The fusion of many influences and ethnicities in Ascension Parish add flavor to its rich heritage
Considered Louisiana’s sweet spot, Ascension Parish, identified by the junction of the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche, has more than 500 years of history layered with diverse culture and tradition. Ascension Parish is nestled between New Orleans and Baton Rouge and features stunning gardens, recreational parks and picturesque golf courses and has something for everyone in your family.
The Houmas House and Gardens estate in Darrow allows visitors to experience the life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s. The mansion has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the wealth this farm boasted. The Great River Road Museum, located at the Houmas House and Gardens, opens visitors’ eyes to what early life along the lower Mississippi River was like. The culture, commerce, folklore and music were a fusion of all the foreign countries that developed this territory.
River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville captures the spirit, soul and significance of the people who thrived and enriched south Louisiana’s sugarcane country. Families can receive a rare glimpse into the lives of the enslaved and free people of color who lived in the rural communities of this region known as “plantation country.”
A Mix of History and Culture
Fabulous Food Options
Their distinct accents and flavors are authentically tied to Louisiana’s Sweet Spot and would make the perfect location for you next family outting.
Houmas House is home to a variety of restaurants and wine cellars including The Carriage House Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in both casual and fine dining settings.
Serving guests since 1971, Sno’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Gonzales has established a tradition of providing customers good food combined with comfortable settings and a family atmosphere. Sno’s takes pride in serving fresh seafood and mouth-watering steaks with honest, down-to-earth hospitality. Gonzales, known as the Jambalaya Capital of the World, is renowned for having some of the best restaurants in the country, including Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant, which is famous for south Louisiana cuisine at its finest.
Video Tour
Ascension Parish is a rare gem located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Rich in history, it’s the ideal spot for those interested in the perfect mix of Louisiana’s history and culture. We offer a variety of event venues, brand name accommodations, and unique attractions, providing visitors with a one of a kind experience only Southern Louisiana can provide.
– Tracy Browning, Executive Director
Browse below for some family-friendly additions to your itinerary
Things to Do in Ascension Parish, LA
Highlights
- Ascension Parish is home to majestic gardens, recreational parks and picturesque golf courses and has something that will appeal to every member of your family
- Houmas House Estate, one of the South’s oldest and most beautiful plantation estates, has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the wealth this farm boasted. The guided mansion tour walks through its 250-year history, showing the architectural evolution of this manor house and it also features excellent dining options and is a great place to rest when you aren’t out enjoying all Ascension Parish has to offer
- Gonzales is known as the Jambalaya Capital of the World and is renowned for having some of the best restaurants in the country, including Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant. The entire Ascension Parish region features some of the best food on the planet.
Family-Friendly Dining Experiences in Ascension Parish
The Carriage House at Houmas House and Gardens (Darrow)
Houmas House Estate, one of the South’s oldest and most beautiful plantation estates, is home to a variety of restaurants and wine cellars including The Carriage House Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in both casual and fine dining settings.
Website: houmashouse.com/restaurants
Sno’s Seafood and Steakhouse (Gonzales)
Serving guests since 1971, Sno’s has established a tradition of providing customers good food combined with comfortable settings and a family atmosphere. Sno’s takes pride in serving fresh seafood and mouth-watering steaks with honest, down-to-earth hospitality. Sno’s also offers a wide variety of fabulous cocktails, from cosmos to martinis.
Website: snosseafood.com
The Grapevine Café and Gallery (Donaldsonville)
Featuring award-winning cuisine and a unique blend of Cajun, Creole and African traditions, The Grapevine Café earns rave reviews from customers. Aside from its excellent cuisine, the café sports a casual atmosphere of a beautifully restored 1920s building and features rotating collections of colorful works of area artists and the sound of local musicians.
Website: grapevine.cafe
Mike Anderson’s Seafood (Gonzales)
Mike Anderson’s has been serving authentic Louisiana cuisine since 1975. Formerly an All-American linebacker at LSU, Mike Anderson tackled the restaurant business and never looked back. Today, his restaurant serves its famous oysters, a variety of seafood, po-boy sandwiches and housemade desserts made from scratch.
Website: mikeandersons.com
Ready to find out more about how Ascension Parish can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Don’s Seafood (Gonzales)
A tradition since 1934, Don’s Seafood serves authentic Cajun meals in a family-style restaurant. Don’s serves locally sourced seafood from shrimp to oysters, gumbo to taceauxs and much more. Grilled, fried or on-ice, there’s time cooked into every dish and time spend on every home-cooked recipe.
Website: donsseafoodonline.com
Family-Friendly Attractions in Ascension Parish
Houmas House and Gardens (Darrow)
Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the Houmas House and Gardens estate allows visitors to experience the life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s. The mansion has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the wealth this farm boasted. The guided mansion tour walks through its 250-year history, showing the architectural evolution of this manor house.
Website: houmashouse.com
The Great River Road Museum (Darrow)
This museum located at the Houmas House and Gardens opens visitors’ eyes to what early life along the lower Mississippi River was like. The culture, commerce, folklore and music were a fusion of all the foreign countries that developed this territory. From the wealthy owners of sugar empires to the humble lives of the enslaved, this museum details how each lived and survived by this powerful body of water.
Website: greatriverroadmuseum.org
River Road African American Museum (Donaldsville)
This museum captures the spirit, soul and significance of the people who thrived and enriched south Louisiana’s sugarcane country. Families can receive a rare glimpse into the lives of the enslaved and free people of color who lived in the rural communities of this region known as “plantation country.” Exhibits reflect the fortitude and achievements birthed by a generation of artists, educators, physicians, craftsmen, inventors and musicians.
Website: africanamericanmuseum.org/museum
The Cajun Village and Coffee House (Sorrento)
Historic Acadian buildings restored to house unique specialty shops offer visitors the chance to shop and browse in a relaxed setting. The Cajun Village features seven unique boutique shops, selling wares from antiques to muscadine wines to Cajun odds and ends. An on-site coffee house and nearby Bed and Breakfast ensure all of your needs will be met.
Website: cajunvillageshops.com
Ready to find out more about how Ascension Parishcan help plan your family trip or reunion?
Sugarfield Spirits (Gonzales)
Sugarfield Spirits provides local flavor and Louisiana tradition in its handcrafted spirits. Its tasting room offers a fun experience and fresh local flavors. Providing only high quality spirits and local flavors, Sugarfield Spirits is your source for craft rum, gin, vodka, bourbon and liqueurs.
Website: sugarfieldspiritsla.com
Family-Friendly Accommodations in Ascension Parish
Houmas House and Gardens (Darrow)
One of Louisiana’s most elegant Bed and Breakfast options, The Inn at Houmas House and Gardens is a collection of quaint cottages nestled along an ancient oak alley and surrounded by lush gardens. The cottages depict historic structures that once graced Uncle Sam Plantation. Each room is complete with a single king or queen-sized be or double queen beds, luxurious bathrooms and a porch to enjoy the view.
Website: houmashouse.com
Clarion Inn and Conference Center (Gonzales)
A full-service hotel ideal for any type of gathering, Clarion Inn has a conference center featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting space and is perfect for reunions. This pet-friendly hotel, just 30 miles from Baton Rouge and 45 miles from New Orleans, is a Best Choice Award winner from Choice Hotels International. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Website: choicehotels.com/louisiana/gonzales/clarion-hotels/la249
Holiday Inn Express and Suites (Gonzales)
Located within walking distance of Tanger outlets and a short drive from numerous southern plantations and local industries, Holiday Inn Express and Suites is a perfect place to recharge. Its spacious and stylish guest rooms include a 37-inch television, free high-speed wire and wireless Internet access, a mini fridge and a microwave. It also boasts an outdoor pool, a health and fitness center, a meeting room and an on-site business center.
Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/
SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Gonzales)
Discover comfort and convenience at SpringHill Suites Baton Rouge Gonzales. Ideally situated within walking distance of Tanger Outlets and near the Lamar Dixon Expo Center, this hotel’s rooms feature wet bars and flat-panel TVs. It also provides a 24-hour fitness center, a sparkling outdoor pool and an event room.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/btrro-springhill-suites-baton-rouge-gonzales/
Ready to find out more about how Ascension Parish can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Home 2 Suites by Hilton (Gonzales)
Home 2 Suites is an ideal place for a reunion as it features 97 guest rooms and two meeting rooms totaling 852 square feet. Enjoy free wifi, a fitness center and an outdoor pool in this eco-friendly and pet-friendly hotel, and fill up on a free breakfast before hitting the town. If you want to stay in, you can utilize your in-suite kitchen.
Family-Friendly Venues in Ascension Parish
Houmas House and Gardens (Darrow)
A stunning setting for memorable reunions and family gatherings, Houmas House and Gardens is perfect for grand receptions and quaint gatherings. With several indoor venues to choose from and with outdoor reunion options beneath the oak alley, Houmas House and Gardens will provide picture perfect moments for your family gathering.
Website: houmashouse.com
The Great River Road Museum (Darrow)
This museum located at the Houmas House and Gardens opens visitors’ eyes to what early life along the lower Mississippi River was like. This 30,000-square-foot museum is a premier museum and interpretive center which highlights the history and chronicles of the people and families who helped build Louisiana’s most lucrative corridor.
Website: greatriverroadmuseum.org
Lamar Dixon Expo Center (Gonzales)
Ideal for reunions, trade shows and any event you can think of, the Lamar Dixon Expo Center is an ideal place to hold your family gathering. With a multitude of hotels, restaurants and shopping all within a half-mile radius, the center has an ideal location. It also features a gym, trademart building, 4H building, three barns and three arenas.
Website: lamardixonexpocenter.com
Blythewood Plantation (Gonzales)
Take a step back in time at Blythewood Plantation, a beautiful, shady, peaceful and perfect setting for a reunion. Whether your family gathering is formal or casual, Blythewood is the perfect setting. With a capacity of 300, the Blythewood Plantation is a Greek revival mansion that is more than 10,000 square feet and stands on approximately 10 acres.
Website: blythewood-plantation.com
Ready to find out more about how Ascension Parish can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Clarion Inn Conference Center (Gonzales)
Located near the Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Clarion Inn is home to 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art event space and also offers free wifi, a free hot breakfast and affordable pet-friendly rooms built for comfort. There is also an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar and an exercise room.
Website: choicehotels.com/louisiana/gonzales/clarion-hotels/la249
What are you waiting for?
Let Destination Reunions help you plan the perfect reunion.
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Tracy Browning
Ascension Parish Tourism
Phone: 225-675-6550
