Swampin & Stompin Bayou tour followed by a Cajun feast, band, and dancing!

Pre Conference Tour
Sunday, March 16 · 5:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Join us for a short ride to the swamps and bayous of Louisiana to enjoy the fun-loving hospitality of our southern friends. Along the way, your guide will entertain you with stories of the lively Cajun French settlers who migrated to this watery haven.

Your adventure will begin with a swamp tour aboard a specially designed swampboat bringing you deep into the bayou region. As the swamp boat glides along the smooth waters of the bayou, you will view Louisiana wildlife such as the majestic heron, nutria and large turtles in the midst of the exotic tropical plants of the ancient swamp. Lurking through the red, cypress-stained swamp water of these mystical wetlands are the swamp's favorite sons, the alligators. Your guide will tell of the legends and tales of the Cajuns as they lived off the land by trapping, hunting and fishing.

After the "swampin'," it's time for the "stompin'" in the next stop of this Cajun double header, an authentic "Fais Do Do." You will be greeted by the warm smiles and friendly faces of our hosts at the party pavilion overlooking a lazy bayou, decorated with rustic Cajun artifacts. Local beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks will be available for you to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

A "Fais Do Do" is a Cajun country dance featuring traditional Cajun music. Our live Cajun band will provide the foot-stompin' music to keep your toes tapping.

For dinner, a Cajun feast will be prepared. It will include:

• Seafood Boil and Demonstration
• Featuring (in season) Crawfish, Crabs, Shrimp with Spicy Corn on the Cob & New Potatoes
• Whole Onions and Garlic
• Louisiana Celebration Salad
• Seafood Gumbo with Steamed Rice
• Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
• Full Open Bar!

Cost:$129.00 per person – Space is Limited!

Cajun and Creole Cuisine with a Leisure Afternoon in the Gardens

Spouse/Guest Tour
Monday, March 17 · 9:30am-4:30pm

Our local chefs can be colorful characters, and today one of the best will teach you the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking. (Rule #1 – first you make a roux!) You will learn the differences in the various styles of cooking in Louisiana and receive copies of recipes to take home with you to dazzle family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. During the demonstrations, traditional New Orleans-style coffee will be served.

You meal will consist of the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes prepared in the demonstration. Typical dishes prepared include:

Typical Morning Menu

• Cajun Gumbo
• Creole Jambalaya
• Pecan Pralines
• Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
• Iced Tea

After working hard in your Cajun Kitchen all morning, let us escape you to the breathtaking Botanical Gardens of The Longue Vue House and Gardens. Along the way you will take a short Katrina recovery tour of Esplanade Avenue, City Park and Lakeview.

Botanicals in Bloom

Our "Botanicals in Bloom" excursion offers glimpses into the resplendence of "Southern Living" in Louisiana where you will visit Longue Vue House and Gardens, a beautiful and renowned city estate in New Orleans.

Longue Vue, circa 1942, is a magnificent home with elegant gardens fashioned after the great country houses of England. Built by Edgar and Edith Stern, Longue Vue reflects the lifestyle of a wealthy American family during the 1940's. The home is designed in Greek Revival architecture and richly furnished with exquisite antiques collected from around the world. The estate spans eight acres and features beautiful formal country gardens as well as lush, wild Louisiana gardens, including huge magnolia trees planted meticulously about the grounds. Specially trained docents will guide you through the home and members of the New Orleans Garden Club will be available to discuss the history of the estate and its plant life.

After touring the gardens, sit back and finish the day enjoying Fresh Lemonade and Cookies in this beautiful setting. Following your visit to Longue Vue, you will reboard your motorcoach for a relaxing ride back downtown – a perfect time to reflect upon the memories of one of Louisiana's most glorious gardens.

Cost: $105.00 per person – Space is Limited!

Notes: Longue Vue House and Gardens is handicap accessible.