Jefferson Parish
What you should know
Stretching 60 miles from the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, just west of New Orleans, to the Gulf of Mexico, Jefferson Parish includes the communities of Grand Isle, Gretna, Harahan, Jean Lafitte, Kenner, Metairie and Westwego. Amenities include two convention centers, excellent restaurants (such as Ruth’s Chris and Acme Oyster House), sports venues, interesting museums, historic sites, fishing outposts and miles of watery nature preserves. This is Cajun country, so incorporate the culture’s vibrant food, dance and music into events.
Culture
In Gretna, Second Saturday Art Walks (every second Saturday from September to May) feature the works of 50 artists and include special events, such as the Gretna Farmers Market (every Saturday) and the Second Saturday Bier Garten at the German-American Cultural Center. Kenner’s historic district is home to the Rivertown Museums (including the Planetarium, Mardi Gras Museum, Science Center, Wildlife and Fisheries Museum, Toy Train Museum and Children’s Castle), historic sites, the Rivertown Repertory Theatre and the Fine Art Gallery, many of which have meeting facilities.
Tours
Explore the prehistoric settlements, former plantations and unusual bayou ecosystem of the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve by canoe, kayak or on foot. Fresh and saltwater fishing, picnic areas and boat trails are available at the Bayou Segnette State Park and Grand Isle Beach Front State Park. Cajun Pride, Westwego Swamp Adventures and Louisiana Swamp Tours offer swamp, plantation, city, New Orleans disaster, airboat and other specialty tours.
Historic sites
The Destrehan Plantation is the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley; amenities include indoor and outdoor function space for up to 200 people and off-site catering. Another gorgeous special events facility is the San Francisco Plantation in Garyville. The Gretna Historical Society Museums are a collection of historic sites, including the William D. White House Reception Center, the Kittie Strehle House, the Ignatius Strehle House, the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop and the David Crockett Fire Hall. Historic sites in Kenner include the Cannes Brûlée Native American Village and the Kenner Heritage Park.
Attractions
The New Orleans Zephyrs, a AAA baseball affiliate of the Mets, play in Metairie. The Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie has more than 120 specialty stores and restaurants; planners can create Build-A-Bear parties for attendees’ children here. The Esplanade shopping center in Kenner occasionally has special events, such as craft shows, for groups of all ages. Other area attractions include championship golf courses, performing arts centers and the Treasure Chest Casino.
