By Jeanni Ritchie
I was singing Kenny Chesney’s Pirate Flag when I arrived in Grand Isle.
“Took it all the way to the end of the line…”
That’s how I’d felt. I’d driven to the end of the road and then kept going! A narrow road stretched out over the water, a bevy of bays to my left and the Gulf to my right. In all compass directions I could see nothing but water.
“Stepped out in the sun when my feet hit the sand…what a long strange trip…”
If the drive was strange, the stay was anything but. I’d needed a non-working vacation for months. I rewrote the lyrics.
“I traded it in for a whole ‘nother world..
A pirate flag (now I’m) an island girl…”
I adjusted to the pace quickly. Slow down, relax, let the peaceful vibes roll over you like the waves as they hit the sand. Grand Isle is a place to be, not to run around and do….
Though there was no shortage of things to do! Some activities on the island included:
Grand Isle State Park: Fishing, birding, swimming, crabbing, hiking, sunning, boating, camping, or just relaxing – Grand Isle State Park is a beautiful part of the beach that shouldn’t be missed! The small fee to enter and trail to reach the water is a secluded part of this paradise island.
Meagan’s Sno-Balls: Popular shack dispensing snowballs and ice cream, plus hot dogs, across from the beach.
Starfish Restaurant: Specializing in mouthwatering burgers, delectable sandwiches, and an array of succulent seafood, Starfish caters to every palate. Mere steps from the beach, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Jo-Bob’s Gas and Grill: Home of the best burger in Grand Isle. This store, deli, and restaurant offers burgers, po’ boys, and other eats.
Grand Isle Beach: Seven miles of beaches front the Gulf, with rock formations and sand perfect for crabbing and sandcastle building. Grand Isle is a fisherman’s paradise but one needs no pole to enjoy the beach!
Hurricane Hole: Billed as CAJUN CULTURE MEETS CARIBBEAN LIFESTYLE, this
resort has amenities including furnished suites, a luxury pool, kid’s splash pad, beach access, a restaurant, 3 bars, fishing charters, and a world class marina. While I was there were a stop on Red Dress Roll and had live music playing all day.
Golf cart rentals: Locals own them and visitors rent them, a way to get up and down the main strip and cruise along the sandy beach. Golf carts are allowed, vehicles are not!
Playgrounds: There are three different playgrounds in Grand Isle and I played in each one! Open to the public, the equipment is fun for all ages.
Of course, my absolute favorite thing to do in Grand Isle was to drive around and look at camp names. Vitamin Sea, Camp Costa Lotta, and Weathering Heights were three of my favorites!
It was such a wonderful trip, I’m already planning my return!
Jeanni Ritchie is a travel writer from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
