For a step back in time to the days of wandering the hometown Main Street to shop for your wares, one only needs exit U.S. 90 at the picturesque town of Franklin, LA.
You’ll find eclectic collections, antiques, local souvenirs, gifts for every taste on your list and more tucked into the shops that inhabit reinvented store fronts in the Historic District.
Driving toward the picturesque small town, you’ll pass a 19th century boulevard of cast iron street lamps and moss-covered oaks in a community with over 400 historic buildings.
Shopping highlights include Chic and Shabby, “a unique blend of a number of businesses under one roof,” according to Betty Veder.
Find your Franklin souvenirs here. Also in the shop are antiques, religious items, home décor, jewelry, local art, cypress furniture, locally-made pepper sauces and flavored olive oils – and even something for the guys.
Then, venture down to Lamp Lighter, “a great place to find furniture for your home, whether you like old fashioned or rustic, or unique, one-of-a-kind items for your personal collection or to give as gifts,” Suzanne Wiltz explained.
Lamp Lighter is the classic antique store with a bit of a rustic style. Not sure exactly how to display your new treasure? Wiltz can help. She sends a design e-newsletter out every two weeks featuring ideas for projects using items in stock.
French Door, is the new kid on the block. It’s “a place to create, shop and escape,” said Kathy Latiolais.
The French Door is a collection of shop owners who previously displayed their wares at Chic and Shabby, but don’t think you’re in for two shops of repetition. Each is unique in its own right.
French Door offers painted furniture and workshops on how to DIY. They even carry a line of chalk-type paint, Queen City, which is a Louisiana product featuring quirky local names for the colors. The store offers photography prints, a wedding registry, “Southern hospitality” accoutrements and gourmet and vintage sections.
It is designed to be “a creative and empowering space,” Latiolais said.
For lunch, you’ll want to check out Landry’s Hot Tamales, “serving the great town of Franklin and the surrounding areas for 30 years.” Landry’s serves a lot more than tamales – plate lunch specials daily mean you can get down home Cajun cooking and a soft drink for under $10.
Another great option is Joe’s on the Bayou where you can dine on Cajun, Creole, seafood or soul food on a patio overlooking the beautiful Bayou Teche. Live entertainment and karaoke nights make this restaurant a must-see.
Also on Main Street, you’ll find Texada Jewelry and Gifts, Fads, Lamp Station Flea Market and Center of Hope Bargain Store. For an overnight stay, visit Fairfax House, a luxury antebellum home near the historic district also situated right along beautiful Main Street. The inn features six elegant rooms, spacious porches and lovely grounds near the Bayou Teche.
The Harvest Moon Festival and the Tour du Teche are great times to launch your trip into Franklin!
Landry’s Hot Tamales, 1104 Main Street, Franklin LA
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Joe’s on the Bayou, 103 Wilson Street, Franklin LA
Hours: Saturday – Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chic and Shabby, 716 Main Street, Franklin, LA
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lamp Lighter, 731 Main Street, Franklin, LA
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lamp Station Flea Market,
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
French Door, 608 Main Street, Franklin, LA
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fairfax House, 99 Main Street, Franklin, LA
