We love New Orleans and we couldn’t think of a better place to live, but a change of scenery every now and then is always fun. For your next outdoor adventure, consider exploring this delightfully charming rural town near New Orleans that has a little bit of everything: farms, restaurants, a lovely historic district, and some fantastic antique shopping. Gas up the car, because we’re heading over to explore the beauty of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Known as the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” Ponchatoula is a small city in Tangipahoa Parish that makes an ideal, scenic, and charming day trip from NOLA. When you need to get out of the big city and unwind, Ponchatoula is the perfect place to go.
You could easily spend an entire day here just strolling through the town. Main Street looks like a set straight out of your favorite Hallmark movie.
But first, you'll need some food and let's be honest, coffee, to fuel your day. Start your morning off with a visit to Pappy's Stowaway Cafe.
Here you'll find an impressive selection of coffee and espresso drinks, including a list of more than 30 additional flavor options. You can also grab sandwiches, bagels, breakfast, and lunch.
There are several boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries to pop in and out of.
And several parks peppered around to sit for a spell. There's nothing like sitting underneath the shade of an ancient oak with the Spanish moss swaying in the breeze. As small towns in Louisiana go, this one is hard to beat.
While you're in the area, a stop at Paul's Cafe is a must.
For over 40 years, this timeless eatery has been serving up some of the best southern and cajun grub in town. Of course, you'll want to grab one of their famous strawberry daiquiris made with Ponchatoula strawberries and New Orleans rum.
After you've shopped till you drop and eaten everything, there's no better way to end the day than with a visit to Kliebert & Sons, an alligator farm that's been in business since 1984. Lean all about the alligator industry while seeing these gators up close and personal.
If you're really brave, you can even hold one! Maybe do this activity before the daiquiris, just a suggestion.
If you've been there, what's your favorite thing about Ponchatoula? And if you haven't, what are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below! We're dying to know which of you are brave enough to get up close and personal with the alligators.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
