Story Ideas

Outdoor Centric

• The flight of the Purple Martins, the largest swallow bird in North America
  The Purple Martins can be found under the Causeway Bridge, the longest bridge over water in the world. Experience one of the most unique natural habitats in America, annually April - July, when thousands of Purple Martins flock to this region.
• The Louisiana Iris
  This exquisite local wildflower is grown only in Louisiana and covers the swamps with a blanket of lavender.
• Grand Isle, the Tarpon Rodeo, Since 1928 the oldest fishing tournament in the U.S.
  This Louisiana oasis becomes the center of the sport fishing world when the annual tarpon rodeo takes to the waters of the Gulf. Some of America’s best fishing is just off the coast of Grand Isle. The Island boasts more than two dozen different fishing tournaments and rodeos featuring species of all kinds.
• Bird Migration & the annual birding celebrations in Lafitte & Grand Isle
  Birders can see over 170 species from songbirds to shorebirds. Experience bird watching tours, history, food and bird arts and crafts.
• Grand Isle, the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana
  For generations the island of Grand Isle has enjoyed the distinction of being Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. Experience the culture and recreation of Grand Isle on the Gulf. Voted one of the 52 Places to Go in 2020 by the NY Times.
• Swamp tours
  Navigate through swampy waters and coastal wetlands as you embark on a swamp tour adventure and encounter the aquatic and diverse wildlife that the bayous of Jefferson have to offer.
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, Barataria Preserve
  Jean Lafitte is one of the most biologically productive estuaries in the world. Explore a live gallery of wetland creatures when you explore the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte. Stride along boardwalks and nature trails through hardwood forest, marsh, and swamp that provide a scenic view of Louisiana wetlands. Also learn how Louisiana’s Cajuns coined the phrase “Acadians,” and enjoy a ranger guided tour.
• Fishing Communities
  The fishing is second to none. Fishing rodeos are a great way to pass a good time. Here is a sampling: Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo, Louisiana Sportsman’s Invitational, World Cat Fishing Rodeo, Creole Classic Fishing Rodeo, Swollfest Fishing Rodeo and, of course, the world’s oldest International Tarpon Rodeo.
• Catch & Cook
  Take advantage of Louisiana's Catch & Cook program and let a professional chef prepare your catch-of-the-day just hours after coming off the water.
• Blessing of the Fleet
  Grand Isle, Lafitte, Westwego, and Metairie’s “Bucktown” each practice this tradition as scrubbed and decorated seafaring vessels of all shapes and sizes are blessed with a prayer for safety and a good harvest from the deep.
• Lafitte Barataria Museum and Wetland Trace
  The Lafitte Barataria Museum tells the story of the 200-year-old fishing community by showcasing the beauty of the bayou and its rich heritage. The museum features a multi-media theatre presentation and an animated museum exhibition. It showcases the life of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, the stories and traditions of its residents, and the realities of coastal erosion. Exit the museum to a mile and a half boardwalk trail over a Cypress swamp teeming with exotic birds, snakes, gators and other wildlife.
• Bayou Segnette State Park
  Bayou Segnette State Park offers an array of recreational activities and facilities. Test your wave handling skills when you visit one of Bayou Segnette’s most popular park amenities, a 22,000 square foot wave pool. Cast your line for salt or fresh water fishing or stay overnight in a furnished floating cabin!

Historic Parish

• The Hurricane of 1893
  The Westwego Historical Museum tells the history of the hurricane that destroyed Chenier Caminada and forced survivors to move to Westwego.
• German settlers of Gretna
  Settled by German immigrants in 1836, it beckons to all history buffs. It is named for Gretna Green, Scotland where blacksmiths would perform marriage ceremonies.
• David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1
  The Louisiana Fire Museum in the David Crockett Fire Company No. 1’s 1859 firehouse proudly displays its “pride and joy,” an 1876 steam fire pumper originally pulled by men. Organized in 1841, the David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1 is the oldest, continuously active volunteer fire company in the U.S. The museum houses two floors of historical artifacts that educate visitors on the history of fire fighting the David Crockett Fire company’s origin. Nestled in the Gretna historic district, the museum is adjacent to the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop and historic homes.
• Military Veteran Memorials
  World War I in Gretna, World War II and Korean War in Metairie, Century of Sentries in Kenner
• Rivertown Museums
  Travel beyond the earth and discover outer space! Explore a timeline of space explorations of the 20th century aboard a NASA prototype. Discover a science center where you can explore a variety of exhibits relating to weather, minerals, optical illusions and more. Soar to new heights at the Planetarium. From discovering the milky way to experiencing a musical laser display, it’s out of this world.
• Jean Lafitte, the Pirate
  In 1808 the brothers, Jean and Pierre Lafitte organized smugglers and privateers. During the War of 1812, Jean Lafitte helped defend the city during the Battle of New Orleans. Learn the history behind the notorious pirate in an interactive museum, stroll the wetlands trace and ride through the swamps & bayous.
• Native Americans
  Before Europeans arrived, the Barataria region was home to Native Americans. Their shell middens, burial and ceremonial mounds can still be found along the bayous.

Murals & Art

• Fat City Murals
  The Fat City Mural Project creates a new visual identity for Fat City by adding distinctive artworks by local and nationally recognized artists to enhance this Metairie community.
• Theatres
  All of Jefferson is a stage when you immerse yourself in the arts and experience a production by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society and Rivertown Theaters of the Performing Arts. Don’t miss your cue, and attend a performance at the Jefferson Performing Arts Theatre, Teatro Wego, Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, and the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts.

Seafood Haven

• Jefferson Parish Louisiana Oyster Trail
  Jefferson is your oyster along the Jefferson Parish Louisiana Oyster Trail! Savor both iconic and innovative Louisiana oyster dishes ranging from raw, charbroiled, and fried, to sautéed and baked along the Jefferson Parish Oyster Trail. Participating restaurants have a unique 3ft tall oyster
  sculpture hand-painted by a local artist.
• Seafood restaurants in Bucktown
  Enjoy some of the best seafood in New Orleans in Bucktown along Lake Pontchartrain.
• Traditional crawfish boil celebration
  An authentic tradition is held when family & friends come together at the boiling pot.
• Farmer’s markets: Gretna, Westwego, and Harahan Farmers Markets
  Local farmers and artists showcase their wares.
• The Shrimp Lot in Westwego
  Fresh seafood caught and sold daily in what the locals know as a staple seafood market.

Sports

• NOLA Motorsports Park
  The largest go-kart course in America with driving experiences, spectator racing and special event facilities.
• New Orleans Saints & Pelicans
  Jefferson is home to the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans corporate offices, training facility and home of the Saints Hall of Fame Museum.
• NOLA Gold Rugby
  Jefferson Parish is home to professional rugby. NOLA Gold Rugby is the pinnacle of the sport in the American South East.
• Tournament Players Club of Louisiana
  This premier golf course is part of the Audubon Golf Trail & home of the Zurich Classic.
• Disc golf course in Lafreniere Park
  This 24-hole course featuring all grass tees is set in the 155-acre Lafreniere Park.
• Disc golf at Parc des Familles
  A premier course in a hardwood cypress swamp featuring 18 holes