Explore Charming Small Towns in Louisiana
From sleepy swamp fishing communities to funky trading posts on the old Cajun prairies, Louisiana is sprinkled with captivating small towns. You’ll uncover the authentic Louisiana as you explore quaint towns adorned with ancient trees dripping with Spanish moss, and immerse yourself in lively zydeco music.
Whether you are contemplating a weekend escape or a day trip from New Orleans or Lafayette, consider these five hidden gems.
01. Abita Springs
Address: 22275 LA-36, Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA
Phone: +1 985-892-2624
Abita Springs is situated less than an hour’s drive from the French Quarter on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The village, named after the Choctaw word for the medicinal water sourced from its underground aquifers, boasts hundreds of years of history.
The area is known for the award-winning Abita Beer. Moreover, beer enthusiasts can embark on a brewery tour or visit the tasting room to discover what’s on tap.
The Abita Springs Opry offers a live music experience, featuring local, regional, and national talent performing folk and roots music during the spring and fall. With tickets often priced below $20, attendees can enjoy intimate shows with world-class artists.
A must-visit is the unique Abita Mystery House (UCM Museum), showcasing an eccentric collection of memorabilia, old arcade machines, and remarkable dioramas that truly have to be seen to be believed. This quirky museum is definitely worth the visit.
02. Breaux Bridge
Address: Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
Breaux Bridge, known as Pont Breaux in French, meanders along the beautiful Bayou Teche. Once a hub for speakeasies in the 1920s, it now hosts a plethora of gourmet Cajun restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. Visitors can enjoy live Cajun music nightly at Pont Breaux’s Cajun Restaurant, which also serves delectable traditional dishes.
The town is an excellent base for eco-tourism and swamp tours. For those adventurous souls, kayaking at nearby Lake Martin offers opportunities to spot alligators, or you can opt for a boat tour through the famous Atchafalaya Basin for an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss out on the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival held every May, a lively celebration of the region’s beloved crustacean.
03. Eunice
Address: Eunice, LA 70535, USA
Eunice lies at the edge of the Cajun prairie, celebrated for its deep-rooted Acadian French and Black Creole heritage. This vibrant town is a cultural hub for Cajun music, featuring a musical variety show every Saturday at the historic Liberty Theatre, presented predominantly in Cajun French.
Musicians can visit Marc Savoy’s Music Store for Saturday morning jam sessions, where talented local musicians share their skills. For evening entertainment, Lakeview Park offers a retro RV park with a dancehall for guests to enjoy.
The city is also known for hosting the largest Courir de Mardi Gras, an authentic Cajun celebration, providing a unique experience compared to the bustling New Orleans festivities.
04. Natchitoches
Address: Natchitoches, LA, USA
Fans of the film Steel Magnolias will recognize several filming locations among the historic architecture lining the picturesque Cane River Lake. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest French settlement in Louisiana, showcasing a blend of French heritage in its culinary delights and breathtaking architecture.
Explore the quaint downtown area, filled with boutiques and indulge in the renowned Natchitoches meat pie—a delicious delicacy filled with spicy ground meat. For history enthusiasts, the Cane River historical region offers fascinating sites, including the Cane River Creole National Historic Park.
05. St. Francisville
Address: St. Francisville, LA 70775, USA
St. Francisville, enveloped in a canopy of Spanish moss, truly embodies the picturesque small-town charm associated with Louisiana. Renowned for its film locations, this peaceful destination is about two hours northwest of New Orleans.
With a small population of around 1,500, it’s the perfect spot to unwind on a porch with a chilled drink, enjoying the serene surroundings. History buffs can explore numerous antique shops and tour historic plantations like Myrtles Plantation, claimed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the United States.
Golf aficionados might also find pleasure at The Bluffs, the only Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Louisiana. Overall, a visit to St. Francisville offers a delightful opportunity to relax in a stunning environment and savor a slower pace of life.
