Stop by the ma’ and pa’ restaurant Boudreau & Thibodeau’s Cajun Cookin’ to fuel up for an afternoon of bayou exploration. Try the redfish courtbouillon in a spicy Cajun sauce with a side of fried okra. Humor is detailed throughout the restaurant –on the walls and menu — with jokes from Boudreau & Thibodeau’s, two well known characters in Cajun lore. Find humor in their many light-hearted mishaps that start with jokes told on the walls throughout the space.
Strolling the streets of Houma, you may recognize the Coca Cola mural painted on a downtown wall. It was featured in the 1999 film, “Crazy in Alabama.” The People’s Grocery Store, located near the courthouse, was used in the 2013 movie, “The Butler.” Heading toward Schriever, visit Magnolia Plantation, which appeared in “12 Years a Slave.” Unfortunately, Brad Pitt does not hang around the grounds for personal tours.
Understanding the landscape where you are traveling makes for a more enriching experience, especially when you are in a place with geography as unique as Louisiana’s. More than 65 percent of Terrebonne Parish is wetlands and open water. The interactive Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum acquaints you with the surrounding waters and local culture.
($2 for kids 2 – 14 years old; $3 for 15-plus years old). (7910 Park Ave, Houma, LA; (504) 580-7200)
With so many swamp tours to choose from, standing out from the rest is key. Which is why Cajun singer/songwriter Rob “Black” Guidry, owner of A Cajun Man’s Swamp Cruise, sings hilarious songs he crafted and also pulls out a secret trick to lure the gators. He uses chicken as bait, and gators jump from the water to snag a treat, allowing for a guaranteed wildlife spotting. You will also enjoy the bayou waters among hanging moss and snarled cypress trees.
(250 Marina Drive, Gibson, LA 70356; (985) 868-4625), will show wildlife residing in Louisiana’s swamps on a two-hour tour ($25 per adult; $15 for kids 12 and under).
Quirky elements of town are always fun to seek out. Chauvin Sculpture Garden about 30 minutes from Houma offers an experience you won’t find elsewhere. The reclusive artist Kenny Hill converted his bayou property into his own whimsical narrative of the world while also working as a bricklayer in the town of Chauvin. The property — named one of the top 25 sculpture gardens in the world — contains more than 100 sculptures interlacing Biblical references.
(No Admission. 5337 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin, LA 70377)
Dig deep into history at the Chitimacha Museum in Charenton where you will learn about Southern Louisiana’s original inhabitants. Known for their basket-weaving skills, Chitimacha translates to “People of the Many Waters.” The traditions of the tribal members are still held strong by newer generations. Many live on the reservation where the museum is located, where they have a grocery store, casino, health clinic, schools and more.
(No admission. 3289 Chitimacha Trail, Charenton, LA 70523; (337) 923-4830)
Discover how Southern elite lived in an 1837 Greek revival mansion on a tour of Oaklawn Manor. It’s furnished with bird carvings, European antiques and a massive John James Audubon collection. Built by Irishman Alexander Porter, the manor once was on a flourishing sugar plantation. The former governor of Louisiana, Mike Foster lives onsite and owns the mansion.
(Admission: $15 per adult; $10 children & students; Group Rates Available for 10 or more; 3296 Oaklawn Drive, Franklin, LA 70538; (337) 828-0434)
You can view nearly 420 structures that are on the National Register of Historic Places in Franklin, which originated in the mid-19th century. Six pre-Civil War houses on Main Street that are easily recognized have Greek revival architecture. Don’t forget to admire the moss-draped live oak trees along the banks of the Bayou Teche. For a walking and driving tour brochure contact the Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau at (800) 256-2931.
Did Main Street pique your curiosity regarding the grand 19th century houses? To catch a glimpse of the 1851 Greek revival style, visit the Grevemberg House Museum on a 45-minute tour. The authentically restored townhouse contains fine antiques and early artifacts from St. Mary Parish.
(Admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors & students 13-18; $5 children 12 & under, Groups of 20 or more $8 per person; 407 Sterling Road, Franklin, LA 70538; (337) 828-2092)
For a well-rounded idea of early life on the bayou, visit the Louisiana State Museum, Patterson (118 Cotten Road, Patterson, LA 70392; 985-399-1268). Both aviation and cypress sawmill industry exhibits are housed here. The museum provides an opportunity to glimpse two important aspects of the state’s history. The aviation side is especially interesting. (No Admission.)
Scramble to the top of the “Great Wall” to survey the Atchafalaya River and landscape surrounding Morgan City. In its 17th year in the National Main Street program, the city’s historic district is ideal for an afternoon stroll with its unique shops and memorable restaurants. Let wanderlust take over and stroll a few blocks of Main Street to discover century-old historic homes and churches gleaming with charm.
(Contact the Main Street Office at (985) 385-1770, ext. 112)
