Discover Louisiana’s Sweet Spot: Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish, Louisiana, is a true American treasure — a gateway to a glorious time, a portrait of life spanning more than five centuries. Nestled between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish is an immense collection of diverse histories, a place at the heart of what makes Southern Louisiana such a special destination — where soul food merges with Creole cuisine, and where art, agriculture and industry meld to echo yesterday and today. Welcome to Louisiana's Sweet Spot. 

Houmas House Estate & Gardens

Enjoy one of three restaurants at Houmas House Estate and Gardens, where both casual and fine dining are available. Menus are updated seasonally to reflect locally grown produce, providing a true farm-to-table experience. Dixie Café has a full buffet breakfast and lunch of traditional Louisiana cuisine. The Carriage House restaurant is casual dining in the elegant surroundings of the 1830s and Latil’s Landing restaurant allows guests to dine in the original 1770s French House while enjoying a custom five-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Once you dine in the finest, you must take a guided tour of Houmas House, an 1840 Greek Revival mansion lovingly known as the Jewel of the River Road. Pop into The Turtle Bar and get a garden-fresh mint julep while you sip and stroll through a beautiful 38 acres of native, seasonal gardens. The Great River Road Museum is a self-guided tour that opens visitors’ eyes to what early life along the lower Mississippi was like. You can continue your stroll over the Sweet Spot Landing to the levee top of the Mississippi River to catch the morning sun. You might be lucky enough to see a cruise ship docking.

Sweet Spots to Eat & Drink

Louisiana’s seafood is the finest, and Ascension has many specialties. In Gonzales, the Jambalaya Capital of the World, try the Guitreau at Mike Anderson’s Seafood. Or consider the Dru Platter at Sno’s Seafood and Steakhouse, the Fourchon at Don’s Seafood, an unforgettable white chocolate bread pudding at The Grapevine Café and the original strawberry daiquiri at Sugarfield Spirits — made with Louisiana strawberries and Louisiana’s Sweet Spot Cider! Noël Family Distillery is the only Louisiana distillery to offer Blanco and Reposado tequila. Visit their tasting room in Donaldsonville and try their barrel-aged rum and premium vodka. You can also indulge in your local craft beer craving at Gilla Brewery.

Sweet Spots to Shop

Put on your walking shoes to shop at Tanger, or visit Cabela’s, a sportsman’s paradise. In nearby Sorrento, visit The Cajun Village, where charming Acadian homes-turned-specialty-shops showcase Louisiana products, like cooking utensils, spices, seasonings, décor, clothing and more! On the property is The Coffee House, serving breakfast, lunch and all-day café au laits and beignets. A special treat awaits out back in the swamp: two live resident alligators, Big Boy & Nubby. 

Sweet Spots to Visit

For those history buffs, visit Historic Donaldsonville’s walking tour, Donaldsonville’s Historic Portal to the Past, to learn about the town that was once Louisiana’s Capital and see structures dating back to the 1800s, like a courthouse, Catholic church and historic homes. The two-and-a-half mile walking tour will take you by the Riverwalk on the Mississippi River, Ft. Butler, Crescent Park, Louisiana Square and Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. In the heart of town is The River Road African American Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of African Americans in the rural communities of South Louisiana. 

Sweet Spot to Stay

Depending on what you like, Ascension has many brand hotels, as well as quaint bed and breakfasts in Donaldsonville. For a grander experience, plan to stay at the Inn at Houmas House where the rooms are decorated with antiques, and you can feel like you moved back in time. For more Sweet Spots to Stay, visitlasweetspot.com/accommodations.

Louisiana’s Sweet Spot is home to the Jambalaya Festival, Boucherie and Balloon Festival, Louisiana’s Outdoor Show and more. View our Calendar of Events and plan your next adventure in Ascension Parish at VisitLaSweetSpot.com.