by Jeanni Ritchie
Apart from a junior high field trip to Avery Island, I don’t know how I missed what a treasure Louisiana has in New Iberia! I thought two days was plenty of time to see all the town had to offer, but I was so wrong. I needed to stay much longer, and almost did when one of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival coordinators offered me her guest room as I was leaving town.
If I didn’t have previous commitments for the weekend, I’d have graciously accepted. Not only do I love literary festivals, I’d just that week finished a book by one of my favorite writers, festival featured author Mary Kay Andrews.
New Iberia is a mecca for famous artists and writers, James Lee Burke and George Rodrigue being two of their most famous.
Rodrigue was born in New Iberia and Burke spent childhood summers there, even moving back for a brief period with his wife. His novels often take place along the Teche (that’s pronounced Tesh, according to locals) and surrounding areas.
Speaking of surrounding areas, I stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb right on the line of Iberia and St. Martin Parish called Bird Cottage. It was in the middle of a sugar cane plantation with an outdoor area that rivaled a five-star resort. A bench swing hung from a centuries-old live oak next to a fire pit and a waterfall with a string of lights interwoven throughout. During the day trains could be heard in the distance as birds sang and frogs croaked. At night, the sounds magnified with the backdrop of soft lighting and stars. I took more than one nap out on the porch swing, preferring to curl up with a blanket and a book instead of watching tv late into the night.
I would’ve been content to stay in the cottage the entire time but New Iberia had too much to experience!
Some highlights:
Duffy’s Diner: An old-fashioned diner with charming service and great food, I expected to hear Happy Days playing in the background.
Main Street: Take a charming stroll through the historic town, stopping in bakeries and shops. One can’t miss store is Books Along the Teche, a 36-year old bookstore with a collection of new and used adult and children’s books, along with signed and first edition copies.
Cane River Pecan Co. Pie Bar: Part-restaurant and part-store, it is one of the biggest pecan mail order companies in the country. I ordered a slice of crawfish pie!
Rip Van Winkle Gardens: The historic gardens and family home on Jefferson Island, formerly Orange Island, was beautiful. A video played in a room near the entrance detailing the history of the land and the drilling disaster that punctured the salt mines. Wedding locale, restaurant, Balinese Gateway, Lake Peigneur, guided and self-guided tours.
Avery Island: Tour the working Tabasco plant and dine at the onsite restaurant 1868. Admission includes a souvenir mini bottle of Tabasco.
Jungle Gardens: Next to Avery Island, you can drive through or hike Jungle Gardens. It’s a beautiful expanse of land. Check out the Cleveland Oak, where President Grover Cleveland used to take naps under the live oak.
Konrico Rice Mill: The 113-year old rice mill is the oldest operating rice mill in the country! Visitors can sample rice, coffee, and seasonings.
Paradise Pizza: Locally-owned pizza joint voted Best Pizza in New Iberia several years in a row! It was easy to see why!
Church Alley: An alley between Mt. Carmel Academy and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Decorated with blankets for upcoming Spanish Festival.
Church Alley Cafe & Bistro: They don’t just serve breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch, they serve the community. I interviewed Marti Harrell, marketing director for the bistro’s parent company Simple Faith Coffee Company, over my sausage and egg croissant. She was next headed to the unveiling of a new “buddy bench” at a local elementary school. They open for students to gather, provide food for nonprofit events, and seek to make a difference.
Baits Motel: A play on the Psycho thriller, this motel is more about literal bait. Situated on Bayou Teche, each themed room (Mardi Gras, Rodrigue, etc) is unique with gathering spaces along the water. Actual bait shop in the lobby. Opening soon.
Steamboat Pavillon: Outdoor pavilion recently erected for concerts and other special events.
Bayou Chateau and Chateau Royale: Two deluxe Airbnb locations right on the water with all the bayou feels. Bring a license plate to swap out with owner Mickey on the outdoor license steps! Book a stay at https://bayouchateau.
Bird Cottage: Book that getaway! Whether it’s a sightseeing trip or a quiet retreat, this affordable lodging is a true gem! Visit https://www.airbnb.com/l/
There are many special events throughout the year. The literary festival is each April with the Spanish Festival following that. In September they have the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and October is the annual Beneath the Balconies outdoor theatrical performances as well as the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff.
While I often want to return to a destination when a travel assignment comes to an end, New Iberia was the first place where I made arrangements for a future trip before I ever even left town. I can’t wait to return this summer and see things found in #OnlyIberia.
