Where to Eat, Stay and Shop in Washington, Louisiana

It’s hard to imagine steamboats docked along Bayou Courtableau, bustling activity moving cotton, cattle, sugar and molasses into the town of Washington. Today, the sleepy St. Landry Parish town dating to 1720 French settlement boasts of historic homes and businesses — more than 80% of the town on the National Historic Registry — and a massive old schoolhouse filled with antiques. But a roaring steamboat village? In the 1800s, Washington was the largest steamboat port between New Orleans and St. Louis, Missouri!

The present town off Interstate 49 is evolving again — a new boutique hotel, dining options on the way and talk of paddle outfitters on that bayou that once moved steamboats. But its history remains. You can hear it at 6 p.m. nightly when the town’s steamboat whistle blows.

Eat

The Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant was built in the early 19th century to accommodate the steamboat traffic along Bayou Courtableau. Now, the historic warehouse caters to diners looking for Cajun and Creole fare and those wanting to relax and enjoy a drink at the expansive bar. The walls are covered with Washington history, receipts from the warehouse’s past and local artwork.

Stay

Lafayette architect Stephen Ortego transformed the 1870 Klaus Store on Main Street into Hotel Klaus, a delightful boutique hotel whose influence seems to be driving the town’s renaissance. The historic integrity shines through with its exposed brick and pine walls, antiques and photos of the family who once lived on the site. Yet, modern amenities abound. There’s a landscaped courtyard with pool, decadent bedding that delivers a great night’s sleep and hip furnishings, such as an old fashioned rotary phone and a Tivoli radio tuned to Acadiana’s public radio station KRVS. Future plans are for an on-site lounge and possible café.

Shop

Visitors love Washington for its antique stores, especially the 40,000-square-foot Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall located on six acres. And yes, every space is covered in antiques and collectibles! We’re talking books, jewelry, artwork, vintage clothing and more in former classrooms and hallways. There’s even a ’50s-style café serving lunch. The Old Schoolhouse is only open on weekends but twice a year, the property fills with vendors for its semi-annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale on the second weekends of April and October.