Story Ideas

Eco-Tourism

• The flight of the Purple Martins

Experienceone of the most unique natural habitats in America when thousands ofPurple Martins take cover underneath the longest bridge in the world. 

• Grand Isle, the Tarpon Rodeo capitol of the world

This Louisiana oasis becomes the center of the sport fishing world when the annual tarpon rodeo takes to the waters of the Gulf.

• Grand Isle, Sportsman Paradise

Someof America's best fishing is just off the coast of Grand Isle.  TheIsland boasts of more than two dozen different fishing tournaments androdeos featuring species of all kinds.

• Grand Isle, the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana

Forgenerations the island of Grand Isle has enjoyed the distinction ofbeing Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island.  Experience theculture and recreation of Grand Isle on the Gulf.

• Bird Migration and the annual birding celebrations in Lafitte & Grand Isle

Birderscan see over 170 species from songbirds to shorebirds.  Experience birdwatching tours, history, food and bird arts and crafts.

• Swamp tours

Enter a world of timeless beauty amongst moss-covered Cypress trees on one of the many popular swamp tours.

• Jean Lafitte National Park, Barataria Preserve

TheBarataria Preserve is one of six sites comprising Jean Lafitte NationalHistorical Park and Preserve. This site interprets the culture ofpeople, past and present, who settled the delta and the uniqueecosystem which sustained them.

• Bayou Segnette including the state park

Amultitude of recreational opportunities awaits visitors of allages--boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, playgrounds and, ofcourse, swimming in the wave pool, as well as an ecosystem that offersyou the chance to spot plants, trees and wildlife from nature trails,swamps and marshland.

• The Louisiana Iris

This exquisite local wildflower covers the swamps with a blanket of lavender.

• Fishing

Thefishing is second to none.  Fishing rodeos are a great way to pass agood time.  Here is a sampling:  Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo,Louisiana Sportsman's Invitational, World Cat Fishing Rodeo, CreoleClassic Fishing Rodeo, Swollfest Fishing Rodeo and, of course, theworld's largest International Tarpon Rodeo.

• Blessing of the Fleet

GrandIsle, Lafitte and Westwego each practice is ancient tradition asscrubbed and decorated seafaring vessels of all shapes and sizes areblessed with a prayer for safety and a good harvest from the deep.

• Nature Trails in Lafitte, Barataria and Bayou Segnette

Boardwalks over the swamp get you up close and personal with nature in all its glory.

History

• Historical hurricanes that links Grand Isle to Westwego

The Westwego Historical Museum tells the history of the hurricane that changed Westwego and Grand Isle forever.

• German settlers of Gretna

Settledby German immigrants in 1836, it beckons to all history buffs.  Namedfor Gretna Green, Scotland where the blacksmith would perform marriageceremonies.

• The David Crockett Fire Company Fire Station

TheLouisiana Fire Museum housed in the David Crockett Fire Company No. 1's1859 firehouse, proudly displays its "pride and joy," an 1876 steamfire pumper that was pulled by men.

• Military veteran memorials

 World War I in Gretna, World War II and Korean War in Metairie

• Rivertown Museums

This quaint sixteen block historic district includes the Mardi Gras Museum and many others.

• Jean Lafitte, the pirate

In1808 the brothers, Jean and Pierre Lafitte organized smugglers andprivateers.  During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte helped defend thecity during the Battle of New Orleans.

• Native Americans

BeforeEuropeans arrived, the Barataria region was home to Native Americans. Their shell middens, burial and ceremonial mounds can still be foundalong the bayous. 

Food

• Taste of the Town Festival showcasing Jefferson's diverse cuisine

Nearly forty restaurants converge in Jefferson Parish creating an experience for the senses.

• Seafood restaurants in Bucktown

Experience some of the best seafood in New Orleans in historic Bucktown along Lake Pontchartrain.

• Drago's, the home of the original charbroiled oyster

Thecombination of garlic, butter, and herbs is so good you could almostcall it a potion.  Experience how a whim became a phenomenon.

• Traditional crawfish boil celebration

An authentic tradition is held each time family and friends come together around the boiling pot.

• Farmer's markets

Gretna& Westwego's Farmers & Fisheries market.  Local farmersshowcase their wares.  See why the Farmers & Fisheries market isunique.

• Fresh seafood market in Westwego

Caught and sold daily in this fantastic true seafood market.

Sports

• New Orleans Zephyrs

The AAA affiliate of the Florida Marlins brings baseball alive every summer at Zephyr Stadium.

• New Orleans Saints

Jefferson is home to the New Orleans Saints offices and training camp

• Tournament Players Club of Louisiana

This premier golf course is part of the Audubon Golf Trail and home of the Zurich Classic

• Disc golf course in Lafreniere

This 21 hole course featuring all grass tees is set in the 155-acre Lafreniere Park.

• Fishing

Thefishing is second to none.  Fishing rodeos are a great way to pass agood time.  Here is a sampling:  Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo,Louisiana Sportsman's Invitational, World Cat Fishing Rodeo, CreoleClassic Fishing Rodeo, Swollfest Fishing Rodeo and, of course, theworld's largest International Tarpon Rodeo.