Road Trip from Alexandria, Louisiana to Eunice, Louisiana: Top Places to Visit
Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria to Eunice, Louisiana, and wondering what places you can visit along the way? This scenic route offers plenty of options for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and music aficionados. From state parks and museums to local eateries and music venues, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy. In this blog post, we'll highlight the top places to see when driving from Alexandria to Eunice, so you can make the most of your journey and create unforgettable memories.
1. Kisatchie National Forest
The Kisatchie National Forest covers over 604,000 acres in central and northern Louisiana and offers an impressive diversity of landscapes, from piney hills and hardwood forests to bayous and prairies. As you drive through the forest, you can stop at various recreation areas and trails to hike, picnic, fish, or camp.
One of the most popular areas is the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, which features a 500-acre lake, a beach, a campground, and several trails for hiking and mountain biking. Be sure to check out the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail for stunning views of the forest and the Kisatchie Bayou.
2. Kent Plantation House
The Kent Plantation House is a historic landmark that dates back to the early 1800s when it was built by Pierre Baillio II, a French Creole planter. The house has survived flooding, fires, and wars and has been restored to its original grandeur with period furnishings, artworks, and artifacts.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and its outbuildings, such as the blacksmith shop, the kitchen garden, and the pecan orchard. The site also hosts various events and workshops, such as a Christmas open house, a blacksmithing class, and a summer camp for kids.
3. Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park is a natural gem that covers over 6,400 acres in south-central Louisiana and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. The park features a 2,000-acre lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as several hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campsites.
One of the highlights of the park is the Louisiana Arboretum, which showcases over 300 indigenous plant species and habitats, including a cypress-tupelo swamp, a piney upland forest, and a beech-magnolia ridge. The arboretum also hosts regular events and festivals, such as a wildflowers weekend and a birding festival.
4. Fred's Lounge
If you're a fan of Cajun music, you can't miss the chance to visit Fred's Lounge in Mamou on a Saturday morning. This local institution has been hosting live Cajun bands and dancing since the 1950s, and still draws crowds of locals and tourists every weekend.
Grab a cold beer or a Bloody Mary at the bar, hit the dance floor, and let the infectious rhythms and the friendly vibe take you away. Don't be surprised if someone invites you to join a line dance or sing along to a popular tune. Fred's Lounge is a true Louisiana experience.
5. Eunice Farmers Market
The Eunice Farmers Market is a vibrant showcase of local produce, crafts, and culture, and takes place every Saturday morning in the heart of downtown. You can browse through stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, handmade jewelry and pottery, and Cajun spices and sauces.
But the market is more than just a shopping destination - it's also a social hub where people gather to chat, play music, and enjoy some of the best food in Louisiana. You can try a plate of boudin, crawfish étouffée, gumbo, or fried catfish, and wash it down with a sweet tea or a cold lemonade. Make sure to bring a cooler with you to pack your goodies for the road.
Conclusion
Driving from Alexandria to Eunice, Louisiana, is a scenic and rewarding experience, with many places to see, taste, and enjoy. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, a music fan, or a foodie, you're sure to find something that suits your style and interests. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the hidden gems of Louisiana.