mardi Gras as well as the various cultural influences that made the food here so spicy!