We have dozens of family travel tips on New Orleans Mom because we LOVE to get out and about and explore Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a quick day trip to Fontainebleau State Park for outdoor fun, an outing to enjoy indoor fun at Lynn Meadows in Mississippi, or a field trip to see Avery Island, home of Tabasco, we have you covered! If you are looking for longer adventures, check out this list of budget friendly road trips from New Orleans. In the meantime, we strongly suggest a day trip to Ponchatoula.
Ponchatoula Day Trip :: A Guide from a Local
I live in Ponchatoula, LA.
The Strawberry Capital of the World. America’s Antique City.
There are numerous annual events that bring folks to Ponchatoula, but this cute town can be a delightful day trip anytime. Just a quick 45 min drive from New Orleans there are many local treasures to delight the entire family. Here are some of my favorite local spots to check out!
The Ponchatoula Country Market is a must-see. This market is in the historic Downtown Ponchatoula train depot. It is open 7 days a week. All vendors are locals offering quality homemade, handmade, homegrown, and collectible items. This market is perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift. A Farmer’s Market is also held at this location every Friday. One of my daughter’s favorite parts of visiting the Country Market is to go see Old Hardhide, the alligator that is on display right in front of the market entrance. Old Hardhide and his successors are said to have reigned over Downtown Ponchatoula since 1975. Right across the street from Old Hardhide’s enclosure you can view another piece of history, a 1912 steam locomotive. This engine is said to have been in use when Ponchatoula was a lumber town.
After checking out the Country Market you will have worked up an appetite. Walk right across the railroad tracks and grab a bite to eat at Berrytown Corner Café. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is wonderful. For breakfast or lunch, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu but, make sure to get the Stuffed Beignet Bites for dessert.
There are many lovely shops along the main street in Downtown Ponchatoula. I highly suggest checking out Moss & Berry. They have beautiful clothes, trinkets, and gifts. My mini and I enjoy strolling through downtown, especially during the holidays when the Christmas lights are lit and decorations are up. It looks just like a Hallmark Movie. Ponchatoula does a Christmas Lighting event every year so we always take that opportunity to shop and stroll.
The Collinswood Museum is another cool piece of history to check out. The museum is specifically about Ponchatoula’s city origin. It has display cases depicting the city’s railroad, agriculture, cypress mill, and indigenous history.
