On the road to the Essence Music Festival: Louisiana’s must-see hidden gems

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This 4th of July weekend, the city of New Orleans will be honoring it’s own tradition by hosting the largest event created to celebrate African-American culture and music. Since 1995, the Big Easy has been home to the Essence Music Festival with the exception of 2006, when it was hosted in Texas as a result of Hurricane Katrina. This year marks the 19th annual celebration of “Music, Culture, Empowerment,” and more, which suitably happens to be the theme for this much-anticipated event.

While many areas of Louisiana are still recovering from the devastating hurricane, the Essence Music Festival continues to draw hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic festival-goers from near and far to Louisiana for the state’s many pleasures. From the southern hospitality of Lafayette to the Cajun bayou culture of Alexandria, Louisiana remains a richly historic destination with an overwhelming abundance of scenic routes, family friendly attractions and cultural sites.

Therefore, we would be remiss if we didn’t share with you some of the incredible and awe-inspiring landmarks and sites along the road as you make your way to the Essence Music Festival.

We’ve compiled a list of Louisiana’s hidden gems that are truly a must-see as you plan your journey towards the Big Easy. Whether you’re driving down from the Carolinas or heading east on I-49, be sure to take advantage of the arts offerings, exhibits, culture and history Louisiana has to offer. Even if you’re not driving down, some of these spots are just a quick drive from New Orleans.

You may not only gain a deeper appreciation for Louisiana — you might also learn a little something about yourself as you enjoy this awesome backdrop for the Essence Music Festival. This list is organized by potential routes by road into the festival’s host city of New Orleans. Visit the Essence Musical Festival web site for more information on activities connected with the event.

En route from I-10 traveling through Lafayette to New Orleans, LA

The Evergreen Plantation (location of the film Django Unchained)

4649 Highway 18
Edgard, LA 70049
(985) 497-3837

Add a bit of amazement to your Essence Music Festival weekend by visiting the most intact historic plantation located in the South. Before the five-time Academy Award-nominated film Django Unchained made this historic site an even more famous landmark, the Evergreen Plantation has always been a jewel of Louisiana.  Along with iconic places such as Mount Vernon and Gettysburg, the Evergreen Plantation has been granted landmark status for its agricultural acreage. Walk through the privately-owned sugar cane plantation and marvel at the slave quarters that include twenty-two original cabins. To see Louisiana’s outstanding representation of the plantation culture for yourself, visit www.evergreenplantation.org for more information.

The River Road African American Heritage Museum

406 Charles St.
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 474-5553

The River Road African American Heritage Museum houses some of the most detailed and intimate portrayals of African-American life through its dynamic exhibits. Some interesting displays include “an interactive kiosk of freedom” illustrating the path blacks forged towards equality, archived stories from Southeastern Louisiana’s Underground Railroad, and installations on rural black doctors. Before enjoying the music of our time at the Essence Music Festival, make a stop into the little river town of Donaldsonville and get an in-depth look into the rural roots of jazz music, folk sounds and so much more. The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday. Visit www.africanamericanmuseum.org for more information.

En route from I-10 traveling through Lake Charles to Lafayette, LA

The Black Heritage Art Gallery

809 Kirby St., Suite 324
Lake Charles, LA 70601

Nestled in the heart of Lake Charles right on Kirby Street is the Black Heritage Art Gallery. You will find this Louisiana treasure right inside the Lake Charles historic Central School Arts and Humanities Center. The gallery’s showcases illustrate contributions by African-Americans who influenced Southwest Louisiana’s history and culture. See art and cultural exhibits from local and national artists, and more. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 pm. For more information, visit www.bhflc.org.

The Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site

1200 N. Main St.
St. Martinville, LA 70582
(337) 394-3754

Explore this historic site that features the diverse cultural mix of the famed Bayou Teche people of the early and mid-19th century. The Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site highlights the unique fusion of Acadian, Creole, Native American, French, Spanish, and African heritage within the Teche region. This St. Martinville site, which houses a plantation home and a reproduction of an Acadian-style farmstead, is open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Call 888-677-2900 for more information or visit www.crt.state.la.us/Parks/ilongfell.aspx.

The African American Museum

African American Museum (St. Martinville)
125 S. New Market St.
St. Martinville, LA 70582

Located on 125 South New Market Street in St. Martinville’s historic district, this museum chronicles the journey of the Africans that arrived in Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. The electronic exhibits are fascinating. The featured artifacts are inspiring. The experience is unforgettable, because a walk through this historic museum tells a story of the struggles, hardships, adaptations and contributions of African-Americans in an interactive manner. We recommend spending some time if possible listening to some of the many scheduled lectures and learning about the museum-sponsored medical aid missions to Senegal’s Gorée Island, which is the sister city of St. Martinville. The museum is open daily. Call (337) 394-2273 for details.