Welcome to a great place my friend. Try excursions to Cajun country and you will not be disappointed. Louisiana is basically three places in one, The rest of the South (northern Louisiana), Nova Scotia, France and Spain on the Bayou (Cajun country), and Paris on the cheap (New Orleans). Sprinkled along the Mississippi River and many of the South Louisiana bayous you’ll find remains of the old South still on view at the plantation homes which have been restored and opened to the public. Festivals galore as well. In all, quite a mix of things to do and places to see. Enjoy!
Just reading your post makes me miss particular places and people.