Louisiana Life September-October 2012

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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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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Texas

State of Business

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usiness is booming in Louisiana and nearby Texas, especially in the area of health care. These leading health systems in the region have reputations of success in their medical and financial endeavors, treating patients with high levels of care while making a positive impact on local economies. Stay up to date with the latest changes in health care and business by checking out the following trusted names in medicine.

Louisiana Through the years,

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center has been a leader in providing the latest diagnostic and treatment technology to the region. In 2007, Thibodaux Regional acquired the daVinci Robotic Surgical System, a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive tool used to treat patients via robotic-assisted surgery. Today, Thibodaux Regional remains on the forefront of minimally invasive robotic surgery by acquiring the daVinci Si Surgical System. This next generation of robotic surgery utilizes single- site technology and features a number of innovations

54 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012

that will enable surgeons to operate more effectively and efficiently.

General Surgeons are immediately able to perform gall bladder surgery robotically. Utilizing this advanced robotic technology, other surgeons will be able to perform a number of complex gynecological, head and neck, cardiothoracic, urological and additional general surgical procedures.

With minimally invasive robotic surgery, patients experience minimal trauma, less scarring and pain, low risk of infection and they recover significantly more quickly.

The Methodist Hospital System in Houston, Texas, is comprised of a leading academic medical center in the Texas Medical Center® and four community hospitals serving the greater Houston area. Each hospital is staffed with committed personnel who exemplify the hospital system’s core values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.

Patient safety, quality and service are of the highest priority evidenced by the system’s flagship, The Methodist Hospital, being consistently listed among U.S. News & World Report’s best hospitals. That same level of quality care is extended across the system to its Sugar Land, West Houston, Willowbrook and San Jacinto campuses.

Not only does The Methodist Hospital show a record of success in medicine, research and education, it also proves exemplary in employee relations. For seven years in a row, it has been included in Fortune’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” and is the only Texas health care organization to be recognized.

For more information, visit methodisthealth.com. •

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.

a dv ertis in g s ec tio n

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

a dv ertis in g s ec tio n

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,

64 | Louisiana Life September/October 2012

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

ATTENTION FESTIVAL-PLANNERS & CARNIVAL PARADE-PLANNERS

HELP US PROMOTE YOUR EVENT! n

Go online to provide information for our calendar section and Web page.

Go to www.MyNewOrleans.com/Louisiana-Life/Submit-an-Event to let us know about festivals, shows or special events coming up in your areas!

n

n Go to www.MyNewOrleans.com/Louisiana-Life/Submit-a-Parade-to-Louisiana-Life to keep us posted on your Carnival plans!

Remember, the sooner we get the information, the better able we are to help you.

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