General Informatics

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.

If you're taking the kids out for a while and you don't want to pay outrageous admission prices, head for Independence Park. The area features lots of great amenities like playground rides, picnic tables, a soccer field and baseball diamond, walking trails, and a tennis center. It is one of the city's busiest parks not only because of the impressive features but also because of its central location. Other added attractions include a shuffle board area, and an area for skateboarding. There's something for everyone in the family at this park.

The Louisiana State Capitol Building not only serves as the state's political center point, it also houses some highly interesting items that help paint a fuller, more panoramic picture of the state's development and history. The structure took only 14 months to complete and stands on a 27 acre tract of land. It also has the distinction of being the tallest capitol building in America, and has been recognized for its stylish, art-deco design. The building was finished in 1932 and has stood proudly as a beacon over the state since then. The building is open weekdays except for major holidays and there is no admission fee.

Crawfish is synonymous with Louisiana, so celebrate that fact at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Held every year, the gathering is considered to be one of the best food festivals in the whole country. Great family fun, live music, and lots of crawfish! Make sure you have some cool water or beverage for all the spicy fun.