Among the other noteworthy attractions in St. Landry Parish are the Etouffee Cookoff in Arnaudville each April (phone 337-754-7993), the Sunset Festival of Herbs and Gardens in May (phone 337-662-3542, and the Atchafalaya Catfish Festival held in September in Melville (phone 337-623-4371). A separate page covers the City of Eunice and the Liberty Theater.
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Washington, located just down the road from Opelousas (and easily accessible from I-49), still maintains much of the charm of an antebellum town that was settled about 1800. Before the Civil War, it was a turning point for steam vessels that traveled up the Mississippi from New Orleans. The town has a number of fine old homes, some of which are open for tours. The style of homes ranges from board and batten Acadian cottages to plantation houses. Many stores in the commercial district also retain the old shop fronts from late in the 19th century. For more information on tour hours and admission charges, stop by the Washington Museum and Tourist Center, 402 N. Main. St., in downtown Washington, LA 70589. The museum features artifacts from steamboat era. Open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (337) 826-3626 or 826-3627.
You can also browse through the many antique shops located downtown. In addition, many visitors enjoy the food and atmosphere of a restaurant located in a renovated steamboat warehouse. The Catfish Festival, held the third weekend in March, includes music, food and special tours of the old homes. In addition, during the fall and spring, the local Garden Club hosts a concert series, “Music in Historic Sites.”
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Grand Coteau, located south of Opelousas just east of I-47, is the home of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the second oldest institution of learning west of the Mississippi River (established in 1821). The 250-acre grounds include beautiful formal gardens and tree-lined alleys. The architecture is equally impressive. The Academy hosts a Congé (holiday) each April, a fun-filled, relaxing festival that includes food, games, and a silent auction. The Academy is also open for tours 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday by appointment (phone 337-662-5275; admission charged; closed for major holidays and for special events like retreats). Grand Coteau is also the home of St. Charles Church, which dates from 1879 and was designed in the second empire style by New Orleans architect James Freret. Other points of interest are located in the Grand Coteau Historic District.
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The highlight of the festival, held in Port Barre in November and sponsored by the Lions Club, is the annual cracklin’ cookoff. (Cracklings or gratons are fried pork skins.) Visitors have a chance to sample this Louisiana treat as prepared by the very best cracklin’ cooks. Other Louisiana food items are also for sale. The festival includes a parade, music, carnival rides, and crafts. For details, phone (337) 585-6251.
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The festival is held the Saturday before Labor Day. Bring your lawn chairs and be prepared to enjoy more than 12 hours of music performed by top Zydeco artists. The festival site is in the countryside just north of Plaisance on Highway 167. For more information, contact the Festival Office, 361 Congress Street, Opelousas, LA 70570; (337) 942-2392. For schedule information, go to the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival site.
Keith Frank is in the house–that’s what the members of his Soileau Zydeco Band sang while Keith Frank made his way to the stage after landing in a helicopter at the 1999 Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Actually, Frank was at the site earlier performing on the Heritage Stage, but his airborne arrival in the evening twilight electrified the large crowd.
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A nationally known Opelousa, LA brand Tony Chachere’s has a wide range orf delicious products.
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