Have you ever experienced the Audubon Insectarium? It's not for the faint of heart--from the cricket snacks and the huge array of beetle specimens, you are going to dive into the insect world and understand it in a whole new way when you visit here. But personally, I think the butterfly display at this museum is the most incredible part of visiting here. Let's explore what this place has to offer!
This beautiful insectarium is found at 423 Canal St., near Harrah's Casino and house in the old U.S. Custom House.
Your little ones will be mesmerized by showing every step in the caterpillar's journey to becoming a butterfly.
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Along side the live butterflies, there are huge collections of butterfly specimens in the museum, including this extremely rare example of the Queen Alexandra's birdwings.
These are the world's largest butterflies and are an endangered species that live off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Specimens can be worth over $10,000!
Just having the opportunity to capture shots like these on your own is one of the unique treasures of visiting the insectarium.
There is so much to do and see here, and we know you will leave with a much deeper appreciation for all the insect world has to offer us.
Have you ever visited this beautiful place? Do you have a favorite butterfly that you get to visit here? What do you remember about touring here? Let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your stories and feedback!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
The new year often brings about feelings of exploration, and the yearning to try new things and explore the must-visit places in New Orleans. Why not combine the two and have your next year filled with memorable day trips in NOLA? We've got some incredible places to explore in New Orleans peppered throughout southeastern Louisiana that you'll want to mark on your calendars. All of these attractions are within a 3-hour driving distance, making them the best day trips in New Orleans.
The Tammany Trace is Louisiana’s only rail-to-trail conversion, and boy is it a stunner. The 30+ mile trail will take you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish: Abita Springs, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and Lacombe. You can start or stop your journey at any of the trailheads, and the paved trail makes it great for bikers and rollerbladers, too. There’s also an equestrian trail that runs parallel to some parts of the trail, so you can bring along your gentle giant for an epic adventure through St. Tammany Parish. Follow along on a bike ride along Tammany Trace:
Houma is just about a 90-minute drive from the city and is ideal for anyone looking for a change of scenery. On February 25th, 2023, the annual Houma Cast Iron Cookoff returns to downtown Houma, and you won’t want to miss it. Over 40 teams will be out cooking some of their best dishes in their cast iron cookware, and you can taste everything and cast your vote for your favorite. There will be live music, games, booze, and more, so be sure to mark your calendars. Take a drive through the quaint town of Houma:
3. March: Explore Baton Rouge and all our state’s capital has to offer
Baton Rouge truly features something for everyone. Downtown Baton Rouge is easily walkable and is peppered with dozens of delicious restaurants, historic buildings, and unique architecture. Take a tour of the Old State Capitol, climb aboard the USS Kidd, or just walk along the river and take in the beautiful views of the Mighty Mississippi.
4. April: Get lost in the swamps and bayous of Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve is less than an hour away from New Orleans, but you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The boardwalk and gravel trails will lead you on an emerald adventure through the preserve’s 30,000 acres of swamps, bayous, and forests. April is a great time of year to hit the trails at Barataria because it’s usually not that hot, the bugs are at bay, and you’ll still have an opportunity to see tons of wildlife including alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds. Take a stroll along the boardwalks in Barataria Preserve:
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5. May: Sample endless jambalaya at the annual Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales
Gonzales is known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World" and for good reason. The Jambalaya Festival returns for its 56th year May 26-28, 2023, and this year promises to be its best one yet. The three-day festival is jam-packed with local music, a carnival, cooking demonstrations, a car show, and of course, endless amounts of jambalaya made by some of the best chefs in the state.
6. June: Take a scenic drive down historic River Road
The Greater River Road area between New Orleans and Louisiana is peppered with history and scenic views. The 70-mile stretch is home to several historic plantations, like the Destrehan Plantation, San Francisco Plantation, Laura Plantation, Houmas House Plantation, and perhaps the most iconic, Oak Alley Plantation. For a picture-perfect day, stop off at any of these plantations along your drive to learn more about each of these plantations, take a tour, and maybe eat some lunch.
7. July: Experience the Tarpon Rodeo at Grand Isle
Every year, thousands of people head down to Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island to take part in our nation’s oldest fishing tournament, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. The dates for 2023 have yet to be released, but the event typically takes place in July, and even if you’re not a fisherman, it’s worth the road trip. Grand Isle also features several miles of beautiful beaches you can sink your toes into, as well as a state park that’s perfect for nature walks and birdwatching.
8. August: Visit the most haunted plantation in the country in St. Francisville
St. Francisville is a sleepy little town just north of Baton Rouge with a historic plantation that might just make you sleep with the lights on after your visit. The Myrtles Plantation is known for being the most haunted home in the United States, and if you dare, you can rent a room and spend the night.
Home to Tabasco Hot Sauce, Avery Island is a picturesque little salt dome in Iberia Parish. Take a tour of the Tabasco factory to learn how this iconic little bottle gets made, and then be sure to pop into the restaurant where you can feast on delicious Cajun and Creole dishes, spiced up with that famous little bottle. Afterward, take a casual stroll through the Jungle Gardens, an expansive botanical garden, and be sure to check out Bird City, home to countless egrets, herons, and other migratory birds.
10. October: Watch a mesmerizing sunset at Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park is about a 2.5-hour drive away, but the sunset views will make it all worth it. This tiny but mighty state park is nestled against Vermilion Bay, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to fish either from their own boat or the pier. After you’ve reeled in your catches for the day, take a seat on the little stretch of beach and be prepared to watch one of the most mesmerizing sunsets of your life.
Tunica Hills WMA is a nature lover’s paradise. The wildlife area offers horseback riding, hiking, and biking trails that will lead you on an incredible journey. The rolling hills and varied terrain will have you second-guessing if you’re still in Louisiana, and if you do cross over to Mississippi, you’ll be treated to a rare site: a waterfall! The Clark Creek Natural Area isn’t far from Tunica Hills, and the opportunity to see the Clark Creek Waterfall is worth the extra effort.
12. December: Shop 'til you drop at the Denham Springs Antique Village
As December rolls around, you’ll probably be in holiday shopping mode, and the Denham Springs Antique Village is just the spot to get all of your holiday shopping done. Located in the heart of Denham Springs on North Range Avenue, the village features dozens of antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
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Have you been to any of the locations of the best day trips in New Orleans? Planning on taking any of these day trips? Let us know in the comments! When you come exploring, check out some of the unique places to stay in New Orleans.
