SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
louisianalife.com
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contents IN EVERY ISSUE 8 From the Editor
24 Home
And Now Another Season
Seclusion on a Hill
By errol laborde
This Natchitoches-Area Home Embraces Nature
10 Barometer
By bonnie warren
A compendium of what’s hot and what’s not
28 Art
by Carolyn Kolb
The Creole Style Louisiana Furniture
18
12 Rural Life
By john r. kemp
Lazarus Rising “Lazarus, come forth!”
32 Traveler
By melissa bienvenu
Colonial Trail Discoveries
14 Biz Bits
Crisscrossing Central Louisiana By paul f. stahls jr.
Business news from around the state
78 Texas Travel
By kathy finn
Terrors and Thrills Halloween in Texas
16 Health Medical news in Louisiana By sarah ravits
By paris permenter and john bigley
82 Lifetimes Our statewide calendar of events
18 Great Louisiana Chefs Lazone Randolph Brennan’s, New Orleans
20 Traveling Gourmet In Praise of Persimmons by stanley dry
20
By annie weldon
86 Great Louisiana Quiz Basketball Edition By errol laborde
88 A Louisiana Life
Rita Periou Memories from the battlefield By megan hill
FEATURES
SPECIAL SECTION
36 Steakside
72 Around Louisiana
A Guide to Great Steaks Throughout Louisiana
Louisiana’s Top College Football Rivalries
Louisiana Life presents “Around Louisiana,” a section featuring the people and places of North Louisiana, Central Louisiana, Cajun Country, Baton Rouge and Plantation Country and Greater New Orleans.
by ryan whirty
By jeanne frois
by robert peyton
44 Bragging Rights
48 Getting the Goods
78 2 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
A closer look at Louisiana’s public companies
On the Cover: Filet from La Boca, p. 32
by kathy finn
photograph by Steven Hronek
LouisianaLife SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 Volume 32 Number 5 Editor Errol Laborde Interim MANAGING Editor Sarah Ravits MANAGING EDITOR Eve Kidd Crawford Art Director Tiffani Reding Associate Editor Alex Gecan Contributing Editor Paul F. Stahls Jr. Food Editor Stanley Dry Home Editor Bonnie Warren INTERNS Gabrielle Bethancourt, Taylor Burley, Annie Weldon sales manager Kathryn Beck kathryn@louisianalife.com
Sales Assistant Erin Maher Sales intern Kayla Hensarling
Production/Web Manager Staci McCarty Production designer Sarah George Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Assistant Kristi Ferrante distribution manager Christian Coombs customer service Amanda Mele Newsstand Consultant
Joe Luca, JK Associates
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4 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
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Our readers’ photographs july: In “Coots Resting and Reflecting,” Glynn Harris of Ruston has snapped five coots catching a breather in the midst of their migration last fall. In this image, they luxuriate on a lake in Lincoln Parish State Park.
august: Matt Napier of Monroe has frozen a burst of River Fire forking over the Ouachita River. The river and the Louisville Bridge glow in the fury of the lighting storm.
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www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 7
from the editor
And Now Another Season Saints Center Brian de la Puente autographs a cap after practice.
For many Louisiana football fans, last season could have hardly brought more in high hopes and hurtful endings. LSU, going into the national championship game against Alabama, was being talked about as one of the greatest teams
as a contender for the Super
ever. “Greatest ever” teams,
Bowl, which will be played in New
however, always cross the goal
Orleans.
line. A state was stunned as the Tigers were shut out. Then there were the Saints, who
Graduations do a lot to soothe wounds at the college level, especially if it is the other teams
rallied against the 49ers in the
that have a lot of them. The Tigers
playoffs and seemed headed to the
remain remarkably in-tact with
conference championship game,
the most noticeable change being
only to let the 49ers have the last
where it has been hoped for the
rally as time ran out. Back home
most: at quarterback.
the mood was as murky as the fog on San Francisco Bay. There was one happy ending,
For the other colleges, there is no more hopeful time than in September. Once again, Louisiana
though. It came in the New Orleans
Saturdays will be filled with the
Bowl, and it was a thriller. With
echo of fight songs, the grilled
time running out, the University of
fragrances of tailgating and the
Louisiana-Lafayette’s kicker, Brett
recollections of seasons past.
Baer, launched a 50-yard field goal
For many college seniors, or
that gave the Ragin’ Cajuns a 32-30
final-year professionals, this will
upset win over San Diego State.
be their last season seen from the
All that the Aztecs could take back
huddle looking out.
with them was a character-building
As described by the radio
experience, though a trophy would
announcers’ voices that have rever-
have been more appreciated.
berated in their minds all their
Now a new season begins. The
lives, maybe this will be the year of
Saints had a brutal off-season filled
that end-of-the-game moment of
with scandals, accusations, fines
glory. That would be the biggest
and suspensions, yet they remain
win of all.
n
—Errol Laborde 8 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
barometer A compendium of what’s hot and what’s not in Louisiana By carolyn kolb in an old oil mill, attracted
site of the annual cultural
about 2,000 shoppers and
equivalent of a fall harvest
treasure hunters who
festival for musicians,
searched through the
chefs and craftspeople of
merchandise of 50 vendors,
the Acadian region. Cajun
some of whom reported
and zydeco music, Cajun
great sales tallies for the day.
and Creole food vendors,
“These events are providing
high-quality crafts, Cajun
our local citizens and
dancing and a full schedule
businesses the opportunity
of folk performances and
for fun, an opportunity
cultural discussions are on
for something to do, an
the agenda. As Louisiana
opportunity to make some
celebrates its 200th
dollars that will stay in our
anniversary of statehood,
city and parish,” says Mayor
this cultural extravaganza for
Robert Myer.
French heritage has a special resonance.
HOT
Unique Gifts FRom tulane to lsu
HOT
Party On, Parkway Partners!
When 30 volunteers hauled
Parkway Partners of New
about five dozen, 400-pound
Orleans celebrates its 30th
cabinets from New Orleans to
birthday this October and
Baton Rouge over eight days,
will honor 30 outstanding
LSU became the beneficiary
community members who
of the largest mammal and
have worked to further its
herpetology – amphibian and
mission. Parkway Partners
reptile – assortment in the
is a public/private/non-profit
region. Some 100,000-plus
partnership supporting
animal specimens dating
the City’s Department
back to the 1800s were
of Parks and Parkways.
given by the Tulane Museum
Accomplishments include
of Natural History to the
10,000 trees planted since
Department of Biological
Hurricane Katrina; 10
Sciences at LSU, according to
public school gardens; 33
the Baton Rouge Advocate.
community gardens; 600
LSU benefited from Tulane
neutral ground adoptions;
wanting to focus on its vast
Lee Circle Restoration;
collection of fishes. The true
and work on Elysian Fields
value of the Tulane collection,
Avenue, Annunciation
according to Mark Hafner, a
Square, Palmer Park and
mammal curator at the LSU
Washington Square.
Museum of Natural Science, is the glimpse into history the animal specimens give to researchers.
HOT
Old Stuff Sells Fast in New Roads
The Pointe Coupee Banner reported that New Roads’ first “From Me to You”
HOT
Welsh Vets Park Opens
Going Buggie
Veterans Memorial Park
NOT
in Welsh officially opened
increasing across Central
on Independence Day,
Louisiana, the Alexandria
reported the Jennings Daily
Town Talk reported. A mild
News. The park, at the
winter and a wet season with
corner of Adams and South
standing water brought more
streets, is dedicated to area
mosquitoes – and four cases
veterans. Following opening
of the West Nile virus. Fleas
ceremonies, guests gathered
and bed bugs are prompting
at the Welsh Museum for
pest control calls. And, both
refreshments.
the fall webworm and the
Insect nuisances are
saddleback caterpillar are
HOT
Bon Anniversaire, Festivals Acadiens!
out in big numbers. The saddleback “is reputed by
Forty years of free outdoor
many experts to be the most
music will be celebrated
dangerous caterpillar in
this October by Festivals
North America,” says Tim
Acadiens et Creole – or as
Schowalter, LSU AgCenter
it’s known more colloqui-
entomologist. Use the sticky
ally, Fest Acadien. Girard
side of fresh cellophane tape
Park in Lafayette is the
to remove its stingers.
n
quotable “It is a really good feeling to think that there is someone who knows you better than you think they do and who feels you are deserving of an anonymous act of kindness.” “From My Front Porch” by Louise Bostics, Hammond Daily Star
citywide rummage sale, held Simon Ang Photograph
10 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
rural life
Lazarus Rising “Lazarus, come forth!” By Melissa Bienvenu
Nearly every morning,
inspection from a prospective
a male voice can be heard
owner who came looking for
bellowing these words outside
a new kitten. The adoptive
our back door. A guest in our
parent quickly concluded
home might find it strange or
that this scrawny, scowling
disconcerting or even rush
misanthrope wasn’t the pet
to the window half-expecting
for her.
to see The Son of God resur-
But the story of how Laz
recting somebody from
got her name really begins
the dead right there on our
Easter Eve 2011. I was up
patio. I casually carry on with
attending to certain late-night
whatever it is I am doing. I
Easter Eve tasks when I
know it’s just my husband
decided to set some leftovers
talking to the cat.
out for our dogs. (Dogs in
This is not to suggest
the country still eat table
that nothing miraculous
scraps and bones and other
is happening out there,
things nobody knew were
because it is – and on more
bad for them before Science
than one level.
Diet was invented.) I had no
kitten inside and woke Harvey
kitten was able to stand. Not
sooner stepped back inside
up to get his rifle. Farmers
long after that, it was walking,
argument for divine interven-
than I heard what sounded
don’t call veterinarians in the
although every few feet it
tion is the fact that Lazarus (or
like a dog fight. Rushing
wee hours of the morning to
would suddenly stagger and
Laz, as we call her) is, against
out, I found the unwanted
put down an injured cat. But
fall over like a drunken sailor.
all odds, not dead.
kitten thrashing uncontrol-
Harvey said, “Let’s just hold
It took weeks, but that darn cat
lably on the patio, blood
off on that.” At the very least,
didn’t just make a full recovery.
she was about six weeks old.
pouring from her mouth and
we agreed (perhaps selfishly),
That cat practically came back
Before that, she was just one
one eye bulging hideously. I
that we didn’t want to have
from the dead. She’s on the
of the legions of mewling
knew immediately what had
to tell our children on Easter
small side for a full-grown cat,
offspring that her teenaged
happened. Our 70-pound
morning that we’d shot one of
but otherwise she looks and
mother spit out so frequently
Lab – normally so docile that
their kittens. So Harvey placed
acts perfectly normal. That
there was scarcely time
kittens followed her around
the handful of furry wreckage
is why Harvey named her
between litters to get the little
the yard like baby ducks
– the kitten was twisted like a
Lazarus – after the friend Jesus
hussy spayed. Laz was the runt
follow their mother – had
pretzel and unable to control
resurrected in one of his New
of her litter and one of the last
snapped when the 1-pound
its motor functions – into a box
Testament miracles.
to be adopted.
cat attempted to share her
with a towel and took it to his
food. It seemed that the huge
workshop at the barn, fully
miraculous transformation.
proving very marketable.
dog had taken the tiny kitten
expecting to find it dead the
In addition to her physical
While her siblings were
in her mouth and violently
next morning.
healing, Laz emerged with a
friendly and playful like normal
shaken it or slammed it on the
It wasn’t. It wasn’t dead
kittens who have never been
concrete. I was kicking myself
the next afternoon, either,
the reject with the prickly
mistreated, Laz darted under
for making such a dumb,
when Harvey brought it back
personality became one of
the house if anyone came too
thoughtless mistake, but there
to the house. He set the cat
those wonderfully laid-back
close, peering out from her lair
was no question about what
and its box by the stove, and
lap kitties – the rarest of felines
with horrified, accusing eyes.
had to be done now.
we fed it milk with a syringe.
that not only tolerates but
Within a couple of days, the
seems to enjoy the attention of
The most compelling
Laz got her name when
Unfortunately, she wasn’t
One time she actually flunked 12 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
I brought the mangled
That wasn’t the only
whole new attitude. Somehow,
an 8-year-old boy. We aren’t
forced to put a cow out of her
in exactly the way they like or
toss-up as to who was more
sure whether it was our tender
misery, no matter how many
get underfoot every time the
ecstatic when that cat finally
loving care that turned her
times he’d done it before. Not
door opens.
showed up two weeks later:
around or if she just has brain
long ago, he quit hunting after
damage. Either way, we like
deciding that the pleasure it
had when we got married.
Needless to say, there have
the new version a lot better.
brought him was not worth
Harvey thought she should
not been any more house cats
That was the kind of cat I
me or Harvey.
Still, I’m not sure any
the lives of the animals it took.
act more like all the other cats
in our life. Plenty of stray cats
of these amazing develop-
He is always telling me stories
on the farm. She thought she
and barn cats and yard cats
ments could ever compare
about beloved dogs from his
should act like a cat that had
have passed through, but none
to the earth-shaking miracle
childhood. It is Harvey who
spent most of her life being
have ever achieved the status
that happened next: Harvey
makes sure our pets get fed
pampered in an apartment. In
of Most Favored Cat. None,
admitted to liking a cat.
every morning.
other words, it was war.
that is, until Laz came back
In his defense, let me point
Still, there is no other way
When Harvey tried to turn
from the dead. And it’s all because Harvey
out that Harvey is kind to
to put it. The man does not like
her into an outdoor cat, she
all animals. One of the first
himself a cat.
dangled from the window
likes Laz. I know because I
screens, yowling to be let
hear him talking to her every
melt, we were dating and I
fair to say that he does not
in. One night, she climbed
morning when he goes outside
witnessed him bringing a
like cats the same way cat
through the sunroof of our car
to feed our pets. “Lazarus,
mother cow and her newborn
lovers like cats. His mindset is
and peed on the upholstery.
come forth,” he says if she
in from the field. He carried
classic farmboy: He believes
Harvey got so mad he took her
doesn’t appear first thing when
that baby calf in his arms
cats should stay outdoors and
to the woods on the far side
he opens the door. Mostly,
so tenderly and placed it on
make themselves useful by
of the farm and put her out,
Laz lives outdoors, but every
the tailgate of his truck so
doing things like killing mice.
his rationale being she would
once in a great while I find her
reverently anyone could see he
He is less enthusiastic about
quickly find her way home but
asleep in Harvey’s lap in his
had a huge heart. Throughout
cats that require litter boxes,
with a humbler disposition. His
recliner or curled up on the
the years he dairy-farmed, he
shed hair all over the house,
plan backfired. I was absolutely
pillow beside his head.
was sincerely saddened and
claw furniture, exact violence
furious when I found out what
disturbed every time he was
when they aren’t being petted
he had done. It would be a
times he ever made my heart
Or maybe it would be more
I don’t care what anybody says. That’s a miracle. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 13
biz bits Business news from around the state By kathy finn
The national business accolades on Louisiana that
Industry expands on local base GARYVILLE – A longtime
suggest the state is doing
industrial resident of the area
more than a few things right
will bolster its local ties when
when it comes to business. An
Nalco Company completes a
affiliate of the U.S. Chamber
new dry polymer production
of Commerce recently placed
facility at its Garyville plant,
the state among the top 10
creating 22 new jobs and
in almost a dozen categories
solidifying 235 existing
in a study that examined
positions. Nalco said recently
business policies, priorities
it will spend $19 million on
and programs of the 50 states
a new 300,000-square-foot
and Puerto Rico. Among other
plant that may be finished
scores, Louisiana ranked No. 1
by the end of 2012. Last year
for export growth and No. 2 for
the company completed a
per-capita income growth. The
merger with Ecolab Inc., an
state captured the No. 2 spot
$11 billion company with
for the favorable tax climate it
operations around the world.
press continues to sprinkle
provides for new firms.
have decided to invest and
MECO stays close to its roots MANDEVILLE – A 70-year-old
hire in Louisiana.
company that was founded
Here’s a look at some of the businesses that recently
in New Orleans soon will
Jobs built on steel ALBANY – The paint is barely
expand in the area with a new
dry on a new $7 million steel
MECO Inc., originally known
manufacturing plant just west
as Mechanical Equipment
of Hammond, but owner
Company Inc., builds water
Quality Iron Fabricators
treatment equipment and
already plans an expansion.
currently employs 80 people
The Memphis-based company
in the Mandeville area. The
broke ground last spring on
company recently announced
the 40,000-square-foot plant
that it will spend $11 million
that will turn out structural
on a new facility in the
steel products and create up to
Alamosa Business Park,
100 jobs. Company managers
where it eventually will
say state incentives arranged
employ more than 120 people.
through the Livingston Parish
The plant is expected to be
Economic Development
complete by late 2013.
fabrication and office facility.
Council helped convince them
to plan a doubling of capacity
NOLA lands No. 2 U.S. retailer NEW ORLEANS – International
within the first two years.
retailer Costco Wholesale
They said the Albany site is
Corp. will break into the New
ideal given its proximity to
Orleans market next year
interstates 12 and 55.
with a 148,000-square-foot
not only to build the first phase of the project but also
14 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
warehouse that will employ
packaging company that
200 people at a site just off
already employs almost
Carrollton Avenue. The
1,500 people in Louisiana
company said in May that it
is growing its payroll with
will invest $40 million in the
the expansion of its West
store while taking advantage
Monroe plant. Graphic
of local incentives and infra-
Packaging International
structure assistance. Costco,
Inc. recently completed an
the second-largest U.S.-based
$8.6 million addition that
retailer, is a membership-
Gov. Bobby Jindal says will
based chain that sells
help retain 450 jobs at the
brand-name merchandise
beverage and consumer
at substantially lower prices
carton facility, and generate
than those typically found at
almost 50 additional
conventional wholesale or
positions. The company
retail stores.
operates a paperboard mill and two other sites in West
Job growth in the air WAGGAMAN – Some 60 new
Monroe, and one site in
jobs could be in the offing
will enable a quadrupling of
if Dyno Nobel International
production at the consumer
decides to build an $800
carton plant, which makes
million ammonia production
packaging for Kraft Foods’
plant in Jefferson Parish.
Capri Sun beverages, among
The Utah-based company
other products.
Arcadia. The latest expansion
announced in May it is
plant, which would occupy
Work force a draw in north Louisiana RUSTON – Mortgage
the site of a previously
Contracting Services soon
closed ammonia plant and
will begin hiring for positions
would be integrated with
at its new 10,000-square-foot
an existing operation of
business process outsourcing
Cornerstone Chemical Co.,
center located along
which now produces several
Interstate 20. The company
other chemicals and employs
is spending $400,000 on
some 440 workers at the
improvements at its local
site. If Dyno Nobel deems it
office, which eventually will
feasible, the plant could begin
employ about 90 people. The
producing ammonia in 2015.
Florida-based company cited
spending $30 million to study the feasibility of opening the
the availability of Louisiana
Investment all wrapped up WEST MONROE – A Georgia
Tech University graduates as a factor in making its commitment.
n
health By sarah ravits
Cutting Down on Television Could Lead to Longer Life BATON ROUGE – Does TV viewing effect life expectency? Peter Katzmarzyk, Ph.D., associate executive director for Population Science and LFPA Endowed Chair at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, recently co-authored a study on sedentary behavior, which was published in the BMJ
smoking and obesity,” said
while they were in treatment
Lafayette – Lafayette
Open, an online, open-access
Katzmarzyk in a Pennington-
compared to 55 percent of
General Medical Center,
general medical journal.
generated press release.
those in the control group.”
a 353-staffed bed facility,
The work is published in
was recently recognized
Neurology magazine.
as one of the nation’s
The article revealed that
night could extend life by
Stress Management and Multiple Sclerosis NEW ORLEANS – Research
almost 1.4 years. Restricting
conducted by Jesus Lovera,
the amount of time spent
cutting down TV viewing to less than two hours every
“Most Wired” hospitals, in a survey released in
M.D., Assistant Professor
A New Addition for Willis-Knighton SHREVEPORT – Willis-
seated every day to less than
of Neurology at LSU Health
Knighton Medical Center
only hospital in the state to
three hours might boost
Sciences Center New
recently added a hybrid
land the award. This year,
the life expectancy of U.S.
Orleans, and colleagues has
room to its Heart & Vascular
the hospital became the first
adults by an extra two years.
shown that stress-manage-
Institute, which integrates
to offer a jobsite telemedi-
Researchers went through
ment treatment significantly
a surgical operating room
cine clinic, achieve Stage 6
the database MEDLINE, in
reduced the formation of
with advanced imaging.
status in electronic record
search of published studies
new brain lesions in people
This allows interventional
keeping, and it was among
on sitting time and deaths
with multiple sclerosis
cardiologists and surgeons
just a few hospitals around
from all causes, and they
(MS) over the course of
to collaborate on procedures
the world to broadcast a live
pooled the different relative
treatment. Lesions are
for patients requiring
surgical procedure to the
risk data from the five
markers of disease activity
minimally invasive surgery
largest peripheral vascular
relevant studies, involving
used to objectively measure
as well as patients who need
conference in the U.S.
almost 167,000 adults. They
disease status.
complex surgeries. The new
Said President /CEO David
addition was created using
Callecod: “Our hospital has
reanalyzed it, taking account
In an LSU-generated
Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. LGMC was the
of age and sex. “This study
press release, Lovera, a
the Philips Flex Move system,
always been a pioneer in
elevates the importance of
board-certified neurologist
and the design gives access
bringing the most advanced
sedentary behavior as a
specializing in multiple
from a variety of angles.
technology to Acadiana.
risk factor for premature
sclerosis said, “Our research
mortality. The risks
found that 77 percent of
associated with sedentary
the patients undergoing
behavior appear to be on par
stress management therapy
with the risks associated with
remained free of lesions
16 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
We will continue to pave
Lafayette General Medical Center named as one of the nation’s Most Wired hospitals
the way by incorporating the newest, safest and most effective health care strategies available.”
n
great louisiana chefs Maude’s Seafood Okra Gumbo Named in honor of Maude Brennan, wife of Owen Edward Brennan, the founder of Brennan’s Restaurant, the soup has a special place of honor on Brennan’s menu. The unique trait of the gumbo is that it doesn’t use a roux. 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 celery ribs, finely chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped 4 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped 16 ounces (2 cups) tomato sauce 8 ounces (1 cup) canned whole tomatoes, or very ripe, fresh, peeled and mashed whole tomatoes 2 cups water 4 pounds fresh raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 hard-shell crabs, already boiled or raw, broken in half and gills removed 1 1/4 pounds fresh, chopped okra (or 2 packages frozen chopped okra) 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 pound crabmeat, picked over to remove any shell and cartilage Cooked white rice
Lazone Randolph Brennan’s, New Orleans For all of his career, Lazone
Pour the oil into a heavy 6-quart aluminum pot. Add all the chopped vegetables except the okra and simmer over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the tomato sauce and the mashed whole tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes more. Then add the water, shrimp, crabs, okra, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Stir gently to mix. Cover and cook over low heat until the shrimp and okra are tender. Turn off the heat and leave the gumbo covered in the pot. When you are ready to serve, turn the heat on low and add the lump crabmeat. Heat just until the gumbo and crabmeat are warm through. Serve over cooked rice. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
one of Brennan’s most famous chefs
InterContinental. He has appeared on
Randolph has been at one place where
and the inventor of many of Brennan’s
numerous cooking shows, including
he learned from a master and worked
signature dishes.
Alton Brown’s Food Network show
his way through the ranks. In 1965
“It was very exciting to train under
where Brennan’s signature dessert
Randolph arrived as Brennan’s kitchen
Chef Blange,” Lazone says. “He stressed
bananas Foster was named “America’s
fresh out of high school and looking for
consistency in every dish we served.
Best Sweet.” He has also appeared
a meaningful career. A native of New
Only the best would please him.”
on the Food Network’s Rachael Ray and Unwrapped shows. Meanwhile, in
Orleans, he learned from classically
Chef Lazone has traveled to London
trained European chef Paul Blange,
to cook for an event at the United States
Brennan’s kitchen, aspiring chefs are no
Embassy and as a guest chef at Hotel
doubt learning from him.
18 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 19
traveling gourmet
In Praise of Persimmons By Stanley Dry
I suppose most
February day, a persimmon for
everyone has a favorite
dessert is a welcome tonic for
fruit whose appearance
the soul.
in the market is eagerly
Several years ago, I
anticipated. In my case,
started experimenting with
it’s the persimmon, which
persimmons as a filling
comes into season this time
for fried pies, which are
of year. What a wonderfully
another passion of mine. In
succulent, decadent fruit it is,
fact, I published a recipe for
so soft and juicy, all delicate
persimmon fried pies in this
spice and sweetness on the
magazine, but the recipe has
tongue, utterly satisfying,
evolved since then and now
possibly addictive.
barely resembles the original.
For the most part, I eat
Persimmons are too liquid to
persimmons in their natural
use “as is” in a fried pie, so
state with no embellish-
the pulp has to be thickened.
ments and with no cooking.
Cooking is one possibility, but
Persimmon breads, puddings
that changes the character
and such are good, but the
of the fruit too much. Gelatin
fruit loses its principal charms
works, sort of, but the best
when exposed to heat through
method I’ve found is to turn
cooking or baking. Dried
persimmons into jam, using
persimmons are tasty, but,
instant pectin, the kind used
again, they’re nothing like the
for freezer jams that require
fresh fruit.
no cooking.
Some years ago, on a
More recently, I’ve begun
trip to China, my eyes were
freezing persimmon pulp
opened to the possibility of
during the season and working
enjoying persimmons beyond
it into recipes during the year,
their short season. We were
trying to come up with ideas
visiting a zoo on a hot, dry
that will preserve the fruit’s
and dusty day when we came
delicate character. For the
upon a snack bar that sold
most part, that means recipes
cold drinks, including the
that don’t involve cooking.
ubiquitous orange soda, nuts
(Yes, fried pies are cooked, but
and such – and, miracle of
briefly, and the filling retains
miracles, frozen persimmons!
its freshness.) In addition
A frozen persimmon is like the
to persimmon jam, which is
best Popsicle you ever had,
heavenly on hot buttermilk
or a sorbet on a stick, a true
biscuits, I’m particularly fond
revelation. Since then, I’ve
of persimmon sorbet and
tried to save a few persimmons
persimmon cream, which is
for the freezer. On a dreary
similar to a mousse.
.
eugenia uhl photograph
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 21
Persimmon Sorbet
Persimmon Fried Pies
Of all the sorbets I have made, this has been the most popular with my band of tasters.
Fried pies can be made with either pie dough or biscuit dough. Each has its adherents. Pies made with pie dough have greater keeping qualities, while those made with biscuit dough are more tender; like biscuits, they should be eaten in short order. This recipe uses biscuit dough, but shelf life is not a problem, since the pies tend to disappear almost as soon as they come out of the skillet. Use a low-gluten flour, such as White Lily, and either a combination of butter and oil or clarified butter for frying.
2 cups water 1 cup sugar 2 cups persimmon pulp 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup vodka To make simple syrup, add water and sugar to a pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Cool before proceeding with recipe. (Simple syrup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.) Combine simple syrup, persimmon pulp, lemon juice, and vodka in blender and process until thoroughly blended. Chill mixture. Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve immediately, or transfer to container(s) and store in freezer. Makes a little more than 1 quart.
Persimmon Cream Light as air, rich and satisfying, this is a quick and easy, no-cook dessert. 2 4 1 4
cups cold persimmon pulp teaspoons lemon juice cup heavy (whipping) cream tablespoons powdered sugar
Combine persimmon pulp and lemon juice in blender and puree until smooth. In a mixing bowl, beat cream with powdered sugar until stiff. Using a rubber spatula, fold pureed persimmon into cream. Makes 4 servings.
Persimmon Jam This recipe makes a very stiff jam to use as a filling for fried pies. If you want a softer jam to spread on biscuits or toast, use less pectin. Since the mixture isn’t cooked, this jam needs to be refrigerated or frozen. 2 cups persimmon pulp 1 (1.59 ounces) packet Ball Instant Fruit Pectin 3/4 cup sugar Place persimmon pulp in blender. In a small bowl, stir pectin and sugar to combine. Add pectin and sugar to blender and process on high until thoroughly mixed. Fill clean container(s) with jam. Cover and refrigerate for immediate use or freeze. Makes about 1 pint.
22 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
2 cups White Lily self-rising flour 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons chilled butter 2 tablespoons chilled lard 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk persimmon jam (preceding recipe) all-purpose flour for rolling dough butter for frying vegetable oil for frying powdered sugar Combine self-rising flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cut butter into small pieces and add to bowl, along with lard. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut butter and lard into flour until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add milk and combine quickly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle counter with a generous amount of all-purpose flour. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead a few times with floured hands. Dough should be a little stiffer than for biscuits. Roll dough out to a thickness of 1/4-inch, sprinkling dough with additional flour, as needed, to prevent sticking. Using a floured 4-inch biscuit cutter, glass, or can, cut rounds of dough. Piece together remaining dough, roll out and cut more rounds. You should have 12 4-inch rounds of dough. To assemble: Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with wax paper and sprinkle with all-purpose flour. Using a spoon (an iced-tea spoon is best), place a small mound of persimmon jam in the center of a round of dough. Moisten the bottom edge of dough with water, fold dough over to make a half-moon shape, and crimp to seal with your fingers. Transfer to floured wax paper. Repeat with remaining rounds of dough. To cook: Add equal amounts of butter and oil (or clarified butter) to a depth of about 1/4-inch in a skillet and heat. When fat is sizzling, slide pies into skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry on one side until browned, turn with a spatula, and brown the other side. Transfer to a tray lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat, adding more butter and oil as needed, until all the pies are cooked. Arrange pies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 12 pies. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 23
home
Seclusion on a Hill By Bonnie Warren | Photographed by Craig Macaluso
ABOVE: The plan features three rooflines in two separate buildings. FACING PAGE: Daniel “Dan” and Vicki Parrish on their deck, with a large fireplace, often used for entertaining.
The new home of
This Natchitoches-Area Home Embraces Nature
house takes full advantage of
seclusion of the house
us to Sibley Lake, untouched”
Daniel “Dan” and Vicki
its setting with wraparound
that sits on a hill and is
to take full advantage of the
Parrish is a study of living in
porches, larges expanses
surrounded by trees says
idyllic location, says Dan.
harmony with nature. With
of glass and landscaping
Dan, a long-time represen-
no neighbors in sight, the
that embraces, rather than
tative for popular men’s
dream house,” says Vicki, a
home is located on a tree-
intrudes upon, the natural
clothing lines such as Haspel.
professor of theater history
filled, 7.5-acre lot on the
beauty of the site.
“We left the natural terrain of
and dance at Northwestern
valleys and hills, that connect
State University, where the
outskirts of Natchitoches. The 24 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
The couple enjoys the
“This is our nontraditional
students call her “Dr. P,” as
that features a unique
she directs the plays for the
beamed ceiling that reaches
university and serves as the
to a 20-foot peak, with a
freshman faculty adviser.
private master suite at the
“The massive windows make
end of a loggia.
us feel as though we are living in the trees.” Architectural designer
The nearby 625-foot guesthouse offers two identical suites that are
James Hearron conceptual-
self-contained with small
ized the plan for the house
refrigerators for visitors,
that offers two separate
who are most often the
buildings connected by
children and grandchildren
walkways. The 2,200-square
of the couple. “Our two sons,
foot main house showcases
daughter, their spouses and
an open floor plan with
children love having their
the den, dining room and
own ‘house’ when they visit,”
kitchen sharing the space
says Vicki.
. www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 25
TOP: The open kitchen blends seamlessly with the den and dining room. LEFT: The main open space features a 20-foot high peak. BOTTOM: The dining room overlooks the side-porch and lush tree-filled setting.
The couple praises
Once the plans
Hearron for listening
were completed, Dan
and spending a great
served as contractor
deal of time just walking
for the project.
the property with them.
Tommy Covington, the
“He appreciated our
couple’s good friend
open style suggestions
from church who had
and was able to put on
recently retired as a
paper what we could
mathematics professor
only imagine in our
at NSU, signed on as
minds,” Dan explains.
the builder. “Tommy
Hearron points out
was simply amazing,”
that the Parrishes’
Dan says of his friend,
house was one of
who carefully calculated
his favorite projects.
every aspect of the
“This is about lifestyle,
construction as if it
site, space, light, the
were a massive trigo-
uncluttered and unen-
nometry equation. “He
cumbered,” he says.
wanted to help us, and
“The goal was a strong
little did we realize how
connection between
indispensable his talents
the interior spaces and
would be. We both
outdoor environment
worked side-by-side for
that would contribute
two years with a great
to an overall sense of
sense of pride building
well-being, balance
this house.”
and harmony in a wellproportioned plan.”
Vicki smiles as she adds, “Tommy was our
TOP: The open floor plan features large windows that capture the beauty of the site. BOTTOM, LEFT: Each of the bedrooms in the guest cottage has an adjoining bathroom and a small refrigerator hidden inside a closet. BOTTOM, RIGHT: A separate peaked roof adds interest to the master suite.
meticulous craftsman, while James,
a beam’ for us. Andy, our son, was a
our architectural designer, was our
great help often joining as a construc-
free creative spirit, and Dan was the
tion worker.”
man who made it all happen. When
Today the Parrishes’ house in the
extra help was needed, we called in
country is an architectural gem, built
friends from church to come and ‘hold
with love and lived in with great joy.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 27
art TOP: Colonial piedde-biche table, 1750–1790; on loan from the Sebastian Louis Kleinpeter Home. LEFT: “Campeachy” chair, early 19th century; on loan from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Monticello, Charlottesville, Va. BELOW: Acadian-style stool, 19th century; on loan from the Holden Family Collection.
The Creole Style Louisiana Furniture | By John R. Kemp
the early 1700s. “The earliest Louisiana colonial furniture was essentially French,” says Dr. Jack Holden, a collector of early Louisiana furniture
woods for their own use.
and co-author of the book
Among the earliest known
Furnishing Louisiana with
pieces dating from the
H. Parrott Bacot, Cybèle T.
Louisiana French colonial
Gontar, Brian Costello and
and Cajun cuisine and
New Orleans Collections’
era are three refectory tables
Francis J. Puig. “It reflected
mocked for its flamboyant
recent exhibition and book,
made in approximately 1735
the colonial cabinetmaker’s
bayou and piney hills politics.
Furnishing Louisiana: Creole
for the Ursuline Convent in
origin in France. Woods used
New Orleans jazz, Cajun
and Cajun Furniture, 1735
New Orleans. Though they
were essentially American
and zydeco musicians have
to 1835, we now have a
look like furniture one might
black walnut and bald cypress.
become deities the world
better understanding of the
find in France or Canada at
These woods were also used
over. Even in the visual arts,
evolution of furniture made
the time, historians know
on the Southern East Coast,
Louisiana artists are taking
in Louisiana from the early
these tables were made in
especially South Carolina,
their place alongside the best
French colonial years well into
Louisiana because they were
but early furniture made in
in the nation. Yet long before
the 19th century. Furnishing
made of black walnut, a
the French manner of black
the music and long before the
Louisiana is really the story of
tree common to the Lower
walnut or bald cypress is
cuisine and politics evolved to
the Americanization of French
Mississippi Valley.
most likely from Louisiana.”
what they are today, Louisiana
Louisiana.
Louisiana has long
Louisiana Creole style. Thanks to the Historic
been praised for its Creole
The first furniture-makers
Colonial French furniture
in colonial Louisiana were
also was made in the Upper
furniture that eventually
the 18th century, settlers
French Canadians and French
Mississippi River Valley in
would become known as the
in colonial Louisiana made
émigré carpenters and joiners
Missouri and in the Illinois
furniture from various local
who arrived in the colony in
territory, but it is extremely
From the beginning of
craftsmen created distinctive
28 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
select photos by Jim Zietz and Edward Owen courtesy of The Historic new orleans collection
rare today and remained closer
in the true sense of the
Purchase in 1803, Anglo-
consignments shipped from
in style to Canadian furniture.
word – “native born.” And
American cabinetmakers,
elsewhere. The demographic
the influences were many –
including Scots-Irish
shift brought changes in
(known as a menuisiers or
French immigrants and French
craftsmen, made their way to
consumer tastes too. In the
ébénistes) in New Orleans
Canadians, trade with Mexico
Louisiana overland by way of
wake of the Purchase, English
and Natchitoches were
and other Spanish colonies,
Kentucky and Tennessee and
and American consumer
developing their unique styles
French émigrés from St.
from the Mid-Atlantic and
goods became readily available
based on French designs,
Domingue, Anglo-Americans
Northeastern states by sea.
for household consumption,
the Acadians who settled in
arriving before and after the
“The migration was to have
and imported goods in
the River Parishes between
Purchase, and prevailing
a profound affect on the style
the Federal style became
Baton Rouge and New Orleans
French and English styles. All
of locally made furniture,”
increasingly common in local
and along Bayous Teche and
came together to form a clearly
Lafourche in the 1760s after
recognizable Louisiana style,
the French and Indian War
the Louisiana Creole style.
While skilled cabinetmakers
continued their traditional
households.” By the end of the 18th century, Anglo-Americans and England produced most
According to historians,
of the metal hardware
ways. They brought with
the most important design
them their distinctive style
elements in the development
used in making Louisiana
of building tables, armoires
of the more elegant Louisiana
furniture. All of these
and ladder-back chairs.
Creole style came
factors contributed to
The homespun styles were
from the West
emerging furniture
French but filtered through
Indies. By the
designs in Louisiana in the
French Canada. “George
late 18th
1790s. By the end of the
Washington Cable’s comment
century,
first decade of the 19th
on the Acadian character,
the wealthy
century, however,
the reliance on precedent
French West
a full-blown Creole
not experiment, does much
Indian colony
to explain the Acadian Style
St. Domingue had
with its conservative retention
great influence on
of ancient forms and little
the cultural life of
experiment or evolution of
Louisiana. With
the style,” says Holden. “The
the fall of St.
small Acadian house and large
Domingue and the
families dictated small-scale
creation of Haiti
“The Creole style is best
and space-saving furniture.
in 1804, thousands
appreciated in our armoires,
Economic necessity dictated
of French-speaking
particularly the Butterfly
homemade furniture as well
émigrés settled
Man’s [George Dewhurst]
as a preference for easily
in New Orleans,
armoires,” says Holden. “The
worked and readily available
doubling the
fusion of attenuated French
cypress.” Acadian furniture
population of the
rococo case, Anglo inlay,
makers continued to create
city between 1809
English hardware, Haitian
the same “unpretentious and
and 1810. Among
flush panels and use of wood
easily recognizable” styles
these new arrivals
grains as design elements
of functional, minimally
were numerous skilled
ornamented and often painted
cabinetmakers such as Jean
furniture well into the 20th
Rousseau, a free man of color,
century. The Acadians tended
and Dutreuil Barjon Sr. They
to finish their furniture not
and many others greatly
with varnish but with an iron
influenced furniture designs
oxide-based paint called brun
and construction in their new
according to the gallery text
d’Espagnol (Spanish brown) or
home. Rousseau, for example,
accompanying the HNOC
gros rouge (big red).
trained over two-dozen
exhibit. “Whereas 18th century
illustrate the evolving styles.
apprentices between 1818 and
cabinetmakers used local
One is made of cherry wood
1833.
The singularly unique
style existed. The everpopular armoire is perhaps the best example of the Louisiana Creole style.
produced a style unique to Ursuline refectory table with surface removed, 1734–1750; on loan to The Historic New Orleans Collection from Robert Edward Judice.
Louisiana,” Or, as he and Gontar write in Furnishing Louisiana: “The appearance of inlay in Louisiana armoires heralded the golden age of Creole furniture.” Two early armoires best
woods to copy French and
embellished with intricate
developed over a century as
Then came another
West Indian designs, 19th-
inlays. Historians attributed
each new immigrant arrived
ingredient in the Creole
century cabinetmakers not
the distinctively Anglo inlay
before and after the Louisiana
gumbo. In the decades prior
only crafted pieces themselves
process to be the work of
Purchase in 1803. It is “Creole”
to and after the Louisiana
but increasingly sold
George Dewhurst, or Duhurst,
Louisiana style of furniture
. www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 29
Creole-style flush panel armoire with doors open, 1820–1835, on loan from Wayne and Cheryl Stromeyer.
Creole-style high-post bedstead, possibly West Indies, late 18th/early 19th century; on loan from Robert E. Smith, Au Vieux Paris Antiques.
heat and humidity have taken
among affluent planters
their toll on our region’s early
and urban dwellers, turned
material culture,” explains
more to what was then in
Dorman. “The fact that this
vogue on the East Coast
furniture has survived is
and in Europe. Improved
inspirational and speaks
steamboat transportation, and
volumes to the craftsmen’s
changing populations, led to
an English-born cabinetmaker
Sarah Doerries, a co-curator
who worked in New Orleans
of the HNOC furniture exhibit
knowledge and understanding
greater commerce between
in the early 1820s. Collectors
along with Jessica Dorman
of their resources.”
Louisiana and other regions
call him the “Butterfly Man”
and John Lawrence. “There
for his trademark double
was little tradition of artisans
well-known to Louisianians
furniture gave way to the more
dovetail joint. The second one
signing their work, and the
today is Francois Seignouret,
popular designs manufactured
is a simple but elegant armoire
few clues that remain (names
who was in business in New
in Boston, New York and
made by the prominent
or initials inscribed on the
Orleans from 1810 to the
Philadelphia and shipped to
ébéniste Célestin Glapion père,
back or interior of a case piece,
1850s. A man of legend and
New Orleans, then the cultural
a free man of color born into
a cipher inlaid into an armoire)
myths, he arrived in New
and commercial center of the
slavery in St. Charles Parish
typically point to the identity of
Orleans in 1808 and eventually
South. “By 1835, we lost our
around 1784, who flourished in
owners, not builders. Although
became wealthy selling,
distinctive regional style,” says
New Orleans during the early
we can seldom link discrete
importing and manufacturing
Doerries.
19th century.
items to individual craftsmen,
furniture. In 1821 he sold
we can, using stylistic clues,
furnishings to Andrew Jackson
comment, co-curator Jessica
numerous cabinetmakers
trace patterns of provenance.”
and his wife Rachel during a
Dorman completes the
working in New Orleans and
Not only is little known about
brief stop over in the city on
thought: “People can look at
in Natchitoches during the late
cabinetmakers of the era, the
their way to Florida.
certain pieces of furniture
18th and early 19th centuries,
furniture itself is extremely
The Americanization of
not much is known about
rare, thanks to devastating
Louisiana during the early
furniture.’ By 1850 they cannot
their lives and work. “In truth,
fires in 1788 and 1794 that
decades of the 19th century
say that. We still had fine
we know very little about
destroyed much of colonial
ushered in changing attitudes.
furniture made here, but not
individual furniture makers
New Orleans. “Floods, fires
By the 1830s, Louisianians’
distinctively Louisiana. It’s a
from the early period,” writes
and centuries of unrelenting
taste in furniture, especially
different story after that.” n
Though city records show
30 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
One furniture-maker
of the country. Local styles in
Reflecting upon Doerries’
and say, ‘That’s Louisiana
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 31
traveler 1790 Bordelon House in Marksville
757-2453), and fragments of mounds and ridges at the “Troyville” archaeological site in Jonesville. An 82-foot mound destroyed in the 1930s – now being re-formed at 50-percent scale with its original clay – is rising in the 500 block of U.S. 84 (4th Street), and you’ll see three marked mounds along the Ouachita River Road if you take that 10-mile detour up La. 124 to Harrisonburg. From Jonesville, 84 leads to the Catahoula Lake Wildlife Management Area (where “Wildlife Drive” circles scenic Duck Lake), the city of Jena (home of the Choctaw tribe), the Catahoula District of Kisatchie National Forest and Winnfield
Colonial Trail Discoveries Crisscrossing Central Louisiana | by Paul F. Stahls Jr.
with its Louisiana Politics Hall of Fame and statues of Huey and Earl Long. Kisatchie’s Winn District stretches from Winnfield to Red River (you can stop at the Gum Springs Equestrian Trails for some horsing around in the Kisatchie hills), and the Corps of
Central Louisiana
provides a vivid understanding
Grand Ecore Bluff, where El
Engineers Welcome Center high
is crisscrossed by trails used
of the terrain encountered
Camino Real (La. 6) continues
atop Grand Ecore Bluff tell the
by explorers long before
there by travelers in historic
west to Natchitoches and on to
stories of this river and region.
the Louisiana Purchase,
times. Some lead to landmarks
the Sabine River crossing into
including French and Spanish
as old as the trails and original
Texas. If you take the drive,
costumed guides of Ft. St. Jean
armies and, centuries earlier,
settlements, while others offer
note that Sept. 29-30 brings
Baptiste in Natchitoches offer
Native Americans. The most
purely natural scenery as they
Vidalia’s Jim Bowie Festival,
a glimpse of colonial life along
famous is El Camino Real,
curve gracefully through forests,
featuring a reenactment
the trail, and, after touring the
the “Royal Road” adopted by
along rivers and over hills.
of Bowie’s famous Vidalia
city and Cane River (a National
the Spanish for their travels
Most of the trails and
Sandbar Duel, and you can
Historical Park), the camino
from Old Mexico through
their branches are rooted
stock up with maps and advice
crosses the 12-mile divide
Tejas and Luisiana, and
in Vidalia (extensions of the
at the Louisiana
westbound settlers blazed
Natchez Trace), and they
Welcome Center.
trails even before the Mexican
can be enjoyed individually
War. The old roads are now
by “Sunday drivers,” strung
to Red River
French fort and Spain’s
being recognized for their
together for three-day
passes such
presidio at Los Adaes.
importance by the Louisiana
weekends or “saved” to be
points of
At Robeline (“Robber’s
Colonial Trails program, which
used as out-of-the-ordinary
interest as the
Line,” traditional
has placed distinctive markers
routes when business or
trophy-fishing
boundary of the old
along highways that closely
pleasure sends you here or
waters of Lake
match the original routes.
there around the state.
Whether or not a particular
It’s U.S. 84 that most closely
The drive
The perfect replica and
(split by the old international boundary, a creek called Rio Hondo) between the
Louisiana-Texas “No Man’s
Concordia, the Delta Music
Land” of the 1800s), detour a
Hall of Fame and Jerry Lee
mile north on La. 485 to the
stretch of highway follows an
follows the primary route
Lewis home in Ferriday,
archaeological site and nature
original trail exactly, each one
taken by settlers from Natchez
Frogmore Plantation with
trail at Los Adaes State Historic
to the Red River crossing at
its many themed tours (318)
Site (by reservation only, (888)
32 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
677-7853) and 4 miles farther to
Area on the east bank of the
combination makes a fine circle
Pollock and the once-jumping
the Adai Caddo Indian Nation
Ouachita (picnic tables and
tour from Alexandria. The
Fishville resort, the trail will
Cultural Center. It’s then 8
good view of Ft. Beauregard
Catahoula route departs 84
lead 8 miles (crossing Big
miles west to Ft. Jesup State
Hill rising above the town) and
at Archie (west of Jonesville),
Creek and Little River) to a rest
Historic Site, established in 1822
a tour of the tiny parish seat.
follows La. 28 beside the big
area – where vestiges of the old
by future General/President
Displays of Native American
lake through cornfields and
White Sulphur Springs health
Zachary Taylor to guard the
pottery, pirogues and “points”
forests, skirts Dewey Wills
resort still remain – before
border, and 24 miles through
line the halls of the 1925
WMA and then heads westerly
completing our triple-trail
Many to Toledo Bend Reservoir
Catahoula Courthouse, the
through 20 more miles of rural
circle back to U.S. 84 at Jena.
(Sabine River).
Methodist church dates to
scenery to Pineville. Stick with
1853, and Ft. Beauregard itself
28 through Alexandria and a
interstates, many branching off
– an abrupt elevation once
dozen miles west to Gardner,
the main east-west routes and
CROSSROADS
Not all colonial trails were
surmounted by Confederate
then zigzag up La. 121 and 1200
ending at particular Louisiana
route from Vidalia was the
artillery – now features an
on the Red River Stage Road
destinations. The Avoyelles
Harrisonburg Road, a quick
observation tower and World
to Boyce. There the trail shifts
Parish network, for instance,
connection from Natchez to
War I and II memorial. To
to La. 8, crosses the Red and
is a web of Indian trails that
Ouachita River settlements.
rejoin U.S. 84, head down
heads up the river valley, with
evolved into wagon roads, all
From the main trail at Ferriday,
Ouachita River Road (La. 124)
its pastures, pecan orchards
stemming from the Catahoula
drive up the Mississippi Valley
to Jonesville, or, for thrills,
and beautiful tilled fields of
Lake Road (La. 28) and leading
on La. 15/U.S. 425 to Sicily
drive 6 miles west on La. 8
rusty-red soil, to Colfax.
to various settlements in the
Island, then swing west on
(skirting Catahoula National
La. 8 to the Ouachita River
Wildlife Preserve), turn right
district of Louisiana’s “Pecan
“connector trails,” and the
and Harrisonburg. Wayside
on narrow, twisting La. 126 to
Capital” boasts vintage
modern roads most faithful
diversions include National
enjoy the roller-coaster ride
structures like the Colfax
to those entry points are La.
Register plantation hunting
to Aimwell, then take La. 459
Chronicle’s big raised cottage
107 from Pineville and La. 115
along 15/425 (all private),
south to Jena.
and substantial masonry
which departs 28 at the Grant-
buildings that once housed
LaSalle parish line. In Avoyelles
The most traveled alternate
waterfall hunting on the wild
For a great detour off the
The historic riverfront
parish. There were two main
and steep Rock Falls Trail
U.S. 84 drive, combine three
banks and hotels, all clustered
the two merge at Effie, cross
in Sicily Island Hills WMA
of the major “connector trails”
about the Grant Courthouse
Red River and become Main
(hunting license or Wild
– Catahoula Lake Road,
on Main Street where historic
Street in Marksville.
Louisiana Stamp required for
Red River Stage Road and
markers give brief histories
Entering town, turn left on
any activity in WMA’s), a stop
Old Mail Road – or, taken
of the town and of the tragic
La. 1192 and, a mile later, right
at the Harrisonburg Recreation
in a different order, the same
Colfax Riot of 1873 (aka
on Ft. DeRussy Road, which
Colfax Massacre, stemming
leads to the breastworks of Ft.
from disputed state and
DeRussy and a monument to
local elections, when whites
the slaves who built the fortifi-
attacked the courthouse where
cations. During the Red River
blacks had gathered to guard
Campaign of 1864, the partially
Republican officials). Follow
completed fort fell to a Union
Main to the railroad and old
assault on May 14, but after
depot, now serving as the
CSA victories at Mansfield
“Pecan Festival Country Store,”
and Pleasant Hill, U.S. forces
focal point of the festivities that
retreated to Alexandria, burned
are set for Nov. 2-4 this year,
the city, continued down Red
then take the Old Mail Road 3
River and, despite Confederate
miles east via La. 8 to a detour
resistance in Avoyelles
to the big recreational reservoir
(Mansura, Moreauville and
called Iatt Lake and the Bayou
Ft. Yellow Bayou, May 16-18),
Rigolette dam that created it.
accomplished an oxymoron: a
By now La. 8 is just a deep
“successful retreat.”
Ft. Beauregard’s hill rises above Harrisonburg Road and Ouachita River
and narrow corridor through
Farther into Marksville, take
soaring pines, leading 9 more
a left on Andrus, quick right on
hilly miles to the historic
Preston and left on M.L. King
logging village of Bentley and
to a 2,000-year-old Hopewell
one more to Kisatchie Forest’s
archaeological site. Its mounds
Catahoula District office.
and embankments comprise the
Beyond the beautiful village of
Marksville State Historic
.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 33
CSA breastworks on Nolan’s Trace
Site. As you leave, a left-right
loops back around to La.1 at
on Preston and Mark leads to
Hamburg. Within the circle is a
the 1927 Avoyelles Courthouse
WMA named Pomme de Terre
at Main Street, where markers
(you can call it Spud), and the
give brief histories of the parish
trail passes idyllic communities
and of the local invention of the
like Bordelonville and
Bowie knife. Along the old halls
landmarks like the Larto Bridge
are clusters of vintage photos
(built in 1916 for high-water
and documents, and one such
evacuations) and 1927 Prothieu
grouping introduces Solomon
Store, now a museum.
Northup, a kidnapped freeman
From Hamburg cross La. 1
sold into slavery in Avoyelles
onto La. 114, which becomes
(recounted in his 1853 book
Main Street in Moreauville and
Twelve Years a Slave and soon
then follows Bayou des Glaises
to be retold in a Brad Pitt movie
west. At Long Bridge turn left
now filming in Louisiana).
on La. 29 to the Bayou Rouge
Follow Main to La. 1, turn
town of Cottonport, and the
right and find the Hypolite
Cottonport Museum (open
Bordelon House at 242 West
Wed.-Sat.), a gathering place
Tunica, now a Chamber office
for quilters, whose creations as
and Welcome Center.
well as antique quilts are sold
Now take La.1 south to the
and raffled during the annual
big Tunica-Biloxi Cultural
Festival of Quilts (Oct.6-7). Five
Center (near the Paragon
miles west in Evergreen, turn
Casino Resort), whcih tells
left on College and right on
stories of the area’s related
Church to see the beautifully
tribes. Next down La. 1 is
simple 1841 Bayou Rouge
Mansura, settled by former
Baptist Church, then follow
soldiers of Napoleon, where
28 through cotton, corn and
a right on La. 107 leads to the
cane fields to Bunkie, with its
Cochon de Lait Festival Center
105-year-old Bailey Hotel (318-
and, next door at 1832 D’Eglise
346-7111). The great old brick
St., the 1790 bousillage Desfossé
T&P depot at 110 NW Main St.
House (temporarily closed).
is now a Welcome Center and
From L’Eglise, Coco Street
war memorial.
leads to La. 1 where a Welcome Center shares space with a 4-H
THE NOLAN TRACE
Club Museum (whose story
Philip Nolan was a smuggler
begins with the 1908 Corn Club
of mustangs from Spanish
of Avoyelles, predecessor of
Texas to Natchez and New
4-H in Louisiana).
Orleans, making four major
South on La. 1, turn left on La.
expeditions between 1791 and
451 to follow Big Bend Road
1801. On his final foray, after
along Bayou des Glaises as it
traveling through Leesville
34 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
to cross the Sabine, he was
726-7090), centerpiece of a B&B/
captured and executed near
restaurant/lounge complex
the Brazos River by Spanish
at 102 E. North St. in the
troops. Of the many used
Historic District, you’ll awake
by Nolan, the trail roughly
within walking distance of the
followed by La. 28 from
picturesque Old Courthouse at
Alexandria to Leesville and
201 S. 3rd. There, along with
La. 8 to the Sabine is the one
the city’s Welcome Center,
most associated with that
you’ll find paintings of the
adventurer, thanks to its direct
Louisiana Maneuvers, military
connection to the Catahoula
scenes of WWII-era Leesville
Lake Road and Natchez. The
and an incredible display of
two trails link at Main Street
“Louisiana opals” unique to this
in Pineville, which passes five
area. The Post Office at 303 S.
historic cemeteries.
3rd boasts a WPA bas relief
“All roads lead to Alexandria,”
by Duncan Ferguson of a farm
as that localized saying goes,
couple receiving “The Letter,”
making it a logical head-
and nearby the town founder’s
quartering spot for Colonial
1850 Smart House is being
Trail travelers, and one of
restored at 301 S. Smart. Gallery
its departure routes for the
One Eleven at 111 3rd St. hosts
Nolan Trace is the Bayou
art walks, two major annual
Rapides Road (La. 496), which
competitions and changing
passes 1790s Kent House
exhibits by local and guest
with its vintage outbuildings
artists; and the collections of the
and furnishings of the era
Museum of Western Louisiana
(open Mon.-Sat.); 1842 Tyrone
fill the old KCS depot and other
Plantation (“birthplace of LSU,” a
railside structures at 803 S. 3rd
B&B at 6576 Rapides Road, (318)
(Tues.-Sun. afternoons).
442-8528); and several private
A highway marker honoring
but well-marked antebellum
Nolan’s Trace and the
homes. The road then connects
Louisiana Colonial Trails
via La. 121 to La. 28 at Gardner
network will be unveiled Nov.
– entry point to Kincade and
3 at the Vernon Library, 1401
Valentine Recreation Areas – as
Nolan Trace, from which La.8
Nolan’s hilly trail heads west
heads west, passes between
through the Evangeline Unit of
Vernon and Anacoco lakes
Kisatchie Forest to Leesville. A
and skirts Clear Creek WMA
good first stop there is the newly
on its way to the community
enlarged Ft. Polk Museum at
of Burr Ferry. Just short of
7881 Mississippi Ave.
the Sabine is a park filled
Thanks to history-minded
with breastworks where CSA
activists like Mayor Robert
artillery once guarded the river,
Rose and tourism director John
and the original trace crosses
Crook, the lore and landmarks
the property a few yards off
of Leesville are being preserved
today’s highway. The village,
and promoted, and the past
1937 iron bridge, former ferry
blends nicely, here, with a
and a remote family cemetery
forward-looking and cosmo-
all derive their names from Dr.
politan citizenry – a mix of
Timothy Burr, second cousin
generations-old families that
of vice president and infamous
never leave and many military
conspirator Aaron Burr.
families from across the country who come and stay. If you stay overnight in
For Colonial Trails maps and information, visit lacolonialtrails.com or call the Kisatchie
the 1905 Queen Anne-style
Delta Agency at (318) 487-5454.
Booker-Lewis House (1 (800)
Happy trails. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 35
Stroube’s Chop House
Steakside A Guide to Great Steaks Thoughout Louisiana
[
]
by robert peyton | photographed by steven hronek
We love a well-cooked steak. We love places where we can celebrate our carnivorous nature, and we love a restaurant that pays attention to what makes a steak great. Not all of the restaurants on this list are, strictly speaking, steakhouses.
Nor are all of the good steakhouses in Louisiana represented here. This is a list of restaurants around Louisiana where you
can get a great steak; some are upscale, and others are casual.
[
LA BOCA / NEW ORLEANS
]
The Argentines eat a lot of beef. Per capita they rank second in the world for consumption behind Uruguay, because apparently every country has to be first in something, and Uruguay decided it would be “eating beef.” The Argentine love of beef is on display at La Boca. The restaurant offers standards like a strip, ribeye and T-bone, but you can also order a skirt, flank or true hanger steak prepared with the attention you’d expect from a fine-dining restaurant. The fillet is served on the bone, and the grilled sweetbreads are crisp on the outside and meltingly tender on the interior. A great selection of wines from Argentina and elsewhere cements La Boca’s place on our list. The restaurant is located at 857 Fulton St. Call (504) 525-8205 for more information.
38 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
[ ] Stroube’s Chop House / BATON ROUGE
Like a number of the restaurants on this list, Stroube’s Chop House is not just a steakhouse. The menu extends to seafood, pork, poultry and lamb, but for most customers beef is the ticket. You can order fillets of varying sizes, a strip or a ribeye, but the real choice comes when you decide on a sauce. Feel like an au poivre? They’ve got a pink-peppercorn version. How about mushrooms? They’ve got a couple of options, including one with blue cheese and another with portobellos and balsamic-glazed onions. If you’re interested in surf-and-turf, order your steak with jumbo lump crabmeat and hollandaise sauce. Because it’s not just a steakhouse, the sides are more than you might expect as well; the creamed spinach is made with smoked gouda, the mac and cheese features truffles and lobster, and there’s bacon and blue cheese in the grits. You can find Stroube’s at 107 3rd St., and you can contact the restaurant at (225) 448-2830.
CAJUN COUNTRY The
Cypress
Bayou
Casino,
in
Charenton, is located on land owned by the Chitimacha tribe, and though the surroundings are what you’d expect from a casino, Mr. Lester’s Steakhouse is far more than a buffet catering to folks playing slots. Insulated from the noise and action on the casino floor, the dining rooms are spacious and the staff is welltrained. The open kitchen puts out some fantastic food, and while steaks are the main attraction, this is South Louisiana, so you won’t go wrong with seafood either. Charenton is not far from New Iberia, but if you’re not from the area, a GPS might be a good idea. Enter 832 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton, into your device to find Mr. Lester’s, or call (337) 923-7408 if you get lost. The Harlequin Steakhouse is an institution. The Lake Charles restaurant opened in 1956 and is still managed by the Hunter family. Though it moved to its current location at 501 West College St. in 2004, there’s still a sense of tradition at the Harlequin that’s reflected in a menu that hasn’t changed much over the years. The beef at the Harlequin is choice, with the exception of the strip “elite,” which is prime. The porterhouse may be the best deal on the menu; it’s designed for two, and comes with two salads and two sides to share. Call the Harlequin at (337) 310-0077 to find out the daily specials.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 39
Baton Rouge Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse may have been born in New Orleans, but the original
location on North Broad Street never reopened after Hurricane Katrina, and the restaurant group – no longer locally owned – moved its headquarters to Tampa, Fla., after the storm. It’s still an iconic steakhouse, and the Baton Rouge location is certainly worthy of inclusion on this list. Ruth’s Chris popularized the New Orleans sizzling platter-style of serving steaks and prides itself on consistency at each of its hundreds of venues worldwide. The key to Ruth’s success is consistently excellent food. It starts with great beef, of course, but Ruth’s has all of the trappings of the classic American steakhouse as well. It has a club-like décor, a wine list that shames most fine-dining restaurants and outstanding service. People come to Ruth’s Chris for business, to celebrate or just to have a good piece of prime beef and the traditional accompaniments like creamed spinach, au gratin potatoes or a classic Caesar salad. Ruth’s Chris is located at 4836 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge, and you can contact the restaurant at (225) 925-0163.
[ MARINER’S / CENTRAL LOUISIANA
[
Though the restaurant’s name implies that seafood is the focus, Mariner’s restaurant is a great place to get an Angus steak. It’s one of the only places on this list where you can order the classic chateaubriand and prime rib is available on Friday and Saturday. The Cajun surf-and-turf is a ribeye topped with crawfish étouffee and blackened shrimp, and steak Oscar is a fillet served over an English muffin topped with lump crabmeat and either hollandaise or béarnaise sauce. Mariner’s is on 5948 Hwy. 1 Bypass, Natchitoches. Call (318) 357-1220 for more.
Chef Stephanie White
[
landry’s steaks and seafood / CAJUN COUNTRY
]
Landry’s Steaks and Seafood is, its website is quick to tell you, “not the chain.” The New Iberia restaurant is a family operation that’s been serving good steaks and good food generally in the area for years. Not too long ago New Iberia-born chef Alex Patout left New Orleans and his namesake restaurant to return home and take over executive chef duties at Landry’s. Patout brings a professional approach to food that was already good. You can tell from the restaurant’s name that steaks are not the only option on the menu, but the beef is among the best in Acadiana and the fact that you can also get great seafood at Landry’s is lagniappe. The restaurant is located on Hwy. 90 at Jefferson Island Road in New Iberia; if that address isn’t precise enough, call (337) 369-3772 for directions.
[
2johns steak and seafood / NORTH LOUISIANA
]
2Johns Steak and Seafood in Bossier City is one of the restaurants on this list that are not strictly steakhouses. The two Johns in question are owner John Montelepre Jr. and his son, John Montelepre, III, who manages the restaurant. There’s more to the menu than beef, but the fillet au poivre, prime ribeye and Kansas City strip deserve recognition in this list. Chef Josh Wilkinson has earned a devoted following for his consistently excellent take on modern American cooking, and he applies a fine-dining approach to the prime beef at 2Johns. The restaurant is just across the river from Shreveport, at 2151 Airline Drive, Suite 1500, and the phone number is (318) 841-5646.
42 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
Doe’s Eat Place is a casual restaurant that serves great steaks. The
Crescent City Steakhouse is the original New
family-owned business started in Greenville, Miss., near the turn of
Orleans steakhouse. Opened in 1934 by John
the last century and the Delta-style hot tamales on the menu are a link
Vojkovich, the restaurant was the first to serve
to its past. Doe’s ages and cuts its own steaks, and the portions are
steaks still sizzling in butter at the table. All of the
generous. You can order an 8-ounce petite fillet, but the next-smallest
steaks at Crescent City are prime, even the fillet,
options are pound-and-a-half T-bone or porterhouse steaks. Ribeyes
which is unusual. Also unusual are the privacy
start at two pounds, and the smallest sirloin you can order is two-and-
booths which can be closed off with curtains
a-half pounds. Sides are limited to excellent renditions of slow-cooked
that line one wall of the restaurant. Whether
green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes or sautéed
they’re being used for romantic purposes or
mushrooms. You’ll find Doe’s Eat Place at 3723 Government St., Baton
by some of the many politicians who patronize
Rouge. If you want to learn more, call 225 387-5331.
Crescent City Steakhouse is an open question.
Central Louisiana
You won’t go wrong ordering a steak at Crescent City, but the porterhouse, which comes in sizes
Tunk’s Cypress Inn is, again, not just a destination for steaks, but
for two or three – is always a good bet. Just be
folks in the Alexandria area know that the ribeye, bacon-wrapped
aware that “two or three” translates to “three or
fillet and prime rib are among the best in central Louisiana. Tunk’s is
four” for most appetites. Crescent City Steakhouse
a casual spot that’s nevertheless capable of putting out some excellent
is located at 1001 N. Broad Street. To make a
food, and the views of Lake Kincaid are a bonus. You’ll find Tunk’s at
reservation call 504 821-3271.
9507 La. Hwy. 28 West, in Boyce, and the restaurant can be reached at (318) 487-4014.
North Louisiana Superior’s Steakhouse is among the more
If you’re in the vicinity of Marksville and you’re looking for a
popular restaurants in Shreveport due in part to
steak, Legend’s Steakhouse in the Paragon Casino is a good bet.
a see-and-be-seen bar that attracts the young set.
There’s something about casinos and steakhouses; they seem to
The restaurant is also popular because it turns
go together, and that’s certainly the case with Legend’s. Regulars
out some fantastic food, including some of the
recommend the bone-in ribeye, and Legend’s is the sort of place that
best steaks in North Louisiana. Steaks include the
engenders regulars. Visit Legend’s Steakhouse inside the Paragon
standard fillet, ribeye and porterhouse, but you
Casino, Marksville, and call 1 (800) 946-1946 to make a reservation or
can order the first two bone-in, and the restaurant
to learn more.
also serves a flat-iron skirt steak. The dining room
New Orleans
is large, and it can get loud at times, but service is good, and there’s an excellent wine list. Superior’s
There’s no menu at Charlie’s Steakhouse. Steak is your only option
address is 855 Pierremont St., Shreveport, and the
apart from the typical accouterments such as onion rings, potatoes au
phone number is (318) 219-4123.
gratin, creamed spinach or a perfunctory salad. In true New Orleans fashion, the steaks; T-bones, fillet and only recently a strip steak come on
Monroe’s Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant overlooks
a sizzling platter that continues to cook the meat as you dine. Charlie’s
the Ouachita river, and the scenic views are just
was shuttered by Katrina, and until new owners came on board it was
a part of the restaurant’s charm. Like a few other
one of the most-missed restaurants in the city. You can find Charlie’s at
restaurants on this list, Warehouse No. 1 is casual
4510 Dryades St., and you can call (504) 895-9323 to find out more.
and family-friendly, but if you’re after a steak in Monroe, you won’t find many better options. The restaurant is known as much for its seafood as for the steaks, and while there’s a section of the menu devoted just to beef, there’s always the option to top a fillet with crabmeat or shrimp and the mixed grill platter adds fried catfish to the mix. Warehouse No. 1’s address is 1 Olive St., Monroe, and the phone number is (318) 322-1340.
[
n
]
If you feel we’ve left a place out, please let us know: info@louisianalife.com. For your subject line use Guide to Steaks. All recommendations are subject to be published, as edited, in the Letter to the Editor section.
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 43
I
n 1932, the football teams of two
Instead of Monroe’s former Casino
of the LSU-Tulane rivalry is just fine
Louisiana HBCUs (historically black
Park, the contest is now played in New
with them. That’s because several other
colleges/universities) came together
Orleans’ Superdome and broadcast
in-state college football enmities exist, not
in Monroe, one from Baton Rouge,
nationally every year, making it the
the least of which is the Bayou Classic.
the other from Grambling. It wasn’t
only NCAA Football Championship
exactly the era of political correctness – the squad from the state capital,
Subdivision game so displayed. Grambling-Southern might be the
There’s the University Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns taking on the UL-Monroe Warhawks in the heated
Southern University, was nicknamed the
most famous in-state rivalry in Louisiana,
Battle on the Bayou, a fierce Football
Bushmen, and their opponents’ school
at least in 2012 anyway. Decades ago,
Bowl Subdivision clash between Sun
was formally titled the Louisiana Negro
of course, Louisiana State and Tulane
Belt Conference foes. Then you have
Normal and Industrial Institute.
battled every year for Bayou State
the McNeese State Cowboys colliding
bragging rights, but the Green Wave
with the Northwestern State Demons
has since de-emphasized athletics, and
every year, alternating between the
the rivalry has gone kaput with LSU
’Pokes home in Lake Charles and NLU’s
Tigers and the Southern Jaguars clash
clobbering the Greenies pretty much
stomping grounds in Natchitoches in an
annually in he Bayou Classic, the biggest
every time they do play.
in-state and in-league (both are in the
Little did anyone know what that first contest would become. Now, 80 years later, the Grambling
game on the HBCU schedule each fall. 44 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
But for many Louisianians, the demise
FCS Southland Conference) feud.
And don’t forget the often-epic battles for the River Bell between the Southeastern Louisiana Lions from Hammond and the Thibodaux-based
THE BIG GAMES
have a mutual respect and kinship born
So where do you start when discussing the Bayou State’s football feuds? Let’s begin on the day after Saturday
from their shared histories as two of the finest and oldest HBCUs in the country. “The enmity is intense, in its way, but
Nicholls State Colonels, a contest which,
after Thanksgiving in the Superdome
I wouldn’t really call it enmity,” says
like McNeese-NSU, pits two Southland
– excuse me, the Mercedes-Benz
author Tom Aiello, who penned a history
conference foes.
Superdome – the annual, anointed day
of the game. “Unlike some rivalries, there
and place for the Grambling-Southern
is no outright hatred.” Aiello quotes
institutions of higher learning no longer
game. The Bayou Classic – excuse me
the late Coach Robinson, who coached
really have in-state rivals, they do hold
again, the State Farm Bayou Classic –
his final Bayou Classic in 1997: “To
grudges against antagonists from other
was first played under that moniker in
appreciate the rivalry, you have to realize
states. Even small, NCAA Division III
1974, when it moved to the Big Easy.
Grambling and Southern fans are close
schools like Pineville’s Louisiana College
Since then, the Tigers hold a 20-18
friends, as well as relatives.”
and Shreveport-located Centenary
advantage after a 36-12 victory in 2011.
So where to now? How about
But the rivalry goes back decades
Lafayette and Monroe, where two
In addition, while several of Louisiana’s
College have pigskin feuds that burn in players from both schools. In a different twist, Tulane and Louisiana Tech share a rival, Southern Mississippi. The Bulldogs battle the
earlier, and in the beginning, Southern
University of Louisiana squads – the
completely dominated Grambling, which
Ragin’ Cajuns and the Warhawks,
didn’t post a win in the series until 1947.
respectively – come together, alternating
Since then, though, with legendary
annually between locations in the Battle
Golden Eagles in the Rivalry in Dixie,
coach Eddie Robinson – and his
on the Bayou? It’s a fierce rivalry, and
while the Green Wave faces off against
successor, former NFL star and Tiger
it’s practically an even one – after a nail-
USM in the Battle for the Bell.
alum Doug Williams – Grambling has
biting, 36-35 Cajun triumph in 2011, ULL
caught up with the Jags, including a
leads the all-time series by a sliver, 24-23.
And LSU, the hegemonic, highprofile Tigers hailing from Baton
current four-game win streak, despite
The intensity of the Warhawk-
Rouge? They’ve had rivals come and go,
losing to Southern eight times in a row
Ragin’ Cajun enmity sprouts from
depending on the year and the quality
from 1993-2000. The all-time series
many sources, including the fact
of the teams. Currently, it appears
stands at 32-30, with the Jags holding
that many of the players on the two
that LSU’s most intense enmity is with
the edge.
squads are Louisiana natives who
the university of Alabama. The two
The Bayou Classic is so monumental,
played each other in high school and
squads played each other twice last
in fact, that it’s now not just about
who grew up savoring the rivalry
year, the second game for the Bowl
football. The two school’s famous
from the beginning, says ULL senior
Championship Series national cham-
marching bands compete in the
quarterback Blaine Gautier. He adds
pionship, an honor claimed by the
two-part Battle of the Bands, and other
that for those players who come from
Crimson Tide in a 21-0 victory over the
Classic activities include a Greek show,
outside the state, the intensity of the
offensively-challenged Tigers.
a Thanksgiving Day parade, a golf
Battle on the Bayou is instilled as soon
tournament, a beauty pageant
as they set foot on campus. “It’s one of the first stories we’re told,”
and a job fair. That’s not to mention
Gautier says. “It’s the battle for bragging
the financial bottom line –
rights. It’s always a good game, won by a
last year, the two schools
field goal or a last-minute comeback.”
split more than $1.3
Up in Monroe, the Warhawks carry an
million in weekend
especially weighty chip on their collective
proceeds that
shoulders, says ULM head coach Todd
went to
Berry, thanks to the powers-that-be in Louisiana. Berry asserts that because state politicians originally denoted Lafayette as the “main campus” of the University of Louisiana system, Monroe has always felt overlooked
their athletic programs Grambling Tigers and the Southern Jaguars
and scholarship funds. But perhaps what
and disrespected, fanning the flames of Warhawk hatred. “There’s more to it (than just football),”
makes the Southern-
Berry says of the annual clash. “It’s
Grambling rivalry so
been something stirred up by the State
special is that instead
Legislature. It didn’t sit well with a lot
of so-called hatred,
of people (in Monroe). That’s central to
the two universities
our frustrations, and it gives the rivalry a www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 45
and NSU football programs runs
little more animosity.”
even deeper though, because
Now let’s head into the Football Championship Subdivision for some
the two squads have traded
cross-state pigskin pugilists. The
coaching staff members several
Northwestern State-McNeese series
times over the last several
was launched in 1951, when McNeese
years. Staying in the state and in
upgraded from the junior-college level, and the enemies have met every year since
the FCS’ Southland Conference,
then – 61 seasons in a row, not counting
over the last few decades a
this fall’s coming clash.
rivalry has burgeoned between
However, unlike the Bayou Classic
Southeastern Louisiana University
and the Battle on the Bayou, the all-time
in Hammond and Nicholls State in
record between the Demons and Cowboys
Thibodaux – two institutions separated by
hasn’t been that close – McNeese leads
just 94 miles – over the River Bell trophy.
40-20-1, including victories in 16 of the last
The annual fracas began in 1972, when,
19 contests and the last seven in a row,
according to the SLU football media
most recently a 20-18 W in 2011.
guide, an alumni chapter of SLU’s Sigma
national TV every year.
Tau Gamma fraternity initiated the idea.
For those involved in
But that doesn’t mean the games
McNeese State Cowboys vs. Northwestern State Demons
the feud, as well as a
However, the series took a
themselves have been boring blowouts.
two-decade hiatus after SLU dropped
growing number of
two schools have been decided by a
football after the 1985 campaign. At
outside observers, the
touchdown or less, including five of the
that time, the all-time series was even
series represents the
last seven. All in all, the Cowboy-Demon
at seven wins apiece.
best of college football.
Ten of the last 14 clashes between the
rivalry amounts to high drama for the folks in Lake Charles and Natchitoches.
The Lions revived their pigskin
Wrote Louisiana
efforts in 2003, and the River Bell
Football Magazine’s Mike Miller a few
rivalry resumed two years later. The
“We’re just two hours away,” says NSU
years ago: “This is what
Sports Information Director Doug Ireland.
Colonels won the two ensuing conflagra-
“We’re state rivals. That’s what makes in a
tions, but SLU captured its first victory
college football is all about!
in the series in 2007, and it also claimed
A heated rivalry for local
rivalry for many people.”
the trophy last year, bringing the series
Plus, he adds, “we’ve had a stretch the last 14 years of “a ton of remarkable
to 12-9 all-time, with Nicholls holding the
games. The fact that we lost just 20-18 last
edge. Don’t make the mistake of underesti-
year only adds to (the enmity).”
bragging rights, and a trophy to display to the alumni and potential recruits.” And this past May, blogger Dave Gladow
McNeese SID Matthew Bonnette agrees.
mating the importance of the River Bell
called the rivalry “today’s reason college
“We’ve won the last seven meetings,
rivalry just because it’s not broadcast on
football is good.”
but it’s still a good rivalry,” he says.
“One of the very best things about
“Our games have almost always been
college football is all the obscure trophies
tight games.”
teams win for topping their rivals,”
Games, mind you, that have attracted throngs every year “Our fans travel well, and that trip (to
Gladow wrote. “The trophy handed out to the winner of the Southeastern LouisianaNicholls State game isn’t especially special in its own right
Natchitoches) is only two hours, so they
(it’s a bell
bring crowds here,” Bonnette says.
strapped to
Throughout the decades, one game
a plank of
that stands out to Bonnette is the one in 1971, when McNeese was unbeaten
wood), but its
and ranked second nationally in what
significance
was then NCAA Division I-AA behind
for these
Delaware State. When Delaware lost
two schools cannot be
a game, the Cowboys leapfrogged to
understated.”
No. 1 in the standings. However, just a week later, NSU tagged a 3-3 tie on
TEN POINTS OR LESS
McNeese, and Delaware returned to No. 1, where it would stay for the rest of the season. But the link between the McNeese
46 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns vs. the UL-Monroe Warhawks
Now that we’ve mined the Louisiana football
rivalries that exist in the top tiers
Green Wave is in Conference
of college pigskin, let’s delve a
USA, LTU in the Western Athletic
little further and take a look at
Conference – they do share a
a Division III school, Louisiana
common enemy: the University of
College, a religious-based school
Southern Mississippi. Tech confronts Southern Miss in
with a long football tradition.
the Rivalry in Dixie, in which the
Although LC really has no in-state rival, the institution does
Golden Eagles hold a 31-13 edge,
hold interstate grudges against
while USM also dominates the Battle
members of its conference.
for the Bell with the Greenies, 23-7.
Louisiana College, a Pineville-
In that way, the Bulldogs and Green
based Baptist school founded
Wave are linked, if not actually
in 1906 and currently boasting
pitted against each other. That’s a rundown of some current
an enrollment of just about 1,000 students, sits as a member
Louisiana college football rivalries,
of the American Southwest
but, of course, there are many
Conference, in which it annually
others that have come and gone
battles one of its fiercest rivals, East Texas Baptist University,
Southeastern Louisiana Lions VS Nicholls State Colonels
a handful that ended when one part
Much like the Nicholls-SLU
of each respective rivalry decided
series, the Louisiana College
to change its level of play or to shift
and East Texas Baptist 31 years when Louisiana dropped football
with the long-ago enmity between Tulane and LSU, but it also includes
for the Border Claw trophy.
University enmity was put on hold for
throughout history. That list begins
come-from-behind victory in 2011. Louisiana College Sports Information
conferences. Northwestern State and Louisiana
in 1968. But the program returned in
Director Will Tubbs acknowledges
Tech, for example, nurtured a fierce
2000, and since then the Wildcats have
that the national media spotlight rarely
feud for many years before the Bulldogs
played East Texas Baptist 12 times, with
shines on his school’s football program
decided to move up to NCAA Division I-A
the series standing at 6-6 after LC’s
– “We’re the smallest of the small,” he
(now the Football Bowl Subdivision). The
says – but LC still takes its football very
same goes for NSU and the University of
seriously, especially when it comes to
Louisiana at Monroe. But there’s one more Louisiana
the Border Claw. “I don’t think we have any earthquake game like LSU-Alabama or
Of course, it’s a fictional one, but in the
LSU-Auburn,” he says, “but every year,
Adam Sandler movie, The Waterboy, the
with very few exceptions, the game is
University of Louisiana Cougars annually
decided by 10 points or less. It’s just a
stomp on South Central Louisiana State
hard-fought, close game.” However, LC and ETBU are similar to Grambling-Southern because, like the state’s HCBUs, they share common roots – both
University until former UL waterboy Bobby Boucher becomes an SCLSU linebacker and guides the squad to a huge upset win in the Bourbon Bowl. OK, granted, the Bourbon Bowl is
were founded by Baptist
make-believe. But the intense enmity
groups. “It’s a rivalry, but a
between the fictional colleges does
friendly rivalry,” Tubbs says.
symbolize several of the real-life, in-state
“There’s no ill will, because we have a brotherhood.” So what about the
Louisiana State Tigers VS Tulane Green Wave
football rivalry that must be mentioned.
pigskin antagonisms. Louisianians don’t mess around when it comes to college football, no matter
state’s two large-school-
what the level of play. And certainly
level teams that have no
when it comes to rivalry games, where
in-state antagonists anymore,
the players leave everything on the
Tulane and Louisiana
field, and the fans go bonkers in the
Tech? Although the two
stands. Whether the game is in Monroe
Bayou State universities are in different FBS conferences – the
or Natchitoches or Lake Charles or Thibodaux or Pineville or New Orleans, the intensity is as real as it gets.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 47
etting tting th A closer look at Louisiana’s public companies
C
By Kathy Finn
/
Illustration by Jane Sanders
Take the S&P 500 Index as an
omplaints of recession and investment
stock prices – and inflated expecta-
portfolio laggards aside, publicly
tions – of 2007, but stocks today seem
example. For the first half of 2012,
traded companies in general have not
to offer a more rational reflection of
these large-capitalization equities
fared badly during the past year. True,
the underlying value of a great many
posted a highly respectable total
the market is not sporting the soaring
growing companies.
return of almost 9 percent. The
48 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
energy service companies had to deal
Business: The utility holding company,
with persistently low natural-gas prices
through its subsidiary Cleco Power,
and with a continued slow rebound in
engages in generation, transmis-
offshore drilling since the 2010 oil spill
sion, distribution and sale of electricity
in the Gulf of Mexico.
to approximately 280,000 customers
Other sectors, such as banking,
in Louisiana, and 10 communities in
meanwhile enjoyed a more favorable
Louisiana and Mississippi. Founded in
environment as borrowing activity
1934, the company deals in a mixture
began to pick up while their costs for
of coal, petroleum coke, lignite, oil and
deposits remained low.
natural gas-generated power. It also
At Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman
owns and operates a natural gas-fired
School of Business, student researchers
power plant and a natural gas intercon-
in the Burkenroad program follow many
nection system.
public companies based in Louisiana
Analysis: The company posted a $1
and the surrounding region. Assistant
million earnings increase for first-
Business Dean Peter Ricchiuti oversees
quarter 2012, with income of $30
the program and teaches students the
million, or 50 cents per diluted share. In
ins and outs of stock analysis.
announcing the quarterly results in early
The group annually publishes the
May, CEO Bruce Williamson reaffirmed
Burkenroad Reports, which contain
expectations that CLECO will post
the students’ analyses of some 40
full-year profits in the range of $2.34 to
companies, based on financial reviews,
$2.44 per share.
site visits and interviews with top executives. Stocks in the Burkenroad program
Like other dividend-paying stocks, particularly in the utility sector, CLECO has attracted increasing investor
also form the core of the Hancock
interest. The stock price recently has
Horizon Burkenroad Small-Cap Mutual
set new highs, and its nearly 3-percent
Fund, which is managed by Hancock
yield helped it win a spot among
Bank and now has $80 million in assets.
“rock-solid retirement stocks” on a list
For the first half of 2012, the fund
published in early July in the financial
posted an annualized return of 5.4
blog Seeking Alpha.
percent and a three-year return of 18.5 percent. To learn more about the fund, visit
A potential upside Ricchiuti sees for stockholders: “There aren’t that many publicly traded utilities of CLECO’s size
www.hancockhorizon.com or call
any more, and most people think that at
Hancock Investor Services at (888)
some point the company will be taken
346-6300.
over by a larger utility.”
The following are brief profiles of five Louisiana-based companies evaluated annually by student researchers in the Burkenroad Reports program, which is overseen by Peter Ricchiuti, Tulane University’s assistant business dean. Each of the profiles includes a description of the company’s business and a brief comment by Ricchiuti and other researchers. more narrowly focused Dow Jones Industrial Average returned just above 6 percent during the same period, also not shabby. Public companies based in Louisiana turned in a solid performance, overall, during the past year, even given ups and downs in the state’s dominant energy sector. Some oil and gas producers and
CLECO Corp. (CNL) Pineville Top executive: J. Patrick Garrett, chairman Website: www.cleco.com Market capitalization: $2.58 billion Stock price information (as of July 5, 2012) 52-week range: $30.06-42.98 July 5 close: $42.79
Energy Partners Ltd. (EPL) New Orleans Top executive: Gary Hanna, president, CEO Website: www.eplweb.com Market capitalization: $684 million Stock price information (as of July 5, 2012) 52-week range: $9.99-18.49 July 5 close: $16.37 Business: This independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company, founded in 1998, has interests in producing oil and natural gas assets in Gulf of Mexico waters offshore Louisiana. With estimated proved reserves of 37 million barrels of oil equivalent, it has working interests in 19 producing fields in the gulf. In the latest www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 49
Central Gulf lease sale, the company was
of Saudi Arabia. In May, it signed
well-planned expansions. He notes that
the high bidder on six leases covering
a deal to provide maintenance at a
the company also has been unusually
more than 27,000 acres.
nuclear power plant that serves 800,000
successful in starting an investment
Analysis: Since emerging from
residences in Kansas and Missouri.
banking operation from scratch.
bankruptcy in 2009, Energy Partners
The company also is investing in
“Typically, a bank will just buy an
has made steady progress. First-quarter
North Carolina-based NET Power LLC,
investment banking firm, but instead,
2012 results showed a 47 percent
in line with its plans to build a new type
they handpicked the best people in the
increase in revenue from a year earlier,
of natural gas-fired power plant. The
region to build a new company. To me,
and the company posted net income of
commissioning of the plant is scheduled
it meant they were really in it for the
$1.5 million, after a year-earlier loss of
for 2014.
long run,” he says.
$14.5 million. Energy Partners was among “six well-
Moody’s Investors Service said in May that the company’s decision to
balanced energy stocks” noted recently in
sell most of its energy and chemicals
the Minyanville financial blog, based on
business to Technip for cash proceeds
its strong balance sheet, positive cash flow
of $300 million will reduce the volatility
and “strong production growth profile.”
of its earnings and boost its liquidity.
Pointing out that most energy
Meanwhile, Shaw Group’s stock price
companies of Energy Partners’ size are
remains near the upper end of its
more heavily endowed with natural gas
52-week range.
then oil, Ricchiuti notes that the persistently low price of gas has held many of them down. “Energy Partners is really pretty heavy on oil,” he says. “That’s turned out to be the good side to be on.”
Shaw Group Inc. (SHAW) Baton Rouge Top executive: Jim Bernhard Jr., chairman, president, CEO Website: www.shawgroup.com Market capitalization: $1.85 billion Stock price information (as of July 5, 2012) 52-week range: $18.98-32.49 July 5 close: $28.07 Business: Founded in 1987, the company
IBERIABANK Corp. (IBKC) Lafayette Top executive: Daryl Byrd, president, CEO Website: www.iberiabank.com Market capitalization: $1.51 billion Stock price information (as of July 5, 2012) 52-week range: $42.51-59.64 July 5 close: $51.18 Business: With $11.8 billion in assets, the
Pool Corp. (POOL) Covington Top executive: Manuel Perez de la Mesa, president and CEO Website: www.poolcorp.com Market capitalization: $1.94 billion Stock price information (as of July 5, 2012) 52-week range: $22.60-41.27 July 5 close: $40.81 Business: This distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment and related products also offers pool construction and recreational products, from pool surface and decking materials to pool toys and games, spas and grills. Its customers include swimming pool remodelers and builders, retail swimming pool stores, pool repair and
corporation is the largest bank holding
service businesses, landscape construc-
company headquartered in Louisiana,
tion and maintenance contractors, and
operating from 175 branch offices
golf courses. The company was founded
in Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee,
in 1993 and has some 3,200 employees
Alabama, Texas and Florida. Founded in
in 290 locations around the world.
1887, the company today also operates
Analysis: “Solid top-line growth” has
provides technology, engineering,
22 title insurance office in Arkansas
driven the surging performance of Pool
construction, maintenance and facilities
and Louisiana; mortgage offices in 12
Corp. in recent quarters, according
management services to electric
states; and a wealth-management firm in
to an April report by Zacks Equity
utilities, government agencies, oil
four states. In addition, IBERIA Capital
Research, which noted a nearly 16
companies, and industrial corporations
Partners, an investment banking firm, is
percent jump in net sales in first-quarter
worldwide. Shaw Group has several
based in New Orleans.
2012. Hot weather and a recovering
specialty units, including power, envi-
Analysis: For first-quarter 2012, the
economy have pushed the company’s
ronmental, energy and chemicals, and
company posted a 32 percent jump
stock price to new highs.
manufacturing units. It also provides
in profit as compared with a year
plant design, engineering and various
earlier. During the past few years
proving to the market in the last couple
services to owners and operators of
IBERIABANK has made a substantial
of years that even with very few new
nuclear power plants.
move into the Florida market through
pools being built, they could grow
Analysis: A bumpy market in the nuclear
federally assisted acquisitions of
earnings,” Ricchiuti says.
power sector in the last few years
banks that had been weakened by
caused rough going for Shaw’s nuclear
poor lending practices. Recently, the
housing market has finally hit bottom
business, but the company has managed
company announced its first unassisted
and will begin climbing soon, the
revenue growth and continues to land
acquisition in Florida, of the $376
outlook for swimming pool construction
lucrative contracts. In late June, it
million-asset Florida Gulf Bancorp Inc.
may be getting brighter. “They’re in a
announced a contract to implement a
“IBERIABANK seems to have made
“The stock has done really well,
With some analysts suggesting the
great position to benefit from new pools
services program for oil and gas-fired
all the right calls at the right time,”
when housing starts to turn upward,”
power plants throughout the Kingdom
Ricchiuti says, praising the company’s
Ricchiuti says.
50 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 51
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54 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
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www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 55
56 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n
Regional Travel
T
he landscape just outside Louisiana’s borders is just as diverse as the one within, and fall is a great time of year to explore the region surrounding the state. From the wild west, mesquite-filled hills of Texas to the clear lakes and verdant Ozarks of Arkansas, opportunities for exciting regional travel are only a short distance away. Those seeking a quaint excursion to a charming, small-town bed and breakfast as well as those craving an exciting outdoor adventure have fall vacation options suited to their tastes. Expand your horizons with the following travel ideas from our Texan and Arkansan neighbors. For a unique traveling experience this fall, make Odessa a top destination. Nestled in the heart of West Texas, the city of Odessa offers a magnificent combination of the traditional, modern and unpredictable. Visit historic homes and buildings, enjoy specialty shops and galleries and marvel at Jack Ben Rabbit, the “World’s Largest Jackrabbit,” before wandering through a life-sized replica of Stonehenge. Odessa is home to the world-class Wagner Noël Performing Arts center and the renowned Globe Theatre. Gaze over the world’s greatest collection of WWII nose art at the American Air Power Museum before ice-skating at the Music City Mall. Odessa offers unique West Texas scenery, and just down the road, visitors can drop by the second
largest meteor crater in North America. This fall, don’t miss the Permian Basin Fair and Expo (Sept. 7-15), which features a carnival, zoo, crafts, delicious food, thrilling entertainment and more. On Oct. 13 and 14, experience the action of CAF AirSho 2012, one of America’s premier aviation events. AirSho features famous warbirds reenacting one of history’s biggest battles—WWII’s Pearl Harbor. For more information, visit odessacvb.com or call 800-780-4678. Travel the gently rolling terrain of Texas’s Brenham-Washington County area and feel echoes of a time long past. At Washingtonon-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Stephen F. Austin’s revolutionaries drafted the declaration of independence from Mexico; this year marks the 176th anniversary of that event. While there, explore a replica of Independence Hall, a working 1850s farm, Star of the Republic Museum and a superb Visitor Center. Independence and Chappell Hill provide terrific small town excursions, including museum displays and walking trails. In Burton, history is alive at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, the “Official Cotton Gin of Texas.” Brenham brings its history alive with a restored historic downtown, including a state-of-the-art Visitor Center in the 1925 Simon Theatre. Shopping and dining options are the focus as visitors stroll down the streets or enjoy watching the world go by from a comfortable park bench. It’s also the home of Blue Bell Creameries, where the “best ice cream in the country” is made. For more info and destinations, check out VisitBrenhamTexas.com. Autumn in Arkansas is a sight to behold as the rich, green leaves of summer turn orange, yellow and red, creating fantastic fall foliage that splashes the scenic landscape with a rainbow of colors. In just a few hours, you can easily drive from the majestic Ozarks to the rolling River Valley and through the scenic Ouachitas, where you’ll find five sparkling lakes and America’s first resort, Hot Springs. In the heart of Arkansas, discover the exciting Central region where state capital Little Rock is home to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. South Arkansas’s Timberlands region is world renowned for its fishing and hunting. The Arkansas Delta boasts the nation’s foremost showcase of blues music at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena-West Helena each October. For a free Vacation Planning Kit and additional information, visit Arkansas.com or call 1-800-NATURAL. •
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 57
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n
Fall into Fun
Frog Festival
Louisiana Destinations
T
raverse the state in the fall months and be greeted by southern hospitality at its finest. Fall festivals, outdoor and indoor activities, sporting events, art exhibits and learning opportunities abound during this beautiful, bustling time of year. From top notch shopping in Northwest Louisiana to Cajun heritage festivals in the southeast corner, residents and visitors alike will have plenty of reasons to experience the diverse offerings within Louisiana’s borders. Explore this guide to the various cities, parishes, events and destinations that make Louisiana unique and create the perfect fall adventure for you and your loved ones.
Parishes, Cities & Towns Just off I-10 and west of Lafayette lies the “Cajun Prairie,” Acadia Parish, an area known for its unique attractions, numerous year-round festivals and rich history and folklore. In Crowley, home of the International Rice Festival, tour the Rice Interpretive Center, the Historic Crowley Ford Motor Company, built in 1920, and the J.D. Miller Recording Studio. Famous for writing Kitty Wells’ “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” J. D. Miller struck gold with this hit in the 1980s. 58 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
Travel the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway and visit Kelly’s Landing Agricultural Museum to take an informative and entertaining walk through the past. See why Rayne, LA, home of the Frog Festival, is both “The Frog Capital of the World” and the “Louisiana City of Murals.” Similarly, check out the Buggy Festival in “The Buggy Capital of the World,” Church Point, home to Le Vieux Presbytere Museum with bousillage (mud walls). Roberts Cove is home to the German Heritage Museum and the popular Germanfest. For more information, events, destinations and festival dates, visit AcadiaTourism.org or call 877-783-2109. All roads lead to the Heart of Louisiana, where outdoor adventure is around every corner. From the serenity of the Kisatchie National Forest to the jam-packed excitement at Louisiana Mudfest, the Alexandria/Pineville Area is an escape to the wild outdoors. Grab your shoes and your favorite tunes and head to the Wild Azalea Trail. This 31-mile hiking trail is the longest in Louisiana. Situated in the Kisatchie National Forest between Woodworth and Boyce, just south of Alexandria, the trail is an outdoorsman’s dream. Take in the views of the blooming azaleas and dogwoods while meandering through the tall pines.
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Travel just north of Alexandria to one of Central Louisiana’s best-known secrets: Louisiana Mudfest. With more than 300 acres of trails and mud holes, ATV enthusiasts can explore the trails every weekend or visit during one of the special holiday events. And, if you’re just looking for peaceful camping, make this your next destination. Mudfest even has its own beach and fishing spots along the mighty Red River. For more destinations and events, visit TheHeartofLouisiana.com. Autumn is creeping upon us, and the cooler weather is welcomed. Schools are back in session and Avoyelles Parish has its share of exciting outreach learning opportunities that feature the history and culture of the region. Tunica Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resource Center, Marksville Historic Site, Hypolite Bordelon Home, and The Bunkie Depot are waiting with an abundance of opportunities for the history enthusiast. Additionally, the LA 4-H Museum will host the Louisiana Bicentennial traveling exhibit Oct. 1–Nov. 15. For lively entertainment, visit the Paragon Casino Resort, which hosts Trace Adkins in concert Sept. 2 and KC and the Sunshine Band Oct. 20. Golfing at Tamahka Trails, Spring Bayou Golf Course and the Bayhills Country Club in Bunkie await those looking to hit the links. Festival time in Avoyelles Parish offers great food experiences featuring local fare. Wildlife Sportsmen’s Fest (September in Simmesport), Cottonport Quilt Festival, the Fourth Annual Cookbook/Arts Festival (Mansura), and Little Walter Music Festival (Marksville) are scheduled in October as part of the fall lineup. Visit TravelAvoyelles.com for more information. Want to take just a short trip away from New Orleans? Do so, and find out why fall is one of the best times to take advantage of all Baton Rouge has to offer. With the great weather, visitors and locals can enjoy collegiate football at its finest by tailgating and watching a game at LSU or Southern University. History buffs can tour one of the area’s many plantations, and families can explore the exciting BREC Baton Rouge Zoo. Perhaps you’d rather enjoy a stroll through lovely downtown. Head out of work early on Fridays and enjoy Live After Five, a free downtown concert series that features the best of the area’s live music. Want to do a little shopping? Wander down Government Street for the best in vintage and antique merchandise, and find boutiques galore. For those preferring a more all-in-one experience, check out the Mall of Louisiana, the largest mall in the Southeast, with more than 175 retailers. For more information and activities, explore visitbatonrouge.com. Fall is festival time in the Bayou Lafourche area. October kicks off with the Bayou Music Festival (Oct. 6-7) in Golden Meadow. The Cajun Heritage Festival follows Oct. 13-14 at the Larose Civic Center. Carving competitions, a duck calling contest and delicious food highlight this fest, a must-see for outdoors enthusiasts. Food lovers must check out three Southeast Tourism
Society “Top 20 Events.” The 41st Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival (Oct. 12-14) in Chackbay, the “Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana,” offers the best in Cajun food, music and dancing. The 39th Annual French Food Festival in Larose (Oct. 26-28), holds more than 30 local food booths, featuring traditional Bayou classics such as white oyster soup, shrimp boulettes, jambalaya and more. The Thibodeauxville Fall Festival (Nov. 10) offers live music, a Cajun food court, arts booths and a duck race on Bayou Lafourche. Youngsters love the yearly Cut Off Youth Center Fair (Nov. 9-11) for its great Cajun food, music, dancing and a carnival mid-way. Fall is an ideal season to experience the Cajun way of life. For more information, including special festival hotel rates, visit www.visitlafourche.com or call 877-537-5800. Surrounded by the waters of the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, Bayou Teche and Atchafalaya River, the Cajun Coast in St. Mary Parish is known for its natural splendor and “road less traveled” atmosphere. There’s no better way to spend a fall day than exploring the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area or winding along the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Cajun Jack’s Swamp Tours takes visitors through the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the U.S., or you can experience the wilderness by paddling through the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge. Golfers won’t want to miss a chance to hit the Atchafalaya at Idlewild, which was rated the No. 1 golf course in Louisiana by Golfweek Magazine in 2008 and 2009. This fall, the Cajun Coast is alive with festivals and events, including the 77th Shrimp & Petroleum Festival (Aug. 30-Sept. 3), Drag Boat Racing (“Battle on the Basin” Sept. 21-23), Tour de Teche (Oct. 5-7), and Harvest Moon Fest (Oct. 27). For more information, visit cajuncoast.com. For a unique adventure, let Houma be your passport to Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Less than an hour southwest of New Orleans, the Houma area offers a rich and rare blend of nature with a mix of wildlife found nowhere else on earth. With thrilling swamp tours, a wildlife park and alligator farm, world-class charter fishing and a wide assortment of monthly festivals and more, there’s always something fun to do. This fall, a terrific lineup of family-friendly events includes the Best of the Bayou Festival (Sept. 29-30), held for the first time in Historic Downtown Houma and featuring live music, Cajun food, and local artists; the Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival (Nov. 5), featuring more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, Cajun cuisine and more; and the Ninth Annual Voices of the Wetlands Festival (Oct. 12-14), which will once again celebrate southern Louisiana’s lifestyle, culture and value to all of the U.S. For more information, call 985-868-2732 or visit them online at houmatravel.com. In Iberia Parish, savor the differences of Cajun Country’s hot and sweet sides by visiting New Iberia, Avery Island, Jefferson Island, Jeanerette, Loreauville and Delcambre. New Iberia is a national Main Street Award-winner and the setting of famed Dave Robicheaux novels by New Iberia native www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 59
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Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
and acclaimed author James Lee Burke. Avery Island offers visitors the chance to explore the world famous TABASCO® factory and lush Jungle Gardens. Tour the Victorian Jefferson Home, Rip Van Winkle Gardens and Rip’s Rookery while at Jefferson Island, or saunter through Antique Rose Ville’s 100+ varieties of roses in New Iberia. Step back in time along the banks of the mystical Bayou Teche at the Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation home. Tour the Conrad Rice Mill and shop in the KONRIKO® Company Store. Check out the Bayou Teche Museum in Historic New Iberia or the Jeanerette Sugar Museum on the sweet side. Attend several fall festivals with a contagious beat for your feet. Accommodations offer visitors everything from a romantic bed and breakfast getaway to family-style cottages, inns, hotels, campgrounds and two of Louisiana’s most visited state parks. For more information, call 888-942-3742 or visit www.iberiatravel.com. Tucked among the swamps of the Atchafalaya is Iberville Parish, a place of awe-inspiring beauty, massive live oaks and meandering bayous and waterways teeming with life. Just outside of Baton Rouge, this area prides itself on a unique culture in which many people still live close to the land and enjoy a way of life passed through generations. The Iberville Swamp Life Expo, held at the beautiful, shaded Iberville Parish Visitors Center, will be the kick-off event for Experience Atchafalaya Days, a month-long 60 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
celebration of the Atchafalaya Heritage Area. The expo will include net-making demonstrations, woodcarving, works from local artists and relics of the area’s long history. The Iberville Swamp Life Expo will be held Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will feature Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie Band. Experience Atchafalaya Days runs throughout October. Reality TV fans will enjoy meeting one of the Iberville natives of Dirty Jobs and Swamp People fame. For more information, go to VisitIberville.com. Lafayette is all about festivals, food, music and fun. For many, a love of Cajun and Zydeco music is a craving that can only be satisfied by a visit to discover all that makes Lafayette special— unique establishments, delectable food, year-round festivals and family friendly attractions. This fall, the capital city of the Cajun heartland boasts a remarkable lineup of events. Downtown Alive, celebrating its 30th year, begins Sept. 7 and brings free entertainment to downtown Lafayette every Friday. From Oct. 12-14, submerge yourself in true Cajun and Creole fun with music, dancing, crafts and more at the famous Festivals Acadiens et Creoles located in Girard Park (festivalsacadiensetcreoles. com). On Oct. 20, Lafayette celebrates the masters of boudin with Boudin Cook-off V. Sample up to 25 varieties, cast your vote and enjoy activities for the whole family. The Lafayette Science Museum celebrates Louisiana’s
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n bicentennial with Louisiana: 200 Years Later. The exhibit looks at the state’s unique, tumultuous past through historical storytelling about the struggles and ways of living that shaped the state (lafayettesciencemuseum.org). Visit Lafayette.travel for more destinations and events in Lafayette. It’s always a good time to explore Natchitoches— Louisiana’s oldest town and a distinctive destination. Visit the historic district for great shopping and dining overlooking the scenic Cane River Lake. Take a leisurely drive along the Cane River National Heritage Trail to visit historic Oakland, Melrose & Magnolia plantations. Experience the charm of the original French colony in Louisiana in one of the many bed and breakfasts or local hotels. Festival season is year round, and fall is a great time to enjoy the many attractions Natchitoches has, including live music, unique cuisine, rich culture and a variety of history tours and museums. The Festival of Lights, a brilliant celebration of the season, premieres in mid-November and runs through the New Year. For a free visitor’s guide and information on all activities, visit www.natchitoches.net or call 800-259-1714. Experience New Orleans’ Most Historic Neighbor. Explore the St. Bernard Sugar Trail just five miles from downtown New Orleans. A savory excursion along the historic San Bernardo National Scenic Byway provides a delectable lesson
in St. Bernard’s history. Begin your adventure at the Visitor Center in the Old Arabi Historic District to pick up your Trail Guide and gift. The journey takes you past historic plantations, the Domino Sugar Refinery, which has been refining in St. Bernard for 103 years, and through a breathtaking quarter mile stretch of canopied oak trees. Visit the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans, and stroll through an Antebellum home along the Mississippi River. Sweeten your journey at the Los Isleños Museum & Village, the last vestige of Spanish Colonial Louisiana. Enjoy lunch along the way at one of St. Bernard’s many local restaurants, offering a variety of fresh South Louisiana favorites. Ready for delicious fun? Visit www.visitstbernard.com or call 504-278-4242. New Roads is the place to live, play and prosper. All are invited to discover what early French explorers found in New Roads. There, you can experience the area’s unique culture, tradition and history in the picturesque setting of False River, quaint Southern cottages and a historic Main Street. But don’t let its charming, yesteryear feeling fool you. New Roads enjoys a robust downtown, bolstered by a variety of local restaurants, specialty boutiques and antique treasure troves, along with a full calendar of city-sponsored events to make the most of your visit. New Roads is home to the Harvest Festival on False
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a dv ertis in g s ec tio n River. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne called last year’s event the “State’s Best New Festival,” and this year’s festivities promise even more. Enjoy all three days, Oct. 19-21, and revel in the live music, exciting amusement rides, popular culinary and artisan vendors, and several cultural displays and exhibits. Visit www.newroads.net to learn more. Experience the southern charm of North Louisiana by visiting Ruston & Lincoln Parish. Home of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Grambling State University Tigers, the area is full of football frenzy every fall. Sports fans come from across Louisiana for the variety of collegiate events at the universities, and football fever is in full swing. Meanwhile, history and art buffs flock to the quaint, beautiful historic downtown district of Ruston, offering specialty shops, delectable restaurants, art galleries, unique architectural wonders and a thriving business community. Area destinations include the Lincoln Parish Museum, the Louisiana Military Museum, the Autrey House and the new Eddie G. Robinson Museum. Those looking for adventure can ride the best mountain bike trail in the south at Lincoln Parish Park, also a place for great hikes, fishing, camping and more. The Dixie Center for the Arts begins its 2012-13 season this fall with a performance by Marcia Ball on Sept. 13. For their full season schedule, visit dixiecenter.org. For more information on Ruston & Lincoln Parish, visit experienceruston.com. St. Martin Parish draws visitors year round with its welcoming hospitality, world-class music and famous local cuisine. Accommodations offerings include beautiful B&Bs, cabins, campgrounds, houseboats and chain hotels. Breaux Bridge offers an array of shopping, antiquing and worldrenowned hot spots like the famous Zydeco Breakfast at Cafe des Amis or Cajun music and dancing nightly at Pont Breaux’s Cajun Restaurant. The Henderson area, at the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin, offers airboat and swamp tours and great family-owned restaurants such as Robins Restaurant and Crawfish Town USA. On Sundays, Dancing on the Levee starts at McGee’s Landing at noon, ventures to Whiskey River for Zydeco and ends the night at Pat’s Atchafalaya Club. St. Martinville plays host to countless festivals and quaint cafes in the beautiful downtown district. Take heritage tours at Acadian Memorial, African American Museum and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. Highlights of year-round festivals and events include the Creole Zydeco Festival, Breaux Bridge City Wide Garage Sale, Pepper Festival, Atchafalaya Basin Festival and the Tour du Teche, a 130-mile canoe race along the Bayou Teche. See “where Cajun began,” and visit CajunCountry.org. Webster Parish is located in the beautiful piney hills of Northwest Louisiana, 30 miles east of Shreveport. This fall, the historic Germantown Colony Museum, just north of Minden, presents the Annual Germantown Bluegrass Festival on Sept. 29 with live bluegrass, crafts and food. Grab a lawn chair and take the complimentary shuttle from historic downtown Minden. Springhill hosts the 29th Annual
LSU’s Campus
Lumberjack Festival Oct.12-13 and will feature country music star Marty Stuart in concert. Purchase tickets by calling 318-539-5690. Start your engine with the Car, Motorcycle, Antique Tractor and Engine Show during the day Saturday. Shop until you drop during the Main to Main Trade Days (Nov. 2-3), with 50+ miles of food, fun and shopping from Minden to Springhill and everywhere in between. Don’t miss the Minden Fasching (Nov. 10-11), celebrating German Heritage with food, fun and vendors. On Nov. 10, experience a ghostly history lesson at the Annual Ghost Walk at the historic Minden Cemetery. The walk features more than 20 actors in period costumes portraying Minden’s past leading citizens and unknown confederate soldiers buried at the site. For more information, call 888-972-7474 or visit www.visitwebster.net. Travelers across South Louisiana this fall will not want to pass up West Baton Rouge Parish. Known as the “Kite Capital of Louisiana,” West Baton Rouge is conveniently located along I-10, with family friendly hotels and just minutes from scenic views of the mighty Mississippi River and downtown Baton Rouge. Whether it is football you crave, high-speed drag racing, historic plantation homes, scenic views or a fun festival, West Baton Rouge has it all in the fall. Sept. 15 and 16 bring the Oldies But Goodies Fest and Smokin Oldies Championship BBQ contest, with live music, food, dancing, antique car show and more. Lights, lights and more lights, wagon rides, snow, ice fishing and of course Santa and his elves are just a few of the highlights at the “Reflections of the Season” light display, open Wednesday through Sunday nights, Dec. 1-24. For more information, or to view short videos of events, destinations and even day-trip itineraries, visit www.westbatonrouge.net.
Destinations, Events, Exhibits and More Mark your calendar now for Feb. 4-May 11, 2013, when the Archdiocese of New Orleans will host a special exhibit on the life and ministry of Blessed John Paul II. The exhibit, I Have Come to You Again, brought to New Orleans by the
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n National Exhibits Association, will feature more than 130 items, including a first-class relic. This special exhibit will travel to only three cities in the U.S. Notre Dame Seminary’s Schulte Auditorium will host the exhibit, giving visitors an opportunity to visit a small chapel onsite. Items include beautiful religious vestments worn by the Pope, his personal camping equipment and skis, family photo album, documents and artifacts important to his Papacy, and commissioned artwork. Pope John Paul II lived his life opening his arms to members of all faiths and to our youth. The doors of the exhibit, like the arms of the Pope, are open to members of all faiths. For more info, visit www.JPIIinNOLA.com, call 1-866-6084799, or follow on Twitter (@JPIIinNOLA). A new annual celebratory tradition begins this fall in historic downtown Houma on Sept. 29 and 30. The first-ever Best of the Bayou Festival presented by Rouses will feature two large stages with live musical performances from artists such as GIVERS, Cowboy Mouth, Marc Broussard, Ruthie Foster, Bonerama, The Gourds, Creole String Beans, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, and Red Stick Ramblers, among others. Food and drink booths will offer local Cajun favorites and casual fare. Other fest offerings include Louisiana arts and crafts vendors, a children’s activity area, and a sports bar for
those wanting to catch the big games taking place over the weekend. Help keep the festival free by supporting food and drink booths and by becoming a “Friend of the Festival.” At certain levels, Friends receive a festival t-shirt, official festival poster, VIP access to a hospitality area and preferred seating. A full description of the festival, line-up, and the Friends program is available at www.bestofthebayou.org. The good times are rolling at Louisiana’s best bet. Coushatta Casino Resort is bigger and better with the addition of the brand new 401-room ultra-modern Seven Clans Hotel. This beautiful property is 100 percent smoke-free with the latest amenities in luxury and style, such as ultra-quiet, ultra-modern rooms with spa-style showers, custom bedding and linens as well as large HDTVs with free HBO and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guests will love the convenience of room service, as well as having Bar 7 cocktail bar and PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans coffee shop located right in the hotel lobby. Eighteen beautifully appointed suites are also available; nine of which have private patios. A swimming pool with a swim-up bar, lazy river, and sun deck are coming soon to Coushatta and will complete the carefree atmosphere. To book your room, call 1-800-584-7263 or visit www. coushattacasinoresort.com today.
(318) 473-2670
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a dv ertis in g s ec tio n This past summer, Baton Rouge welcomed Louisiana’s newest destination for exciting gaming, delicious cuisine and thrilling nightlife at the L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge. Spanning across 575 acres of land, this truly unique casino entertainment complex captures the feel of a Southern river lodge. Embracing local culture and cuisine, L’Auberge Baton Rouge offers a genuine Louisiana experience and exudes a Laissez les bon temps rouler atmosphere of fun. L’Auberge Baton Rouge is located in the heart of South Baton Rouge and features an expansive 74,000-square-foot casino with nearly 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 12-story hotel with more than 200 rooms and a rooftop pool, as well as three restaurants and a casino bar with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. L’Auberge also features a multi-purpose event center for concerts, banquets, and other events, and additionally, the complex includes outdoor festival grounds. To find out more about L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, visit mylauberge.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter. In Bossier City, located along the picturesque banks of the Red River is a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca full of store favorites, tasty dining options and family-friendly entertainment. Host to dozens of retailers, Louisiana Boardwalk has something for everyone,
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from the rustic outdoorsman and clothing specialties for the little ones to the teen looking for the hottest styles and brands. Louisiana Boardwalk brims with activity all year round. With special events, an IMAX stadium seating movie theater, arcade and carousel, kids can play while adults enjoy the decadent dining, peaceful shopping or a romantic evening stroll along the river and fountains. This fall, stock up on all the latest fashions, gifts and gadgets. From salon and spa treatments to clothing and sporting goods, Louisiana Boardwalk’s numerous retailers cover every need. Rest your feet and satisfy your hunger with a savory meal or sweet treat at one of several Boardwalk restaurants. Nestled conveniently near Shreveport-Bossier’s vibrant downtown, the Louisiana Boardwalk is the perfect destination for shopping and fun in North Louisiana. Visit Louisianaboardwalk.com for more information, event listings and a directory of businesses. Louisiana Main to Main is an annual statewide initiative of Louisiana Main Street designed to foster economic development and stimulate cultural tourism throughout the state of Louisiana. Interconnected by culture, commerce and an abundance of creative and natural assets, Louisiana Main Street communities host a multitude of cultural and heritage resources including archeological sites, state and national
a dv ertis in g s ec tio n parks, museums and historic landmarks. Throughout the month of November, residents and visitors are encouraged to take road trips from one Main Street community to the next to experience the rich and diverse culture of Louisiana. Culture, recreation and tourism events include food and music festivals, antiques fairs, art and crafts shows, performances and exhibits, holiday parades, agriculture and waterways, museum and house tours. For a calendar of events, visit www.louisianamaintomain.org or call 225-342-8162.
Harvest Festival
Remember November and experience the authentic culture of Louisiana’s Main Street communities. Enjoy Louisiana’s cool fall weather with a stroll around LSU’s historic campus, home of the LSU Foundation. The 2,000-acre property, nestled in South Baton Rouge, is defined by an Italian Renaissance character marked by red pantile, overhanging eaves and honey-colored stucco. Dedicated in 1926, the current campus includes 46 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the 1930s, many of LSU’s live oaks and magnolia trees were planted by landscape artist Steele Burden. The roughly 1,200 towering oaks have been valued at $50 million and are supported through the LSU Foundation’s Endow an Oak program. LSU’s landscaping was called a “botanical joy” in its listing among the 20 best campuses in America in Thomas Gaines’ The Campus as a Work of Art. With myriad architectural and natural beauties, several museums and year-round theater, art and athletic events, opportunities abound to experience Louisiana’s flagship university. Visit lsufoundation.org to learn more about what the school and campus have to offer. In the heart of French Louisiana, Prejean’s Restaurant has earned a worldwide reputation for its Cajun cuisine. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this Lafayette destination has been delighting guests for more
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a dv ertis in g s ec tio n than 30 years. Prejean’s holds the record for most medals captured by any culinary team in the south, and their juicy steaks, wild game dishes and world famous gumbos turn a meal into a memorable occasion. Prejean’s has been voted No. 1 Best Ethnic Restaurant in all of the South by AAA Southern Traveler. Traditional Cajun bands entertain nightly, and the restaurant is filled with antiques, historic relics and artworks by resident artists. Breakfast is served daily from 7 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and until 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch is offered Monday through Friday until 2 p.m. For more information, or to order overnight deliveries to nearly anywhere in the lower 48 U.S., visit prejeans.com or call 337-896-3247. You can also find and follow Prejean’s on the internet via Facebook. At the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, visitors don’t simply stay in a hotel, they experience what it is to be in a work of art. Filled with diverse works from Louisiana artists, the walls and rooms of the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel offer a contemporary art experience with pieces commissioned by the Ann Connoley Studios. The luxurious 256-room hotel is conveniently located near the LSU campus and minutes from the Mall of Louisiana,
guished menu brings a world of flavor to Louisiana’s capital. Visit tallulahrestaurant.com. Alexandria’s historic River Oaks area is home to one of Louisiana’s most beloved arts and crafts gems, River Oaks Square Arts Center, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting regional artists with a full calendar of scheduled exhibitions and workshops. This October, River Oaks Square Arts Center will feature the work of Conner Burns, a studio artist from Natchez, Miss., whose focus is on wheel-thrown and altered vessels fired in a high-fire reduction environment. Burns will conduct a two-day workshop Oct. 4-5 to a limited number of students. During the workshop, students will participate in discussions, view demonstrations and create their own thrown or hand-built vessels with the intention of altering them and adding components to complete the form. Burns will also present a slide lecture that is free of charge and open to the public on Oct. 4 from 9-10 a.m., and during Alexandria’s Art Walk on the 5th, he will provide a one-hour wheel-throwing demonstration and gallery talk from 6-7 p.m. For more information on Conner Burns and River Oaks Square Arts Center, visit their Web sites (connerburns.com and riveroaksartscenter.com) and “like” them on Facebook. To enroll, call 318-473-2670. In Louisiana, we love to talk Coushatta Casino Resort about food, and Rouses Markets has been a part of the local conversation since 1960, when Anthony J. Rouse opened his first grocery store in Houma. A commitment to buying from local farmers, fishermen and manufacturers helped Mr. Anthony expand his business, which today includes 38 stores in two states. The family-owned company continues its legacy into the second and third generations. The best fresh, local ingredients are one reason why the chefs from Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s, Antoine’s and your favorite neighborhood making it ideal for business and group travelers, as well as restaurants shop at Rouses for their families. Rouses’ own those looking for a weekend getaway. Southern hospitality at quality products are another reason. Rouses butchers still its best, the Renaissance offers a true Louisiana experience, craft small-batch Cajun specialties right in their stores. including fantastic cuisine. Rouses cooks still use Rouses time-honored South Louisiana Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar, the casual upscale recipes. And Rouses bakers still make Louisiana favorites restaurant housed within the Renaissance Baton Rouge like doberge cake and tarte-a-la-bouillie pie. It’s that Hotel, offers a captivating environment and cuisine that commitment to buying and serving local that has helped engages your senses and arouses curiosity. Executive Chef Rouses grow into one of the largest independent grocers in Andy Papson serves notable cuisine from around Louisiana, the U.S., with 38 stores in two states. while featuring house-crafted menu items that interpret For more information on Rouses’ quality foods and store local flavors in fresh and unique ways. Tallulah’s distinlocations, visit rouses.com. •
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around louisiana Regional Reports from across the state compiled and edited by jeanne frois
northern herself from despair or tumbled down its stairs to her death. From time to time, glimpses of this forlorn maid can be caught as she stands in the window as the sound
HALLOWEEN STORIES FOR WHOM THE GHOUL TOLLS
of bells toll for a wedding
If you drive down
SHREVEPORT: REVENANTS AND RENOVATION
Known as “King David,” he
porch as her initiation with
died during the Civil War.
the spirits of the place:
On a quiet corner in a
Placed throughout the
Highway 71 at a certain time you might be distracted by
that never occurred.
Alone in the house, with no
the sound of a ghostly bell
quiet residential Shreveport
mansion are antiques
television or radio playing,
tolling lugubriously from the
street, The Davis Homeplace
furnishing that belonged to
the sound of a woman’s
solitary tower that protrudes
rises in a charming white
the estate of A.J. Ingersol
laughter erupted throughout
toward the full moon in an
rectangular shape like a
and his wife, Effie Dalzell
the silent house, chilling its
otherwise deserted field.
sugar cube. Replete with
Ingerson. Ingersol journeyed
new mistress to the bone.
This tower wears a face that
a screened second-floor
to Shreveport via boat from
conveys shocked dismay.
sleeping porch, rooms filled
Alabama to become one of
experiences disturbing, but
The Taylortown Tower is
with working china clocks,
the city’s most esteemed
they have gradually come to
a creepy local legend of
antiques, push-button lights
and wealthy cotton buyers.
realize and accept that theirs
actual reported ghostly
and Shreveport memorabilia,
He married Effie Dalzell,
is a happy haunting, and the
activity; sometimes the
this 1916 mansion is a private
daughter of Reverend
ghosts mean them no harm.
heart-stopping sound of a
home owned by Marsha
William Dalzell, who not only
They have subsequently
woman’s piercing scream
and Terry Gill, who are
ministered to souls, but also
invited paranormal societies
splitting the night, emitting
happy to open their beloved
to his patients as a medical
to investigate the premises.
from the deserted bell tower,
home for tours. After they
doctor. Considered a hero
accompanies the tolling bell.
purchased the old place,
of the 1873 yellow fever
cordially invite everyone to
A wealthy plantation owner,
they immersed themselves
epidemic in Shreveport, he
visit their home for a tour,
whose beautiful daughter
in a loving restoration. Ella
remained in the stricken city
where they will be happy
was to wed the love of her
Hunt Montgomery built the
to minister to its victims.
to regale you with detailed
life, supposedly built the
stately home early in the 19th
Dalzell Street was named
accounts of their spiritual
tower for her in 1906. The
century; her ancestry extends
after him to commemorate
encounters, but ask that you
groom never made it to the
back to Davis Hunt, born in
his devotion and bravery.
call for an appointment 24
wedding. One version says
1779, who became one of the
that he died in a car crash
At first the family found the
Marsha and Terry Gill
Marsha Gill reports that
hours in advance. The days
most successful merchants
since taking possession of
before Halloween seem like
en route; the other says he
to conduct business in
the venerable old place, she
a perfect time to meet the
simply jilted the poor girl.
Natchez’s notorious Under
and her family members have
Gills – and their spectral
Heartbroken, she waited in
the Hill district. He became
had numerous unexplained
houseguests.
the window of the tower
so wealthy that he owned at
experiences. She describes
watching for him until
least 25 plantations, several
the day the she was changing
Wilkinson Street, Shreveport,
one day she either hanged
of which were in Louisiana.
bed linens on the sleeping
(318) 221-3881. n
72 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
The Davis Home, 804
around louisiana
central
January night. Bootsey was one of three
I grew up with a brother five years my senior who loved to frighten me and was
to his girlfriend’s home,
orphans raised by my great
thinking this would stop the
grandmother in Bordelonville
spirit from following him, but
in addition to the 11 children
each night when he passed
she had personally borne.
the grove of trees, she would
Just before the Depression,
run down the levee and grab
by the time he was 17, he
onto the horn of his saddle
had grown into a handsome
and dangle there, weeping.
young man with deep blue
If he changed his route, the
eyes and black hair and was
spirit always found him but
gentle, honest and kind.
still couldn’t seem to pass the
Bootsey had a girlfriend who
general store just before the
belonged to the Desselle
bend in the road.
famille, and he began visiting
HALLOWEEN STORIES BOOTSEY
borrowing a horse to go
This continued for the
he scared me so much I
her nearly every night. This
next two years. The spectral
had to run into the house to
required a long walk to
visitations from the weepy
escape. That night, of course,
reach her home and back.
wraith ended when Bootsey
the dogs outside chose to
When he returned home in
was 19 and a friend acci-
howl incessantly, keeping
the profoundly dark night,
dentally shot him while
only me awake. There was no
as Bootsey passed a grove
they were hunting near the
air conditioning, and I stayed
of trees near a levee, the
ghost’s grove of trees by the
sweating under the covers.
glowing white spirit of a
levee. Bootsey died in my
Nighttime in Bordelonville
woman with long flowing
great grandmother’s arms.
can be very, very dark.
hair would run down the
But none of this tops the
Years later, as an adult, I
levee through the trees and
perhaps did a foolish thing
equally close to my cousin
story of Bootsey, told to
walk beside him weeping.
by climbing the levee alone
Russ, six years my senior,
me on separate occasions
She would stay at his side
at night where I lived, lured
who did not. The summer I
by different relatives
until he reached a general
by a beautiful crescent moon
would turn 6 when we were
who witnessed his own
store and just stand there
and stars hanging overhead.
visiting Russ in Bordelonville,
personal accounts of what
watching him until he
Suddenly the story of
the three of us sat at the
happened to him each
rounded a bend and he could
Bootsey came flooding into
picnic table in the deep shade
night only a lonely dark
see her no more. Each night
my mind after many years of
of the huge mulberry tree
road in Bordelonville. They
when he would return home,
lying dormant, and it wasn’t
while he read aloud from
all swear Bootsey was no
he would tell his adopted
the fear of physical harm
Jeanne deLavigne’s collection
prankster. I first heard this
family what happened to
being alone on the levee
of New Orleans ghost stories.
from my no-nonsense great
him. He was not frightened,
that drove me inside; it was
When he reached the part of
aunt Emma when I was 15
only disturbed.
the strong frisson that ran
a story that described empty
years old, sitting in her Baton
boots walking by themselves,
Rouge kitchen one cold
There being no obstacle to true love, Bootsey began
through me as I remembered Bootsey’s strange tale.
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 73
around louisiana
cajun
HALLOWEEEN STORIES SCHOOL SPIRITS IN THIBODAUX
with waist-length hair and a book bag who materialized after only the sound of her
Thibodaux seems
footsteps could first be heard
to undulate alongside
in a locked librarian‘s office.
beautiful, meandering Bayou
He watched as she walked
of students uncovers new
depot and everything
Lafourche, its banks draped
through a wall and vanished.
evidence in the hallowed
they could not carry with
in lowering greenery that
The Bollinger Student
haunted halls of Nicholls. To
them before retreating.
wafts in the wind. Not far
Union and Polk Hall are
teach proper ghost hunting,
Twenty-two years following
also known to kick up their
the university proved to be a
the end of the Civil War, the
of Nicholls State University
spectral heels regularly.
happy haunting ground.
landscape of the town was
rises as an esteemed
Making regular appearances
One of the most
bloodied by the Thibodaux
institution of higher learning
in the Student Union are
compelling pieces of
massacre on Nov. 22, 1887.
with a strong proclivity
a Confederate soldier, a
evidence was caught by one
A sugarcane workers’ strike
to preserve and celebrate
golden-haired calico-clad
of her students in the library.
culminated in one of the
Louisiana culture – and did I
child wearing a bonnet atop
The five-second video caught
bloodiest labor disputes
mention it’s haunted?
her curls, and the ghost of a
an amorphous, shadowy
in the United States. The
former janitor who worked
form cross the room from
Knights of Labor organized
offers a summer noncredit
there. According to Point
left to right and disappear
the strike for better pay for
course in paranormal inves-
of Vue Houma magazine,
in the exact location the
10,000 workers, one-tenth
tigations done right. A few
Hebert and two janitors
janitor saw the apparition of
of whom were white during
years ago, Cally Hebert
witnessed a doorknob
the long-haired, miniskirt-
the critical sugarcane harvest
of Bayou Spirits began an
moving as though someone
clad young lady. Abundant
time. The planters, alarmed
annual investigation of the
were trying to open the
electronic voice phenomena
at both the impertinence of
university after numerous
door when no one else was
have been caught, raspy
the workers and the fear of
present except the three of
voices responding to
losing their crops, prevailed
experiences began reaching
them. Several staff members
questions and the sound
upon then Governor Stephen
her computer inbox. The
have encountered a man in
of feminine laughter and
Douglas McEnery (ironically,
investigations became
a red shirt running through
humming. Students claim to
Francis T. Nicholls would
part of the non-credit
the storage area of the
have felt something brushing
follow him into office
adult curriculum at NSU.
Student Union very early
their hair.
and help bring an end to
Hebert, who was involved
in the morning and disap-
in paranormal investiga-
pearing. After personally
Talbot Hall are also believed
who dispatched paramili-
tions for many years,
interviewing all the people
to be haunted.
tary troops to Thibodaux.
from the bayou, the campus
So haunted in fact, that it
reports of unexplainable
The auditorium and
It has been said that
Reconstruction in Louisiana)
It is believed hundreds of
had previously sent out a
who responded with claims,
massive email to NSU staff
making careful documen-
Nicholls University is built
black sugarcane workers
requesting reports of ghostly
tation of their stories and
over the site of a former Civil
were killed, and paranormal
phenomena. She received
holding her first investiga-
War hospital. The town was
activity in the area has also
too many not to take notice.
tion, Hebert decided Nicholls
occupied by Union forces in
been reported.
One report described the
was the ideal place to hold a
October 1862, but only after
Nicholls State University,
encounter a janitor had with
class in paranormal investi-
Confederate General Alfred
906 East 1st St., Thibodaux,
a young girl in a miniskirt
gation. Each year, her group
Mouton burned the bridges,
(877) 642-4655
74 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
n
around louisiana
baton rouge/ plantation country undiscovered means to split
HALLOWEEN STORIES THE GHOST CORRIDOR OF THE RIVER ROAD Alan Brown’s book,
the space-time continuum and cause scenes from the past to replay themselves? But let’s just stick to
Ghosts Along the Mississippi
ghosts. Brown, an English
River, chronicles a strange
professor, describes ghost
odyssey he undertook to
stories as something
write about haunted towns
to be cherished and
that nestle on the banks
enjoyed because “they
of the muddy river, north,
preserve the history and
mid-west and south. In his
the values of the people
research, funded by the
who pass them along.” He
University of Alabama, he
retells true ghost stories
cites several beliefs that
that cover Louisiana to
bedroom on the third floor,
Horse has been seen many
Wisconsin. Brown has
a woman in nightclothes
times. Lisa Lentini, director of
direct link to the paranormal;
included some pretty creepy
has been seen sitting on the
the grounds, spied a strange
indeed it does seem that
stories of New Orleans
bed. One guest reported she
horse in the corral one day,
some of the nation’s
hauntings in his book and
was in a bedroom on this
whom she approached. She
most haunted places like
devotes one chapter to
floor when she heard noises
stroked his white spotted
Charleston, S.C; Savannah,
Nottoway Plantation in
outside her door. When she
nose and told him go into the
Ga.; New Orleans; Alcatraz
White Castle that revealed
arose to investigate, a picture
barn. The horse obeyed and
some vindicating surprises
flew from the wall, narrowly
disappeared before her eyes
for me. Three years ago on
missing her. The woman
as he approached the barn
bays and rivers. Therefore,
a mosquito-laden night with
in black bears a strong
door. She searched for him in
with the plethora of ghost
a full moon, I engaged in
resemblance to the portrait
the barn, found all the other
sightings at the string of
a ghost hunt that yielded
of former plantation mistress
horses in their locked stalls
plantations that grace both
very little evidence other
Emily Randolph that hangs
but no trace of the strange
banks of the Mississippi’s
than the fact I could not
in the master bedroom – the
equine. Visitors and family
River Road, one can certainly
stand the atmosphere of the
room I was unable to occupy.
members have seen the big
proximity to water causes a
Island, Calif.; and Galveston, Texas, lie near oceans,
Another fascinating
brown horse with the white
I was to sleep. I wound up
Halloween read is Jeff
speckled nose frolicking on
Dr. Tony Ambler of the
spending the night in the
Dwyer’s Ghost Hunter’s Guide
the grounds just before he
University of Texas, the vast
lobby instead.
to New Orleans. The section
completely disappears.
entertain this theory as a curiosity. According to
amount of impurities found
third-floor bedroom where
According to Brown, the
“Upriver From New Orleans”
It’s Halloween. Time to
in the mighty Mississippi
third floor of the mansion is
recounts some hair-raising
pop the popcorn, settle into
are perfect conductors of
rife with paranormal activity.
true tales arising out of
your armchair, read true
electrical energy – something
A woman in a long black
plantation country. Workmen
ghost stories or get out your
dress with a white ruffled
on LaBranche Plantation
tattered copy of Dracula and
collar has been seen on the
grounds accidentally
embrace the gargoyle in
questions may arise: Is this
third-floor stairway and
disturbed the grave of Hitler’s
all of us. While you’re at it,
really supernatural, or is
staring out of the bedroom
horse, Nordlicht back in 1980.
make sure your nightlight
this some mysterious as yet
on the same floor. In another
Since then, the ghost of Herr
has a fresh bulb.
that’s like candy to the materializing haint. Scientific
n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 75
around louisiana
Greater New Orleans
rooftop, never believing she
HALLOWEEN STORIES TEA LEAVES AND SYMPATHY When I was in my very
would think he was serious. He found her lifeless naked body on the rooftop hours
early 20s, I fairly haunted The
later and died six months
Bottom of the Cup tearoom
later of a broken heart. It’s
in the 300 block of Chartres
practically an urban legend
Street wanting my fortune
that on the coldest night
told. When some time had
in December to this day
elapsed since my last visit,
sightings of a beautiful girl
my brother teased me that
walking on the rooftop of this
the readers were going to
building have been reported.
write me letters reminding
Supposedly somewhere in
me to return. I simply loved
the annals of police records
the mystery of it all, and the
there are numerous 911 calls
small French Quarter shop
reporting a woman about to
always felt like it had been a
jump from the roof; police
home filled with love. I didn’t
climbing to the roof never
learn until many years later
find the woman.
the tearoom was believed to
But it seems Julie has been
be part of what had been the
making her presence known
home of Julie, one of New
in more active, frequent
Orleans’ most famous ghosts.
ways besides roof-walking.
According to the already
According to Alan Brown,
familiar story, Julie, the
author of Ghosts Along the
exquisite “octaroon” mistress
Mississippi River, recently
who pined for a forbidden
published by University
marriage with her white
Press of Mississippi, Julie is
and wealthy French lover
a most interactive ghost, not
who truly adored her, died
a residual image stuck in a
senselessly there in the home
repeat tragedy. Employees
they shared. Julie hounded
and patrons at The Bottom
him to break the present-day
of the Cup have had the
code that forbade misce-
pleasure of her company.
genation and marry her.
Julie taps on walls and
One bitterly cold night in
tabletops; fleeting glances
December he told he would
of her long sashaying skirts
marry her if she walked
have been caught followed
naked all night long on the
by female laughter and the
76 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
scent of her perfume. Psychic
to being a generous fitness
readers have seen her image
guru, Emelina Edwards,
in the patio’s goldfish pond
author of Forever Fit and
and witnessed an ornamental
Fabulous: A Guide to
tree shaking of its seemingly
Health and Vigor-Even
own accord, while its crystal
at 70 and Beyond, can
ornaments lay flung across
also add modesty to her
the floor. A carpenter
attributes. The statement
working alone at night in the
that appeared in last
attic found his tools hidden
edition’s profile of her that
beneath the insulation.
read she “can squat with
Julie’s equally tragic
a 100-pound barbell on
lover has also been spotted
her back for 10 repetitions
through the windows, sitting
(after a warm-up of 90
at a chessboard in solitary
reps)” has been clarified
isolation.
by Edwards. It should read
The Bottom of the Cup Tea
she “can squat with a
Room, 327 Chartres St., New
100-pound barbell on her
Orleans, (504) 524-1997.
back for 10 repetitions
PROFILE UPDATE FROM EMELINA It seems that, in addition
after a warm-up with 90-95 pounds.” To do the former, she states good-naturedly, “I would be Superwoman!” n
H texas travel
Terrors and Thrills Halloween in Texas
Do you want to scare
afternoon of fun at the Lady
rescue groups, on Oct. 20
up a little fun this Halloween?
Bird Johnson Wildflower
dogs will don disguises at
Whether you’re looking for
Center celebrates an ever-
The Domain for the Canine
visitors to Hangman’s House
a place where your little
growing love for all things
Costume Contest during a
of Horrors are cowering for
“monster” can giggle with
Halloween at “Goblins in the
day of play that will include a
good causes. This annual
the ghouls or an all-out fear
Garden.” On Oct. 28 the seeds
silent auction and pet-related
fright fest has conjured up
fest that challenges adults
for family-oriented fun will be
demonstrations. Information,
more than $1.7 million for
to conquer their demons,
planted as tiny terrors become
www.dogtoberfestaustin.org.
local organizations since
numerous attractions in the
enchanted by watching a
Lone Star State will get you
witch perform magical plant
in the spirit for a fright night
spells at the “Not-So-Haunted
to remember.
Tower.” Of course, fun in the
is home to several special
benefiting haunted house. An
garden means a little earthy
Halloween attractions that
attraction with a funhouse
fun and kids can dig up clues
go beyond the term “Texas-
atmosphere and a line up of
in the gardens during a “Trail-
sized” and are considered
bands that will belt out tunes
of-Bones” scavenger hunt,
world leaders. You’ll have
to wake the dead, Hangman’s
treating in the capital city,
and go batty over the sight of
a killer time at the many
provides more gasps than
people who like to party are
creatures of the night during
haunted attractions in the
gore. Information, www.
invited to come as they aren’t
a visit to the bat stations in the
Dallas/ Fort Worth area,
hangmans.com.
to 6th Street. In this historical
Visitors Gallery. Information,
including the Cutting Edge
area, costumed revelers roam
www.wildflower.org.
Haunted House in Fort
Halloween theme park,
Austin www.austintexas.org As traditional as trick-or
Pet lovers can give their
cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com. At a haunt with a heart,
it started scaring people
dallas/fort worth area The Dallas/Fort Worth area
silly back in 1988, making it the nation’s No. 1 charity-
Billed as the world’s largest
Worth. The goosebump-
SCREAMS in Waxahachie
make history of their own in
pups something to howl about
inducing spook house holds
offers five terrifying
costumes as fanciful as their
during the Halloween season
the Guinness World Record
attractions for haunted house
imaginations.
by visiting an annual Fido-
for the world’s largest
enthusiasts, while scaredy
centric festival, Dogtoberfest.
walk through haunted
cats can enjoy the cinematic
Benefiting Austin-area animal
house. Information, www.
spookiness of some of the
in a cordoned-off area and
Not all Halloween fun takes place at night, though; an
As October is the
And while it can be
are not for the faint of heart.
kings like Bela Lugosi or
traditional season for
frightfully difficult these
Information, www.darke.com.
Boris Karloff. Information,
screamin’, the arrival of
days for parents to find
www.screamspark.com.
November has always been
fear-free events for their little
chance that you can see a
a nightmare for Halloween
pumpkins, at Saengerfest
specter this October, it will be
buffs, until now. Housed
Park, children age 11 and
during the Haunted Heights
in a 19th-century building
under have a Halloween
Ghost Tour, which will part
which is forever bound
happening all their own. A
the veil between the present
to the real-life horror of
carnival as sweet as candy
and the past to reveal the
silver screen’s classic scream
galveston www.galveston.com Since its construction in 1911, the Hotel Galvez has
If there’s a ghost of a
been a haunt for presidents,
mysteries behind Houston’s
paparazzi magnets and
history. Offered throughout
countless patrons who
the year, the two-hour Ghost
appreciate the beauty of the
Tours of Texas walking tours
Queen of the Gulf, but over
(which have a PG-13 rating
the years a few incorporeal
due to the gruesome nature
inhabitants also have made
of the real-life deaths) also
the retreat their permanent
take place in Kemah and
residence. Throughout
Galveston. Information, www.
October, the Hotel Galvez
ghosttoursoftexas.com.
offers a “Dinner with the
jefferson www.jeffersontexas.com
Ghosts” package, which gives visitors the chance to enjoy overnight accommodations
The East Texas town
and a three-course repast
of Jefferson is proud of
for two. Next, they’ll feast
its distinction as the most
their eyes on the hallway
haunted small town in Texas.
where a friendly phantom
The Historic Jefferson Ghost
hangs around the portrait of
Walk invites visitors to follow
Bernardo de Galvez then visit
in the footsteps of phantoms
the hotel’s west turret, where
during a lantern-lit tour that
the “Ghost Bride” – who still
illuminates the dark corners
lingers in Room 501, waiting
of the past. Information,
for a love she thought was
www.jeffersonghostwalk.com.
lost at sea – ended her life.
As a train whistle’s scream
Information, www.wyndham.
stabs the night air, it sets
com/hotels/GLSHG/main.wnt.
the wheels in locomotion
If you’re interested in
Dogtoberfest
for a PG-13 presentation as
additional spectral sightings,
the Runaway Freight Train
don’t give up the ghost,
travels through the zombie-
as this area has a large
filled Piney Woods. Will it
population of “spirit”ed
Galveston’s 1900 hurricane,
corn, the “Mini Monster Bash”
be the end of the line for the
citizens. The Galveston
Haunted Mayfield Manor is
includes trick-or-treating,
brave souls on board? For
Historical Foundation offers
a permanent fright site for
costume contests, games and
those who want their trip to
ghost tours of the harbor,
those who wish to experience
prizes. Information, www.
produce giggles rather than
local cemeteries, and majestic
fear throughout the year. The
galveston.com.
goosebumps, the train’s first
mansions. Tour Ashton
20-minute visit to the abode
Villa, an 1859 edifice which
of demented Dr. Mayfield
“Miss Bettie,” the daughter
and his family of supernatural
of the home’s first owner
fiends, which features the
James Moreau Brown, still
handiwork of the “Godfather
try to hide them, we all have
transforms into a labyrinth
considers home, and Bishop’s
of haunting” Leonard Pickel,
irrational fears, and the eight
where maniacal clowns and
Palace, a hauntingly beautiful
is located on the Strand at
attractions at Phobia prey
skeletons with a bone to pick
sight seen by candlelight as
23rd Street next to a treasure
on each one. An intense
with anyone who disturbs
a tour guide takes history
trove of entertainment,
terror trip that’s been scaring
their lair lurk as the clock
lovers on a trip back in time.
Pirates! Legends of the Gulf
visitors since 1996, the haunts
ticks closer to the witching
Information, www.galveston-
Coast. Information, www.
are a bloody good time for
hour. Making its debut in
history.org.
hauntedmayfieldmanor.com.
hard-core fans of gore, but
2012, the CarnEvil of the
excursion of the evening
houston www.visithoustontexas.com No matter how hard we
is G-rated, as is an early walk through the “Creepy Screamin’ Corn Maze,” which
Nicole Mlakar Photograph
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 79
Damned Haunted House will
countdown to Halloween
have your knees knocking
with Count Von Count,
before you knock on its door.
Elmo and other Sesame
Information, www.jefferson-
Street characters. When the
railway.com.
sun sinks into the horizon,
SCREAMS Park
however, it marks the start
san antonio www.visitsanantonio.com The Alamo City’s longest-
of a descent into terror with attractions for mature audiences. Information,
running scare show,
www.seaworldparks.com/en/
Nightmare on Grayson is
seaworld-sanantonio.
a haunted attraction that’s
The past is ever present in
become a San Antonio staple
many of the city’s landmarks,
as much for its carnival-style
and several tours will take
by on funerary boxes during
hauntedhouse.com, www.
atmosphere as for the fear it
those intrigued by the
Bud Light Coffins on Parade,
hauntedtexas.com and www.
induces. Outside the haunted
structures’ supernatural
which takes place Oct. 27.
texashauntsociety.com.
house, folks can enjoy some
nature on an exploration of
The San Antonio River
Happy haunting!
monster entertainment,
the unexplained, including
resembles the river Styx
including flamethrowers, a
Alamo City Ghost Tours,
as caskets cruise for two
magician and palm readers.
Ghost Hunts of San Antonio
laps along the River Walk,
Paris Permenter and John
Information, www.nightmare-
Texas Tour and the Sisters
starting at the International
Bigley are the authors of 28
Grimm Ghost Tour.
Building.
guidebooks, many covering
ongrayson.com. Howl-O-Scream at
“Row, row, row your boat,
If you dare to look into
n
About the authors:
the Lone Star State. The
SeaWorld San Antonio
gently down the stream/
all of the scares the Lone
Texas residents are also the
is a treat for children
Merrily, merrily, merrily,
Star State has to offer, let
publishers of TexasTripper.
during the daylight hours
merrily, life is but a dream”...
the Internet capture your
com travel guide and
with a pumpkin bash, a
and so is the afterlife by the
imagination by visiting www.
DogTipper.com for dog
“FantaSea” festival and a
looks of the ghosts who float
ghosttourdirectory, www.
lovers.
80 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
lifetimes
a guide to events around the state september/october Compiled by annie weldon
Alligator Festival, Luling
Northern
121 Museum Rd., Minden (318) 426-4691
Sept. 1. Port City Classic. 3301 Pershing Blvd., Shreveport (318) 230-2171
Sept. 29. Harvest and Heritage Tour. Hwy. 3049, Gilliam (318) 296-4303
Sept. 1-3. Run for the Diamonds. 165 Fairgrounds Rd., Ruston (318) 243-4941
Oct. 2-6. Webster Parish Fair. Goodwill St., Minden (318) 377-6250
Sept. 1-3. 2012 Cup- Rumble on the Red. 2901 Pershing Blvd., Shreveport (318) 636-5555
Oct. 2. Webster Parish Fair Parade. Main St., Minden (318) 377-6250
Sept. 6. Ed Asner as FDR. 691 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport (318) 226-8555
Oct. 5-7. “Louisiana Legacy” Quilt Show. 600 Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport (318) 425-2003
Sept. 8. Vintage Car Club Show & Shine. 520 Broadway, Minden (318) 347-9558
Oct. 5-7. Louisiana Film Prize Festival. 629 Spring St., Shreveport (318) 222-9391
Sept. 13. 32nd Annual Sportsman’s Jamboree. Thomas Assembly Center, Ruston www.latechsports.com
Oct. 6-7. 2nd Annual Car Show. 165 Fairgrounds Road, Ruston (318) 243-4941
Sept. 14-15. 49th Pioneer Heritage Festival. 9359 Greenwood Rd., Greenwood (318) 368-0044 Sept. 15. LA Tech Football Game v. Rice. Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston www.latechsports.com Sept. 15. Lake D’Arbonne Country Sportsman’s Expo. 116 Cox Ferry Rd, Farmerville, (318) 348-2005 Sept. 14-16. Ron McGloflin Horse Handling Clinic. 156 Fairgrounds Rd., Ruston (318) 243-9491 Sept. 14-16. USSA Black American Women Softball Team. 7700 Lotus Ln., Shreveport (318) 222-9391 Sept. 20. Go Hab Lab and Lunch. 610 Commerce St., Shreveport (318) 759-7997 Sept. 28-29. Louisiana Chicken Festival. 7833 Annie Lee St, Dubach (318) 777-3321 Sept. 29. Germantown Bluegrass Festival. 82 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
Oct. 6-13. Red River Revel Arts Festival. 101 Crockett St., Shreveport (318) 424-4000 Oct. 6. LA Tech Bulldog Football vs. UNLV. Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston www.latechsports.com Oct. 6. Pioneer Heritage Day at LSUS. 1 University Pl., Shreveport (318) 747-5339 Oct. 6. Titanic. 619 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport (318) 226-8555 Oct. 6. Landry Vineyards’ Outdoor Concert Featuring Code Blue & the Flatliners. 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe (318) 577-9051
Tallulah Courthouse Square, Tallulah (888) 744-8410 Oct. 13. Springhill Main Street Car & Motorcycle Show. 301 Church St., Springhill (318) 539-5699 Oct. 20. BREW. 101 Crockett St., Shreveport (318) 222-7403 Oct. 20. LA Tech Bulldog Football vs. Idaho. Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston www.latechsports. com Oct. 25- Nov. 11. 2012 State Fair of Louisiana. 3701 Hudson Ave., Shreveport (318) 635-1361 Oct. 26. Nunset Boulevard Staring Cindy Williams. 691 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport (318) 226-8555 Oct. 26-28. World Champion Blacksmiths. 3701 Hudson St., Shreveport (318) 635-1361 Oct. 27. Feist-Weiller Cancer Center’s Great Pumpkin Run for Research. 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport (318) 813-1056 Oct. 27. Shreveport Classic. 3301 Pershing Blvd., Shreveport (936) 261-9100 Oct. 27. Landry Vineyards’ Outdoor Jazz Concert. 5699 Bew Natchitoches Road, West Monroe (318) 577-9051
Central
Oct. 12-13. The Annual Springhill Lumberjack Festival. 301 Church St., Springhill (318) 465-3989
Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run. 781 Front Street, Natchitoches (800) 259-1714
Oct 12. Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival. Forsythe Ave., Monroe (318) 396-5000
Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Louisiana Mud Festival. 12220-B Highway 8, Colfax (318) 729-3237
Oct. 12. Teddy Bear Festival 2012: Celebrating the Great Outdoors. Downtown
Sept. 1. Drake Salt Works Festival. Goldonna (800) 259-1714
Sept. 8 & 15. The Sabine Theater Presents Little Mary Sunshine. Sabine Theater, Many (318) 256-3777
Oct. 19-21. Ragley Timber and Heritage Festival. 6715 Hwy. 12, Ragley (337) 725-3424
Sept. 15-16. Golden Meadow Family Fishing Rodeo. Highway 3235, Golden Meadow, (985) 665-4507
Sept. 8. St. Jude Fall Festival. Zwolle (318) 315-0104
Oct. 26-28. Think Pink Festival. 1275 FPC Road, Longville (337) 725-3692
Sept. 21. POW-MIA Day Ceremony. 102 W. Main St., New Iberia, (337) 365-1428
Sept. 14 & 15. Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival. 781 Front Street, Natchitoches (318) 352-8072
Cajun
Sept. 22. 3rd Annual Bayou Runners Decathlon. 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma (985) 232-5384
Sept. 15. Le Tour de Bayou. 3601 Bayou Rapides Road., Alexandria (318) 487-5998
Aug. 30-Sept. 3. Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. 715 Second St., Morgan City, (985) 385-0703
Sept. 14 & 15. Marthaville Good Ole Days Festival. Hwy 6, Marthaville (800) 259-1714
Aug. 31-Sept. 2. SugarFest Classic Braham Show. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy. 3212), New Iberia (337) 365-7539
Sept. 22-29. VFW Post 1736 Ladies Aux Fall Fetsival. 701 Veteran’s Dr., Alexandria (318) 451-0792
Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Labor Day Fishing Rodeo. LA 319 and Beach Lane, Cypremort Point, (337) 364-7301
Sept. 25-29. Sabine Parish Festival. Many, (318) 256-3406
Sept. 1-29. “Rendez-vous des Cajuns” Live Radio and TV Show. 200 W. Park Ave., Eunice (337) 457-7389
Sept. 29-30. Jim Bowie Festival. River View RV Park & Resort, Vidalia, (318) 336-8223 Oct. 2-6. Beauregard Parish Fair. Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds, DeRidder (337 462-3135 Oct. 5. 2012 Autumn ArtWalk. 1101 4th St. Suite 201, Alexandria, (318) 443-4718
Sept. 1. Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Zydeco Park, Plaisance (877) 948-8004 Sept. 1. Zydeco Festival Breakfast Dance. 118 S. Court St., Opelousas (337) 942-2392
Oct. 5-7. Robeline Heritage Festival. El Camino Real, Robeline (318) 332-4968
Sept. 1. 28th Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival. 457 Zydeco Road, Opelousas (337) 457-7389
Oct. 6-14. West Louisiana Forestry Festival. H.M. Stevens Blvd., Leesville (337) 238-0783
Sept. 2. Horse Show. 121 Moffet Road, Houma, (985) 804-7932
Oct. 6. Cottonport Quilt Festival. 220 Cottonport Ave., Cottonport (318) 876-3517
Sept. 7-8. 2012’s Roastin’ With Rosie Bar-B-Que Festival. 919 N. Lake Arthur Ave., Jennings (337) 821-5534
Oct. 6. Classic Car Show-Return to the 50s. 781 Front Street, Natchitoches (318) 352-8072
Sept. 7-8. Lydia Cajun Food Festival. 4412 Weeks Park Road, Lydia, (337) 519-3131
Oct. 11-13. Zwolle Tamale Fiesta. 1100 S. Main St., Zwolle (318) 645-2388
Sept. 7-30. Alligator Festival. 13825 River Road, Luling, (985) 785-4545
Oct. 12-14. St. Augustine Church Fair. 2250 Hwy. 484, Melrose, (318) 352-8072
Sept. 8. Acadiana Barrel Race Association. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy 3212), New Iberia, (337) 365-7539
Oct. 12-14. 58th Annual Pilgrimage: Tour of Homes. 781 Front St., Natchitoches (800) 259-1714
Sept. 11. Patriotic Day Celebration. 102 W. Main St., New Iberia, (337) 365-1428
Oct. 13. Avoyelles Cookbook & Arts Festival. 8592 Hwy. 1, Suite 3, Mansura, (318) 964-2025
Sept. 14-16. Allen Parish Fair. Local Parish Fair, Oberlin (337) 639-4475
Oct. 20. Caddo-Adai Pow Wow. 4460 Hwy. 485, Robeline (877) 472-1007
Sept. 14-16. St. Theresa’s Carlyss Cajun Bon-Temps Festival. 4822 Carlyss Dr., Carlyss (337) 583-4800
Oct. 20. Olla Downtown Homecoming. Dixie Center, Olla, (318) 495-5152
Sept. 15. La Table Francais. 202 S. Second St., Eunice, (337) 457-6276
Oct. 20. Haunted History Tour. 781 Front St., Natchitoches (800) 259-1714
Sept. 15-16. SugaSheaux. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy. 3212), New Iberia, (337) 365-7539
Sept. 22. Fall Pops Concert. 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma, (985) 637-3894 Sept. 22. Cajun French Music Festival. 300 Parkview Dr, New Iberia, (337) 364-7975 Sept. 26-30. Louisiana Sugarcane Festival. Various Venues, New Iberia (337) 369-9323 Sept. 28-29. SugarFest 4-H Livestock Show. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy 3212), New Iberia, (337) 365-7539 Sept 28. Gallery Promenade. 700 Ryan St., Lake Charles (337) 439-2787 Sept. 29. La Table Francais. 828 E. Landry St., Opelousas, (337) 948-5227 Sept. 29. La Table Francais. 1510 Courtableau Road, Arnaudville, (337) 457-6276 Sept. 29-30. Best of the Bayou Festival. 7588 Main St., Houma, (985) 876-5600 Sept. 30. 13th Annual Harvest Moon Festival. Downtown Franklin, Franklin, (985) 397 0858 Oct. 1-31. Artist of the Month. Houma Downtown Art Gallery, Houma, (985) 851-2198 Oct. 4-15. 9 to 5 the Musical. 1 Reid St., Lake Charles (337) 433-2287 Oct. 4. Battle for the Paddle/United Way of St. Charles. 13825 River Road, Luling, (985) 331-9063 Oct. 5-7. Voice of the Wetlands Festival. P.O. Box 3756, Houma, (985) 226-1004 Oct. 5-7. SugarFest Classic Added Monkey Barrel Race. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy 3212), New Iberia, (337) 365-7539 Oct. 5-7. Tour du Teche. Bayou Teche, St. Martinville (337) 394-6232 Oct. 5-7. Tour Canoe Race. Bayou Teche, New Iberia (337) 394-6232 Oct. 6-7. Bayou Music Festival. Highway 3235, Golden Meadow, (985) 278-1596 . www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 83
Oct. 6. Shadow Arts and Crafts Show. 317 E. Main St., New Iberia, (337) 369-6446
Presents “Lilies of the Fields”. 126 Iberia St, New Iberia, (337) 364-6114
Oct. 27. ArtsFest. 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles (337) 478-7294
Oct. 6. Louisiana Cajun Food Festival. Downtown Kaplan on Cushing Avenue, Kaplan (337) 643-2400
Oct. 19-21. Bayou Dularge Knights of Columbus Cajun Fair and Fishing Rodeo. 331 Dr. Beatrous Road, Theriot, (985) 855-2858
Oct. 27. Culture Fest Louisiana. 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles (337) 478-7294
Oct. 6. Latin Music Festival. Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette, (337) 944-0011
Oct. 20. Just Kids at Art. 243 Barrow Street, Houma, (985) 872-5573
Oct. 28. Halloween Children’s Festival and Costume Contest. 300 Parkview Drive, New Iberia, (337) 367-1580
Oct. 6-7. Breaux Bridge City Wide Garage Sale. P.O. Box 88, Breaux Bridge, (337) 277-4517
Oct. 20. Tailgating Cook-Off. 601 Ed Broussard Road, Loreauville, (337) 380-5216
Oct. 31. Scare in the Square. Magdalen Square, Abbeville (337) 893-3973
Oct. 20. Clay Walker in Concert. 100 Westlake Ave., Westlake (800) 843-4753
Baton Rouge/Plantation
Oct. 7. Horse Show. 121 Moffet Road, Houma, (985) 804-7932 Oct. 9-14. Louisiana Cotton Festival. 704 N. Soileau St., Ville Platte (337) 363-6367 Oct. 11-14. Louisiana Cattle Festival. 101 State St., Abbeville (337) 385-2397 Oct. 12. Mayor’s Art Awards. 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles (337) 439-2787 Oct 12-13. Country Club Arts and Crafts Fair. 1500 Country Club Road, Lake Charles (337) 474-1500 Oct. 12-14. Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. 500 Girard Park, Lafayette (800) 346-1958 Oct. 12-14. World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off. 102 W Main St., New Iberia, (337) 364-1836 Oct. 12-14. 41st Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival. LA Hwy. 304, five miles north of Thibodaux, Thibodaux (Chackbay), (985) 633-7789 Oct. 12-14. 8th Annual Voice of the Wetlands (VOW) Festival. 1208 Museum Drive, Houma, (985) 226-1004 Oct. 12-16. Cal Cam Festival. Cal Cam Fairgrounds, Sulphur (337) 527-9371 Oct. 13. 4th Annual Race for the Wetlands. 1208 Museum Drive, Houma, (985) 688-5582 Oct. 13. Woofstock. 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles (337) 478-7294 Oct. 13. Vinton Heritage Festival. 1200 Horridge Street, Vinton (337) 589-7453 Oct. 13. Envouge in Concert. 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton (800) 589-7441 Oct. 14. Louisian Tournoi. Maxie Ray Dr., Ville Platte (337) 308-0437 Oct. 18-21. 76th International Rice Festival. Downtown Crowely, Crowley (337) 783-3067 Oct. 18-28. Iberia Performing Arts League 84 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
Oct. 20. Boudin Cook-off. Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette (337) 993-2207
Sept. 15-16. Oldies But Goodies Festival. 2750 N. Westport Dr., Port Allen (225) 344-2920
Oct 20. Abbeville Farmers’ Market Festival. Magdalen Square, Abbeville, (337) 898-6600
Sept. 15. Smokin Oldies BBQ Cook-Off. 2750 N. Westport Dr., Port Allen (225) 344-2920
Oct. 20. Southern Soul Food Showdown. 7304 E. Hwy. 90, Jeanerette, (337) 365-8185
Sept. 15. Art Gumbo Market. 40136 Highway 942, Darrow (225) 328-7354
Oct. 20-21. SugaSheaux. 713 NW Bypass (Hwy 3212), New Iberia, (337) 365-7539 Oct. 21. St. Martinville Kiwanis Peper Festival. S.New Market St, St.Martinville (337) 394-9396
Sept. 26. Lunchtime Lecture and Book Signing with Randy Harrelson, Brian Costello and photographer Richard Sexton. 845 N. Jefferson, Port Allen (225) 336-2422 Sept. 27-29. Baker Buffalo Festival. 845 N. Jefferson, Port Allen, (225) 336-2422
Oct. 21. Chariot Parade. 133 S. Main St., St. Martinville, (337) 394-2230
Sept. 28-30. Pine Tree Festival. Walker High School, Walker 225) 664-4825
Oct. 22-24. South Louisiana Black Pot Festival and Cook-Off. 200 Greenleaf Dr., Lafayette, (337) cookoff@blackpotfestival.com
Sept. 29. Zuri’s 3rd Birthday. 3601 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge (225) 775-3877
Oct. 24. 10th Annual Taste of South Louisiana. 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, (985) 851-1020 Oct. 25-28. Louisiana Yambilee Festival. 1939 W Landry St, Opelousas (337) 948-8848
Oct. 6. Denham Springs OctoberFest. Antique District, Denham Springs (225) 567-7899 Oct. 6. Swamp Life Expo. 17525 Hwy. 77, Grosse Tete (225) 687-5198 Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28. Angola Prison Rodeo. Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, (225) 635-2607
Oct. 26-27. Acadiana Wine and Food Festival. 710 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Lafayette, (337) 482-2278
Oct. 7. SugarFest!. 845 N. Jefferson, Port Allen (225) 346-2422
Oct. 26. Downtown Live After 5. Courthouse, Downtown Houma, Houma (985) 873-6408
Oct. 9-14. Livingston Parish Fair. US Hwy 190, Livingston 225-315-9950
Oct. 26-28. River Parishes Fall Festival. 401 Spruce Street, Norco, (985) 764-6503
Oct. 12-13. Southern Garden Symposium. Hwy 965, St. Francisville (225) 635-3005
Oct. 26-28. 39th Annual French Food Festival. 307 East 5th Street, Larose, (985) 693-7355
Oct. 12-14. Andouille Festival. St. John Center, La Place, (985) 652-9569
Oct. 27. Grace Lutheran Church 13th Annual Fall Fest. 422 Valhi Blvd., Houma, (985) 879-1865 Oct. 27. Academic Excellence Teacher Awards. 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma (985) 868-5881
Oct. 13-14. Awesome Art on the Bayou Art & Cultural Festival. 1013 E. Cornerview, Gonzales, (225) 328-7354 Oct. 19-21. Harvest Festival on False River. 211 W. Main St., New Roads (225) 638-5360
Oct. 19-21. 44th International Acadian Festival. 61755 Bayou Road, Plaquemine (225) 687-2061
Sept. 10. Nunez Community College History Lecture Series. 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, (504) 278-6422
Oct. 8. Nunez Community College History Lecture Series. 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, (504) 278-6422
Oct. 20-21. Oak Alley Plantation Fall Arts & Crafts Festival. 3645 Louisiana 18, Vacherie (225) 265-2151
Sept. 14-16. Salaville Cajun Heritage Festival. 484 Sala Avenue and Fourth St. Westwego, (504) 341-3424
Oct. 12-14. Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. 540 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, (504) 558-6100
Oct. 20. Art Gumbo Market. 40136 Highway 942, Darrow (225) 328-7354
Sept. 14-16. Carnaval Latino. 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, (504) 528-8560
Oct. 13-14. Wooden Boat Festival. 133 Mabel Dr., Madisonville, (985) 845-9200
Oct. 20. Ultimate Louisiana Party. 300 North Blvd., Baton Rouge (225) 802-9681 Oct. 20-28. Boo at the Zoo. 3601 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge (225) 775-3877 Oct. 20-21. 7th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival. 3645 Hwy. 18, Vacherie, (225) 265-2151 Oct. 26-31. The Myrtles Plantation Halloween Experience. 7747 Hwy 61, St. Francisville (225) 635-6277 Oct. 26. Audubon State Historic Site-All Hallows Eve. LA Hwy 965, St. Francisville (225) 635-3739
Sept. 15-16. Louisiana Gator Festival. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville (619) 234-8612 Sept. 15. Antique Auto Club of St. Bernard Cruise Night. 8751 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, (504) 874-0458 Sept. 15. Tour de Tangipahoa. Southeastern Louisiana University Campus, Hammond (985) 345-8127 Sept. 20-22. Great Southern RV Bluegrass Event. 30338 Hwy. 21, Angie (985) 516-4680 Sept. 26-30. Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair. 404 Reid Ave., Amite, (800) 542-7520
Oct. 27-28. Cajun Village Fall Festival. 6470 Highway 22, Sorrento (225) 675-5572
Sept. 28-30. Caminada Redfish Rodeo. 158 Sand Dollar Ct., Grand Isle, (504) 915-5432.
Oct. 27. Louisiana Book Festival. State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge, (225) 219-9503
Sept. 29. 3rd Annual Swamp Pop Festival. 17145 Million Dollar Road, Covington, (985) 892-6023
Oct. 27. Fall Festival. 61755 Bayou Road, Plaquemine (225) 687-2029
Sept. 29. Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival. 625 Willis Ave., Bogalusa, (985) 294-3895
Greater New Orleans
Oct. 3-7. St. Tammany Parish Fair. 1304 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 893-4823
Aug. 30-Sept.1. Empire South Passing Fishing Rodeo. Delta Marina, Empire, (888) 745-0642 Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Original Red Fish Rodeo. Bridge Side Marina, Grand Isle, (985) 787-2997
Oct. 3-7. Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair. 404 Reid Ave., Amite, (800) 542-7520 Oct. 5-7. Gretna Heritage Festival. 301 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 361-7748
Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo. 1618 LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle, (985) 787-2419
Oct. 5-7. Bridge City Gumbo Festival. 1701 Bridge City Ave., Bridge City, (504) 329-4279
Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Labor Day ATV Rodeo and Mud Bog. 37323 Hwy. 1055, Mt Hermon (985) 877-4256
Oct. 5-7. Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo. 1618 LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle, (985) 787-2419
Sept. 1-2. Bogalusa Boat Club Races. Riverside Drive, Bogalusa (985) 335-0298 Sept. 1-3. Labor Day Invitational Dove Hunt. 17145 Million Dollar Road, Covington (985) 892-6023 Sept. 2. 16th Annual Battle of the Bands. 17145 Million Dollar Road, Covington, (985) 892-6023 Sept. 7. 8th Annual Southern Monster Truck Showdown. Florida Parishes Arena, Amite (985) 748-5914
Oct. 6. Antique Car Show. 8601 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, (504) 874-0458
Oct. 13. Paws in the Park. 8201 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, (504) 265-6716 Oct. 13. Party in the Pits. Memorial Park, Ponchatoula, (985) 386-2536 Oct. 14. 4th Annual Sugar Festival. Bienvenue St., Arabi, (504) 278-4242 Oct. 17. BPW Man and Woman of the Year Gala. 8245 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, (504) 473-3470 Oct. 18-22. Washington Parish Free Fair. Washington Parish Fairgrounds, Franklinton, (985) 839-5228 Oct. 19-21. Oyster Festival. 2621 Colonial Blvd., Violet, (504) 281-2267 Oct. 20-21. Old Farmers Day. 56136 loranger Road, Loranger, (800) 542-7520 Oct. 20-21. Wooden Boat Festival. 133 Mabel Dr., Madisonville, (985) 845-9200 Oct. 20. Antique Auto Club of St. Bernard Cruise Night. 8751 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, (504) 874-0458 Oct. 26. Park-A-Boo. Lafreniere Park, Metairie, (504) 452-0658 Oct. 26-27. IFA Redfish Championship. 255 Marina Rd., Chalmette, (504) 278-4242 Oct. 26-28. VOODOO Music Experience. 1 Palm Dr.,City Park New Orleans, www.thevoodooexperience.com Oct. 27-28. Slidell Antique Street Fair. Erlanger, First & Second Sts., Slidell, (985) 641-6316 n
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www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 85
great louisiana quiz
Basketball Edition 1 Pictured here is Pete
Maravich of the former New Orleans Jazz. What city is the opposing team from? A. Atlanta B. Chicago C. Denver D. New York 2 Louisiana native Karl
Malone played most of his career for the Utah Jazz. By what nickname was he known? A. The Mailman B. Louisiana Lightning C. The Exterminator D. Bayou Man 3 After his career at LSU, Bob
Petit became an early NBA star playing for a team that would eventually move to another city. What was the team? A. Minneapolis Lakers B. St. Louis Hawks C. Kansas City Royals
D. Charlotte Hornets 86 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
4 Which was the main reason that Pete Maravich
6 Although its name suggests otherwise, Cane
9 New Orleans has had three professional basketball
chose to play for LSU? A. He was dating a girl from Denham Springs. B. He wanted to play on the baseball team, too. C. He liked the climate. D. His dad was the coach.
River is actually a lake.
teams; the Jazz and the
What is the main town
Hornets in the NBA and a
along the lake? A. Bordelonville B. Many C. Jonesboro D. Natchitoches
team in the defunct American
5 Your friend has an
ambition to get an NBA franchise for Dry Prong and to call the team the Lakers. Since his medication has not totally kicked in, you hesitate to tell him that (A.)
7 Which of these Lake places is closest to the town
of Transylvania? A. Lake Arthur B. Lake Charles C. Lake Catherine D. Lake Providence
Dry Prong might not have the right market size (B.) the name Lakers has already
8 Which current member of the New Orleans Hornets
been taken and (C.) there’s
was on the University of
no lake in Dry Prong. The
Kentucky basketball team
nearest large lake is to the
that won the national cham-
east. What is the lake? A. Lake Catahoula B. Lake Maurepas C. Lake Bistineau
pionship in New Orleans? A. Austin Rivers B. Anthony Davis C. Eric Gordon
D. Lake Tallulah
D. Carl Landr
Basketball Association. What was that team’s name? A. Pelicans B. Maskers C. Buccaneers D. Creoles 10 During the 1976- ‘77
season, in a game against the New York Knicks, Pete Maravich set a league record for the most points ever scored in one game by a guard. How many points did he score? A. 51 B. 68 C. 72 D. 76
BONUS QUESTION: Several Louisiana parishes are named after presidents of the United States. Name the parishes and the towns that are their parish seats. Answer this BONUS QUESTION and be eligible to win an overnight stay for two at the luxurious PARAGON CASINO RESORT. Send in your answer on a postcard addressed to: Louisiana Life Bonus Question 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 Two winners will be drawn from among the correct answers. Each will receive an overnight stay for two at the recently expanded and remodeled Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. Winners’ names will be announced in the January/ February 2013 issue. For our May/June issue, the question was: What are Louisiana’s four longest bayous and four biggest lakes? Winners were: Patrick Anderson Sr. – Monroe. Patsy Soileau – Bossier City. ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS: 1.C 2.A 3.B 4.D 5.A 6.D 7.D 8.B 9.C 10.B SCORING Score 10 points for each correct answer: 0-20: Consult your nearest library. 30-60: Begin by buying a good road map. 70-90: You should run for office. 100: You’re a candidate for a Ph.D. in Louisianaology. n
www.louisianalife.com Louisiana Life | 87
a louisiana life attitude that helped her
soldiers who were critically
get through the rigorous
wounded with head, neck, and
training in a male-dominated
chest injuries. “It was hard.
field and then through a
You had to be tough, to roll
war that pushed even the
with the punches over there,”
strongest men to the limits of
she says. “Whatever they told
their sanity.
you to do you had to do it. It
Soon, it was time to ship out. “They said we were going
calls with gunfire and bombs
I didn’t think it was true so I
dropping nearby, of running
didn’t think about it,” Periou
out of blood and plasma, of
says. “But one night they said,
eating rations and working
‘You’re leaving tomorrow
long shifts. She remembers
morning.’ I don’t remember
moving to one side of the
packing a suitcase or anything
medical tent just before a
like that. I guess I put my
German plane strafed the side
clothes in a duffle bag.” Periou
she was standing on moments
traveled on the Queen Mary
earlier, killing everyone there.
from New York to London. “It
She says the soldiers often
was beautiful, enormous. It
cried for their mothers. “I
was one of the highlights of
would say, ‘I’m your mother,
my life,” she says.
honey, I’m going to take care
at a London hospital, then at
Memories from the battlefield |
By megan hill
Periou tells stories of close
overseas in three months, but
Periou was first stationed
Rita Periou
was just living and that’s all.”
an orthopedic hospital, where
of you.’ He was so out of it he didn’t know the difference.” But her memories
her patients were soldiers
aren’t all so dark. Periou
who had seen battle. “We
remembers rendezvousing
worked very hard taking care
with her brother, who was
of the soldiers,” she says.
fighting in Europe, and
“Some of them were very sick,
traveling to Paris and other
very bad off.”
parts of Europe on her rare
One month in, Periou
days off. She also met and befriended a dentist named
Rita Periou says
lieutenant in 1943. Before the
volunteered to head to the
she could fill a book with
war was over, Periou was
front lines. She convinced a
Dr. Murray Blum, whose
memories of World War II.
promoted to first lieutenant.
fellow nurse and close friend
daughter would become
from Louisiana to go with
television’s Judge Judy.
The Louisiana native
Before she went overseas,
After the war, Periou
worked as a nurse in the
Periou went through basic
her, and together they headed
Army, eventually ending up
training and did a stint at
to the Battle of the Bulge, in
returned to Louisiana, married
on the front lines at the Battle
Camp Polk. There, she worked
Belgium, where American
and raised a family. “When I
of the Bulge, where she cared
in a locked ward. “Those were
soldiers would suffer some
came back, I settled down,”
for severely wounded soldiers.
the soldiers who were trying
89,000 casualties by the time
she says. “I really did.”
Periou’s participation – even
to get out of the service, and
the Germans retreated.
her role in the largest and
they would act like they were
“I felt very guilty that I
deadliest battle fought by
crazy,” she says. “I was very
had talked her into coming
of Saving Private Ryan at the
Americans in World War II –
young, and I was the only little
with me, but she lived,”
National D-Day Museum. The
was entirely voluntary.
nurse there. I was scared to
Periou says. “We did good.
vivid scenes brought back
death. But I was tough.”
We stayed friends. I wasn’t
such intense memories that
exactly tickled either, though.
Periou could smell blood and felt sick.
“I always wanted to be in the Army. I don’t know
Tough indeed. On top of
Decades later, Periou’s family took her to a screening
why. I didn’t know what it
her nursing duties, Periou
I did it voluntarily, but I didn’t
was all about but I wanted
underwent continuing Army
realize what I was doing, I
to,” the New Orleanian says.
training and drills while
don’t think.”
After she finished nursing
at Camp Polk, just like any
school, Periou joined the
soldier. Periou still has the
makeshift hospital just behind
“But I wouldn’t have missed
Army, entering as a second
same spunk and no-baloney
the front lines, caring for
it for nothing.”
88 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012
Periou worked in a
“You had to grow up. I was scared to death the whole time,” Periou says. n
theresa cassagne photograph