In addition to great music and great eats, both states have much to explore — historic downtowns, a parade of storied homes ...

but if you steer clear of a swamp tour, you may miss the story of survival that keeps the region’s most feared predators alive. To get a closer look at the swampland we hopped on a Cajun ...

To get a closer look at the swampland we hopped on a Cajun Encounters tour with local guide Captain Gary. Justine Waldman and Jarrett Payton report. To get a closer look at the swampland we hopped ...