By: Celine Alis
The heat is on! But don’t worry. We’ve got a lot of ways for you to keep cool in the New Iberia area during these hot days of summer and early fall.
Before you pack up the suncreen, hat and sunglasses, check out our roundup below for inspiration.
Isle of Iberia
1. Water Fun
Take a dip and work on your tan at the Isle of Iberia RV Resort, which features a lazy river, splash pad, and swim-up bar. Campers enjoy free live music every Saturday night at Beats on the Bayou and non campers get pool access on public swim days.
If you prefer a beach adventure, Cypremort Point State Park is a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico on Vermilion Bay, with swimming, fishing, birding and boating. Six cabins and three pavilions with plenty of shade are also available by reservation.
Take the kids to the splash pads at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, New Iberia City Park, West End Park, King Joseph Park and Willow Wood Park.
Bayou Teche Museum
2. Museums
During the hottest part of the day, it's a good idea to head indoors. Discover Iberia Parish’s rich culture, history and industry at Jeanerette Museum and Bayou Teche Museum. Explore Shadows-on-the-Teche’s gardens shaded by 27 centenarian live oak trees on the banks of Bayou Teche.
At the Conrad Rice Mill/Konriko® Company Store down the road, visit the oldest rice mill in America and shop for local goodies, including Konriko® specialty food items, souvenirs and art.
Paul Schexnayder Studio + Gallery
3. Get Artsy
Brush up on your creative skills at Paul Schexnayder Studio + Gallery, which features more than 20 artists in all media, from paintings to ceramics, and puts on events like worshops, book signings and art markets during the year.
View New Iberia’s 15 murals from the comfort of your air-conditioned car or enjoy Iberia Parish Library’s free indoor activities, from movie nights to toning up the whole body (if you'd rather stay home they also offer several online programs).
Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens
4. Island Picnic
Bring a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of centenary oaks at Jungle Gardens and Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens.
Each island also offers air conditioned opportunities to take a break from the heat. On Avery Island, you’ll find fun artifacts retracing the history of the sauce at the Tabasco® Museum and branded souvenirs at the country store.
At the Joseph Jefferson Mansion on Jefferson Island, you’ll see richly appointed Victorian age heirlooms, period paintings, rare Louisiana pieces and fine examples of American and French Empire furniture. Shop for Orange Island coffee and other local treasures at the gift shop.
Cool Scene
5. Cool Treats
Finally, if all that touring made you a little peckish, you can snack on Tabasco ice cream from the Tabasco® Country Store, gelato from Fudge It or a sundae from Cool Scene. If you're more into snowballs, head out to Next Level Shaved Ice or the Snowball Factory.
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