Author: Emily Gautreaux

2026 Set to Spotlight Louisiana Outdoors and Adventures

Louisiana has officially set the stage for a yearlong celebration of its landscapes, waterways, and outdoor traditions by naming 2026 the “Year of Outdoors.” Announced by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the statewide initiative will invite both residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have long defined the state’s identity., as per this article from HoumaToday. The campaign is expected to highlight outdoor experiences across every region of Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a destination where nature, culture, and recreation are deeply intertwined.

The “Year of Outdoors” designation will place special emphasis on activities that showcase Louisiana’s diverse terrain and ecosystems. According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the initiative will encourage participation in hiking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing, camping, and RV travel, while also spotlighting experiences such as swamp tours, agritourism, festivals, walking tours, ziplining, and outdoor dining. Through partnerships with local communities, tourism officials will promote both well-known destinations and lesser-traveled areas, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor tourism extend statewide. More information about the initiative will be shared through official tourism resources such as Explore Louisiana and related campaign materials.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has emphasized that the campaign builds directly on Louisiana’s long-standing identity as “Sportsman’s Paradise.” He has noted that the state’s outdoor appeal stems from its unmatched variety, ranging from more than 7,000 miles of coastline to 21 state parks and an extensive network of waterways, forests, and wildlife habitats. In his view, the slogan represents more than branding; it reflects a daily reality that Louisiana continues to deliver for anglers, hunters, hikers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The “Year of Outdoors”will serve as a platform to reinforce that promise on a national scale through the work of the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Beyond recreation, the initiative will also focus on the emotional and cultural connection people form with Louisiana’s outdoors. Nungesser has described outdoor experiences in the state as something to be felt as much as seen, whether through casting a fishing line at sunrise, watching bald eagles glide above cypress swamps, strolling through outdoor art gardens, or harvesting fruit from family-owned orchards. By encouraging slower, more intentional exploration, the campaign will align with Louisiana’s broader tourism message of nourishment, reflection, and connection, a theme echoed through the state’s “Feed Your Soul” branding.

Louisiana’s outdoor assets are not only abundant but also internationally significant. In north Louisiana, Poverty Point World Heritage Site stands as one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States, drawing global attention for its ancient earthworks and cultural importance. In south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, which is larger than the Florida Everglades, spans 15 parishes and represents one of the most complex wetland ecosystems in North America. Meanwhile, central Louisiana is home to the Kisatchie National Forest, where more than 600,000 acres of piney hills, trails, and waterways offer year-round exploration.

Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois has indicated that the “Year of Outdoors” campaign will create opportunities for every region of Louisiana to highlight what makes it distinct. From waterfront dining and fishing communities to adventure experiences like ziplining over swamp canopies, the initiative will encourage collaboration between state tourism leaders and local businesses. By showcasing region-specific attractions, Louisiana aims to strengthen its outdoor tourism economy while preserving the character and heritage of each area.

As 2026 approaches, the “Year of Outdoors” will position Louisiana as a place where the road less traveled remains endless. Each visit promises new discoveries shaped by changing seasons, landscapes, and communities. Travelers planning future adventures will be encouraged to explore curated itineraries, regional guides, and outdoor resources through the official campaign website at Find Your Louisiana Outdoors, ensuring that the state’s natural magic remains accessible, inviting, and enduring.

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StudyNPlay Partnership Expands Support for Student-Parents at Nicholls

Nicholls State University announced a new partnership with StudyNPlay to pilot a campus-based program designed to support the academic and personal success of student-parents. Through a recently signed memorandum of understanding, Nicholls State University became the founding higher education implementation site for the StudyNPlay framework, marking a significant step in expanding student support services tailored to parenting students pursuing postsecondary education, as per this news release from Nicholls.

The pilot program was structured to address the barriers that often require student-parents to choose between continuing their education and securing reliable childcare. Using the StudyNPlay framework, the initiative focused on creating an environment where students could study while their children engaged in supervised, play-based activities nearby. By offering dedicated study spaces, structured support for children, and access to holistic resources, the program aimed to strengthen retention and graduation rates among parenting students while supporting long-term workforce readiness.

University leadership emphasized that the partnership aligned with broader institutional priorities centered on student success and well-being. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Michele Caruso noted that parenting students often face unique academic and personal challenges that require targeted support. Through collaboration with StudyNPlay, the university positioned itself to better equip student-parents with the tools needed to succeed academically while balancing family responsibilities.

As the founding campus site for the framework, Nicholls began identifying a dedicated on-campus location to house the program and integrate it into existing student success initiatives led by the Office of Student Affairs. During the pilot phase, StudyNPlay provided the operational framework, technical assistance, and staff training necessary to support implementation. Both organizations committed to collecting and evaluating data to measure the program’s impact on academic performance, student persistence, and workforce preparation outcomes.

The initiative complemented the Office of Student Affairs’ mission to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and cultural development. By embedding the StudyNPlay model within existing campus infrastructure, Nicholls expanded its capacity to serve nontraditional students and reinforced its commitment to inclusive, student-centered solutions that addressed real-life challenges affecting college completion.

StudyNPlay operates as a social enterprise wholly owned by the Generation Upward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational and economic mobility. Structured as a low-profit limited liability company, StudyNPlay focused on community-driven strategies that supported student-parents as they worked toward improved outcomes for themselves and their families. Through partnerships with institutions like Nicholls, the organization advanced scalable models designed to reduce systemic barriers and strengthen pathways to degree completion.

By serving as the launch site for the StudyNPlay framework in a higher education setting, Nicholls State Universitypositioned itself at the forefront of innovative student-parent support initiatives. This partnership represented a meaningful shift toward recognizing and addressing the realities faced by student-parents, a population that often navigates competing academic, professional, and family responsibilities. By intentionally designing campus-based support that integrated childcare-adjacent study spaces, holistic resources, and academic infrastructure, Nicholls demonstrated a commitment to reducing systemic barriers that can delay or derail degree completion. The pilot program also underscored the university’s broader efforts to promote equity, improve retention and graduation outcomes, and strengthen workforce readiness by ensuring that student-parents were not forced to choose between educational advancement and family stability.

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How LSU’s New Certificate Addresses the Future of Digital Infrastructure

Louisiana State University recently announced the launch of a new Digital Twin Design and Production Certificate, positioning the institution at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing technologies shaping modern industry and digital infrastructure. Developed through a collaboration between academic leaders and private-sector experts, the program was designed to prepare professionals for the expanding use of digital twins across construction, manufacturing, energy, and other sectors critical to Louisiana’s economy. More information about the university’s engineering and digital infrastructure initiatives can be found through the LSU College of Engineering, while details about online delivery are available via this news release from LSU.

Digital twins are virtual, continuously updated models that mirror physical assets, systems, or processes in real time. These tools allow organizations to simulate conditions, predict outcomes, identify inefficiencies, and address safety concerns before costly failures occur. From monitoring bridge integrity to optimizing factory operations or improving supply chain performance, digital twins are increasingly central to how complex systems are managed. Industry analysts frequently cite their ability to reduce downtime and operational costs while improving decision-making, particularly in infrastructure-heavy regions like Louisiana.

Registration for the certificate program is now open, and LSU officials noted that it is the first digital twin certificate in the nation co-developed by both academic and industry experts. The program consists of seven fully online courses that combine case studies, guided tutorials, and hands-on learning activities. Participants learn how digital twins are designed, what technologies support them, and how they are deployed to track and improve real-world systems. Coursework also includes practice using widely adopted software platforms and instruction on calculating deployment costs and return on investment. Additional details about certificate offerings are available through LSU Continuing Education.

Beyond technical development, the certificate places a strong emphasis on understanding the broader implications of digital twin technology. Participants explore topics such as data ethics, intellectual property considerations, cybersecurity concerns, and legal risks associated with modeling real-world systems. Program leaders emphasized that these non-technical dimensions are essential for professionals who will be responsible not only for building digital twins but also for managing them responsibly within organizations. This interdisciplinary approach aligns with broader conversations in higher education about responsible innovation and workforce readiness, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

The digital infrastructure certificate was created through a partnership between the LSU College of Engineering, LSU Online, the Baton Rouge–based consultancy DigiTwin Global, and the global engineering software firm Bentley Systems. According to LSU Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin, understanding when digital twins are worth the investment—and how to use them effectively—is becoming a baseline skill for future engineers and business leaders. She noted that demand for these competencies is growing rapidly in construction, manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, and healthcare, all of which play major roles in Louisiana’s economy.

Development of the program was led by Marwa Hassan, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering, and Kappie Mumphrey, vice president of LSU Online. The development team included LSU engineers, computer scientists, digital designers, and online learning specialists, as well as industry software professionals. Contributors also included faculty from the E.J. Ourso College of Business and leadership from Forte and Tablada, a Baton Rouge engineering firm whose executives co-founded DigiTwin Global. Additional context on LSU’s business programs is available through the Flores MBA Program.

Program developers emphasized practicality as a defining feature of the certificate. Several courses include direct interaction with professional-grade digital twin software, including platforms developed by Bentley Systems. Industry leaders involved in the program noted that Louisiana’s extensive industrial and coastal infrastructure makes the state an ideal environment for applying digital twin technology at scale. Looking ahead, LSU is exploring the creation of a full bachelor’s degree in digital twin technology, while DigiTwin Global is planning a regional symposium on the topic in February—signaling continued momentum for this emerging field.

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A Statewide Tour of Louisiana’s Best King Cakes

The Mardi Gras season officially began on Twelfth Night, January 6, and continues through Fat Tuesday, marking the annual return of one of Louisiana’s most anticipated culinary traditions: king cake. Across the state, residents once again eagerly awaited the moment bakeries unveiled their seasonal offerings, knowing the colorful confection symbolized Carnival season in full swing. According to Pelican State of Mind, and this article from The Daily Advertiser, these king cakes ranked among the very best found throughout Louisiana during the most recent Mardi Gras season.

The tradition of king cake predated Louisiana by centuries. Its origins stretched back to ancient Rome, when similar cakes were served during Saturnalia, the largest pagan festival of the year. Over time, the custom evolved through European Epiphany celebrations before arriving in Louisiana, where it became firmly tied to Carnival culture. As explained by Gambino’s Bakery, modern king cakes symbolized the biblical Three Kings and were decorated in traditional Mardi Gras colors. Purple represented justice, green symbolized faith, and gold stood for power—turning each cake into both a dessert and a cultural emblem.

Several longtime and regional bakeries helped anchor Louisiana’s king cake tradition throughout the Mardi Gras season. Manny Randazzo’s in Metairie remained one of the most recognizable names in king cake culture, offering cakes for in-store pickup or shipping while supplies lasted, all made using the Randazzo family’s closely guarded recipe. Each cake featured a classic cinnamon-infused base topped with the bakery’s signature icing, a style many Mardi Gras purists continued to view as the benchmark for traditional king cake. In Lafayette, Keller’s Bakery upheld its legacy by producing king cakes from a Danish pastry recipe that dated back more than 120 years, filling each cake with specialty-made fillings and decorating them in classic Carnival colors. Central Louisiana also delivered standout options, with Atwood’s Bakery in Alexandria offering king cakes for pickup or shipping and encouraging early orders for specific flavors and sizes. Alongside traditional varieties, the bakery’s deluxe king cake featured three different flavored sections in a single cake. Nearby in Pineville, The Batter’s Box accepted preorders and call-in orders throughout the season, allowing customers to choose their flavor and pickup time, with personal-sized king cakes available for those seeking a smaller option.

Other bakeries across the state added variety and creativity to the king cake lineup. In Jackson, Chefs To-Go put a modern spin on the tradition by offering king cake not only in its classic form but also as cupcakes, featuring twelve flavors in one standard size during the season. In Gonzales, Ralph’s Market stood out for its expansive selection, producing nearly 50 king cake flavors made fresh daily and available in-store or via two-day shipping, with shipped orders including assembly instructions and materials. In Central, Oak Point Fresh Market sold king cakes through its bakery department while supplies lasted, featuring both traditional options and specialty flavors such as Chantilly and champagne or bourbon pecan praline. In Monroe, Daily Harvest Deli & Bakery baked fresh king cakes throughout the season and encouraged special orders for specific flavors and sizes, with offerings ranging from cinnamon to Oreo, lemon, and chocolate ganache with pecans. Further south, New Roads brought playful flair through Mikey’s Donuts, where customers purchased whole king cakes or individual slices, along with fried king cakes and king-cake-flavored drinks. In Opelousas, Mikey’s Donut King produced king cakes daily during the Mardi Gras season, recommending early reservations and offering cakes plain or filled, in small or large sizes, with flavors including Bavarian cream, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and caramel cream cheese.

Shreveport featured several notable bakeries, including Julie Anne’s Bakery & Café, which offered king cakes year-round in 28 flavors for pickup or shipping. Each shipped cake included Mardi Gras beads, doubloons, and educational material about king cake history. Lilah’s Bakery, known as Shreveport’s original king cake bakery, operated seasonally and offered 21 flavors in sizes ranging from small to extra large. Tubbs Hardware & Cajun Gifts rounded out the list by selling king cakes in-store or online from January 6 through Fat Tuesday, with classic cinnamon and cream-cheese-based flavors available.

Together, these bakeries showcased how king cake culture spanned the entire state, blending history, regional pride, and culinary creativity into one beloved Mardi Gras tradition.

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A Louisiana Twist on Classic Chili

Creole chili brought together the bold, layered flavors of South Louisiana cooking with the comforting structure of a classic chili. This version of Creole Chili from Louisiana Cookin leaned heavily into regional identity by starting with Vaucresson Creole Hot Sausage, a New Orleans staple known for its deep spice blend and coarse texture. Unlike Texas-style chili or Midwestern bean-forward versions, Creole chili embraced aromatics, peppers of varying heat levels, and seasoning built slowly over a simmer rather than all at once. The result was a pot of chili that felt hearty and familiar while still unmistakably Louisiana in spirit.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds Vaucresson Creole Hot Sausage, removed from casing
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 (15-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
  • 2 (12-ounce) cans red kidney beans (optional)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • ½ poblano pepper, diced
  • 1 serrano pepper, diced
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1 habanero, diced
  • 2 dried chili peppers
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • For serving: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, cornbread, or corn chips

Directions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, browned the Creole hot sausage and ground beef together over medium heat. The onion and green bell pepper were added early so they softened as the meat cooked. Once the meat was no longer pink and the vegetables were tender, excess fat was drained to prevent the chili from becoming greasy.
  2. Tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans (if using), and beef stock were stirred into the pot. This created the base of the chili and loosened the mixture enough to allow the spices to bloom evenly during the simmer.
  3. The poblano, serrano, jalapeño, and habanero peppers were added next, followed by the dried chili peppers, red chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and Creole seasoning. Everything was stirred thoroughly to distribute heat and seasoning throughout the pot.
  4. The chili was brought to a gentle boil, then reduced to low heat. Covered and simmered for about 20 minutes, the mixture thickened slightly while the flavors melded. Occasional stirring ensured nothing stuck to the bottom, and seasoning was adjusted as needed toward the end.
  5. The chili was ladled into bowls and finished with sour cream, shredded Cheddar, sliced jalapeños, and a side of cornbread or corn chips for crunch and contrast.

This Creole chili allowed for flexibility depending on audience and occasion. The kidney beans were optional and could be omitted for a meat-forward version or included to stretch the dish for larger gatherings. Heat levels were easily adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of habanero and dried chilies. Removing seeds from fresh peppers also softened the spice while preserving flavor.

Cornbread was a natural companion, especially versions inspired by Southern or Louisiana-style baking traditions such as those found at Louisiana Cookin’. Corn chips added texture and worked well for scooping, making the chili suitable for casual serving. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad with vinaigrette helped cut through the richness of the sausage and beef.

Creole chili stands out because it respected the structure of traditional chili while confidently leaning into Louisiana flavors. The use of Creole hot sausage, layered peppers, and bold seasoning transformed a familiar dish into something more regional and distinctive. Whether served at a family dinner, tailgate, or casual gathering, this chili delivered comfort, heat, and depth in every bowl. With customizable spice levels and versatile serving options, it earned a reliable place in any cold-weather cooking rotation.

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National Parks to Visit in 2026: Epic Landscapes Without the Fee

Exploring the United States often meant choosing between breathtaking landscapes and budget limitations, yet 2026 has proven that iconic scenery does not always come with an entrance fee. With 63 official national parks and more than 400 additional sites managed by the National Park Service, travelers have found countless opportunities to experience mountains, coastlines, caves, and forests without paying a daily admission cost, as per this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. While many parks typically charged between $20 and $35 per vehicle, a significant number remained free year‑round, making them ideal anchors for cost‑conscious itineraries across the country.

Beyond well‑known federal fee‑free days such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Independence Day weekend, roughly one‑third of national parks required no entrance fee at all. These destinations spanned nearly every region of the country, allowing travelers to design routes around landscapes that ranged from subtropical shorelines to Arctic tundra. In the Southeast, Great Smoky Mountains National Park continued to draw millions of visitors each year for its mist‑covered ridges, preserved cabins, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Nearby, Congaree National Park offered a dramatically different experience, protecting towering bald cypress trees and peaceful boardwalks that wound through one of the largest intact floodplain forests in North America.

Along Florida’s coast, Biscayne National Park highlighted a side of the national park system that existed largely underwater. Coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, and clear bays shaped an experience centered on marine ecosystems rather than mountain views. Inland, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas blended natural thermal springs with historic bathhouses, creating a rare overlap of preserved architecture and geology. Further north, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky invited visitors underground, where the world’s longest known cave system revealed vast chambers, winding tunnels, and ancient formations shaped over millions of years.

The Midwest and Appalachian regions expanded the list of free‑entry parks with surprising variety. Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserved waterfalls, wooded trails, and remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland and Akron, offering easy access to nature near urban centers. Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota centered on interconnected lakes and waterways, where water‑based exploration defined the landscape. In West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park showcased dramatic cliffs and one of the longest steel arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere, while Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota revealed intricate boxwork formations beneath rolling prairie terrain.

Alaska stood apart as the state with the highest concentration of free‑entry national parks. Glacier Bay National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park highlighted tidewater glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife, while Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve covered an area larger than several U.S. states combined. Even more remote destinations such as Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Lake Clark National Park emphasized vast wilderness, often accessible only by small aircraft and rewarding travelers with unmatched solitude and scale.

Although these parks did not require entrance fees, planning ahead remained essential. Some locations enforced parking charges, timed‑entry systems, or recreation‑specific permits for activities such as camping, fishing, or boating. For travelers planning to visit multiple parks that did charge admission, the America the Beautiful Pass offered a cost‑effective option for yearlong access to federally managed lands.

With thoughtful planning, 2026 demonstrated that unforgettable travel experiences did not depend on ticket prices. From Appalachian ridgelines and Midwestern rivers to Pacific forests and Arctic expanses, these free‑entry national parks showed that some of the country’s most iconic landscapes were open to everyone, every day.

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