Knowing some of the best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana, is very rewarding, and this could make a living in the town more meaningful. Also, if you live elsewhere and plan to visit Ponchatoula, knowing these exciting options guarantees you’ll get the most out of your trip.
However, if you still don’t have an idea where is Ponchatoula Louisiana, you should do extensive research about the area. But to help you, we’ve included below a brief description of Ponchatoula Louisiana.
Ponchatoula, Louisiana: A Quick Overview
The town of Ponchatoula in Louisiana is the second-largest city in Tangipahoa Parish. It has an elevation of 26 feet with a total area of about 4.2 square miles which is all land. Also, Ponchatoula is located along Louisiana Highway 22 and Interstate 55. As such, travelling from Ponchatoula to Baton Rouge or New Orleans is very convenient.
Based on the 2020 United States Census data, the town of Ponchatoula has a total population of 7,822 individuals, 2863 households, and 1,726 families. The town was quite popular during the 1900s as it was one of the two ways to reach the city of New Orleans by land, and thus, it earned the moniker “Gateway to New Orleans” in that period.
Now that some of Ponchatoula’s essential features are already provided, you’ll most likely know where this beautiful town is located and how to get there fast. As such, we can devote the following section to providing information regarding the top 5 things to do in Ponchatoula, La.
What are the Best Things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana?
The town of Ponchatoula is an ideal place if you are planning to relocate and start a new life. This beautiful and charming rural town near New Orleans has a lot of exciting things to offer, such as a wonderful historic district, antique shopping spots, and farms.
Furthermore, Ponchatoula is also known as the “Strawberry Capital of the World” and guarantees to provide charming and scenic day trips to those who want to visit the town and unwind.
1. Stroll Around Town
One of the simplest yet the best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana is to stroll around town. This is because the place is home to many scenic and beautiful spots reminiscent of those seen in some of the popular Hallmark movies.
You can start strolling around at the Ponchatoula Market to check out or purchase some of the handmade collectibles and crafts offered for sale in the area. Also, you will most likely find something interesting in the area, filled with booths that the vendors rent to sell their products, such as candles, arts, and jewelry.
Aside from that, you can find other fascinating merchandise like homemade jellies, pickles jams, and clothes.
2. Visit Pappy’s Stowaway Café
The list of best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana will not be complete without paying Pappy’s Stowaway Café a visit. The place, which is located at 365 W Pine St, Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA, is quite popular in the area. It is known for its extensive selection of espresso and coffee drinks and its 30 existing flavor options.
Furthermore, Pappy’s Stowaway Café is frequented by many local residents and visitors because of its mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus. When you visit the place, you can start your meal with great coffee and try its tasty prawns, po’ boys, and roast beef together with their signature bread and bagels.
Pappy’s Stowaway Café is open for customers from Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm.
3. Check out the Antique Shops, Art Galleries, and Boutiques
After enjoying a sumptuous meal and a fantastic cup of coffee at Pappy’s, you can further expand your list of best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana, by going to some of the town’s boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries located in its country market.
Furthermore, you can buy some of the merchandise offered in these shops. Tourists usually buy things like homemade dolls, holiday decorations, hats, wood carvings, quilts, and scarves. The good thing is that the market is open to the public from Monday to Saturday (10 am – 5 pm) and Sunday (12 pm – 5 pm).
4. Stop By at Paul’s Café
Stopping by or dining at Paul’s Café is also regarded as one of the best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana. The place is not your ordinary café. And instead, it is viewed by many locals as one of the town’s most significant and historic establishments.
Paul’s Café was established in 1976 and has become a top option and a famous destination for locals and tourists since then. The café is known for serving one of the best-tasting fried prawns, shrimps, po’ boys, and hamburgers.
Also, the great-tasting daiquiri served at Paul’s Café is among the most popular drinks everyone wouldn’t want to miss, especially during the strawberry festival.
5. Visit Kliebert & Sons
Finally, you can complete your best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana list by visiting Kliebert & Sons, an alligator farm that has been in town since 1984. Aside from bringing one of the top tourist attractions in Ponchatoula, the farm has been active in raising the public’s awareness about American alligators and the best ways to help conserve their existence.
Furthermore, paying Kliebert & Sons a visit also allows you to see these wonderful reptiles up close and personal, or when you’re brave enough, you’ll be allowed to touch one. Additionally, the farm has a shop where you can purchase various merchandise such as shirts and other memorabilia.
Kliebert & Sons is presently located at 40511 West I- 55 Service Road, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, United States. It is open to the public from Monday to Saturday (11 am – 5 pm) and Sunday (12 pm – 5 pm). They collect an admission fee of $18 for adults (13 years & up) and $12 for children (3 years – 12 years). The kids aged two and below are free of charge. Discounts are also given to senior citizens, law enforcement, and military personnel upon the presentation of applicable IDs.
The Bottomline
Although many tourists and individuals looking for a new place to start a home would prefer to relocate to bigger cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Some still like a peaceful and quiet life in smaller towns in Louisiana. So, if you are planning to take a trip to unwind or start living in a scenic rural village, consider exploring the best things to do in Ponchatoula Louisiana, and decide whether relocating to this place is a good move or not.
