Le Petit Cajun is a tea shop and boutique in Grand Coteau, Louisiana that showcases the work of local artists while providing a space for people to meet, eat, and shop in a tranquil atmosphere. You can find jewelry, paintings, religious gifts, oyster art, quilted goods, and special-made monogram items here.
With premium teas and handcrafted goods, it’s a relaxing gathering spot for those who appreciate the finer things.
Adam “Nonc” Doucet, owner of Nonc’s Shop, is a French speaker, self-taught musician, and self-taught woodturner from Sunset, Louisiana. Doucet prides himself in one-of-a-kind turned pieces made from local Louisiana wood species. Most notably, Doucet is known for his work with sinker cypress, ancient cypress trees ranging from 400-1,000+ years old. His work has been featured in national publications and museums such as The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. With a degree in anthropology, Doucet continues finding the unique connections humans have with trees and wood and incorporates these ideas into his work. Nonc’s Shop offers commission work on various products, so please reach out if you would like a custom piece of local art.
Black Pot Bookshop is a locally-curated book and gift store located in the St. Landry Parish Courtyard Square of downtown Opelousas, Louisiana in the historic Shute’s building. Their selection of goods are handpicked from local authors and artists from around the state.
Their large selection of books, home decor, kitchenware, hometown gifts, and more make it a perfect place to pick up a gift or browse after lunch or a cup of coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
Founded in 1980, Knollwood Farm is a small horse farm in Sunset, Louisiana that’s been in operation for over 40 years. They provide horseback riding, lessons, training, trail rides, birthday parties, and group events. It is the perfect spot to visit for those looking to learn about horses, farm life, or if you’re simply looking for a nice place to ride.
Their facilities include a large round pen, arena, pond, picnic tables, and areas to trail ride in the nearby woods. They also offer boarding and training for those interested in keeping your horse on the farm, or if you need a place for them to rest while traveling.
Knollwood Farm hosts an annual horse show as well as other events catered to the horse community which has a strong local presence. In fact, St. Landry Parish was named the Horse Capital of Louisiana in 2022 and has a long history of horse culture that you can read more about here.
Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.
Astros Studios is an audio and video production studio in Sunset, Louisiana that also functions as a venue large enough to host hundreds of people for concerts and weddings. Tour their impressive 5,300 sq. ft. green screen room that is equipped for video recording and production. Their facility also includes a sound stage for live music, recording, and live streaming.
Students or those interested in the inner workings of the movie industry and special effects can tour the studio and see what really goes on behind the scenes at a real recording and film studio.
Learn more about renting this space here.
Ethel Park in Washington, Louisiana is a pocket-sized park located right across from the town hall. Stroll along the path that’s framed on all sides by native plants chosen and taken care of by local master gardeners. The park features a pebble pit perfect for kids to jump around and let out their excess energy. Nearby you can grab a snowball or something sweet from Lou’s Bakery or savory boudin from Ardoin’s Grocery.
This mural, located in Sunset, Louisiana, was painted by muralist and Breaux Bridge native, Darryl “Demo” Demourelle. Demourelle is known for his colorful, larger-than-life works. His energetic and loud style fits in perfectly with the artsy community of Sunset and especially along the walls of the former Artworks by Ted Bertrand gallery which is now the Sunset Arts Co-Op.
Painted along the historic early 1900s bank-turned-gallery, the mural displays a man playing a rubboard alongside a swath of sweet potatoes and three large cotton bulbs. The worn rubboard, an iconic zydeco instrument, has taken root in Sunset. The instrument was popularized by zydeco legend Clifton Chenier and his brother Cleveland. In 1946 Chenier approached metalworker Willie Landry to create the frottoir, a wearable rubboard. Landry’s son, Tee Don Landry, continues his father’s legacy with his Key of Z Rubboard Shop, located just a few minutes away from the gallery. Cotton and sweet potatoes, also highlighted in the mural, were both major exports of the town.
This bronze statue was made in the likeness of St. Landry, our parish’s namesake. He was known as “St. Landerieus” and “St. Landry the Confessor” and was consecrated bishop of Paris in 650. During the famine of 650-651, Saint Landry sold all of his personal possessions, as well as some of the furniture and sacred vessels for the church, to feed the poor. In 651, Saint Landry founded a hospital dedicated to St. Christopher near the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The hospital exists today and is called the Hotel-Dieu de Paris. Under the direction of Saint Landry, the original church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois in Paris was built, and it became the parish of the kings of France. Saint Landry served as Bishop of Paris until his death, which occurred in 661.
He was buried in the Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, and today you can see his statue and frescos painted in St. Landry’s Chapel in the church. Although his tomb still exists, his remains were moved to another location during the French Revolution to prevent desecration. The current location of his remains is unknown. St. Landry’s Feast Day is June 10.
This statue was sculpted by Kim Bernadas, a New Orleans figurative and portrait sculptor with over 20 years of experience. It sits on the historic Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas right across from Java Square Café.
The statue of St. Landry was made possible by the Rotary Club of Opelousas.
In 2021, the LA Legion building in Eunice, Louisiana was renovated by retired teacher, Susan Clark Vigee. With refurbished office spaces in front and an antique shop in the back, her husband affectionately calls the project her “dollhouse”. There’s a lot to see in the building including artwork by Louisiana artists like Rocky Gates, Joe Dies, Beverly Lafleur, and more. Shop for items ranging from handmade religious art and statues, wood art cutouts, and antiques to handmade jewelry, locally produced seasonings, and more.
The Lakeview General Store is located right at the entrance of the sprawling Lakeview Park & Beach property in Eunice. Here, you can check in and purchase Louisiana-themed souvenirs from Parish Ink including magnets, postcards, shirts, and more. It’s also your one-stop-shop for any of your camping needs and local food items like pepper jelly and hot sauce. Other wares include handmade gifts including items salvaged and refurbished from hurricane Laura as well as original art from local artists including Hannah Gumbo.
