Louisiana is home to an astonishing, almost other-worldly array of natural  features that leave visitors in awe. While nearly 90% of the US  population lives on the coastlines, southern Louisiana is different. Mostly swamp, tidal areas, and river systems prone to  extreme flooding, urban planning isn’t possible, the exception being New Orleans (it is even below sea level!). And we’re constantly reminded how  imperiled that city is every time a major storm blows in from the Gulf  of Mexico.

Atchafalaya River Basin is one of these features not to be missed. Rated as the country’s most  extensive swamp system, it is home to countless wildlife including  alligators, snakes, raccoons, wild hogs, egrets, and the stately heron.  Take a tour of this hauntingly mysterious river system and you’ll have  memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Barataria Preserve is known for its raw and rugged beauty. Spanning more than 20,000  acres, the preserve has wooden walk-ways constructed above the surface  of the water and muck, enabling visitors to walk through the swamp with  dry feet - something that can be done in few other places on a scale  this large.

Kisatchie National Forest encompasses seven parishes and over 600,000 acres. If you’re looking  for a location to camp, hike, and get lost in nature, this is the one  spot in the state to do it. Keep your eyes peeled on the Backbone Trail and Azalea Trail as you stop awestruck at the spectacular views.

This  is just the start of nature’s many captivating destinations that can be  explored across this region. Your B&B experience will surely be  enhanced when you discover the natural diversity of this quiet  backcountry swampland.

The history of this region stretches well beyond the earliest days of European exploration in North America. Rayne began its existence under the name Pouppeville. Not sure if there’s an English translation for the nom de francais, but it sounds like it might be interesting.

Adventurers and land speculators made their way inland from the Gulf of Mexico,  establishing settlements whose influence still impacts parts of the  state today. Prior to the arrival of those first foreign visitors,  Native Americans inhabited the region harvesting great bounty from their  hunting and fishing expeditions.

Much of the earliest people's historical record is documented and on display in the many museums and galleries across southern Louisiana.  Artifacts, landmarks, weapons, and early agricultural implements tell  the story of how diverse cultures extracted their living from the land,  lakes, rivers, and streams.

Your B&B in Rayne makes a perfect location from which to explore the many facets of this  down-low country whose early inhabitants formed some of the oldest  communities on the continent.

When people think of Louisiana, thoughts of New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and a steaming bowl of gumbo come quickly to mind. And with good reason. The Gulf Coast is full of action, great food, and world-class fishing. The state’s nickname isn’t “The Sportsman's Paradise” for nothing.

But there’s a lot to see inland as well. Acadia Parish (the term “parish” is Louisiana’s version of the word “county”) is home to Rayne and several other small cities that welcome visitors to experience the  charm, local food, and music all steeped in a culture that is pure Cajun. If you’ve never been to a zydeco (a high-energy, mesmerizing style of local music) concert or the “world-famous” Rayne Frog Festival, well, mon Dieu, have you missed out on a slice of life!

Several state parks and national forests are within a short drive from Rayne. Additionally, Louisiana has some informative and exciting “Trails & Byways” to explore for those interested in specific cultural attractions.

There are several of these exciting historical corridors scattered across the southern portion of the state. Routes tracing the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway, the Wetlands Cultural Byway, Cajun Corridor, Creole Nature Trail, and the Flyway Byway are all close enough to Rayne to make a day trip of it, and be back in time for your jambalaya dinner.

With its colorful past and deep-seated culture of diversity, Rayne is at the center point for exploring a world very different from most other parts of the United States.

Rayne’s  weather can be uncomfortable for at least half the year due to the heat  and humidity. Rain is frequent throughout the year but especially  common from April to September. The sub-tropical climate is due to its  low latitude, low-lying topography, and nearby swampland. Rivers and  inland waterways also course throughout this coastal region.

Summers  are long and hot as moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, just 60 miles to  the south, continually flows north, keeping the air oppressive and  sticky. The numerous lakes and rivers add to the air's overall moisture  content across the area, resulting in sweltering days and sultry nights.

With  the resident humidity and hot summer temperatures, keep an eye out for  afternoon thunderstorms that can swoop in from the Gulf or pop up for a  surprise. On average, Louisiana experiences 60 days of thunderstorms annually, second only to the state of Florida!

Winters  are short and typically mild to cool. However, with the humidity and  dew points maintaining consistently high levels, dampness prevails  throughout much of the year. Visitors who live in other parts of the  Southeast US won’t notice a significant difference. But those traveling  from drier regions will want to make sure their B&B air conditioning is in good working order.

Louisiana,  named after France’s King Louis XIV, might as well be translated as  “culinary awesomeness.” Even those who have never visited the state  recognize terms such as gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and Po’boy  sandwiches. Each with their unique flavor, the dishes' diversity is a  reflection of the people who create them.

Gumbo  is a soup with two basic recipes. Creole-style is more tomato-based  with exotic spices, while the Cajun-style is comprised of meat, fish,  and ingredients such as localized vegetables and spices. As might be  expected, gumbo is the official dish of Louisiana while jambalaya is another Creole favorite. The spicier side of the  menu starts with the “trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery is  mixed with chicken and sausage. After simmering in a black iron pot for  hours, it’s ladled out steaming and delectable with a commercial-sized  spoon.

Etouffee is an irresistible dish of  zesty meats, spices, and vegetables doled out as a stew over steaming  rice. Just the thought of it makes the mouth water! And a lunchtime  favorite is the po’boy sandwich. A submarine sandwich on French bread  and dressed with all the fixins’, spicy beef, pork, or seafood are piled  high for a meal to last the whole day.

A great way to sample the  local breweries, wineries, and distilleries is to schedule a tour of  their facilities. Often family-owned in the smaller towns, you’ll learn  more about the local history and culture as you savor true hand-crafted  quality regardless of your libation. Bon appetit!