“I hear the train a comin’, it’s rollin’ round the bend…”, we could image the chugging of the engine as it slowly moved along the tracks…the sound of the horn as the train approached an intersection… Continue reading
Saturday morning and we are off to a farmers market in Hammond, LA. The market is in the historic area of town alongside the railroad tracks, which are still used. Luckily for us no trains passed while we were shopping. The market offered the usual items – vegetables, eggs, honey, jams, and crafts. What set this market apart was their frequent shopper card. These cards are popular with coffeehouses and eateries but we have never seen one at a farmers market. Continue reading
The architecture is Spanish in white stucco, arches, large entrance doors, high ceilings, stone floors, and stories held within these walls. You know there is a presence here but the stately old buildings, while in need of attention, are welcoming. Although these buildings have many stories from the past to tell, they are now housing new stories and a place of courage where the past forms the future. This is Café Hope. Continue reading
Google had assured us that we could find fresh local bread at Southern Sweet Potato Pie Company. We were not sure we really believed Google but the name was inviting and we were interested. The non-descript building set back off Lapalco Boulevard was nothing special yet walking in all our senses were on alert, the cases were full of sweet pies, cakes and cookies of all shapes, sizes and colors. But no bread could be found. Continue reading
To walk the history of our Acadian ancestors from Acadie to south Louisiana at the Acadian Museum gives us a better appreciation of who we are as a people and a better understanding of the trials and hardships endured to make us who we are today. Located in St Martinville, everything at the museum is presented in both English and French. French is the second language of south Louisiana and for some Cajuns it is their first language. Just as the English tried to destroy families during the exile from Acadie, schools from the 1920s to the 1960s tried to stop the use of Cajun French. But Cajuns are a strong and proud people and our heritage is important so just as the English failed so the schools failed and the Cajun French language survived and is strong today. We Cajuns are proud of our past and of our language. Continue reading
Founded on a simple dream – craft beer to complement Cajun and Creole food and life. This dream was six years in the making and began when the brew master was stationed in Germany. Each area of Europe has its own beer and cuisine which makes traveling through Europe a culinary delight. Bayou Teche Brewing has brought that delight to Acadiana, pairing the unique foods and lifestyle of south Louisiana with its unique biere. Continue reading
Grand Isle, French for Big Island. This big island at the end of LA 1 is about 8 miles long and up to 1 ½ miles wide with a resident population of about 1500. This big island may be small but it is rich and big in history. The first documented settlements began in the 1780s. Jean Lafitte and his privateers were based on neighboring Grand Terre from 1805 to 1814. There are still stories of “pirate’s treasure” on Grand Isle. In the late 1800s Grand Isle became a summer resort and it continues to be so today. Although the island has been repeatedly damaged by hurricanes including land lost, the resilience of the island and its people should be apparent to any visitor. On our third annual Mardi Gras on Grand Isle we saw new construction, familiar faces, beaches and open waters calling our fishing poles. Continue reading
As Laurie marveled at the quiet of the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway today, she remembered her view of the area in 2011 when the bays of the control structure were opened and the Mississippi River was gushing through.
Instead of flowing water, today there were people in the spillway biking, four wheeling, walking, and enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities. The blue skies, mild temperatures and dry weather had people thinking Spring and heading outdoors. Continue reading
Mini Cinnamon Buns and Chocolate Baklava
When John approaches “the edge” Laurie knows he either needs food, caffeine or both. So we’re driving around Zachary, LA mid-morning desperately searching for a coffee house. Droid tells us, “no Starbucks, no CC’s (Community Coffee’s coffeehouses)…not much around. Close to desperation John looked around and says, “The Chocolate Café”! On the front was a neon Coffee sign – we’re parked and going in. Continue reading
Snow on University Lake …it’s November in Louisiana…no way.
From a distance it looked like snow on University Lake in Baton Rouge, LA. Cars on the interstate slowed to look at the lake and the moving white blob. The white was White Pelicans on their southern migration. The pelicans visit the lake each year to rest for a time during their journey. Continue reading
