If your resolutions include travel in the new normal, make it a good trip!  Come on down to the Cajun Coast, and we’ll help you check off your list of new year, new you adventures! Paddle the Atchafalaya Basin, dance to Cajun Music, and dine on food you can’t pronounce! We’ve got you covered!

We can help you add more adventures to your new year! From outdoor adventure, ecotravel, to dancing to Cajun Music, Check out our menu of activities and get your list started.

That great outdoors thing, we mean it on the Cajun Coast The Atchafalaya Basin Swamp is the largest overflow swamp in the U.S., containing almost one million acres of the nation’s most significant bottomland hardwoods, swamps and bayous. The Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail features 9 sites within the Cajun Coast including areas only available by boat, rich historic landmarks, and the beauty National Geographic Traveler noted as “hauntingly beautiful land.”

In addition to The Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail, you can drive along the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, meandering along this beautiful bayou waterway, taking in more than 100 historic properties along the way as well. You can bike along this byway as well, or Hwy. 182, known as the Old Spanish Trail.

You can take a trail along the 170,000 acres of designated wildlife management areas, spotting an abundance of bird and animal life!

Local swamp tour operators, like Captain Caviar, provide entertaining and educational tours of the beauty and mystery of the Atchafalaya waters. Depending on the time of year, a variety of wildlife and plant life, and yes, alligators, will be spotted.

You may also want to plan your adventure during our Annual Eagle Expo, February 18-20. Find out more about the chance to go on tours into our waterways to spot these majestic creatures.

Add a little learning to your resolutions –  Find out more about the many cultures who settled this area, including the Chitimacha, the first settlers of the region. Their basket-weaving skills are legendary, and you can see their work on display at the Chitimacha Museum in Charenton.

Also, in Charenton, is the Cypress Bayou Casino-Hotel, Louisiana’s first land-based casino.  In addition to slots and table games, you’ll also find amazing dining. Nearby, Amelia Belle Casino also provides exciting gaming action!

Great dining is all around the Cajun Coast! You’ll want to especially try the dishes you have trouble pronouncing, like étouffée, jambalaya, fricassée, and sauce piquant. Check out the list of dining options, and find Cajun, Creole, Southern and other tasty fare, with seafood that most likely was swimming off the Cajun Coast before breakfast!  Get the list and plan your dining adventure at CajunCoast.com/Eat. Make sure to pick up a local cookbook to try your hand at home. We will get you started with Cajun Shrimp Pastalaya and Red Beans & Rice.

We also have a new option to try your hand at candle making. Schedule a Candle Pouring Soiree at FIFOLET Candle Makers in the Franklin Historic District. FIFOLETcandles.com. Our historic districts and main street shops are also great places to shop, just in case treating yourself (or buying what you really wanted for Christmas) is on your list! The new Franklin Pocket Park is also a charming spot to catch your breath while shopping and dining!

Plan to stay awhile with plenty of lodging options, from Cypremort Point State Park to beautiful bed & breakfast, to brand names you know and love. Or, if you’d like for us to do the planning, check out our itineraries.

So, come find a new adventure in the near year, despite the new normal on the Cajun Coast!