By: Brittany Racca
Hungry like the wolf
Werewolves never looked this cute.
George Rodrigue’s famous series, the "Blue Dog," is inspired by the French legend of the loup-garou (werewolf) and works of the world-famous artist are on display until June 30 at New Iberia's Bayou Teche Museum in the exhibit titled, "George Rodrigue Comes Home: Under Iberia's Live Oaks with George Rodrigue and his Blue Dog."
In a partnership with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, the museum teamed up to bring never before seen Rodrigue art, along with Rodrigue's classic Blue Dog paintings, back to their roots with every painting having at least one of Iberia Parish’s iconic oak trees. Check out what led up to the exhibit, here.
Here, there be dragons
A few spooks, too, now you mention it.
The loup-garou isn’t the only mythical creature to emerge from fairytales in Iberia Parish this spring. The Acadiana Dragon Boat Festival on March 28 weaves together fantasy and reality with a comical touch that must be seen to be believed, and the ghostly Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation will host its annual Shadows Arts & Crafts Fair March 7, the new Shadows Plein Air event from April 11-18 and the Art & Shadows Celebration on May 9. While browsing the modern day wares, keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings. You may see something unexplainable or maybe it’s just a wandering egret…
Follow the yellow brick road
No Wicked Witches found along this trail…yet.
Perhaps you prefer celebrating spring in a more traditional manner seeing the various flowers in bloom. If so, explore the Azalea Trail at its peak season from March to April along our streets and at our attractions. The New Iberia Azalea Trail is back as spring brings a sea of flowers with it. The red, pink, white, purple and salmon colored Azaleas are not to be missed and the best way to see them is on the easy self-guided driving tour through the city and at various attractions. See where the trail takes you, here. Don’t forget to swing by and spice things up during the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, which showcases the finest fiery concoctions.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!
Nope, you had it right the first time.
Every spring, more than 240 species of birds flock back to Iberia Parish. Waterfowl, roseate spoonbills and snowy egrets are just a few of the species of birds who call the Bayou Teche Corridor of the Atchafalaya Loop home, and there are numerous locations where they can be found.
Bird City in Jungle Gardens of Avery Island is a private bird sanctuary, where the observation tower creates a rookery for nesting egrets every spring. Rip's Rookery at Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens is another spot to see Iberia's feathery friends. This man-made wetland hosts thousands of wading birds on islands designed to protect them from predators. Spanish Lake is a nesting home to 53 species of birds including herons, woodpeckers, warblers and hawks. It is also a familiar address for alligators, beavers and nutrias. Read our blog on Iberia Parish birding to find out more.
Life is a highway
Why don’t you travel our way?
Are you ready for the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair and some sweet tunes on the radio? Well, before you break out the beach chairs and sunblock, ride back in time with the Cruisin Cajun Country Cruise In. Classic and muscle cars will cruise into Iberia Parish to experience the area, while spectators enjoy free car shows and entertainment.
So, gather the family, believe in magic and come visit us in Iberia Parish, where the city’s just as historic as its legendary creatures. Watch out for that loup-garou while you’re here, though. You never know where he’ll appear…
