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Cajun Coast more than sportsman’s paradise

Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” The Cajun Coast region is certainly no exception to this motto. Outdoor-minded individuals can certainly find a bounty of fishing and hunting opportunities in the area surrounding Morgan City. However, the Cajun Coast is also a full-fledged vacation destination, offering visitors plenty of activities and sight-seeing options to fill their non-fishing time.

Encompassing the south-central portion of the Louisiana coastline, the Cajun Coast runs roughly from the coastline up to Morgan City on the eastern edge, west to Franklin. Within those boundaries lie numerous natural wonders, historical treasures and modern attractions.

“Without a doubt, the Atchafalaya Basin is a huge draw for us,” said Carrie Stansbury, executive director of the Cajun Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau. “People love going on airboat rides and boat tours through the basin. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest wetlands basin in the United States. It’s just amazing what you can see when you go in there.”

Operations like Captain Jack’s Swamp Tours usher visitors through the scenic Atchafalaya Basin while educating them on the local history and lore. While on a swamp tour, visitors have an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, including alligators, nutria and bald eagles.

Paddle tours are also a popular way to see the numerous bayous and waterways within the boundaries of the Cajun Coast.

“We have several paddle trails throughout the (St. Mary’s) parish for canoers and kayakers,” Stansbury said. “The trails vary by difficulty and distance, but there are plenty of options for paddlers of all experience levels.”

Birders and wildlife watchers also have the option of visiting one of the three wildlife areas on the Cajun Coast. Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area and Attakapas Wildlife Management Area are accessible by boat only. The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by land. Alligators, Louisiana black bear and bald eagles are among the wildlife frequently sighted at these management areas.

Golf is another great way for visitors to spend time outdoors while visiting the Cajun Coast. St. Mary’s Parish is home to three golf courses: St. Mary Golf & Country Club in Berwick, Broken Pine Golf and Country Club in Franklin, and Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild in Patterson. The Atchafalaya Golf Course is also part of Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail and borders the scenic Atchafalaya Basin.

Like most areas of the Deep South, Louisiana is immensely proud of its history. And, the Cajun Coast is full of history and historic places.

“History is also an important part of our area and a very popular draw for tourists,” Stansbury said. “In the town of Franklin, there are 420 properties on the National Historic Register. Morgan City has its Historic District Riverfront and there are a number of other historic sites throughout the parish.”

Touring these historic districts is a popular pastime among visitors. Several historic homes and plantations, such as the Arlington Plantation in Franklin, Cypress Manor in Morgan City, and Oaklawn Manor in Franklin are open for tours.

Additionally, the Cajun Coast region features several quality museums. Among the best are the Louisiana State Museum in Patterson, Grevemburg House Museum in Franklin and the International Petroleum Museum in Morgan City. The Louisiana State Museum actually houses two exhibits, the Wedell-Williams Aviation Museum and the Cypress Sawmill Exhibit.

Games of chance are also in the cards for many Cajun Coast visitors.

“We have two casinos in the parish,” Stansbury said. “The Amelia Belle Casino is located in Amelia and the Cypress Bayou is in Charenton. Both are very popular, especially with out-of-state visitors.”

Located on the Chitimacha Indian Reservation, Cypress Bayou Casino was actually the first land-based casino in Louisiana. Amelia Belle, on the other hand, is Louisiana’s newest casino.

For visitors who want to make sure they get something in return for the money they spend, Stansbury says the Cajun Coast offers a number of shopping possibilities.

“We have two downtown shopping districts. And, all of our towns have several unique shops. Shopping is a popular pastime for our visitors, especially when it’s combined with sight-seeing or touring the historic sites.”

Throughout the year, the Cajun Coast is home to a number of annual events.

“Every Labor Day Weekend we have the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. During the spring, we have two big festivals, the Cypress Sawmill Festival and the Bayou Teche Bear Festivals. The date of those two festivals varies every year depending on when Easter falls, but they are always in the spring. Each of those events are fun and family-friendly.”

The Cajun Coast is also home to an annual Mardi Gras festival, Eagle Expo, Christmas on the Cajun Coast, and several other events.

As one might imagine, finding a good place to eat isn’t that difficult when visiting the heart of Cajun country. According to Stansbury, every town in St. Mary’s Parish has their share of good eateries. In Morgan City, the area’s largest town, she suggests Susie’s Seafood or Rita Mae’s Kitchen.

“We also have a place in downtown Morgan City called Café Jo Jo’s,” Stansbury offered. “Café Jo Jo’s is a really unique place. I call it a Cajun-Italian restaurant. They basically incorporate the local seafood into traditional Italian dishes. It makes for an interesting blend.”

Finding a place to stay is no problem, either. Morgan City boasts the most hotels and has a number of national chains, including Holiday Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, and La Quinta. There are also several bed & breakfast type accommodations available in both Morgan City and Franklin.

Without a doubt, fishermen and their families will have no trouble filling out a full vacation when visiting the Cajun Coast. In fact, with so much to see and do, finding time to fish may be the bigger issue.

Helpful links:

Cajun Coast
http://www.cajuncoast.com/home.html
Cypress Sawmill Festival
www.cypresssawmill.com
Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
www.shrimp-petrofest.org
Bayou Teche Bear
www.bayoutechebearfest.org