Louisiana

These 8 Towns in Louisiana Have Bustling Main Streets

Published

2 days 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

2024 Louisiana State Fair has cameras, new security measures

Published

6 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Press Room

2024 Louisiana State Fair has cameras, new security measures

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The rides are operating and the funnel cakes are frying. It’s the 2024 State Fair of Louisiana.

And hundreds of people made their way to the Louisiana State Fair Grounds in Shreveport on Wednesday (Oct. 30) to be a part of its first day.

This year, the State Fair is working with a new carnival ride operator, the same company that controls rides for the Texas State Fair in Dallas.

That’s not all that’s new/

If you are planning to visit this year’s fair, here’s your First Alert to a few security measures that have been put in place to help keep you and your family safe.

New this year, there’s a mandatory clear bag policy. Only clear bags will be allowed on the Fair Grounds.
Also, there is a heavy law enforcement presence with members of several agencies working around the clock to enforce safety.
Before entering the Fair Grounds, everyone must go through a security screening by walking through metal detectors.
And all youths and minors must be accompanied by an adult each day after 6 p.m.
In addition, there are dozens of new cameras and monitoring devices.

You have more than two weeks to come out and be a part of this year’s State Fair with its circus, dog show, magic shows, carnival rides, food and so much more entertainment for everyone.

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Louisiana

Louisiana high school graduation rate increased slightly in 2023, new data shows

Published

14 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Press Room

Louisiana high school graduation rate increased slightly in 2023, new data shows

A slightly larger share of Louisiana students graduated high school in 2023 than the year before, bringing the state’s overall graduation rate to 83.2%, state data shows.

That statewide rate is half a percentage point higher than the previous year, when 82.7% of the class of 2022 graduated. Students with disabilities saw a larger graduation rate increase, with 77.7% earning diplomas in 2023 — up 1.6 percentage points from a year earlier.

The statewide graduation rate in 2023 trails the percentage in 2020, when 84% of high school seniors earned diplomas after the state waived its requirement that students pass an exit exam to graduate.

In a statement Wednesday, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley praised educators and parents for the increase but noted that the state’s education leaders still have their work cut out for them.

“Even as we recognize this upward trend, we must remain focused on our true goal of ensuring all students graduate ready for a career, college or service,” he said. “I look forward to our continued work of adding increased value to a Louisiana diploma.”

In total, 40,930 Louisiana students graduated high school at the end of the 2022-23 school year, an increase of about 280 students from the previous year.

Louisiana Department of Education spokesman Ted Beasley said the state’s graduation data typically lags a year behind, which is why the 2023 rate is being released now. The one-year lag time in releasing the data will be eliminated after Louisiana adopts a new school-rating system next year, Beasley said.

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Louisiana

Rural Community Funding Summit connects Louisiana officials with state, federal resources

Published

21 hours ago

October 30, 2024

Press Room

Rural Community Funding Summit connects Louisiana officials with state, federal resources

Residents and government officials came together for a Rural Community Funding Summit in Rayne on Tuesday. The summit was made possible in part by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was passed.

Community members and local officials involved in the development of those communities met in the Rayne Civic Center Ballroom and learned of the resources available to them.

Cassidy said he hopes every town in Louisiana access dollars from the IIJA bill.

“When I travel to our state, I know there is a lot of need for sewer, and for water, for our ports, for broadband internet, for flood mitigation, coastal restoration, just go to different parts of the state, you can see what the needs are,” Cassidy said. “There are dollars in the infrastructure bill to help with these issues, and that is my goal.”

Richard Williams, deputy director of the Louisiana Municipal Association, was one of the officials on hand. He said the summit’s goal was to provide local governments, municipalities, parishes and local government units contact with agencies that can assist in providing funds needed to better their communities.

“We are trying to put together the people who have the money, with people who need the money,” Williams said. “The goal of this is for each municipality or local government to identify a grant or some grants that they can apply for.”

According to Williams, a grant, which is primarily federal money, is when the state or the federal government sets aside money for a particular purpose.

Chuck Robichaux, Mayor of Rayne, helped host the Rural Community Funding Summit. He said his goal is to let local officials know these agencies will be available.

“They will have support from the senator, and support from the LMA to help walk them through these programs, so they are more accustomed to it,” Robichaux said. “A lot of times, there are fears about what it takes to get a grant. They are going to take our hands and walk us through it.

Inside the Rayne Civic Center Ballroom, various organizations were on hand to provide information. Those booths included participants/funding opportunities for the following:

Broadband

Disaster Mitigation

Environmental & Agriculture

Technical Assistance with Grants

Water & Wastewater Systems

Buildings (Brick &Mortar)

Economic Development

Housing

Roads

Bigger cities like Lafayette or Rayne have grant writers who can help them request the necessary funds. But smaller cities may not have the assistance they need. Leslie Durham, executive director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation, also was on hand to answer grant questions.

If a mayor or a local official were to approach Durham, for instance, looking for funds to improve their town or city, she could help find the correct funds needed.

Durham said there are always hurdles for smaller comminutes. For the 33 percent that LITACorp is helping, she said they have not been applied for federal funds.

“There are hurdles that keeping them from doing that,” Durham said. “Maybe they don’t have their ability to apply for federal funds… are it is too difficult because they may not have a consultant or a grant writer and that is why we are all here.”

LITACorp is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that assists local governments with accessing federal grants to strengthen public infrastructure, according to its website.

Cassidy said it’s one thing to say the funds are out there, but it’s another to connect them with the resources. The money will be spent somewhere, and Cassidy said his goal is ultimately investing back into Louisiana.

“We are trying to help our communities,” Cassidy said. “Some people might be saying, ‘Should we be spending this money?’ Well one, it was paid for, and two, our tax dollars are going to pay it back.”

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