Romance
The electric nightlife scenes, renowned cultural institutions and delicious food and drink in Louisiana's cities give couples plenty of opportunities to spend precious quality time together.
In New Orleans, stroll hand-in-hand along the cobblestone streets of the historic French Quarter, a district lined with beautiful structures influenced by French, Spanish and Caribbean architectural styles. Book at table at Bayona, where legendary chef Susan Spicer has served globally influenced Louisiana cuisine in a charming cottage since 1990, and share a plate of beignets generously dusted with powdered sugar at Cafe Du Monde, a beloved destination for pastries and coffee that’s open 24 hours a day.
Once you’re done wandering around the busy French Quarter, mosey over to Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny district to groove to live tunes at a venue such as the Spotted Cat Music Club or Blue Nile. Or venture to St. Claude Avenue, where oodles of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues come alive after dark. Pop into AllWays Lounge & Cabaret for a burlesque or drag show, Saturn Bar for dancing or Kajun’s for karaoke.
Lafayette is a must-stop for duos hankering for a dose of Creole and Cajun cuisine and Louisiana culture and history. Order a round of whiskey-forward Sazeracs or orange-scented gin fizzes at Whiskey & Vine before you indulge in a feast of chicken piccata, spaghetti Bolognese and other Italian specialties at Marcello’s. Then head to a show at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, which hosts music, dance, comedic and theatrical performances by regional and national artists. Upcoming shows include headliners such as Dulcé Sloan and John Oates. You can also celebrate with locals at one of Lafayette’s many one-of-a-kind festivals and events, from October’s quirky Boudin Cookoff and Acadiana Bacon Fest to April’s music-centric Festival International de Louisiana.
After enjoying a couple days in Lafayette, drive about 29 miles south to Avery Island, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to being the headquarters for Tabasco, the island is also a natural wonder. Visit the factory, where Edward Avery McIlhenny started making the vinegar-based hot sauce more than 150 years ago; taste classic Louisiana dishes spiked with Tabasco at Restaurant 1868 and take in the botanical beauty of Jungle Gardens (McIlhenny’s private estate turned wildlife sanctuary).
Kick off a couples’ getaway in Baton Rouge with a trip to the Red Stick Farmers Market, where you can encounter a bounty of seasonal culinary treasures, from fruits and veggies to baked treats. Or acquaint yourself with Louisiana’s unique landscapes at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The 103-acre facility has gravel pathways and boardwalks that allow visitors to stroll through habitats where turtles, armadillos, deer and other wild creatures roam year-round.
Walk along the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge before you embark on a tour of the city’s craft beverage scene. Highlights include Oxbow Rum Distillery, which produces spirits made with Louisiana sugarcane; Rally Cap, a brewery with 16 taps pouring hazy India pale ales, rich stouts and other thirst quenchers; and What If Distillery, the first African American–owned distillery in Baton Rouge and a maker of smooth gin, vodka, brandy and whiskey.
Where to Stay in Louisiana
Whether you’re seeking a hotel within walking distance of major attractions or amenities such as hot tubs, king-size beds or complimentary breakfast, there’s a Best Western Hotels & Resorts property in Louisiana that fits the bill. Plus, check out special offers for Best Western Rewards members and other discounts.