Author: Emily Gautreaux

Chasing Wind and Mountains in Hood River, Oregon

Tucked between the mighty Columbia River and the towering peak of Mount Hood, Hood River, Oregon, offers a rare blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure that appeals to travelers year-round, as per this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. Known for its windswept waterfront and mountainous surroundings, this small city has earned its reputation as a destination where people come to play—whether that’s on land, water, or snow.

One of the city’s most distinctive features is the strong wind that barrels through the Columbia River Gorge, making Hood River a global hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Often called the “windsurfing capital of the world,” the area comes alive between June and September as water sports enthusiasts flock to its breezy banks. For those who prefer to stay on land, the terrain provides endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The Coyote Wall Trail, just across the river in Washington, rewards hikers with sweeping views and seasonal wildflowers, while Mt. Hood Meadows offers ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in warmer months. Timberline, another ski area on Mount Hood,boasts North America’s longest ski season, allowing visitors to experience both snow sports and water activities in a single trip.

Although Hood River is a destination with something to offer every season, summer is particularly popular. Mild temperatures and steady breezes create ideal conditions for lounging by the river, taking a dip, or setting off on a paddleboard. For snow lovers, January through March is the best time to hit the slopes. And for food enthusiasts, October is a prime time to visit, thanks to the Hood River Harvest Fest—a celebration of local produce, cuisine, and craftwork set against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia River.

To experience the agricultural bounty of the region, take a scenic drive along the Hood River Fruit Loop. This 35-mile self-guided tour winds past dozens of fruit stands, flower fields, and artisan shops. It’s a flavorful way to explore the valley while enjoying picturesque views and regional delicacies.

Beyond the outdoor adventures, downtown Hood River presents a charming array of shops and locally owned businesses. Arome is a standout for culinary travelers, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of spices, oils, and kitchen goods. Regular tasting events and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit for those inspired by flavor. Twiggs, a stylish boutique, features handcrafted jewelry and home goods, often hosting artist meet-and-greets to give visitors insight into the creative process behind their purchases.

For stylish, outdoor-inspired fashion, Doug’s has been a staple since 1984. With brands like Patagonia and Roxy, it’s the perfect place to gear up for your next hike or just blend in with the laid-back Hood River vibe.

Dining in Hood River reflects the city’s casual and welcoming atmosphere. Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, located along the waterfront, serves up freshly fired pizzas and slices perfect for a relaxed meal by the river. Another unexpected gem is Riverside, housed in a Best Western hotel. With gourmet dishes and patio seating overlooking the gorge, it’s a local favorite that impresses from first bite to last view.

Accommodations in Hood River range from boutique elegance to rustic comfort. The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spaprovides a serene escape just minutes from downtown, with Art Deco-style rooms and gardens that spill toward the river. For a more central stay, the Hood River Hotel offers historic charm right in the heart of downtown, with a variety of room options and close proximity to the city’s best shops and cafes.

Whether you’re scaling peaks, catching wind on the water, or tasting your way through the valley, Hood River offers a refreshing escape where nature and small-town charm coexist in perfect balance.

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Springtime in Louisiana: A Festival Season Map for Everyone

Every spring, Louisiana becomes a vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and quirky traditions during what we like to call festival season. As winter fades and Mardi Gras wraps up, the state dives headfirst into festival season. Weekends — and even the occasional weekday — overflow with celebrations highlighting everything from French heritage and Cajun cuisine to jazz rhythms and literary traditions. According to this article from Explore Louisiana, the state rightfully holds the nickname “Festival Capital of the World,” with over 400 festivals taking place annually. But in springtime, that title truly comes alive with unmatched energy.

In Lafayette, festival season is kicked off with the internationally-acclaimed Festival International de Louisiane takes over downtown with a free, outdoor celebration of the region’s French roots. Local musicians share the stage with performers from Europe, Africa, Canada, and the Caribbean, giving the festival a global flair. Visitors meander through Marché des Arts, a juried fine arts market filled with artists from around the country, and explore Marché du Monde, an international marketplace packed with jewelry, photography, sculpture, and unique finds.

Over in New Iberia, literature and Cajun identity intertwine at the Books Along The Teche Literary Festival, which honors author James Lee Burke and his iconic fictional detective, Dave Robicheaux. Guests immerse themselves in local culture through poetry readings, storytelling events, food tastings, and guided tours — by both bus and boat — that bring to life the author’s richly described landscapes.

In Krotz Springs, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival highlights Louisiana’s natural and cultural traditions. Visitors sample wild game during a cooking competition, dance to Cajun, swamp pop, and zydeco music, and enjoy carnival rides and games that entertain all ages.

In the town of Rayne, the celebration takes a whimsical turn with the Rayne Frog Festival, which leans into the town’s nickname as the “Frog Capital of the World.” The event features frog-themed music, games, and family-friendly fun. Not far away, in Lake Charles, pirate lovers gather for the Louisiana Pirate Festival, a lively tribute to the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte. With swashbuckling flair, the festival offers games, food, contests, and music all in a high-seas atmosphere.

Music lovers flock to the state’s spring lineup of legendary concerts. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, arguably Louisiana’s most iconic spring event, spans seven days and brings together global performers from jazz, gospel, rock, R&B, and beyond. The French Quarter Festival also makes waves, with 22 stages and more than 400 hours of live music filling the historic streets of the Vieux Carré.

Beyond New Orleans, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival celebrates Louisiana’s deep contributions to blues, particularly the swamp blues style native to the region. In Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Jazz / R&B Festival delivers a rich mix of genres — from zydeco and soul to rock ’n’ roll — all set along the scenic Cane River.

Naturally, spring festivals in Louisiana wouldn’t be complete without a hearty helping of local flavor. In Ponchatoula, ripe, juicy berries take center stage at the Strawberry Festival, while in Ruston, the Peach Festival pays tribute to the season’s sweetest fruit. Both festivals combine fresh fruit tastings with rides, games, and cherished community traditions.

Culinary festivals also shine this time of year. In Arnaudville, the Étouffée Festival celebrates the beloved dish of smothered seafood over rice. Gonzales, dubbed the “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” hosts the Jambalaya Festival, where the savory, rice-based dish draws crowds of hungry attendees. In Scott, festival-goers sample boudin, a spiced sausage made with pork and rice, at the heart of the Scott Boudin Festival.

For seafood fans, there’s no shortage of delights. The Amite Oyster Festival serves up the briny favorite, while crawfish festivals pop up all over the state. Whether it’s boiled, fried, or tucked into an étouffée, crawfish reigns as the undisputed king of springtime cuisine in Louisiana.

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Louisiana-Style Crawfish Pistolette: A Cajun Comfort Classic

If you’ve never had a pistolette before, you’re in for a true Southern treat. These golden, crusty rolls are hollowed out, filled with a savory stuffing, and baked or fried to perfection. Think of them as miniature stuffed bread loaves bursting with flavor. One of the most beloved varieties hails straight from Cajun country—Crawfish Pistolettes. This recipe from LouisianaCookin delivers all the boldness of Louisiana cuisine, combining spicy sausage, juicy crawfish tails, and creamy cheese in a rich, flavorful filling tucked inside a buttery roll.

Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to scale. The recipe makes a generous batch, but you can easily halve it or freeze the extras for a ready-to-go meal later. Just pop them in the oven and reheat when a craving hits. Pistolettes are small, French-style bread rolls—typically about 2 ounces each—that are often fried or baked after being stuffed. In Cajun and Creole cooking, they’re usually filled with seafood-based mixtures like crawfish or shrimp, though some versions feature chicken or boudin. In this baked version, we’re keeping things simple yet indulgent by skipping the frying and finishing with a brush of garlic butter for irresistible flavor and golden color.

Ingredients for the crawfish pistolette:

Directions for cooking the pistolette:

  1. Slice off about the top quarter of each roll and set the tops aside. Gently scoop out a portion of the bread from inside each roll, creating space for the filling.
  2. Set your oven to 425°F so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Mix in the green onions, Creole seasoning, parsley, oregano, and chili powder. Stir until the mixture is evenly seasoned. Next, add the can of golden mushroom soup and blend well. Pour in the crawfish along with their liquid. Add the cheese cubes and stir until they melt into the mixture—this should take 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully spoon the hot filling into each hollowed-out roll. Don’t overfill or the mixture may spill over during baking. Replace the tops of the rolls.
  5. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted garlic butter. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.

Crawfish pistolettes are rich and hearty, so they pair best with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help balance the richness. For a Southern twist, serve alongside coleslaw or roasted okra. If you’re going all-in with Cajun flair, try a side of dirty rice or a bowl of creamy corn maque choux.

Crawfish Pistolettes are more than just a snack—they’re a bold, flavorful celebration of Louisiana’s culinary traditions. With their spicy, creamy filling and buttery crust, they’re sure to impress family and guests alike. Whether you’re making them for a Mardi Gras party, a family potluck, or a casual dinner at home, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

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LSU Museum of Art Celebrates Prestigious National Accreditation

In a remarkable achievement that underscores its ongoing excellence, the LSU Museum of Art has once again earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This prestigious honor represents the highest national recognition awarded to museums across the United States and signals the LSU Museum of Art’s continued leadershipin the cultural sector, as per this news release from the University.

Since 2010, the LSU Museum of Art has held accredited status, a distinction that must be reaffirmed every ten years through an extensive reaccreditation process. Accreditation is not simply a rubber stamp—it is a rigorous and comprehensive review that evaluates all aspects of a museum’s operations. From financial accountability to curatorial practices and public engagement, every facet of the institution is scrutinized by a team of museum professionals.

AAM accreditation is designed to promote professional standards, transparency, and ethical excellence. Developed over five decades ago, the program is regarded as the cornerstone of museum quality assurance and public accountability. Accreditation assures stakeholders—including museum visitors, educators, government agencies, donors, and granting organizations—that the institution operates with integrity and is committed to ongoing improvement.

Mark Tullos, Director of the LSU Museum of Art, emphasized the reflective nature of the process, explaining that reaccreditation offered a valuable opportunity for institutional growth. He noted that the museum team was especially gratified by the peer reviewers’ recognition of the museum’s distinctive strengths—particularly its deep dedication to community engagement and arts education. As Tullos explained, the LSU Museum of Art, embedded within a university setting, seeks to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and craft meaningful experiences through visual art.

The re-accreditation process begins with a thorough self-study conducted by the museum over the course of a year. This internal review is then followed by a site visit from a team of peer reviewers—professionals from other museums—who evaluate the museum’s practices in person. The final decision is made by the AAM Accreditation Commission, an independent body comprised of seasoned museum leaders.

Marilyn Jackson, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, applauded the LSU Museum of Art’s accomplishment. She described accreditation as a “monumental achievement” that demonstrates an institution’s unwavering dedication to best practices and professional excellence. Importantly, she also highlighted the program’s flexibility, making it accessible to museums of all sizes and types.

The reaccreditation comes at a significant moment in the museum’s trajectory. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the LSU Museum of Art launched and expanded several impactful initiatives. Among these was the Access for All program, made possible through a $240,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation. LSU’s museum was the only institution in Louisiana to receive this support, positioning it as a leader in inclusive programming. The museum also improved its collections storage facilities and hosted several major exhibitions, including In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940, featuring pieces from the Bank of America Collection.

These achievements reflect the museum’s growing reputation as both a scholarly resource and a vibrant cultural hub. Tullos emphasized that education is profoundly enriched through engagement with the arts, and accreditation affirms the museum’s pivotal role in fostering creativity, learning, and community.

Accreditation by the AAM is more than a ceremonial title—it’s a seal of trust and professional credibility. Museums must demonstrate a commitment to ethical operations, public service, financial stewardship, and educational outreach. The process helps ensure that museums remain responsible stewards of art and history while continually striving to meet the needs of their communities.

Currently, only a small percentage of museums in the United States are accredited—making this a significant and rare distinction. The LSU Museum of Art’s reaccreditation confirms its place among the nation’s most respected cultural institutions.

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Multi-Billion Dollar Hyundai Manufacturing Boost Headed to Louisiana

A historic economic announcement unfolded in Ascension Parish as officials revealed plans for a monumental $5.8 billion steel plant to be constructed by Hyundai Steel Company. The proposed facility, to be located near Donaldsonville on the west bank of the Mississippi River, marked one of the largest foreign manufacturing investments ever made in Louisiana, as per this article from Houma Today.

The project, part of the 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark industrial zone, was expected to break ground in 2026. Once completed, the ultra-low carbon steel production plant aimed to generate approximately 2.7 million tons of automotive steel annually. The venture stood poised to not only strengthen domestic supply chains but also create a ripple effect of job growth and infrastructure development across the region.

According to estimates from Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the project would create 1,300 direct positions with an average salary of $95,000 per year, while an additional 4,100 indirect jobs would emerge as a result of the plant’s presence—totaling over 5,400 new employment opportunities in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Hyundai Steel, a division of the Hyundai-Kia Motor Group, selected Ascension Parish as a strategic location to serve its growing U.S. customer base. In addition to supplying automotive steel to Hyundai and Kia’s U.S.-based plants, the company announced intentions to expand its services to other American automobile manufacturers.

Hyundai Steel President and CEO Gang Hyun Seo shared in a news release that the company’s decision to invest in an electric arc furnace-based integrated steel mill in the U.S. was driven by long-term goals to contribute to local economies and enhance job creation. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to building strong business partnerships with a broad range of automakers in the future.

Beyond the $5.8 billion initial investment, Hyundai planned to pour an additional $21 billion into its U.S. operations over the following four years. These developments signaled a significant commitment to reshoring industrial capacity and deepening economic ties between South Korea and the United States. To support the transportation demands of the steel plant, Hyundai will partner with the Port of South Louisiana to construct a deepwater dock on the Mississippi River. This would streamline the import of raw materials and the export of finished steel, further enhancing the region’s logistical strengths.

Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, River Parishes Community College and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System pledged to collaborate with LED’s FastStart program to establish a new workforce training center. This facility would equip local residents with the technical expertise necessary to fill the jobs the plant would bring.

State and local leaders praised the project as a transformational moment for Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry described Hyundai’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in Louisiana’s labor force and infrastructure, attributing the state’s appeal to recent economic reforms and a pro-business climate. He viewed the announcement as evidence that the state’s manufacturing sector was regaining momentum.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy echoed these sentiments, stating that the push to attract Hyundai was a collaborative effort aimed at reinforcing Louisiana’s role in revitalizing American manufacturing. He expressed satisfaction that the company had chosen Louisiana and acknowledged both state and federal support in making the project a reality.

Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment described the announcement as more than just an economic milestone. He noted that Hyundai’s commitment extended to supporting public safety, enhancing educational institutions, and strengthening community infrastructure. In his words, the project symbolized a generational investment in the wellbeing and future of the entire parish.

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Louisiana Pork Steak Gravy: A Soul-Warming Southern Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that fills the whole house with its rich, savory aroma. In South Louisiana, where food is often both memory and celebration, pork steak gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a connection to tradition, resilience, and flavor that runs deep. Known by some as “Recession Gravy,” this dish from Louisiana Cookin, takes humble, affordable cuts of pork and transforms them into a luscious, slow-cooked masterpiece. The smell alone—onions caramelizing, Cajun spices blooming in hot oil, and a rich gravy bubbling away—can transport you straight to your grandmother’s kitchen on a chilly fall afternoon.

This particular recipe, inspired by The Gravy Boys, leans into the rustic soul of Southern cooking. With a strong foundation of Louisiana’s beloved trinity—onion, bell pepper, and celery—plus garlic, beer, and chicken stock, it turns everyday ingredients into something spectacular. Serve it over steaming hot long-grain Louisiana rice, and you have a meal that sticks to your bones and feeds the soul.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by patting the pork shoulder steaks dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Generously season both sides with your favorite Cajun seasoning blend. A bold hand is encouraged here—you want that flavor to sink in.
  2.  Spread the flour out on a baking sheet and coat each pork steak thoroughly. Every surface should be dusted in flour to help create that golden crust later on.
  3. In a large Dutch oven (8-quart is ideal), heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Working in batches, brown the pork steaks on both sides until a deep golden crust forms—think darker than perfectly fried chicken. Transfer them to a baking sheet when done. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the flour particles.
  4. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery directly into the Dutch oven. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits (called grimilles) from the bottom of the pot. These bits are flavor gold. Cook the vegetables for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve reached a rich brown color.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, and about 4 teaspoons more Cajun seasoning. Let everything cook for a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up anything that remains stuck to the bottom. Stir constantly for another minute to cook off the alcohol and bring everything together.
  6. Return the browned pork steaks to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2½ hours. Stir every 10 minutes or so. Over time, the stock will reduce, and the gravy will thicken to a luxurious, almost gumbo-like consistency. The pork should become so tender it starts falling off the bone with a gentle nudge.
  8. Once the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with more Cajun spice or a few dashes of Tabasco. Serve the pork and gravy over a bed of hot Louisiana long-grain rice.

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