7 Most Walkable Town Centers In Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its Creole culture, Cajun food, and French-infused influence, all of which have shaped its history. The architecture, the way people talk, and the way they treat each other all contribute to a culture that is distinctly its own. From the Big Easy to the swamps and the many small towns scattered across the state, there is always something happening in Louisiana, and in these small towns, you can easily experience it on foot. There are small towns where historic battles were fought, strawberries and crawfish reign supreme, and old-style Creole architecture mixes with modern-day ranch-style neighborhoods.
Read on for 7 of the most walkable town centers in Louisiana.
Natchitoches
Located along the Cane River Lake, Natchitoches is the perfect place for a waterside walk. The fresh-air breeze fills your lungs as you move, making you feel at peace with your surroundings. The town is home to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwestern Louisiana History Museum on Front Street, which branches right off the main strip, Lafayette Street. It’s a favorite of history and sports fans alike. With a constant flow of new exhibits, each visit is a new experience.
The town gets decked out during the holidays by hosting the Natchitoches Christmas Festival with over 300,000 lights and 100-plus set pieces, a true spectacle for the eyes. It’s fun for the whole family with kid-friendly events, live entertainment, and galas.
An easy stroll away, you'll find the Old Courthouse, a landmark in the community. Built in 1896, it is both an architectural and historical wonder. Just steps away is the Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church, arguably the most visually stunning building in town.
Covington
An hour drive from New Orleans lies a beautiful little town where not a single blade of grass looks out of place. Covington is a mix of modern ranch-style homes and delicate shops blended with larger strips of old-style colonial architecture. The Southern Hotel on Boston Street is the perfect example of the type of rich architecture you’ll see in this town. It has a history of hospitality dating back to 1907, and can be a special spa retreat to this day.
Two blocks away is the Smith H J General Store and Museum, which makes you feel like you’re walking into an old-style saloon, with unique items from the past and the present to see and purchase. For a fun family break, the Insta-gator Ranch and Hatchery is another stop to add some fun memories to your trip.
As for dinner and drinks, Bear's Restaurant is about a 10-minute walk away from Boston Street and is famous for its roast beef Po’boy sandwiches and red cream sodas. If you're in search of a pint, The Abita Brewery Company proudly brews craft beers that are available on rotating taps at the Covington Beer Gardens.
Breaux Bridge
Known as the Crawfish Capital of the World, Breaux Bridge is not only an amazing place to taste authentic Cajun food (especially during the annual Crawfish festival), but it’s also a great place to take a walk. Walking through Veterans Memorial Park and across The Bridge, a steel span-bridge that was reconstructed in the 1950’s to replace the original 1799 bridge that gave birth to the name of the town, you’ll feel history beneath your feet.
Besides crawfish, other local stomach-pleasing delights include Angelle's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers on Bridge Street, a cool, colorful, shanty-looking shack. Around the corner on Main Street, less than a block away, lies St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church. It was built in the 1930s and has gorgeous architecture, definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Less than a 5-minute walk from there is the Cajun Market Donut Co., another spot with cool architecture and great donuts. It has a mid-century look with an illuminated neon hanging sign and a Las Vegas-esque mural on the side of the building. It’s a great spot to snap a picture.
Gretna
Oak-lined avenues up and down suburban streets greet you in Gretna as you make your way to the Heritage Home Welcome Center, where you can discover the history of the town. From here, walk to the heart of the town center, about 10 minutes away, to see the mighty Mississippi River. Lafayette Street leads to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a wondrous marvel erected in 1926, and the accompanying Hook and Ladder Cemetery. Above-ground tombs are the final resting place of brave firefighters who served at the David Crockett Firehouse down the street.
End your walk with a stop at Cafe 615 Home of Da Wabbit, and indulge in their signature dish: a delicious hamburger steak.
Abita Springs
A small town center clustered with pavilions and a park, Abita Springs is ideal for family day trips or a romantic evening walk. Watching the sunset with your lover and enjoying dinner at Abita Springs Cafe, followed by a peaceful stroll west down level street, a few blocks away at the Abita Brew Pub, which has been serving beers for over 30 years. It features craft beers made from the water of the local springs, supplied by the Abita Springs Brewery. It’s a great spot to enjoy a pint and listen to live music (bands play every Friday and Saturday evening).
For more health-conscious, family-friendly activities, a walk in Abita Springs Park is a soothing, summertime experience. Other fun family destinations include Abita Mystery House /USM Museum, and Mama D’s Pizza, a nice little family-run pizza joint that has been serving homemade pizza goodness for years, which is conveniently located downtown, a few blocks away from the Abita Brew pub.
Ponchatoula
Unique among other small towns in Louisiana, Ponchatoula is known as the Strawberry Capital of the World. It is home to the annual Strawberry Festival, which takes place every spring. With strong agricultural ties, because of its rich soil, perfect for growing crops, Ponchatoula has a reputation for producing all sorts of fresh fruits and veggies. You can find all of nature's goodness available at the Farmers Market in the downtown core.
Beyond produce, there are several great eateries where you can order crawfish, jambalaya, meat pies, and of course, strawberry pies. Places that are all within blocks of each other downtown include the upscale Roux & Brew Seafood and Steak, or Paul’s Cafe, which serves local fare in a casual dining atmosphere. It is also home to a host of boutiques and antique shops, like Time & Again Collectables and CJ’s Antiques and Collectables. From the quaint shops to the tasty berries, Ponchatoula is a sweet treat for a retreat.
Thibodaux
French-inspired Creole architecture exudes sophistication; you’ll feel it when you hit the streets of Thibodaux and walk by places like E.D White Historic Site on St. Mary Street, a classic plantation home with beautiful southern architecture on Bayou Lafourche. You may even find yourself wanting to pick up fancier clothes to fit in with your surroundings, which you can if you make your way into downtown for boutiques like LUCO Boutique and Chic Chateau Interiors and Gifts.
As night takes over the town, the lights underneath the overhanging galleries glow into the street, piercing through the evening air to create a warm, soothing feeling. It’s the perfect backdrop for sultry summer night walks through Philip St, as lively crowds stop at local bars, like Rene’s Bar and Rox’s Bar, two bars right beside each other. The Red Goose Saloon is also a great place nearby to enjoy a cocktail.
Strawberries, Crawfish, Festivals, and More
When it comes to a stress-free vacation, big city lights usually pale in comparison to small town delights. These Louisiana towns are laidback with unique historical architecture, food, and family-friendly festivals. Relaxation reigns supreme; you won’t have to worry about overcrowding as you navigate easy streets and experience real southern hospitality.
