River Parishes Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions of River Parishes, Louisiana, and learn about the best things to do, eat, and buy. Learn about safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations in this comprehensive guide.


Introduction to River Parishes

River Parishes is a region in Acadiana, Louisiana, located in the southern part of the United States. It is named for its location along the Mississippi River, and it includes the parishes of St. James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Charles. The River Parishes boasts many historical sites, outdoor recreational activities, and cultural attractions, with a unique blend of Creole and Cajun influences.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoors enthusiast, or a food lover, River Parishes has lots to offer. Below is a list of places to visit, activities to do, foods to try, and more!

List of Places to Visit in River Parishes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. San Francisco Plantation - A historic plantation house built in the mid-1800s, featuring a variety of architectural styles and antiques. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and grounds.
  2. Houmas House and Gardens - Another historic plantation house, known for its beautiful gardens and live oaks. The house offers guided tours and hosts many events throughout the year.
  3. Destrehan Plantation - A restored antebellum mansion that was once a sugar plantation. Visitors can tour the house, slave quarters, and gardens.
  4. Whitney Plantation - A museum and memorial dedicated to the enslaved people who lived and worked on Louisiana plantations. The museum features exhibits, guided tours, and a memorial to the enslaved.

Natural Attractions of River Parishes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Manchac Wildlife Management Area - A nature reserve with hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  2. Bonnet Carré Spillway - A man-made flood control structure that provides prime fishing opportunities and beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain.
  3. River Parishes Community College Swamp Trail - A flat, 4-mile trail through a cypress-tupelo swamp, featuring abundant birdwatching opportunities.
  4. Norco Trailhead Park - A park with a boardwalk pathway for walking, jogging, and biking along the Mississippi River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of River Parishes

  1. Bonnet Carré Spillway Trail - A 19-mile trail through the spillway, offering scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain and opportunities to view wildlife.
  2. La Fonda Swamp Trail - A 7-mile trail in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, featuring abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
  3. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Trail - A 24-mile trail across the world’s longest continuous bridge over water, with beautiful views of the lake.

Best Things to Do in River Parishes: Activities and Tours

  1. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours - Take a boat tour of the Manchac Swamp, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
  2. Nottoway Plantation and Resort Tours - Take guided tours of the mansion and grounds of this historic plantation while learning about the history of the area.
  3. Airboat Adventures - Take an airboat tour of the swamp, with the thrill of high-speeds and spotting alligators and other wildlife up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for River Parishes

Day Activity
Day 1 Tour San Francisco Plantation, dinner at Southside Cafe
Day 2 Visit Whitney Plantation, lunch at The Cajun Kitchen, take a swamp tour
Day 3 Explore the Norco Trailhead Park, dinner at Fatty’s
Day 4 Drive to Houmas House and Gardens, dinner at The Cabin
Day 5 Hike the La Fonda Swamp Trail, lunch at Don’s Seafood, tour Nottoway Plantation
Day 6 Visit Destrehan Plantation, take an airboat tour, lunch at Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse
Day 7 Enjoy a relaxing day at the Bonnet Carré Spillway, dinner at Charlie’s Steakhouse

Food and Drink Scene of River Parishes

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Andouille sausage - A spicy sausage made with pork and smoked over pecan wood.
  2. Crawfish étouffée - Crawfish tails smothered in a roux-based sauce, served over rice.
  3. Chicken and sausage gumbo - A thick stew made with chicken, sausage, and the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.
  4. Beignets - Deep-fried dough topped with powdered sugar, served hot and fresh.

Local Beverages

  1. Abita Beer - A popular Louisiana brewery, with a range of beers including their flagship Abita Amber.
  2. Bayou Rum - A Louisiana-based distillery producing award-winning rum with locally sourced sugarcane.
  3. Chicory Coffee - A New Orleans classic coffee blend made with roasted chicory roots.

Where to Stay in River Parishes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Best Western La Place Inn - A comfortable and affordable hotel in the heart of River Parishes.
  2. Historic Cajun Cottage - A charming bed and breakfast with classic Louisiana-style cottages.
  3. Riverbend Guest House - A cozy and affordable guesthouse with beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

What to Buy in River Parishes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Andouille sausage - Bring home a taste of Louisiana with a pack of this smoked regional sausage.
  2. Hot sauce - Spicy condiments are a must-have souvenir for every hot sauce-loving traveler.
  3. Cajun seasoning - A blend of Creole spices for adding flavor to gumbo, jambalaya, and more.

Local Culture and Customs of River Parishes

The River Parishes have a rich cultural heritage that blends the influences of African, Caribbean, European, and Native American cultures. The area is known for its traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, festive Mardi Gras celebrations, and unique music styles like zydeco and jazz. Visitors can also explore local art galleries, craft markets, and learn about the region’s history at various museums and plantation houses.

Best Time to Visit River Parishes

The best time to visit the River Parishes is in the fall and winter months when the weather is mild, and there is less humidity. This time of year also coincides with the festive holiday season, making for a magical holiday experience in the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of River Parishes

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including gumbo, boudin, and alligator.
  • Take a swamp tour to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close and personal.
  • Visit the historic plantation homes and learn about the region’s history.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen for outdoor activities and tours.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety precautions when participating in outdoor activities.
  • Expect public transportation to be widely available in the area.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in River Parishes

River Parishes is a relatively safe area, but visitors should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Outdoor activities like hiking or fishing are relatively low-risk, but visitors should avoid swimming in the Mississippi River. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings at night and avoid walking alone in deserted areas.

Health in River Parishes

While there are no specific health risks associated with visiting River Parishes, visitors should exercise caution and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun and dehydration during outdoor activities and tours. Visitors should also be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and seek medical attention if necessary.

Getting to River Parishes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near River Parishes

  1. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - located 25 miles away from St. Charles Parish.
  2. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) - located 35 miles away from River Parishes.

Bus Stations Near River Parishes

There are no major bus stations located in the River Parishes area.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to River Parishes, as it is easily accessible from major highways like I-10 and I-55. Once in the area, visitors can drive themselves or use the services of a taxi or rideshare company like Uber or Lyft.

How to Get Around in River Parishes

The best way to get around River Parishes is by car. Visitors can rent a car from the airport or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. While taxis are also available, they can be expensive, and there are no major public transportation options in the area.

Where to Go Next from River Parishes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. New Orleans - Located 25 miles away, New Orleans is a must-visit destination for travelers to Louisiana, with a rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, and delicious local cuisine.
  2. Baton Rouge - A vibrant city located 35 miles away from River Parishes, Baton Rouge boasts many historical sites, outdoor activities, and a lively downtown.
  3. Lafayette - Located 85 miles away, Lafayette is the heart of Acadiana, with a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant music scene.

Conclusion

River Parishes is a colorful and diverse destination with unique history, scenery, and culture. From exploring the historic plantation homes to hiking in the swamps, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. Visitors can take their time exploring the area, trying out the local cuisine, and learning about the region’s history and cultural heritage.



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