As Simon and Susan Veness continue their year-long RV journey through the southern United States, they find themselves immersed in the rich cultural and culinary experiences of Louisiana and Mississippi. From ancient waterways and crawfish farms to the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine and Caribbean-style shores, their adventure is a feast for the senses.
The journey began with a stop at Suire’s Grocery in Kaplan, Louisiana, where the duo was greeted with a plate of boudin and rice in gravy—a Cajun delicacy. Although they had hoped for one of the restaurant’s signature dishes like Turtle Sauce Piccante or a Catfish Po’boy, the unexpected boudin was a delightful surprise. “Best not to ask,” a local warned them about the sausage’s ingredients, but the dish, rich with bourbon and tabasco, was a satisfying and unique treat.
The couple’s RV journey then took them through the heart of Cajun Country, where the landscape and culture are shaped by the historic French Catholic expulsion from Canada in the 18th century. In St Martinville, they explored the town’s history, which inspired Longfellow’s poem Evangeline, before heading to Morgan City, the center of Louisiana’s shrimping industry. The area’s natural beauty was on full display at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, where alligator sightings were advised.
A drive over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge—an 18-mile causeway spanning the Mississippi’s largest overflow swamp—offered spectacular views of this vast wetland, while Baton Rouge welcomed the travelers with its impressive Louisiana State University campus and cultural landmarks, including the Old State Capitol and St. Joseph Cathedral. They also enjoyed the Cajun delicacies of Cecilia Creole Bistro, sampling fried oysters and alligator.
In search of rural charm, the couple ventured along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, where they encountered the Houmas House Plantation and the picturesque Bayou Manchac. The surrounding rural area—home to the now-famous crawfish farms—had an unexpected connection between rice farming and crawfish breeding. These crawfish farms provide a steady supply of the freshwater crustacean, which thrives on the rice stalks.
Their travels brought them to New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant food scene, historic sights, and culture. Here, they indulged in shrimp etouffee, gumbo, and beignets—fried dough squares covered in powdered sugar, a local favorite since the 1700s. City Park, the second-largest park in the U.S., provided an oasis of botanical gardens and amusement areas, while the Café du Monde beignets provided a sweet taste of New Orleans’ famed café culture.
Though the bustling streets of New Orleans provided culinary and cultural delights, the couple was struck by the rural Mississippi Delta’s poverty and the lingering scars of Hurricane Katrina. They noted the resilience of communities such as Waveland, where rebuilding efforts have created a renewed town after the devastating 30ft surge during the storm.
Crossing into Mississippi, the couple found themselves at Buccaneer State Park—a coastal RV campground with beaches just yards from their site. The Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway, a 13-mile stretch of beautiful coastline, led them through the towns of Waveland and Bay St Louis, where they discovered charming local cafés and pristine sands.
The journey continued through Pass Christian, Long Beach, and Gulfport, ultimately leading them to Biloxi Bay RV Resort. With its own lazy river, swimming pool, and bayfront bar, the resort provided an ideal base for exploring Ocean Springs, a coastal arts town, and Biloxi—home to 26 miles of white sand beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean.
As the Venesses wrap up their road trip through the Gulf Coast and head toward Alabama, their adventure showcases the unique intersection of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty in the southern U.S. From crawfish and Cajun delicacies to beignets and the serene Gulf beaches, the journey has highlighted the rich and diverse experiences the South has to offer.
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