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c’est la viec’est la vie
AAAA SSSSppppeeeecccc iiiiaaaa llll PPPPuuuubbbbllll iiii ccccaaaatttt iiiioooonnnn ooooffff LLLL’’’’OOOObbbbsssseeeerrrrvvvvaaaatttteeeeuuuurrrrwwwwwwwwwwww.... lllloooobbbbsssseeeerrrrvvvvaaaatttteeeeuuuurrrr....ccccoooommmm
FFFFAAAALLLLLLLL////WWWWIIIINNNNTTTTEEEERRRR 222200001111 1111 EEEEDDDDIIIITTTTIIIIOOOONNNN
that’s life in the river parishesthat’s life in the river parishes
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welcome
Roads. They all serve the same purpose —to get from one place to the next — but each isunique. The view along any particular road isunique to that thoroughfare. Any number ofroads may lead to the same desination, butthey each have their own way of getting youthere. In the River Parishes, you can getfrom St. Charles Parish to St. James Parishtaking River Road, Airline Highway or I-10, but depending on which route you take,the journey itself couldn’t be more different. Soas you choose your next destination, remem-ber, getting there is half the fun.
bienvenuebienvenue
welcome
c’est la vie - page 6
VViissiittoorrss’’ CCeenntteerrss 77
FFaallll//wwiinntteerr aatt tthhee ppllaannttaattiioonnss 99
AAttttrraaccttiioonnss 1133
Plantations 14
Entertainment 22Boat Launches 23Golf 24Historic Churches 27
MMaapp ooff tthhee RRiivveerr PPaarriisshheess 2288--2299
EEvveennttss 3311Fairs and Festivals 32Kids’ Activities 34
LLoouuiissiiaannaa RReennaaiissssaannccee FFeessttiivvaall 3366
DDiinniinngg 3399
contentscontents
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NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr2900 U.S. 51, LaPlace
866-204-7782
SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr13825 River Road, Luling
985-783-5145 or 985-783-5140
SStt.. JJaammeess WWeellccoommee CCeenntteerr1094 N. Airline Ave., Gramercy
225-869-1717
visitors’ centersvisitors’ centers
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Plantations take advantage of cool weatherwith a full slate of fall and winter events
No fans required
BY DAVID VITRANOL’OBSERVATEUR
Although for many theword “plantation” conjuresimages of sweltering sum-mer afternoons spent on theveranda with a cold bever-age and a perhaps a fan, theplantations in the RiverParishes are open all yearlong, and during the coolermonths they take full advan-tage of the weather by offer-ing a full slate of events andactivities.
All during the month ofOctober and continuinguntil Nov. 2, St. JosephPlantation in Vacherie isadorned in black for theCreole Mourning Tour.
While it coincides withthe Halloween season, theMourning Tour is actually arecreation of mourningpractices of those who usedto own the plantation. Thedoorway is draped in blackcloth, as are all mirrors inthe house. Also, throughoutthe house, dress typical ofmourning periods are dis-played.
On Nov. 6, San FranciscoPlantation in Garyville willbe the scene of the annualconcert by the LouisianaPhilharmonic Orchestra.The plantation provides theperfect setting for the
strains of the region’s pre-mier orchestra, whichinjects a litany of familiarclassics with more modernpieces, often from popularmovies. The day also fea-tures a gumbo cook off.
The following weekend,Destrehan Plantation will
hold its Fall Festival. Scoresof arts and crafts vendorswill gather from all acrossthe country to show their
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wares while visitors aretreated to live music and, ofcourse, a wide range of foodand beverages.
In December, as Christ-mas nears, many of the plan-tations are dressed in greenand red, and large elaborateChristmas trees are erectedeither on the grounds or inthe house itself. The planta-tions lining River Road canbe a perfect backdrop for thebonfires that spring up fromSt. James Parish all the wayto St. Charles Parish.
The towns of Lutcher andPaulina, however, are the
epicenter of the activity, andSt. James’ most famousplantation, Oak Alley, takesfull advantage of its location.
It kicks off Decemberwith its annual BonfireParty, an elegant affair inwhich revelers are treated toa gourmet meal while listen-ing to a quartet play Christ-mas songs. After dinner, thebonfire is lit, and guests areinvited to dance the nightaway. Toward the end of theevening, hot coffee andbeignets are served to helpguests shake off the even-ing’s revelry before heading
home.If a more subdued planta-
tion experience is on theagenda, Oak Alley also hostsa brunch every Sunday inDecember. From 11 a.m.-3p.m., the plantation servesup a buffet meal along withtraditional brunch drinks,such as mimosas and mintjuleps.
For more information onthese events or on the plan-tations in general, see the“Plantations” section, start-ing on page 14 or visitneworleansplantationcoun-try.org.
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bon lieuxbon lieux
attractionsattractions
As the name suggests, water runs throughthe very heart and soul of the RiverParishes. It also provides a jumping-offpoint for many of the region’s attractions.
Historic plantations line both banks of themighty Mississippi River. Farther north,lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas providea wealth of water-borne activities.
So whether you’re in the mood for taking insome history, casting a line or just relaxingin the sun, the River Parishes provideendless opportunities.
The River Parishes are the focal point of Louisiana’s plantationcountry. Lining the banks of both sides of the Mississippi River,these grand mansions are vivid reminders of the great cultural her-itage of the area. They remind us of where we’ve been and show uswhere we’re going.
From the historical focus of Destrehan Plantation to the grandvista of the tree-lined entrance of Oak Alley Plantation, each ofthese properties has its own unique offerings and stories to tell.And together, they show the world one of the characteristics thatmake the River Parishes the exceptional place that it is.
plantations
DDeessttrreehhaann PPllaannttaattiioonn
13034 River Road, Destrehan
985-764-9315
www.destrehanplantation.org
Tours with costumed interpreters,demonstrations of crafts and spe-cial exhibits are featured daily.
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking, hand-icap accessible.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 5500))
plantations
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EEvveerrggrreeeenn PPllaannttaattiioonn
4677 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard
985-497-3837
www.evergreenplantation.org
National landmark of 37 buildings,22 slave cabins, cultural history
tour and alley of 100 moss-draped oaks.
Hours: Monday through Saturday,11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, slave cabins, motorcoach parking.
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HHoouummaass HHoouussee PPllaannttaattiioonn aanndd GGaarrddeennss
40136 Hwy. 942, Darrow
225-473-9380
www.houmashouse.com
Grand antebellum estate display-ing Southern splendor of “TheSugar Place.”
Sixteen rooms filled with period
antiques and Louisiana artwork.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., Wednesday throughSunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, on-site restaurant, motorcoach parking, handicap accessi-ble.
LLaauurraa:: AA CCrreeoollee PPllaannttaattiioonn
2247 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie
225-265-7690
www.lauraplantation.com
Award winning tours focusing onCreole plantation women, slaves,
and children. Visit mansion, gar-dens, and slave cabins.
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,motor coach parking.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 3322))
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OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie
225-265-2151
www.oakalleyplantation.com
Built in 1839 and famous for itsalley of 300-year-old oak trees,this National Historic Landmark isrecognized for having one of themost spectacular settings in the
entire Mississippi Valley.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, demonstrations, on-siterestaurant, motor coach parking,accommodations.
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OOrrmmoonndd PPllaannttaattiioonn13786 River Road, Destrehan
985-764-8544
www.plantation.com
Established in 1789, OrmondPlantation is billed as the oldestFrench West Indies-style Creoleplantation on the Mississippi.
Features: Ormond Plantation is
currently open as both a bed andbreakfast and for private parties.The plantation will resume publictours in May. The grounds arealso the home of the weeklyGerman Coast Farmers Market.The restaurant is open Mondaythrough Friday for lunch 11 a.m. -2 p.m.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 2266))
PPoocchhéé PPllaannttaattiioonn6554 La. Hwy. 44, Convent
225-715-9510
www.pocheplantation.com
One of the last plantation homesto be built on the majesticMississippi River, this National
Register of Historic Places offersdaily tours, a B&B and RV park.
Tour time: 10 a.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, on-site restau-rant, motor coach parking, handi-cap accessible, accommodations.
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SSaann FFrraanncciissccoo PPllaannttaattiioonn
2646 La. Hwy. 44, Garyville
985-535-2341
www.sanfranciscoplantation.org
Located on the East Bank of theMississippi River right offInterstate 10. A $2 million restora-
tion brought this exquisite homeback to its original grandeur.
Hours: Daily 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 1122))
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SStt.. JJoosseepphh PPllaannttaattiioonn
3535 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie
225-265-4078
www.stjosephplantation.com
This authentic Creole plantationoffers the opportunity to exploreoriginal slave cabins and viewexhibits about early plantationlife. Tours are provided by de-
scendants of the original owners.
Hours: Tours on the hour. Mondaythrough Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. (October through March); 10a.m. to 4 p.m. (April throughSeptember)
Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,exhibits, motor coach parking,handicap accessible.
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AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss bbyy AArrtthhuurr MMaatthheerrnnee4262 U.S. 90, Des Allemands
800-975-9345
www.airboattours.com
Thrilling airboat tours throughswamps, marshes, and bayous forsix to 15 passengers with a USCGlicensed captain.
CCaajjuunn PPrriiddee SSwwaammpp TToouurrss110 Frenier Road, LaPlace
800-467-0758
www.cajunprideswamptours.com
Tour the famous Manchac Swampfor a unique journey back to theearly days of Louisiana bayou andswamp explorations.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 99))
CCrraazzyy BBoouutt HHiissttoorryy TToouurrss225-869-8148
www.crazybouthistoryinc.org
Tours are culturally and historicallydesigned to entertain and educate.
GGeerrmmaann CCooaasstt FFaarrmmeerrss MMaarrkkeettEast Bank Saturday market, Ormond
Plantation, 13786 River Road,Destrehan, 8 a.m.-noon
West Bank Wednesday market, St.Charles Plaza, 12715 U.S. 90, Luling,3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 1188))
HHoollllyywwoooodd CCiinneemmaass 771312 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-6700
www.hollywoodcinemas7.com
PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss1757 Hwy. 3127, Boutte
877-247-2628
Airboat and plantation tours ofbeautiful, private fresh water orancient cypress swamp. Hotel pick-up available. Located 24 miles fromdowntown New Orleans.
PPlleeaassuurree BBeenndd NNaattuurree TToouurrss117 Rue St. Martin, Vacherie
225-265-7611
Pontoon boat ride with a USCGlicensed operator on beautiful LacDes Allemands and canals provideviews of southern Louisiana’s pris-tine beauty.
SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh PPllaanneettaarriiuumm105 Lakewood Drive, Luling
985-785-8471
www.stcharles.lib.la.us/planetarium
Offering a three-dimensional portalto the universe by viewing over110,000 stars with the latest digitaltechnology.
SStt.. JJoohhnn TThheeaattrree115 W. 4th St., Reserve
985-536-6630
www.stjohntheatre.com
entertainmententertainment
BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.
306 at Bayou Gauche
BBlliinndd RRiivveerr BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway
between Gramercy and Gonzales
BBoonnnneett CCaarrrree SSppiillllwwaayy LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located on Airline Hwy. at East
Levee Spillway
BBrraazzeenn CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.
644
DDeess AAlllleemmaannddss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated under the U.S. 90 bridge
on the east side
EEaasstt GGuuiiddee LLeevveeee LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located at the end of the East
Bonnet Carre Spillway Levee at
Lake Pontchartrain
FFiisshheerrmmaann’’ss WWhhaarrff ((BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee))Located on La. Hwy. 306 at Bayou
Gauche
HHaahhnnvviillllee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the intersection of La.
Hwys. 3127 and 3160
PPiieerr 9900Located on U.S. 90 between Luling
and Jefferson Parish
FFrreedd’’ss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy. 643
in Pleasure Bend
MMoollll CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off La. Hwy. 3127 in
Edgard
PPeeaavviinnee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of Peavine
Road
RReesseerrvvee CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway
between La. Hwy. 3179 and La.Hwy. 53
RRuuddddoocckk BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off of Interstate 55, exit 7
boat launchesboat launches
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BBeellllee TTeerrrree GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace
985-652-5000
www.belleterregolf.com
Semi-private course, opened 1977
18 holes, 72 par, 72.2 rating, 130slope rating on Bermuda grass
FFaasshhiioonn GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb223 Joe Louis Lane, Hahnville
985-783-6486
Private course, opened 1962, nineholes, 36 par
CCyypprreessss LLaakkeess CCoouunnttrryy CClluubbaatt OOrrmmoonndd
10 Villere Drive, Destrehan
985-764-6868
www.ormondcc.com
Semi-private course, opened 1979
18 holes, 72 par, 72.8 rating, 124slope rating
RRiivveerrllaannddss GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb500 Fairway Drive, LaPlace
985-652-6316
Private course opened 1964
18 holes, 72 par, 71.1 rating, 128slope rating on Bermuda grass
SStt.. RRoossee DDrriivviinngg RRaannggee10362 Airline Highway, St Rose
504-466-0411
www.strosedrivingrange.com
33 driving bays
golfgolf
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LLuuttcchheerr MMeetthhooddiisstt CChhuurrcchh2347 Texas St., Lutcher
225-869-5248
Built in 1901
MMaannrreessaa HHoouussee ooff RReettrreeaattss5858 La. Hwy. 44, Convent
Built in 1836
This is a private retreat but can beviewed easily from the road.
OOuurr LLaaddyy ooff PPeeaaccee CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy13281 La. Hwy. 644, Vacherie
225-265-3953
www.olopchurch.org
Built in 1894
SStt.. CChhaarrlleess BBoorrrroommeeoo CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy13396 River Road, Destrehan
985-764-6383
www.archdiocese-no.org/scbparish
Built in 1921
SStt.. JJaammeess CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh aanndd CCeemmeetteerryy 6613 La. Hwy. 18, St. James
225-265-4225
Built in 1930
SStt.. JJoohhnn tthhee BBaappttiisstt CCaatthhoolliiccCChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy2361 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard
985-497-3412
Built in 1920
SStt.. JJoosseepphh CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh2130 Rectory St., Paulina
225-869-5751
Built in 1921
www.riverroadcatholic.com
SStt.. MMaarryy CCaatthhoolliicc CChhaappeellMMiissssiioonn CChhaappeell ooff SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell
tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell
21750 La. Hwy. 44, Union
Built in 1875
SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh6476 La. Hwy. 44, Convent
225-562-3549
www.riverroadcatholic.com
Built in 1833
SStt.. PPhhiilliipp CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh1175 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie
225-265-4085
Built in 1921
historic churcheshistoric churches
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bon tempsbon temps
events events
The fall is a good time to live in the RiverParishes.
By October, temperatures start to drop,making outdoor activities that much moreinviting. Sitting under the oaks at SanFrancisco Plantation listening to theLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestra wouldnot be feasible during the summer heat, butin November it sounds like the perfect way tospend a Sunday afternoon.
Additionally, the cooler weather makespossible one of the area’s best known andmost beloved traditions — bonfires. Thesetestaments to the spirit of local residents arethe perfect way to cap any year.
c’est la vie - page 32
LLoouuiissiiaannaa RReennaaiissssaannccee FFeessttiivvaallNov. 5-Dec. 11
46468 River Road, Hammond
From royalty to peasants and evenskilled craftsmen you are sure toenjoy the pastimes of theRenaissance. In addition there areseveral stage acts from swordsmen tojugglers including a full contact joustand birds of prey.
www.larf.org
((sseeee aadd oonn ppaaggee 1111))
LLoouuiissiiaannaa PPhhiillhhaarrmmoonniiccOOrrcchheessttrraa CCoonncceerrtt aatt SSaannFFrraanncciissccoo PPllaannttaattiioonn
Nov. 6 • 10 a.m.
2646 River Road, Garyville
The concert is a celebration of fineclassical music to start the holidayseason. The gates open at 9:30 a.m.,take time out to tour this NationalHistoric Landmark, fees charged.Have lunch starting at 11:30 a.m.,savor the taste and aroma of some ofthe finest gumbo in the cook off. Inaddition there will be a ChristmasMarket featuring both handmade andresale items.
www.sanfranciscoplantation.org
VVeetteerraannss DDaayy CCeelleebbrraattiioonn Nov. 10 • 4-6:30 p.m.
St. James Parish Welcome Center
U.S. 61• Gramercy
fairs & festivalsfairs & festivals
DDeessttrreehhaann PPllaannttaattiioonnFFaallll FFeessttiivvaall
Nov. 12-13
13034 River Road • Destrehan
Fall brings on many wonderful activi-ties in Louisiana. The DestrehanPlantation Fall Festival is one of thebest. A past winner of SoutheastTourism’s Top 20 Events and theLouisiana Fairs and Festival ClassicsAward, the festival is a popular eventfor those who love Louisiana foods,crafts and music.
www.destrehanplantation.org
TThhiirrdd AAnnnnuuaall BBaarrkk aatt tthheeBBrriiddggee PPaarrkk
Dec. 3 • 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
West Bank Bridge Park13825 River Road • Luling
OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn’’ss AAnnnnuuaallCChhrriissttmmaass BBoonnffiirree PPaarrttyy
Dec. 3 • 7 p.m.-midnight
3645 La. HWY. 18 • Vacherie
This year marks the 35th anniversary ofthis joyous event at Oak Alley.Celebrate the Christmas season inone of the southland’s most beautifulsettings. The mansion will be dressedin fresh fruit, greenery and seasonalfloral arrangements, reminiscent ofCreole Christmases past. DeliciousCajun/Creole buffet, open bar, livelydance band and plenty of good cheercombine to heighten the holiday spir-it throughout the famous alley ofoaks and the lovely antebellum man-sion.
NNoorrccoo CChhrriissttmmaass PPaarraaddee Dec. 4
Norco
The parade rolls from River Road andWashington Street, turns north onGood Hope Street, turns west onSixth Street and then south on AppleStreet. It disbands at Apple Streetand River Road.
SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh aannnnuuaallTTrreeee LLiigghhttiinngg CCeerreemmoonnyy
Dec. 8
West Bank Bridge Park
13825 River Road • Luling
2222nndd AAnnnnuuaall FFeessttiivvaallooff tthhee BBoonnffiirreess
Dec. 9-11
Lutcher Recreation Park
La. Hwy. 3193 • Lutcher
Enjoy great food, live entertainment,crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest andcarnival rides throughout the week-end. Each night will be highlightedwith a single bonfire lighting! Comeout and experience a prelude to thefamous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tra-dition unique to St. James Parish andall over the world!
((sseeee aadd oonn ppaaggeess 3344--3355))
CChhrriissttmmaass EEvvee BBoonnffiirreessaalloonngg tthhee LLeevveeee
Dec. 24
La. Hwy. 44 • Lutcher, Gramercy andPaulina
For more information call 225-869-1717or 1-800-67-7852 or visit www.festi-valofthebonfires.org of www.stjames-la.com.
KKrreewwee ooff TToowwaappaassaahhMMaarrddii GGrraass ppaarraaddee
Feb. 18 • Noon
Reserve
KKrreewwee dduu MMoonnddeeMMaarrddii GGrraass ppaarraaddee
Feb. 19 • noon
LaPlace
KKrreewwee ooff LLuullMMaarrddii GGrraass ppaarraaddee
Feb. 18 • 1 p.m.
Luling
KKrreewwee ooff DDeess AAlllleemmaannddssMMaarrddii GGrraass ppaarraaddee
Feb. 19 •1 p.m.
Des Allemands
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BY ROBIN SHANNONL’OBSERVATEUR
LAPLACE – Take anhour-long trek north onInterstate 55, and then hopon Interstate12, and you willcome to a place that takesvisitors back in time about500 years.
Every year in November, asprawling tract of land inRobert is transformed into amedieval English village andmarketplace that is home tothe Louisiana RenaissanceFestival, the largest fair of itskind in the state.
Organizers Alvon Brum-field and Rick Hight say thefestival, which is in its 12thyear of existence, gives visi-tors an idea of what life waslike for people of the middleages, with a little bit ofLouisiana spice added to themix.
“We bring in some of the
best talent from all acrossthe country,” said Brumfield,the festival’s promotionsdirector. “They are all exten-sively trained to play theirparts, and for most actors, itis their full time job to be aknight or a lute player orQueen Elizabeth.”
Brumfield said the ideabehind the festival came tohim while he was in the mil-itary stationed in Tucson,Ariz.
“I performed magic andillusions while I was in themilitary,” said Brumfield.“One afternoon Rick decid-ed to take me out to a localRenaissance fair, and I justfell in love with the idea. Ifelt Louisiana needed tohave something like this.”
When deciding on a loca-tion for the fair, Brumfieldchose an area along the I-10/I-12 corridor because ofits central location to Baton
Rouge, New Orleans andother nearby communitiessuch as the River Parishes.
“I knew I would need alot of space,” said Brumfield.“So the city was out of thequestion because of theprice of real estate and thescarcity of land.”
Brumfield said once visi-tors enter the fair, theywould find the most enter-tainment per capita of anyfestival of its kind.
“There’s probably abouttwo dozen or so shows perday,” said Brumfield. “One ofthe unique aspects of ourfestival is the amount of per-sonal interaction, or ‘inter-active theatre,’ we have.Actors and performers willactually pull people on stageand get them involved.”
The long list of shows andperformances include fullcontact jousting, performedby trained stuntmen and
Be a Renaissance man:
c’est la vie - page 37
trained horses, falconrywith real hawks, owls andfalcons, glass blowing, jug-gling, comedy, dueling andpuppeteers.
There is all also a widevariety of musical perform-ances that use authenticinstruments of the timeperiod, such as lutes, bagpipes, standup bass and thehurdy gurdy. Some devotedcouples even plan their wed-dings around the festivaldressing in period costumes.
Brumfield said the festi-val food features medievalfare, like huge turkey legs,steak on a stake, gourmetmushrooms, apple cider andmead, but attendants canalso enjoy more modernrefreshments if they sochoose.
The festival also featuresmore than 80 merchantsdisplaying a substantialassortment of hand-made
crafts and unique souvenirand gift items.
“Many of the merchantsare on hand to talk to visi-tors face to face about whatthey are selling,” said Brum-field. “It is really easy to finda great gift idea.”
The festival opens Nov. 5and will run each weekendof the month, as well as thefirst two weekends of Dec-ember. The festival closesDec. 11. There are also threestudent days, Nov. 15-17, for
various grade levels forschools looking for a uniqueand educational field tripidea. The festival is not opento the public on those days.
The festival grounds areabout an hour drive down I-55 and I-12, just outsideHammond. Gates open at 10a.m. each day, rain or shine,and close at 5 p.m.
For more information,call the festival offices at985-429-9992, or visitwww.larf.org.
Medieval mirth in Robert
c’est la vie - page 38
bon appétitbon appétit
dining dining
Gumbo is a dish with origins as vague asits list of ingredients. It can be made withseafood, fowl or pork. Some gumbos don’teven contain any meat at all. Some are darkand robust. Others are light and more subtle.Gumbo is a product of the time and place it ismade. And if it is made in the RiverParishes, chances are it contains that delec-table local delicacy, andouille. Dining in theRiver Parishes is a bit like gumbo. A little ofthis, a little of that, and before you know ityou have a great meal. Just don’t forget therice.
c’est la vie - page 39
c’est la vie - page 40
St. John the Baptist Parish
BBaaiilleeyy’’ss AAnnddoouuiillllee
513 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-9090
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 2211))
BBeellllee TTeerrrree111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace
985-652-5000
BBeesstt WWookk CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-9989
BBuuddddyy BB’’ss 2788 River Road, Garyville
985-535-3663
BBuullllyy’’ss HHaallffwwaayy HHoouussee3701 U.S. 51, LaPlace
985-652-9168
CCaajjuunn GGrriillll 135 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-359-4745
CChhiillii’’ss GGrriillll && BBaarr1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-1227
c’est la vie - page 41
c’est la vie - page 42
CChhiinneessee KKiinngg 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-651-7888
CChhiinnaa HHoouussee SSuuppeerr BBuuffffeett1900 U.S. 51, LaPlace
985-651-0041
CChhuunngg’’ss HHeeaavveennllyy SSwweeeettss607 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-359-7987
CCoonnnniiee’’ss GGrriillll 1462 La. Hwy. 44, Reserve
985-536-3027
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 1177))
CCrraabb TTrraapp IIII117 Pontchartrain Road, LaPlace
985-651-2345
CCoorrnneerrssttoonnee CCaaffee50 Dominica Drive, LaPlace
985-652-1111
DDrraaggoonn GGaarrddeenn140 Belle Terre Blvd.Ste E., LaPlace
985-652-7250
EEll MMeexxiiccaannoo1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-4250
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 4411))
FFaattttyy’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt186 Museum St., Garyville
985-535-5555
c’est la vie - page 43
FFrreenniieerr LLaannddiinngg RReessttaauurraanntt && OOyysstteerr BBaarr113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace
985-224-2178
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 1166))
FFrroossttoopp DDrriivvee--IInn RReessttaauurraanntt 411 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-6361
GGaattoorr’’ss DDeennOld Highway 51 South, Manchac
985-386-7902
HHiibbaacchhii SSuupprreemmee GGrriillll1721 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace
IIHHOOPP220 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-4468
IIttaalliiaann PPiiee 405 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-359-1743
JJaaccoobb’’ss AAnnddoouuiillllee
505 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
985-652-9080
c’est la vie - page 44
KKoobbee JJaappaanneessee SStteeaakk
aanndd SSuusshhii506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-8880/652-8853
LLaaCCaarrrreettaa MMeexxiiccaann CCuuiissiinnee 107 Carrollwood Drive, LaPlace
985-651-9991
MMccDDoonnaallddss1608 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace
985-652-2600
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 3300))
MMccDDoonnaallddss1616 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace
985-652-4822
MMccDDoonnaallddss4297 Main St., LaPlace
985-652-5171
NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss HHaammbbuurrggeerr aanndd SSeeaaffoooodd CCoo..1338 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. 7A,
LaPlace
985-653-6731
PPiieerr 55113017 U.S. 51, LaPlace
985-651-0300
((SSeeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 4477))
PPiirroogguuee’’ss CCaafféé719 W. 10th St., Reserve
985-479-7800
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 4488))
PPooppeeyyee''ss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn
1603 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA70068
985-652-3030
RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B,
Reserve
985-536-3503
RRuubbyy GGaarrddeenn CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt 3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace
985-653-8700
SShhoonneeyy’’ss4293 Main St., LaPlace
985-652-1789
SSiicciillyy’’ss PPiizzzzaa 214 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-7010
SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInnnn100 Ormond Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-3168
c’est la vie - page 45
c’est la vie - page 46
SSuubbwwaayy357 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace
985-652-8700
SSuubbwwaayy 2701 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace
1900 U.S. 51, Ste. B, LaPlace
985-479-7827
985-652-9699
St. James Parish
CCaafféé PPeerriiqquuee234 East Main St., Gramercy
225-869-1774
CChhiinnaa KKiinngg849 N. Pine St., Gramercy
225-869-2000
DDJJ’’ss GGrriillllee21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie
225-265-7600
GGoollddeenn GGrroovvee RReessttaauurraanntt935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy
225-869-1212
c’est la vie - page 47
GGrraanndd PPooiinntt TTrruucckk SSttoopp && CCaassiinnoo3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina
225-869-6960
HHoott WWiinnggzz TToo GGoo234 E. Main St., Gramercy
225-869-3008
HHyymmeell’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd RReessttaauurraanntt8740 La. Hwy. 44, Convent
225-562-7031
((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee xxxx))
JJeennnnyy’’ss OOvveerrssttuuffffeedd PPoobbooyy && CChhiicckkeenn SShhoopp114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy
225-869-0899
OOnnee SSttoopp GGrruubb22170 Highway 20
Vacherie
225-265-4782
PPiizzzzaa HHuutt1665 Louisiana Highway 3125
Gramercy
225-869-6151
PPooppeeyyee’’ss982 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy
225-869-6060SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn852 N. Pine St., Gramercy
225-869-5666
c’est la vie - page 48
TTaayylloorr’’ss EExxpprreessss TTrruucckk SSttoopp964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy
225-869-1734
St. Charles Parish
AAnniittaa’’ss SSmmookkiinn’’ SStteeaakk BBuurrggeerrss13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte
985-785-2220
BBaammbboooo GGaarrddeenn13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte
985-785-9929
BBeeii JJiinngg12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte
985-331-8885
BBrreeeezzee CCaaffee124 Longview Drive, Destrehan
985-764-8800
CCaaffee OOrrmmoonndd1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan
985-725-0741
CCaajjuunn KKiittcchheenn13322 U.S. 90, Boutte, Ste. Q
985-785-2405
CCaasshhiioo’’ss FFoooodd VViillllaa aanndd DDeellii13572 River Road, Destrehan
985-764-9389
CChhooww’’ss GGaarrddeenn1974 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I,
Destrehan
985-725-2469 / 985-725-2488
CCoouunnttrryy CCoorrnneerr DDeellii13217 River Road, Luling
985-785-7800
DDoott’’ss DDiinneerr12179 U.S. 90, Luling
985-785-6836
EEll MMeexxiiccaannoo12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 140, Luling
985-785-7694
FFrroossttoopp3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H,
Destrehan
985-725-1116
GG&&GG RReessttaauurraanntt307 Paul Maillard Road, Luling
985-331-2932
c’est la vie - page 49
c’est la vie - page 50
GGrreeaatt WWaallll12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 190, Luling
985-785-7900
GGrruummppyy’’ss14984 U.S. 90, Paradis
985-785-2083
HHaappppyy GGaarrddeennss IIII15264 U.S. 90, Paradis
985-785-3888
HHeerrbbeerrtt’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd13467 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-9839
HHoonngg KKoonngg3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. D,
Destrehan
985-725-9099
HHyymmeell’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt15805 River Road, Hahnville
985-783-6349
IIrroonn GGaattee13299 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-308-0013
LLaa MMaaiissoonn MMaaggnnoolliiaa950 First St., Norco
985-725-0400
LLeett’’ss TToopp IItt YYoogguurrtt BBaarr13322 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-308-1318
LLiittttllee TTookkyyoo13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte
985-331-0887
LLoovveecccchhiioo’’ss DDeellii29 Apple St., Norco
985-725-5683
MMaarriiaannoo’’ss IIttaalliiaann EEaatteerryy12371 Highway 90, Suite ALuling985-785-7777
MMccDDoonnaallddss3009 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan
985-725-1021
MMoocchhaa LLaattttee1950 Ormond Blvd., Ste. B,
Destrehan
985-307-0852
OOccccaassiioonn’’ss RReessttaauurraannttaanndd LLoouunnggee
117 Maryland Drive, Luling
985-785-1681
OOrrmmoonndd PPllaannttaattiioonn RReessttaauurraanntt13786 River RoadDestrehan985-764-8544
PPaallmmeettttoo’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose
504-472-0771
c’est la vie - page 51
PPaamm aanndd DDaallee’’ss SSeeaaffooooddRReessttaauurraanntt
14620 River Road, Destrehan
985-764-3112
PP..JJ..’’ss CCooffffeeee ooff NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss150 Ormond Center Court, Ste. T,
Destrehan
985-764-7573
PPooccoommoo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa1371 U.S. 90, Luling
985-308-0957
PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan
985-764-1231
PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn13210 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-1377
PPoorrttssiiddee RReessttaauurraanntt11698 River Road, St. Rose
504-5469-3111
RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa2243 Paul Maillard Road, Boutte
985-785-7777
RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa150 Ormond Center Court,
Destrehan
985-725-2411
SSaaiillffiisshh FFoooodd aanndd SSppiirriittss12287 U.S. 90, Luling
985-308-0712
SSiicciillyy’’ss IIttaalliiaann BBuuffffeett12895 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-9064
SSoouutthheerrnn LLaattttee CCaaffee13322 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte
985-308-1472
SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn12557 U.S. 90, Luling
985-331-0099
SSppoorrtt’’ss PPuubb && GGrriillll3001 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan
985-764-1100
SStt.. RRoossee TTaavveerrnn11760 River Road, St. Rose
504-469-8864
SSuubb EExxpprreessss26 Apple St., Norco
985-764-9922
c’est la vie - page 52
c’est la vie - page 53
SSuubbwwaayy613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 200,
Luling
985-331-2257
SSuubbwwaayy14130 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-9818
SSuubbwwaayy(located inside WalMart)
13001 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-331-1786
SSuubbwwaayy12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 120, Luling
985-785-3999
SSuubbwwaayy12609 Airline Drive, Destrehan
985-725-1108
SSuubbwwaayy1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan
985-725-9444
SSuunnnnyy DDaayy CCaaffee120 Mallard St., Ste. 120, St. Rose
504-465-1331
SSuusshhii CCaaffee13899 River Road, Ste. A, Luling
985-308-1003
SSyyddnniiee’’ss PPuubb aanndd GGrriillll13894 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-2728
TTaaiillggaattoorrss SSppoorrttss RReessttaauurraannttaanndd BBaarr
15207 Highway 90, Paradis
985-758-5062
TTrreeyy WWaahh ((CChhiinneessee))124 Longview Drive, Destrehan
985-764-1147
TTaassttee ooff TTooyykkoo1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2,
Destrehan
985-764-1818
VVooooddoooo GGrriillll100 James Drive East, St. Rose
504-464-1880
WWaaffffllee HHoouussee14173 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-758-6499
WWiinnggzzzzzz613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 400,
Luling
985-308-0743
XXttrreemmee SSppoorrttss BBaarr aanndd GGrriillll140 I-310 Service Road, St. Rose
504-915-1239
TThhee ZZ’’ss SSppoott15146 U.S. 90, Paradis
985-785-7776
ZZeerriinngguuee’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd CCoo..,, LLLLCC13120 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-785-1456
ZZyyddeeccoo’’ss IIII13228 U.S. 90, Boutte
985-308-1058
c’est la vie - page 54
c’est la vie - page 55