BUSINESS ADDRESS: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515
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SUMMER STAYCATION
As the school year winds down and we count down the days to those fleeting weeks of summer, it’s easy to start dreaming about distant beaches and far-off destinations. But before we pack our bags and hit the road, it’s worth remembering something we sometimes overlook—there’s a whole lot to discover right here at home!
In Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket. It’s waiting just outside our doors. From winding bayous and scenic waterways to the charm of our small towns, this place we call home is filled with experiences that are just as meaningful as any getaway.
What I love most about summer here is the sense of possibility each day brings. I was born and raised here, and somehow, there are still places I haven’t explored and things I haven’t tried along our bayous. That’s part of the magic!
This summer, my family is leaning into that sense of adventure. My son, Jackson, has already started his list of things he wants to do this summer including fishing, kayaking, swimming, building sandcastles, exploring nature, maybe even squeezing in a little “summer science.” And the best part? We can do all of it close to home. There are countless ways to make memories without ever leaving the bayou.
This issue is your invitation to do just that. Whether it’s a quiet morning on the water, a family outing, or discovering a hidden gem you’ve passed a hundred times, there’s something here for everyone.
Our first story invites you to join us on the waterways that wind their way through our parishes. From quiet paddles at sunrise to lively afternoons casting a line, our waterways offer endless opportunities to slow down and explore what makes South Louisiana so special. Learn more about ways to kayak, fish, explore and enjoy the bounties our bayous provide, starting on page 14.
While preparing this issue, I spent some time flipping through the visitors guides for both parishes. If you’ve never picked one up, consider this your sign. They’re full of ideas you may have never thought to try. The teams at Explore Houma and Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou do an incredible job showcasing what makes our region so special, drawing visitors from near and far to experience it for themselves. Tourism plays an important role here, supporting local businesses and contributing to our economy in ways that benefit us all. But beyond that, both organizations encourage something even simpler: be a tourist in your own hometown.
Our second story explores the Chauvin Sculpture Garden and the artistic vision of Kenny Hill. Currently owned and run by Nicholls State University, Dr. Gary LaFleur is most often the person you will run into at the Garden sharing Kenny’s story and inviting you to interpret the art in your own way. Learn more about the Chauvin Sculpture Garden starting on page 20.
Our summer issue also proudly features our Summer Staycation special advertising section, beginning on page 18. In our Summer Staycation special section, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery right here in our own backyard. Join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure and supporting local businesses and festivals as we invite families to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable memories right here at home.
This issue is your invitation to see home a little differently. Slow down, take the scenic route, and say “yes” to something new— whether it’s a quiet morning on the water, a local festival, or a hidden spot you’ve passed a hundred times but never explored. Start your summer list, make the memories, and don’t wait for the “perfect trip” to find a little magic. Around here, it’s been waiting for you all along. POV
What's one thing you MUST do every summer and why?
BRAYDEN
If there is one thing I MUST do every summer, it is to make sure I stay active. I want to stay active throughout the summer to help me always stay prepared for my sports.
GERARD
During summer time I try to BBQ as often as I can. My family absolutely loves it and it gives my wife a break from cooking.
DEVIN
I must go to the beach to spend time with my family and just chill. I like getting out of town and away from home.
KATIE
One thing I must do every summer is visit the Gulf Coast. What is a summer vacation without the beach?
MARK
Summers are always a great time for neighborhood snowballs. I enjoy all of the delicious flavors and will sometimes add cream.
RICKY
Pick a state and go explore the sites with my girl.
Houma Family
Schedule your cleaning or whitening appointment today and head into summer feeling your best.
ROOMS, REIMAGINED
BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY SHANNON BELLA
As summer approaches and kids spend more time at home, their bedrooms become the backdrop for everything from rest to creativity to everyday life.
We followed along with designer Shannon Bella as she redesigned four distinct bedrooms — two for boys and two for girls — each thoughtfully curated with a style as unique as the individuals who call them their own.
Designing for your children is about more than creating a beautiful space — it’s about capturing personality, encouraging
creativity, and building a room that evolves alongside them.
While each room reflects a different personality — from bold and modern to soft and timeless — a cohesive design thread ties them all together. Layered textures, intentional color palettes, and meaningful details create spaces that feel elevated yet livable, polished yet personal.
From LED-lit displays showcasing passions and achievements to delicate, feminine touches that feel both classic and current, every room tells a story. These
are spaces designed not just for today, but for the years ahead — where function meets beauty and personality leads the design.
Take a look inside each uniquely styled bedroom, where thoughtful design transforms everyday spaces into something truly special — and maybe inspires you to create a space your child truly loves to call their own.
Follow Shannon Bella on Instagram at @KnightNDayDesigns for more design inspiration. POV
Enjoy more photos on houmatimes.com/publications/pointofvue. IN NEED OF INSPIRATION?
MODERN MUSE
SOFT SOPHISTICATION
TIMELESS CHARM
BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EXPLORE HOUMA AND LOUISIANA'S CAJUN BAYOU
There’s a certain rhythm to life in Terrebonne and Lafourche, one that flows as naturally as the bayous that wind through them. Here, water isn’t just part of the landscape; it’s part of who we are. From quiet paddles at sunrise to lively afternoons casting a line, our waterways offer endless opportunities to slow down and explore what makes South Louisiana so special.
For those looking to truly immerse themselves, kayaking is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the bayou. Whether you’re gliding beneath mossdraped trees or navigating narrow canals, kayaking gives you a front-row seat to the beauty of our wetlands. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles sunning on logs or even catch a glimpse of an alligator slipping quietly beneath the surface. For beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, local launches and rental spots make it easy to get started and explore at your own pace.
For kayak rentals in Terrebonne Parish, check out PAC Kayak in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Kayakers can paddle the coastal marsh and potentially see wild horses, porpoises, and sacred Indian mounds. If you own your own kayak, consider visiting the new kayak boat launch recently completed by the Hache Grant Association right behind
People’s Drug Store off of Main Street in Downtown Houma!
In Lafouche, kayak rentals are available through Geaux Paddle along Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux. If you own your own, consider launching at the Nicholls Bayouside Park or the Thibodaux Floating Dock and Boardwalk. Outside of Thibodaux, you can enjoy the Coastal Wetlands Park in Port Fourchon or the Lafourche-Terrebonne scenic overlook in
Raceland. Other boat launches include Leeville Boat Launch, Golden Meadow Boat Launch, and Butch HIll Boat Launch.
Of course, no summer activity conversation about our waterways would be complete without mentioning fishing! This timehonored tradition passed down through generations connects us in so many ways. In Terrebonne and Lafourche, fishing is more than a pastime; it’s a way of life. Early mornings often begin with the hum of a
boat engine heading out toward the marsh, rods in tow and stories ready to be told. Whether you’re casting from a boat or the bank of a bayou, there’s something deeply satisfying about the anticipation of a bite. Redfish, speckled trout, and bass are just a few of the local favorites, and for many, the reward isn’t just the catch—it’s the experience itself. It’s the quiet moments, the laughter shared, and the connection to the water that keeps people coming back.
Louisiana is blessed to have an abundance of charter boat captains! Check out louisianacharterfishing. com to find a captain to fit your needs! Everyone fishing must possess a valid recreational license for freshwater fishing, while saltwater fishing requires both a saltwater and freshwater fishing license. For more information on fishing licenses visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
You can also simply stop and cast a line along our local bayous. A safe, popular spot to fish is Island Road Fishing Piers at the Pointe-Aux-Chenes WMA in Terrebonne Parish. Five fishing piers, an improved boat ramp, and parking along Island Road provide a nice familyfriendly location to catch your dinner.
For those who prefer a “wilder” experience in our waterways, swamp tours offer an up-close look at the rich ecosystems that define our region. There’s something unforgettable about cruising through local waters while
learning about the delicate balance of life that thrives there. From towering cypress trees to the wildlife that calls them home, swamp tours provide a perspective that’s both educational and awe-inspiring. In Terrebonne, visit Annie Miller & Son’s Swamp Tour or A Cajun Man’s Swamp Tour. In Lafourche, check out Zam’s Swamp Tours.
What makes these experiences so unique in Terrebonne and Lafourche is the sense of place they create. The water connects us to nature, to tradition, and to each other. It invites us to unplug and explore, and to appreciate the simple joys that can be found just beyond our backyards.
So whether you’re paddling through a quiet bayou, casting a line with friends, or taking in the sights on a swamp tour, one thing is certain: the waterways of Terrebonne and Lafourche aren’t just destinations, they’re experiences waiting to be lived. POV
EXPERIENCE IT ALL AT THE REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM
HONOR. HISTORY. COMMUNITY.
Step inside a powerful tribute to service and sacrifice at the Regional Military Museum in Downtown Houma. Showcasing artifacts and stories from major U.S. conflicts through the unique lens of the Bayou Region, the museum connects past and present while honoring those who have served.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts a series of meaningful events that invite the community to gather, remember and reflect. Admission is free on event days.
Upcoming events include:
• May 25 – Memorial Day (2 PM)
• July 18 – Honor Flights Fundraiser (tickets sold in advance)
• August 8 – Purple Heart Day (11 AM)
• September 12 – Patriots Day (11 AM)
• November 7 – Veterans Day Breakfast (9 AM)
• December 5 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance (11 AM)
The museum is open for tours Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering visitors year-round opportunities to explore and learn.
The Regional Military Museum
985.873.8200 | 1154 Barrow St., Houma, LA
TERREBONNE PARISH LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Get ready to dig into discovery with the Terrebonne Parish Library System’s 2026 Summer Reading Program! From May 26 through July 31, this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” invites readers of all ages to uncover new adventures, hidden worlds, and unforgettable characters—one book at a time.
Here’s how it works: read for 20 minutes a day, five days a week, and earn prizes along the way! Participants can receive coupons and small rewards (while supplies last), made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Terrebonne Parish Library, Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana (CCA), Kiwanis Club, and Children’s Water Safety Awareness. It’s a simple, fun way to build strong reading habits while enjoying a few surprises along the journey.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at reading. This summer is packed with lively, familyfriendly performances across all library branches, thanks to the Friends of the
Terrebonne Parish Library and Synergy Bank. Get ready for an engaging lineup featuring Johnette Downing, Harvey Rabbit, Professor Universe, Dino Experience, Creature Farm, Magician David LeBoeuf, and the Terrebonne Parish Library’s very own Story Time Troupe. Each performance brings its own kind of magic, laughter, and hands-on fun.
Beyond the stage, libraries will be buzzing with interactive activities, STEM programs, workshops, and storytimes designed to spark curiosity and creativity in readers of every age. Whether you’re exploring science, creating something new, or diving into a great story, there’s always something to discover.
So grab your library card and start digging—because you never know what story you might unearth. Register at your local Terrebonne Parish Library branch and get ready for a summer full of reading, learning, and fun!
Terrebonne Parish Public Library
985.876.5861 | visit mytpl.org
UNEARTH A STORY AT YOUR LIBRARY THIS SUMMER
As summer settles in, so does the rhythm of longer days, lighter schedules and time well spent together. It’s the season for saying yes to spontaneous plans, exploring new places and rediscovering the charm of the communities we call home.
Close to home doesn’t mean missing out—it means uncovering the experiences waiting just beyond your doorstep. From local favorites to hidden gems, Terrebonne and Lafourche offer countless ways to fill your days with adventure, connection and a little something unexpected.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU FESTIVAL
This one-of-a-kind event blends fandom, music and community spirit to support local school music programs. Taking place on May 2 from 11 AM to 10 PM in downtown Houma, it’s a full day of Star Wars-inspired fun with a Louisiana twist.
Now in its sixth year, the festival has grown from a small gathering into Louisiana’s largest Star Wars celebration—offering something for fans of all ages. This year’s lineup includes the Kessel Run 5K (Glow Edition!), the Empire Cooks Back, Cook-Off, and a Cosplay Contest.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy live music throughout the day from Caleb Lapeyrouse and the Drivers, The Caniacs, and Kings of Neon, along with food, vendors and interactive experiences. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, while children 12 and under are free.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the fun, this festival delivers a force-filled day of entertainment—all for a great cause.
In this Summer Staycation special section, we invite you to look at your backyard in a new way. Whether it’s a family outing, a weekend escape or a simple afternoon well spent, the opportunities to make meaningful memories are all around us.
So take it all in—the flavors, the fun and the familiar places that make this region special. This summer, the best stories might just be the ones waiting right here at home. POV
18TH ANNUAL BUBBA DOVE FISHING RODEO
REEL IN THE FUN AT THIS FAMILYFRIENDLY FISHING RODEO
Set for June 25–28 at Coco Marina, the rodeo returns for another year of fishing, family fun and giving back! Hosted by the Gordon Dove, Jr. Foundation, the event honors the legacy of Gordon “Bubba” Dove, Jr. while raising funds for local charities and student scholarships.
Since 2009, the foundation has donated more than $511,000 to causes throughout the community. Rodeo tickets are $30 each and include entry into the event, a t-shirt, door prize entry, and food and drinks during scheduled times. Each ticket also provides a chance to win $1,000 cash, with the winner required to be present.
Anglers can compete for $1,000 prizes in categories including the Biggest Redfish under 27” and Largest Fish Overall, along with additional prizes and kid-friendly divisions.
Tickets can be purchased online, at the Civic Stop, Songy’s, CoCo Marina, and Captain Allen’s. Enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday by Clustafunk Band and Gina & Seth.
The TFAE Cajun Food Festival & Run for Excellence returns to Downtown Houma on May 9 from 4 PM to 10 PM, serving up an evening packed with food, music and fun—all in support of local educators and literacy programs.
The event kicks off at 4 PM with the highenergy Battle of the High School Bands, followed by the opening of the Cajun Food Fest and the start of the race at 6 PM. With more than 35 food booths, there’s no shortage of local flavor to enjoy.
New this year, the Best of the Fest cook-off brings back top cooking teams from past competitions to compete for bragging rights and the ultimate title.
Families can explore the Kids Corner featuring a petting zoo, face painting and more, while the evening wraps up with live entertainment from Bag of Donuts, keeping the crowd dancing into the night. Proceeds from the event support educators across Terrebonne Parish, along with literacy initiatives including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
A GALAXY OF FUN RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN HOUMA
CAJUN FLAVOR, LIVE MUSIC AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT RETURN TO DOWNTOWN HOUMA
SPONSORED CONTENT
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL GAUTHIER
A brick layer. An outsider.
Kenny Hill arrived in Chauvin, Louisiana, in 1988 with little more than a tent and an enduring artistic vision.
For the following twelve years, Kenny would spend half of a year laying brick in Branson, Missouri. The other half a year, Kenny poured his soul into curating a vibrant, spiritual experience—the Chauvin Sculpture Garden.
Nicholls Biology professor Dr. Gary LaFleur, who is affiliated with Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, emphasized how unique Kenny’s chosen lifestyle was.
“Most artists make art to make a living, but this was pouring out of him for no money at all,” Dr. Gary said. “He was a bricklayer. It makes sense that he knew to use mortar and bricks, but there are many brick layers who don’t know how to make sculpture gardens. He had artistic talent, and he was driven to express his vision.”
Not long after Kenny began creating on his rented property, he met the Neils, the family who lived next door.
“Jacob explained to me once, ‘I would be up on the ladder, and I’d ask Kenny where he wanted me to weld it! I’d weld it right where he told me to weld it.’”, Dr. Gary said. “He knows it was all Kenny’s vision. He doesn’t take any credit for it, but he was Kenny’s second set of hands at times.”
The Neils took care of Kenny, and almost adopted him in some ways, according to Dr. Gary. The family would cook for him,
Whether recovering from a stroke, fall, or other medical condition, our customized rehab program helps you recover quickly so you can get back home. If you’re getting ready for long-term living, we make the transition from home to our community as rewarding as possible. A variety of spacious resident suites offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
AMENITIES INCLUDE:
•MUSIC & MEMORY THERAPY
•KITCHEN THERAPY
Jacob Neil, the son of Julius Neil, became an ally of Kenny’s artistic pursuits. Jacob’s skill as a welder complimented Kenny’s vision as a sculptor, as Jacob created much of the rebar inside the sculptures.
property, curiosity drew them through the gates. Julius often spotted visitors and invited them inside, guiding them through Kenny’s creations.
•LIVE & LOCAL CONCERTS
•IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG •NOVEL EXCURSIONS •GAMES & CRAFTS
The Best Choice
“The first time I visited the garden, Kenny’s house was still there. I walked into the garden but I could see Kenny peek through his curtain at me. But he didn’t stop me, he let me walk through it,” Dr. Gary said. “Julius Neil explained the garden as the first tour guide while Kenny was working on it. He was very nice. He was friendly. It was a way for strangers to know they could walk through.”
There were a few neighbors that Kenny created for, according to Dr. Gary. Kenny had made a chimney for some neighbors
or even the mailbox in their front yard. Those neighbors told Dr. Gary that Kenny wouldn’t receive payment for it, objecting because he said, “It’s bad for my spirit.”
“Locals explained Kenny by saying ‘some people are good talkers, but Kenny didn’t like to talk to people that much.’” Dr. Gary said. “He expressed himself this way instead. It’s just a different way of communicating.”
Kenny’s expression through his creations can prove difficult to interpret. Even after
several visits to the sculpture garden, a viewer could come to new conclusions about its meaning. The experience is often a self-guided tour, and the lack of signage allows for self-guided interpretation.
“It’s not up to me to say, ‘I wish you would explain it in words,’” Dr. Gary said. “But Kenny did it in his own way of expressing. It’s all we should ask of him. I eventually stopped wishing for an explanation. It’s almost like the journey is better than an answer.”
After twelve years of filling the property with vibrance and art, Kenny started neglecting the lawn care. According to Dr. Gary, Kenny began missing payments to the landlords, and the community made complaints about the increasing length of the grass.
Eventually, this led the landlords to give Kenny an eviction notice.
“His landlords said, ‘If Kenny had talked to us, they would’ve worked something out,’” Dr. Gary said.
Instead, Kenny left in silence on foot.
“We have a neighbor who’s on our board of directors, Andrew Cuneo. Kenny was gentle with Andrew. He was a kid then,” Dr. Gary said. “Kenny even gave Andrew a puppy one Christmas. But Andrew’s dad said they saw Kenny leaving that day, and a couple of people stopped and offered him a ride. He did not even want to accept a ride that day.”
Few have heard from Kenny since. Only recently did Kenny’s family confirm that
he is still alive and well. According to Dr. Gary, Kenny should be 78 this year.
The Kolher Foundation Inc. bought the property and gave it to Nicholls State University, which now owns and sustains the land and its art. It remains open daily, from dusk to dawn, and hosts guided tours on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Memories and remnants from Kenny’s time there are displayed across the street
Studio, which is also open to the public on weekends.
“When I walk people around the garden, I try not to push my interpretation on them,” Dr. Gary said. “It’s fun for people to make their own interpretations. We’re fortunate in a way that Kenny did not explain his sculptures. That allows them to mean many things to many different people.” POV
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |
BY KATIE RICHARD, MA, BSN, RN, DIRECTOR OF
UNDERSTAND AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF STROKE
Understanding what a stroke is, warning signs, and how to reduce risks of having a stroke can save your life. Knowing symptoms, seeking early treatment, and mitigating risk can reduce lingering side effects of a stroke.
What is a stroke?
Stroke occurs in the brain when there is sudden bleeding or a clot blocks blood supply. Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Three types of stroke deprive brain cells of oxygen and can lead to damage, disability or death.
• Ischemic stroke — caused by a clot obstructing blood flow to the brain
• Hemorrhagic stroke — caused by a ruptured blood vessel, preventing blood flow
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) commonly called a "mini stroke," caused by a temporary clot that resolves before permanent brain damage
Stroke risk increases with age, however stroke can occur at any age. Rates of stroke are increasing in young people worldwide.
What are the warning signs?
Learn the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke to save your life or the life of someone else.
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
Face drooping: One side of the face droops or goes numb.
Arm weakness: One arm goes weak, numb or drifts down when raised.
Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or inability to speak.
Time to call 911 immediately: Stroke is an emergency; every minute counts. Don't drive yourself or call a friend. CALL 911. If possible, note the time symptoms first appear so doctors can determine treatment options.
Additional warning signs include eye or vision changes, sudden numbness on one side of the body, confusion, vertigo, severe nausea, or severe headache.
How do you reduce stroke risk?
80% of strokes are due to preventable risk factors, often managed through diet and lifestyle changes.
• Stay active. Physically activity helps prevent high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75
minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
• Limit sodium. High sodium diets can lead to high blood pressure. Read labels as processed and packaged foods are usually high in sodium. Shift from eating out to cooking regularly at home. Substitute natural spices such as paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and cumin, along with fresh herbs and garlic for salt.
• Eat more fiber and fish. A high-fiber diet helps protect against high blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, all linked to stroke. Fill half your plate at meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils. Add at least two servings weekly of fatty fish—salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring—to protect against stroke.
• Limit alcohol. Moderation is key— maximum of one drink a day for women, two for men.
Manage stress. Reduce stress by being mindful in your daily activities. Mediate, practice yoga, take nature walks, get plenty of sleep, stop doom scrolling.
Talk with your doctor about maintaining a healthier lifestyle and reducing stroke risks. For more information contact Thibodaux Regional Neurology Clinic, 985.493.3090.
OUR MAN ON I-49
Been roving to Shreveport many times over the past few years. So many times, in fact, that my old car knows the route by heart (or, rather, by piston). Takes about five hours from POV headquarters: One hour to Lafayette, another hour to Alexandria, another one to Natchitoches, and a final one to Shreveport. Wait a second: That’s only four hours. Admittedly, it’s difficult for the car to do arithmetic on unleaded--just like me on decaf. Or maybe it’s a consequence of all the used digits on its odometer. Or maybe on mine.
Nonetheless, during those hours, there ’ s a phenomenal amount of Louisiana art and music and literary history to catch while zooming by at
(for the record) 75 mph. And you don't even need to stop: If you know just a little bit, those big green highway signs will tell the rest. Get beyond the crackling and boudin strip south of Lafayette and cross the narrow, winding concrete path of US 90/LA 182 just east of old downtown, and that’s when to start your I-49 history drive-by.
Opelousas. There’s so many reasons to know Opelousas--zydeco, Tony Chachere’s, Cajun and Creole culture-that you forget the place was named after an Indigenous tribe, one whose name means "black leg." A US 190 crossroads town between Port Barre to the east and Eunice to the west, Opelousas is marked by big green
highway signs at several exits. And each and every time I read those signs while driving by, I am plagued by an earworm singing in my brain: "Opelousas Sostan / Used to come this way / On his way to sing his song / I can hear the jukebox play… Allons avec moi, bon temps rouler." Been suffering this worm since second grade when one of my eight-year-old (!) classmates sang the tune by heart while strumming guitar. That was for show-and-tell. And the only show I could tell was a dead cricket in an empty Band-Aid tin.
Rest Area. Not your typical historical or artsy site, a nice rest area pull-off lies just 16 miles north of Opelousas. Inside the Welcome Center, there’s an old-fashioned vending machine that makes you a little cup of hot coffee in a remarkable 8.5 seconds. Makes you deeply appreciate how good coffee can get because this cup of it is so bad. Not bad enough to eradicate the "Opelousas Sostan" worm, however, but good enough to alert you into taking an artful photograph from the wharf over beautiful Dubuisson Lake as it peacefully shimmers nearby.
Meeker. East on US 167 where it meets US 71 is the tiny place called Meeker, named after a sugar mill and refinery notable as the northernmost in the U.S. Though likely representing prominent landowner Moses Lyon Meeker, it’s his distant New Jersey relative John Rusling Meeker that I'm always reminded of here. "Rusling" was a 19th century painter famous for his Louisiana Bayou scenes. Each time you see one of the many paintings of forlorn trees dripping moss over a grassy swamp, it’s either one of Rusling’s canvases or by someone inspired by him. If you find yourself suddenly surrounded by forlorn trees dripping moss over a grassy swamp, then head due west to get back on I-49.
Lecompte. Only seven minutes north of Meeker on US 71 is the town of Lecompte, named after a famous racehorse and known as home of Lea’s Lunchroom. But forget about lunch: Lea’s is most famous for homemade pies. Unlike other towns mentioned in this report, Lecompte has no connection to arts or music or literature except that I stopped there recently to begin writing this report (literature such as it is). Here, where I write a few lines in a not-so-quiet corner amid the cacophony of town regulars picking up hundreds of pre-ordered pies, a bit of crust from my robust slice of chocolate meringue has fallen onto the keyboard. You wish you were here.
Chopin. If you happen to be listening to recordings of his etudes or preludes or mazurkas from your car stereo, you might think that this small town to the east on LA 490 was named for the great 19th century Polish composer and piano virtuoso Frédéric. But, despite being in the right century, you would have been fooled and then floored to learn that the town bears a deep connection to PoV Country. Chopin was actually named for writer and novelist Kate Chopin, a one-time resident of New Orleans who, like many affluent of the time, escaped the summertime squalor of the city to “rest” on the Gulf Coast at the beachfront resorts of Grand Isle. In fact, her most famous novel, The Awakening (1898), is in part set there. Not not only does the novel’s protagonist Edna Pontellier comb the beach in search of romantic fulfillment, but she actually takes a boat, crosses "the Slip," and goes to mass at Our Lady of Lourdes on nearby Cheniere Caminada. Chopin, upon learning of Cheniere’s destruction following the great 1893 hurricane, penned the short story, "At Cheniere Caminada," which was published in the predecessor of
the Times-Picayune in 1894. The story’s plot, however, involves a different type of storm. (Wink.)
Cloutierville. LA 490 at Chopin travels east to meet historic LA 1—the same long highway that traverses Lafourche Parish and ends at Grand Isle. (No, LA 1 is not how Kate Chopin reached Grand Isle in the 19th century.) A few miles north on LA 1 is Cloutierville, which was actually Chopin ’ s home after moving away from New Orleans in 1879. Some 100 years later, the former plantation house where she lived and wrote became the Bayou Folk Museum after the title of her book Bayou Folk (1894) The house was a National Historic Landmark from 1993 until it burned down in 2008. The historic Cane River is dammed at Cloutierville to the south (and Natchitoches to the north), making a 30-mile long lake with fishing said to be equally historic.
Big green reflective highway signs mark only a few of the hundreds of interesting historical places that you’ll drive by while zooming along I-49. And there are hundreds of captivating scenes that even Rusling Meeker never got to imagine, like white dogwoods in bloom between the pine trunks darkened by early morning rain, like the wild boar mother and her family of piglets who emerged from the lowland palmettos one morning, or like sunrise over roadside ponds when all the crawfish raise their claws in prayer to the warm yellow god that powers the photosynthesis of their favorite algae. Hard to see the claws or hear those prayers when zooming by, but this is certainly the kind of place that novelist Delia Owens describes in her bestselling novel Where the Crawdads Sing. Here along I-49, I'll bet their song has "Sostan" in the lyrics. POV
May the 4th Be With You Festival
May 2, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Downtown Houma
The May the 4th Festival blends Star Wars fandom with Cajun flair to raise funds for our local school music programs. Now in its sixth year, the event has grown from a small parking-lot gathering into a dynamic celebration of music, community, and creative fun—all while empowering local students to thrive in their musical journeys. Louisiana’s largest Star Wars festival delivers food, live music, costumes and so much more! This year, check out the Kessel Run 5K (Glow Edition!), the Empire Cooks Back Cook-off, and Cosplay Contest. Enjoy musical performances by Caleb Lapeyrouse and the Drivers, The Caniacs, and Kings of Neon. Admission to the festival is $10 for ages 13 and older. Ages 12 and below are free.
Miss Cherie’s Memorial Touch-ATruck
May 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Terrebonne Parish Main Library
The Terrebonne Parish Main Library will once again host Miss Cherie’s Memorial Touch-A-Truck event. This event is free and open to the public. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the library will offer a sensory-friendly hour, featuring a quieter, low-stimulation environment. During this time, there will be no honking horns, sirens, or flashing lights, allowing children and families to explore the vehicles in a more relaxed setting. Various community vehicles such as fire trucks, tow trucks, cement mixers, and delivery trucks will be parked at the Main Library for children of all ages to climb in and explore. Children will also have an opportunity to meet the drivers and learn how each plays an important role in serving the community. Hot dogs, juice boxes, and water will be served.
TFAE’s Cajun Food Fest and 5k Run for Excellence
May 9, 4 - 10 p.m.
Downtown Houma
The Battle of the High School Bands will kick off the event at 4 p.m., followed by the opening of the Cajun Food Fest and start of the race at 6 p.m. Then dance the night away with Bag of Donuts and feast on over 35 food booths. A kids corner will offer a petting zoo, face painting, and so much more. New this year is the Best of the Fest cook-off, where cooking teams that have placed at other local competitions are invited back to compete
once again to see who the Best of the Fest truly is! Proceeds support the hard-working educators in Terrebonne Parish and literacy programs including Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Ya Momma’s Dish & Dash
May 9, 11 a.m.
Larose Civic Center
For the third year in a row, Bless Your Heart Non-Profit pays homage to all the moms out there grinding daily for us! This event starts off with a "Lift Up Lerin" 5k and 1 mile Fun Run through the neighborhood around the Larose Civic Center. The end of the race will be at the main event area in the Larose Park, where the cooking teams will have already started cooking their delicious dishes as they compete in the "Ya Momma’s Best Dish" Cook Off. The food will start being served at 11a.m. and there will be tons of fun available for the children and adults. For just $5, you can try all of the dishes entered into the cook off and participate in voting for the best dishes!
Louisiana Blackberry Festival
May 16, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wetlands Discovery Event Center, Houma
Whether you’re a proud local or looking for the perfect excuse to visit the bayou, this is one spring celebration you don’t want to miss! The Louisiana Blackberry Festival is the annual signature fundraiser for MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Services — and every bite, sip, and ticket helps support children and young adults in our community who need a safe, nurturing place to grow. Enjoy blackberry dumplings, desserts, drinks, and creative treats, local craft vendors, live music with JP Bourgeois Band (11am - 2pm) and Babaloo & the Sonic Bloom (3pm - 6pm), along with kids’ activities for the whole family. It’s sweet, it’s lively, it’s uniquely bayou, and it’s all wrapped into one unforgettable Saturday.
Freedom Fest Crawfish Boil
May 23, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Downtown Houma
The South Louisiana Veteran Outreach Center invites you to a family friendly day including all-you-can-eat crawfish, Kid’s Zone, snack vendors and games! Enjoy live music and a fun atmosphere. All proceeds go directly to helping Veterans in our community! POV
ARE YOU READY TO SHARE YOUR POINT OF VUE?
Locals know locals best. We are the ones who live here and shop at the businesses, utilize local services, and attend local events. We want to know what the People’s Choice is for your favorite local businesses, local hot spots, local restaurants and so much more!
The Point of Vue People’s Choice 2026 places the voice of the people first! In over 140 categories, we ask you to share your favorites in Terrebonne and Lafourche.
No more cookie cutter contests run by national companies. Let the locals take care of business!
