Sara Leikin

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Submissions Featured by the Editors (4)

In 1755, the French-speaking Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia and many of them wound their way to Louisiana, where their name would eventually transform into “Cajuns." Settling around the bayous and prairies, they created a cultural legacy that lives on today in the small towns and rural areas around Lafayette and is honestly interpreted by an eager staff at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, the first state park created in Louisiana. The Maison Olivier plantation house and the Farmstead cozy up to the languid Bayou Teche, which provides a scenic backdrop for self-guided or interpretive visits. For those in search of the poet Longfellow’s Evangeline, you’ll find her statue a short drive away in the town of St. Martinville in the square of the St. Martin de Tours Church. You can also visit the Evangeline Oak immortalized by a later version of the legend and now home to an annual reception for couples who were engaged or married under the famous tree. Note that the park is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Longfellow-Evangeline State Park St Martinville, LA
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Cusco, Peru
If your idea of a beach vacation is flashy resorts, skimpy swimsuits, and cabana boys, Grand Isle is not for you. If, however, you long for unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, salty sea breezes, and the best deep sea fishing and migratory birdwatching in the Central Gulf, then Grand Isle just might be your cup of oyster stew. About the sea life—oysters, crabs, and the 280 species of fish who call this corner of the Gulf home—there are guides who can help you catch, clean, cook, and eat them. If you’d rather have someone else do all the work, stop at Spahr’s on Highway 90. There are plenty of places to stay. To feel like a bonafide Gulf coaster, rent a fish camp or beach cabin through Cheramie’s Landing.
Grand Isle Grand Isle, LA
Carved into a bright, miniature space at the Rink, every inch of this Uptown shop is overflowing with shelved or sky-high stacks of books. You can find your favorite novelist or the latest tell-all, but the specialty here is New Orleans. Whether you are looking for Hurricane Katrina memoirs, historical fiction set during the Jazz Age, or a pictorial ride down St. Charles Avenue for your coffee table, you’ll find it here. The extremely well-read staff can maneuver through the cozy clutter to find whatever you’re looking for, but your best bet is to start with the stack of locally written, autographed books on the counter. You might end up taking home a neighborhood chef’s recipe for redfish, or if you time it right, talking with the man himself at their Monday night Cookbook Club.
Garden District Book Shop New Orleans, LA

All Submissions (2)

Been There (1)

Crescent City Farmers Market New Orleans, LA

Recent Activity

Sara Leikin submitted on Berthillon in Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
10 months ago

Two scoops of heaven

It is true that you can buy Berthillon ice cream at other, cheaper, spots throughout Paris. And it is true that with today's focus on fresh ingredients and micro-gastronomy, you can probably find someone else doing fresh fruit sorbets as well, if not better than Berthillon. However, I dare you to find a more satisfying experience than walking across the bridge to Ile St. Louis with the gargoyles of Notre Dame following you with their eyes, enviously, and entering into the civilized atmosphere of this Paris institution. No matter how old you are or how many five star meals you've eaten, you will still thrill at jewel toned, delicious ice cream served in silver bowls or rich steamy hot chocolate to end all hot chocolates served in fine china.
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Sara Leikin submitted on Jazzfest in New Orleans, LA.
10 months ago

A little Indian continuing the tradition

JazzFest is many things: delicious food, amazing music and talented artists. It also remains one of the best ways for a non-local to see Mardi Gras Indians in full regalia. With names like Wild Tchoupitoulas and Yellow Pocahontas, they represent a significant part of New Orleans tradition. If you can't see them parade during Mardi Gras or on Super Sunday, JazzFest is a wonderful opportunity to see their ornate costumes, hear their singular sound and be awed by the Big Chiefs.
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Sara Leikin loved Cypress Cove in Breaux Bridge, LA.
over 1 year ago

Cypress Cove

When I said, something secluded, our captain knew the spot; He hitched up the Midnight Sky (sleeps six), towed the houseboat, me, my kids, my beer and all of our fishing gear to a cozy cove surrounded by cypress trees. We anchored the Midnight and set off in our trusty petite bateau to explore the pristine cypress swamps and Cajun camps, while casting for bass and white perch. I’ve never been so pleased by in-swamp sleeping quarters. The floating home came fully furnished with a private bedroom, a wraparound porch, two porch swings, a barbecue, stove, ac/heat, hot showers, and the little motorboat. Houseboat Adventures, a family-owned business in the heart of Cajun country, gives new meaning to the term waterbed. Bring your own mosquito repellent, but don’t miss the local fare.
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Sara Leikin submitted on Longfellow-Evangeline State Park in St Martinville, LA.
over 1 year ago

If you could take just one photo: Interpreters on the Acadian Farmstead

In 1755, the French-speaking Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia and many of them wound their way to Louisiana, where their name would eventually transform into “Cajuns." Settling around the bayous and prairies, they created a cultural legacy that lives on today in the small towns and rural areas around Lafayette and is honestly interpreted by an eager staff at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, the first state park created in Louisiana. The Maison Olivier plantation house and the Farmstead cozy up to the languid Bayou Teche, which provides a scenic backdrop for self-guided or interpretive visits. For those in search of the poet Longfellow’s Evangeline, you’ll find her statue a short drive away in the town of St. Martinville in the square of the St. Martin de Tours Church. You can also visit the Evangeline Oak immortalized by a later version of the legend and now home to an annual reception for couples who were engaged or married under the famous tree. Note that the park is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Like Add a Comment
Sara Leikin commented "I would like to say that this version posted is an edited version of what I originally wrote. In making that change, I believe a word was omitted in the second to last sentence." on Grand Isle in Grand Isle, LA.
over 1 year ago

If you could take just one photo: The Old Fishing Bridge at sunrise

If your idea of a beach vacation is flashy resorts, skimpy swimsuits, and cabana boys, Grand Isle is not for you. If, however, you long for unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, salty sea breezes, and the best deep sea fishing and migratory birdwatching in the Central Gulf, then Grand Isle just might be your cup of oyster stew. About the sea life—oysters, crabs, and the 280 species of fish who call this corner of the Gulf home—there are guides who can help you catch, clean, cook, and eat them. If you’d rather have someone else do all the work, stop at Spahr’s on Highway 90. There are plenty of places to stay. To feel like a bonafide Gulf coaster, rent a fish camp or beach cabin through Cheramie’s Landing.
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Sara Leikin commented "Thank you!" on Grand Isle in Grand Isle, LA.
over 1 year ago

If you could take just one photo: The Old Fishing Bridge at sunrise

If your idea of a beach vacation is flashy resorts, skimpy swimsuits, and cabana boys, Grand Isle is not for you. If, however, you long for unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, salty sea breezes, and the best deep sea fishing and migratory birdwatching in the Central Gulf, then Grand Isle just might be your cup of oyster stew. About the sea life—oysters, crabs, and the 280 species of fish who call this corner of the Gulf home—there are guides who can help you catch, clean, cook, and eat them. If you’d rather have someone else do all the work, stop at Spahr’s on Highway 90. There are plenty of places to stay. To feel like a bonafide Gulf coaster, rent a fish camp or beach cabin through Cheramie’s Landing.
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Sara Leikin submitted on Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru.
over 1 year ago

Clouds lifting off the ruins

To call it a wonder doesn't do it justice. If you are a jaded world traveler, afraid of being underwhelmed because of all you've heard and the pictures you've seen, put your fears aside and go. Now. Before erosion and tourism take their toll on this monument to ancient technology and perseverance. The entire experience, whether you choose the four day hike or take the train from Cusco, culminates in a jaw-dropping, vertigo inducing moment of pure, sheer, speechless amazement.
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Sara Leikin has been to Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, LA.
over 1 year ago

Crescent City Farmers Market — Like Bethany Culp

New Orleans is known for its delectable dining – from steaming gumbo to warm bread pudding. But memorable dishes start with great ingredients, so to fully experience the city’s culinary culture you must begin at its roots. Connect with the area’s best dishes with a visit to the Crescent City Farmers Market. Local farmers, fishermen, and bakers set up each week with colorful fruits and vegetables, the freshest catch, and still-warm baked goods. Rub elbows with chefs and locals as you shop.
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Sara Leikin submitted on Grand Isle in Grand Isle, LA.
over 1 year ago

If you could take just one photo: The Old Fishing Bridge at sunrise

If your idea of a beach vacation is flashy resorts, skimpy swimsuits, and cabana boys, Grand Isle is not for you. If, however, you long for unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, salty sea breezes, and the best deep sea fishing and migratory birdwatching in the Central Gulf, then Grand Isle just might be your cup of oyster stew. About the sea life—oysters, crabs, and the 280 species of fish who call this corner of the Gulf home—there are guides who can help you catch, clean, cook, and eat them. If you’d rather have someone else do all the work, stop at Spahr’s on Highway 90. There are plenty of places to stay. To feel like a bonafide Gulf coaster, rent a fish camp or beach cabin through Cheramie’s Landing.
Like Add a Comment