Road Trip: New Orleans to ChackbayEnjoy this exciting 3-day Louisiana road trip. Start by visiting famous sites and restaurants in New Orleans, then discover the historic and charming town of Gretna, before ending in Chackbay, the "Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana," and the Thibodaux area, where you can indulge in delicious Cajun cuisine!AuthorsLouisianaTravel
DestinationsLouisianaItinerary

Day 1

Cafe Du Monde French Market
Start your day off right at this famous spot! Established in 1862, Café du Monde has been a staple in New Orleans. With a few exceptions, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is best known for its beignets. Get there early!
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St. Louis Cathedral
Walk off those beignets as you head toward this iconic cathedral that, since being built in 1727, has seen everything from kings, the pope, generals, presidents, prime ministers, and, sadly, a fire. It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. Be sure to explore inside to see the incredible stained glass.
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Virgin Hotels New Orleans
This hotel in the lively Warehouse District puts you in a prime spot for the first day of your trip. Indulge in classic New Orleans fare at the restaurant or lounge by the unique rooftop pool!
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Barataria Preserve Visitor Center
Just about a 30-minute drive from New Orleans, the Barataria Preserve covers more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands. You can see wildlife like snakes, turtles, and alligators, and walk trails, or enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas. You can even stay a while and fish! 🐊 Admission to the preserve is free. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, federal holidays, and on Mardi Gras.
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Dooky Chase Restaurant
This place is legendary for its seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried chicken. Founded in 1941 by Emily and Dooky Chase, Sr., Dooky Chase’s Restaurant started as a sandwich shop, but it soon became the meeting place for music and entertainment, civil rights, and culture in New Orleans. In 1946, Edgar Dooky Chase, Jr. married Leah Lange Chase. Through the vision of Leah, the "Queen of Creole Cuisine," Dooky's grew into a sit-down restaurant wrapped within a cultural environment of African-American art and Creole cooking. Please note you will need reservations in advance, and there is a dress code.
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The Spotted Cat Music Club
This is the place to catch some really good jazz while in town. The iconic Spotted Cat Music Club, the quintessential jazz club of New Orleans, which is on famous Frenchmen Street, is recognized as an international destination for jazz music. 🎷
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Day 2

Tout de Suite Cafe
Pop across the river for a traditional New Orleans breakfast here. Try pain perdu (made with almond brioche French toast) or poche (smoked Cajun country boudin sausage). They also serve organic coffee and tea and use all-natural ingredients in their dishes.
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German American Cultural Center
Head to the German American Cultural Center & Museum in Gretna, which was founded by German immigrants in 1836. Entry is free.
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Gretna Historical Society
The Gretna Historical Society preserves and promotes the history of Gretna. You can visit three 19th century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop, and the Louisiana Fire Museum. Take time to explore this historic area of town.
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Amore Bakery and Cafe
While you're exploring Historic Old Gretna, stop in this charming café for gelato or a French or Italian pastry, including tiramisu, crème brûlée, and bread pudding. 🍨
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Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar & Catering
Grab lunch or dinner and experience authentic Gretna at this local hangout. You can choose from gourmet salads or sandwiches, or enjoy classic New Orleans dishes like red beans and rice, and sloppy roast beef po-boys!
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Cafe 615
Or head here for lunch or dinner. This place has a fun story: In 1948, Da Wabbit opened and became an instant hit and local favorite as a drive-in with its iconic Bugs Bunny-themed sign! Today, locals rave about this spot for its fried chicken, burgers, and rice and beans. In fact, it has been voted the Best Fried Chicken by Nola.com and Best Restaurant by Where Y'at Magazine.
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Day 3

Tasty Cream Donuts
It may not look like much from the outside, but it's the inside that matters! Start your day here in Chackbay at this family-owned bakery that offers classic flavored melt-in-your-mouth donuts and other sweet treats. 🍩
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Louisiana Gumbo Festival
This famous Gumbo Festival in Chackbay is held in October and draws over 15,000 visitors every year! For more than 50 years, people have been coming to the "Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana" for Cajun food, music, rides, a parade, and lots more, including over 500 gallons of gumbo!
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E.D. White Historic Site
Stop in at this historic home in Thibodaux to see an excellent example of old Creole plantation architecture. It was built with hand-hewn cypress around 1825! See what life was like for two of Louisiana's political figures from 1835 to 1921, and check out the exhibit that tells the story of the Bayou Lafourche area with features on the Chitimacha Indians, Acadian settlers, slavery, sugar cane plantations, and the White family. Admission to the site is free.
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Spahr's Downtown
Grab delicious local seafood for lunch! This place is known for its catfish chips, their gumbo, and their made-from-scratch Bloody Marys.
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Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
Explore the Atchafalaya and the history of the Acadian people who migrated there at this center that is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Take a historic Thibodaux walking tour and cruise the magical Bayou Lafourche on Fridays and Saturdays (except June-September). Check out Music on the Bayou every Tuesday evening to hear zydeco, gospel, blues, jazz, Cajun, and more! You can even learn to speak Cajun French on Tuesdays at Cercel Francophone. Closed Sundays, Mondays, federal holidays, and on Mardi Gras.
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Mudbug Brewery
After all that exploring, sit down and try real Cajun beer here! There are more than 15 beers on tap to choose from, and they have a rotation of their five flagship beers, seasonal and unique flavors to enjoy.
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Fremin's Restaurant
Top off your trip with dinner here. Step inside this beautiful historic building that was once "The Roth Drugstore," to enjoy fine dining with Cajun-inspired American and Italian food, and an inventive cocktail menu. It's a perfect date night spot!
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