Perfect Winter Romantic Getaways in Louisiana
The winter season is so romantic and magical, wouldn’t you agree? Chilly weather, warm fireplaces, quiet nights, and delicious treats are a few things that come to mind during this time. Here at the mansion, you have quite a few choices for nearby festivities.
One of the must see sights would have to be Noel Acadian au Village, or simply, the Acadian Village. Every year in the Lafayette area you can enjoy the amazing holiday displays and decorations, live entertainment, pictures with Santa, carnival rides, and other great activities! I know I enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts and the local food at the festival. Also, I learned that this festival raises funds for the LARC, an organization that aids local individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
My favorite historical village, Vermilionville, also has many fun activities perfect for winter. The beauty of Christmas past is brought to life with old traditions such as: popcorn stringing, making wax candles, singing Christmas carols, and you can even drink apple cider with Papa Noël himself. I definitely recommend checking out Vermilionville during your holiday stay!
Window Wonderland is an event you shouldn’t miss. Throughout the entire month of December, the historic main street of New Iberia is dressed for Holiday Magic on Main. You can enjoy many festive themes along the main strip. All the storefronts are decorated and ready for your all your gift needs.
Shadows-on-the-Teche is also in the holiday spirit for “A Merry-Making Season”. You’ll see antique toys, wonderful and colorful decorations, and Christmas trees decorated with period ornaments in the featured period rooms. You can also take in the lovely greenery on property that are highlighted with nuts, fruits, and berries. They even offer a seasonal tour of the house which focuses on holiday celebrations that differ from the 19th century as well as the traditions that are kept to this day.
The Rip Van Winkle Gardens is an absolute romantic stop during the holiday season. The Joseph Jefferson Mansion is fully decorated for a Victorian Christmas. The beautiful view of the gardens and 350 year old oaks alone is worth adding to your itinerary. The grounds include 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens, the tree Jean Lafitte buried his treasure, the salt mine that helped form the largest man made sinkhole, and Grover Cleveland’s favorite oak to nap beneath. The calm and quiet atmosphere is beyond magical and romantic. You can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring and enjoying the natural beauty of each garden.
If you find holiday lights, parades, and displays romantic, then you are in luck. The Lafayette area is known for decorating and celebrating this season. You can even check out the Safari of Lights at the Acadian Zoo. The Elves Eatery is open for a hot cocoa or cappuccino. Christmas music plays as you stroll through the glistening paths, discover the still and animated lighted animal displays, and relax on the North Pole Express train ride.
After a long day of experiencing these wonderful places and events, the best way to finish it is by warming up next to the fireplace in the Louisiana Cajun Mansion. Maybe unwind with some wine or chocolate covered strawberries with your partner before retiring to your room. Romance is forever alive here in the mansion and in Lafayette.
The Mansion offers great off-season Winter Romantic Getaway Specials. So plan your romantic getaway now!
Happy Holidays!
Toni