Looking for a great date-night spot? What about a place to spend a day with the family? There is no need to venture too far; Broussard has wealth of attractions that are perfect places to spend some down time.
Built in 1911, the Victorian Plantation is listed on the National Historic Register and is a beautiful site to behold. The home was constructed by Paul Billeaud, who owned the largest sugar cane mill in the state, during that time period.
The home was renovated in 2014, becoming a destination to exchange nuptials or host other special occasions. Whether small or large, the site can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 800 guests.
The grounds of the Victorian are just as breathtaking as the house. The Octavia Formal Gardens is the perfect backdrop for photos, surrounded by seasonal flowers, boxwood hedges, benches and a flowing French-inspired fountain.
Likewise, the gazebo and lawn on the property are home to a beautiful orchard and a gorgeous oak tree. This is a popular spot for weddings and special events, with a well-kept lawn and rose garden.
The park at the Victorian boasts a concrete slab perfect for accommodating all types of weather conditions. It is also outfitted with electrical outlets and water connections.
Lastly, the French Courtyard is a postcard straight out of the Big Easy. Decorated with two large Victorian urns, cast iron water fountains, hedges and flowers, the courtyard is well lit and offers amenities that allow every occasion to go off without a hitch.
For additional information on rentals and packages, visit their website at www.thevictorianplantation.com.
St. Julien Park is THE place to go to unwind in Broussard. From an active sports complex with a host of youth and adult sports, the park boasts an impressive lineup of events throughout the year.
Families can attend the Movies in the Field series for free every Friday night in April. The flicks are outdoors on the soccer fields with children’s activities taking place before the movies. Concessions are available for purchase.
Free to the public and fun for the whole family, the park’s St. Julien Jams is an evening of entertainment! Presented by the Broussard Chamber of Commerce, attendees enjoy live music, refreshments and quality time on the town. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for ultimate relaxation.
The park also hosts National Night Out. The community event brings locals and law enforcement together for a good time. Guests will enjoy refreshments, airbrush tattoos, face painting, fun-jumps, a bicycle giveaway, a meet and greet with police officers and McGruff the Crime Dog and Safety Pup.
Another popular event at the park takes place around Halloween. Local businesses set up holiday-themed trunks and hand out candy to little ghosts and goblins at no charge. On top of candy, families can also partake in fun-jumps, face painting, music and games. There is also a photo booth, costume contest and raffles throughout the evening.
One of the most popular spots in Broussard is also located inside St. Julien Park. The park’s splash pad is great for cooling off during the warmer months and unwinding. There are plans in the works to expand the splash pad and add more amenities.
For a full list of events, check out the park’s calendar at www.broussardsportscomplex.com/calendar.
With a nod to the area’s sweet past, pay a visit to Sugar Mill Park’s iconic structures. Be sure to take a picture in front of the famous sugar gears for a true Broussard experience.
Animal lovers will fall in love with the creatures at Zoosiana, the Zoo of Acadiana. The zoo is home to more than 750 animals. Spanning nearly 50 acres, the zoo’s easy-to-follow paths connect one adventure to the next.
For an out-of-this-world experience, hop on the safari train ride. Here, enthusiasts will see zebras, deer, exotic cats and camels. Other popular stops are the giraffe feeding station, which is open daily, and the parakeet exhibit where you can feed the birds.
Check out the petting zoo for a hands-on experience with some of the site’s friendliest residents. As guests enter the barnyard, they are greeted by goats, llamas, chickens, a cow, a donkey, a pig and a horse.
Step into the jungle to see amphibians, fish, snakes, turtles and lizards. The Jungle Room is one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits.
With weekday and weekend performances, the ZooLive Animal Show is educational and entertaining. Learn more about conservation, wildlife and animals from this stage show.
On top of that, the zoo hosts events throughout the year, including its No. 1 springtime event, the EggstravaganZoo. This fundraising event for the zoo is fun for the whole family, with an egg hunt, small-prize games, candy stations, face painting, sand art and live entertainment.
The zoo is also a great place for a birthday party or other special event. For more information, visit www.zoosiana.com.
Jump around and have a good time at Elevation Station Trampoline Park. This 37,000-square-foot venue boasts trampoline open jump, basketball, extreme dodgeball, an air bag, arcade games and kiddie zones.
Elevation Station also houses party rooms, which are great for birthdays and other special occasions.
No matter the interest, there is always something to explore in Broussard.