A weekend shopping trip in St. Landry Parish means exploring towns with over 300 years of history and the antiques to match. Peruse art galleries of eclectic and friendly artisans or get your kitchen supplies from cooking masters with local shops specializing in the culinary arts and home décor.
St. Landry Parish is proud to have six Cultural Districts: Deux Bayous (Arnaudville), Eunice, Grand Coteau, Opelousas, Sunset, and Washington. In these designations, sales of original artwork are exempt from local sales tax.
Day 1 – Opelousas & Washington | Two towns and 300 years
Day one takes you through the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas, and the steamboat town of Washington. Explore the local history and eat great food while you shop on this leg of the tour.
In the A.M…
Grab some DezMeaux’s Boudin for breakfast and explore the nearby Le Vieux Village Heritage Park. If you call ahead, you can request a guided tour, giving you access to a hidden gift shop with special handmade items.
Antiques and more gifts…
Once you’re done there, head to Spotted Cat Antiques. With more than 80 dealers and 30,000 sq. ft. of antiques, shabby chic décor, and vintage clothing. You just might find something you can’t live without. For some fun shopping with a little less walking, check out the Tony Chachere General Store. This small shop has specialty items centered around the famous chef, as well as kitchenware and gifts that you won’t want to skip.
For lunch…
Check out Back in Time Café. Eat among the antiques at this small café with a retro vibe. Try the Pearl Harbor Salad with their homemade red wine vinegar, sweet n’ sour dressing. Afterwards, stop by Wild Child Essentials which is just next door. The shop, located in a Greek revival-style building, spotlights African American and Creole vendors. You can continue to explore Opelousas’s beautiful Courtyard Square by sitting with a saint at the Statue of Saint Landry, for whom the parish is named.
Antiques and sweets…
After lunch, drive 10 minutes north to Washington. The scenic route along Hwy 182 will bring you past the legendary Seven Brothers Oak. Once in town, you’ll be able to explore the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall, a sprawling 40,000 sq. ft. of antiques and collectibles. Grab a snack from Lou’s Bakery and take a walk to Nanny Belle Antiques. If you still have time before dinner, visit the nearby pocket park and the Washington Museum.
For dinner…
Try the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant. This restaurant sits along the Bayou Courtableau where steamboats used to dock in the heyday of the town. The centuries-old warehouse turned fine dining establishment has a reputation for being more than a little haunted. The food here is supernaturally good.
Day 2 – Grand Coteau & Sunset | Antiques, Art & Kitchen Smarts
Explore the art and antique alley of Exit 11, featuring the towns of Sunset (Rubboard Capital of the World) and Grand Coteau (site of a Vatican-recognized miracle) on day two of this shopping tour. These two towns are filled with talented individuals and stunning finds that’ll impress even seasoned antiquing veterans.
In the A.M…
Fuel up at Big Hill Café with their featured breakfast dish, “The Big Hill”. With two eggs, your choice of bacon or sausage, and grits or breakfast potatoes as well as toast, you’ll have all the energy you need for a full day of shopping. Try it with their House Beignets.
Antiques, an apothecary, and art…
After breakfast, start your day of shopping off at Petite Rouge, Estate Sales & Organics. Step into what feels like an old-time apothecary with their wall of teas and herbs. Also find vintage items including furniture, jewelry, and glassware here. From there, walk down the street to the Kitchen Shop, another must-stop for culinary enthusiasts. They specialize in fine kitchenware, but you can find an assortment of gift items here. Head to the back kitchen where the owner makes her one-of-a-kind Gateau Na Na, sweet dough pies, and other sweet treats.
Shopping on Napolean Avenue…
From thrift shops to antique markets and local artisans, Napolean Avenue in Sunset is a great spot to shop around. It’s only a short drive away from Grand Coteau. Find original art and handcrafted items at Jerilyn’s Fused Glass and The Funky Flea.
For lunch…
Head back to Grand Coteau for your choice between a delicious seafood plate lunch from Garde des Don or locally-sourced and seasonal goodies from the Hive Market that you can pair with a nice cup of coffee.
Antiques, antiques, and more antiques!
There’s more to see in Sunset. Thrift and shop for antiques at Bayou Some Stuff Thrift Shop, Remember When Antiques, Sunset Antique Market, and the Sunset Rail Stop Flea Market for a combined over 16,000 sq. ft. of shopping.
For dinner…
Head to Café Josephine in Sunset. Remember to make a reservation because this restaurant is in high demand. Try their Josephine Jewels, oysters farm raised in the Gulf of Mexico exclusively for Café Josephine, served raw or charbroiled.
There’s so much to see, it can’t fit in only one weekend. Come back again to check out these great shopping spots in Arnaudville and Eunice.
Plan your trip to catch these shopping events!
Opelousas Makers MarketRepeating Event
St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square
118 South Court Street Opelousas, LA 70570 United States
Market on the LawnRepeating Event
LA Legion
251 Park Ave, Eunice, LA 70535
Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard SaleRepeating Event
Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall
123 South Church Street Washington, LA 70589 United States
Sunset Herb & Garden Festival
Sunset Festival Grounds
240 Marie Street Sunset, LA 70584 United States
