Rip Van Winkle Gardens

There's a boat launch for small boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. Plenty of fishing from the banks or off a boat. Go at dusk for an unforgettable sunset from the water. If you paddle enough you may even be able to find a rope swing, or a rope ladder that offers an amazing aerial view. 

If you search "state parks" and follow the GPS anywhere off US 90 often times you'll find yourself driving to an RV park. Brownelle Memorial Park is truly a hidden gem, considering GPS doesn't even pick it up! It's nearby what seemed to be a popular RV park (and pretty park at that!) but if you are looking for solitude and a more primitive feel, keep driving about a half a mile past the RV park...

Located an hour and twenty minutes west of New Orleans, I had originally planned to make a quick pit stop at this Plantation while passing through just to snap a photo of the oaks, before I knew it I had spent 6 hours wandering its properties and learning all about the incredible past of this home and its tenants! Admission is $22 for adults, $8 for youth (13-18 years old) and $5 for children (...