Discover Louisiana’s Sweet Spot
Your sweet getaway is in Ascension Parish.
Your sweet getaway is in Ascension Parish.
Ascension Parish, Louisiana, is a true American treasure. It's the gateway to a distinct portrait of history and people spanning more than five centuries. Nestled between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish is a striking collection of diverse histories — a place at the heart of what makes Southern Louisiana such a special destination. It’s where soul food merges with Creole cuisine and where art, agriculture and industry meld to echo yesterday and today.
Ascension Parish is Louisiana's Sweet Spot.
Discover over 200 years of history in Donaldsonville.
Dine at the Carriage House.
Visit the Cajun Village.
Have a cocktail at Noël Family Distillery.
Sweet Spots to Eat & Drink
Louisiana’s seafood is the finest, and Ascension has many freshly caught specialties, like The Guitreau at Mike Anderson’s Seafood, the Fish Cecile at Sno’s Seafood and Steakhouse or The Crabmeat Au Gratin at Don’s Seafood. You can’t forget the award-winning white chocolate bread pudding at The Grapevine Café. Sip the Spiced Rum Old Fashioned or the Sweet Spot Cider at Sugarfield Spirits. Noël Family Distillery is the only Louisiana distillery to offer Blanco and Reposado tequila; visit their tasting room in Donaldsonville to try one of those or their barrel-aged rum and premium vodka. Or indulge your craft beer craving at Gilla Brewery, the only brewery in Ascension Parish.
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Sweet Spots to Shop
Put on your walking shoes to shop at Tanger outlets or Bass Pro Shops, a sportsman’s paradise in Gonzales, also known as the Jambalaya Capital of the World. The Cajun Village in Sorrento is right up the road. Charming Acadian homes turned specialty shops showcase Louisiana-made products like cooking utensils, spices, seasonings, décor, clothing and more! On the property is The Coffee House, serving breakfast and lunch and café au lait and beignets any time of the day. A special treat awaits out back in the swamp — two live resident alligators named Big Boy and Nubby.
Sweet Spots to Visit
History buffs should take Historic Donaldsonville’s walking tour, Donaldsonville’s Historic Portal to the Past, to learn about the town that was once Louisiana’s Capital. You’ll pass structures dating back to the 1800s like the courthouse, Catholic church and many homes. The 2.5-mile walking tour will take you by the Riverwalk on the Mississippi River, Fort 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.
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 buffets serving traditional Louisiana cuisine. The Carriage House restaurant offers 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.
Take a guided tour of the 1840 Greek Revival mansion, known as the Jewel of the River Road. Pop into the Turtle Bar and get your mint julep with fresh mint from the garden, which you can sip while strolling through the beautiful 38 acres of 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 to the Sweet Spot Landing to the levee top of the Mississippi River to catch the morning sun, and you might be lucky to see a cruise ship docking.
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Sweet Spots to Stay
Looking for quality brand-name hotels? Ascension Parish offers several trusted options, including America’s Best Value Inn, Candlewood Suites, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn. You can also opt for one of the area’s quaint bed-and-breakfasts, such as Cabahanosse Bed & Breakfast or The Raylin House, each offering a charming, local feel and a personalized touch. And for a grander experience, plan to stay at The Inn at Houmas House, where the rooms are decorated with antiques and you feel like you’ve moved back in time, enjoying a truly luxurious getaway.
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Sweet Events to Add to Your Calendar
Louisiana’s Sweet Spot is home to the Jambalaya Festival, Boucherie and Balloon Festival, Louisiana’s Outdoor Show and more. Take a look at the full list of our Calendar of Events.
