Posted on by Randy

Migrating Into The Deep South: Abbeville, Louisiana

Another long relocation day from Vicksburg, MS straight south along the Blues Highway – Hwy 61, to the small town of Abbeville, Louisiana.  The drive was about 240 miles and took 6.5 hours.  This was quite a lot longer than we like to travel at one time, but we safely arrived at about 3 pm and were all hooked up before the happy hour started at 4:30.  We are staying at the quaint and charming Betty’s RV Park in Abbeville.

Our drive south was via US-61 a byway of 4 and 2-lane roads plus a segment on I-10 west of Baton Rouge

The drive was fine except for the I-110 route through Baton Rouge.  It was an extremely rough stretch of road.  The road had these 2 inch high bumps every 15 or 20 feet or so and was a 65 mph speed limit, but I was driving 45.  Our F-350 truck is a heavy duty set up, so does not have the Cadillac floating ride.  Combine this stiff suspension with a third world type of road and I expected something to break with the hard jolts!  We all survived with some camper cabinets having their contents all jumbled up.  Another “experience” in this RV life!

On I-10 heading west from Baton Rouge to Lafayette, LA, the highway was some better and was almost all an elevated highway over the swampy wetlands.  Some amazing views of the cedar swamps.  It kind of reminds me of the 7-mile bridge in the keys, but with swamp views instead of the aqua blue water.

Betty’s is a small RV park with only 17 small spaces.  People do not stay at Betty’s for the amenities, but rather for the social atmosphere of the friendly RV’ers who gather everyday at 4:30 pm for the pitch in happy hour.  Some days there may be 5-6 people and other days 30 people along with an impromptu jam session by some talented campers.

Our campsite with the Beast nestled in next to a beautiful 45 foot Prevost.
Betty Bernard of Betty’s. She has lived in this Cajun culture all her life.
Pat at the happy hour lounge having some pre-happy hour wine.

The big attractions to this area for me are the local Cajun culture, the great Cajun food, and Zydeco music.  I will expand on some of these topics in the next blog along with some local history.  It is fascinating.

We always enjoy the food served in local non-chain restaurants as we travel through different sections of the country.  Our budget allows for 2-3 of these treats per week.  While in Cajun country, this budget is going to be expanded because I love the food and the fresh seafood.  And it is amazing.  Worth the rough road journey!

Our first taste of the local cuisine was at Dupuy’s. Excellent oysters.
There are a few of these draw bridges in town to allow the tall mast fishing boats to pass by.
The local Abbeville Catholic Church. A beautiful building. This area is mainly Catholic.  Most all signage is in French and English.

A cool clock by the town square and courthouse.
Some parts of the historic downtown were not restored and uninhabited. That fact has probably saved this classic Rexall sign.
Most of the local farming is sugar cane.
Another local crop is rice, here being transferred from the mill into trucks and train cars.

The park below was very well done with lights along the live oak trees providing a cool environment for the routine concerts.  I rather like the Zydeco music that we have heard so far.  The music style is a fast tempo with a button or piano style accordion along with the using guitars, fiddles, and percussion.

On our 2nd night in town, they had a Zydeco free concert on the town square park.

We thoroughly enjoying our time in south Louisiana being immersed in the culture, enjoying the local food, and learning the fascinating history of this very unique part of our great country.  More on the culture and food next time.

Be sure to sign up for the automated email updates and leave a comment if you so feel inclined.  Have a great day and God Bless.

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