Your 20 Favorite Stories of 2020

Medicinal plants, prairie dive bars, roaming Carnival krewes, crawfish farms, and local history tales from tall to true topped your list (so Google tells us)

by ,

Paul Kieu

We hardly need to open this list by lamenting on the trials of 2020. Instead we'd like to thank you, dear reader, for sticking with us. 

While we're sure you did your fair share of "doom scrolling" this year reading about the state of the pandemic, politics, and the many natural disasters that struck our region and beyond (we certainly did), you still made time to appreciate art, take in nature, and learn about the extraordinary culture of our state with us.

We took solace in looking beyond the local and global strife (though we're so grateful to the news publications who do the important work of covering it), and found relief in sitting down with the people who make our region special, even if the interviews were conducted wearing masks or over the phone. 

[Read more stories inspired (provoked?) by the experience of 2020, here.]

And even with everything going on, you still joined us in escaping into these stories. We consulted Dr. Google, who tells us that in 2020 you most loved tales of crawfish farmers, medicinal plants, walking Carnival krewes, prairie dive bars, rogue zinnia planters, Vodou priests, and local history and adventures galore. Your favorites were eclectic, complex, and often a bit weird—just like you, and us, and this wondrous region. That's how we prefer it. Don't ever change. 

—Alexandra Kennon, Arts & Entertainment Editor

If your favorite story didn't make this list, or you otherwise want to revisit our other stories from 2020, you can find our content all the way back to 2016 in our Issue Archive. If you'd like to continue to read these kinds of stories in 2021 (and beyond!), be sure to subscribe here. As always, thanks for reading! 

20. Mardi Gras, on Foot

Stepping in time with the most whimsical walks of the season

By Christie Matherne Hall, Cherice Harrison-Nelson, John "Pudd" Sharp, James Fox-Smith, Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Bryce Ell Photography

19. Crawfish Season 2020

A unique set of challenges meets the producers and distributors of Louisiana's most culturally significant crop

By Lauren Heffker

Paul Kieu

18. Rollin' on the River

Chef Michael Gottlieb masters dockside takeout and fine dining on the Tchefuncte

By Alexandra Kennon

Alexandra Kennon

17. Into the Water

In New Orleans, a convent is transformed into a flood-reducing wetland.

By Christina Leo

16. Small Town Chefs 2020: Michael Dardenne

Steeped in the spirit of Louisiana spice, this chef-since-childhood makes a case for the slow life.

By Christina Leo

Brian Pavlich

15. A Slave Called "Prince"

The legacy of Prince Abd al Rahman Ibrahima lives on in Natchez and far, far beyond

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Library of Congress

14. Made in Vidalia

Vidalia Mills leads the way in sustainable American textile production

By Christina Leo

Trisha Downing

13. Nippon Orleans

The sound of New Orleans jazz called, and from an ocean away, two musicians answered.

By Jason Christian

Emily Kask

12. Abita Springs, Land of Healing Waters

In the late 19th, early 20th centuries—travelers raced to the hottest spot in health tourism

By Jason Christian

Photo courtesy of Mary Davis at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum

11. Spuddy's Cajun Cooking Experience

Hands-on history, andouille and all

By Christina Leo

Christina Leo

10. A Conversation with a High Priest of Vodou

Demystifying one of Louisiana's most mysterious and misunderstood faiths

By Alexandra Kennon

Alexandra Kennon

9. The Holiday Lounge

On the Mamou prairie, a portal to days of Louisiana politics and parties past

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Olivia Perillo

8. Intention

In a project by two Lafayette filmmakers, Acadiana's untold feminine narratives come to light

By Lauren Heffker

Still courtesy of Olivia Perillo and Syd Horn

7. Offbeat Outdoor Adventures

Louisiana like you've never seen it before

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Ryan Jacobson

6. Food for the Soul

Eating my way through Minden, a place of new beginnings

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

5. The "Natchez Poppy Guy" Strikes Again

Armed with twenty pounds of zinnia seeds, floral fanatic runs colorfully amok

By James Fox-Smith

Gail Guido

4. Hunting James Copeland's Lost Treasure

Legend has it there's pirate gold in Catahoula Creek

By William Browning

Image from Life and Confession of the Noted Outlaw James Copeland, University of Mississippi Press.

3. The Acadian Club

Remembering Baton Rouge’s Iconic Country Club for Teenagers

By Ruth Laney

Photo courtesy of Ruth Laney

2. What's Next?

Through the language of country music, Maggie Brown conveys the weight of past—and the promise of the future.

By Tom Scarborough

John Philip Larson

1. Medicine in the Wild

Once a staple of South Louisiana culture, medicinal plants are making a comeback

By Jonathan Olivier

Paul Kieu

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