This southern state, bordered by the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, is known for New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrations, and foods like crawfish, oysters, Gulf shrimp, barbecue, and Andouille sausage. Lakes, beaches, and waterways provide places for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and water sports. Street performers, music clubs, and concerts attract visitors, and Louisiana is recognized as the birthplace of jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and the inspiration for blues, country, and gospel.