Jay Dardenne's blog

This week, Travel + Leisure magazine announced America's best cities for foodies and gave New Orleans the top spot. While we are not surprised by this designation, we are honored and appreciate being recognized for our one-of-a-kind cuisine.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of representing Louisiana on a mission to Quebec City. I met with several officials including the Ministers of Culture and Tourism. During our meetings we discussed the mutual benefits Québec and Louisiana could derive from fostering tourism between us.

What a week I had last week!

I spent some time away from the capital city enjoying other parts of this great state.

Wednesday I headed up to Chatham in Jackson Parish to visit Jimmie Davis State Park. It is truly a beautiful park, and I wish I would have had more time to enjoy the fantastic sandy beach on Caney Lake. It’s also a great place for birding and cycling.

The road that follows the Mighty Mississippi in south Louisiana is home to some of the state's most historic plantation homes. Throughout the past couple of weeks I have had the privilege to visit five of Louisiana’s historic antebellum homes. These homes, dotted along the river, can be found after a short drive from either New Orleans or Baton Rouge. They allow you to get lost in the mystique of the antebellum period. Each River Road plantation tells its story in a unique way and, though no two are the same, all are interesting and beautiful.

The road that follows along the Mighty Mississippi in South Louisiana is home to some of the state's most historic plantation homes. Throughout the past couple of weeks, I have had the privilege to visit five of Louisiana’s historic antebellum homes. These homes, dotted along the river, can be found after a short drive from either New Orleans or Baton Rouge. They allow you to get lost in the mystique of the antebellum period.

One of the most majestic regions in Louisiana was featured on the Today Show this morning. The Atchafalaya Heritage Area was highlighted as part of the “America the Beautiful” series. This region is beautiful indeed. We are glad Jenna Bush Hagar came down to Cajun country to learn a little bit about the traditions, food and history of one of the most culturally rich and ecologically varied regions in the world.

Louisianians have a passion for sports. There are many opportunities to attend sporting events throughout the year. Football season is one of the best times to visit Louisiana. The weather is magnificent and you can enjoy the best college football experiences in the world at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

This week map publisher Rand McNally announced the city of Lafayette as one of six finalists in the “Best for Food” category of its "Best of the Road" contest. It doesn’t surprise me that out of more than 600 nominated towns, Lafayette would be among the best. As a finalist, Lafayette will host an official “food team” between June 23 and July 15.

Louisiana's summers are a time for family, fun and festivals. My previous post detailed the Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge--a festival in its second year that features the biggest names in country music. The Memorial Day weekend festival didn't disappoint; about 80,000 people enjoyed the music and fanfare in LSU's Tiger Stadium.