SO much to see, eat, and do between Baton Rouge & New Orleans!
Hey, lovers of Southeastern USA road trips. Y’all need to ask yourselves these two questions. Do we love Louisiana? And do we love andouille? Hint, that previous sentence IS how you pronounce the word, so let me repeat the question: AND DO WE love andouille?
The best answer, of course, would be a resounding yes. But to help convince those of you who are unsure, this article helps you discover the Andouille Trail and the many other fascinating things you can do in the Louisiana River Parishes.
The parishes of Saint Charles, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint James are located along the Mississippi River between the heavier tourism areas of Baton Rouge and New Orleans and called the German Coast.
Allow yourselves at least three or four days to get off Interstate 10 and do some slow travel. Immersive culture, cuisine, and incredible experiences await you at every turn.
The Andouille Trail
Freshly smoked andouille smells so great that you might salivate!
A beautiful blending of French, German, and Creole sausage-making resulted in the coursely ground andouille. Makers guard their recipes of spices and seasonings, as well as which type of wood is used. The entire process of grinding, mixing, drying, and smoking can take up to a week.
Start your exploration in LaPlace, Louisiana which is known as the Andouille Capitol of the World. The friendly locals are very proud of their products and will eagerly join you for a good conversation. Here are the ones I highly recommend.
Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse and Restaurant
Antique decor includes butcher scales, cast iron skillets, and a kitchen hutch. Lovely staff member Kasey gives visitors a tour and says, “We love our traditions and a heritage that many never get to see.”
She explains differences between andouille, boudin, and tasso while we sample them with crackers and mustard. Next she shows us the smokehouse area and yard where they raise chickens, gather fresh eggs, and grow fruit trees for homemade jams. We are invited to pick a bay leaf off the bay laurel tree to crush and use later for seasoning.
Back inside, Kasey points out the cookbook written by current owner Jarred Zeringue. She sweetly answers all questions and gives hugs to all who want one as we leave.
Bailey’s Andouille
Mr. E.J. Bailey is so sweet and likeable as he volunteers to pose beside his “Mr. Andouille Man” marketing novelty. His message to readers is pure and simple, “We’ve been in this location since the late 1980’s, we do good spicy food and smoked meat.”
The award-winning andouille produced here is high in protein, has iron and B vitamins, and is gluten-free. Quite versatile, it can be used to bake, boil, grill, or fry. He enthusiastically recommends trying andouille in soup, dip, gumbo, pastalaya, and jambalaya.
Jacob’s World Famous Andouille
Aaron Lions and his family have been making andouille and other smoked meats for 98 years. He loves to give visitors a full tour while pointing out the grinders, smokehouses, and numerous types of meats that they process.
He also explains that Jacob’s always tries to throw in a surprise bit of lagniappe, which is a true Cajun way of giving “a little something extra”. That could be a discount, a sweet treat, a sticker, or an adorable little pig charm.
History Mostly Ghastly and Ghostly
Louisiana had over one thousand plantations during the antebellum period. Today the one hundred or so that remain are tourist attractions of architectural, cultural, and historical significance.
Two most fascinating plantations in the town of Vacherie are worthy of your time and attention; Oak Alley and Laura.
Oak Alley Plantation
Does Chardonnay pair well with Cajun music at Oak Alley? YES!
Just as the pairing of Chardonnay and Cajun music may seem absurd, so some travelers may think it equally absurd to tour a plantation. Those people are wrong!
The tour guides (especially Theron Oubre) are incredibly informative and entertaining. They carefully separate fact from fiction while telling hard truth in a respectful and inspiring way.
The main house, built 1837, is symmetrical Greek Revival. There are some reconstructed quarters of enslaved people. Many events, both public and private, are held and visitors are guaranteed to find Oak Alley a life changing experience on many levels.
Laura Plantation
The main house of this Creole heritage site is painted in gorgeous shades of ochre, red, green, mauve, and gray. Much emphatic authenticity goes into telling accurate stories of the previous owners and of the enslaved communities who also lived on the property in tiny cabins and did the physical labor.
One exceptionally gifted tour guide (Joseph Dunn) has been recognized by France and Canada for his advocacy in spreading the truth about the French and Creole life and languages in Louisiana. His words moved me to tears and made a deep impact and lasting impression.
Fun Ways to Unwind
After you have enjoyed the Andouille Trail and the plantations, check out the many waterways that have helped form the area. The Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, the Atchafalaya Basin, and the Bonnet Carre Spillway are a photographer’s dream.
Consider visiting some of the nearby casinos, such as Treasure Chest in Kenner where you drop a twenty and try your luck. I know several folks who won there.
Or you just might like the German Coast Beer Company, which is the first craft beer brewery in St. Charles Parish. Sample a few and find one that suits you.
While planning your trip be sure to contact the Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission for info on festivals and ideas to help with your itinerary. The executive director Denise Burrell invites everyone to “come celebrate this unique region and distinctive way of life where authentic real flavor, history, and adventure calls to you.”
Now that you’ve thought about it, let me ask you again… do you love Louisiana and do you love Andouille? If you are anything like me, you simply can’t wait to get back to this wonderful place that captures your heart, your taste buds, and your imagination! So join me in the collective we and cheer, “AND DO WE…OH YES, OH YES!”
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