What makes a town uniquely southern? For me, it’s the slower pace, the charm of its residents, front porches, and maybe my favorite word ever, “y’all.” But because Louisiana is so culturally unique, there’s an added element to southern cities in Louisiana. Opelousas defines the southern culture while adding a Cajun and Creole spin that makes this place uniquely southern. Let’s take a look at why this town is so perfectly southern.

Founded in 1720, Opelousas is Louisiana's third oldest city.
Wikimedia
Opelousas got it name from the Native American tribe Apalousa, who had lived there before Europeans settled in the area.
In the town's historic district you can view antebellum and Victorian homes while walking on old brick sidewalks dating back to 1838.
Le Vieux Villiage/Facebook
Told ya, it's old...
Stroll through Le Vieux Village, a historic little village that offers a glimpse of early rural life in St. Landry Parish.
Le Vieux Villiage/Facebook
Some of the buildings include: Dr. Lafleur's Office (built in 1908), the Venus House (built around 1791), and a 19th century outhouse (constructed around 1890). Many of the buildings in this village were donated from neighboring towns.

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Opelousas prides itself on being the "Zydeco Capital of the World".
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Every September the city hosts the Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival featuring the best zydeco musicians in the state.
Opelousas has a number of historical churches, including St. Landry Catholic Church, featured in the picture above.
Wikimedia
This church dates back to the mid-1700s!
It's got a really unique museum you may not know about.
Le Vieux Villiage/Facebook
The LA Orphan Train Museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of the orphan train riders who came to the area by train between 1854 and 1929.
Nicknamed the "Spice Capital of the World", you know the food is going to be good.
Mama's Fried Chicken/Facebook
A staple of a good southern restaurant is good fried chicken, and Mama's Fried Chicken is just one of the delicious places you can grab a bite to eat. Mama's has been serving Opelousas for over 35 years, and they keep getting better. Last year they won best fried chicken, best po'boy, and best red beans and rice.

Opelousas: Perfectly seasoned, perfectly southern. Have you ever been? Share your experience with us!

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