On the Town

Savvy shoppers know that “one-of-a-kind” finds aren’t discovered in the world’s shopping malls—but rather in the idiosyncratic, place-infused mom-and-pops that distinguish America’s distinctive small towns. Rich in heritage and bonded by community, Acadia Parish inspires creative shopping experiences for the antique-lover, the culture vulture, and the gift-giver alike—usually against a backdrop of its charming historic Main Streets (but occasionally along an adventure-bound backroad, too). 

Start simple: clothes! Find stylish and on-trend women’s collections curated by local shop-owners at La Cherie Boutique & Salon in Church Point or Poise & Personality in Crowley—where you can also stay awhile and enjoy a massage, haircut, and tanning session. Or check out Plus and Chic Boutique—opened by Mary Clark Doucet in Crowley and Church Point after she noticed the area’s lack of fashionable and affordable options for plus-sized women. 

Then there’s the Proper Pelican, which has got something for everyone—men, women, and kids—and for every occasion: upcoming holidays and LSU games alike. It’s worth stopping in just to check out the custom hat bar. For more kids’ options, Puddles & Lace is a must-visit. Along with an extensive collection of high-end children’s brands, a brand-spanking-new men’s shop, and a tempting display of accessories—they’ll also load your shopping bags with locally-made products like pepper jelly or elderberry syrup, or Mary Alice Fontenot’s Clovis the Crawfish books. If you get there soon, you might even score one of their one-of-a-kind International Rice Festival headbands. 

If you’re hunting for gifts, Ray’s is an Acadia Parish staple—offering all of the tasteful, can’t-go-wrong classics: Ronaldo bracelets, Tyler candles, Brumate cups, locally-crafted home décor, and much more. Ramp up the local flavor by visiting the area’s two Mardi Gras shops, Le Vieux Moulin Mardi Gras Store in Church Point and VaCajun by Sew What Customs in Branch. Both are major shopping destinations for locals across Acadiana planning to stand out at area courirs come Mardi Gras, offering some of the region’s largest selections of traditional, handmade costumes—eclectic fringed suits and googly-eyed masks and all. You can also find more casual Cajun fare, like t-shirts sporting slogans like “I put a Gris Gris on you,” or “Can’t Roosta Like I Used Ta.” At Le Vieux Moulin (which, fun fact, is operated by a couple who double as balloon artists), they’ve even got a Christmas ornament in the shape of a Hitachi rice cooker. 

Music lovers will find a home at Crowley’s Modern Music Center, with its vibrant displays of vintage guitars and extensive LP selection. Just down the road, too (you can’t miss it, it’s the place with the 30-foot red, white, and blue guitar) is the Mouton Accordions and Music Store, which has been in operation since 1960 selling handmade Cajun, Zydeco, and Tex-Mex accordions. Close out by stopping at Rayne’s No Name Vinyl Records & Music, with its ever-changing selection of used vinyl and music ephemera. 

Find local art on display in the Crowley Art Association Gallery—which features ever-changing, diverse expressions of local creativity and offers regular workshops by area artists. Also worth the trip down Butterfly Road in Morse is the Simone Little Fine Art Gallery & Studio—which displays blown glass sculpture, pottery and ceramics, watercolor, and photography. Here visitors can take part in creative workshops or mindfulness sessions—and can even go bird watching in the adjacent orchard.

Finally, the antiques: there is an eclectic crew of antique collectors here in Acadia Parish—peddling wares at destinations such as Antiques on the Avenue in Rayne, the Red Bird Vintage Market in Crowley, or the Old Round Up Flea Market in Duson. You never know what you’ll find, but expect the gamut from European furniture and leather suitcases, to old handmade quilts and children's books. And maybe, if you’re lucky, a good cast iron pot. 

Find details about these shopping destinations, and more, at acadiatourism.com.