southwestern Louisiana

[Amanda]

Dear Mr. Burke, I'd be thrilled if you'd care to comment on this: do you have a favorite small town (say pop 7500 or less) within a 100 mile radius of New Iberia? Everyone I've talked to recommends places with art galleries and upscale restaurants but I'm curious about regular towns with mostly working people. I know you can't get near a US coast without a tourist presence, but maybe somewhere that tourism isn't the main/only focus. Thanks for anything you might care to share! Can't wait for Creole Belle. Best wishes, Amanda Morgan

[jamesleeburke]

You might check out Breaux Bridge or St. Martinville or Jeanerette. The Cafe des Amis in Breaux Bridge is a fine place to eat and so is the Yellow Bowl in Jeanerette.

Best,

Jim

[Amanda]

Thank you so much for these great tips! I really appreciate it. All the best, Amanda

[Amanda]

These are great places, I especially liked Jeanerette — thanks again for the tips! I have been thinking that, whatever you learn in a city, you can apply at least some of it to the next city you encounter, but in rural areas you almost have to start from scratch each time, they’re so different. (OK, I suppose you could argue that either way, but it’s how it seems to me.) So it was good to have suggestions from an insider. I love all the drawbridges, and how no matter how lost you get, you will eventually cross Bayou Teche again. Thank you for bringing this area to life for all us PFAs (people from away), and I’m counting down the days to Creole Belle! cheers, Amanda

[jamesleeburke]

Thanks, Miss Amanda. I'm happy you enjoyed your visit. I love your observation about getting lost in that area. If you keep driving, eventually you will be back on Bayou Teche. That's wonderful.

Best,

Jim

[Amanda]

It looks like I will get to keep enjoying it for awhile longer as I've signed a lease on a nice little apartment 3-4 blocks from the library in New Iberia. Have MacBook will travel! I'm very lucky. Looking forward to seeing an alligator, hearing lots of music, crossing many drawbridges, and visiting favorite scenes from your novels. (I could see Clete Purcel barbecue-ing under the trees at the Teche Motel, sure hope I picked the right motel as I've had about enough of those institutions for awhile ;) thanks again, Amanda