When you think of story-book towns, you may picture brick-paved streets lined with quaint shops, historic houses tucked away down residential streets and sprawling trees.
All of these fairy-tale aspects can be found right here in Louisiana, as the state still fosters a certain kind of old-world charm.
There are numerous towns in the state that blend a mix of history, nature and culture in order to produce settings that have a timeless kind of beauty.
Six fairy-tale small towns in Louisiana according to WorldAtlas
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind town to visit in Louisiana, then look no further, here are six fairy-tale small towns in Louisiana, according to WorldAtlas.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is the oldest town in Louisiana, and is considered the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase. This town is famous for its savory Natchitoches Meat Pies, and for being the filming location for the hit movie “Steel Magnolias.” The town also has a National Historic Landmark District, which consists of French Creole townhouses, restaurants and shops, including the city’s oldest general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile.
Gretna
Gretna, Louisiana is lively, historic town that lies on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Each fall, residents gather for the Gretna Heritage Festival, which is a three-day cultural celebration. This town is in home to numerous restaurants, as well as museums that pay homage to the area’s original settlers, and a farmer’s market that convenes every Saturday morning.
Thibodaux
Thibodaux, also referred to as the “Queen City of Lafourche,” is a bayou town that’s full of Cajun spirit. The city has a rich history, as the areas served as a refuge for exiled Acadians in the mid-1700s, and this history can be explored at the E.D. White Historic Site. Additionally, Downtown Thibodaux has historic streets lined with local shops, art and restaurants.
Dark Woods Adventure Park in Natchitoches opened one of their newest attractions – Buccaneer Bayou Adventure Mini Golf. The 19-hole adventure golf course has “four realms.†Holes 1-6 are Smugglers’ Landing, holes 7-12 are Treasure Keep and holes 13-18 are Sirens Cove. The 19th hole lies in the fourth realm, Skull Rock.
Morgan City
Morgan City offers visitors opportunities for outdoor escapes, unique attractions and cultural landmarks. At Lake End Park families can enjoy campgrounds, cabins, fishing, playgrounds and walking trails. Also, the Morgan City Petting Zoo is a perfect destination for kids.
Gonzales
Gonzales, known as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” attracts visitors each year with its Jambalaya Festival that’s filled with music, festivities and a spirited cook-off. Here, there is also Jambalaya Park, which features walking paths, a splash pad, fishing spots, an amphitheater and a reflection pond.
West Monroe
West Monroe is also considered a fairy-tale town, with its rolling hills, tree-lined streets and welcoming spirit. Cultural and historical destination include the Biedenharn Museum & Garden, Coca-Cola museum and the Masur Museum of Art. This town is also famous for being the hometown of the Robertson Family, who starred in the hit reality TV show “Duck Dynasty.”
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Visit these 6 World Atlas ‘Fairy-Tale Small Towns’ in Louisiana