National Geographic's 'Digital Nomad' Andrew Evans Embarks on Latest Adventure: Louisiana

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Oct 17, 2011, 01:20 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Andrew Evans, National Geographic Traveler magazine's "Digital Nomad," has embarked on a culinary and cultural adventure experiencing life in Louisiana — the first U.S. destination since the program launched in 2010. Through Nov. 3, Evans will tweet, blog, vlog and 'Hipstamatic' his travels on NationalGeographic.com's Digital Nomad blog (http://digitalnomad.nationalgeographic.com/), his Twitter feed @WheresAndrew and his Where's Andrew Facebook page.

"Louisiana fascinates me — it is like a country within a country, and I can't wait to immerse myself completely in the culture, music and food that make this state so unique," Evans said. "Follow me on Twitter and Facebook and read my Digital Nomad blog for a trip off the beaten path through Louisiana and New Orleans."

Evans will develop his own itinerary as he winds his way though Louisiana. He will wander from the beaches to the cities, looking for the unexpected, the untold and the weird but true. Evans will uncover all of Louisiana's must-see locations. Highlights will include fishing expeditions, tastings with chefs and behind-the-scenes meetings with artists. And did we mention food? Food will be a major focus of this trip. The seafood in Louisiana is an intrinsic part of the culture. Catching and eating fresh fish (not to mention shrimp, crab oysters, alligator and crawfish) is part of the local DNA. Evans is working in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Board to help identify the best markets, most pristine fishing spots and truly authentic restaurants. As he travels, he will also seek suggestions of places to eat throughout the state — especially in New Orleans — from his community of fellow digital explorers. Evans refuses to have even one mediocre meal — and that won't be hard on this trip.

As Evans travels around the state, he'll introduce his digital community to the real people of Louisiana. He'll visit with fishermen, chefs, bed-and-breakfast owners, museum curators and artists to hear what they love most about Louisiana. He'll also take their recommendations on the best jambalaya, hidden culinary gems and unique places to stay in the bayou.

A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without experiencing the food and music festivals that draw international crowds year after year. Evans will be in New Orleans working with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, where he will take his digital followers to Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival for some good ol'-fashioned BBQ, New Orleans style. He'll then spend a spooky, voodoo-filled Halloween at the Voodoo Music Experience, which rivals Jazzfest for its popularity.

Evans is a veteran travel writer for National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic's Intelligent Travel blog. In June this year he documented his Canadian adventures as he explored the best of Ontario, from festivals to fly fishing and from back country scenery to bed and breakfasts. In September, he tweeted and blogged his way around Japan, from the stylish streets of Tokyo to the mountains of Hokkaido to the city of Hiroshima.

Last year he journeyed from National Geographic's headquarters in Washington, D.C., to Antarctica — a 10,000-mile trip through 14 countries — using public transportation as far as he could go. He rode buses to Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, and then boarded the MV National Geographic Explorer to Antarctica. Along the way, he broke international news as he discovered a completely black penguin — one of the rarest genetic mutations on earth.

In 2009, his travels took him to Australia, where he documented his experiences and interacted with his followers via Twitter and blog. He dived at the Great Barrier Reef, sat side by side with red kangaroos, drove the Great Ocean Road, took in a 360-degree view of Melbourne by hot-air balloon and toured a haunted prison.

"Andrew Evans is the first true National Geographic digital explorer — the latest in a long line of great Society explorers that dates back more than 120 years," said Keith Bellows, National Geographic Traveler magazine editor in chief. "In Louisiana, he'll go native, taking in the local flavors, traditions and sounds. Expect surprises."

SOURCE National Geographic Society