7 Adorable Small Towns In Louisiana

A part of America’s Deep South, the lovely “Bayou State” of Louisiana is one of the country’s most culturally splendid and naturally stunning places. Celebrated for its lively French and Cajun history, its unique geographic features, and, of course, its food and music, Louisiana is a veritable treat that all ages can appreciate. Although major centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge are the state’s best known, there are also a number of smaller, yet equally inviting communities here that showcase some of the best of the South in quieter, more relaxed settings. Indeed, whether one is looking to encounter fascinating American history or to unwind under the hot sun, these adorable Louisiana towns are the perfect destinations for one’s next holiday.

St. Francisville

Established in 1807, the charming and historic town of St. Francisville predates Louisiana’s admission to the Union by five years, ensuring that any guest will surely feel a time machine-like experience. Home to a humble population of just over 1,500 residents, this seat of West Feliciana Parish offers a slower pace of life amidst some of the American South’s most unique natural and cultural ambiences. Explore a variety of antebellum-style plantation houses typical of the mid-19th century, and even tour the grounds of such properties as The Myrtles and the Rosedown Plantation Historic Site. Meanwhile, at the Audubon State Historic Site, in addition to the plantation home, one can marvel at the lush greenery, pretty gardens, and other tree and plant life that is typical of the Deep South. And with hot summers and warm winters, there is really never a bad time to spend time in St. Francisville.

Add in a fine assortment of proudly run local eateries (particularly those specializing in Cajun cooking) and shops, and the Southern charm becomes apparent here. Truly delicious meals await at the Francis Southern Table & Bar and the Magnolia Café, amongst others. Finally, with inviting events including a Christmas Tour of Antebellum Homes and the fall Yellow Leaf Arts and Music Festival, a fun sojourn in St. Francisville is never far away for all ages.

Covington

A great place to spend a weekend getaway, Covington lies beautifully along the confluence of the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya Rivers. Home to a modern population of just over 11,500 inhabitants, this scenic community can trace its foundational roots to the early 1800s, and today it serves as the seat of St. Tammany Parish. An awesome destination to enjoy some of Louisiana’s finest natural splendors, guests will find plenty of outdoor fun under the hot Southern sun. Go picnicking and cycling at Bogue Falaya Wayside Park, marvel at the greenery and the gazebos at Columbia Street Landing Park, and of course, try one’s hand at fishing at the Rivers. And at the nearby Fairview Riverside State Park, additional chances to see some of the State’s best wildlife make for quite the special moments, while portions of the Tammany Trace bike trail cross through town.

Finally, Covington offers visitors of all ages plenty of cultural allure, and events like the springtime Antiques & Uniques Festival, Christmas in Covington, and the Columbia Street Block Party (running every Friday from March to October) will be sure to make time here a memorable one. From there, enjoy the tasty dishes at The Chimes Covington, while LouLa’s Gift Shop is never short on the perfect souvenir.

Abbeville

Abbeville was founded by a French missionary around 1850, and today this seat of Vermilion Parish maintains a modest population of just under 11,000. Just a short 30-minute drive from the city of Lafayette, the historic Abbeville transports guests back to the 19th century with its many preserved landmarks, of which there are numerous listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend time in the Downtown Historic District and the Residential Historic District and explore properties like the St. Mary Magdalen Church (1911) and the Lyons House (1890), to name a few.

Furthermore, with hot temperatures throughout much of the year, guests will never find a shortage of opportunities to simply enjoy the outdoors. Visit the nearby Vermilion Birding Loop and observe stunning local species of Louisiana wildlife, or go cycling, camping, and hiking at the Palmetto Island State Park. And of course, do not forget about the lovely Vermilion River that runs through the downtown, where scenic boat rides and special bayou vistas are sure to be the highlight of any afternoon.

Minden

Seat of Webster Parish in northern Louisiana, the adorable town of Minden offers tourists plenty of outdoor beauty and cultural charm. Founded by German pioneers in the 1830s, just under 12,000 residents call this cute community home today, where hot temperatures are the norm for much of the year. Relax at the Caney Lakes Recreation Area within the Kisatchie National Forest, where camping, boating, swimming, cycling, and hiking are always popular amidst undisturbed and serene nature.

Meanwhile, for the history lover, be sure to spend a day at the insightful Germantown Colony Museum and its look into Minden’s pioneer past. Learn more about the settlers of the area and explore the preserved log structures that were a staple of the mid-1800s. And to end (or start) the day in Minden, be sure to try the town’s tasty meals at any number of locally run eateries, specializing in everything from seafood to European cuisine. These include Acadiana Seafood, Five Bros Grill, and Roma Italian Bistro, amongst many more, always ready to welcome guests.

Farmerville

Near the border with Arkansas and the seat of Union Parish, the town of Farmerville is a most picturesque community offering a quiet and relaxing ambience. Home to just over 3,000 residents, Farmerville is scenically situated along the Lake D’Arbonne Reservoir, a popular boating and fishing spot. Indeed, in addition to the aforementioned activities, guests can enjoy pretty campgrounds, panoramic cycling trails, tennis courts, and, of course, chances to see some of Northern Louisiana’s finest wildlife.

For the history-minded visitor, back in town proper, be sure to spend time at the Union Museum of History and Art, which chronicles the people and history of Union Parish and this region of the State. From Native American artifacts to modern exhibits, this is definitely the most informative and fun activity for all ages. And do not forget about the summer Louisiana Watermelon Festival that brings everyone together for some very special moments. Enjoy parades, live music, vendors, beauty pageants, and naturally loads of opportunities to eat watermelons, this is a most refreshing and amusing way to enjoy being in Farmerville.

Abita Springs

Abita Springs lies less than an hour away from New Orleans, making it a great option for a day trip from the “Big Easy.” With a modest population of just over 2,600, this quiet town is indeed a great destination to enjoy the unique scenic beauty that is Louisiana in a less crowded ambience. Enjoy the hot climate of the “Bayou State”, while an afternoon at the lovely Abita Springs Park never disappoints. Go picnicking, cycling, hiking, and even get soaked at the splash parks, which are sure to delight not just the kids! Then there is the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum (with free admission), which celebrates the history of St. Tammany Parish, the indigenous peoples, the pioneer settlers, and important milestones like the arrival of the railroad.

Finally, being a small town, one can expect a friendly assortment of proudly run local businesses always ready to greet visitors with a smile. Enjoy some pub fare and beers at the Abita Brew Pub, while great breakfast and seafood dishes await at the Abita Springs Café. From there, browse through the goods at the Farmers Market, and let the Southern charm shine brilliantly.

Grand Isle

Situated on the barrier island of the same name in the Gulf of Mexico, the town of Grand Isle lies at the mouth of Barataria Bay. One of Louisiana’s most scenically stunning communities, just 1,000 permanent residents call this seaside jewel home. An adorable and breathtaking place to simply relax and forget about one’s troubles, year-round hot temperatures make Grand Isle an ideal spot for a getaway. Enjoy sunny days and chances to go swimming, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, and leisurely strolls along the charming beach sides. Marvel at awesome ocean views at the Bridge Side Marina, rent a boat, or try some of the best in Cajun cooking and seafood. There is never a shortage of fun and scenic delights in Grand Isle.

Try the offerings at the Starfish and Hurricane Hole Restaurants, while cute gift shops and other local businesses dot the landscape. Finally, if visiting in spring, be sure to take in the sights of the very special Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration! Watch in awe as species like shorebirds and songbirds descend on the Island, while fun birding and boat tours are a thrill for all ages.

Louisiana’s Small Towns Shine

When travelling through the “Deep South” of the United States, the awesome State of Louisiana is surely a destination not to be missed. Featuring unique natural settings, special cultural allure, and loads of fascinating history, the “Bayou State” is a veritable delight for guests of all ages and backgrounds. But while the city of New Orleans continues to attract the most attention, there are also a number of smaller, adorable towns in Louisiana that are every bit as worthy of a first-hand exploration. From the island beauty of Grand Isle, the historic centers of Abbeville and St. Francisville, to the scenic splendor of Covington, these charming small towns showcase some of the very best of the State that is often overlooked by those who focus on the larger urban centers. So wait no more and come visit the great State of Louisiana, where you can spend time in these adorable towns and create outstanding memories on an extraordinary vacation outing.