The vibrant state of Louisiana is not only rich in history and culture but also serves as a gateway to some of the most charming small towns the state has to offer. Whether you’re considering a move or simply looking to explore, these quaint locales provide the perfect blend of southern hospitality, unique attractions, and serene landscapes.
In this article, we delve into the Baton Rouge real estate market and highlight six cozy towns that capture the essence of Louisiana living, offering prospective homeowners and curious visitors a glimpse into the tranquil yet vibrant lifestyle beyond the city limits.
1. Eunice
Eunice is a lively town and home to the Liberty Theatre, one of the state’s most iconic concert halls, currently under renovation. Despite this, music enthusiasts can visit the Marc Savoy’s Music Center. They can buy handcrafted accordions here and enjoy various impromptu performances that feature steel guitars, pianos, and fiddles. With its extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, visitors can deep dive into Cajun music’s history by visiting the Cajun Music Hall.
The town also hosts the largest Courir de Mardi Gras, an annual event celebrated two weeks before Mardi Gras. The celebration includes various traditional events, parades, and music that embodies the lively Cajun spirit.
Eunice offers a long list of charming shops, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. These include the Beaucoup and the New Ronnie’s Cajun Café found in its downtown area. The town is home to the famous Eunice Depot Museum which holds collections and exhibits in a restored railroad depot. Also, this museum narrates the town’s historical significance as a commerce and transportation hub.
2. Abita Springs
Abita Springs is a quaint and quirky St. Tammany Parish town with a population of not more than 3,000 individuals. It is the home to the iconic Abita Springs Trailhead Museum that provides insights into the town’s rich history. Also, it doubles as a community center where live music fills the air every Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM during the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market.
Abita Spring’s lively calendar includes a monthly Cajun Dance, the unique Busker Festival, a Whole Town Garage Sale, and the whimsical Push Mow Parade. The unusual Abita Mystery House, formerly known as the UCM Museum is also located in this town. This place showcases over 50,000 eclectic items, ranging from bottle caps to vintage mobile phones.
Abita Springs is also renowned for the Abita Springs Brewery which ranks among the premier craft breweries in the southern part of the United States and the home to the award-winning Abita Beer. Visitors can tour the Abita Brewing Company and Tap Room or enjoy a family-friendly Craft Soda Tour. Finally, the 31-mile Tammany Trace hike and bike trail is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy a stop at the scenic Fontainebleau State Park.
3. Grand Isle
Grand Isle is the sole barrier island in Louisiana which is inhabited. It is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts as it offers pristine white sand beaches, and crashing waves. Not only that, it also provides excellent opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and crabbing.
This charming island is located in Jefferson Parish at the state’s southern tip along the Gulf of Mexico. It is a perfect spot for those who wish to explore the Grand Isle State Park, which boasts a 400-foot fishing pier, nature trails, and an observation tower with breathtaking beach views.
With its famed inshore and offshore fishing, Grand Isle allows visitors to fish from beaches and piers. They can also embark on deep-sea fishing excursions with local outfitters such as Laid Back Charter or Hard Times Fishing. Furthermore, anglers can target over 280 fish species year-round, including speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. The island also hosts the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo, the United States’ oldest fishing tournament. It is scheduled for July 25-27, 2024.
Grand Isle is also a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is blessed with diverse habitats that attract a variety of bird species like herons, egrets, pelicans, and migratory songbirds. The island celebrates its avian visitors annually at the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival.
4. Breaux Bridge
The lively town of Breaux Bridge, known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” has welcomed visitors from all over to its annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival since 1960. This festival is dedicated to celebrating the Cajun culture and is a three-day event held in May.
The excitement in Breaux Bridges continues throughout the year. Its historic downtown area offers a delightful array of charming shops, boutiques, and art galleries. As such, food lovers can savor po’boys, gumbo, and seafood at eateries like Chicken on the Bayou & Boudin Shop. Also, they can enjoy Cajun-Italian fusion at Buck & Johnny’s, or indulge in various brunch favorites such as shrimp and grits or Café Sydnie Mae’s chicken and waffles.
The visitors can also stroll leisurely along the scenic Bayou Teche which provides picturesque views and meanders through Breaux Bridge. Also, they can go birdwatching or embark on a guided swamp tour with Cajun Country Swamp Tours to discover the town’s local flora and fauna. The visitors can head to the Bayou Teche River for a cold beer and live Cajun music at La Poussière when the night falls.
5. Cameron
Cameron lies along the Gulf Coast in southwestern Louisiana. It is Located thirty miles from the Texas state line and is the closest thing to a “beach town” visitors could find, Cameron is a key stop on the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail which is one of the first National Scenic Byways in the region. Also known as “Louisiana’s Outback,” this trail guides visitors through the wild, rugged landscape once roamed by the infamous French pirate Jean Lafitte.
The visitors can start their journey by visiting the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. This spot is a free and engaging attraction where they can learn about Louisiana’s unique culture and discover prime locations for spotting migratory songbirds and alligators. They can conveniently continue their journey as the trail winds through the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. These destinations allow them to walk over the area’s marshes and take a closer look at the wildlife in their natural settings.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from local markets, food trucks, and convenience stores until they reach Holly Beach, the westernmost point of the iconic “Cajun Riviera” and a 30-mile stretch of Louisiana coastline that features various colorful stilt houses overlooking the water.
6. Franklinton
Franklinton is a small and vibrant town in Washington Parish. It is renowned for the annual Washington Parish Free Fair, one of the oldest and largest free fairs in the United States. The event is held annually and features various food trucks, livestock shows, live music, carnival rides, and arts and crafts.
Franklinton also boasts of the Bogue Chitto State Park which offers various leisure activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, and picnicking. Those who are fond of doing water activities can visit the Louisiana River Adventures to kayak, canoe, or tube on the Bogue Chitto River. They can also visit White Sands Beach, a family-friendly lake beach known for its pristine white sand. Visitors can rent a shaded cabana and engage in fun activities offered at the onsite aqua park such as the water slides, trampolines, and more. They can also rent a kayak or pedal boat.
Franklinton’s historic downtown district allows visitors to stroll and admire the architecture of historic buildings, such as the early 20th-century Washington Parish Courthouse. Those who want to try the taste of home-style Southern cooking can dine at one of Franklinton’s three charming cafés: the Bogue Chitto Café, the Red Brick Café, or Café Bouchee.
Conclusion
Knowing the six cozy towns in Louisiana offers a lot of benefits. As a tourist, this gives you the knowledge of where to go next when you visit the state of Louisiana and get the most out of your journey. However, when planning to relocate, this knowledge allows you to choose the best place to buy your dream home when you decide to start a new life in Louisiana.
But aside from knowing the cozy towns to relocate to, it is also important to select a reliable realtor to help you traverse Louisiana’s complex real estate market and provide expert advice in handling the homebuying process correctly.
