Making a Splash

Being engulfed by water — literally — can be a blessing for Acadiana during the intense heat of deep summer that can be summoned up in southern Louisiana. Whether relief is found in the refreshing waters of lakes, rivers and bayous; by reconnecting with the abundant natural aquaculture; or even immersing in unexpected and luxurious ways throughout the region, Cajun country affords plenty of options in which to cool down and soothe the soul.

Airboating in the Atchafayla Basin

Joie de Vivre

It’s near impossible to think about Acadiana without including the Atchafalaya Basin — the granddaddy of all things water in south-central Louisiana. With around 860,000 acres constituting the Atchafalaya’s core wetland area, this expansive river swamp is considered the largest in the United States, sprawling 140 miles and is estimated to encompass 1.4 million acres in total. It is home to over 90 fish species and the American alligator.

A nutrient-rich basin, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area notes its high biodiversity and productive ecosystem amid the bayous, cypress forests and wetlands, making the floodplain five times more productive than any other river basin in North America.

And even at the height of summer heat, the canopy of cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss cools the real-feel temps in the basin and its estuaries up to 30 degrees. This alone makes propeller-powered exploration of the nation’s largest floodplain swamp with Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tours in Henderson a welcome waterway escape. The tour company also offers flatboat tours for a more relaxed — and quieter — exploration of the shaded waters. Many however find the occasional sea spray of the airboat an additional delight in the warm summer days.

Snowy egrets at Jungle Garden on Avery Island

The dream of Tucker Friedman, a former fisherman who always wanted to be out in the Atchafalaya, he founded the tour company in 1999. Three generations of the Friedman family still own and operate the business, growing it to be Acadiana’s largest airboat tour operation. Manager Christine Friedman takes pride in having the unique distinction of their “being the only floating facility — with their 6,000 feet” which houses the tour boat base and shop, bait and tackle for those fishing and the new Turtle’s Bar & Grill.

As a watering hole and eatery to complement the airboat swamp tour, Turtle’s Bar & Grill boasts Cajun country favorites such as Fishing Hole chili hotdogs, Louisiana-based oysters and shrimp, as well as the “best fried gator around.” For those prone to seasickness, Turtle’s outdoor patio allows relaxing with bevvies or bites while watching airboats skim by, then watch with fascination as critters come out of hiding when they leave.

Seafood Plate at Turtle’s Bar & Grill

The Iberia Parish Birding Trail follows the water-centric nesting homes and migratory paths throughout the region. The Jungle Gardens on Avery Island is well-known among ornithophiles and twitchers alike as a refuge for the snowy egret and many other bird species. The garden’s Bird City rookery began as a bird colony that was founded in the 1890s by Tabasco businessman E.A. McIlhenny in his youth. Sixteen years later, an estimated 100,000 birds were nesting at the vast, protected rookery.

Along with Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, New Iberia City Park fronting Bayou Teche, Jefferson Island Rip’s Rookery at Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Lake Peigneur, Spanish Lake, and Bayou Carlin Cove, Jungle Gardens is just one of the waterlogged oases on the birding trail to walk and connect with the birds, alligators and other amphibious critters in their natural environment — safely.

Lakefront Boardwalk Promenade in Lake Charles

Along the shore of Prien Lake in Imperial Calcasieu, the two-mile Lakefront Promenade in Lake Charles offers a more refined and less rustic waterborne experience for those who still want to commune with nature. Along the paved pathway of the Bord du Lac Drive, water-related recreational offerings include areas to go fishing, as well as a refreshingly expansive splash pad and water area for anyone needing to indulge being deluged in Bord du Lac Park. Bord du Lac Marina has 38 boat slips to dock your floating home away from home.

The impressive wave design of the new Port Wonder complements the reflecting lake along the promenade. The building includes the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Nature and Science Center. With 15,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums — and a 2,900-gallon touch tank with stingrays —this interactive educational facility offers an air-conditioned way to experience local marine life. Among the exhibits, partially reconstructed offshore oil rigs educate patrons by showing how and why the Gulf ecosystems live, thrive and flourish around the massive metal drilling structures in real time.

Bayou Teche Paddle Trail

Nearby, Crying Eagle Brewing Company Lakefront opens with a local seafood-inspired menu. The microbrewery’s new location also has water-related beers to pair with incredible lakefront views from their new 12,000-square foot, two-floor, full-service restaurant.

Crying Eagle Lodge

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler

One of the founders of Crying Eagle Brewing, Garrett “Andrew” Ahrens pivoted to open Crying Eagle Lodge in Basile. The 1,100-acre retreat borders Bayou Nezpique with other unnamed lakes on property for swimming and fishing — including a catfish pond. With two lodges and waterfront cabins, Crying Eagle allows for secluded immersion into watersports and aqua activities. While powerboats are not allowed to maintain a natural tranquility, the lodge encourages fishing, swimming, kayaking, pickleball, wildlife tours and walks along the water where guests are likely to see “river otters and lots of other critters,” according to Ahrens.

The Bayou Teche Paddle Trail follows Bayou Teche through St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary parishes, with 15 designated launch sites into the bayou. Through the efforts of the Teche Project, paddle trips between each of the access points — including one on the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana land — are between 6 to 12 miles.

A unique experience is paddling through locks where boats and kayaks float in waters that rise or fall to adjust for the difference in dammed water levels between sections. Keystone Lock and Dam is the oldest operating lock in the Delta region. Paddlers are required to schedule their arrival with the St. Martin Parish to be allowed passage. Another lock operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the Berwick Lock. When Bayou Teche becomes the Lower Atchafalaya River, this lock allows paddlers to connect with the larger Atchafalaya River flowing to Morgan City.

Coushatta Casino Resort’s slides and swim up bar

Fishing enthusiasts cast from kayaks to try landing catfish, sac-au-lait or bream, or tell of “the one that got away.” Birders are likely to catch sight of wood ducks, herons, kingfishers and warblers along the trail as well.

Adventurous paddlers enamored with the trail will want to return October 2 to compete in the Tour Du Teche 135 — an intense and rewarding annual three-day race down the entire 135-mile Bayou Teche.

For those seeking adventurous water activity on the path more traveled, Coushatta Casino Resort has two slides dropping from 40 feet high keep hearts pounding. Athleticism is necessary to enjoy the 184-foot triple-loop slide and a 112-foot speed slide launching participants into cool pool waters waiting below. Traumatized adults or nervous parents waiting for their projectile children can swim up to the bar and relax among the slide’s wake.

Coushatta has calmer options if preferred. Shrieks of delight are heard as two cooling mushroom-shaped waterfalls soak those underneath on their splash pad. Spray cannons and crisscrossing arcs of water keep kids on their toes, which stand on a soft surface designed to remain cool. Additionally, a 500-foot lazy river helps decompress as tubes float along.

Old Castillo Hotel

Lagniappe

For those seeking a more sumptuous resort experience, the adults-only pool and lazy river at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles and the H2O Pool + Bar at Golden Nugget Lake Charles accommodate.

L’Auberge’s lazy river has a swim-up poolside bar adjacent to an adults-only pool for a more serene atmosphere. Luxury private poolside cabanas are also available to reserve, featuring sunbathing patios and dedicated attendants.

“Their lazy river has a secluded sense of escape,” says Devan Corbello of Visit Lake Charles. The man-made meandering stream flows beneath bridges and past waterfalls. Its “tropical oasis” vibe as guests float through trees on cooling waves “feels more like a Disney ride than a typical lazy river,” Corbello says.

Bayou Glamping Co.

Golden Nugget’s new H2O Pool + Bar expects to take “the wet set” water experience to higher luxurious levels as well. Boasting to be “largest, splashiest pool complex on the Gulf Coast,” the resort steps up their game.

Also offering a lazy river, the waterfront resort amenities include the heated pool and waterslide for year-round use, drink and lunch options at the outdoor poolside bar, seven fire pits, hot tubs and 28 private poolside daybeds, beyond their 29 cabanas.

Both resorts fronting Prien Lake are aware and respect their respective lakefront locations. They each understand what a draw that water is for guests, and take the change seriously. L’Auberge and Golden Nugget seem to complement and reflect the surrounding water emblematic of Louisiana’s Cajun Country.

“Glamping” is best summarized by Bayou Glamping Co. co-founder Ebony Broussard, who says, “It’s the joy of stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, listening to the gentle sounds of nature and reconnecting to the simple life — but without sacrificing the comforts that make you feel comfy and cared for.”

L’Auberge’s lazy river

With a mission “to provide a peaceful and immersive outdoor escape, blending nature, comfort and adventure for travelers seeking a break from the modern hustle,” a retired military veteran partnered with Broussard to meld the seemingly opposite lifestyles. Together, they created a rural “riverside retreat” in which city slickers and locals alike “don’t have to choose between rugged and relaxing.”

Situated in Westlake along the banks of where the Calcasieu West Fork meets the Houston River, Bayou Glamping offers spacious canvas tents that sleep up to four guests. Each tent is thoughtfully styled and equipped for comfort, blending the sounds of nature with the ease of a ready-to-stay getaway. Pitch-your-own-tent sites are also available for a much less expensive price, but with still experiencing the site and overall experience.

The secluded spot offers kayaking with their single-seat kayak, modern amenities such as air conditioning, electricity and non-camping furniture including queen/king beds, on-site barbeque pits, a fire pit, full  bathroom and kitchen facilities and private outdoor sitting areas.

For those seeking a closer connection with the natural surroundings of Acadiana but still desiring the modern comforts of home, Bayou Glamping Co. brings the two sensibilities together seamlessly.

Similarly, Bayou Oaks is a single-home compound on Bayou Teche in Opelousas. It effectively blends the rustic with the refined, offering a waterfront cabin that can sleep up to twelve people on a private ten-acre lake. Beyond water-bound activities such as kayaks, pedal boats and fishing poles included for use, other amenities for the housebound guests include a foosball table, smart TV, Wi-Fi and a fully stocked kitchen with panoramic views of the water.

C’est la vie

Bayou Oaks owners also expect to reopen the historic Old Castillo Hotel on the banks of Bayou Teche in St. Martinville this fall. A grand 19-century inn, this elegant hotel overlooks the bayou’s peaceful waters and the iconic Evangeline Oak. Named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s tragic heroine Evangeline Bellefontaine from his 1847 epic poem “Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie,” the massive tree is a natural riverfront memorial to a dark history when French settlers were forcibly expelled from Atlantic Canada and the northeastern colonies by the British. Known to Cajuns as Le Grand Dérangement in the mid-1700s, it is where Longfellow imagined his title character to wait for her lost love, fiancé Gabriel Lajeunesse, after being separated on their way to Louisiana.

Real-life lovers Emmeline Labiche and Louis Arceneaux are believed to have been Longfellow’s inspiration. However, unlike the poem, it’s believed Emmeline and Louis eventually found each other by the “Evangeline Oak.” Romantic and hopeful, it is an introspective way to soak in the bayou waters under the cool shade of the oak’s Spanish moss — and perhaps some Longfellow literature.

However summer is enjoyed in the region, it seems to pay homage to those Acadians that ultimately chose to inhabit Acadiana and thrive with the rich aquaculture revolving around the nature, activities and elegant luxury we enjoy today.