Donaldsonville is a small town along the Mississippi
River about 55 miles west of New Orleans. With friendly locals, quaint
shops, galleries, two museums (Historical Donaldsonville Museum and the
River Road African American Museum & Gallery), a historical district and
nice restaurants you can easily spend a half day here. The nation's
first African American mayor was actually elected to office in
Donaldsonville in 1868, merely three years after the end of the Civil
War. You can pick up a printed Donaldsonville walking tour guide at the
Welcome Center located at 318 Mississippi Street. Some of the attractions we visited are listed below. More
information about Donaldsonville can be found here:
www.donaldsonville.org and
www.donaldsonvillecoc.org
Alvin Batiste - Alvin is a delightful approachable artist with a
fairly large gallery within Rossie's Frame Shop in the heart of
Donaldsonville (main street). He is an African American primitive
artist. Alvin has been painting since he was a child and is entirely
self taught. His work is unique and very recognizable. His painting
often feature African American themes as well as his mother, who was an
inspiration to Alvin.
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Never will you meet such a humble down to earth artist. He makes this
frame shop his "working home" and if you stop by chances are you will
see Alvin working on his latest painting. His worn guitar is usually
behind his easel and perhaps he will even play a song or two for you!
Alvin was virtually unknown just a few years ago - however
Donaldsonville attracts a number of Hollywood movie films and it was
during one of these movie shoots that famed actor Billy Bob Thornton
"discovered" Alvin's work. So taken in with these paintings, that Billy
Bob purchased a number for his own private collection. He later
commissioned Alvin to paint the cover of one of his cd releases.
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A number of his works are available for purchase online, or you can
commission Alvin for private paintings. Visit:
www.alvinbatiste.com
Pop into the Historic Donaldsonville Museum. This museum presents
life as it was in the early 1800's - tours are offered daily. It is
located at 318 Mississippi Street. Phone (225) 746-0004
The Ascension of our Lord Church is the largest church in
Donaldsonville and dates from 1896. It was built on site of the original
mission chapel which dated from 1770. Visit:
www.ascensioncatholic.com
Lunch
The Grapevine Cafe & Gallery is owned by Cynthia and Steve
Schneider and is located at 211 Railroad Avenue in the heart of
Donaldsonville. This restaurant is in an old 1920's restored building -
brick walls line the spacious dining area. The building has a long
history as a bar, restaurant and gambling area. Al Capone used to even
frequent during Prohibition. Their specialty is Louisiana Creole and
Cajun cooking - rotating artwork lines the walls and live music is
scheduled on certain days. But the real winner here is the award-winning
food. Special emphasis is placed on seafood and meats. You are in
Louisiana - choose from a plethora of Cajun crayfish dishes. We barely
made it past the appetizer to the main course! Select from mouth
watering dishes such as crawfish etouffee, gumbo, & several Andouille
dishes.
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Save room for dessert. With her personal bread pudding recipe served at
a James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards dinner in New York City, you
have to figure Cynthia knows what she is doing! After tasting this White
Chocolate Bread Pudding which is served warm and topped with a white
chocolate sauce we must say this is one of the best bread puddings we
have tried (and by this time we were already stuffed with numerous tasty
dishes!). The "gallery" is
located next door and features unique works of art by Cynthia's husband Steve.
Visit:
www.grapevinecafeandgallery.com |
The River Road African American Museum is located at 406 Charles
Street in central Donaldsonville. These are the kind of local
educational
attractions that you really have to seek out - as they are not often on
the typical "tourist" program. This invaluable small but rich in
heritage museum is devoted to the history, culture and lifestyle of
African Americans who lived along the Mississippi River. This museum is
truly a part of the local community as most of the items on display have
been donated or loaned by families from surrounding parishes. Explore
historical documents, books, rare photographs, and videos. Special
displays focus on plantations, roots of jazz (did you know that Louis
Armstrong’s mentor, and Plas Johnson who played the original sax for the
Pink Panther theme song are both from the area), cuisine, the
Underground Railroad and more. Even Alvin Batiste has one of his
paintings on display! Consider one of their "heritage" tours.
Permanent and rotating exhibits are available. Also of note is the
Freedom Garden just down the street which contains plants cultivated
through the use of slave labor as well as edible and medicinal plants
that might have been used by slaves who escaped from the plantations.
Director
and founder Kathe Hambrick's unbridled passion and enthusiasm for
history and determination to educate is clearly evident. She, along with
the community are the driving forces behind this museum. Visit:
www.africanamericanmuseum.org
Lodging
The St. Francisville Inn, B&B makes a good stop during a visit to
this part of Louisiana. The inn is located at 5720 Commerce Street about
2 hours from New Orleans (96 miles) and 30 minutes north of Baton Rouge
in the heart of Louisiana's "plantation country". The inn is within
walking distance of churches and other historical tree lined
neighborhoods. In addition a stay here affords one an excellent
opportunity to "escape" and relax. The hotel is setup for those who want
to take it easy. The Inn has 10 bedrooms adjoining the main building as
well as a courtyard and small pool. Enter via a long walkway through
beautiful oak trees dripping with moss. Check out the celebrity photos
hanging on the wall near the reception as well as the spacious wine
parlor. A B&B such as this one calls out for one to chill on their porch
with a good book, or in the courtyard in the back sipping a glass of
wine from the wine parlor. In addition, take note of their delicious
buffet breakfast served every morning in the main building. Several
major plantations are located nearby (by car). Birders also take note -
the owner is an avid photographer and bird watcher. A number of various
species have been spotted on the property and the annual Audubon County
BirdFest is typically held every April. Visit:
www.stfrancisvilleinn.com
Dinner
The Magnolia Cafe is a mom and pop restaurant located at 5687
Commerce Street in St. Francisville. Mexican food, sandwiches and good
salads all at a reasonable price. Oh, and we must mention, nice bread
pudding! |
