Louisiana

These 8 Towns in Louisiana Have Bustling Main Streets

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2024

These 8 Towns in Louisiana Have Bustling Main Streets

New Orleans, often called the “Big Easy,” is famous for its vibrant live music scene, round-the-clock nightlife, street parties, parades, and fiery Southern cuisine along Bourbon Street. However, the real charm of Louisiana lies in its towns, each offering a unique and intriguing experience. From a shopping mecca in the heart of downtown West Monroe to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Roads to the rich Zydeco music scene in Opelousas, these towns have bustling main streets waiting to be discovered.

Natchitoches

Downtown Natchitoches in the autumn on a sunny day. Editorial credit: VioletSkyAdventures / Shutterstock.com

The historic town of Natchitoches is tucked away along the picturesque Cane River. Along Front Street, in downtown Natchitoches, is Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile, Louisiana’s oldest general store, selling everything from home goods to gifts. For something to eat, Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood offers a delightful experience with premium steaks and seafood in addition to the finest wines. Head to Mama’s Oyster House for a laid-back dining atmosphere and live music. Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, famous for its signature meat pies, is a short walk away. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum along Front Street are two incredible museums you will want to check out. For more nearby exploration, take a relaxing riverboat ride on the Cane River Queen. Residents and visitors retreat downtown for annual events like the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival and the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, offering festive fun during the holiday season.

New Iberia

Main Street is one of the most bustling areas in New Iberia. It is home to the Bayou Teche Museum, a beautiful attraction with interactive displays highlighting local industries and culture. Another must-visit place to explore is Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historic plantation open year-round for tours. Books Along the Teche, an independent bookstore on Main Street, allows book lovers to discover rare books and more. The Sliman Theatre for the Performing Arts, housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, is the perfect place to see a show. Downtown New Iberia has many excellent places to eat and drink, too. Grab a coffee at Church Alley Cafe & Bistro, order delicious burgers at Bambino’s Burgers, have an elegant dinner at Amalfi, enjoy Japanese dishes at Bojangles Sushi, or sip on cocktails while listening to live music at Napoleon’s Bar. New Iberia hosts several community events at Bouligny Plaza, located along Main Street, hosts events, such as the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff, Teche Area Farmers Market, New Iberia Spanish Festival, and Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival.

West Monroe

West Monroe’s downtown, known as Antique Alley, has evolved to offer a unique and exciting shopping experience. The streets of Antique Alley are lined with trendy boutiques and unique stores selling everything from fashionable clothing and leather goods to gourmet spices and teas. After a day of shopping, enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants with beautiful views of the Ouachita River. With its signature Cajun specialties, Trapp’s is a popular dining destination. For a taste of New York-style pizza and craft beers, head to Flying Heart Brewing & Pub. West Monroe’s Main Street is the central hub for major events like the Twin Cities Mardi Gras Kickoff and the Downtown Gallery Crawl, adding to the city’s unique charm.

Covington

With multiple blocks of stores, galleries, boutiques selling apparel, and the well-known Covington Farmers Markets on Saturdays, there are many things to see and do in downtown Covington. While there, explore the renovated Southern Hotel after stopping by the St. Tammany Art Association to see exciting exhibits and art displays. Museums like the Covington Trailhead Museum and HJ Smith & Sons General Store & Museum are also must-visit attractions downtown. Buster’s Place Restaurant is a great dining option with its extensive menu of fresh seafood and Cajun dishes available for lunch or dinner. The Green Room, a vibrant bar on Boston Street, provides the perfect setting for a fun evening with pool tables, karaoke, live music, and a DJ. Boston Pub is another lively spot to drink and hear jukebox tunes. Enjoy live music at Columbia Street Landing, which hosts free concerts during the spring and fall. It is also the site of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival.

St. Francisville

The lovely historic downtown St. Francviile has dozens of enjoyable eateries and shops to discover along its bustling main streets. On Commerce Street, dine on Neapolitan pizzas at Big River Pizza Company or French dip po-boys at Magnolia Café. Birdman Coffee & Books, also located on Commerce Street, offers an inviting atmosphere with coffee and baked goods on the menu alongside live music. There is also a restaurant and bar inside the charming St. Francisville Inn. Stroll down Ferdinand Street to get close views of historic churches, homes, and attractions, like the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum. Continue down the street to reach the Backwoods Gallery, District Mercantile, and The Oyster Bar, a beautiful waterfront dining destination. The roads in downtown St. Francisville get lively with annual events like the Tunica Hills Music Festival & Jam, Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, and Christmas in the Country.

New Roads

New Roads, known as “Little Carnival Capital,” is a huge mecca for parades and parties on Main Street during Mardi Gras season. Large crowds also retreat downtown for wine, shopping, and live music at the annual Wine Down on the False River event. New Roads offers ample shopping opportunities for those needing retail therapy in the heart of its downtown district. A stop at the New Roads Antique Mall is a must for rare finds and collectibles. The Pointe Mercantile & More is another ideal place to browse handcrafted artisan items and gifts. There are also fabulous places to eat in the area. Morel’s Restaurant offers seafood dishes, Southern hospitality, and beautiful views of the stunning False River. For other dining options, Ma Mama’s Kitchen and Hot Tails Restaurant serve up Louisiana-style fare in a casual atmosphere. Explore the art and cultural scene at the Julien Poydras Museum & Arts Center. Make plans to attend an art show, film screening, or a concert there.

Opelousas

Downtown Opelousas offers an authentic Louisiana experience deeply influenced by Cajun and Creole traditions. The Le Vieux Village Heritage Park & Museum is a noteworthy destination, as the historic area has early 19th-century houses, shops, and a fascinating museum. The Zydeco Music Exhibit in Le Vieux Village provides information about the origins of Zydeco music in Opelousas. The Creole Heritage Folklife Center, a short drive away, is a landmark that honors Creole heritage. Local eateries offer gumbo, shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. Local eateries offer gumbo, shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. You will also find some establishments known for specialties like boudin stuffed chicken wings or handmade yam country pies.

Breaux Bridge

Nestled among the picturesque banks of the Bayou Teche, Breaux Bridge is a charming town just two hours west of New Orleans. Stroll downtown to find dining establishments like Tante Marie on the corner of Main Street and Bridge Street. You can order everything from build-your-own-breakfast plates and beignets to bold burgers and Cajun dishes. Coffee lovers can also find Irish coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos on the menu. On the weekends, live music fills the room while you dine. Chez Jacqueline has seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée, while Angelle’s, a few steps down, serves up old-fashioned hamburgers. Buck & Johnny’s, another option, offers eclectic Italian dishes with Cajun flair. Shop for antiques and collectible items every Friday and Saturday at Silver Screen Vintage Market on Main Street. You will also find stylish attire at Bayou Blush Boutique and Once Upon A Wing. The town’s lively side is on display at the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of May.

You may have had New Orleans on your travel bucket list for quite some time due to its scenic views, history, and fantastic music. However, after reading about West Monroe, New Roads, Opelousas, and the five other Louisiana towns on this list, you will soon want to visit them to experience each of their bustling main streets and everything they have to offer, including great food at local restaurants.

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Louisiana

National Guard deployment in New Orleans extended for six months

Published

12 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

National Guard deployment in New Orleans extended for six months

NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana National Guard announced Monday that 120 troops will remain deployed in New Orleans through August.

The six-month extension comes after 350 Guard members deployed to New Orleans in late December, in the run-up to New Year’s and other high-profile events like the Sugar Bowl. The troops, which had mainly clustered in the city’s historic French Quarter, had been scheduled to depart in the aftermath of Mardi Gras.

New Orleans is one of several Democrat-run cities, such as Washington and Memphis, Tennessee, where the federal government deployed armed troops under the administration of President Donald Trump. Hundreds of federal agents also converged on Louisiana in December as part of a separate immigration crackdown in and around New Orleans.

During his State of the Union address last week, Trump touted the deployment in New Orleans as a “big success.” In January, Trump credited the troops with reducing the city’s violent crime within a week of their deployment. City police data shows violent crime rates have significantly declined over the past three years in parallel with national trends.

According to a press statement from the Louisiana National Guard, the remaining guard members will serve as a “visible presence to deter criminal activity in New Orleans.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat who initially opposed the deployment, said that the troops would benefit the city in the coming weeks. She pointed out that National Guard troops had assisted the city during last year’s Mardi Gras in the aftermath of a vehicle-ramming attack in the French Quarter that killed 14 people on New Year’s Day.

“I continue to support the partnership with the LA National Guard to assist in our major events and there are several coming up in the next few weeks,” Moreno said in a statement.

While Moreno did not address which events she referred to, visitors flock to New Orleans in the spring for events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican and staunch Trump ally, requested the deployment of the National Guard last September, citing rising violent crime rates in New Orleans despite the data showing crime was down.

“This continued deployment will help us combat violence in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana,” Landry wrote on the social platform X on Monday, noting Louisiana had also sent National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., last year.

Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Landry, said the federal government would cover the cost of the extended deployment. She did not respond to a question about whether Guard members would be deployed outside New Orleans.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, said in a statement the troops had already worked closely with other city, state and federal agencies to improve public safety during a stretch of high-profile events in the city, including the flood of visitors over Mardi Gras and the city’s carnival season.

“We remain committed to those partnerships as we continue supporting efforts to keep the City of New Orleans safe for residents and visitors,” Friloux said.

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Louisiana

Jury selection begins Monday in one of Louisiana’s largest auto insurance fraud cases

Published

24 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Jury selection begins Monday in one of Louisiana’s largest auto insurance fraud cases

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Jury selection begins Monday in what prosecutors describe as one of the largest auto insurance fraud cases in Louisiana history, with two local attorneys set to stand trial on charges that include fraud and obstruction of justice.

Attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles are accused in an alleged scheme in which drivers — referred to as “slammers” — were paid to intentionally crash into 18-wheelers, file injury lawsuits and allow attorneys to collect the settlements. Both have pleaded not guilty.

63 people have been charged in the case. Many have already pleaded guilty. Motta and Giles are being tried together.

Criminal defense attorney Craig Mordock, who is not directly involved in the case but has been following it closely, said the scope of the litigation is significant.

“You have 10 years of personal injury cases and almost… almost a billion dollars in recovery. That’s all at issue,” Mordock said. “So yeah, this could go two to three weeks.”

Motta’s defense team has advanced a narrative that she was manipulated by a co-defendant.

“There is a compelling narrative that’s been advanced by Vanessa Motta’s lawyer in terms of her being manipulated by one of the co-defendants… about being manipulated by him and him having a prior federal conviction for fraud,” Mordock said.

Motta’s team originally claimed she did not know the crashes were staged. In 2024, her team told FOX 8 she is the victim.

Mordock said Giles faces a more difficult defense.

“I don’t see a favorable juror for one of the other lawyer defendants, Jason Giles. There’s not a clear theory of innocence. This is basically a standard white-collar prosecution where knowledge and intent are going to be the issue,” Mordock said.

The case carries what Mordock described as a shadow. In September 2020, key witness Cornelious Garrison was killed in New Orleans four days after his name appeared in an indictment. Garrison’s admitted killer, Ryan Harris, is expected to testify.

The judge in the case is also allowing the slain witness’s recorded descriptions of the alleged scheme to be admitted at trial.

Mordock said Louisiana drivers have a direct stake in the outcome.

“As your average Louisianan, the idea would be you would save… because the people committing this fraud have been wrapped up. The insurance companies are going to know how to look for this,” Mordock said.

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Louisiana

Pervy mayor’s kids told cops that they caught her romping with teen boy at boozy pool party

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Pervy mayor’s kids told cops that they caught her romping with teen boy at boozy pool party

The children of a disgraced Louisiana mayor told cops that they both caught their mom fooling around with a 16-year-old boy at a boozy pool party, according to video played at her rape trial.

Misty Roberts, the 43-year-old former head of DeRidder, Louisiana — population 9,8000 — faces a charge of third-degree rape over the 2024 incident.

Roberts’ son told investigators in an interview played for jurors that he saw his mom having sex with his pal through a crack in a window.

Misty Roberts is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old boy in 2024.

But, when asked about his recollection, he demurred — telling the court he wasn’t exactly sure what he saw that night, according to KPLC.

The jury also reviewed pictures from the party, which showed kids holding drinks as well as a photograph of Roberts and the victim that prosecutors described as “lewd.”

That picture showed Roberts at the party in her bikini, with the teen victim looking up at her smiling.

Roberts’ son texted his mom that night, incredulous about what was happening, and told her that his sister was crying, according to messages presented by prosecutors.

“He is seventeen,” the son texted Roberts.

The boy was later confirmed to be 16 years old, according to KPLC.

Roberts’ daughter also took the stand while prosecutors played her interview with detectives, in which she said she saw her mom and the boy “on top of each other” that night.

The former mayor’s nephew also admitted he tried to sneak a peek — using his phone to try and get a peek at what was going on in the room. He testified that he wasn’t sure if he hit “record” — but if he did said he never sent it to anybody.

Roberts was in her second term as mayor when she resigned. 7 KPLC

None of the three witnesses who testified said they saw the “private parts” of Roberts and the victim. The teen boy, they noted though, was shirtless.

After the alleged tryst, the victim’s mother texted Roberts to ensure that she was not pregnant, to which she replied she was on birth control. Roberts shared a screenshot of that message to a group chat with her friends, who urged her to take Plan B.

A DoorDash driver testified that he delivered an emergency contraceptive to Roberts’ house, which he recognized from trick-or-treating with his children there.

In other texts shown in court, Roberts asked her son what kind of alcohol her son and other kids wanted for the party.

Days after police launched their investigation into the alleged crime, Roberts resigned as mayor of DeRidder, a city of just under 10,000 people about 20 miles east of the Texas border.

Roberts was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.

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