Louisiana’s Most Underrated Town – Can We Keep it a Secret?
To the unsuspecting tourist this quaint community nestled by a waterway might seem like "just another sleepy Louisiana town". But the fact is, this town, like many of Louisiana's small communities has a hidden story. And the phrase "if you know you know" certainly applies. Because Louisiana visitors and locals alike always seem to have this particular destination on their list of "places to check out".
The website WorldAtlas.com does a regular survey of communities and attractions around the nation and in their 2024 look at Louisiana's Most Underrated Cities you're going to find a few surprises. And if you know Louisiana you're probably going to disagree with some of their choices. But as far as the community they put at the top of their list, I think you'll agree with me, this town doesn't get the accolades it deserves.
What Makes a Louisiana Town Underrated?
Based on the WorldAtlas article they looked for things like a strong community spirit. adequate infrastructure, things for people to do, social activities, and let's just call it the "it factor". You know, a vibe, a feeling, a "I'm not sure why I'm here but I like it" feeling.
Now, if you consider all of those factors and then toss in the fact that Louisiana's most underrated town is known for its food. And, people come from far and wide to hear live music in many of the downtown restaurants. The vibe runs from Cajun good times to sophisticated jazz, to down South R&B and Rock and Roll too. And it all happens in a community that has a reported population of less than 8,000 people.
Louisiana's Most Underrated Town is Home to One of the State's Largest Festivals
Did the festival clue give it away? A community of less than 8,000 that has a huge world famous festival. Okay, that could still be a lot of places in Louisiana couldn't it? But according to WorldAtlas their choice is right in the heart of St Martin Parish, it's Breaux Bridge.
Of course you know the Crawfish Festival, that's coming up pretty soon and here is the musical line up. And you probably know that Breaux Bridge is a hot bed for antique lovers too. But were you aware of the many places to enjoy eclectic foods and hear live music? There are so many places and many of them are in the heart of the communities downtown area.
What Other Cities in Louisiana are Underrated?
St. Francisville and Abita Springs made the list, but I am not sure they belong on the "underrated" list. Both of those communities have a pretty high profile among Louisiana and international tourists and while I like both towns, I am not going call either one underrated.
Natchitoches and Covington fall into that same bucket too. Natchitoches, the town where Steel Magnolias was filmed has a stellar reputation among visitors. And Covington, while in the shadows of New Orleans has a certain small town charm that is often recognized by national writers and publications.
I did find it interesting that Monroe was on the WorldAtlas list too. I don't count Monroe as "underrated" I think of Monroe as "properly rated". It's a nice college community. The people are pleasant and it doesn't smell as bad as Lake Charles. Yeah, that's how we'd rate Monroe.
Now which of these "underrated towns" made this next list.