Louisiana’s Best Roadside Attractions? See If You Agree
Let's give credit where credit is due. The folks at NOLA.com have a very interesting piece on their website called "See the best roadside attractions in all 64 Louisiana parishes". They even put pictures and everything.
As I scrolled through the piece I realized that I don't agree with their choices. What would you say the best roadside attraction in Acadia Parish was? Their choice was the Rice Theater. It's nice, that's for sure but just a few blocks down the street is the Grand Opera House of the South. I know, it's like picking a favorite child, isn't it?
How about for Lafayette Parish? The NOLA piece opted to go drinking with Parish Brewing Company in Broussard. Again, the choice isn't a bad choice but since I don't drink I would simply have to stand outside the doors and keep my AA sponsor on speed dial. My choice? Lafayette Jockey Lot Flea Market, that's an attraction. You could make a day just people watching.
Iberia Parish, they opted for Shadows on the Teche as their choice. I won't argue.
St. Martin Parish the NOLA writers opted for the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic site. Okay, no argument from me on that one either.
In St. Landry Parish the choice was Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. If there was live horse racing at the time I'd agree but the vibe is certainly a lot different when the ponies aren't running. I'd opt for the Opelousas Farmers Market. It's good food, good friends, and a good time every time. I also have trouble picking winning horses at the track so I guess I hold a grudge.
For Vermilion Parish the writers chose the Gueydan Museum. It looks really spooky in the photo they used. My personal preference would be Magdalen Square in Abbeville though. It's a peaceful, beautiful, looks like Louisiana, kind of a place.
The bottom line is this. There are places to go and things to see right here in our own backyard. If money is tight, you can always visit some of these great places and see what you've never seen before.