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Jefferson
Parish begins on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain
and ends sixty miles later on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
Within its boundaries one can find historic districts, museums,
two convention centers, fine restaurants and over 7,200 hotel
rooms in all price ranges.
Our area offers sports facilities, manufacturing, petroleum and
maritime industries, residential communities, shopping centers
- not to mention waterways, abundant wildlife, a national park,
and a stretch of the Mississippi River that divides the parish
into the East and West banks.
The Gulf of Mexico is accessible via bayous and canals. Once frequented
by Jean Lafitte - a pirate to his detractors but
a brave buccaneer to his admirers - who made his headquarters in
the small Town of Jean Lafitte, today these waterways
are more frequented by those enjoying outdoor activities and wildlife.
The settlement of Jefferson Parish dates back
to the 1600's, as seen in excavations within the boundaries of
the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte's National
Park. Native American tribes, including ancestors of the area's
Houma Indians, were found throughout Jefferson.
French colonists began farming, soon joined by Spaniards, Germans,
Africans and settlers from the Canary Islands. Later groups included
Acadians (Cajuns) resettling from elsewhere in Louisiana, as well
as Italians, Chinese and later Hispanic and Vietnamese immigrants
as well. Today, Jefferson can claim kinship throughout
the world.
Grand Isle
At the Southern end of Highway 1, the seven magical
miles of Grand Isle hold all the wonders that Louisiana nature
can offer. Oleander and crepe myrtle, palms, ferns and windblown
oak trees on Cheniere ridges welcome migrating birds in season.
The marshes teem with aquatic life and water birds. On Grand
Isle, time slows and the visitor can savor a unique Louisiana
experience.
Europeans came to Grand Isle with Spanish land grants, and by the
early 1800s there were active sugar and cotton plantations. But
it was as a recreation spot that Grand Isle gained fame, as visitors
from nearby New Orleans enjoyed the breezes and seawater while
staying in early hotels. Writers Kate Chopin of "The Awakening" and
Lafcadio Hearn of "Chita" both used the atmosphere of
Grand Isle as a setting for nineteenth century fiction. Today's
visitors find a thriving seaside community with petroleum and seafood
industries as well as everything the visiting sportsman, tourist
or camper could want.
The State of Louisiana maintains a mile of beachfront at Grand
Isle State Park on the easternmost end of the island. The park
looks out toward nearby Grand Terre island, once the lair of the
legendary pirate (or smuggler, if you choose) Jean Lafitte and
site of the ruins of U.S. Army Fort Livingston. Grand Isle State
Park has a 400-foot long public fishing pier with a nearby fish-cleaning
station. State officials say that over 280 species of fish are
known to live in the waters around this sandy spur. The camping
area of the park can accommodate up to 100 families or groups with
nearby bathhouses with running water and an adjacent dump station.
GRAND ISLE TOURIST COMMISSION
2757 LA Highway 1
Grand Isle LA 70358
Phone: 985-787-2997
www.grand-isle.com |
Gretna
The name Gretna, immortalized by a popular play from
the last century, recalls Gretna Green, Scotland - a haven for
young couples who wish to elope. Gretna captures this romantic
history by offering Valentine's Day weddings at its Gretna Green
Blacksmith Shop. Gretna welcomed German immigrants to the West
Bank and their story, along with the earlier migration into southeast
Louisiana, is magnificently told in the German American Cultural
Center. Gretna was also an important railroad center. In the
city's historic area, one can find the oldest Firehouse in America
- the David Crockett Fire Company #1, complete with a museum
and a blacksmith shop that recall the area's nineteenth century
heyday. Gretna's historic area is home to several charming shops
and restaurants, as well as the Jefferson Parish courthouse and
other public, historical buildings.
GRETNA OFFICE OF TOURISM & VISITOR CENTER
P.O. Box 404
Gretna LA 70054
Phone: (504) 363-1580
Toll Free: (888) 4-GRETNA
www.gretnala.com |
Harahan
Named for the onetime president of the Illinois Central Railroad,
James Harahan, Harahan and the adjacent communities
of Elmwood, Jefferson and River Ridge are pleasant regions
nestled at the bend of the Mississippi River. Although primarily
residential, these areas contain a large shopping center, restaurants,
industrial and office parks. The AMC Palace Theater in Elmwood
is ranked #7 nationally! These areas are also home to world-renowned
Ochsner Foundation Clinic and Hospital, Jefferson Parish's
headquarters and the newly established University of New Orleans'
Nims Center's Film Studio. |
Town of Jean Lafitte
Named for the legendary pirate who once made his hideaway here,
the town of Jean Lafitte is a waterway refuge
rich in Louisiana culture. You can explore the bayou country,
dance to Cajun music or stay overnight at one of the many inns
that overlooks the marshes of the breathtaking Bayou Barataria
Basin.
A thriving fishing village since the 1700's, the Barataria
region is still the point of departure for fishermen and their
trawling nets filled with shrimp, crab and oysters. You, too,
can experience some of the best fishing in Louisiana, whether
by boat, private charter or atop Lafitte's public fishing pier.
Lafitte is an excellent way to be immersed in the beauty and
mystique of Louisiana wildlife.
TOWN OF JEAN LAFITTE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
799 Jean Lafitte Boulevard
Lafitte LA 70067
Phone: (504) 689-2299
www.townofjeanlafitte.com |
Kenner
Named for early plantation owner Duncan Kenner,
this town boasts the historic area of Rivertown along the banks
of the Mississippi, the Pontchartrain Center on Lake Pontchartrain
and its neighbor the Treasure Chest Casino. Science and nature
exhibits, theater performances, even a Mardi Gras Museum are
among the exciting possibilities found in Rivertown. Both the
new Kenner Planetarium and MegaDome Cinema are
a must-see. The elegant Esplanade Mall and shopping areas along
Williams Boulevard, plus the New Orleans International Airport
make Kenner bustle.
CITY OF KENNER
624 Williams Boulevard
Kenner LA 70062
Phone: (504) 468-7293
www.kenner.la.us |
Metairie
This East Bank community on the South shore of Lake Pontchartrain
was once the site of the Colapissa Indian Village on the natural
raised banks of a bayou along which a trail ran into New Orleans.
This Metairie Ridge was ideal for farming --
the name Metairie in French refers to small,
leased farm holdings. Today in "Old Metairie",
Metairie Club Gardens is a charming residential area first developed
in the early decades of the twentieth century. Metairie Road
winds along the old trail through upscale shopping centers and
new developments. Metairie also has great retail
shopping, with Lakeside Shopping Center and countless free-standing
boutiques. Metairie is home to schools, churches,
hospitals, subdivisions, restaurants and an abundance of hotels.
The Causeway Boulevard business district and the adjoining Fat
City entertainment area can accommodate every budget. |
Westwego
Once a passageway for pioneers headed to the Western frontier, Westwego borders
some of Louisiana's most picturesque bayous and swamps. Westwego's
adjacent 580-acre Bayou Segnette State Park is a great escape
from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nestled on the banks
of Bayou Segnette, the park's extensive grounds comprise the
most popular state park in Louisiana.
It is also home to the John A. Alario Event Center and Bayou
Segnette Sports Complex, developed for conferences, tournaments
and performance events.
The City of Westwego is the launching point
for several swamp tours and bayou excursions and is the locale
of an excellent seafood market offering fish caught fresh from
Louisiana waters.
Sala Ave. is the City's Historic District and is currently being
redeveloped for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. The Westwego Historic
Museum is located in the century-old fisherman's exchange building
and features an old time hardware store and completely furnished
upstairs living quarters with antique furniture.
WESTWEGO TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
10 Westbank Expressway
Westwego LA 70094
Phone: (504) 436-0812
Fax: (504) 436-0877
www.cityofwestwego.com |
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