Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burleson, Texas and Houma, Louisiana
Driving from Burleson, Texas to Houma, Louisiana is a beautiful journey through small towns and stunning landscapes. The 501-mile journey takes typically around 8 hours, but that's merely an estimate. The drive time depends on the route you take and the stops you choose to make. Here are five unexpected places to stop along the way and turn your drive into a scenic adventure.
Halfway Point: Natchitoches, LA
Before diving into the actual stops, let's talk about the halfway point. At 250 miles from either starting point, Natchitoches is a charming town that should not be missed. Located on the banks of Cane River Lake, Natchitoches offers an array of activities that cater to all interests. Visit the historic district for an authentic taste of Louisiana's culture, shop at the local boutiques, enjoy some live music, or take a strolling tour through the city's many parks.
1. Grapeland, TX - The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a natural wonder that is hidden in thick woods near Grapeland, Texas. The Blue Hole is a deep pond with crystal clear blue water. Visitors can hike the trail to the Blue Hole and take a refreshing swim in the cool water. For those who enjoy cliff diving, they can jump from the rock ledges surrounding the hole (only suitable for an extreme daredevil). After enjoying the fresh water, visitors can rejuvenate by having some of Texas's famous barbecue.
2. St. Francisville, LA - Myrtles Plantation
Located 30 miles north of Baton Rouge is St. Francisville, Louisiana. A quaint town that boasts of the country's most haunted residence, the Myrtles Plantation. The plantation itself is a beautiful southern mansion built in 1796. Visitors can stay overnight in the 11-room mansion that has been restored to maintain its 19th-century charm. Take a guided tour of the plantation and historic grounds to learn some of the plantation's stories and see the beautiful gardens. Visitors can enjoy some traditional Louisiana dishes before leaving.
3. Jefferson, TX - Jay Gould's Railroad car
Jefferson, Texas, used to be a booming river port, and even though things have changed over time, the town has done a fantastic job of maintaining the charm of its 19th-century structures. One perfect example of this is Jay Gould's Railroad car, which has been placed in downtown Jefferson. The car has been preserved and restored for visitors to see the luxurious life of the wealthy in the early 1900s. Visitors can tour the railroad car and enjoy some authentic homestyle southern cooking before moving on with their journey.
4. Eunice, LA - Savoy's Music Center
Eunice is a small town in southwest Louisiana with a vibrant music scene. Visitors can experience live Cajun and Country music at Savoy's Music Center. Savoy's, along with his talent, has a wealth of knowledge about the accordion; visitors can hear some of his firsthand stories and experiences. After experiencing local music at its best, visitors can enjoy some traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine.
5. Grand Coteau, LA - Orphanage Museum
Grand Coteau, Louisiana, located 20 miles at the north of Lafayette, will take visitors on a nostalgic journey to the early 1900s. The Orphanage Museum was created out of the former site of St. Charles College, a boarding school, and orphanage founded by Jesuit Priests. The museum offers a glimpse of history from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s through photographs, artifacts, and displays related to the educational and religious activities of the institution. Visitors can enjoy some fresh crawfish in the town's restaurants before hitting the road.
Conclusion
The journey from Burleson to Houma offers an array of beautiful landscapes and small-town charms that most individuals do not experience. It's hard to plan a trip filled with surprises, but with these five unexpected stops, it won't be a dull journey. Try some of our suggested favorite dishes, enjoy live music, learn and appreciate history - step into the past, before embarking on the road, cause this journey is unforgettable!