The historic and lovely Charles Mouton Plantation survived the Civil War. But go to the Bois de Chenes for the truly relaxed welcome they'll give you and your hound and for "Une Promenade Dans Le Bayou." This up close boat trip through the Atachaflaya, North America's largest river swamp is guided by hotelier Coerte Voorhies, a keeper of much knowledge about the history, geography and ethnic cultures of South Lousiana, and his son Kim, an experienced swamp sportsman. On the tour through the Atchaflaya,"Louisiana's answer to the Grand Canyon," expect to learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the Louisiana ecosystem. See up to 38 species of birds, and mammals such as otter, beaver, nutria, mink, deer and squirrels. Keep swamp dog in the boat though because the occasional gator is to be expected.