Houma is named for the native Houma Tribe, which lived there when European settlers came. As a native of Louisiana, I love visiting and writing about the different areas. Houma is about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans, but has a unique Cajun personality. It’s known as “Louisiana’s Bayou Country.”
I was hosted by Explore Houma, but opinions are my own.
Nature in Houma
Mandalay Nature Trail is an easy ¾ mile trail into the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge that protects freshwater marshes in western Terrebonne Parish. You hike the trail to an observation platform overlooking the marsh. Look for alligators, turtles, water birds, shorebirds and other wildlife like raccoons along the trail and in the water.
Why Go: This is a short, easy hike best viewed in the early morning.
Don’t Miss: The wildflowers along the trail are a beautiful variety.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
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Downtown Houma
Downtown Houma has lots of restaurants, public art and galleries. “That’s So Kassie,” a brand new art gallery owned by Kassie Matherne, who painted some of the local murals, opened next door to Downtown Jeaux the day we visited. The arch entering Rotary Square with its stage and ancient oaks is decorated differently each season.
Why Go: Its beautiful small town vibe makes it very walkable and the variety is great.
Don’t Miss: The multiple sets of wings painted on a building just across from Rotary Square. They range in size from adult to small ones for kids. St. Francis de Sales Cathedral was built in 1938 to replace an older cathedral.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The historical buildings around Rotary Square were transformed into Barkley Cove and used as the set for the movie, Where the Crawdads Sing, because they fit the movie’s ‘50s style.
Regional Military Museum
The Regional Military Museum, just a short distance from downtown, sets the mood as soon as you drive into its parking lot with a mural depicting planes and a blimp in the sky and a jeep and tank on the ground. The museum focuses mainly on wars from WWI through the ongoing War on Terror, with some exhibits about the Revolution, War of 1813 and Civil War.
Why Go: It’s a large museum and is planning to expand into two more floors. The exhibits are actual equipment used in wars with realistic-looking mannequins. Steven Domangue, Board Vice President, led us around.
Don’t Miss: Allow a couple of hours if you want to see it all. One of my favorites is President Eisenhower’s Air Force One and a Packard sedan like the one he would have driven. There’s a Model T that was used in World War I. Steven told us, “It actually ran when we got it.” There are so many other vehicles, aircraft and weapons; it’s hard to pick favorites.
Greenwood Gator Farm
Greenwood Gator Farm tours are a way to learn about one of Louisiana’s most iconic animals. The tour gave us a deeper insight into the lifecycle of the alligator and the unpleasant side of the hunting process and why it is necessary.
Why Go: The tour takes you both inside for the story and information and outside to meet the actual alligators. You see how eggs are harvested to raise at the farm and how hides are processed. We learned Italy gets the best hides; France and China get lesser ones. Outside, you get to feed them
Don’t Miss: Not only are there hundreds of large alligators in the pond out back, but there are also other farm animals. I especially liked the little goat.
Rougarou Festival
The Rougarou Festival, held in mid-October, is more than a fun event. It’s a window into Cajun culture. Jonathan Foret, executive director of South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and chairman of the festival, said, “It’s a good fit, since the Rougarou lives in the Louisiana wetlands. The Rougarou is sort of our Smokey the Bear. ‘Only you can save Louisiana’s wetlands.’”
Why Go: The festival is divided into sections: cultural, arts and crafts, food, rides and stages for entertainment. You’ll see witches, pirates, ghouls and more. I watched a devil dancing with his partner, an angel. Music ranges from rock to Cajun. Food is mainly Cajun, but there are hamburgers and hot dogs. After dark, don’t miss the pumpkin lighting and fireworks.
Don’t Miss: The building with souvenirs and daiquiris has a life-sized Rougarou where you can take a selfie. The Folklore tent has crafts ranging from Native American hut building to net making and boat building. A nutria and alligator pardoning is on the side stage near the civic center, where RVs can park. The Howling Contest lets people compete in imitating a wolf’s howl.
SheBuysTravel Tip: You are encouraged to wear a costume, but it’s not required.
Krewe Ga Rou Parade
The Krewe Ga Rou Parade is over a mile long with floats, witches, ghouls, zombies and giant puppets all with a spooky flair. The ruling Rougarou Queen waves her scepter from the last float.
Why Go: It’s a fun climax to the festival. They throw candy and put on a great show. The decorated cars, trucks, boats and marching groups are amazing.
Don’t Miss: Some of my favorites are the giant egret, a zombie Elvis that does acrobatics as he marches, the beautifully costumed witches and authentic-looking pirates.
Food in Houma
The best food in Houma and all of Terrebonne Parish is Cajun. Here are some restaurants I love.
- There’s food at the festival. Booths offer gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp boulette, boudin balls, crawfish etouffee, fried seafood, fried oysters, fried shrimp, fried catfish, Po’ boys turtle soup, white beans and hamburgers and hot dogs for the less adventurous eaters. You’ll find kettle corn, beignets and a long-time favorite, blackberry dumplings.
- Downtown Jeaux is more than a breakfast place. You’ll find coffee and beignets and I loved my biscuit and gravy breakfast. Usually they’re open from 6:30 AM to 6 PM and you can get breakfast all day, but you can also get a delicious lunch or dinner plus cocktails or beer. Incidentally, “Jeaux” is pronounced “Joe” in Cajun.
- A-Bear Cafe is a family-owned cafe, opened in ’63 by Albert Hebert, serving Cajun lunches, but on Friday they are open for dinner. The food is great and the music even better. Be sure to visit on Friday when Strait Hag is playing if you love fantastic classic country music. Another language lesson, “Hebert” is pronounced “A Bear” in Cajun.
- Boudreau and Thibodeau’s opened in 1998 and specialize in Cajun seafood. My Snow crab legs were perfect. Boudreau and Thibodeau are characters in Cajun folklore who are always getting into mischief. The walls and table are filled with Boudreau and Thibodeau jokes. Don’t miss the lifelike alligators near the entrance.
- Breakfast at the hotel restaurant, BISTRO, is pleasant and easy. My Strawberry French Toast was just right to start my day. It’s open from early morning to late at night.
Lodging
The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is comfortable with spacious rooms, a pool, fitness center, business center and a restaurant.
Why Go: It is located at the site of the Rougarou Fest and close to downtown.
Don’t Miss: The lobby blends with the restaurant and they have large circular booths with built-in TVs that accommodate a large group comfortably.
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