Outdoor pursuits throughout Louisiana are as varied and intriguing as the ingredients that make up a tempting batch of jambalaya.
Read on for eight great ideas based in the Pelican State’s group-friendly destinations, ranging from stopping to smell the roses to taking flight above Lake Pontchartrain via a new waterborne sport called flyboarding.
Make a Splash, New Orleans
Waterborne pursuits add excitement to meeting itineraries in wonderful New Orleans, where groups will find a mix of adventure and high-end amenities such as the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter and Windsor Court Hotel.
According to Cara Banasch, senior vice president of business development and strategy at the New Orleans CVB, kayaking and a newer sport called flyboarding, which allows participants to soar through the air using the water pressure of a jet ski, are both popular options.
“Kayaking through the historic waterways of Bayou St. John and Bayou Bienvenue provides a whole new way to see the city,” she says, adding groups may prefer paddling on Lake Pontchartrain outside the city.
Kayak-iti-yat is one popular outfitter offering a combination adventure during which groups kayak Bayou St. John and bicycle through the French Quarter with a knowledgeable guide.
And NOLA Flyboarding, the first hydroflight company in Louisiana, offers group flyboarding excursions on Lake Pontchartrain, as well as kayaking and party barge rentals.
Team Adrenaline, Jefferson Parish
NOLA Motorsports Park, a 750-acre special events and racing venue located just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans, hosts speedy group gatherings.
“In relation to teambuilding, NOLA provides first-class, innovative and fun events such as group karting competitions where groups combine their skills and strategy to see who will come out on top,” says Terrie Birkel, director of marketing and communications at the Jefferson CVB.
Events include Grand Prix- and Le Mans-inspired races, during which teams compete to complete the most laps during an allotted time. The venue also accommodates corporate parties as well as the more expensive Xtreme Xperience, during which attendees may choose to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche.
Decked Out, St. Tammany Parish
Among the group-friendly dining options that mingle the great outdoors with fabulous Louisiana dishes is Slidell-based Palmettos on the Bayou, which is situated between three national wildlife refuges.
According to Renee Kientz, vice president of communications, marketing and public relations at the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, groups dining on the 5,000-square-foot deck appreciate the views as much as the restaurant’s crab cakes and Bloody Marys.
“Dine on fresh gulf seafood and other local specialties as you relax on the sprawling, shaded deck overlooking historic Bayou Bonfouca,” she says.
Other delicious specialties here include shrimp and grits, blackened catfish and crawfish bisque.
Challenging Course, Baton Rouge
Groups can make like LSU Tigers during a challenging on-campus UREC, or University Recreation teambuilding activity.
“Experience the vibrant culture of Louisiana State University while completing the UREC Challenge Program,” says Christy Chachere, communications coordinator at Visit Baton Rouge.
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Comprised of both a low and a high course, attendees will have to tap into physical and mental strength to succeed at reaching group goals.
Tasks along the way include a swinging vine, a spider’s web, swinging bridges and tandem hydraulic ziplines.
Gone Fishing, Lake Charles
“A great outdoor adventure would be to book a guided fishing trip in Calcasieu Lake, referred to locally as ‘Big Lake,’” says William Precht, media relations specialist at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB.
He adds there are plenty of knowledgeable guides that will lead a group to “action-packed fishing spots,” including Big Lake Guide Service, an area favorite.
“They have a small fleet of boats, as well as picturesque lakefront lodging that can sleep upwards of 12 guests at a time,” Precht says.
Rosy Outlook, Shreveport
Groups meeting in Shreveport can travel 10 minutes west of downtown to experience a beautiful garden of roses at the American Rose Center.
“Engage your senses and learn about one of the world’s most popular flowers,” says David Bradley, vice president of convention and tourism sales at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
During a tour, which lasts about an hour and a half, groups will receive information about the care, cultivation and history of many unique rose varieties.
“At the end of the tour, guests will actually get to taste roses in tea and jelly,” Bradley adds.
Patio Party, Lafayette
A superb Southern meal should be part of any Louisiana meeting itinerary. At Hook & Boil, located in nearby Lafayette in Broussard, La., groups can enjoy a traditional meal outside.
“Hook & Boil can create a crawfish boil, caught fresh daily from their 3,000-acre family farm, on its new patio as a fun and entertaining off-site function,” says Kelly Strenge, vice president of media relations and special projects at Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
The Cajun-flavored menu at Hook & Boil includes a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, po’boys and salads, but according to Strenge, boiled crawfish is the eatery’s specialty.
“The new patio features tables that can be topped with red umbrellas by day,” she adds. “By night, the patio takes on a dancehall feel with white lights strung overhead, and the vintage flatbed truck would make a great stage for a band.”
Trail Mix, Alexandria/Pineville
Hiking opportunities abound throughout the state, including the Alexandria/Pineville area.
“Hike or bike the Wild Azalea Trail, Louisiana’s longest hiking trail located in the Kisatchie National Forest,” says Kelli M. West, marketing manager at the Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB.
Red River Cyclery can assist groups in outfitting attendees for this activity.
“The trail winds through beautiful areas of the forest and can be broken into different lengths for beginner, intermediate and experienced cyclers,” West says.
