Proposed parish pipeline provides promise
May 3, 2011
Rebecca Cheramie
May 5, 2011Long before European settlers discovered St. Mary Parish, Native Americans inhabited the lands known for its twisted river that flows through it. They named the river Atchafalaya – meaning crooked snake.
Today, visitors from all over the world are rediscovering the Atchafalaya and the delta parish known as St. Mary – located just minutes west of downtown Houma and Thibodaux but a world away.
During the spring and summer months, eco-tourists flock to Morgan City in an effort to reconnect with nature. The Atchafalaya Basin is the most unique estuary of its kind and holds the title as the largest swamp in the United States.
According to the Cajun Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau’s executive director, Carrie Gautreaux Stansbury, the opportunities are endless.
“St. Mary Parish offers several excellent nature adventures, from swamp tours for those who just want to sit back and enjoy nature to local outfitters eager to help supply everything an eco-tourist needs,” she said. “Visitors can pick up a copy of the Cajun Coast Paddling Trails guide at one of our visitors centers.”
If you can only spare a day trip, a swamp tour combined with a visit to Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower – the 9.5 acre park and bell tower bordering scenic Lake Palourde – offer a perfect one-day nature package.
The Carillon Bell Tower rises 106 feet above the ground and contains 61 bronze bells cast in Holland. The bells play two automated selections every 30 minutes. The park is a designated bird sanctuary and a must for naturalists and photography buffs.
Live carillon recitals occur the first Sunday of every month from 1 – 2 p.m. The park is open Wed. – Sun. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and admission is free.
“You don’t need an entire week’s vacation to enjoy the Cajun Coast, because weekends here always offer fun,” added Stansbury.
There are many other free attractions in St. Mary Parish, including the historic boulevard that is Franklin’s Main Street. A stroll along Main Street immerses visitors into the world of the 19th century. Cast-iron street lamps and moss-covered oaks line the boulevard, while historic homes provide the perfect atmosphere for a May stroll.
Main Street graces the heart of the community, which boasts over 400 noteworthy properties – many listed on the National Register.
The Grevemberg House Museum in Downtown Franklin is an authentically furnished, 1851 Greek Revival style townhouse. Tours of Oaklawn Manor, the 18th century plantation manor and home to former Governor Mike Foster, is a popular attraction with its extensive antique and Audubon collections.
The City of Patterson, located at the center of the Cajun Coast, boasts the Louisiana State Museum, with its extensive exhibits on pioneering aviation and the cypress sawmill industry. Visitors can also play Patterson’s Atchafalaya at Idlewild golf course, which offers Louisiana’s most unique golf experience. The championship design course is surrounded by the wildlife and incredible beauty found only in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin.
A popular tour for families is the authentic oil drilling rig Mr. Charlie, located at the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition in Morgan City.
The eastern end of the parish is also popular with adults. The Amelia Belle Casino, permanently moored at the Amelia docks, is the Tri-parishes’ only licensed riverboat casino.
Visitors on the western end can play at Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton – owned and operated by the Chitimacha Tribe.
Dining options are plentiful in the parish with a variety of cuisine, including several seafood buffets.
“If you need help planning your personal adventure, feel free to call us. We will be glad to assist you in discovering the Cajun Coast,” said Stansbury.
The Cajun Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Visitor Centers are located on La. Highway 90 in Franklin and Patterson. Call either 985-395-4905 or 800-256-2931, or visit cajuncoast.com.
