The best of 11 states - here in NYC

With bonus factoids from our resident quizmaster, Noah Tarnow of the Big Quiz Thing (bigquizthing.com).

Catfish po' boy from Acme Bar & Grill.

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

Louisiana

Chow down on authentic N’awlins-style cuisine at Acme Bar & Grill (9 Great Jones St between Broadway and Lafayette St; 212-420-1934, acmebarandgrill.com), an East Village fixture. The menu is filled with classic Louisiana fare like spicy Creole jambalaya ($14.95) and a fried catfish po’ boy ($11.95), as well as Southern specialities like fried okra ($6.95). Wash it all down with a Hurricane ($8), a potent potable that originated in New Orleans and uses three different types of rum. Have fun walking home!

Louis Armstrong may have spent most of his days in New York City (and died here—he’s interred at Flushing Cemetery in Queens), but he was Louisiana-born, and learned how to play the trumpet from New Orleans jazz figurehead Joe Oliver. A tour of The Louis Armstrong House Museum (34-56 107th St between 34th and 37th Aves, Corona, Queens; 718-478-8274, louisarmstronghouse.org; $6–$8) provides a glimpse into the legendary trumpeter’s life; on Saturday 4, the house celebrates Independence Day with a performance by Brooklyn jazz combo the Red Hook Ramblers.

When you drink Abita Restoration Ale, you’re not just imbibing a delicious, citrusy brew; you’re also helping support a company that’s rebuilding parts of Louisiana that remain devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The brew was created after the storms in 2005, and until 2007, proceeds from its sales were donated to community projects around the state. Though the program was discontinued, Abita remains committed to helping its community. Pick up a sixer in the Beer Room at Whole Foods (various locations; wholefoods.com) and embrace the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others (and drinkin’ beers).

Mardi Gras isn’t happening for another seven months, but you can still get into the party mood (or dress the part, anyway): Elaborate feathered masks ($7.99–$274.99) and colorful beaded necklaces (99¢–$9.99) are available at Halloween Adventure (808 Broadway at 11th St; 212-673-4546, newyorkcostumes.com). But unlike in the French Quarter, public nudity isn’t exactly encouraged in NYC, so try to keep your shirt on.

Laura Selikson started Let’s Zydeco (letszydeco.com) in 1993 as a way to promote Cajun and zydeco music—both of which originated in Louisiana—in New York City. Sixteen years later, she’s known as “Zydeco Laura,” and her events at Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant (121 W 45th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves; 212-597-5126, connollyspubandrestaurant.com) feature some of the best swamp pop in the East. Catch Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe on July 19, and be sure to arrive early for the zydeco dance contest beforehand.

Fun fact: Louisiana was the very last state to ban the action-packed “sport” of cockfighting, with the prohibition taking effect less than a year ago.

NEXT Massachusetts

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

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