INTRODUCTION
2018-2019
Jefferson Parish Is... The distinctive and diverse parish of Jefferson extends 60 miles from the shores of Lake Pontchartrain to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Metairie, Jefferson’s largest community, is home to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge. Extending 24 miles, the Causeway holds the record for the world’s longest bridge over water. In addition to hosting the annual “Family Gras” carnival celebration, Metairie offers an array of fine dining venues, great shopping and numerous family-friendly attractions. The city of Kenner, adjacent to Metairie, is home to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and features the historic Rivertown complex near the Mississippi River. Laketown, located along Lake Pontchartrain, offers 30 acres of lakefront access, the Treasure Chest Casino and the multi-purpose Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center. Jefferson’s city of Harahan and adjacent River Ridge are full of family-oriented activities, shopping and restaurants and are home to the Elmwood Industrial Park. Just across the Huey P. Long Bridge, one of the world’s longest railroad bridges, is Bridge City, “the Gumbo Capital of the World.” Don’t miss its annual Gumbo Festival held every October. Following the river is Waggaman, steeped in history. Take a step back in time at Cedar Grove Tchoupitoulas Plantation. Westwego is home to the multi-purpose Alario Center and the Bayou Segnette Sports Complex. Nearby is the Bayou Segnette State Park, a 600 acre site with campgrounds, wave pool and nature trails on the scenic Bayou Segnette. Its historic district features the Westwego Historical Museum and the Westwego Theatre of Performing Arts. Marrero, home to the 4
Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, offers bayous, swamps, marshes and hardwood forests with eight miles of boardwalks and hard trails for exploring. Nearby, Harvey is located on the Harvey Canal, which remains a vital shipping route to the Gulf of Mexico. Harvey features numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping, a casino and family activities. Just a short distance away is Avondale, a community on the move. Home to NOLA Motorsports Park and The New Orleans Zurich Classic. The city of Gretna, the seat of the parish, claims one of Louisiana’s largest historic districts featuring the David Crockett Firehouse and Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop. The popular Gretna Heritage Festival is held every fall celebrating the area’s German contributions and rich culture. The Town of Jean Lafitte and its surrounding communities of Barataria and Crown Point are known for their scenic bayou hideaways, swamps and great fishing. Fish from a serene pier or take a charter excursion. Lafitte also boasts Cajun food and music along with a beautiful Wetlands Trace Boardwalk and the Lafitte Barataria Museum, housing artifacts, historic images, a feature film on the town’s history and a fisheries/boating exhibit. The Tourist Information Center features a delightful marionette display series on the life of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Grand Isle, at Jefferson’s southernmost tip, has seven miles of beachfront, over 280 species of fish, public fishing piers, camp and cabin rentals and charter fishing excursions. The State Park features camping, paddling, nature and bird watching trails and an observation tower. Grand Isle is also home of the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo, the oldest fishing tournament in the United States. www.visitjeffersonparish.com