coast Adventure Guide

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1 VISIT COAST coast Adventure Guide The LTCC is funded in part by the Louisiana Office of Tourism A n i n f o r m a t i v e g u i d e t o t h e w o n d e r a n d w i l d e r n e s s o f t h e s p o r t s m a n s p a r a d i s e. P.O. Box 1579 Metairie, LA Photography Credits: MonsoursPhotography.com & B LaFleur Photography

2 What s your adventure? Calcasieu & Cameron Parishes Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive 1 Lake Charles, LA SWLA 1 Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission P.O. Box Abbeville, LA Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau 2513 Hwy 14 1 New Iberia, La Telephone: St. Mary/Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau 112 Main St. 1 Patterson, LA Terrebonne Parish - Houma Area Convention &Visitors Bureau 114 Tourist Drive 1 Gray, LA Lafourche Tourism Commission 4484 LA. Hwy. 1 - U.S. Hwy LA. Hwy. 1 1 Raceland, LA Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite New Orleans, Louisiana Plaquemines Parish Office of Tourism 104 New Orleans St. 1 Belle Chasse, LA St. Bernard Parish Visitor Information Center 409 Aycock Street 1 Arabi, LA (504) St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission Louisiana 59 1 Mandeville, LA Mandeville Lake Charles Cameron Abbeville New Iberia Forked Island 90 Avery Island Franklin 90 Morgan City Thibodaux Jean Lafitte 308 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Slidell 46 Chalmette Delacroix Belle Chasse 23 Houma 56 1 T h e r e a r e a l m o s t t w o m i l l i o n a l l i g a t o r s i n L o u i s i a n a, a n d m o s t a r e o n t h e c o a s t. Cocodrie Grand Isle Leeville/Port Fourchon Venice navigating the louisiana coast

3 Visiting the Louisiana Coast is an experience like no other, abundant in culture, history and wildlife. If you re looking for an authentic experience that s part Americana, part exotic and wild, with a fair helping of music, dance and unusual side trips, and one that doesn t come with all the touristy trappings of other familiar coastal destinations, you ll find it in the colorful, Louisiana Coast... Welcome.

4 coastal contents adventures Learn more about the adventures that can be had along the Louisiana Coast. 1-8 Biking Birding Boating Camping Parks & Trails Festivals Fishing Hiking Paddling Public Golf Courses Scenic Byways Swamp Tours Biking Birding Camping Parks & Trails Fishing Hiking Public Golf Courses Scenic Byways Birding Parks & Nature Trails Scenic Byways Boating & Swamp Tours Fishing Fairs & Festivals Biking & Camping Golfing & Paddling Biking Camping Fishing Boating Public Golf Courses Festivals Paddling Swamp Tours destinations Explore ten Louisiana coastal parishes, Birding Boating Parks & Trails Festivals Hiking Paddling Scenic Byways Swamp Tours visiting some of our highlighted coastal cities. Calcasieu/Cameron Parishes - Cameron & Lake Charles Vermilion Parish - Abbeville & Forked Island Iberia Parish - New Iberia & Avery Island St. Mary Parish - Morgan City & Franklin Terrebonne Parish - Cocodrie & Houma Lafourche Parish - Thibodaux & Leeville Jefferson Parish - Grand Isle & Jean Lafitte Plaquemines Parish - Belle Chasse & Venice St. Bernard Parish - Delacroix & Chalmette St. Tammany Parish - Mandeville & Slidell L o u i s i a n a s c o a s t a l w e t l a n d s p r o v i d e h a b i t a t f o r a l m o s t 1. 8 m i l l i o n m i g r a t o r y w a t e r f o w l navigating the coast Coastal map including distances, locational drive times, Parishes, and visitor center locations

5 T h e b r o w n p e l i c a n b e c a m e L o u i s i a n a s o f f i c i a l b i r d o n J u l y 2 7, on the trail Exploring the Louisiana Coast leads to all kinds of exciting new adventures. Journey off the beaten path to experience the unmatched natural beauty of Louisiana s state parks, our national park, historic sites, and preservation areas as well as many beautiful local parks along the sprawling Louisiana Coast. There are 20 National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks, giving visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the unique environment of the Louisiana Coast. Enjoy world-class fishing, hiking through historic grounds, reliving famous battles, two-stepping at a Louisiana Fais do-do, or camping under the stars along a picturesque shoreline. birds of a feather Located on the majestic Mississippi Flyway, over 400 different species of birds visit Louisiana yearly. The next time you fly the coop, consider landing in Louisiana. With such a vast variety of birds flocking to the Pelican State, Louisiana is one of the nation s top destinations for bird enthusiasts. In fact, Louisiana s marshes alone are home to more than 120 songbirds. Our birding trails across the coastline create plenty of opportunities to view the abundant wildlife throughout the Louisiana coastal region. So, venture away from the nest and journey onto the Louisiana Coast for an awe-inspiring experience. You will realize immediately why our state is really something to tweet home about. Abbeville, LA Palmetto Island State Park Abbeville RV Park Nature Trail Avery Island, LA Jungle Gardens Bourg, LA MKL Farms Buras, LA Fort Jackson Caernarvon, LA St. Bernard State Park Cameron, LA Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Constance Beach Gulf Breeze Beach Holly Beach Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge Little Florida Beach Long Dun Beach Martin-Erbelding Beach Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Rutherford Beach Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Chalmette, LA Chalmette Battlefield Cocodrie, LA Pointe aux Chenes Wildlife Area Marquerite Moffett Birding Area Cypremort Point, LA Cypremort Point State Park Franklin, LA Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge Gibson, LA Wildlife Gardens Golden Meadow, LA Oakridge Park Grand Isle, LA Grand Isle State Park Houma, LA Black Star Ranch Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge Lacombe, LA Big Branch Marsh Wildlife Refuge Lake Charles, LA Prien Lake Park North Beach Sam Houston Jones State Park Lockport, LA Lockport Bayouside Park Mandeville, LA Fountainebleau State Park Northlake Nature Center Marrero, LA Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte Historical Park & Preserve Metairie, LA Lafreniere Park LaSalle Park Morgan City, LA Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Brownell Memorial Park Lake End Park New Iberia, LA Spanish Lake Rip Van Winkle Gardens Shadows-on-the-Teche & Gardens Patterson, LA Kemper Williams Park Pearl River, LA Pearl River Wildlife Management Area St. Bernard, LA Los Islenos Museum Nature Trail St. Martinville, LA Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Thibodaux, LA The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center Peltier Park Venice, LA Delta Wildlife Refuge Vinton, LA Niblett s Bluff Park Westwego, LA Bayou Segnette State Park 1 Adventure Adventure 2

6 T h e C r e o l e N a t u r e Tr a i l A l l - A m e r i c a n R o a d s u p p o r t s 2 8 s p e c i e s o f m a m m a l s, m o r e t h a n s p e c i e s o f b i r d s, m i l l i o n s o f m o n a r c h b u t t e r f l i e s, 3 5 s p e c i e s o f a m p h i b i a n s a n d r e p t i l e s, a n d s p e c i e s o f f i s h. take a spin Waterways along the Louisiana Coast are perfect for all types of boating. From canoeing to sailing, and pirogueing to speed boating, water sports are a Louisiana pastime for all ages. Louisiana is home to lakes, streams, rivers, bayous, canals, swamps, marshes, water prairies and wetlands. You can blaze through the swamps on an airboat, or glide over lakes on a sailboat. Take a spin on the coastal Lakes of Louisiana: Calcasieu Lake, Grand Lake, Lake Arthur, Lake Charles, Lake Lac Des Allemends, Lake Palourde, Lake Pontchartrain, Prien Lake, Sabine Pass Lake, and White Lake. get on the road Traveling the scenic byways of the Louisiana coast will bring spectacular views of nature and wildlife. Whether it is a quick one-day trip, or taking a weekend or longer, there is no better way to experience the Louisiana coast than traveling the hundreds of miles of scenic byways that crisscross the coast. Our flair for fun and Southern hospitality welcomes you at every stop, creating memories that will last you a lifetime. Enjoy the history and culture of the Louisiana coast as you make your way through our quaint towns and exciting cities, realizing that a new adventure exists around every turn. Scenic Byways along the Louisiana Coast: Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, Cajun Corridor, Creole Nature Trail, Jean Lafitte Scenic Byway, Louisiana Scenic Bayou Byway, San Bernardo Scenic Byway, The Great River Road, and The Wetlands Cultural Trail. get swamped Swamp tours line the coast and will take you through many different parts of the marshes and backwaters that make up the Louisiana Coast. Get a close-up view of the wildlife that inhabits the swamps and marshes. From beautiful egrets and herons flying among the cypress to alligators sunning on the banks, there is no better way to experience Louisiana s wilderness. Imagine a peaceful journey through a tranquil swamp or your adrenaline pumping as you fly through the marsh on an airboat. Crown Point, LA Louisiana Tour Company, LLC Des Allemands, LA Airboat Tours by Arthur Dularge, LA Airboat Charters Inc. Gibson, LA A Cajun Man s Swamp Cruise Atchafalaya Basin Tours Bayou Black Airboat Service Tours Grand Chenier, LA Airboats & Alligators Houma, LA Annie Miller s Son s Marsh and Swamp Tours Kraemer, LA Torres Cajun Swamp Tours Zam s Bayou Swamp Tours Patterson, LA Cajun Jack s Swamp Tour Schriever, LA Munson s World Famous Swamp Tour Slidell, LA Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour Dr. Wagner s Honey Island Swamp Tours, Inc. Mr. Denny s Swamp Tour Pearl River Eco-Tours Theriot, LA Wetland Tours 3 Adventure Adventure 4

7 cast a line having a party Louisiana is called the Sportsman s Paradise for a reason. Fishing experts consider this the best fishing in the world. You can catch fish 365 days a year in Louisiana, and with our liberal catch limits, there s plenty for you to bring home. January March Mild Louisiana winters are hard to beat for freshwater fishing. In south Louisiana, bass begin to spawn as early as February. Crappie or Sac-Au-Lait gather in deep water to feed and prepare for spawning. Areas around New Orleans like Delacroix, Lake Cataouatche, and Bayou Black offer great freshwater fishing during the early part of the year. The people of Louisiana s Coast can find any reason to throw a party, which is why some consider Louisiana to be the Festivals Capital of America. There are festivals along the coast focused on culture, food, harvests, and music; from the Violet Oyster Festival to the Cypress Sawmill Festival to the Orange Festival, and something for everyone in-between. No matter what festival you visit, you ll always enjoy delicious food and some of the best music in the world, making Louisiana coast festivals a fun April June Spring months offer some of the best pan fish action in the country. Shell Crackers or red ear bream and crappie, which load up around the Atchafalaya Basin Cypress trees, come to mind. Bass fishing does not slow down during the spring, and there are plenty of fishing options for bass anglers. Catfish anglers will not be disappointed with numerous rivers and lakes that hold a good supply of flathead and blue cats. Pick a river, lake, or Mississippi River oxbow in Louisiana for great spring fishing. experience for the entire family! July September As the weather heats up, Louisiana freshwater fishing is just as hot. Experience night fishing for big bucket mouth bass. Lighted docks and piers are another spot to catch pan fish. Anglers use rigs and other deep water setups to catch bass during the Louisiana summer. The bayou state has enough shaded fishing holes to last a lifetime. Freshwater fishing is close to many cities. Early morning trips beat the summer heat plus leave enough time for a late lunch and a cool drink. October December As many anglers turn into hunters this time of year, the fall fishing is not as crowded. Duck, deer, and other hunting activities keep the crowds off the water. Usually, the Mississippi River drops to levels where anglers find Venice freshwater action at its best. Venice bass fishing should be on every anglers bucket list. Action across the rest of the state remains great, too. Cooler temperatures put the feed bag on for the many freshwater species. Anglers will find fishing a breeze whether it is in the marshes in South Louisiana or banging lures around tree stumps in the north. Try a blast and cast guided trip. Hunt in the morning and fish in the afternoon. It is easy to see why Louisiana got the name of Sportsman Paradise. For a complete listing of our fishing charter guides, marinas and lodges, go to: VisitLouisianaCoast.com. To get a Louisiana Fishing License, go to: January 3 Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival Cameron, LA 3 Gulf Coast Boat, Sport & RV Show Lake Charles, LA 3 Battle of New Orleans Commemoration Chalmette, LA February 3 Eagle Expo - Morgan City, LA March 3 Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival Lake Charles, LA 3 Iowa Rabbit Festival - Iowa, LA 3 Los Islenos Fiesta - St. Bernard, LA 3 Louisiana Crawfish Festival - Chalmette, LA 3 Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival Thibodaux, LA April 3 Cypress Sawmill Festival - Patterson, LA 3 Crawfish Boil-off - Buras, LA 3 Bayou Teche Black Bear & Birding Festival - Franklin, LA 3 Art in April Festival - Chalmette, LA 3 Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival Grand Isle, LA 3 Family Fun Festival - Larose, LA 3 Thibodaux Fireman s Fair - Thibodaux, LA May 3 Contraband Days Pirate Festival Lake Charles, LA 3 Lockport Food Festival Lockport, LA 3 Seafood Festival - Belle Chasse, LA 3 Sugar Festival - Arabi, LA 3 Tomato Festival - Chalmette, LA June 3 Back to the Beach / Save our Lake Festival - Kenner, LA July 3 Fourth of July Fishing Rodeo Southwest Louisiana 3 International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Grand Isle, LA 3 Mandeville Seafood Festival Mandeville, LA 3 St. Bernard Salutes America St. Bernard, LA 3 Golden Meadow/Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo August 3 Blessing of the Fleet - Hopedale, LA 3 Gueydan Duck Festival - Gueydan, LA 3 Shrimp Festival - Delcambre, LA 3 Arts & Crabs Fest - Lake Charles, LA September 3 Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival - Morgan City LA 3 La Fete d Ecologie - Thibodaux, LA 3 Labor Day Fishing Rodeo - New Iberia October 3 Cal-Cam Fair - Sulphur, LA 3 Louisiana Gumbo Festival Chackbay, LA 3 Violet Oyster Festival - Violet, LA 3 Wooden Boat Festival Maddisonville, LA 3 Tour du Teche Canoe Race - New Iberia 3 French Food Festival - Larose, LA 3 Cut Off Youth Center Fair - Cut Off, LA November 3 Giant Omelette Celebration - Abbeville, LA 3 Fall Fest - Lake Charles, LA 3 Tour de Jefferson - Westwego, LA 3 Thibodauxville Fall Festival Thibodaux, LA December 3 Orange Festival - Boothville, La T h e r e a r e o v e r f e s t i v a l s h e l d t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t a t e o f L o u i s i a n a a n n u a l l y. 5 Adventure Adventure 6

8 get rolling in the swing out & About The Louisiana Coast, with 13 biking trails, and mild climate allows for great biking at almost any time of the year. Take your choice of routes, from lightly traveled, paved rural roads to challenging mountain-biking trails to easy, leisurely paths through Louisiana s many state parks. Consider these trails for your adventure: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, The Levees, Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, Tammany Trace, St. Bernard State Park, Bayou Black Loop, Franklin to Morgan City, Houma to Cocodrie, Houma to Thibodaux Loop, Morgan City to White Castle, New Iberia to Avery Island loop, New Iberia to St. Martinville, St. Martinville to Fausse Point Loop, St. Martinville to Franklin and the Mississippi River Trail. Hiking and camping on the Louisiana Coast is an experience you won t soon forget. Escape the hustle & bustle of the city to relax and enjoy the splendor of the Louisiana Coast. Enjoy pine forests, gulf beaches and mysterious swamps; the wonders of nature are right outside when you camp along the coast. Experience some of the most majestic wilderness and wildlife up close as you weave though winding paths and gaze at the clear Southern skies of the Louisiana Coast. Kemper Williams Park Patterson, LA Capri Court Campground Houma, LA Hideaway Ponds Recreational Resort - Gibson, LA KOC Kampground New Iberia, LA Yogi Bear s Jellystone Park Lake Charles, LA. Land-O-Pines Family Campground Covington, LA New Orleans East Kampground Slidell, LA Tchefuncte Family Campground Folsom, LA Yellow Cotton Bayside Buras, LA Sam Houston Jones State Park Lake Charles, LA Lake Fausse Pointe State Park - St. Martinville, LA Palmetto Island State Park Abbeville, LA Fairview-Riverside State Park Madisonville, LA Grand Isle State Park Grand Isle, LA Bayou Segnette State Park Westwego, LA St. Bernard State Park Caernarvon, LA Fontainebleau State Park Mandeville, LA Louisiana Leisure Resort Galliano, LA Port Fourchon Marina & RV Fourchon, LA Bobby s Lynn s Leeville, LA Kelly Grove Camp Ground Larose, LA Boudreaux s Condeauxs Golden Meadow, LA Bayou Resort Galliano, La Catfish Lake Cabins & RV Galliano, LA Lake Charles, LA Gray Plantation Golf Course Contraband Bayou Golf Club Mallard Cove Golf Course Pine Shadows Golf Course Sulphur, LA Frasch Park Golf Course Bayou Oaks Golf Course Westlake, LA National Golf Club of Louisiana New Iberia, LA Squirrel Run Golf Course Sugar Oaks Golf & Country Club Avondale, LA TPC Louisiana A day on the links along the Louisiana Coast is always above par. Whether you re teeing off deep in a swamp or driving the ball over centuries old cypress trees, playing the Louisiana circuit is spectacular. One of our courses is showcased on the PGA Tour, and several are among the best courses in the nation. The courses are challenging for a scratch golfer, yet enjoyable enough for anyone looking to enjoy a day on the links with friends. Our consistently great weather along the Louisiana Coast makes golfing in Louisiana a year-round sport. Harahan, LA Colonial Golf and Country Club Gretna, LA Stonebridge Country Club Galliano, LA Tidelands Golf and Country Club Raceland, LA Sugarlands Country Club Thibodaux Bayou Country Club Belle Chase, LA Bayou Barriere Patterson, LA Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild Franklin, LA Broken Pine Golf & Country Club Abita Springs, LA Abita Springs Golf Club Covington, LA Covington Country Club Slidell, LA Pinewood Country Club Royal Golf Club Oak Harbor Golf Club Houma, LA Colonial Acres Golf Club Southern Oaks Golf Club Abbeville, LA Abbeville Country Club Mathews, LA LaTour Golf Club Water is everywhere on Louisiana s coast. Literally. Canoeing, kayaking and paddling through serene waters along the Louisiana coast is a day-floaters dream. Travel the lake in a canoe, or explore the bayou in a kayak. Louisiana s variety of backwaters and bays, marshlands and mazes of bayous give the avid paddler a destination worth rowing about. 7 Adventure Adventure 8

9 Explore your destination!

10 Come on over to Cameron Attend the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival. Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family at the Cameron Jetty Pier. cameron & lake charles Havin fun in Forked Island Visit Stelly s for a bite to eat or some abbeville & Forked island Calcasieu/Cameron Parishes are home to more than 75 fairs and festivals every year. Calcasieu/Cameron Parishes Cameron has a close relationship with nature. Located near Gulf waters, the natural splendor of Cameron beckons, especially along the Creole Nature Trail. This network of scenic highways and walking paths winds through 180 miles of marsh, bayou and shoreline. Much of Cameron Parish has been called Louisiana s Outback for its plentiful wildlife and untamed beauty. The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge opens more than 9,600 acres of marsh and prairie to the public and includes a visitor center, exhibits and a car tour through its grounds. Fishing charters and lodges are part of our outdoor culture, and Cameron s long coastline has nurtured rare Louisiana beach front communities. tackle before you head out fishing. Try a delicious shrimp burger at the popular Cajun Dinner. Vermilion Parish is known as the most Cajun place on Earth. Vermilion Parish Abbeville. A tradition of great oyster bars runs deep in the history of Abbeville thanks to the first 19th century oystermen who used the Vermilion River flowing through town as an avenue to sell their fresh harvest. Abbeville remains a destination for oyster lovers who satisfy their cravings at a cluster of modern mollusk emporiums. The city s French heritage runs deeper still, beginning with its founder, who in 1843 named Abbeville for his hometown in France. He modeled the town s original plan after a typical French village, and today Magdalen Square gives Abbeville a picturesque downtown center with its gazebo, fountain and the historic St. Mary Magdalen Church. Abbeville is home to several annual festivals, including the Giant Omelette Celebration each November. Downtown offers shopping, art galleries, museums and history tours, while birding trails and golf beckon nearby. Livin it up in Lake Charles Swim, play and sun at the only white sand inland beach along the Gulf Coast. Enjoy the Contraband Days Pirate Festival. Celebrate at the Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival. Lake Charles is a thriving destination that caters to many tastes from glitzy nightlife and the quiet greens of award-winning golf courses to fishing adventures and over 75 festivals! Performing arts are alive with theatre and musical groups, including the Lake Charles Symphony. There are seven diverse museums, one of which houses the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world, in addition to charming galleries rich with art. Also, visit the USS Orleck Naval Museum. Drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road - teeming with alligators, birds and fourwildlife refuges! Visitors can stroll through the Charpentier Historic District as the lead crystal glass glitters in the lamplight. Top it off with nightlife that is hot with headline entertainment and excellent amenities at area resorts. Nestled against the Gulf, Cameron has over 26 miles of beautiful beaches! Around Abbeville Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum. Enjoy live music Le Bayou Legendaire. Abbeville Cultural & Historical Museum & Art Gallery. Forked Island is located where LA 82 begins. Don t expect any red lights in this community. It s just enjoyable, rural, country. Maw & Paw s offers tons of bait and tackle. Next door, the Cajun Diner is rumored to fix shrimp burgers to die for. This is prime birding territory, and with so much nature to see, you ll want to retrace your steps on the way back and take it in again. Cross the Forked Island Bridge and head down Pine Island Road. And, here s a little secret. Find an old crab processing plant, built in the 70 s that never opened for business, and just past it is a great little fishing spot. Come celebrate French heritage at the Giant Omelette Celebration in Abbeville! MOCK PHOTO 9 Destination Destination 10

11 new iberia & avery island Iberia Parish Morgan city Magnificent Morgan City Tour the International Petroleum The spice of life at Avery Island Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Jungle Gardens. Tour the TABASCO Factory and sample their famous hot sauce. View flock of egrets at Bird City. New Iberia is dedicated to preserving its history. Its restored Main Street and historic downtown area win high praise. A walking tour of the East Main Street National Register Residential District reveals the stomping grounds of famed Detective Dave Robicheaux, the main character in novels by New Iberia native and Edgar Award-winning author James Lee Burke. History is on display in the Bayou Teche Museum and at Shadows-on-the-Teche, an antebellum home once occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War. New Iberia also is home to the South s largest source of quality religious articles, the Rosary House, which draws visitors from far and near to buy hand-made rosaries, devotional candles, statues and medals. Avery Island occupies roughly 2,200 acres and sits atop a deposit of solid rock salt thought to be deeper than Mount Everest is high. Geologists believe this deposit is the remnant of a buried ancient seabed. The birthplace of TABASCO brand pepper sauce, Avery Island has been owned for over 180 years by the Marsh, Avery and McIlhenny families. Lush subtropical flora and venerable live oaks draped with wild muscadine and swags of barbe espagnole, or Spanish moss, cover this geological oddity, which is one of five islands rising above south Louisiana s flat coastal marshes. The Tabasco factory and Jungle Gardens remain a visitor favorite. Avery Island is home of TABASCO hot sauce! &franklin St. Mary Parish/Cajun Coast Morgan City s Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival on Labor Day weekend is a dual celebration of its prime industries. But throughout the year visitors can easily see the impact of the oil and seafood businesses on this city in the middle of the Atchafalaya River s massive delta. Even in the heart of Morgan City s 19-block historic center one can climb the flood barrier known locally as the Great Wall for a bird s eye view of the industrial vessels and shrimp boats plying the busy river before sampling a Cajun-style treatment of the fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Tour a historic drilling rig and learn about Louisiana s ties to the industry at the International Petroleum Museum and get a close encounter with the area s natural heritage. If life is sweet in Franklin, it may have something to do with the vast sugar plantations that established the city as a 19th-century inland port and built the wealth still evident in its downtown center. Distinctive lamp posts line Franklin s Main Street, home to some of the city s 400 structures, many that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each fall, downtown comes alive for the Harvest Moon Fest. Recently renovated and reopened, a year-round roster of cultural events is found at the historic movie house, Teche Theatre. For sportsmen and nature lovers, a public boat launch leads to the Franklin Canal and easy access to the Atchafalaya Basin and the many ecological wonders of Louisiana s wetlands and its delta region. Museum & Exposition. Get bird s eye view of the Atchafalaya River from the top of the Great Wall. St. Mary is home of the Sovereign Nation of the Chitimach. Celebrate the two major industries of St. Mary s parish at the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival! Festive in Franklin Explore Oaklawn Manor. Tour Grevemberg House Museum. Walk or drive through Franklin s National Register Historic District. The oldest operating rice mills in America are located in New Iberia A good ole time in New Iberia Take a walking tour of New Iberia Main Street Historic District. Explore the history of the area at Bayou Teche Museum. View the beautiful gardens on the New Iberia Azalea Trail. Visit the oldest operating rice mill in the country. The Eagle Expo celebrates the numerous eagles which nest throughout the parish! MOCK PHOTO 11 Destination Destination 12

12 Crazy in Cocodrie Enjoy a great fishing adventure on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Grab a delicious bite to eat at CoCo Bistreaux Restaurant. Learn about the Louisiana coast at the Louisiana University Marine Consortium. More than 65% of Terrebonne Parish is wetlands or near open water! There s no place like Houma Explore the culture of Terrebonne at the Folklife Culture Center. Experience coastal waterways first hand on one of the many swamp tours. Visit the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and learn about the coast. cocodrie & houma Terrebonne Parish Houma has a network of bayous and shipping channels that converge, creating a crisscross of waterways within the city. Many streets are two-lane avenues split by canals plied by small vessels. Shrimp boats docked outside their skippers homes is a common sight along the scenic bayou drives. Houma is widely considered the capital of deep bayou country. The city is the jumpingoff point for countless charter fishing adventures, birding expeditions and swamp tours along the ecological wetlands stretching out toward the Gulf, while the Native American tribe of the United Houma Nation is headquartered here and hosts frequent cultural events. Cocodrie. Tried and true anglers with a boat and gear can launch at one of the many marinas in the area, including Coco Marina, Sportsman s Paradise, and Boudreaux s Marina in Cocodrie; Bob s Bayou Black Marina in Gibson; and the Falgoust Canal Marina in Dularge. No boat? No problem! There are many charter services ready to outfit visitors looking for fishing adventures with everything they will need. Fishing in Houma is year round, although the busiest season is April through September, when it is highly recommended for visitors to book a guide several months in advance. The name of Cocodrie is derived from the Cajun French word for alligator. MOCK PHOTO Good times in Thibodaux Experience local culture at Laurel Valley Village. Take a walking tour of old Thibodaux. Go into the swamps with one of the local swamp tours. The name of Lafourche Parish is derived from the French word for fork. Playing around Port Fourchon Catch some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy fresh oysters at Speck s Oyster Bar. Eat some of the freshly caught seafood at Leeville Seafood Restaurant. thibodaux & leeville Lafourche Parish Thibodaux was first settled by French and Spanish Creoles from New Orleans. It rapidly became a refuge for the Acadian exiles of the mid-1700 s. The city s history still echoes today, through its historic architecture. There s the 1830 s era E.D. White Historic Site, a plantation on Bayou Lafourche that was home to a Louisiana governor and his son, who served on the U.S. Supreme Court. There s the Rienzi plantation, built during the Spanish colonial days - according to legend - for the Queen of Spain. There s also the Laurel Valley Village. Once a massive sugar plantation, its dozens of remaining structures give visitors, a window into the past, as it was lived by field hands. As home to Nicholls State University, Thibodaux benefits from the vibrancy and cultural activities common to a college town. Stop in at the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center to learn more about the area. Leeville offers great shoreline and inland bay fishing for those looking for Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder. The shoreline of Timbalier Bay is well known in the area for its bountiful estuaries. Barataria Waterway, Bayou Lafourche and Port Fourchon are also rich fishing grounds. In the fall and the spring, bird migrations can be viewed at Fourchon. The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program sponsors an annual Migratory Bird Festival as spring migration begins. The migration is a wonder to see for the birding enthusiast. Lafourche Parish is only 15 miles wide at its widest point, but approximately 100 miles long. 13 Destination Destination 14

13 grand isle & jean lafitte Jefferson Parish Journey into Jean Lafitte Explore the wildlife of the region at Jean Lafitte National Park. Experience nature up close on a swamp tour. Enjoy some of the area s seafood at the Lafitte Seafood Festival. Grand Isle is at the Southern end of Highway 1, and its seven magical miles hold all the wonders that Louisiana nature can offer. Oleander and crepe myrtle, palms, ferns and windblown oak trees on Cheniere ridges welcome migrating birds in season. The marshes are filled with aquatic life and water birds. On Grand Isle, time slows and the visitor can savor a unique Louisiana experience. Europeans came to Grand Isle in the early 1800 s and created active sugar and cotton plantations. Grand Isle gained fame as a recreation spot for visitors from nearby New Orleans to enjoy breezes, seawater and early hotels. Today s visitors find a thriving seaside community with petroleum and seafood industries as well as everything the visiting sportsman, tourist or camper could want. Jean Lafitte, named for the legendary pirate that made his hideaway here, is a waterway refuge rich in Louisiana culture. You can explore the bayou country, dance to Cajun music or stay overnight at one of the inns that overlook the marshes of the breathtaking Bayou Barataria Basin. A thriving fishing village since the 1700 s, the Barataria region is still the point of departure for fishermen. You, too, can experience some of the best fishing in Louisiana, whether by boat, private charter or atop Lafitte s public fishing pier. Each July Grand Isle hosts the oldest fishing tournament in the United States, the International Tarpon Rodeo! Belle chasse & venice Plaquemines Parish Venice is situated just south of New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River, and it is the southernmost community accessible by automobile. The Great River Road Scenic Byway ends in this town, giving it the nickname The end of the world. Venice offers a diverse variety of fishing. This area is fed by an abundance of water, making fish habitats some of the best in the world. Whether you are fishing for bass in the marshes of Venice, or heading out for the best offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, Venice is truly a Sportsman s Paradise. Belle Chasse is home to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base. The Woodlands Trail and Park, a backpacker s paradise, is an established educational, historical and recreational greenway and trail that is open to the general public. 13-miles of natural trails traverse through a bottomland hardwood, coastal forest, passing along edge communities that are a frequent viewing area for wildlife and migratory birds. The Naval Ammunition Depot Trail is a 2.25-mile trail that leads to a grouping of ten World War II Ammunition Magazines nestled in the forest and surrounded by wetland areas. Vive la Venice Drop your line into some of the best fishing waters around. Explore the Breton Wildlife Refuge. Visit Historic Fort Jackson. Taste the local produce at the Orange Festival every December. Plaquemines Parish is known for the amazing citrus that is grown and sold throughout the parish! Belle Chasse Bound Pick up some of the famous citrus from the region. Visit Woodland Plantation to get a sense of the regions history. Take a tour of the region on a seaplane. Jefferson is home to the Barataria Preserve and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. A grand ole time in Grand Isle Experience the bi-annual birding migrations. Catch some rays on the beach at Grand Isle State Park. Fish inland or offshore with an experienced Grand Isle Fishing Charter captain. Join the party at the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Woodland Plantation, now a bed-and-breakfast and restaurant, was constructed in MOCK PHOTO 15 Destination Destination 16

14 What to do in Delacroix Experience the culture of the area at the Los Isleños Heritage & Cultural Museum. Do some fishing around the waters of Delacroix. The first settlers in St. Bernard were Canary Islanders, who brought garlic, mirliton, and purple potatoes! History is set in Chalmette Explore the Chalmette Battlefield, the location of the Battle of New Orleans. Taste the local flavors at Rocky & Carlo s Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy the Louisiana Crawfish Festival in March. delacroix & chalmette St. Bernard Parish Chalmette is situated on the San Bernardo Scenic Byway and American History buffs will enjoy the rich history of the community. The Chalmette National Historic Park is the site of the greatest American land victory of the War of The Battle of the New Orleans was fought on the Chalmette Plantation in Though the odds were not in their favor, Major General Andrew Jackson led his men to victory, preserving the United States claim to the Louisiana Purchase. The park includes monuments and exhibits of this remarkable battle. A short distance from the battlefield lies the Veterans of the Battle of New Orleans and subsequent wars at the Chalmette National Cemetery. This cemetery was established in 1864 and is a significant stop for any visitor to the park. Learn about the unique culture of the Isleños, who settled in St. Bernard Parish from the Canary Islands, at the Isleños Museum. Delacroix has been ranked as one of the worldclass sport fishing destinations in the country with Isleños villages dating back to the early 19th century when the residents began trapping, fishing and hunting as a way of life. Experience and enjoy the authentic Isleños traditions when you book your charter fishing trip. Drive a short distance to Shell Beach, Proctor s Landing or Hopedale where a number of fishing camps await outdoor sportsmen who want to take advantage of some of the best fishing in Louisiana. Domino Sugar, in St. Bernard, is the largest sugar refinery in the world, producing 7 million pounds of sugar each day! Marvelous Mandeville See the beautiful homes along Lake Pontchartrain. Go out and catch some fish in the Lake. Explore Fontainebleau State Park. St. Tammany is home to the Abita Beer which offers tours of their brewery. Revel in Slidell Ride bikes along the Tammany Trace. Explore Slidell Historic Antique District. Take a swamp tour along the banks of Lake Pontchartrain. mandeville & slidell St. Tammany Parish Slidell begins where Lake Pontchartrain ends, where the lake forges towards the Gulf of Mexico via a deepwater strait. At the Rigolets pass, you re likely to encounter tooling sailboats and shrimpboats. The hinterland is striped with bayous, perfect for canoe travel. If you re into waterborne recreation, fishing, sailing, canoeing or waterskiing, there s no question you ll be into Slidell. But this is no remote getaway. Slidell stands just across the water from New Orleans, 20 minutes away. Slidell is proud of its historic Olde Towne, with its excellent restaurants, antique shops and an ambience that recalls simpler times. And Slidell may be one of the easiest places to access in Louisiana, at the junction of interstates 10, 12 and 59. Mandeville is where urban meets natural. Founded in 1834, it developed as a lakeside summer resort for wealthy of the Crescent City. This remains in evidence in the older quarters of the city, and in some of its key historic properties that are found on Lakeshore Drive. To complement its well-established suburbs, Mandeville offers cyclists an entry point on the 31-mile trail, The Tammany Trace. Originally a railroad line, the Tammany Trace flows through an array of communities providing many opportunities for bird watching, wildlife identification and relaxation. Home to the Northlake Nature Center, boardwalks and bridges over waterways take you into secluded areas where nature can be observed. At the edge of town, Fontainebleau State Park offers cabins and campsites with plenty of diversion for nature lovers. The Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall is the oldest unaltered rural jazz hall in the world. MOCK PHOTO 17 Destination Destination 18

15 coastal explorations Navigating the coast will be a fun and exciting adventure for the entire family. Visit any of our Visitors Centers & Bureaus for more information about adventures in and around that parish! Use the charts below to learn more about drive times to and from coastal cities along the Louisiana coast. The other chart below shows distances and drive times from major cities outside of Louisiana to different coastal parishes along the Louisiana coast. The map at right shows major roadways and Visitor Center locations that can be found along the Louisiana coast. Navigate the coast and have the time of your life exploring the culture and creativity of our wonderful coastline. Little Rock, Arkansas Driving the coast from one end to the other! Lake Charles Abbeville New Iberia Morgan City Thibodaux Houma Grand Isle Belle Chasse Chalmette Slidell Houston, Texas Jackson, Mississippi Mobile, Alabama Lake Charles Abbeville New Iberia Morgan City Thibodaux Houma Grand Isle Belle Chasse Chalmette Slidell Drive times, in minutes, from city to city Driving distances and times from major cities outside of Louisiana to cities and parishes along the coast.