Best History Museum in Lutcher

"Considered by most experts and visitors alike as one of the top museums on the planet, the National World War II Museum tells the story of that terrible war from the perspective of America and her Allies in the fight against both the German and Japanese war machines during the war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 (the U.S. entered on Dec. 7, 1941). This massive museum is located in New Orleans for an important reason, as the Higgins boats were invented and manufactured here, by Andrew Jackson Higgins. Those shallow-draft, amphibious boats originally designed to use in Louisiana swamps became a key element in American landings both in the Pacific and European theaters of the war."

"We are really sad we missed the WWII museum in New Orleans, it’s the country’s largest WWII museum and has rave reviews thanks to its many interactive exhibits and even a 4D movie. We skipped because we had such an action-packed schedule we couldn’t commit the few hours we would want to spend inside. We already decided we would be back to New Orleans, so we will definitely make it a priority next time, however, if you have time be sure to check it out."

"The National WWII Museum is one of the most fascinating and potentially fun spots in New Orleans, Louisiana for history buffs who are fascinated by the battles of the past. Once known as the National D-Day Museum, it’s easily among the top 10 places that tourists flock to in downtown New Orleans. Originally, the museum focused only on the events of D-Day, including its lead-up and repercussions, with many exhibits dedicated to the Battle of Normandy."

"The whole state of Louisiana is overflowing with culture – and the Historic New Orleans Collection paints a wide-reaching picture of its titular city’s. The “Collection” is a museum, first opened in 1966, that is dedicated to collecting a wide range of exhibits showcasing the culture, history, and artistic tastes of the region. The museum’s collected pieces were first owned by General Lewis Kemper Williams and Leila Hardy Moore Williams, who purchased the Merieult House that the Collection now lives in back in 1938."

"Here's your chance to experience and understand the history and culture of the city of New Orleans!. The center is dedicated to the preservation and research of New Orleans and general Southern Gulf culture and history and is located in the French Quarter. Archives include the Sugar Bowl, life after Hurricane Katrina, the William Russel Jazz Collection, and the William C. Cook War of 1812 in the South Collection."

"The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the former home and apothecary of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. Here you will be able to view an extensive collection of apothecary jars with original ingredients, medical instruments, prosthetic devices, surgical tools and more. You will also learn about Dufilho whose work played a vital role in promoting public health."

"This unique museum was once the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist. Located just steps away from Napoleon House, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum features a quirky array of pharmaceutical and medical memorabilia including antique surgical instruments and apothecary jars containing their original ingredients. Visitors can spend hours among all the medical curiosities and wonders of decades past."

"Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"We’ve already mentioned visiting the Cabildo as one of the best things to do in New Orleans – but what about its twin, The Presbytère?. It faces Jackson Square and dates back to 1791, and like its “sibling”, it boasts amazing architecture that makes it a true masterpiece. Built in a colonial Spanish style, The Presbytère was once used as its name suggests – as domestic quarters for the Capuchin monks of the Cabildo."

"The Presbytere Museum has two permanent exhibits that are extremely important to the city of New Orleans. The Mardi Gras exhibit explores the annual celebration and all the traditions that go along with it. Learn more about the Mardi Gras Indians and different Krewes that partake in the events and how they got their start."

"The Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum was created to celebrate this neighborhood. So much was lost here during Hurricane Katrina and very few residents have been able to return to their homes even years later. The museum features oral histories from key community members to help keep the stories alive."

"Explore the history of New Orleans' historic Lower 9th Ward pre-, during, and post- Hurricane Katrina. Admission is always free."

"Before the Civil War, New Orleans was home to the largest and wealthiest population of free people of color (abbreviated to F.P.C. by the museum) in the South. To understand their journey, heritage, and achievements, schedule an hour-long tour of Treme’s Le Musée de F.P.C.—the only museum of its kind in the United States. The detailed lesson, both profoundly sobering and inspirational, begins with the founding of New Orleans in 1718 and continues to the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision, a case that started in New Orleans and that resulted in national segregation."

"Free People of Color (f.p.c.) is the term used to describe Blacks who were born free or freed before the Civil War. The presence of f.p.c. in New Orleans is recorded back to 1722 and New Orleans was home to one of the largest populations of f.p.c. Le Musée de f.p.c. honors those artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, educators, physicians, journalists, business owners and professionals who made New Orleans what it is today. This beautiful house displays artwork and history of f.p.c. in New Orleans and honors the contributions they made to the City."

"The Whitney plantation is the first American museum dedicated to slavery. It has records of memoirs from literate slaves and their experiences. The Whitney plantation focuses on the institution of slavery. The Laura plantation is a creole owned plantation whereby the family tell the history of the their generation."

"Other plantations in the area to consider are the Laura Plantation, the Houmas House Plantation, the Nottoway Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation, among others. The Whitney Plantation is newly renovated and has an exhibit that focuses on the children of slavery that is said to be deeply moving and emotional."

"Whitney Plantation, on the other hand, focuses on slavery and what life was like for the slaves living on the plantation. There are personal narratives and exhibits of the slaves who lived on the plantation which can certainly be more emotional but important history to understand nevertheless."

"3206 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 833-9226; www.facebook.com/bearspoboys. A roast beef po-boy is topped with roast beef debris on Leidenheimer French bread."

"NOLA Brewing Co., 3001 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 301-2367; www.mccluresbarbecue.com. Pulled-pork and pimiento cheese fill a sandwich dressed with lettuce on a brioche bun."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. On a lazy Sunday when you wake up feeling hungry that you need to please your stomach right away, you should find your way to Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe to indulge in a sumptuous brunch buffet, because it is the only time the restaurant serves its delicious brunch. The restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu includes specials such as shrimp grillade and seafood omelet poboy and all you can eat."

"New Orleans's famous Baquet family oversees this laid-back establishment and its brunch buffet, which serves as a primer in Creole cuisine. It's a no-nonsense operation here; don't expect complicated cocktails or six versions of avocado toast. You’re here for the variety of local specialities on offer, not to see and be seen."

"1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 569-8997; Rendon Inn, 4501 Eve St.; www.lildizzyscafe.net. Southern fried chicken is seasoned with dried onion, garlic, red pepper and paprika. Reservations accepted."

"It feels like being invited into a Japanese man’s home while he makes the best sushi his guests have ever tasted."

"Elmwood Shopping Center in Harahan is over 1 million square feet, making it one of the largest open-air shopping centers in Louisiana and one of the highest performing regional shopping centers in the United States. Elmwood’s tenant anchors include Home Depot, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Office Max, Petsmart, DSW, Ulta, Old Navy, Cost Plus World Market and Michael’s Arts and Crafts."

"Elmwood isn't an enclosed mall, but a sprawling outdoor collection of department stores, boutiques, big box retailers and more. Some of the big names holding court are Best Buy, Big Lots, World Market, Old Navy, Ulta and Marshall's. As you drive from place to place, there are tons of national and regionally based food places for you to grab a quick bite."

"The Oakwood Shopping Center is in Gretna, a quick drive over the Crescent City Connection, the bridge that takes you to the West Bank of the Mississippi. It's not as big as some of the other malls on this list, but that can be a blessing in disguise. The Oakwood Mall has plenty of parking and fewer crowds, making the shopping experience breezier."

"With 82 shops, including Dillard's and JC Penny's, this mall on Jefferson Parish's West Bank offers an array of retail options across all price ranges, as well as dining, spas, a barbershop and more."