8 Best Louisiana Towns For A Weekend Trip
Louisiana, the 18th state to be admitted to the Union, is advantageously placed in the Gulf Coast region of the south-central United States, at the conflux of the waters of the vast Mississippi-Missouri River system and the Gulf of Mexico. Lauded for its distinctive French heritage, fabulous settings, riveting Cajun histories, vibrant cultures, and plenteous Southern hospitality, the Pelican State attracts vacationers from every corner of the world. Even though crowded urban cities like Lafayette, Shreveport, the state capital Baton Rouge, and the most populous city New Orleans, are always the first to come to one’s mind when visiting the Bayou State, the countless towns peppering this pictorial state are best-liked environs for spending lovable moments with dear ones during the weekend breaks.
Abita Springs
Located in St. Tammany Parish just beside Covington, this peaceful town appeals to vacationists who wish to take a breather from the hubbub of urban agglomerations. Fabled for the therapeutic waters drawn from deep artesian wells, tourists on a trip to Abita Springs must not miss the Abita Mystery House/UCM Museum, Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market, Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, and the Splash Pad at Abita Springs Trailhead & Park. Conjointly check the show itinerary of the fall and spring series of Louisiana roots music presented and performed at the Abita Springs Town Hall auditorium by the Abita Springs Opry; ease off at the Hillcrest Lake Villas Resort, and attend any of the annual events including the Louisiana Bicycle Festival, En Plein Air Art Exhibition, Abita Springs Push Mow Parade, Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale, and Abita Springs Water Festival.
Natchitoches
Founded as part of French Louisiana by French-Canadian explorer Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis, this administrative center of Natchitoches Parish is located approximately 68 miles southeast of Shreveport. Spanning the heart of Natchitoches is the 280-acre Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District which comprises numberless Classic Queen Anne-style, French Creole, and Art Deco-style buildings. An assortment of general stores like Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, gift shops like Georgia’s Gift Shop, women’s clothing stores like Brenda’s Clothing & Accessories, candy stores like Cane River Candy Company, and diners like Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant fill the Front Street. Moreover, chill out at the Hampton Inn Natchitoches after visiting prominent attractions such as the Northwest Louisiana History Museum, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church, Cane River National Heritage Area, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and nearly a dozen shooting locations of the ‘Steel Magnolias’ movie.
Covington
St. Tammany Parish’s administrative capital and a portion of the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area, Covington is situated alongside the fork of Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers, around 41 miles from the state’s most populous city across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Encompassing the town’s original part to the U.S. Route 190 highway’s east, the ascendable St. John Historic District’s 100-acre division features multiple stately mansions, art galleries like St. Tammany Art Association, museums like H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum, restaurants like Del Porto Ristorante, and hotels like Southern Hotel. Hang out at the Bogue Falaya Wayside Park and Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery in addition to accessing the Tammany Trace which links Covington with other St. Tammany Parish communities.
St. Francisville
This West Feliciana Parish seat of government is placed on top of a narrow ridge commanding the Mississippi River, precisely 30 miles north of the state capital. Labeled the ‘Villa of St. Francis’ at the outset, this quondam antebellum river port betwixt New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, has charmed history zealots and weekenders over the years. Walk slowly through the town’s well-preserved historic district and locate some ancient abodes, the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum, the Grace Church of West Feliciana Parish, plus many plantations such as the Myrtles Plantation, Butler Greenwood Plantation, Audubon State Historic Site, Cottage Plantation, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, and Oakley Plantation. Sleepover at The St. Francisville Inn & Spa, besides heading to the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, Afton Villa Gardens, and Cat Island Natural Wildlife Refuge to connect with Mother Nature and the West Feliciana Sports Park for some sporting activities.
Breaux Bridge
Forming a part of the Lafayette Metropolitan Statistical Area, this pleasant St. Martin Parish community has licitly acquired its sobriquet, the ‘Crawfish Capital of the World.’ Holidaymakers visiting this town initially called La Capitale Mondiale de I’Écrevisse by francophone dwellers must peruse the Downtown’s multitudinous vintage shops like Janell’s Antiques & Gifts, boutiques like Once Upon A Wing, and seafood eateries like Crazy Bout Crawfish serving Cajun favorites. Addedly, take pleasure in swamp tours at the nearby Lake Martin, observe the abundant biodiversity of the Atchafalaya Basin, and have a relaxing break at Holiday Inn Express Breaux Bridge/Henderson.
Bastrop
Morehouse Parish’s seat of government and its commercial and industrial mecca, Bastrop, is located in the state’s northeastern part at the intersection of U.S. Route 425 and U.S. Route 165, approx. 24 miles northeast of Monroe. Travelers visiting this 9,691-inhabitant town established by Felipe Enrique Neri- Baron de Bastrop should check out the Downtown’s countless Craftsman and Plantation-style buildings aside from suppletive must-see sites such as the refurbished 1914 Morehouse Parish Courthouse, Snyder Museum & Creative Arts Center, and Rose Theater. Also, partake in open-air recreational activities at the Chemin-A-Haut State Park and accommodate at America's Best Value Inn & Suites Bastrop.
Grand Isle
A coastal Jefferson Parish settlement on Louisiana Highway 1’s southern extremity, Grand Isle is set at the Barataria Bay’s mouth on its homonymous barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Commence your Grand Isle jaunt by exploring Grand Isle State Park - the solitary state-owned and managed beach on the Pelican State’s Gulf Coast at the island's eastern end. With more than 280 fish species inhabiting the surrounding waters, the town is best known for its large-scale fishing in the gulf waters and superb fishing spots. De-stress at the Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages and annually try to be there at any of Grand Isle’s community events including the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival, Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, and Christmas Tree Lighting & Program Celebrations.
Thibodaux
The leading town of the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux Metropolitan Statistical Area, this Lafourche Parish seat is located along the Bayou Lafourche shores in southeastern Louisiana, around 49 miles southwest of New Orleans. The rich heritage of this ‘Queen City of Lafourche’ is excellently reflected by the Downtown district’s conscientiously preserved antebellum properties. While on a tour of this serene settlement, travelers must drop by the Nicholls State University campus, Edward Douglas White Historic Site, Laurel Valley Sugar Plantation, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Bayou Country Children’s Museum, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, and St. John’s Episcopal Church & Cemetery. Furthermore, relish delectable Cajun cuisines served at Spahr’s Seafood Downtown and rest for the night at Carmel Inn & Suites - Thibodaux.
From Abita Springs and Covington in St. Tammany Parish to Thibodaux in Lafourche Parish, the captivating settlements in the nation’s 31st most expansive and 25th most populous state are matchless for any kind of sojourns. Irrespective of the seasons of the year you are visiting, these tiny communities in the Sportsman’s Paradise promise an unforgettable holiday greeting every tourist with their nonpareil settings, phenomenal attractions, homely accommodations, colorful celebrations, and limitless recreations.
