Known for its vast scenery and savory cuisine, Louisiana is home to several Culinary Trails to be explored this summer, according to an article by the State’s Tourism Department.

Local residents are invited to forge new summer traditions by traveling across the state in search of the best homegrown vegetables, sweet desserts, fresh fish, and more that this expansive state has to offer on its culinary food trails.

Visit a Farmer’s Market

It’s no secret that Louisiana is home to expert farmers, so access the state’s vast catalog of local Farmers Markets and stock up while the getting is still good. While many markets are seasonal, there are a handful that are year-round and regularly stocked to supply you with fresh fruits, vegetables, and more in your search for authentic homegrown excellence. There’s still time to attend the Opelousas Farmer’s Market on the Prairie Home Cooking trail, which is open year-round. While you’re out, be sure to stop by a roadside stand, like the ones that line both parameters of Bayou Lafourche along the Bayou Bounty Trail. Wether your looking for something sweet or one of Louisiana’s seafood staples, there is a culinary trail for everyone.

Treat Yourself to a Progressive Dinner

When you find the kitchen to be too swelteringly hot, step into a history with a meal at a locally-owned restaurant thats a part of Natchitoches’s Red River Trail, where locals are invited to dine in the Historic District. Partake in Louisiana History as you sample the blackened alligator appetizer at the Landing Restaurant and Bar.

Fish for your own Supper

Take agency in your meal preparation by indulging in Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise. Our state houses a wealth of fishing spots, home to redfish, catfish, bluegill, bass, and much more. Northern Louisianaians are invited to cast off in Sabine Parish’s Toledo Bend or learn from a professional fisherman and guide like Homer Humphreys, who can show you the finest catches of Red River and Lake Bistineau. South Louisiana fisherman are invited to catch redfish on the Seafood Sensation trail, located in Lake Charles. Wether you’re in the gulf or within the boot, nothing tastes quite like the pride that accompanies a fish that you catch and prepare yourself, so catch your limit and cook it up this summer.

Cool off with a Sweet Treat on this Culinary Trail

Traditionally, the chosen dessert of the summer months is ice cream, but true Louisiana residents never overlook the essentialness of the icebox pie. Across the state, dessert shops and restaurants tote that they have the perfect sweet dish to help you beat the heat. Clancy’s in New Orleans serves a specialty lemon icebox pie from notorious pastry chef and author David Guas. In Shreveport, locals know to head to Strawn’s for a whipped-cream crowned slice of strawberry, chocolate, or coconut. The Creaola Cafe in Grand Coteau, serves its patrons a chocolatey, creamy Yum Yum pie that has rave reviews. Though, this suggested list would be amiss without mentioning the Pie Capitol of Louisiana,  Lecompte. Stop by Lea’s Lunchroom for a delicate slice of coconut, lemon, chocolate, banana, and much more when cooling off this summer.

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