When I think of vacation I think of going down South.
Growing up in New York City, where it was cold about 75 percent of the time, an escape to Florida, Puerto Rico, Bermuda or the Bahamas fit the bill.
But what do you do when you already live in the South? In Louisiana, there is no shortage of popular vacation destinations.
In fact, according to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, in 2016:
• There were 46.7 million domestic and international visitors to Louisiana
• $16.8 billion was spent by domestic and international visitors
• $1.04 billion was collected in state tax revenue generated by travel and tourism activities
• 231,567 were employed in tourism
• More than 13.4 million total passengers arrived and departed Louisiana airports, a two percent increase from 2015
The travel and tourism industry is the fourth highest employer in the state, and the top three leisure travel activities for Louisiana domestic travelers are visiting friends and relatives, shopping and fine dining.
So, if you don’t want to go further south for a late summer vacation, try going two to three hours (south)west to Iberia Parish’s Avery Island, Delcambre, Jeanerette, Jefferson Island, Loreauville and New Iberia, where so many locals look forward to going “Ayeee!” in August.
• Teche Area Farmers Market
Bouligny Plaza
102 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Every Tuesday and Saturday experience a harvest of delicious, locally grown produce and homemade products by area farmers, artists and crafters. Also included are handcrafted cypress yard objects, bread and fresh baked goods, ceramics, honey, jellies, jams, herbs, candies, wooden bowls and utensils, birdhouses, garden benches and more.
Facebook.com/TecheAreaFestivalandFarmersMarket
• L'Acadian Art Guild Summer Show
Shadows-on-the-Teche Visitor Center
320 E. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 1 – Sept. 2
Mondays – Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The show features 40 works by 28 artists and includes original oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors and pastels, plus prints, photographs and stoneware wall hangings. Most of these are available for purchase.
• GLC Farmers Market
GLC Meat Market
6110 Loreauville Rd.
New Iberia, LA 70563
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday local farmers sell produce, plants, honey, homemade pies and other items grown locally. Grass-fed beef, pork and lamb are also available at the meat market during this time.
• Purchased Lives Exhibit
Bayou Teche Museum
131 E. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 3 – 26
Thursdays – Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A panel version of the powerful and poignant traveling exhibition "Purchased Lives: The American Slave Trade from 1808 to 1865."
• Isle of Iberia RV Resort's Back to School Bash
Isle of Iberia RV Resort
911 N.W. Bypass (Hwy. 3212)
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 4 – 6
Weekend activities with live entertainment by Beau Young.
• Jeanerette Weekly Market
Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce Grounds
1440 Main St.
Jeanerette, LA 70544
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Every Friday locally grown vegetables, canned items, jewelry and other homemade items available.
Facebook.com/JeaneretteChamberofCommerce
• Delcambre Seafood & Farmers Market
Bayou Carlin Cove Boat Landing & Pavilion
605 S. Railroad St.
Delcambre, LA 70528
Aug. 5
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
During the first Saturday of the month, enjoy what's fresh for the season from area farms and local waters, along with tasting opportunities and recipes, live music, kids activities and other special events.
• Purple Heart Day & POW-MIA Ceremony
Bouligny Plaza
102 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 6
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
A celebration honoring soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and made it home, with flag ceremony and harmony of patriotic music.
• Jeanerette Monthly Market
Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce Grounds
1440 Main St.
Jeanerette, LA 70544
Aug. 12
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Second Saturday of the month. Locally grown foods and handmade items.
Facebook.com/JeaneretteChamberOfCommerce
• Les Cadiens du Teche Present Wallace Trahan Rice & Gravy
La Louisiane Banquet Hall
5509 Hwy. 14
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 16
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Les Cadiens du Teche (Cajun French Music Assoc.) will present Wallace Trahan & Rice and Gravy with a catered meal.
$5 admission.
• Delcambre Shrimp Festival
Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds
411 S. Richard St.
Delcambre, LA 70528
Aug. 16 – 20
Celebrate the shrimping industry with events including a shrimp cook-off, Queens’ pageants, Fais-Do-Do's, carnival rides, boat parade, food court and much more.
• Taste of Main/White Linen Night
127 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560
Aug. 24
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Food provided by Main Street restaurants, music performance by Andy Smith and a live auction.
