Houma, a small town at the intersection of seven bayous 45 mi/70 km southwest of New Orleans, has 52 utilitarian-looking bridges spanning the waterways. It's also sometimes known as the "Venice of Louisiana" because so many people use boats and bayous to get around. Nowadays, it's a gateway to the wetlands and a good base for swamp tours.
Another attraction is the Southdown Plantation House and Terrebonne Museum, a 21-room Greek Revival mansion with original period furnishings and lots of porcelain birds. The town holds fishing rodeos between January and September. Families should visit the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum for its interactive exhibits.
The annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair is held in August or September in Morgan City, about 30 mi/48 km northwest of Houma. The celebration includes a blessing of the shrimp fleet ceremony, a street fair, fireworks, and lots of Cajun cooking and music.
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