8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Louisiana
With its blending of Creole and Cajun cuisine, access to the country's freshest and tastiest seafood, and rich Southern flavors and cooking styles, many say that Louisiana is a foodie's paradise. Not only does it have some of the best food in the world, but Louisiana is also home to one-of-a-kind cultural and natural attractions and a rich history dating back to the 1500s. The perfect place to celebrate all that this Deep South state has to offer is from one of its small, quirky towns, where wonderful and whimsical experiences await you on your next trip.
Grand Isle
Situated on Louisiana's one and only inhabited barrier island, the beautiful town of Grand Isle is a nature-lover's paradise. It also provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for whimsical adventures and fun in the sun, no matter what time of year you stop by. Whether you want to spend time lounging on the beach, go bird-watching for pelicans and other native species, or fishing, charming Grand Isle won't disappoint.
If you are lucky enough to be in town during July, don't miss the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, which is the oldest fishing tournament in the country and promises nonstop excitement and whimsy. Spend time at Grand Isle State Park, where you can go shelling on miles of pristine beachfront, walk along a 400-foot fishing pier, acquaint yourself with Louisiana nature along a rustic trail, and even go overnight camping.
Breaux Bridge
If you only have time to visit one Louisiana town during your visit, put the beautiful Breaux Bridge at the top of your list. Immersed in all aspects of Cajun culture, from heritage to mouth-watering cuisine, Breaux Bridge is rightfully known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World." Each May, the small, adorable town hosts the famous Crawfish Festival, which draws in visitors from all over. This special event celebrates all things crawfish with live music from local musicians, food trucks serving everything from gumbo to alligator, and family-friendly activities.
You can also explore the surrounding Atchafalaya Basin during a swamp tour offered by a reputable company such as Cajun Country Swamp Tours or Champagne's Swamp Tours. After working up an appetite on the swamp, get a taste of authentic Cajun and Creole food at a local restaurant such as Cafe Sydnie Mae or Tante Marie.
Abita Springs
The interesting town of Abita Springs is just a 45-mile drive from New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain on Louisiana's scenic Northshore. Abita Springs was once known as a health resort retreat due to the natural springs that bubbled in the area. Although the lovely town is still a relaxing getaway with a laid-back vibe, it is now considered one of the state's most whimsical destinations due to its playful atmosphere and attractions.
Don't miss a trip to the Abita Mystery House, which features a one-of-a-kind folk art environment and is filled with over 1,000 found objects, homemade inventions, and several odd and funky collections. When you are done exploring the town, stop in the Abita Brewing Company for a craft beer made with local ingredients, such as satsumas and strawberries.
Hammond
One of the things that makes Hammond such a fun place to visit any time of year is that it is conveniently located about 45 miles from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Although it's near the two bustling cities, Hammond retains a quaint hometown feel. Stroll down the historic streets of the downtown area, which is overflowing with specialty boutiques, intimate cafes, and family-owned shops and eateries, including the mouthwatering Streetside Market, which serves authentic Hawaiian and Asian fare.
Since Hammond is home to Southeastern Louisiana University, it has a youthful feel and is full of whimsical energy. If you want to spend some time in nature, don't miss the Tickfaw State Park, and if you are visiting with kids, treat them to a day at the Louisiana Children's Discovery Center.
Natchitoches
Pronounced "Nack-a-tish," the lovely small town of Natchitoches embraces its whimsical nature from all angles. The oldest Euro-American town in Louisiana is dripping with history like Spanish moss off of the area's majestic oak trees. Natchitoches' impressive historic district spans 33 blocks and is home to stately Victorian and quaint Creole architecture on every corner, as well as eateries serving local delicacies such as fried catfish, crawfish etouffee, and richly flavored gumbo.
Beautiful Beau Jardin treats visitors to lush gardens and several water features and also overlooks Cane River Lake. If you happen to visit this quintessential small Southern town during the holiday season, you will be treated to its annual Christmas festival, which is full of fun and whimsy for kids and adults of all ages.
New Iberia
Situated along the breathtaking Bayou Teche in the middle of Louisiana's Cajun Country, eye-catching New Iberia encompasses the best of everything the state has to offer. New Iberia, which was founded in 1779, is known for its unique downtown, a "Great American Street" 2005 award winner. The town also features a National Historic District filled with antique shops, like Bird on the Bayou and Sweet Caroline.
New Iberia plays host to several fun and lighthearted special events throughout the year, including the super sweet Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival each September and the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff every October. If you are a history lover and want to learn more about the area, head over to the Bayou Teche Museum.
Saint Francisville
Saint Francisville is a history lover's paradise and dates back to 1807. The picturesque Mississippi River town is affectionately known as "the town that is two miles long and two yards wide," and boasts a vast collection of Victorian and antebellum homes, some of which are open for public tours at designated times. The nearby Oakley Plantation offers the perfect mix of both history and nature, as it's a state historic site featuring beloved colorful flower gardens, and structures that give a peak into life in the 19th Century.
Saint Francisville is also the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is nestled among scenic Mississippi River bluffs and gently rolling hills. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other open-air adventures at the Garden Symposium Park, Jane Butterworth Park, and the interesting West Feliciana Parish Railroad Park.
Farmerville
What do natural beauty, an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a festival celebrating all things watermelon have in common? They are all things you can experience when visiting the fun and playful town of Farmerville, a small community located in Union Parish. Nature lovers will be in their element when boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking at Lake D'Arbonne State Park, a wonderland featuring beautiful pine forests, pristine lakes with five fishing piers, and all types of local wildlife to observe. If you want to stay overnight in this outdoor paradise, you can pitch a tent or park an RV at the onsite campground.
Whimsical adventures await you at Farmerville's annual Watermelon Festival, which is held in July and features live entertainment, a street dance, watermelon-eating and seed-spitting contests, and a tennis tournament, just to name a few activities.
Even though Louisiana is one of the country's cultural and historical hotspots, the diverse state has never taken itself too seriously. Louisiana's residents know how to have a good time, from exciting Mardi Gras parades to hometown festivals celebrating the region's delicious seafood, and the party invitations extend to visitors as well. If you are looking for a whimsical destination where you will feel welcomed year-round, consider one of Louisiana's small, charming towns.
