Louisiana Scenic Road Trips

America's Summer of Discontent

Recently, I got back home from a 3,600-mile solo drive that took me from Washington to Iowa, Iowa to Louisiana, and Louisiana back to D.C. I recommend the exercise. It's a big and beautiful country. As my route took me through both Normal, Ill. (east of Peoria), and Peculiar, Mo. (south of Kansas City), it can be said that I went from Normal to Peculiar along the way. Last month, my travel milestone was going to North Dakota, my 50th state, a big deal to me and something that underscores the peculiar part.

During my August trip, most of my political conversations were in Iowa and Louisiana, but the content matched much of what I have heard from rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans for months. Pessimism about our country is pervasive.

One of the more novel aspects of the political climate these days is that we seem to be missing the long-standing symmetry that usually exists in American politics between the two major parties.

Normally, if one party is happy, optimistic, or content, the other party can be expected to be the opposite: divided, discouraged, or pessimistic. But this is a peculiar time. It's hard to find many people on either side of the partisan divide who feel particularly good about how or what their party is doing, and more than a little discontent is evident on both sides looking forward to 2012. The regularly binary nature of American politics usually works against this happening, but not now. It's extraordinary to see both sides so discontent.

Just about any conversation with a Democrat these days - whether a rank-and-filer or political insider - reveals a real sense of disappointment with President Obama and how his administration has worked out. Nonetheless, it is a pretty safe assumption that Obama will receive 90-plus percent of the votes among self-described Democrats in next year's general election (just as the Republican nominee will surely do the same among Republican-identifiers. Party cohesion rules: The variance between one election and the next of self-identified Democrats casting their ballots for the presidential nominee of their party and of Republicans doing the same just isn't very great. There are rarely that many defectors, just as turnout doesn't usually vary that much.

Driving Through The Bayou State: The Best Scenic Road Trips in ...

Louisiana officially became a state in 1812, but has a long, rich history dating to the 1500s. An excellent way to enjoy the beauty and history of diverse culture of the Bayou State is by way of a scenic road trip. Many road trips include opportunities to sample Cajun flavors native to the state and other out-of-the-way spots alive with local culture and tradition.

The Creole Nature Trail

This trail will take you through literally thousands of acres of untouched Louisiana wetlands. The trail goes through three wildlife refuges and a bird sanctuary. Game hunters will enjoy plenty of opportunities along the way, not to mention several ideal fishing spots. Nature lovers will enjoy a blend of freshwater and saltwater habitats presenting regional plant and animal life.

• Length: 180 miles• Duration: If taking a self-guided tour, it should take a few days• Cities: Sulphur, Cameron, Creole, Lake Charles

Great River Road

This scenic road trip will take you through Louisiana’s wildlife destinations, beaches and historic locations. Great River Road is not a single road, but more of a designated route. The road is divided into two main sections with parts surrounded by mountains and trees and other areas overlooking rivers and streams. Several fishing spots and campsites can be found along the way for those who wish to stop for awhile.

• Duration: about three hours

River Road Scenic Byway

This scenic road trip is a part of the Great River Road along Highway 65. It follows the Mississippi River through the countryside offering a prime view of Louisiana’s Delta region. The route starts out in the state’s highly developed petroleum and industrial regions including shipyards and river commerce. Several historic small towns can also be found along the way, including unique museums and shops abundant with local flavor eventually ending up in New Orleans.

The road

The road

Louisiana, A Guide to Unique Places

Louisiana, a record of expansion

Louisiana, a novel