St. Martinville
As one of the oldest surviving towns in Louisiana, St. Martinville retains many buildings and homes reflecting the beautiful architecture of days gone by. The city's Creole heritage is strongly represented by its inhabitants and is reflected in the cuisine, culture, and customs. In addition, St. Martinville has become internationally symbolic of the Acadian legacy, holding sacred the history and legends of the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana.
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Explore the Home of Evangeline
Start your morning at the Studio Gallery and Coffee Bar, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee alongside unique breakfast options like their famous Cajunb Poptarts, strudel-like pastries stuffed with boudin and cheese. If you prefer something lighter, they also offer pastries and delicious salmon bagels, all in the creative atmosphere of the gallery.
Next, take a short walk to Evangeline Oak Park along the Bayou Teche. This park is home to the famous Evangeline Oak, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Evangeline." Learn about the legend of Emmeline, a woman from Nova Scotia whose story of lost love has become entwined with the town's history.
Right next to the park, visit the St. Martinville Cultural Heritage Center, which houses both the African American Museum and the Museum of the Acadian Memorial. Discover the stories of the displaced peoples who contributed to the foundation of Louisiana, and view the Heritage Odyssey Quilt, which beautifully captures these histories in fabric.
After exploring the Cultural Heritage Center, head to the Acadian Memorial to honor the 3,000 Acadian exiles who found refuge in Louisiana. Be sure to see the 30 ft. mural, "The Arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana." as well as the Wall of Names that lists the Acadian refugees. In the courtyard, visit the Eternal Flame and the Deportation Cross to reflect on the Acadian's journey.
Next, visit the historic St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, often called the "Mother Church of the Acadians." Here, you'll receive a guided tour of the beautiful church and the adjacent Evangeline Monument, which further honors the town's cultural ties to the Acadian people.
After your morning of history, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the St. John Restaurant. Overlooking the Bayou Teche, this restaurant serves delicious local Cajun and Creole cuisine. They also feature a hydroponic greenhouse, where they grow their own fresh produce, ensuring that every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
End your day at the Longfellow-Evangeline Historic State Park, where you can tour the Olivier Plantation House and the Acadian Farmstead, which showcases what life was like for an Acadian family in the early 19th century. Be sure to visit the Visitors Center, where you can explore displays about the history and cultures of both Acadian and Creole communities.
