12 Reasons Why My Heart Will Always Be In Louisiana

1. Two words: the music

There are so many amazing artists from Louisiana it's hard to even know where to start. But the heart and soul that pours through this state and into the music that comes from here reverberates throughout the world.

2. The rivers and the lakes

Flickr.com / Finchlake2000

We are people of the water, there’s no doubt about it. When I see houses like this, it just makes me think of all the generations of people who have lived and breathed living on the water and living off the water. All of the amazing things in Louisiana—the seafood, the traveling, the boating, the fishing can be found from the water. It’s just a way of life here.

3. The way they spice the food here

Flickr.com / Josh Koonce

It's really funny to me sometimes what they will pass as 'spicy' in other states. The spice we have here is so crucial to the cuisine---and you just can't get it anywhere else.

4. The passion

Flickr.com / Zach Jordan

Just because you know how to relax doesn’t mean you don’t know about passion. People in Louisiana put their heart into everything they do---whether it's painting a picture or going fishing.

5. The live oak trees

Flickr.com / Kate

Instead of growing up, they grow out—and wow the beauty is just amazing. I have so many fond memories of climbing up the limbs of these trees. And of avoiding the dreaded buck moth caterpillars! The stings they dole out are just terrible.

6. There are so many stories to be told here.

Flickr.com / SouthernFoodwaysAlliance

No matter where I go, there are amazing people telling me amazing things. I feel like I could listen to the people of this state forever.

7. The holy trinity

Flickr.com / SouthernFoodwaysAlliance

And especially, that you can buy it pre-chopped! That saves me so much time when I’m trying to cook something for a bunch of people. You just can’t get that in any other state.

8. Crawfish boils

Flickr.com / Billy Brown

There's something so amazing about gathering around a table with good friends, spending time peeling the bodies and sucking the heads of these delicious crawfish.

9. The red beans and rice

Flickr.com / Jeffrey W

They just don’t compare anywhere else—not to mention the gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya and all the rest of the amazing foods.

10. The small towns

Flickr.com / Ken Lund

There’s so many little towns all throughout the state, I feel like there will be places to explore forever. These small towns really preserve the amazing culture of Louisiana and the pride they take in their communities make this state so special.

11. The swamp---it’s just so beautiful.