LouisianaTravel.com

This job sure is fun. Today I'm in New York City, where HISTORY, the network that airs Swamp People, has constructed a live authentic Louisiana Swamp in Chelsea Market. There are alligators, turtles, Cajun music by Sac au Lait, excellent food from Chef John Folse, and native vegetation everywhere. We are entertaining New York public school students before the grand opening of the swamp, and they're getting the chance to pet live alligators. Swamp People's Bruce Mitchell is on hand to hold the gators and explain how they see underwater and what they like to eat.

Being elected as lieutenant governor of Louisiana is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life and not because of the reasons that may come to your mind. It’s because of the job that I get to do every day for the next four years. A job that comes easy to me: promoting the state of Louisiana, a place I consider to be the best place on Earth.

In my inaugural address I chose to talk about the happiest place on earth and my lifetime home, Louisiana. I talked about the rich cultural history, the world-renowned music and the joie de vivre that makes Louisiana unique.

I know I tend to talk about food often on this blog but I just can't resist. It's one of our best assets. Anyone who has visited Louisiana can attest to wanting to come back and taste it all over again. Southern Living is an expert on the South’s best offerings and they are right on, nominating not one, but two of Louisiana’s cities in its South’s Tastiest Town Awards.

Each year the American Bus Association produces a guide of Top 100 Events in North America. Three Louisiana events made the 2012 list: The French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, April 12–15; Festival International de Louisiane, Lafayette, April 25–29; and Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, Morgan City, Aug. 30–Sept.

Yesterday I was in Jennings to participate in a press conference about the Grand Reveil Acadien which is happening across south Louisiana Oct. 7 – Oct. 16. While I was there I took the opportunity to talk about a neat project our office just completed. In conjunction with Louisiana’s 200th birthday we produced 200 Free Things to Do When You Visit Louisiana.  The list features fun activities throughout the state. And the best part is it’s all free.

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.