Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1250550
C A J U N C U I S I N E AT C H A FA L AYA B A S I N , B AT O N R O U G E , LO U I S I A N A O P T I O N A L S H O R E E X C U R S I O N S O N Y O U R J O U R N E Y L AUR A PL ANTATION Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Laura Plantation was home to four generations of the Duparc-Locoul family. Inside the 19th- centur y mansion, view the family's heirlooms and apparel along with exhibits that tell the compelling stories of the Creole, Native American and enslaved African men, women and children who worked the land. ATCHAFAL AYA BASIN BY BOAT Discover the beaut y and wildlife of the Atchafalaya Basin on board a covered motorboat, with knowledgeable swamp captains narrating your journey. The nutrient-rich water of the Atchafalaya suppor ts half of America's migrator y water fowl and is an impor tant habitat for neotropical migratory birds. Keep watch for alligators, beavers, ot ters, owls, bald eagles and tur tles. C A JUN HERITAGE TOUR Experience Cajun culture through music, folk tales and food at the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State Universit y. First, enjoy Privileged Access to music and dance per formances, and listen to folk tales while sampling Cajun cuisine. Then, explore the museum's 30 historic buildings — a window into the lifest yles of 18th- and 19th- centur y rural Louisianans. WATERFALL HIKE Enjoy a guided hike through the Clark Creek Natural Area, home to approximately 50 water falls. Weave your way over, under and through four of the most scenic ones while keeping an eye out for chipmunk s, white -tailed deer and various birds. The forest also includes many uncommon trees, including Southern sugar maples and pyramid magnolias. VICKSBURG BEHIND THE SCENES Ber tram Hayes-Davis is a Civil War author and the great- great- grandson of Jef ferson Davis. In his historic home, gain an intimate look at the strategy for the Bat tle of Vick sburg. Nex t, visit the Christ Episcopal Church and one of the cit y's signature homes before returning to the Hayes- Davis residence for refreshments. LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY MUSEUM Explore the Louisiana State Penitentiar y's long histor y of instabilit y and reform through fascinating accounts and ar tefac ts, including the original (and now retired) elec tric chair and ingenious implements made by inmates for escape at tempts. You will also talk with an inmate about his experiences and learn about the prison's educational and social training programs. 38 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit vikingrivercruises.com.au