I continued on the road in 2019 starting on a cold January day at the top of the Capitol in Baton Rouge. It's the tallest of all 50 capitol buildings. And if you think nothing gets done in government, you've never seen Huey Long at work. Huey got this done in 14 months!
Then down to Patterson where another unique Louisiana State Museum combines the magic of aviation along with the importance of the cypress industry, and how the two put Louisiana on the map. A visit to Opelousas to a lesser known museum celebrating music, food, and an Olympic hero!
Usually my favorite trips are to out of the way, quiet places. Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is one of my favorites to see alligators, wildlife and birds. I also hit the wild Azalea Trail in central Louisiana, more hiking in Chicot, including a visit to the Louisiana Arboretum. Palmetto Island State Park and Lake Martin preserves some of Louisiana's most iconic beauty! You can't go wrong with a visit to the Lorraine Bridge spanning Jeff Davis and Calcasieu Parish!
I took in some arts and culture here in Lafayette at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. Did some antique shopping at the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall in Washington. Antique shopping is easy in New Roads, although I'd prefer to just sit along False River and eat! I went for a long, beautiful drive across Cameron Parish taking in the wetlands, as well as the lonely roads. Then took a trip back in time at the Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site! There was one time this summer, that I didn't need to get on a road at all. Just pointed the camera up to experience the ever changing skies when tropical heat is in place.
I loved the fact that several communities across south Louisiana are reviving an old road. I traveled the "Old Spanish Trail" from east to west. Starting at the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City, winding along the Bayou Teche and historical areas in Iberia Parish. Continuing westward through Broussard, Lafayette, and Scott before meeting Dr. Eddie Palmer, a man with on a mission. Palmer says, "Of course we like the interstate because of efficiency. But the nostalgia that goes with Route 66, Route 90, the Old Spanish Trail, the Lincoln Highway. All of those things are important to keep us grounded and connected to our history!"
Along the Old Spanish Trail I found the revitalization of downtown areas and mayors proud to show off their city! A year of beauty, inspiration, history, plus a peek into the future. Looking forward as all roads lead to 2020!