6 Standout Main Streets In Louisiana
There are few states as wild and untamed as Louisiana, nor simultaneously more hospitable. For every seemingly endless place of exploration, be it a bayou or an ocean, there are an equal number of delightful towns with thriving atmospheres and unique main streets. So while Louisiana's allure pushes and pulls in all directions, this list focuses on the six most interesting main roads in the state and explores all that they have to offer.
Covington
Artsy and saturated with untouched history, Covington is a warm and welcoming town anyone would be glad to visit. Many of its historic downtown streets remain almost unchanged today as they were over a hundred years ago, but its busiest street is 21st Street. Divided into East and West, this roadway also turns into East Boston Street, which is arguably the most historic and beautiful street in the town. Here, visitors can find The Dakota, an upscale restaurant specializing in local Louisiana cuisine, and the Southern Hotel, established in 1907 and retaining much of its original decor and hospitality.
Branching off from East Boston Street, tourists can discover all the art and beauty for which Covington is known. The nearby Marianne Angeli Rodriquez Gallery is a local favorite, as is its neighbor across the road, St. Tammany Art Association, which offers workshops along with collections and region-specific exhibits. For those seeking a sophisticated and cultured exploration into the best that Louisiana has to share, Covington is the perfect place to visit.
Natchitoches
Front Street is the scenic main drag of this historical town. It provides easy access to the Cane River, where visitors can embark on a leisurely ride on the Cane River Queen or hire a kayak from the Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports to enjoy some active time on the water. The Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the state's oldest general store, is also located on Front Street and offers a wide range of products, including hardware, housewares, local handicraft items, and Christmas items.
Another important lane, Second Street, runs through the heart of historic downtown Natchitoches and features the Chateau St. Denis Hotel, a French Creole brick building where visitors can find Lounge 1714, a perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a meal after a long day of exploring the surrounding historic area. Visitors can also try out the famous Natchitoches meat pie at Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant, also on 2nd Street.
Nearby, visitors can find the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a beautiful 19th-century building that is part of the Natchitoches Historic District. A short distance away, the Steel Magnolia House, built in the 1800s, is a bed and breakfast overlooking the scenic Cane River.
Eunice
Much of Eunice's culture is rooted in Cajun heritage. One of the most iconic landmarks in Eunice is the Cajun Music Hall of Fame & Museum, located on Duson Street, which is a continuation of the main highway that runs through the town. The Museum seeks to preserve and showcase the history of the region's unique music. Next door to the Cajun Music Museum is another attraction, the Eunice Depot Museum. Housed in a restored train depot, this museum has exhibits and collections that depict the lifestyles of Eunice's earliest settlers. Intersecting with Duson Street, visitors are encouraged to explore the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center on Park Avenue. The Center also explores the diverse history of race and culture in Eunice's beginnings, offering cooking demonstrations, live music, and dance performances. For authentic Cajun cuisine, Laurel Avenue offers the best choice of restaurants, including The New Ronnie's Cajun Cafe and the Crispy Cajun of Eunice.
Houma
Located deep in the bayou, Houma is a town surrounded by some of the most unique topography and wilderness in the country. This town offers a perfect opportunity to explore the wondrous waterways of the bayou, and Cajun Boats & Floats, located on Main Street, is the ideal place to rent kayaks or book a pedal boat ride, allowing you to journey at your own pace. Not to be outdone, Park Avenue, which runs parallel to Main, comes with its own attractions. Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum offers not just revolving exhibitions showcasing the history and nature of the area, but also provides live Cajun music on Tuesdays. Wilson's Crawfish House is one of many local restaurants that serve a variety of delicious seafood dishes.
If you happen to visit at the right time of year, the Houma Blackberry Festival takes place on Main Street every summer. This family-friendly event raises funds for those in need and features musical performances, kids' activities, craft vendors, and, of course, a variety of food options made with local blackberries.
Breaux Bridge
Deemed the Crawfish Capital of the World, Breaux Bridge is a hub of delicacy and delight. While there is a Main Street, the centralization of restaurants and bars can be found on Rees Street, where the most authentic Cajun cuisine awaits, with the languid Bayou Teche just blocks away. Crazy Bout Crawfish prides itself on locally caught and farm-raised ingredients. Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers offers unique seasoning blends on a variety of crawfish dishes, as well as their many seafood boilers, which feature several different kinds of crab. Not to be outdone, Fat Pat's Breaux Bridge is a family-owned local favorite, delivering everything from fresh seafood to juicy burgers. The park of bridges of Breaux Bridge (Parc des Ponts Breaux) nearby is home to the town's first footbridge, which was built in 1855. Today, it has been redesigned as an open-air stage for cultural performances as well as a fishing pier. The Snake Sculpture in this park is also a popular attraction.
Franklin
With over four hundred registered historic homes to its name, and neighboring the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, visitors to the town of Franklin have plenty to experience. Like Breaux Bridge, many of the establishments located on Main Street look upon Bayou Teche, ensuring that tourists experience Louisiana at its most authentic, regardless of their pursuits. For those interested in historical landmarks, visitors here can see the site of the town's historic port of entry and trade center dating back to the early 1800s. Like many of the other towns on this list, Franklin is no exception when it comes to delicious eats. Farther down on Main, one can find Raisa Seafood, a local, comfortable, and flavorful spot. Forest Restaurant serves bold Cajun and Creole dishes, including stuffed crabs and specialty gumbos, in a cozy setting.
Explore Louisiana Today
In Louisiana, travelers will find nature to explore, historic architecture to admire, and countless restaurants serving traditional local seafood. Whether it’s the lively eateries along Rees Street in Breaux Bridge or the cultural museums on Duson Street in Eunice, each small town offers its own charm. With so many attractions packed along these main streets, there truly is something for every kind of visitor.
