Besides the French Quarter, a must-do in Louisiana is a visit to Grand Isle. I spent three days there over the holiday season; believe it or not, with temperatures in the 70s!
Grand Isle is the southernmost part of Louisiana, with sunsets that compete with its cousins’ (Merida and Cancun) across the Gulf of Mexico.
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It’s an area currently in reconstruction, because Hurricane Ida destroyed much of it in 2021. As you drive through, you see multiple houses in disrepair and just as many in mid-renovation, but you’ll also admire the gorgeous homes already occupied by Grand Isle locals or awaiting vacationers.
During my visit I took refreshing walks by the shore, had interesting conversations with local waiters and bartenders, and was inspired by gorgeous views from my (on-stilts) cottage facing the Gulf. There are many options for accommodations, some of them listed on Hotels.com. I stayed at the Blue Dolphin Inn and Cottages with no problems whatsoever. Prices were affordable due to the season and perhaps because the State Park has been closed for repairs since Ida. There are, however, other places to visit, like Elmer Island Bird Refuge and Beach and Port Fourchon. Three or four seafood restaurants, two supermarkets, and a couple of gas stations provide you with anything you may need.
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One thing you should check out is the Lafitte Woods Nature Preserve, a short hike through one of the few non-developed places on the island purposefully so to provide refuge to birds and animals during the migrating months. It’s really easy to miss this place, because although it goes deep, it’s narrow and hard to find from the street. Your GPA should help you locate it, though. (See video below.) This Country Roads Magazine article will give you more information about the place.
With all the construction going on, I suspect summer 2023 will be strong for Grand Isle. I personally can’t wait to go back. Add this fabulous place to your list of places to visit in Louisiana!
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TheFumeofsighs.com 