Cest La Vie 2010

c’est la viec’est la vie

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that’s life in the river parishesthat’s life in the river parishes

c’est la vie - page 2


welcome

The River Parishes are, in many ways, acrossroads. They lie at the edge of the metro-politan areas of New Orleans and its suburbsand the beginning the wilderness frontier ofsouthern Louisiana.

The choices for entertainment and diningreflect this dual personality.

Cultural offerings mingle with simpleroptions. One can take in a show, cast a fish-ing line and dine on Japanese cuisine all inthe same day.

The paths are many. Which one is taken isup to you.

bienvenuebienvenue

welcome


VViissiittoorrss’’ CCeenntteerrss 55

AAllll lliitt uupp:: BBoonnffiirreess 66

AAttttrraaccttiioonnss 99

Plantations 10

Entertainment 17Boat Launches 18Golf 19Historic Churches 21

MMaapp ooff tthhee RRiivveerr PPaarriisshheess 2222--2233

LLoouuiissiiaannaa:: WWhhaatt’’ss iinn aa nnaammee?? 2266

EEvveennttss 2299Fairs and festivals 30Happenings 33

DDiinniinngg 3366

contentscontents


NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr2900 U.S. 51, LaPlace

866-204-7782

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerr15045 River Road, Hahnville

985-783-5145

SStt.. JJaammeess WWeellccoommee CCeenntteerr1094 N. Airline Ave., Gramercy

225-869-1717

visitors’ centersvisitors’ centers


All lit up: Bonfires BY DAVID VITRANO

L’OBSERVATEUR

Bonfires are a holidaytradition in the RiverParishes. Lining theMississippi River leveesin the latter weeks ofevery year, these blazesdefine much of the localholiday culture.

Bonfires have their

roots in ancient Europe.Druids built large firesin homage to the sun onboth the winter andsummer solstices. WhenChristianity supplantedpagan religions, themeaning behind thefires was shifted toreflect Christian values.Eventually, the firesburned for the winter

solstice becameChristmas Eve bonfires.European settlersbrought this traditionwith them to the newland.

Through the years,unlike many ancient tra-ditions, this one hasgrown stronger andmore popular. Themeaning behind thefires, however, hasgrown less and less clearwith each passing year.

Today, there are twomain theories about theoriginal reason behindthe fires. The first con-tends that the fires werebuilt to light the way forresidents returningfrom Mass on ChristmasEve. The second propos-es that the blazes lightthe way for “Papa Noel,”the local version ofSanta Claus.

One thing, however, isfor sure. Whether it befor the benefit ofchurchgoers or SantaClaus, anyone trying tofind their way to theRiver Parishes onChristmas would haveno trouble finding theplace.

In recent years, thesize and number of bon-fires has grown steadily.Their construction isnow regulated by per-mits granted by theparish in which the fire


yesterday, today and always

is to be built. Weatherconcerns also affect theconstruction of thefires. In 2009, there wassome question aboutwhether people would beable to build fires alongthe levee because ofunusually high waterlevels in the MississippiRiver. Ultimately thepermits were granted,and the celebration wenton. Not even the dailythreat of rain deterredrevelers as they justthrew tarps over thewooden frames to keepthem dry.

The fires also are nolonger relegated to thetraditional pyramid

structure. Recently,great wooden boats,giant fleur de lis andfires in the familiar bootshape of Louisiana havegraced the levees. Thefact that the structuresare meant to be setablaze has seeminglynot deterred builders increating the most fantas-tic fires imaginable.

The center of bonfirebuilding is in St. JamesParish, with most firespresent in Gramercy,Lutcher and Paulina. St.John the Baptist Parish,though, has its fairshare of bonfires, withtheir constructionextending into Garyville

and Reserve beforetapering out near theLaPlace line.

The tradition hasrecently gained theattention of a muchlarger audience, andtour buses are now acommon sight along thesmoke-choked stretch ofRiver Road onChristmas Eve.

Regardless of reasonor origin, there may beno better way to say“Joyeux Noel” thanadmiring the bonfirespectacle. Just be sure toget there early, as mostfires are lit sharply at 7p.m. and last until thefuel runs out.

All photos (including cover) by Chris Cox.



bon lieuxbon lieux

attractionsattractions

As the name suggests, water runs throughthe very heart and soul of the RiverParishes. It also provides a jumping-offpoint for many of the region’s attractions.

Historic plantations line both banks of themighty Mississippi River. Farther north,lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas providea wealth of water-borne activities.

So whether you’re in the mood for taking insome history, casting a line or just relaxingin the sun, the River Parishes provideendless opportunities.


The River Parishes are the focal point of Louisiana’s plantationcountry. Lining the banks of both sides of the Mississippi River,these grand mansions are vivid reminders of the great cultural her-itage of the area. They remind us of where we’ve been and show uswhere we’re going.

From the historical focus of Destrehan Plantation to the grandvista of the tree-lined entrance of Oak Alley Plantation, each ofthese properties has its own unique offerings and stories to tell.And together, they show the world one of the characteristics thatmake the River Parishes the exceptional place that it is.

plantations

DDeessttrreehhaann PPllaannttaattiioonn

13034 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-9315

www.destrehanplantation.org

Tours with costumed interpreters,demonstrations of crafts and spe-cial exhibits are featured daily.

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking, hand-icap accessible.

((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggee 3377))

plantations


EEvveerrggrreeeenn PPllaannttaattiioonn

4677 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard

985-497-3837

www.evergreenplantation.org

National landmark of 37 buildings,22 slave cabins, cultural history

tour and alley of 100 moss-draped oaks.

Hours: Monday through Saturday,11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, slave cabins, motorcoach parking.


HHoouummaass HHoouussee PPllaannttaattiioonn aanndd GGaarrddeennss

40136 Hwy. 942, Darrow

225-473-9380

www.houmashouse.com

Grand antebellum estate display-ing Southern splendor of “TheSugar Place.”

Sixteen rooms filled with period

antiques and Louisiana artwork.

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., Wednesday throughSunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, on-site restaurant, motorcoach parking, handicap accessi-ble.

LLaauurraa:: AA CCrreeoollee PPllaannttaattiioonn

2247 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-7690

www.lauraplantation.com

Award winning tours focusing onCreole plantation women, slaves,

and children. Visit mansion, gar-dens, and slave cabins.

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,motor coach parking.



OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-2151

www.oakalleyplantation.com

Built in 1839 and famous for itsalley of 300-year-old oak trees,this National Historic Landmark isrecognized for having one of themost spectacular settings in the

entire Mississippi Valley.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and

Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, demonstrations, on-siterestaurant, motor coach parking,accommodations.

OOrrmmoonndd PPllaannttaattiioonn13786 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-8544

www.plantation.com

Established in 1789, OrmondPlantation is billed as the oldestFrench West Indies-style Creole

plantation on the Mississippi.

Features: Ormond Plantation iscurrently open as both a bed andbreakfast and for private parties.The plantation will resume publictours in May. The grounds arealso the home of the weeklyGerman Coast Farmers Market.


PPoocchhéé PPllaannttaattiioonn6554 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-715-9510

www.pocheplantation.com

One of the last plantation homesto be built on the majesticMississippi River, this National

Register of Historic Places offersdaily tours, a B&B and RV park.

Tour time: 10 a.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, on-site restau-rant, motor coach parking, handi-cap accessible, accommodations.

SSaann FFrraanncciissccoo PPllaannttaattiioonn

2646 La. Hwy. 44, Garyville

985-535-2341

www.sanfranciscoplantation.org

Located on the East Bank of theMississippi River right offInterstate 10. A $2 million restora-

tion brought this exquisite homeback to its original grandeur.

Hours: Daily 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, costumedguides, slave cabins, demonstra-tions, motor coach parking.



SStt.. JJoosseepphh PPllaannttaattiioonn

3535 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-4078

www.stjosephplantation.com

This authentic Creole plantationoffers the opportunity to exploreoriginal slave cabins and viewexhibits about early plantationlife. Tours are provided by de-scendants of the original owners.

Hours: Tours on the hour. Mondaythrough Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. (October through March); 10a.m. to 4 p.m. (April throughSeptember)

Features: Tour groups welcome,gardens, gift shop, slave cabins,exhibits, motor coach parking,handicap accessible.



pride ofPontchatoula

pride ofPontchatoula


AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss bbyy AArrtthhuurr MMaatthheerrnnee4262 U.S. 90, Des Allemands

800-975-9345

www.airboattours.com

Thrilling airboat tours throughswamps, marshes, and bayous forsix to 15 passengers with a USCGlicensed captain.

CCaajjuunn PPrriiddee SSwwaammpp TToouurrss110 Frenier Road, LaPlace

800-467-0758

www.cajunprideswamptours.com

Tour the famous Manchac Swampfor a unique journey back to theearly days of Louisiana bayou andswamp explorations.

CCrraazzyy BBoouutt HHiissttoorryy TToouurrss225-869-8148

www.crazybouthistoryinc.org

Tours are culturally and historicallydesigned to entertain and educate.

GGeerrmmaann CCooaasstt FFaarrmmeerrss MMaarrkkeettEast Bank Saturday market, Ormond

Plantation, 13786 River Road,Destrehan, 8 a.m.-noon

West Bank Wednesday market, St.Charles Plaza, 12715 U.S. 90, Luling,3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

HHoollllyywwoooodd CCiinneemmaass 771312 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-6700

www.hollywoodcinemas7.com

PPllaannttaattiioonn CCoouunnttrryy AAiirrbbooaatt TToouurrss1757 Hwy. 3127, Boutte

877-247-2628

Airboat and plantation tours ofbeautiful, private fresh water orancient cypress swamp. Hotel pick-up available. Located 24 miles fromdowntown New Orleans.

PPlleeaassuurree BBeenndd NNaattuurree TToouurrss117 Rue St. Martin, Vacherie

225-265-7611

Pontoon boat ride with a USCGlicensed operator on beautiful LacDes Allemands and canals provideviews of southern Louisiana’s pris-tine beauty.

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh PPllaanneettaarriiuumm105 Lakewood Drive, Luling

985-785-8471

www.stcharles.lib.la.us/planetarium

Offering a three-dimensional portalto the universe by viewing over110,000 stars with the latest digitaltechnology.

SStt.. JJoohhnn TThheeaattrree115 W. 4th St., Reserve

985-536-6630

www.stjohntheatre.com

entertainmententertainment


BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.

306 at Bayou Gauche

BBlliinndd RRiivveerr BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway

between Gramercy and Gonzales

BBoonnnneett CCaarrrree SSppiillllwwaayy LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located on Airline Hwy. at East

Levee Spillway

BBrraazzeenn CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy.

644

DDeess AAlllleemmaannddss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated under the U.S. 90 bridge

on the east side

EEaasstt GGuuiiddee LLeevveeee LLaauunncchh ((NNoorrccoo))Located at the end of the East

Bonnet Carre Spillway Levee at

Lake Pontchartrain

FFiisshheerrmmaann’’ss WWhhaarrff ((BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee))Located on La. Hwy. 306 at Bayou

Gauche

HHaahhnnvviillllee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the intersection of La.

Hwys. 3127 and 3160

PPiieerr 9900Located on U.S. 90 between Luling

and Jefferson Parish

FFrreedd’’ss BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of La. Hwy. 643

in Pleasure Bend

MMoollll CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off La. Hwy. 3127 in

Edgard

PPeeaavviinnee BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated at the end of Peavine

Road

RReesseerrvvee CCaannaall BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated on Airline Highway

between La. Hwy. 3179 and La.Hwy. 53

RRuuddddoocckk BBooaatt LLaauunncchhLocated off of Interstate 55, exit 7

boat launchesboat launches


BBeellllee TTeerrrree GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-5000

www.belleterregolf.com

Semi-private course, opened 1977

18 holes, 72 par, 72.2 rating, 130slope rating on Bermuda grass

FFaasshhiioonn GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb223 Joe Louis Lane, Hahnville

985-783-6486

Private course, opened 1962, nineholes, 36 par

OOrrmmoonndd CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb10 Villere Drive, Destrehan

985-764-6868

www.ormondcc.com


18 holes, 72 par, 72.8 rating, 124slope rating

RRiivveerrllaannddss GGoollff && CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb500 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-6316

Private course opened 1964


golfgolf


SStt.. RRoossee DDrriivviinngg RRaannggee10362 Airline Highway, St Rose

504-466-0411

www.strosedrivingrange.com

33 driving bays

WWiilllloowwddaallee CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb500 Willowdale Blvd., Luling

504-785-8276

www.willowdalecc.org




LLuuttcchheerr MMeetthhooddiisstt CChhuurrcchh2347 Texas St., Lutcher

225-869-5248

Built in 1901

MMaannrreessaa HHoouussee ooff RReettrreeaattss5858 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

Built in 1836

This is a private retreat but can beviewed easily from the road.

OOuurr LLaaddyy ooff PPeeaaccee CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy13281 La. Hwy. 644, Vacherie

225-265-3953

www.olopchurch.org

Built in 1894

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess BBoorrrroommeeoo CChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy13396 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-6383

www.archdiocese-no.org/scbparish

Built in 1921

SStt.. JJaammeess CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy 6613 La. Hwy. 18, St. James

225-265-4225

Built in 1930

SStt.. JJoohhnn tthhee BBaappttiisstt CCaatthhoolliiccCChhuurrcchh && CCeemmeetteerryy2361 La. Hwy. 18, Edgard

985-497-3412

Built in 1920

SStt.. JJoosseepphh CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh2130 Rectory St., Paulina

225-869-5751

Built in 1921

www.riverroadcatholic.com

SStt.. MMaarryy CCaatthhoolliicc CChhaappeellMMiissssiioonn CChhaappeell ooff SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell

tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell

21750 La. Hwy. 44, Union

Built in 1875

SStt.. MMiicchhaaeell tthhee AArrcchhaannggeell CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh6476 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-562-3549

www.riverroadcatholic.com

Built in 1833

SStt.. PPhhiilliipp CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh1175 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-4085

Built in 1921

historic churcheshistoric churches






Louisiana:BY TOM ASWELL

CONTRIBUTOR

BATON ROUGE —OK, buckaroos, it’s timefor a departure from theserious business ofLouisiana politics so wemay take a gander atthe lighter side of Lou-isiana geography.

I’m doing this withthe following disclaim-er: way back in highschool, more than half-a-century ago, geogra-phy was my very leastfavorite social studiessubject at Ruston HighSchool.

Still, while our poli-tics are so, shall we say,interesting, for lack of amore graphic descrip-tion (this is, after all, afamily publication), it’sworth noting that ourgeography may be everybit as erratic, irra-tional, and completelydevoid of any thread ofcommon sense.

For example, the townof Franklinton is no-where to be found inFranklin Parish. Frank-linton is nestled inWashington Parish. Butwait! The town ofWashington is in St.Landry Parish. So,where would one find

the town of St. Landry?Where else but in Evan-geline Parish? But thetown of Evangeline isin Acadia Parish. Ar-cadia, not to be con-fused with Acadia, is inBienville Parish. Andeven the EvangelineOak is in St. MartinParish.

It gets better. Vernonis not in Vernon Parishas one might expect; it’sin Jackson Parish. ButJackson is in East Fel-iciana Parish. Winns-boro is not in WinnParish; it’s in FranklinParish but Franklin isin St. Mary Parish.Likewise, Richland isn’tin Richland Parish.

Alas, it, too, is in St.Mary.

One might think Mad-isonville would be inMadison Parish but onewould be wrong; it’s inSt. Tammany. Likewise,Plaquemine is not inPlaquemines Parish,but in Iberville.

Union isn’t in UnionParish but St. James,and Union Hill is inRapides. The town ofAllen is in NatchitochesParish, not Allen, andPort Allen is in WestBaton Rouge.

Well then, surely the

town of Calcasieu is inCalcasieu Parish, right?Nope. It’s in Rapides.And Claiborne cannotbe found in ClaiborneParish, but two parish-es away and about 60miles east, in Ouachita.

Of course, Natchezwould be in the Mag-nolia State, right acrossthe Mississippi Riverfrom Vidalia, right?Nope again. You’d haveto travel nearly 100miles due west toNatchitoches Parish toget to Natchez, La.

Likewise, it onlymakes sense that LakeSt. John would be in St.John the Baptist Parish,but it somehow endedup in Concordia Parish.

And Vidalia onions?Forget about it. They’refrom Vidalia, Ga., notLouisiana.

But in Louisiana, wehave Winnsboro andWinnfield; Jonesboroand Jonesville; Spring-hill, Springfield, SpringRidge, and SpringCreek. We have Sum-merfield and Summer-ville; Mandeville andMansfield; Sun andSunset. There’s a Startand a Quitman.

Try explaining to astranger the difference


What’s in a name?

between Pumpkin Cen-ter in Tangipahoa Par-ish and Punkin’ Centerin Jackson Parish. OrDry Creek and DryProng.

Then there’sGreensburg, Greenwoodand Greenwell Springs;Dixie and Dixie Inn;Grand Cane, GrandChenier, Grand Cou-teau, Grand Isle, GrandPrairie, and GrandLake, for Pete’s sake.

There’s Good Hopeand Goodwill; Gibslandand Gibson; Franklinand Franklinton (themagain?); Bush and

Bueche (they’re pro-nounced the same);Center Point and Cen-terville; Forest and For-est Hill; Houma and Ho-mer; Hicks and Hick-ory; Kelly and Kelleys;Leeville and Leesville;Mire and Mira; Allenand Port Allen; Union,Union Hill, and Union-ville.

Only Louisiana wouldhave one Whitehall inLaSalle Parish and an-other Whitehall in Liv-ingston Parish.

And of course, there’sa White Castle to gowith the two White-

halls.There’s also Wood-

haven, Woodland, andWoodworth. We haveMorgan City and Mor-ganza; Midland andMidway; Martin and St.Martinville, and Sul-phur and Port Sulphur.

And we don’t have aclue as to how manyOak Groves, Mt. Olives,Sibleys and Antiochsthere are scatteredthroughout Louisiana.And where in the worldis Paincourtville?

If you’re not confusedenough at this point,consider this:

Bossier City is not thegovernment seat forBossier Parish. That’stucked away a few milesnorth in Benton. Like-wise, Bienville is notthe parish seat inBienville Parish; it’sArcadia (that’s the onenot in Acadia Parish).

The village ofRapides is just up I-49from the seat ofRapides Parish:Alexandria. Amite isthe parish seat in Tan-gipahoa Parish, notTangipahoa, and St.James is not the seat ofSt. James Parish.

That distinctionbelongs to Convent.



bon tempsbon temps

events events

The fall is a good time to live in the RiverParishes.

By October, temperatures start to drop,making outdoor activities that much moreinviting. Sitting under the oaks at SanFrancisco Plantation listening to theLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestra wouldnot be feasible during the summer heat, butin November it sounds like the perfect way tospend a Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, the cooler weather makespossible one of the area’s best known andmost beloved traditions — bonfires. Thesetestaments to the spirit of local residents arethe perfect way to cap any year.


SStt.. JJaammeess BBooaatt CClluubb $$110000 BBaallllDDaannccee

Oct. 30.

St. James Boat Club, AirlineHighway, Gramercy

Phone: 225-869-8966

TThhee LLoouuiissiiaannaa PPhhiillhhaarrmmoonniiccOOrrcchheessttrraa CCoonncceerrtt aatt SSaannFFrraanncciissccoo PPllaannttaattiioonn

Nov. 7

San Francisco Plantation, 2646River Road, Garyville

Music, a car show and gumbo

cook off beneath the oaks at thishistoric plantation.

Phone: 985-535-2341

((sseeee aadd oonn ooppppoossiittee ppaaggee))

VVeetteerraannss DDaayy CCeelleebbrraattiioonnNov. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

St. James Welcome Center, AirlineHighway, Gramercy

Come join in the celebration of ourveterans as we sing a couple ofpatriotic tunes at this event.

Phone: 225-869-1717

fairs & festivalsfairs & festivals



DDeessttrreehhaann PPllaannttaattiioonn FFaallllFFeessttiivvaall

Nov. 13-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Destrehan Plantation, 13034 RiverRoad, Destrehan

Phone: 985-764-9315

http://www.destrehanplantation.org

The New Orleans’ DestrehanPlantation Fall Festival celebrateslife as it was a couple of centuriesago, as well as contemporaryLouisiana culture. Cajun andCreole food is served throughoutthe weekend. For further infor-mation, feel free to email ques-tions to [email protected].

RRiivveerr PPaarriisshheess FFaallll FFeessttiivvaallNov. 12-14

Sacred Heart of Jesus CatholicChurch, 453 Spruce St., Norco

Phone: 985-764-9958

RReesseerrvvee115500 FFuunn FFaaiirrNov. 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regala Park, Reserve

OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn’’ss AAnnnnuuaallCChhrriissttmmaass BBoonnffiirree PPaarrttyy

Dec. 4, 7 p.m.-midnight

Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 La.Hwy. 18, Vacherie

Phone: 225-265-2151

Celebrate the Christmas Season inone of the southland’s mostbeautiful settings. DeliciousCajun/Creole buffet, open bar,lively dance band and plenty ofgood cheer combine to heightenthe holiday spirit throughout theinfamous alley of oaks and thelovely antebellum mansion.

http://oakalleyplantation.com/calendar/christmas+bonfire/

SStt.. CChhaarrlleess PPaarriisshh AAnnnnuuaallCChhrriissttmmaass TTrreeee LLiigghhttiinnggCCeerreemmoonnyy

Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Westbank Bridge Park, Luling

Phone: 985-783-5140

http://www.stcharlesgov.net/index.aspx

FFeessttiivvaall ooff tthhee BBoonnffiirreessDec. 10-12

Lutcher Recreation Park, 2545Louisiana Ave., Lutcher

Phone: 225-869-1717 or 800-367-7852

Email: [email protected]

It’s Christmas on the River…Cajunstyle! Come and enjoy foodbooths, crafts, food cook-offsand many more activities.

http://www.festivalofthebonfires.org/

((sseeee oouurr aadd oonn ppaaggeess 2244--2255))

CChhrriissttmmaass EEvvee BBoonnffiirreessDec. 24

St. John and St. James Parishesalong the levee

River Road in Paulina, Lutcher,Gramercy, Garyville and Reserve

Phone: 866-204-7782

www.festivalofthebonfires.org

www.stjamesla.com


SStt.. PPeetteerr CCeemmeetteerryy WWaallkkOct. 30

St. Peter Cememtery, Reserve

AArrtt GGuummbboo MMaarrkkeettHoumas House Plantation and

Gardens

Third Saturday of each month

40136 Hwy 942, River Road,Darrow

Phone: 225-473-9380

OOaakk AAlllleeyy PPllaannttaattiioonn’’ss CChhaammppaaggnnee SSuunnddaayy BBrruunncchhDec. 5, 7 and 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oak Alley Restaurant, 3645 La.Hwy. 18, Vacherie

Phone: 225-265-2151

A-La-Carte Menu. Call ahead forreservations 800-442-5539

http://oakalleyplantation.com/calendar/christmas+brunch/

AA ““MMoouurrnniinngg TToouurr””Through Nov. 2

St. Joseph Plantation, 3535 La.Hwy. 18, Vacherie

Features mourning customs andrituals of 19th centurty CreoleLouisiana.

Phone: 225-265-4078

http://www.stjosephplantation.com/CREOLEMOURNING-TOUR_000.html

GGoonnee BBuutt NNoott FFoorrggootttteenn,, AAMMoouurrnniinngg EEvveennttOct. 30

St. Michael the Archangel Church,

6484 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

Phone: 225-869-5751

http://www.crazybouthistoryinc.org/Event2.html

RReesseerrvvee115500 MMoovviiee PPrreemmiieerreeNov. 11

St. John Theatre, 115 W. Fourth St.,Reserve

Phone: 985-536-6630

NNoorrccoo CChhrriissttmmaass PPaarraaddeeDec. 5

Norco

http://www.norconoel.com/

Enjoy holiday family fun as thisparade rolls through the streetsof Norco.

Phone: 985-783-5140

BBaayyoouu GGaauucchhee CChhrriissttmmaass BBooaattPPaarraaddeeDec. 18

Bayou Gauche

The parade will feature boats dec-orated with Christmas lights andwill run from the top of BayouGauche to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Phone: 985-783-5140

happeningshappenings



bon appétitbon appétit

dining dining

Dining in the River Parishes is much likethat famous holiday treat of southernLouisiana — the turducken. Just when youthink you know what it is, another surpriseawaits.

Casual dining may be the norm, but thereare plenty of options out there for those spe-cial occasions. LaPlace may be theAndouille Capital of the World, but there ismuch more to eating out in the RiverParishes than that famous sausage.

So no matter your taste, there’s a diningexperience out there for you.

You never know what you’re going to find.


St. John the Baptist Parish

AAllll ooff UUss CCaafféé3901 W. Airline Hwy., Reserve

985-479-2453

AArrmmaanndd’’ss BBiissttrroo3900 U.S. 51 (Located in Quality

Inn), LaPlace

985-651-4258


BBaakkeerryy oonn tthhee CCoorrnneerr

5387 Airline Hwy., Garyville

985-502-0147

BBeesstt WWookk CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-9989

BBiigg DDooggss RReessttaauurraanntt115 Castle Drive, Edgard

985-497-8455

BBuuddddyy BB’’ss 2788 River Road, Garyville

985-535-3663

BBuullllyy’’ss HHaallffwwaayy HHoouussee3701 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-652-9168

CCaajjuunn GGrriillll 135 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-359-4745

CCiiaaoo BBeellllaa 111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace

985-652-5000

CChhiillii’’ss GGrriillll && BBaarr1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-1227

CChhiinneessee KKiinngg 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-651-7888

CChhiinnaa HHoouussee SSuuppeerr BBuuffffeett1900 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-651-0041

CCoonnnniiee’’ss GGrriillll 1462 La. Hwy. 44, Reserve

985-536-3027

DDoonnuutt HHoollee 421 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-651-4001

DDoott’’ss DDiinneerr1400 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-7250

DDrraaggoonn GGaarrddeenn140 Belle Terre Blvd.Ste E., LaPlace

985-652-7250

FFaattttyy’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt186 Museum St., Garyville

985-535-5555

FFrreenniieerr LLaannddiinngg RReessttaauurraanntt && OOyysstteerr BBaarr113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace

985-224-2178

FFrroossttoopp DDrriivvee--IInn RReessttaauurraanntt 411 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

985-652-6361


LLaaPPllaaccee GGiilllliiggaannss oonn tthhee LLaakkee

105 Gary Road, LaPlace

(Peavine Road)

985-224-8332



IIttaalliiaann PPiiee 405 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-359-1743

KKoobbee JJaappaanneessee SStteeaakk

aanndd SSuusshhii506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-8880/652-8853

LLaaCCaarrrreettaa MMeexxiiccaann CCuuiissiinnee 107 Carrollwood Drive, LaPlace

985-651-9991

NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss HHaammbbuurrggeerr aanndd SSeeaaffoooodd CCoo..1338 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. 7A,

LaPlace

985-653-6731

PPiieerr 5511 SSeeaaffoooodd RReessttaauurraanntt && OOyysstteerr BBaarr3017 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-651-0300


PPiirroogguuee’’ss CCaafféé719 W. 10th St., Reserve

985-479-7800


PPooppeeyyee''ss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn

1603 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA70068

(985) 652-3030

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B,

Reserve

985-536-3503

RRuubbyy GGaarrddeenn CChhiinneessee RReessttaauurraanntt 3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace

985-653-8700

SShhoonneeyy’’ss4293 Main St., LaPlace

985-652-1789


SSiicciillyy’’ss PPiizzzzaa 214 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-7010

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInnnn100 Ormond Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-3168


SSuubbwwaayy357 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace

985-652-8700

SSuubbwwaayy 2701 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace

1900 Hwy. 51, Ste. B, LaPlace

985-479-7827

985-652-9699

St. James Parish

BBoouuddrreeaauuxx’’ss CCaajjuunn CCaafféé && BBoonnffiirree RRoooomm3407 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina/

Grand Point

225-869-4485

CCaafféé PPeerriiqquuee234 East Main St., Gramercy

225-869-1774

CChhiinnaa KKiinngg849 N. Pine St., Gramercy

225-869-2000

DDJJ’’ss GGrriillllee21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie

225-265-7600

GGoollddeenn GGrroovvee RReessttaauurraanntt935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy

225-869-1212

GGrraanndd PPooiinntt TTrruucckk SSttoopp && CCaassiinnoo3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina

225-869-6960

HHoott WWiinnggzz TToo GGoo234 E. Main St., Gramercy

225-869-3008

HHyymmeell’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd RReessttaauurraanntt8740 La. Hwy. 44, Convent

225-562-7031


JJeennnnyy’’ss OOvveerrssttuuffffeedd PPoobbooyy && CChhiicckkeenn SShhoopp114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy

225-869-0899


OOaakk AAlllleeyy RReessttaauurraanntt3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie

225-265-2151

PPooppeeyyee’’ss982 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy

225-869-6060

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn852 N. Pine St., Gramercy

225-869-5666

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn22020 Hwy. 20 W., Vacherie

225-2652241

TTaayylloorr’’ss EExxpprreessss TTrruucckk SSttoopp964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy

225-869-1734


St. Charles Parish

AAnniittaa’’ss SSmmookkiinn’’ SStteeaakk BBuurrggeerrss13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte

985-785-2220

BBaammbboooo GGaarrddeenn13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte

985-785-9929

BBeeii JJiinngg12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte

985-331-8885

BBrreeeezzee CCaaffee124 Longview Drive, Destrehan

985-764-8800

CCaaffee OOrrmmoonndd1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-725-0741

CCaajjuunn KKiittcchheenn13322 U.S. 90, Boutte, Ste. Q

985-785-2405

CCaarrssoonn’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt140 I-310 Service Road, St. Rose

504-305-1241

CCaasshhiioo’’ss FFoooodd VViillllaa aanndd DDeellii13572 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-9389

CChhooww’’ss GGaarrddeenn1974 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I,

Destrehan

985-725-2469 / 985-725-2488

CCoouunnttrryy CCoorrnneerr DDeellii13217 River Road, Luling

985-785-7800

DDoott’’ss DDiinneerr12179 U.S. 90, Luling

985-785-6836

EEll MMeexxiiccaannoo12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 140, Luling

985-785-7694

FFrroossttoopp3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H,

Destrehan

985-725-1116

GG&&GG RReessttaauurraanntt307 Paul Maillard Road, Luling

985-331-2932

GGrreeaatt WWaallll12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 190, Luling

985-785-7900

GGrruummppyy’’ss14984 U.S. 90, Paradis

985-785-2083

HHaappppyy GGaarrddeennss IIII15264 U.S. 90, Paradis

985-785-3888

HHeerrbbeerrtt’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd13467 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-9839

HHoonngg KKoonngg3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. D,

Destrehan

985-725-9099

HHyymmeell’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt15805 River Road, Hahnville

985-783-6349


IIrroonn GGaattee13299 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-0013

LLaaMMaaiissoonn MMaaggnnoolliiaa950 First St., Norco

985-725-0400

LLiittttllee TTookkyyoo13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte

985-331-0887

LLoovveecccchhiioo’’ss DDeellii29 Apple St., Norco

985-725-5683

MMaarriioo’’ss CCyypprreessss CCaaffee3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I,

Destrehan

985-764-1002

MMoocchhaa LLaattttee1950 Ormond Blvd., Ste. B,

Destrehan

985-307-0852

OOccccaassiioonn’’ss RReessttaauurraannttaanndd LLoouunnggee

117 Maryland Drive, Luling

985-785-1681

PPaallmmeettttoo’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose

504-472-0771

PPaamm aanndd DDaallee’’ss SSeeaaffooooddRReessttaauurraanntt

14620 River Road, Destrehan

985-764-3112

PP..JJ..’’ss CCooffffeeee ooff NNeeww OOrrlleeaannss150 Ormond Center Court, Ste. T,

Destrehan

985-764-7573


PPooccoommoo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa1371 U.S. 90, Luling

985-308-0957

PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan

985-764-1231

PPooppeeyyee''ss FFaammoouuss FFrriieedd CChhiicckkeenn13210 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-1377

PPoorrttssiiddee RReessttaauurraanntt11698 River Road, St. Rose

504-5469-3111

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa2243 Paul Maillard Road, Boutte

985-785-7777

RRoottoolloo’’ss PPiizzzzeerriiaa150 Ormond Center Court,

Destrehan

985-725-2411

SSaall’’ss RReessttaauurraanntt13228 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-0248

SSaaiillffiisshh FFoooodd aanndd SSppiirriittss12287 U.S. 90, Luling

985-308-0712

TThhee SSeeaaffoooodd PPoott14386 River Road, New Sarpy

985-725-0053

SSiicciillyy’’ss IIttaalliiaann BBuuffffeett12895 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-9064

SSoouutthheerrnn LLaattttee CCaaffee13322 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte

985-308-1472

SSoonniicc DDrriivvee IInn12557 U.S. 90, Luling

985-331-0099

SSppoorrtt’’ss PPuubb && GGrriillll3001 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-764-1100

SStt.. RRoossee TTaavveerrnn11760 River Road, St. Rose

504-469-8864

SSuubb EExxpprreessss26 Apple St., Norco

985-764-9922

SSuubbwwaayy613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 200,

Luling

985-331-2257

SSuubbwwaayy14130 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-9818

SSuubbwwaayy(located insdie WalMart)

13001 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-331-1786

SSuubbwwaayy12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 120, Luling

985-785-3999

SSuubbwwaayy12609 Airline Drive, Destrehan

985-725-1108


SSuubbwwaayy1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan

985-725-9444

SSuunnnnyy DDaayy CCaaffee120 Mallard St., Ste. 120, St. Rose

504-465-1331

SSuusshhii CCaaffee13899 River Road, Ste. A, Luling

985-308-1003

SSyyddnniiee’’ss PPuubb aanndd GGrriillll13894 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-2728

TTrreeyy WWaahh ((CChhiinneessee))124 Longview Drive, Destrehan

985-764-1147

TTaassttee ooff TTooyykkoo1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2,

Destrehan

985-764-1818

VVooooddoooo GGrriillll100 James Drive East, St. Rose

504-464-1880

WWaaffffllee HHoouussee14173 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-758-6499

WWiinnggzzzzzz613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 400,

Luling

985-308-0743

TThhee ZZ’’ss SSppoott15146 U.S. 90, Paradis

985-785-7776

ZZeerriinngguuee’’ss SSeeaaffoooodd CCoo..,, LLLLCC13120 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-785-1456

ZZyyddeeccoo’’ss IIII13228 U.S. 90, Boutte

985-308-1058



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Cest La Vie 2010